JP2001094691A - Network facsimile terminal and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network facsimile terminal that can receive an electronic mail corresponding to an operation in a power-saving mode and to provide its control method. SOLUTION: Since 'no automatic POP operation' is set in the power-saving mode, no useless dialup operation is made and as a result, the communication charge can be saved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a function of connecting to the Internet, a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a mail server at a predetermined time interval for e-mail reception status. ,
The present invention relates to a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring a received e-mail and a control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a function of connecting to the Internet, a function of transmitting image information using e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail reception status are inquired to a mail server at predetermined time intervals and received. A network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring an e-mail has been put to practical use.

When such a network facsimile apparatus is used, image information can be exchanged with a user who uses many host apparatuses connected to the Internet, and facsimile communication can be greatly expanded. Can be very convenient.

[0004]

On the other hand, considering the situation where such a network facsimile machine is used, for example, image information is frequently exchanged during the working hours of an installed office or the like. , After working hours,
Or, on holidays, a situation occurs in which there is almost no exchange of image information.

[0005] Therefore, in a time period when there is almost no exchange of image information, the running cost of the network facsimile apparatus can be suppressed by introducing a power saving mode in which the power consumption of the network facsimile apparatus is suppressed.

As an example of this power saving mode, for example, a time zone such as night is set as a power saving time zone, during which recording and output of a received image is prohibited, and received image information is stored in an image storage device. In some cases, the image information stored in the image storage device is recorded and output at once when the power saving time period has passed.

In a network facsimile apparatus having such a power saving mode, it is desirable that the operation of receiving an e-mail is also performed in synchronization with the operation of the power saving mode.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a network facsimile apparatus capable of performing an e-mail receiving operation corresponding to an operation in a power saving mode, and a control method thereof. .

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a function of connecting to the Internet, a function of transmitting image information using e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a mail server for checking the reception status of e-mail at predetermined time intervals. In a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring a received e-mail, a power saving timer table means storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and a time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means. Power saving mode control means for shifting the device to a power saving mode, power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means storing whether or not to prohibit an e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode; If the prohibition setting means stores that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is prohibited, During the transition to the power saving mode by the power saving mode control means, those having an electronic-mail reception inhibiting means for inhibiting a querying the reception status of e-mail to the mail server.

A function for connecting to the Internet;
In a network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of an e-mail reception status at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. Power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode; power saving mode control means for shifting the device to the power saving mode in accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means; The power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means that stores whether or not to prohibit the e-mail acquisition operation and the power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is prohibited. The e-mail reception status during the transition to the power saving mode by the power saving mode control means. While the inquiry to the server is prohibited, the power saving mode control means is in transition to the power saving mode when the power saving mode electronic mail acquisition prohibition setting means stores that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is not prohibited. At a preset power saving time interval, a mail server is provided with an e-mail receiving means for inquiring a mail server of an e-mail reception status and acquiring an e-mail as needed.

A function for connecting to the Internet;
In a network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of an e-mail reception status at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. An image storage unit for storing an image of the received e-mail; a power saving timer table storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode; and a power saving mode according to the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table. When the empty capacity of the power saving mode control means for shifting to the mode and the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value, the mail server is queried about the reception status of the e-mail during the shifting to the power saving mode by the power saving mode control means. While the empty capacity of the image storage means is larger than a predetermined value. Is in transition to the power saving mode by the power-saving mode control means inquires the reception status of e-mail to the mail server at predetermined time intervals, those having an electronic-mail reception means for acquiring an e-mail as necessary.

A function for connecting to the Internet;
In a network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of an e-mail reception status at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. An image storage unit for storing an image of the received e-mail; a power saving timer table storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode; and a power saving mode according to the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table. When the empty capacity of the power saving mode control means for shifting to the mode and the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value, the mail server is queried about the reception status of the e-mail during the shifting to the power saving mode by the power saving mode control means. While the empty capacity of the image storage means is larger than a predetermined value. During the transition to the power saving mode by the power saving mode control means, the e-mail receiving means for inquiring the mail server of the reception status of the e-mail at a preset power saving time interval, and acquiring the e-mail as needed. It is provided.

A function for connecting to the Internet;
In a network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of an e-mail reception status at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. Power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode; power saving mode control means for shifting the device to the power saving mode in accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means; The power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means that stores whether or not to prohibit the e-mail acquisition operation and the power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is prohibited. The e-mail reception status during the transition to the power saving mode by the power saving mode control means. When the e-mail reception prohibiting means that prohibits inquiring of the e-mail server and the e-mail acquisition operation is manually instructed, the e-mail reception status is notified regardless of the setting of the e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means during power saving. It is provided with an e-mail receiving means for inquiring of a server and obtaining an e-mail as needed.

A function for connecting to the Internet;
In a network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of an e-mail reception status at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. Power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode; power saving mode control means for shifting the device to the power saving mode in accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means; The power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means that stores whether or not to prohibit the e-mail acquisition operation and the power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is prohibited. The e-mail reception status during the transition to the power saving mode by the power saving mode control means. While inquiring to the email server is prohibited, when the e-mail acquisition prohibition during power saving mode stores information that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is not prohibited, the power saving mode is being shifted to the power saving mode by the power saving mode control means. At a preset power saving time interval, the e-mail receiving status is inquired to the mail server, and if necessary, the e-mail is acquired. Regardless of the setting contents of the mail acquisition prohibition setting means, the apparatus is provided with an e-mail receiving means for inquiring the mail server of an e-mail reception status and acquiring the e-mail as needed.

A function for connecting to the Internet;
In a network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of an e-mail reception status at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. Power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode; power saving mode control means for shifting the device to the power saving mode in accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means; The power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means that stores whether or not to prohibit the e-mail acquisition operation and the power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is prohibited. The e-mail reception status during the transition to the power saving mode by the power saving mode control means. E-mail reception prohibiting means for prohibiting inquiring of the e-mail server, and immediately after the power-saving mode control means cancels the power-saving mode, inquires of the mail server about the e-mail reception status and obtains the e-mail as necessary. It is provided with mail receiving means.

A function of connecting to the Internet;
In a network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of an e-mail reception status at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. Power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode; power saving mode control means for shifting the device to the power saving mode in accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means; The power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means that stores whether or not to prohibit the e-mail acquisition operation and the power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is prohibited. The e-mail reception status during the transition to the power saving mode by the power saving mode control means. While the inquiry to the server is prohibited, the power saving mode control means is in transition to the power saving mode when the power saving mode electronic mail acquisition prohibition setting means stores that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is not prohibited. At a preset power saving time interval, the mail server inquires of the mail server about the reception status of the e-mail and obtains the e-mail as needed. Inquires the mail server about the reception status of
An electronic mail receiving means for obtaining an electronic mail as needed is provided.

Also, when the e-mail receiving means is capable of inquiring the mail server about the receiving status of the e-mail, the light is turned on, and the e-mail receiving means cannot enter the e-mail receiving condition to the mail server. The display further includes a display lamp that is turned off when the display is turned on.

The information processing apparatus further includes report output means for visually outputting a report for notifying an operation status of the power saving mode control means and a setting status of the power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means by a request operation.

A function for connecting to the Internet;
A network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of a reception status of an e-mail at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. The control method further comprises: a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode; and a power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means for storing whether or not to prohibit an e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode. In accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means, the apparatus is shifted to the power saving mode, and the power saving mode e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means is stored with information that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is prohibited. Prohibit inquiring the mail server of the e-mail reception status during the transition to the power saving mode. It is obtained by way.

A function for connecting to the Internet;
A network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of a reception status of an e-mail at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. In the control method, a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode, an e-mail during power saving prohibition setting means for storing whether or not to prohibit an e-mail obtaining operation in the power saving mode, According to the time zone stored in the mode timer table means, the apparatus is shifted to the power saving mode, and the power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means stores that the e-mail obtaining operation in the power saving mode is prohibited. Sometimes, during the transition to the power saving mode, it is prohibited to inquire the mail server about the e-mail reception status. When the power saving mode e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means stores that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is not prohibited, the e-mail is saved at a preset power saving time interval during the transition to the power saving mode. The mail server is inquired about the reception status, and an e-mail is obtained as needed.

A function for connecting to the Internet;
A network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of a reception status of an e-mail at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. In the control method, there is provided an image storage means for storing an image of the received e-mail, and a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode, and according to the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means. When the device is shifted to the power saving mode and the free space of the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value, while shifting to the power saving mode, it is prohibited to inquire the mail server about the reception status of the e-mail. If the free space of the image storage unit is larger than the predetermined value, the e-mail Query reception status to the mail server at predetermined time intervals, in which acquire the e-mail as necessary.

A function for connecting to the Internet;
A network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of a reception status of an e-mail at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. In the control method, there is provided an image storage means for storing an image of the received e-mail, and a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode, and according to the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means. When the device is shifted to the power saving mode and the free space of the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value, while shifting to the power saving mode, it is prohibited to inquire the mail server about the reception status of the e-mail. If the free space of the image storage unit is larger than the predetermined value, the e-mail The reception status at preset power saving interval, inquiry to the mail server, is obtained so as to obtain the e-mail as necessary.

A function for connecting to the Internet;
A network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of a reception status of an e-mail at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. The control method further comprises: a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode; and a power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means for storing whether or not to prohibit an e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode. In accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means, the apparatus is shifted to the power saving mode, and the power saving mode e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means is stored with information that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is prohibited. Prohibit inquiring the mail server of the e-mail reception status during the transition to the power saving mode. On the other hand, if an e-mail acquisition operation is manually instructed, the e-mail reception status is inquired to the mail server regardless of the setting of the above-described power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means, and the e-mail is acquired as necessary. It is something to do.

A function for connecting to the Internet;
A network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of a reception status of an e-mail at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. The control method further comprises: a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode; and a power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means for storing whether or not to prohibit an e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode. In accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means, the apparatus is shifted to the power saving mode, and the power saving mode e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means is stored with information that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is prohibited. Prohibit inquiring the mail server of the e-mail reception status during the transition to the power saving mode. On the other hand, when the power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means stores that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is not prohibited, the e-mail is transmitted at a preset power saving time interval during the transition to the power saving mode. Inquires the mail server about the reception status of the e-mail and obtains the e-mail as needed.On the other hand, if the e-mail obtaining operation is manually instructed, the electronic In this system, a mail server is inquired of a mail reception status, and an e-mail is obtained as needed.

Also, a function of connecting to the Internet,
A network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of a reception status of an e-mail at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. The control method further comprises: a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode; and a power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means for storing whether or not to prohibit an e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode. In accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means, the apparatus is shifted to the power saving mode, and the power saving mode e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means is stored with information that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is prohibited. Prohibit inquiring the mail server of the e-mail reception status during the transition to the power saving mode. On the other hand, when the power saving mode is canceled, query the reception status of the e-mail to the mail server immediately, in which acquire the e-mail as necessary.

A function for connecting to the Internet;
A network facsimile machine having a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and a function of inquiring a mail server of a reception status of an e-mail at predetermined time intervals and obtaining a received e-mail. The control method further comprises: a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode; and a power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means for storing whether or not to prohibit an e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode. In accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means, the apparatus is shifted to the power saving mode, and the power saving mode e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means is stored with information that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is prohibited. Prohibit inquiring the mail server of the e-mail reception status during the transition to the power saving mode. On the other hand, when the power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means stores that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is not prohibited, the e-mail is transmitted at a preset power saving time interval during the transition to the power saving mode. Inquires the mail server about the reception status of the e-mail, obtains the e-mail if necessary, and immediately after the power saving mode is released, inquires the e-mail server about the reception status of the e-mail immediately It is intended to be acquired.

[0027]

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

FIG. 1 schematically shows a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a network facsimile machine FX has at least a function of performing image information communication using electronic mail and a facsimile machine function, and is connected to an analog public network PSTN, respectively, and connected to an Internet service provider ISP. Connect to Internet INET via.

The network facsimile machine FX
Has a subscriber contract for a dial-up connection with the Internet service provider ISP, and the network facsimile machine FX is installed on the Internet INET after making a dial-up connection with the Internet service provider ISP. The e-mail is transmitted or received to the mail server device MS.

In this case, each of the network facsimile apparatuses FX has a mail account provided in the mail server apparatus MS, and can use this mail account to receive an electronic mail transmission / reception service.

FIG. 2 shows a network facsimile apparatus F
3 shows an example of the configuration of X. This network facsimile apparatus is connected to the Internet via an Internet service provider ISP by a dial-up connection, performs image information communication using e-mail, and performs a predetermined facsimile communication with another facsimile apparatus via a public network. It has a function of exchanging facsimile data using a transmission procedure and a facsimile device function.

In FIG. 1, a system control unit 1 controls each unit of the network facsimile machine FX.
The system memory 2 stores various control processes such as a facsimile transmission control procedure process. The system memory 2 stores a control process program executed by the system control unit 1 and various data necessary for executing the process program. The parameter memory 3 stores various kinds of information unique to the network facsimile machine FX. The clock circuit 4 stores current time information. Is output.

The scanner 5 is for reading an original image at a predetermined resolution, and the plotter 6 is for recording and outputting an image at a predetermined resolution. For example, a laser printer device). The operation display unit 7 is used to operate the network facsimile machine FX, and includes various operation keys and various display devices.

The encoding / decoding section 8 encodes and compresses the image signal and decodes the encoded and compressed image information into the original image signal.
This is for storing a large number of image information in a coded and compressed state.

The group 3 facsimile modem 10 is for realizing a group 3 facsimile modem function. The group 3 facsimile modem 10 has a low-speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals 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 controller 11 is for connecting the facsimile apparatus to the analog public network PSTN and for performing data communication using the group 3 facsimile modem 10. Further, the network control device 11 has an automatic transmission / reception function for facsimile transmission / reception.

The data modem 12 has a predetermined data modem function, and is connected to an Internet service provider ISP.
The network controller 13 transmits the data modem 12 to the analog public network PS.
This is for connecting to the TN. Further, since the network control device 13 is used for dial-up connection to the Internet service provider ISP, it has only an automatic calling function.

The Internet transmission control unit 14 performs communication control processing of various predetermined protocol suites for exchanging various data with various server devices and other data terminal devices on the Internet via the data modem 12. It is for running.

The system control unit 1, system memory 2, parameter memory 3, clock circuit 4, scanner 5, plotter 6, operation display unit 7, encoding / decoding unit 8, image storage device 9, group 3 facsimile modem The network control devices 10, 13, the data modem 12, and the Internet transmission control unit 14 are connected to an internal bus 15. Data exchange between these elements is mainly performed through the internal bus 15. Has been done.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the operation display section 7.

In the figure, a start key 7a is for inputting a command to start a transmission / reception operation of the network facsimile machine FX, and a stop key 7b
Is for inputting a command to stop the operation of the network facsimile machine FX, and the copy key 7c
Is used to input a command to start the copy operation of the network facsimile machine FX.
d is for inputting numerical (numerical) information such as a telephone number.

The one-touch dial key 7e is used to input a destination number or a destination mail address by one key operation, and to input alphanumeric characters constituting the mail address.

The facsimile key 7f is operated when a facsimile machine is selected as a destination, and the lamp 7g is used for displaying that the facsimile mode is selected by operating the facsimile key 7f. is there.

The e-mail key 7h is operated when the e-mail address of the e-mail is selected as the destination, and the lamp 7i is used to indicate that the e-mail key 7h is operated and the e-mail mode is selected. It is for displaying.

The IP address key 7j is operated when selecting a host device (including a network facsimile device) on the Internet INET as a destination. The lamp 7k is operated when the IP address key 7j is operated. This is for displaying that the IP address mode is selected.

The liquid crystal display 71 is for displaying various messages such as display of operation guidance of the network facsimile machine FX and feedback display of input information.
The NO key 7n is for inputting a negative answer to the guidance message displayed on the liquid crystal display 7l. The NO key 7n is for inputting a positive answer to the guidance message displayed on l.

The function key 7o is used for various functions of the network facsimile machine FX (for example,
This is for activating a function operation when performing data registration to the one-touch dial key 7e).

The lamp 7p is for illuminating during communication, the lamp 7q is for illuminating and displaying a state in which some abnormality has occurred, and the lamp 7r is for automatically illuminating. This is for lighting and displaying that POP (described later) is possible.

Here, in this embodiment, basically,
The exchange of data on the Internet is called TC
This is performed by applying a combination (a so-called protocol suite) of a transmission protocol up to the transport layer called P / IP and a communication protocol of a higher layer than that. For example, in the exchange of e-mail data, SMTP (Sim
ple Mail Transfer Protocol
The communication protocol 1) is applied.

The network facsimile machine FX is a mail server (not shown) on the Internet.
On the other hand, as a protocol applied for confirmation of reception of an e-mail addressed to a user or a request for acquisition, a so-called P
OP (Post Office Protocol) or the like can be applied.

The communication protocols such as TCP / IP, SMTP, and POP, and the data format and data structure of the electronic mail are respectively IETF (In).
ternet Engineering Task F
orce), an RFC (Request) issued by an organization that summarizes technical content related to the Internet.
st For Comments) document. For example, TCP is RFC793, IP is RFC
793, SMTP is RFC821, E-mail format is RFC822, RFC1521, RFC1522
(MIME (Multi Purpose Mail
Extension)).

Then, the network facsimile machine F
X transmits the read document image to another group 3 facsimile device via the analog public network PSTN, and transmits the document image to another user or the network facsimile device FX via the Internet INET using electronic mail. I do.

Further, image information is received from another group 3 facsimile apparatus via the analog public network PSTN, and the image information received by e-mail from another user of the Internet INET or the network facsimile apparatus FX is recorded and output. Like that. Also, such an Internet connection function and an analog public network PST
By using the connection function of N, a function of transferring image information between them may be provided.

When exchanging e-mails using the Internet INET, the analog public network PS
Internet Service Provider IS via TN
A call is made to P, and a dial-up connection is made to the Internet service provider ISP by applying a predetermined dial-up connection procedure.

Thus, the network facsimile machine FX is connected to the Internet INET, and thereafter, can use various communication applications (for example, e-mail) using the Internet INET.

When the use of the Internet INET is terminated, the connection with the Internet service provider ISP is terminated, the line is restored, and a series of communication application operations (for example, an e-mail acquisition operation) are terminated.

Since the facsimile image information is binary data and the electronic mail cannot directly include the binary data, the readable information (7) is applied by applying a predetermined conversion method (for example, Base64 encoding method).
(E.g., bit character code) is included in the e-mail. Such a format of the body information of the electronic mail is called a MIME format.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an electronic mail used for transmitting image information.

This e-mail is an e-mail in a multi-part MIME format having a plurality of body parts. The e-mail transmission date (“Date” field), destination e-mail address (“To” field), and source e-mail address (“From” field), a mail header part including predetermined information, a text part part for carrying text data, and a binary part part for carrying image information. The binary part contains image information. M
MIME encoded data obtained by the IME conversion is arranged.

The image information carried by e-mail is, for example, compression of the original image data by MH coding,
The data converted to the IFF-F format is used. Therefore, in this case, the MIME-converted data of the TIFF-F data is arranged as the MIME encoded data.

Here, in the TIFF-F format,
Since image data of a plurality of pages can be collected as one file, data of one transmission image information file including a plurality of pages can be arranged in one binary part.

In the present embodiment, the network facsimile machine FX can set the power saving mode in a time zone other than the time of normal use. This power saving mode
This is an operation mode in which the power consumption of the network facsimile machine FX can be reduced by turning off the power of the plotter 6 that records and outputs the received image. When an e-mail is received during the power saving mode, the contents of the e-mail are stored in the image storage device 9.

The time period for shifting to the power saving mode is stored, for example, in a power saving timer table as shown in FIG. In this power saving timer table, a time zone for shifting to the power saving mode is registered for each day of the week, and the system control unit 1 controls turning on and off the power of the plotter 6 according to the setting of the power saving timer table. The registered contents of the power saving timer table can be edited by the user as appropriate.

On the other hand, the network facsimile machine FX inquires the mail server MS at predetermined time intervals whether an e-mail addressed to its own terminal is received, and sends an e-mail addressed to its own terminal to the mail server MS. When the e-mail is received, the e-mail is obtained. Such an operation of automatically acquiring an e-mail at predetermined time intervals is hereinafter referred to as an automatic POP.

The acquired e-mail is stored in the image storage device 9 during the power saving mode.
Image information is extracted from the body information, and the image information is decoded into image data by an encoding / decoding unit 8, transferred to the plotter 6, and the received document is recorded and output.

For the electronic mail stored in the image storage device 9 during the power saving mode, when the power saving mode ends, image information is extracted from the body information of each electronic mail, and the image information is encoded. The image data is decoded by the decoding unit 8 and transferred to the plotter 6, where the received document is recorded and output.

The network facsimile machine FX has the information for controlling the automatic POP as shown in FIG.
An automatic POP information table as shown in FIG. The contents of the automatic POP information table can be edited by the user as appropriate.

In the automatic POP information table, the automatic P
The OP flag is for specifying whether or not to perform automatic POP, the automatic POP interval time specifies the time interval for performing automatic POP, and the power-saving automatic POP prohibition flag is set during power-saving mode. This is for specifying whether or not to prohibit automatic POP in.

The registration contents of the automatic POP information table can be appropriately registered by, for example, a bit switch or a software bit switch.

This network facsimile machine FX
When the automatic POP flag is set to ON, a call is made to the Internet service provider ISP at the time interval of the automatic POP interval time to make a dial-up connection, and the POP connection is made to the mail server device MS via the Internet INET. An operation is performed to inquire whether an e-mail addressed to the own terminal has been received. If an e-mail addressed to the own terminal has been received, all received e-mails are acquired.

When the automatic POP is started, if it is in the power saving mode, it is checked whether or not the power saving automatic POP prohibition flag is set to ON, and if it is set, the automatic POP operation is performed. Absent. If the automatic POP prohibition flag during power saving is not set to ON (if it is set to OFF), the automatic POP is continuously executed. If an e-mail is acquired at that time, the contents are deleted. The image is stored in the image storage device 9.

When the automatic POP operation during the power saving mode is prohibited, the received electronic mails stored in the mail server MS are collectively collected in the automatic POP operation immediately after the power saving mode is canceled. Since the electronic mail is acquired, it is possible to prevent the automatic POP from being performed during the power saving mode.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the automatic POP operation can be set not to be performed during the power saving mode, so that the dial-up operation is not performed needlessly, so that the communication charge can be saved. it can.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a power saving mode control process executed by the system control unit 1.

First, the current time is obtained from the clock circuit 4 (process 101), and it is checked whether or not the current time is within the power saving time zone of the day by referring to the above-described power saving timer table (decision 102). .

If the result of determination 102 is YES, it is checked whether a power saving flag for storing that the power saving mode is set is on (decision 10).
3). When the result of the determination 103 is NO, it is the timing to shift from the non-power-saving mode to the power-saving mode, so the power of the plotter 6 is turned off (process 104), the power-saving flag is turned on (process 105), and the process returns to the process 101. When the result of the judgment 103 is YES, it is already in the power saving mode, and the process returns to the step 101.

On the other hand, if the current time obtained at that time is not within the power saving time zone, the result of decision 102 is NO.
, It is checked whether the power saving flag is turned on (determination 106).

If the result of the determination 106 is YES, it is the timing to shift from the power saving mode to the non-power saving mode, that is, the timing to cancel the power saving mode. Therefore, the power of the plotter 6 is turned on (processing 107), and the power saving flag is set. Turn off (process 108) and return to process 101. If the result of the determination 106 is NO, it means that the power saving mode has already been released, and the process returns to the processing 101.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the automatic POP processing.

First, the current time is obtained from the clock circuit 4 (process 201), and it is checked whether or not the stored automatic POP time has passed (decision 202). Judgment 202
When the result of step (1) is NO, the process returns to step 201.

When the result of determination 202 is YES, the automatic PO
Check whether the P flag is turned on (decision 20)
3). When the result of the determination 203 is NO, the process returns to the process 201 without performing the subsequent processes.

When the result of the judgment 203 is YES, it is checked whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving mode (decision 204). This determination can be made, for example, by referring to the above-described power saving flag.

When the result of determination 204 is YES, the automatic power saving automatic P is referred by referring to the automatic POP information table.
The OP prohibition flag is set and the automatic PO
It is checked whether P is prohibited (decision 205).

When automatic POP during power saving is not prohibited and the result of determination 205 is NO, and when the result of determination 204 is NO in the non-power saving mode,
A predetermined e-mail acquisition process is executed (process 206), and the e-mail received from the mail server device MS to its own terminal is acquired.

Next, the automatic POP interval time extracted from the automatic POP information table and the next automatic P
The OP time is calculated and stored (process 207), and the process 20
Return to 1.

When the automatic POP during power saving is prohibited and the result of determination 205 is YES,
The processing shifts to processing 207, calculates and stores the next automatic POP time, and returns to processing 201.

When this process is first executed, the result of determination 202 is always YES, and the subsequent processes are executed.

FIG. 9 shows an electronic mail acquisition process (process 20).
6) shows an example.

First, via the analog public network PSTN,
A call is made to the Internet service provider ISP (process 301), and a dial-up connection is made to the Internet service provider ISP by applying a predetermined dial-up connection procedure (process 302).

Thus, since the network facsimile machine FX is connected to the Internet INET, the network facsimile machine FX is connected to the mail server MS (POP operation; processing 203), and receives an e-mail addressed to the terminal itself. An inquiry is made to the mail server device MS as to whether or not it has been performed (process 304).

If the e-mail of the own terminal has been received (the result of determination 305 is YES), all the received e-mails are obtained from the mail server MS (process 30).
6). Then, the connection with the mail server apparatus MS is terminated (POP termination; processing 307), the dial-up connection with the Internet service provider ISP is terminated (processing 308), the line is restored (processing 309), and the e-mail is obtained. End the operation.

In the above-described embodiment, the automatic POP operation is performed at the same time interval in both the power saving mode and the non-power saving mode. However, in the power saving mode, there is no user who views the contents of the received e-mail. It is not necessary to perform the automatic POP operation at the same time interval as in the non-power saving mode.

Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the automatic POP information table stores the automatic P in the non-power saving mode.
The normal automatic POP interval time for defining the OP time interval and the automatic POP interval time during power saving for defining the automatic POP time interval during the power saving mode are stored, and the normal automatic POP interval during the non-power saving mode. The automatic POP operation may be performed at a time interval specified by the time, and during the power saving mode, the automatic POP operation may be performed at a time interval specified by the automatic POP interval time during power saving.

In this case, the automatic POP interval is usually set to, for example, 30 minutes, and the automatic POP interval during power saving is set to a longer time value, for example, 60 minutes.

An example of the automatic POP processing in this case is shown in FIG.
Shown in

First, the current time is obtained from the clock circuit 4 (process 401), and it is checked whether or not the stored automatic POP time has passed (decision 402). Decision 402
If the result is NO, the process returns to the process 401.

When the result of determination 402 is YES, the automatic PO information table is referred to
It is checked whether the P flag is on (decision 40).
3). When the result of the determination 403 is NO, the process returns to the process 401 without performing the subsequent processes.

If the result of the judgment 403 is YES, it is checked whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving mode (decision 404). This determination can be made, for example, by referring to the above-described power saving flag.

When the result of determination 404 is YES, the automatic power saving automatic P is referred by referring to the automatic POP information table.
The OP prohibition flag is set and the automatic PO
It is checked whether P is prohibited (decision 405).

If automatic POP during power saving is not prohibited and the result of determination 405 is NO, the above-described predetermined e-mail acquisition processing is executed (processing 406), and the mail server apparatus MS sends its own terminal. Retrieve the e-mail received at.

Next, the next automatic POP time is calculated from the automatic POP interval time during power saving extracted from the automatic POP information table and the current time, saved (process 407), and the process returns to process 401.

If the automatic POP during power saving is prohibited and the result of the judgment 405 is YES,
The processing shifts to processing 407, calculates and stores the next automatic POP time, and returns to processing 401.

In addition, it is not in the power saving mode, and
If the result is NO, the above-described predetermined e-mail acquisition processing is executed (processing 408), and the e-mail received from the mail server apparatus MS to the terminal is acquired.

Next, the next automatic POP time is calculated from the normal automatic POP interval time extracted from the automatic POP information table and the current time, and is stored (step 409).

When this process is executed for the first time, the result of determination 402 is always YES, and the subsequent processes are executed.

Incidentally, in the above-described embodiment, the automatic PO
Whether or not to perform the automatic POP operation during power saving is determined based on the value of the automatic POP prohibition flag during power saving in the P information table. However, if there is enough free space in the image storage device 9, the automatic POP operation is performed. Since the electronic mail may be acquired by the user, the automatic POP operation may be performed during the power saving mode until the free space of the image storage device 9 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. In this case, the mail server device MS
Since the e-mail storage capacity of the e-mail is not squeezed, the e-mail storage resources can be effectively utilized in total.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the automatic POP processing in this case. In this process, the automatic POP information table shown in FIG. 6A is used.

First, the current time is acquired from the clock circuit 4 (process 501), and it is checked whether or not the stored automatic POP time has passed (decision 502). Decision 502
When the result of step (1) is NO, the process returns to step 501.

When the result of determination 502 is YES, the automatic PO information table is referred to and the automatic PO
It is checked whether the P flag is turned on (decision 50)
3). If the result of determination 503 is NO, the process returns to process 501 without performing subsequent processes.

If the result of decision 503 is YES, it is checked whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving mode (decision 504). This determination can be made, for example, by referring to the above-described power saving flag.

If the result of decision 504 is YES, it is checked whether the free space of the image storage device 9 is smaller than a predetermined value (decision 505). If the free space of the image storage device 9 is larger than the predetermined value,
When the result of No. 5 is NO, and when the result of determination 504 is NO in the non-power-saving mode, the above-described predetermined e-mail acquisition processing is executed (Process 506), and the mail server apparatus MS sends its own terminal. Retrieve the e-mail received at.

Next, the automatic POP interval time extracted from the automatic POP information table and the next automatic P
The OP time is calculated and stored (process 507), and the process 50 is executed.
Return to 1.

If the free space of the image storage device 9 is smaller than the predetermined value, the result of the judgment 505 is Y
When it becomes ES, the processing shifts to processing 507 and the next automatic P
The OP time is calculated and stored, and the process returns to step 501.

When this process is first performed, the result of determination 502 is always YES, and the subsequent processes are performed.

FIG. 12 shows another example of the automatic POP processing in this case. In this process, the automatic POP information table shown in FIG. 6B is used.

First, the current time is obtained from the clock circuit 4 (process 601), and it is checked whether or not the stored automatic POP time has passed (judgment 602). Judgment 602
When the result of step (1) is NO, the process returns to step 601.

When the result of decision 602 is YES, the automatic PO information table is referred to and the automatic PO
It is checked whether the P flag is turned on (decision 60).
3). When the result of the determination 603 is NO, the process returns to the process 601 without performing the subsequent processes.

When the result of judgment 603 is YES, it is checked whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving mode (judgment 604). This determination can be made, for example, by referring to the above-described power saving flag.

When the result of the judgment 604 is YES, it is checked whether or not the free space of the image storage device 9 is smaller than a predetermined value (decision 605). If the free space of the image storage device 9 is larger than the predetermined value, the judgment 60
If the result of No. 5 is NO, the above-described predetermined e-mail acquisition processing is executed (processing 606), and the e-mail received from the mail server apparatus MS to its own terminal is acquired.

Next, the next automatic POP time is calculated from the automatic POP interval time during power saving extracted from the automatic POP information table and the current time, and stored (processing 607), and the processing returns to processing 601.

If the free space of the image storage device 9 is smaller than the predetermined value, the result of the judgment 605 is Y
When it becomes ES, the processing shifts to processing 607 and the next automatic P
The OP time is calculated and stored, and the process returns to step 601.

Also, it is not in the power saving mode, and the judgment 604
If the result is NO, the above-described predetermined e-mail acquisition processing is executed (processing 608), and the e-mail received from the mail server apparatus MS to the terminal is acquired.

Next, the next automatic POP time is calculated from the normal automatic POP interval time taken out from the automatic POP information table and the current time, stored (process 609), and the process returns to process 601.

When this process is first executed, the result of decision 602 is always YES, and the subsequent processes are executed.

By the way, even when the network facsimile machine FX is in the power saving mode, when the user wants to receive an e-mail urgently, for example, when the user instructs to manually obtain the e-mail (hereinafter referred to as "manual POP") There is.

In this case, an e-mail acquisition operation is performed immediately, and the received original of the acquired e-mail is recorded and output from the plotter 6.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the automatic POP processing in this case. In this process, the automatic POP information table shown in FIG. 6A is used.

First, it is checked whether or not a manual POP instruction has been input (decision 701). If the result of decision 701 is YES, the above-mentioned predetermined e-mail acquisition process is executed (process 702), and the mail server device The e-mail received from the MS to its own terminal is acquired.

Next, image information is extracted from the text information of each of the acquired e-mails, and the image information is decoded into image data by the encoding / decoding section 8 and transferred to the plotter 6 to receive the received original. Is recorded and output (process 703).
When the recording output of the received document is completed, the process returns to the determination 701.

If the result of determination 701 is NO, the current time is obtained from the clock circuit 4 (step 70).
4) It is checked whether the stored automatic POP time has passed (decision 705). The result of judgment 705 is NO
, The process returns to the determination 701.

If the result of determination 705 is YES, the automatic POP information table is referred to and the automatic PO
It is checked whether the P flag is turned on (decision 70)
6). When the result of the determination 706 is NO, the subsequent processing is not performed, and the process returns to the determination 701.

When the result of judgment 706 is YES, it is checked whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving mode (judgment 707). This determination can be made, for example, by referring to the above-described power saving flag.

When the result of the judgment 707 is YES, the automatic power saving automatic P is referred by referring to the automatic POP information table.
The OP prohibition flag is set and the automatic PO
It is checked whether P is prohibited (decision 708).

When the automatic POP during the power saving is not prohibited and the result of the judgment 708 is NO, and when the result of the judgment 707 is NO in the non-power saving mode,
The predetermined e-mail acquisition processing described above is executed (processing 70
9) Acquire an e-mail received from the mail server device MS addressed to the own terminal.

Next, the automatic POP interval time extracted from the automatic POP information table and the next automatic P
The OP time is calculated and stored (processing 710), and the judgment 70
Return to 1.

When automatic POP during power saving is prohibited and the result of determination 708 is YES,
The process shifts to processing 710, calculates and stores the next automatic POP time, and returns to the determination 701.

When this process is first performed, the result of determination 705 is always YES, and the subsequent processes are performed.

FIG. 14 shows another example of the automatic POP processing in this case. In this process, the automatic POP information table shown in FIG. 6B is used.

First, it is checked whether or not a manual POP instruction has been input (decision 801). If the result of decision 801 is YES, the above-mentioned predetermined e-mail acquisition processing is executed (processing 802), and the mail server device is executed. The e-mail received from the MS to its own terminal is acquired.

Next, image information is extracted from the body information of each of the obtained e-mails, and the image information is decoded into image data by the encoding / decoding section 8 and transferred to the plotter 6 to receive the received document. Is recorded and output (process 803),
When the recording output of the received document is completed, the process returns to the determination 801.

If the result of the judgment 801 is NO, the current time is obtained from the clock circuit 4 (step 80).
4) It is checked whether or not the stored automatic POP time has passed (decision 805). The result of decision 805 is N
When it becomes O, the process returns to the judgment 801.

When the result of determination 805 is YES, the automatic PO information is referred to
It is checked whether the P flag is on (decision 80)
6). When the result of the determination 806 is NO, the process returns to the determination 801 without performing the subsequent processing.

If the result of judgment 806 is YES, it is checked whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving mode (judgment 807). This determination can be made, for example, by referring to the above-described power saving flag.

If the result of decision 807 is YES, the automatic power saving automatic P is referred by referring to the automatic POP information table.
The OP prohibition flag is set and the automatic PO
It is checked whether P is prohibited (decision 808).

If the automatic POP during power saving is not prohibited and the result of determination 808 is NO, the above-mentioned predetermined e-mail acquisition processing is executed (processing 809), and the mail server apparatus MS sends its own terminal. Retrieve the e-mail received at.

Next, the next automatic POP time is calculated from the automatic POP interval time during power saving extracted from the automatic POP information table and the current time, and stored (processing 810).

When automatic POP during power saving is prohibited and the result of determination 808 is YES,
The process moves to processing 810, calculates and stores the next automatic POP time, and returns to the determination 801.

In addition, it is not in the power saving mode,
If the result is NO, the above-described predetermined e-mail acquisition processing is executed (step 811), and the e-mail received from the mail server apparatus MS to the terminal is acquired.

Next, the next automatic POP time is calculated from the normal automatic POP interval time extracted from the automatic POP information table and the current time, and stored (process 812).

When this process is first performed, the result of determination 805 is always YES, and the subsequent processes are performed.

In each of the above-described embodiments, when the power saving mode ends, automatic POP is not performed until the next automatic POP time, and it may take a long time for the user to obtain a received original.

In order to avoid such a situation, when the power saving mode ends, an automatic POP operation is performed immediately after that, and the received original of the e-mail is recorded and output.

FIG. 15 shows an example of the automatic POP processing in this case. In this process, the automatic POP information table shown in FIG. 6A is used.

First, it is checked whether or not the power saving mode has just ended (judgment 901). If the result of judgment 901 is YES
When, the above-described predetermined e-mail acquisition process is executed (process 902), and the e-mail received from the mail server MS to the terminal is acquired.

Next, image information is extracted from the text information of each of the acquired e-mails, and the image information is decoded into image data by the encoding / decoding section 8 and transferred to the plotter 6 to receive the received original. Is recorded and output (process 903).
When the recording output of the received document is completed, the process returns to the determination 901.

If the result of the judgment 901 is NO, the current time is obtained from the clock circuit 4 (step 90).
4) It is checked whether the stored automatic POP time has passed (decision 905). The result of judgment 905 is NO
, The process returns to decision 901.

If the result of decision 905 is YES, the automatic POP information table is referred to and the automatic PO
It is checked whether the P flag is turned on (decision 90)
6). When the result of the determination 906 is NO, the process returns to the determination 901 without performing the subsequent processing.

When the result of the judgment 906 is YES, it is checked whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving mode (decision 907). This determination can be made, for example, by referring to the above-described power saving flag.

When the result of decision 907 is YES, the automatic power saving automatic P is referred by referring to the automatic POP information table.
The OP prohibition flag is set and the automatic PO
It is checked whether P is prohibited (decision 908).

When the automatic POP during the power saving is not prohibited and the result of the judgment 908 is NO, and when the result of the judgment 907 is NO in the non-power saving mode,
The above-mentioned predetermined e-mail acquisition processing is executed (processing 90
9) Acquire an e-mail received from the mail server device MS addressed to the own terminal.

Next, the automatic POP interval time extracted from the automatic POP information table and the next automatic P
The OP time is calculated and stored (processing 910), and the judgment 90 is made.
Return to 1.

When automatic POP during power saving is prohibited and the result of decision 908 is YES,
The process moves to processing 910, calculates and stores the next automatic POP time, and returns to the determination 901.

When this process is first performed, the result of determination 905 is always YES, and the subsequent processes are performed.

FIG. 16 shows another example of the automatic POP processing in this case. In this process, the automatic POP information table shown in FIG. 6B is used.

First, it is determined whether or not the power saving mode has just ended (decision 1001).
When it becomes ES, the above-mentioned predetermined e-mail acquisition process is executed (process 1002), and the e-mail received from the mail server device MS to its own terminal is acquired.

Next, image information is extracted from the text information of each of the obtained e-mails, and the image information is decoded into image data by the encoding / decoding section 8 and transferred to the plotter 6 to receive the received original. Is recorded and output (process 100
3) When the recording output of the received document is completed, a judgment 1001 is made.
Return to

When the result of the judgment 1001 is NO, the current time is obtained from the clock circuit 4 (step 10).
04), it is checked whether or not the stored automatic POP time has passed (decision 1005). If the result of decision 805 is NO, control returns to decision 1001.

When the result of determination 1005 is YES, the automatic P
Check whether the OP flag is turned on (decision 1)
006). When the result of the judgment 1006 is NO,
The process returns to the determination 1001 without performing the subsequent processing.

If the result of the judgment 1006 is YES, it is checked whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving mode (decision 1007). This determination can be made, for example, by referring to the above-described power saving flag.

When the result of determination 1007 is YES, the automatic power saving automatic P is referred by referring to the automatic POP information table.
The OP prohibition flag is set and the automatic PO
Check if P is prohibited (decision 100
8).

If automatic POP during power saving is not prohibited and the result of determination 1008 is NO, the above-described predetermined e-mail acquisition processing is executed (processing 100
9) Acquire an e-mail received from the mail server device MS addressed to the own terminal.

Next, the next automatic POP time is calculated from the automatic POP interval time during power saving extracted from the automatic POP information table and the current time, and saved (processing 1010).
It returns to judgment 1001.

If automatic POP during power saving is prohibited and the result of determination 1008 is YES, the process proceeds to step 1010, where the next automatic POP time is calculated and stored, and the process returns to determination 801. .

[0175] In addition, not in the power saving mode,
If the result of step 7 is NO, the above-described predetermined e-mail acquisition processing is executed (step 1011), and the e-mail received from the mail server apparatus MS to its own terminal is acquired.

Next, the next automatic POP time is calculated from the normal automatic POP interval time extracted from the automatic POP information table and the current time, and stored (processing 1012).

When this process is first executed, the result of determination 1005 is always YES, and the subsequent processes are executed.

By the way, the operation status of the power saving mode set in the network facsimile machine FX and the automatic PO
There are cases where the user wants to know the operation status of P and the like. In this case, the user can record and output a power saving timer setting report as shown in FIG. This power-saving timer setting report is obtained by reading the contents of the above-described power-saving timer table and the automatic POP information table and editing them according to a predetermined format.

Since such a power saving timer setting report can be recorded and output, the user can clearly confirm the power saving mode operation status and the automatic POP operation status set in the network facsimile machine FX. it can.

FIG. 18 shows an example of recording processing of a power saving timer setting report.

When the user instructs the recording request of the power saving timer setting report, the power saving timer table is read (processing 1101), the automatic POP information table is read (processing 1102), and the power saving timer setting report of the format as described above is read. It is edited and created (process 1103), and the created power saving timer setting report is output from the plotter 6 as a noble lock (process 1104).

The lamp 7 provided on the operation display unit 7
r indicates a state in which automatic POP is possible,
When the lamp 7r is turned on, the user can clearly recognize that the automatic POP operation is being performed.

An example of the lighting control of the lamp 7r is shown in FIG.
Shown in

First, the automatic PO information in the automatic POP information table
It is checked whether the P flag is turned on (decision 120).
1) When the result of the judgment 1201 is YES, it is checked whether or not the device is in the power saving mode (decision 120).
2).

When the result of the judgment 1202 is YES, the automatic power saving automatic PO is further stored in the automatic POP information table.
It is checked whether the P prohibition flag is turned on (decision 1203). When the result of determination 1203 is NO, lamp 7r is turned on (process 1204), and when the result of determination 1203 is YES, lamp 7r is turned off (process 1205).

In the non-power saving mode, the judgment 120
If the result of step 2 is NO, the process shifts to step 1204 to turn on the lamp 7r. If the automatic POP flag has been turned off and the result of determination 1201 is NO, the process moves to step 1205, and the lamp is turned off.

By the way, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the dial-up connection to the Internet service provider ISP is made to connect to the Internet INET has been described. However, the present invention is similarly applied to the case where the connection is always made to the Internet INET. be able to.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the connection to the Internet service provider ISP is made via the analog public network PSTN has been described. However, when the connection to the Internet service provider ISP is made via the digital public network ISDN, the present invention is also applicable. The invention can be applied in a similar manner.

In the above-described embodiment, only the plotter that consumes a large amount of power is turned off during the power saving mode. However, other power saving modes (for example,
The present invention can be similarly applied to a case where "the power of units other than the power saving cancellation detecting means is turned off during the power saving mode". Also,
The present invention can be similarly applied to other electronic mail devices having a power saving mode function.

[0190]

As described above, according to the present invention,
In the power saving mode, the automatic POP operation can be set so as not to be performed, so that the dial-up operation is not performed wastefully, so that there is an effect that the communication charge can be saved.

In the non-power saving mode, the normal automatic POP
The automatic POP operation is performed at the time interval specified by the interval time, and the automatic POP operation is performed at the time interval specified by the automatic POP interval time during the power saving mode during the power saving mode. The effect that operation becomes possible is also obtained.

Also, during the power saving mode, the automatic POP operation is performed until the free space of the image storage device becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. There is also an effect that the storage resources can be effectively used.

When a manual POP is instructed during the power saving mode, an e-mail acquisition operation is performed immediately and the received original of the acquired e-mail is recorded and output, so that the user can obtain the received original at a desired timing. And the effect that the usability of the device is improved is also obtained.

When the power saving mode ends, an automatic POP operation is performed immediately after that, and the received original of the received e-mail is recorded and output. Therefore, when the user wants to confirm the received original, the received original of the received e-mail is deleted. Can be obtained, and also has the effect of being very convenient.

Further, since the power saving timer setting report can be recorded and output, the user can clearly confirm the power saving mode operation status and the automatic POP operation status set in the network facsimile machine FX. The effect is also obtained.

Also, since the automatic POP-enabled lamp is appropriately controlled to be turned on, the user can clearly confirm whether or not the automatic POP is being performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a network facsimile machine FX.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation display unit 7;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an e-mail used when transmitting image information.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a power saving timer table.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an automatic POP information table.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power saving mode control process executed by the system control unit 1;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an automatic POP process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an e-mail acquisition process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the automatic POP processing.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another example of the automatic POP processing.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing still another example of the automatic POP processing.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing still another example of the automatic POP process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing still another example of the automatic POP processing.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing still another example of the automatic POP processing.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing still another example of the automatic POP processing.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a power saving timer setting report.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of recording processing of a power saving timer setting report.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of lighting control of a lamp 7r (automatic POP-enabled lamp).

[Explanation of symbols]

 FX network facsimile machine 1 System control unit

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail server which inquires of a mail server about an e-mail reception status at predetermined time intervals. In a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, a power saving timer table means storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and the apparatus is set to a power saving mode in accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means. Power saving mode control means to be shifted; power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means storing whether or not to prohibit the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode; If it is stored that the e-mail acquisition operation is prohibited, the power saving mode control means Ri in transition to the power saving mode, the network facsimile device characterized by comprising an electronic mail reception inhibiting means for inhibiting a querying the reception status of e-mail to the mail server. 2. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail receiving status which is inquired to a mail server at predetermined time intervals. In a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, a power saving timer table means storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and the apparatus is set to a power saving mode in accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means. Power saving mode control means to be shifted; power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means storing whether or not to prohibit the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode; If it is stored that the e-mail acquisition operation is prohibited, the power saving mode control means During the transition to the power saving mode, while inquiring of the mail server about the reception status of the email is prohibited, it is stored in the power saving email acquisition prohibition setting means that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is not prohibited. During the transition to the power-saving mode by the power-saving mode control means, the e-mail receiving means for inquiring the mail server of the e-mail reception status at a preset power-saving time interval and obtaining the e-mail as necessary is provided. A network facsimile machine comprising: 3. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail receiving status which is inquired to a mail server at predetermined time intervals to receive e-mails. In a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, an image storage means for storing an image of a received e-mail, a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and a power saving mode timer table means. Power saving mode control means for shifting the device to a power saving mode in accordance with the stored time period; and shifting to the power saving mode by the power saving mode control means when the free space of the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value. In the meantime, while prohibiting inquiring the mail server about the e-mail reception status, When the free space of the image storage means is larger than a predetermined value, the above-mentioned power saving mode control means inquires of a mail server at predetermined time intervals about an e-mail reception status during the transition to the power saving mode, and obtains an e-mail as needed. A network facsimile apparatus comprising: an e-mail receiving unit. 4. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail server which inquires of a mail server about an e-mail reception status at predetermined time intervals. In a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, an image storage means for storing an image of a received e-mail, a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and a power saving mode timer table means. Power saving mode control means for shifting the device to a power saving mode in accordance with the stored time period; and shifting to the power saving mode by the power saving mode control means when the free space of the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value. In the meantime, while prohibiting inquiring the mail server about the e-mail reception status, When the free space of the image storage means is larger than a predetermined value, the e-mail reception status is inquired to the mail server at a preset power saving time interval during the transition to the power saving mode by the power saving mode control means, and the necessary time is required. A network facsimile apparatus comprising: an e-mail receiving unit that obtains an e-mail in response to a request. 5. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail receiving status which is inquired to a mail server at predetermined time intervals. In a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, a power saving timer table means storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and the apparatus is set to a power saving mode in accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means. Power saving mode control means to be shifted; power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means storing whether or not to prohibit the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode; If it is stored that the e-mail acquisition operation is prohibited, the power saving mode control means E-mail reception prohibition means for prohibiting inquiring the mail server of the e-mail reception status during the power saving mode, and the e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means during power saving when the e-mail acquisition operation is manually instructed. A network facsimile apparatus comprising: an e-mail receiving unit that inquires of a mail server about an e-mail reception status irrespective of the setting contents of (a) and obtains an e-mail as needed. 6. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail receiving status which is inquired to a mail server at predetermined time intervals. In a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, a power saving timer table means storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and the apparatus is set to a power saving mode in accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means. Power saving mode control means to be shifted; power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means storing whether or not to prohibit the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode; If it is stored that the e-mail acquisition operation is prohibited, the power saving mode control means During the transition to the power saving mode, while inquiring of the mail server about the reception status of the email is prohibited, it is stored in the power saving email acquisition prohibition setting means that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is not prohibited. During the transition to the power-saving mode by the power-saving mode control means, at a preset power-saving time interval, the e-mail server is inquired about the reception status of the e-mail, and the e-mail is acquired as necessary, while the e-mail is manually acquired. When a mail acquisition operation is instructed, an e-mail receiving means for inquiring of a mail server about an e-mail reception status and fetching an e-mail as needed, regardless of the setting of the e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means during power saving. A network facsimile machine comprising: 7. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail server for inquiring of a mail server at predetermined time intervals for an e-mail reception status. In a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, a power saving timer table means storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and the apparatus is set to a power saving mode in accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means. Power saving mode control means to be shifted; power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means storing whether or not to prohibit the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode; If it is stored that the e-mail acquisition operation is prohibited, the power saving mode control means During the transition to the power saving mode, the e-mail reception prohibiting means for prohibiting inquiring of the mail server about the e-mail reception status, and when the power saving mode control means releases the power saving mode, the e-mail reception status is immediately e-mailed. A network facsimile apparatus comprising an e-mail receiving means for inquiring a server and obtaining an e-mail as needed. 8. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information by using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail server which inquires of a mail server about an e-mail reception status at predetermined time intervals. In a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, a power saving timer table means storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and the apparatus is set to a power saving mode in accordance with the time zone stored in the power saving mode timer table means. Power saving mode control means to be shifted; power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means storing whether or not to prohibit the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode; If it is stored that the e-mail acquisition operation is prohibited, the power saving mode control means During the transition to the power saving mode, while inquiring of the mail server about the reception status of the email is prohibited, it is stored in the power saving email acquisition prohibition setting means that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is not prohibited. During the transition to the power-saving mode by the power-saving mode control means, at a preset power-saving time interval, the e-mail server queries the mail server for the reception status of the e-mail, and acquires the e-mail as needed. A network facsimile apparatus comprising: an e-mail receiving unit that inquires of a mail server about an e-mail reception status immediately after the control unit releases the power saving mode, and obtains an e-mail as needed. 9. The light is turned on when the e-mail receiving means is capable of inquiring the mail server of the e-mail reception status, and the e-mail receiving means cannot enter the e-mail reception status of the e-mail server. 9. The network facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a display lamp that is turned off when the switch is turned on. 10. A system further comprising report output means for visually outputting a report notifying of an operation status of the power saving mode control means and a setting status of the power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means in response to a request operation. The network facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 7, claim 8, or claim 9. 11. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail server which inquires of a mail server about a reception state of an e-mail at predetermined time intervals. In a control method of a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and whether or not to prohibit an e-mail acquiring operation in the power saving mode is stored. The power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means is provided, and the device is shifted to the power-saving mode according to the time zone stored in the power-saving mode timer table means. If it is stored that the mail acquisition operation is prohibited, the e-mail The method of the network facsimile apparatus is characterized in that so as to prohibit the query the receiving state to the mail server. 12. A function of connecting to the Internet, a function of transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail server which inquires of a mail server about an e-mail reception status at predetermined time intervals. In a control method of a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and whether or not to prohibit an e-mail acquiring operation in the power saving mode is stored. The power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means and the device are shifted to the power-saving mode according to the time zone stored in the power-saving mode timer table means, and the e-mail in the power-saving mode is transmitted to the power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means. If it is stored that the acquisition operation is prohibited, an e-mail While inquiring the status to the mail server is prohibited, while the power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means stores that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power-saving mode is not prohibited, the setting is made in advance during the transition to the power-saving mode. A method of controlling a network facsimile apparatus, wherein an inquiry of an e-mail reception status is made to a mail server at specified time intervals during power saving, and an e-mail is acquired as needed. 13. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail receiving status which is inquired to a mail server at predetermined time intervals to receive an e-mail. A method for controlling a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, comprising: an image storage means for storing an image of a received e-mail; and a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode. The apparatus shifts to the power saving mode in accordance with the time zone stored in the timer table means. When the free space of the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value, the electronic mail reception status is changed during the shift to the power saving mode. To the mail server, the free space of the image storage means is less than a predetermined value. When is large, during the transition to the power saving mode, the control method of the network facsimile apparatus according to claim query the reception status of e-mail to the mail server at predetermined time intervals, it has to acquire the e-mail as necessary. 14. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information using e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail server for inquiring the e-mail reception status at predetermined time intervals to receive e-mails. A method for controlling a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, comprising: an image storage means for storing an image of a received e-mail; and a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode. The apparatus shifts to the power saving mode in accordance with the time zone stored in the timer table means. When the free space of the image storage means is smaller than a predetermined value, the electronic mail reception status is changed during the shift to the power saving mode. To the mail server, the free space of the image storage means is less than a predetermined value. Network facsimile machine, when in the power saving mode, inquires of the e-mail reception status to the mail server at preset power saving time intervals and obtains the e-mail as needed. How to control the device. 15. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail server which inquires of a mail server about a reception status of an e-mail at predetermined time intervals. In a control method of a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and whether or not to prohibit an e-mail acquiring operation in the power saving mode is stored. The power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means is provided, and the device is shifted to the power-saving mode according to the time zone stored in the power-saving mode timer table means. If it is stored that the mail acquisition operation is prohibited, the e-mail While it is prohibited to inquire the mail server about the reception status, if the e-mail acquisition operation is manually instructed, the e-mail reception status is changed to the mail server regardless of the setting contents of the power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means. A method for controlling a network facsimile apparatus, wherein an e-mail is obtained as necessary. 16. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail receiving status which is inquired to a mail server at predetermined time intervals. In a control method of a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and whether or not to prohibit an e-mail acquiring operation in the power saving mode is stored. The power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means is provided, and the device is shifted to the power-saving mode according to the time zone stored in the power-saving mode timer table means. If it is stored that the mail acquisition operation is prohibited, the e-mail While prohibiting the inquiry of the reception status to the mail server, while the power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means stores that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is not prohibited, during the transition to the power saving mode, At the set power saving time interval, the e-mail receiving status is inquired to the mail server, and the e-mail is acquired as needed. A method for controlling a network facsimile apparatus, wherein an inquiry is made to a mail server about an e-mail reception status irrespective of the setting contents of a prohibition setting means, and an e-mail is acquired as needed. 17. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail receiving status which is inquired to a mail server at predetermined time intervals to receive an e-mail. In a control method of a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and whether or not to prohibit an e-mail acquiring operation in the power saving mode is stored. The power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means is provided, and the device is shifted to the power-saving mode according to the time zone stored in the power-saving mode timer table means. If it is stored that the mail acquisition operation is prohibited, the e-mail While it is prohibited to inquire the mail server about the reception status, immediately after the power saving mode is released, the mail server is inquired about the reception status of the e-mail, and the e-mail is obtained as needed. For controlling a network facsimile machine. 18. A function for connecting to the Internet, a function for transmitting image information using an e-mail exchanged on the Internet, and an e-mail server which inquires of a mail server about a reception state of an e-mail at predetermined time intervals. In a control method of a network facsimile apparatus having a function of acquiring mail, a power saving timer table means for storing a time zone for shifting to a power saving mode, and whether or not to prohibit an e-mail acquiring operation in the power saving mode is stored. The power-saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means is provided, and the device is shifted to the power-saving mode according to the time zone stored in the power-saving mode timer table means. If it is stored that the mail acquisition operation is prohibited, the e-mail While prohibiting the inquiry of the reception status to the mail server, while the power saving e-mail acquisition prohibition setting means stores that the e-mail acquisition operation in the power saving mode is not prohibited, during the transition to the power saving mode, Inquires the mail server of the e-mail reception status at the set power saving time interval, obtains e-mail if necessary, and immediately e-mails the e-mail reception status immediately after the power saving mode is canceled. A method for controlling a network facsimile apparatus, wherein a method is used in which a server is inquired and an e-mail is obtained as necessary.