JP2001156973A - Image forming device, image processing method and recording medium with recorded image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of facsimile transmission and printing with simple operation. SOLUTION: A control part 3 of facsimile equipment 1 compares the number of digits for the number of copies to be printed transferred from a computer system 2 together with print data with the judged number of digits previously stored in a storage part 5 and when the number of digits for the number of copies to be printed is less than the judged number of digits, control is performed so that the print data can be transferred to a printing part 10 and printed but when the number of digits for the number of copies to be printed is more than the judged number of digits, control is performed so that the print data can be transferred to a data converting part 6, converted to facsimile data and transmitted through a modem 7 and an NCU 8 to the party of a facsimile number set by the number of copies to be printed. Thus, facsimile transmission and printing can be performed with simple operation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions, an image processing method in the image forming apparatus, and a recording medium storing an image processing program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been proposed a function of connecting a computer apparatus to a facsimile apparatus or an apparatus having a facsimile function, and transmitting a document file created using a document creation tool by the apparatus having the facsimile function. Have been.

Further, since the facsimile apparatus also has a printing function, it has been used as a printer apparatus, and a composite apparatus having both the facsimile function and the printer function has been proposed. .

In such a facsimile apparatus, a facsimile driver for facsimile transmission and a printer driver for printing are prepared on the computer side in order to perform facsimile transmission and printing from a computer apparatus which is actually connected.

In order to transmit a document created by a document creation tool installed in a computer device by facsimile, facsimile transmission is performed by using a print function of the document creation tool and selecting a facsimile driver as a driver. In order to use the facsimile apparatus as a printer, a printing operation is performed by selecting a printer driver.

Further, a technique has been proposed in which these two drivers are combined as one print driver so that printing or facsimile transmission can be selected in the detailed settings of the print driver.

As a first conventional example similar in technical field to the present invention, there is a facsimile apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-147618.

In this conventional example, as shown in FIG. 7, an interface unit 75 for connecting to a facsimile machine 70, a control unit 71, a modem 73 for performing facsimile transmission, a NUC ( Networ
k control unit (communication control device) 74 and a printing unit 72 for performing printing.

The facsimile apparatus 70 having the above configuration registers a telephone number for a printer function in advance. Then, an issuance command specifying the telephone number is sent from the computer device 76 to the facsimile device 70. Facsimile machine 70
The control unit 71 determines whether the designated telephone number is a printer function telephone number registered in advance.

If the designated telephone number and the printer function telephone number do not match, the facsimile machine 70
A call is made to the designated telephone number, and the data sent from the computer device 76 is transmitted.

If the designated telephone number matches the printer function telephone number, the computer 76
Is printed by the printing unit 72.

In this conventional example, facsimile transmission and printing can be performed only by preparing facsimile transmission software (facsimile driver) in the computer device 76 as described above.

[0013]

However, in order to perform facsimile transmission and printing of a document created by the document creation tool of the computer as described above, the facsimile function must be implemented in the computer. Software and software for printing. Therefore, there is a problem that the number of development steps is increased.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No.
The facsimile apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 7618 is based on the premise of facsimile transmission, and thus has only a function as a facsimile apparatus. For this reason, the following problems arise when actually used as a printer device.

In recent printers, the image quality (resolution) has been improved year by year. On the other hand, when printing with a facsimile machine, facsimile data is used for printing. Will remain.
Further, in a facsimile apparatus, since the printing width is determined by a standard, only recording paper specified by this standard can be used.

Further, if a document created by using a document creation tool installed in a computer device is simply transferred to a facsimile device connected to the computer device and directly transmitted by facsimile, the information of the transmission source and the transmission destination is lacking. And had to create a cover page in addition to the data as needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an image forming apparatus, an image processing method, and a recording medium storing an image processing program capable of performing facsimile transmission and image formation by an easy operation. The purpose is to provide a medium.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can save the trouble of creating a necessary cover sheet when transmitting a document from an image forming apparatus connected to a computer. It is an object to provide an image processing method and a recording medium on which an image processing program is recorded.

[0019]

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises an interface means for an externally connected computer device, and information on the number of copies transferred from the computer device which is actually transmitted. Storage means for storing the number of determination digits for determining whether the number is information on the number of copies or a facsimile transmission number, print data transferred from a computer device, and facsimile data transferred from a facsimile communication partner; Printing means for printing print data transferred from a computer device and facsimile data sent from a communication partner, data conversion means for converting print data sent from a computer device to facsimile data that can be transmitted by facsimile, and data conversion Desired facsimile data converted by means Transmitting means for facsimile transmission to the hand, and control means for controlling each of the above means, the control means comprising: the number of digits of the number of copies to be transferred together with the print data from the computer device; and the number of determination digits stored in the storage means. If the number of digits of the number of print copies is equal to or less than the determined number of digits, control is performed so that the print data is printed by the printing means, and if the number of digits of the number of printed copies is larger than the determined number of digits. Is characterized in that print data is converted into facsimile data by a data conversion unit, and is controlled to be transmitted by a transmission unit to a destination of a facsimile number set by the number of copies.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores transmission source information which is information relating to a user of the computer device and transmission destination information relating to a destination which performs facsimile transmission. It is stored for each facsimile number, and the image forming apparatus has a cover page creating means for creating a cover page using destination information and source information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interface means for an externally connected computer device, and whether the information of the number of print copies transferred from the computer device is the information of the actual number of print copies or a number of facsimile transmission. Storage means for storing the number of digits for determining whether or not there is, print data transferred from the computer, facsimile data transferred from the facsimile communication partner, print data transferred from the computer, and communication partner Printing means for printing facsimile data sent from a computer, data conversion means for converting print data sent from a computer into facsimile data that can be transmitted by facsimile, and a counterpart desiring facsimile data converted by the data conversion means Transmission means for facsimile transmission to An image processing method in the image forming apparatus, comprising: a comparing step of comparing the number of digits of the number of print copies transferred together with the print data from the computer device with the number of determination digits stored in the storage unit; A first image processing step of printing the print data by the printing means when the number of digits is equal to or less than the determined number of digits; and a data conversion of the print data when the number of digits of the number of printed copies is larger than the determined number of digits. A second image processing step of converting the data into facsimile data by the means and transmitting the facsimile data to the destination of the facsimile number set by the number of copies by the transmission means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the invention, the storage means associates transmission source information, which is information relating to a user of the computer device, with transmission destination information, which relates to a destination that performs facsimile transmission. It is characterized in that it has a cover page creating step of creating a cover page using the destination information and the source information, stored for each facsimile number.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interface means for connecting to an externally connected computer device, and whether the information on the number of print copies transferred from the computer device is the information on the actual number of print copies or a facsimile transmission number. Storage means for storing the number of digits for determining whether or not there is, print data transferred from the computer, facsimile data transferred from the facsimile communication partner, print data transferred from the computer, and communication partner Printing means for printing facsimile data sent from a computer, data conversion means for converting print data sent from a computer into facsimile data that can be transmitted by facsimile, and a counterpart desiring facsimile data converted by the data conversion means Transmission means for facsimile transmission to A recording medium on which an image processing program in an image forming apparatus is recorded, wherein a comparison process is performed to compare the number of digits of the number of print copies transferred together with the print data from the computer device with the number of determination digits stored in the storage unit. If the number of digits of the number of copies is less than the
The first image processing for printing the print data by the printing unit, and when the number of digits of the number of print copies is larger than the number of determination digits,
That the program for executing the second image processing to be transmitted by the transmitting means is recorded at the destination of the facsimile number set by the number of copies by converting the print data into facsimile data by the data converting means. Features.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the storage means associates transmission source information, which is information relating to a user of the computer device, with transmission destination information, which relates to a facsimile transmission destination. A program is stored for each facsimile number and records a program for executing a cover page creating process for creating a cover page using destination information and source information.

[0025]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus, an image processing method, and a recording medium on which an image processing program is recorded according to the present invention. FIGS. 1 to 6 show an embodiment of an image forming apparatus, an image processing method, and a recording medium on which an image processing program is recorded according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a facsimile machine. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, a control unit 3 for controlling the entire facsimile machine 1, an interface unit 4 for exchanging data with an externally connected computer device 2, and a memory for storing data Storage unit 5, a data conversion unit 6 for converting print data into facsimile data, a modem 7 for transmitting the facsimile data and a NUC (Network Control Unit: communication control device) 8, and printing the data. It has a printing unit 10 for printing as data. The storage unit 5 includes a print data storage unit 13 that stores print data,
A facsimile data storage unit 14 for storing facsimile data, a determination digit number N for storing a determination digit number N serving as a criterion for determining whether to transmit or print print data based on the number of print copies sent from the computer device And a storage unit 15. Also, as a facsimile machine, of course, a reading unit 9 for reading a document,
An operation unit 11, a display unit 12, and the like for operating the facsimile machine are provided.

FIG. 2 shows a facsimile apparatus 1 having the above configuration.
4 shows a print setting screen displayed by a document creation tool installed in the computer device 2 connected to the computer device 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the print setting screen includes a box 20 for selecting a printer driver, a box 21 for selecting a print range, and a number of print copies in order to print a document created by the document creation tool on the facsimile machine 1. Is displayed, a box 22 for setting the password, an OK button 23 and the like are displayed.

In the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, simply by performing a printing operation from the display screen of the computer device, it is determined whether the transmission is facsimile transmission or printing, and printing or facsimile transmission is performed in accordance with a designated input. It is intended to realize the function to be performed.

To achieve this object, a fax number or the number of copies to be printed is set in a print copy setting field on a print setting screen displayed by a print function of a document creation tool on the computer device side.

Further, in order to make the facsimile machine determine whether the setting of the number of print copies is a facsimile number or a number of print copies, the maximum digit number N of the number of print copies is registered in advance in the facsimile device as a judgment digit number. If the maximum number of copies is 99, N = 2.

Normally, a fax number requires several digits, whereas a print copy number of about two digits is sufficient. By paying attention to the difference in the number of digits, the facsimile apparatus is caused to determine whether to print the data transferred from the computer apparatus or to perform facsimile transmission.

Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus of the present embodiment for realizing the above-described processing will be described.

In the computer apparatus 2, when a print operation is performed from the document creation tool, a print setting screen as shown in FIG. 2 is generally displayed. Here, if it is normal, the printer driver is selected from the box 20 and the number of print copies is set in the box 2.
2 and press the button 23 to perform printing.

In the present embodiment, in order to add a facsimile transmission function, a facsimile transmission destination number is set in the box 22 instead of the number of copies, and an OK button 23 is set.
Press.

When print data is transferred from the computer device 2 to the facsimile device 1, the control unit 3 extracts information on the number of print copies.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of print data. As shown in FIG. 3, the print data is a control code for instructing the printing unit to perform detailed control of the printing process itself such as a paper size, a paper feed tray number, a paper discharge tray number, and the like. It consists of print data of drawing data. The control code is usually described at the beginning of the print data, and thereafter the print data is described one page at a time. Note that the print data is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3 and may be any data as long as it includes information on the number of print copies.

The control unit 3 analyzes the print data having the above configuration and extracts information on the number of print copies. Then, the previously stored maximum number N of print copies is compared with the number of digits of print copies. If the number of digits of the number of print copies is equal to or less than the number of determination digits, it is determined that printing is to be performed, and printing is performed by the print unit 10. Also,
When the number of digits of the number of print copies is larger than the number of determination digits N, it is determined that the transmission is facsimile transmission, the print data is converted into facsimile data by the data conversion unit 6, and the number set by the number of print copies is faxed. Facsimile transmission is performed as a number.

Thus, both the printing operation and the facsimile transmission operation can be performed only by setting the printing operation from the screen of the computer device.

Next, a series of operations according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In order to print or facsimile-transmit a document created by a document creation tool provided in the computer device, a print setting screen shown in FIG. 2 is displayed using the print function of the document creation tool.

The user selects a printer driver from the box 20 on the print setting screen, and sets the number of print copies in the box 22. When printing here, input the desired number of copies, and when performing facsimile transmission,
Enter the fax number of the recipient. The input information of the number of print copies is transferred to the facsimile machine 1 together with the print data as one of the control codes shown in FIG.

The facsimile machine 1 stores the sent print data in the storage unit 5 by the control unit 3 via the interface unit 4 (step S1).

The control section 3 analyzes the print data and extracts information on the number of print copies (step S2). Then, based on the extracted information on the number of print copies, whether the print data transferred from the computer device 2 is to be printed,
It is determined whether the data is to be transmitted by facsimile.

In the determination method, the number N of determination digits stored in advance in the facsimile machine 1 is compared with the number of digits of the number of print copies. If the number of digits of the number of print copies is equal to or less than the determination digit number N, it is determined that the number of print copies is the original number of prints. judge.

If it is determined that the number of copies is the original number (step S3 / NO), the print data is
To perform printing for the number of copies (step S4).
If it is determined that the number is a facsimile transmission number (step S3 / YES), the print data is converted to a data
6 and converted into facsimile data (step S5). Here, the facsimile data refers to data that can be directly transmitted by a facsimile apparatus.
The facsimile data converted by the data conversion unit 6 is temporarily stored in the facsimile data storage unit 14 of the storage unit 5 and transmitted via the modem 7 and the NCU 8 to the telephone number specified by the information on the number of print copies. (Step S6).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the predetermined number of digits N
If the number of digits is smaller than N, it is determined that printing is to be performed, and printing is performed. If the number of digits is larger than N, it is determined that facsimile transmission is to be performed and facsimile transmission is performed. Thus, only a printer driver needs to be prepared as an application, and the trouble of preparing an application for facsimile transmission can be omitted.

Further, since it is possible to specify whether the transmission is facsimile transmission or printing by setting the number of copies, the convenience of the user can be improved.

Further, since both functions of printing and facsimile transmission are realized by using a printer driver, the image quality at the time of printing is improved as compared with a conventional technology having a printing function on the premise of facsimile transmission. It is possible to print on recording paper other than the recording paper of the standard defined by facsimile transmission.

Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a cover page generation unit 16 and a transmission source information storage unit 17 in the storage unit 5 are provided. , A transmission destination information storage unit 18 and a cover sheet data storage unit 19.

The transmission source information storage unit 17 stores transmission source information of a computer device that is transmitting print data. Note that the transmission source information referred to here is information such as the name, attribute, and contact information of the person using the computer device.

The transmission destination information storage section 18 stores transmission destination information which is transmission destination information corresponding to a fax number. Note that the transmission destination information is information such as a customer name and a company name.

The cover page generating section 16 generates a cover page from the transmission source information and the transmission destination information which are read from the storage device and transferred by the control device.

The cover page data storage section 19 stores the cover page data generated by the cover page generation section 16. When the print data converted by the data conversion unit 6 into facsimile data and the cover sheet generated by the cover sheet generation unit 16 are provided in the storage unit 5, the control unit 3 controls the modem 7 and the NCU.
8 so as to start facsimile transmission.

In the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, when a document created by a document creation tool provided in a computer device is transmitted by facsimile, a cover sheet is created on the facsimile device side and attached to the document if necessary. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to prevent a failure to forget to attach a cover sheet at the time of facsimile transmission.

The print setting screen displayed by the print function of the document creation tool is provided with a check box 60 for identifying whether or not to attach a cover sheet as shown in FIG.

When this check box is checked, an instruction to create a cover sheet is transferred to the facsimile machine as one of the control codes. The facsimile machine is
When the control code includes an instruction to create a cover page, the transmission source information stored in the transmission source information storage unit 17 and the transmission destination information stored in the transmission destination information storage unit 18 are transmitted to the cover page generation unit 16.
To create a cover page. The created cover page is temporarily stored in the cover page data storage unit 19, and is transmitted by facsimile to the transmission destination together with the facsimile data.

Next, a series of operations according to the above embodiment will be described.

First, the sender information of the computer which sends the print data and the destination information which is the customer information are registered in the facsimile machine in advance.

The facsimile apparatus is a computer 2
When the print data is transferred from the control unit 3, the control unit 3 extracts the number of print copies from the print data, and determines whether to send the print data by facsimile or to print.

When it is determined from the number of digits of the number of copies that the instruction is for printing, the print data stored in the storage unit 5 is transferred to the printing unit 10 and printing is performed.

If it is determined from the number of digits of the number of copies that the instruction is for facsimile transmission, the destination information and the destination information corresponding to the facsimile number are read from the storage unit 5 and transferred to the cover sheet generating unit 16. .

The cover page generating section 16 generates a cover page from the transmission source information and the transmission destination information read from the storage section. The cover page generated here is stored in the cover page data storage unit 1.
9 once.

When the cover page data and the data converted to facsimile data by the data conversion unit 6 are provided in the storage unit 5, the data is transmitted by facsimile via the modem 7 and the NCU 8.

As described above, by providing the cover page generating section 16 in the facsimile apparatus and generating the cover page, the user can prepare the cover page separately from the document prepared by the document preparation tool. Facsimile transmission can be performed as it is. Therefore, the convenience of the user is improved, and there is no problem that the cover letter is forgotten when performing the facsimile transmission.

The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0067]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the number of decision digits N is prepared to determine whether facsimile transmission or printing is to be performed. If the number of digits is larger than N, it is determined that the transmission is facsimile transmission, and facsimile transmission is performed. Thus, only a printer driver needs to be prepared as an application. It is possible to save the trouble of preparing an application for use.

Further, since it is possible to specify whether the transmission is facsimile transmission or printing by setting the number of copies, the convenience for the user can be improved.

Further, since both functions of printing and facsimile transmission are realized by using a printer driver, the image quality at the time of printing is improved as compared with a conventional technology provided with a printing function on the premise of facsimile transmission. It is possible to print on recording paper other than the recording paper of the standard defined by facsimile transmission.

By providing a cover page generating means in the image forming apparatus and generating a cover page, the user can send a document prepared by a document preparation tool installed in the computer apparatus separately from the document. Facsimile transmission can be performed as it is without creating a form. Therefore, the convenience of the user is improved, and there is no problem that the cover letter is forgotten when performing the facsimile transmission.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a print setting screen displayed by a print function of a document creation tool.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of print data.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a series of operations according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a print setting screen displayed by a print function of a document creation tool.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional facsimile machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 facsimile device 2 computer device 3 control unit 4 interface unit 5 storage unit 6 data conversion unit 7 modem 8 NCU 9 reading unit 10 printing unit 11 operation unit 12 display unit 13 print data storage unit 14 facsimile data storage unit 15 judgment digit storage Unit 16 cover page generation unit 17 source information storage unit 18 destination information storage unit 19 cover page data storage unit

Claims (6)

[Claims] An interface unit for connecting to an externally connected computer device; and determining whether information of the number of print copies transferred from the computer device is information of an actual number of print copies or a facsimile transmission number. Storage means for storing the number of digits to be determined, the print data transferred from the computer device, and the facsimile data transferred from the facsimile communication partner; the print data transferred from the computer device; Printing means for printing the facsimile data obtained from the computer device, data conversion means for converting print data sent from the computer device into facsimile data which can be transmitted by facsimile, and facsimile data converted by the data conversion means to a desired destination. Transmission means for facsimile transmission; Control means for controlling each means, wherein the control means compares the number of digits of the number of print copies transferred together with the print data from the computer device with the number of digits of the judgment digit stored in the storage means. If the number of digits of the number of print copies is equal to or less than the number of determination digits, control is performed so that the print data is printed by a printing unit.If the number of digits of the number of print copies is larger than the number of determination digits, An image forming apparatus that converts the print data into facsimile data by the data conversion unit and controls the transmission unit to transmit the facsimile data to a destination of a facsimile number set by the number of copies. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores, for each corresponding facsimile number, transmission source information which is information relating to a user of the computer device, and transmission destination information relating to a destination which performs facsimile transmission. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a cover sheet creating unit that creates a cover sheet using the destination information and the source information. 3. An interface unit with an externally connected computer device, and determining whether the information on the number of print copies transferred from the computer device is information on an actual number of print copies or a facsimile transmission number. Storage means for storing the number of digits to be determined, the print data transferred from the computer device, and the facsimile data transferred from the facsimile communication partner; the print data transferred from the computer device; Printing means for printing the facsimile data obtained from the computer device, data conversion means for converting print data sent from the computer device into facsimile data which can be transmitted by facsimile, and facsimile data converted by the data conversion means to a desired destination. Transmission means for facsimile transmission An image processing method in the image forming apparatus, comprising: a comparing step of comparing the number of digits of the number of print copies transferred together with the print data from the computer device with the number of digits of the determination digit stored in the storage unit; A first image processing step of printing the print data by a printing unit when the number of digits of the number of print copies is equal to or less than the number of determination digits; and when the number of digits of the number of print copies is larger than the number of determination digits. A second image processing step of converting the print data into facsimile data by the data conversion means and transmitting the facsimile data to the destination of the facsimile number set by the number of copies by the transmission means. An image processing method characterized by the following. 4. The storage means stores, for each corresponding facsimile number, transmission source information which is information relating to a user of the computer device, and transmission destination information relating to a destination which performs facsimile transmission. 4. The image processing method according to claim 3, further comprising a cover page creating step of creating a cover page using the information and the sender information. 5. An interface unit for connecting to an externally connected computer device, and determining whether the information on the number of print copies transferred from the computer device is information on the actual number of print copies or a facsimile transmission number. Storage means for storing the number of digits to be determined, the print data transferred from the computer device, and the facsimile data transferred from the facsimile communication partner; the print data transferred from the computer device; Printing means for printing the facsimile data obtained from the computer device, data conversion means for converting print data sent from the computer device into facsimile data which can be transmitted by facsimile, and facsimile data converted by the data conversion means to a desired destination. Transmission means for facsimile transmission A recording medium storing an image processing program in the image forming apparatus, wherein the number of digits of the number of print copies transferred together with the print data from the computer device is compared with the number of digits of the judgment digit stored in the storage unit. A first image processing for printing the print data by a printing unit when the number of digits of the number of print copies is equal to or less than the number of determination digits; and If it is larger than the second image processing, the print data is converted to facsimile data by the data conversion means, and transmitted to the destination of the facsimile number set by the number of copies, by the transmission means, A recording medium on which an image processing program is recorded, wherein a program for executing the program is recorded. 6. The storage means stores, for each corresponding facsimile number, transmission source information which is information relating to a user of the computer device, and transmission destination information relating to a destination which performs facsimile transmission. 6. The recording medium according to claim 5, wherein a program for executing a cover page creating process for creating a cover page using the information and the sender information is recorded.