JP2002101280A - Image communicating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image communicating apparatus capable of enhancing probability of automatically transmitting image information when the information is transmitted to a next address in a ring type broadcast transmission. SOLUTION: The image communicating apparatus can conduct ring type broadcast transmission for transmitting the information in a ring type. The apparatus changes control of redialing in response to whether the ring type broadcast reception information of information receiving the ring type broadcast transmission is transmitted or not.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus and, more particularly, to an image communication apparatus for transmitting one piece of information to a plurality of destinations.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image communication apparatus for transmitting one piece of information to a plurality of destinations, a facsimile apparatus for sequentially calling a plurality of destinations and sequentially transmitting the same transmission original is known.

[0003]

Conventionally, when the same transmission original is transmitted to a plurality of destinations in the facsimile apparatus, one facsimile apparatus sequentially calls the plurality of destinations and transmits the same transmission. Since the original is sequentially transmitted to the plurality of destinations, the single facsimile apparatus bears all communication costs. On the other hand, since a plurality of facsimile machines receiving the same transmission original do not bear the communication cost, there is a problem that the burden of the communication cost is not uniform.

To solve the above problems, for example,
Facsimile machine FAX _A becomes facsimile machine FAX _B ,
When transmitting the same transmission original to FAX _C , FAX _D and FAX _E , the facsimile apparatus FAX _A to FAX _B , the facsimile apparatus FAX _B to FAX _C , the facsimile apparatus F
AX _C to FAX _D , facsimile machine FAX _D to FA
It is possible to consider a ring-type broadcast transmission in which the information D1 of the transmission original is transmitted in a ring form, such as X _E , facsimile apparatus FAX _E to FAX _A.

As described above, the facsimile apparatus FAX _A
Facsimile but the the four destinations, when the multicast transmission of the transmission original with a ring-type, the information D1 of the transmission document facsimile FAX _A transmits, when the facsimile machine FAX _B receives the information D1 of the transmission original received Device F
After temporarily stored in a memory of the AX _B, facsimile information D1 of the transmission document stored in the memory F
AX _B sends it to facsimile machine FAX _C , which is the next destination. In this case, even in the absence of user near the facsimile machine FAX _B, can be the information D1 of the transmission original is facsimile FAX _B sends automatically to the facsimile apparatus FAX _C.

However, when image information is transmitted to the next destination in the above-mentioned ring-type broadcast transmission, if the remaining capacity of the memory of the next destination is small, this image information cannot be transmitted automatically. There is a problem that the probability is low.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image communication apparatus capable of increasing the probability that the image information can be automatically transmitted when the image information is transmitted to a next destination in ring-type broadcast transmission. is there.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image communication apparatus capable of transmitting one piece of information in the form of a ring, which is capable of performing a ring-type broadcast, wherein the ring is information which has received the ring-type broadcast. Depending on whether or not to send type broadcast reception information,
This is an image communication device that changes the control of redialing.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a facsimile apparatus F according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of S1.

[0010] An NCU (network control unit) 2 connects to a terminal of this line in order to use the telephone network for data communication and the like.
It controls connection of the telephone exchange network, switches to a data communication path, and holds a loop. The NCU 2 connects the telephone line 2a to the telephone 4 (CML off) or connects the telephone line 2a to the facsimile machine FS1 (CML on) under the control of the CPU 22. In the normal state, the telephone line 2a
Is connected to the telephone 4 side.

The hybrid circuit 6 separates the transmission system signal and the reception system signal, sends the transmission signal output from the addition circuit 12 to the telephone line 2a via the NCU 2, and transmits the signal from the other party via the NCU 2 It is a circuit that receives and sends it to the modem 8 via the signal line 6a.

The modem 8 is based on ITU-T Recommendation V. 8,
V. 21, V.I. 27ter, V.I. 29, V.I. 17, V.I.
34, a modulator and a demodulator that performs modulation and demodulation based on C.34.
Under the control of the CPU 22, each transmission mode is designated. The modulator / demodulator 8 inputs the transmission signal output to the bus 26, outputs the modulation data to the signal line 8a, inputs the reception signal output to the signal line 6a, and outputs the demodulated data to the bus 26. Output.

The calling circuit 10 is a circuit for inputting telephone number information based on a signal from the bus 26 and outputting a DTMF selection signal to the signal line 10a.

The addition circuit 12 inputs the information of the signal line 8a and the information of the signal line 10a, and adds the result of the addition to the signal line 12a.
a is a circuit for outputting to a.

The read circuit 14 transmits read data to the bus 2
6 is a circuit to output.

The recording circuit 16 is a circuit for sequentially recording information output to the bus 26 line by line.

The memory circuit 18 includes a work memory (R
AM), which is a memory that stores raw information and encoded information of read data, and stores received information, decoded information, and the like via a bus 26.

In the first embodiment, "ring-type broadcast transmission" means, for example, a facsimile machine FAX _A
Are facsimile machines FAX _B , FAX _C , FAX _D , FA
To X _E, when transmitting the same transmission original, FAX _B from the facsimile apparatus FAX _A, facsimile FAX _B
To FAX _C , facsimile machine FAX _C to FAX _D ,
The transmission of the information of the transmission original in a ring type, such as facsimile apparatuses FAX _D to FAX _E and facsimile apparatuses FAX _E to FAX _A.

In the first embodiment, transmitting image information first in one ring-type broadcast transmission is referred to as "first transmission", and the facsimile apparatus transmitting first is referred to as "first transmission". The destination transmitter is called. For example, the earliest transmitter is the facsimile machine FAX _A in the ring type broadcast transmission. Furthermore, the image information to be transmitted to the next destination, the information of the ring-type broadcast received by the facsimile machine in the ring-type broadcast transmission is called "ring-type broadcast reception information".

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of contents registered in the memory circuit 18 of the facsimile apparatus FS1 according to the first embodiment.

The memory circuit 18 associates a nickname indicating the contents of the information to be transmitted by the ring broadcast, a subaddress signal indicating that the received information is the information to be transmitted by the ring broadcast, and the next destination. It is a memory to register.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, "tennis circulation" is registered as a nickname, and "123" indicating that the received information is information to be transmitted in a ring-type broadcast.
4 is registered as a sub-address signal, and "03-311" is registered.
1-3333 "is registered as the next destination. Further, in association with a ring-type broadcast transmission number “01” which is an identification number assigned to one ring-type broadcast, “tennis circulation”, “1234”, and “03-3111-3333” are stored in a memory. Register in the circuit 18.

In the first embodiment, the nickname, the subaddress signal, and the next destination (hereinafter referred to as "three elements") are registered in the memory circuit 18 in association with the ring-type broadcast transmission number. Alternatively, the above three elements may be registered in the memory circuit 18 in association with each other.

The memory circuit 18 is a memory for registering its own telephone number. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the memory circuit 18 uses "03-3111-2222" as its own telephone number. Register at 18.

The operation unit 20 includes one-touch dial, speed dial, numeric keypad, * key, # key, start key,
It has a stop key, a set key, a start selection key for ring-type broadcast transmission, a registration key for the memory circuit 18, and other function keys, and outputs information on the pressed key to the bus 26. The start selection key for ring-type broadcast transmission is a key for selecting that information to be transmitted in ring-type broadcast is transmitted first.

The operation unit 20 has a display unit (not shown). When information output to the bus 26 is input, the display unit displays an image based on the input information.

The CPU (central processing unit) 22 has a ROM 2
4 controls the entire facsimile apparatus FS1 and executes a facsimile transmission control procedure.

FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the type of image information, the number of times redialing is performed, and the interval at which redialing is performed when the facsimile machine FS1 executes redialing in order to transmit image information. FIG.

When the facsimile apparatus FS1 transmits the ring-type broadcast reception information to the next destination, the number of times of redialing is set to five times, and the time interval for executing redialing is set to 10 minutes. Further, when the facsimile apparatus FS1 transmits image information other than ring-type broadcast reception information to a designated destination, the number of times of redialing is set to three,
The time interval for executing the redial is one minute.

The interval of redialing when transmitting the ring type broadcast reception information is set to be longer than the interval of redialing when transmitting image information other than the ring type broadcast reception information. Then, a value other than the value shown in FIG. 3 may be set. Further, if the number of redials in the case of transmitting the ring type broadcast reception information is set to be larger than the number of redials in the case of transmitting image information other than the ring type broadcast reception information, A value other than the value shown in FIG. 3 may be set.

The ROM 24 is a memory in which various control programs are stored. This control program is a program capable of transmitting one piece of information in a ring type and capable of transmitting a ring type broadcast. A nickname indicating the content of the information to be transmitted, and a sub-address signal indicating that the received information is the information to be transmitted by the ring broadcast.
A registration procedure for associating and registering the next destination with each other,
When the predetermined image information is transmitted to the predetermined partner device, if the predetermined image information cannot be transmitted to the predetermined partner device, a redial procedure for redialing the predetermined partner device and a registration procedure are performed. Redialing that changes the redialing control executed in the redialing procedure according to whether or not to transmit the ring-type broadcast reception information, which is the information that received the ring-type broadcast transmission, to the registered next destination Control procedure and C
This is a program to be executed by the PU 22. In particular,
As shown in FIG. 3, the re-dial interval when transmitting the ring-type broadcast reception information is made longer than the re-dial interval when transmitting image information other than the ring-type broadcast reception information. Further, the number of redials when transmitting the ring-type broadcast reception information is made larger than the number of redials when transmitting image information other than the ring-type broadcast reception information.

The SID signal is a signal indicating the telephone number of the earliest transmitter.
This SID signal is transmitted sequentially. For example, if the facsimile machine FS1 whose telephone number is 03-3111-2222 is the above-mentioned earliest transmitter, 03-3111-
A signal indicating 2222 is transmitted to the next destination as an SID signal. On the other hand, if the facsimile machine FS1 is not the first transmitter, the SID signal received in the ring-type broadcast transmission is transmitted to the next destination as an SID signal.

Next, the operation of the facsimile machine FS1 will be described.

FIGS. 4 to 7 are flowcharts showing the control operation of the facsimile machine FS1 in the first embodiment.

The memory 18 is initialized via the bus 26 (S2), the display of the operation unit 20 is cleared via the bus 26 (S4), and the NCU 2 is
Is turned off (S6).

Next, information of the operation unit 20 is input via the bus 26, and it is determined whether or not transmission is selected (S8). When transmission is selected, ring-type broadcasting is performed. It is determined whether execution of transmission is selected (S1).
0), when it is selected to execute the ring-type broadcast transmission, 5 is set to the redial counter (S12).
Note that the redial counter is a counter in which the value of the number of redials is set, and the value of the redial counter decreases in accordance with the number of redials.

Subsequently, the C of the NCU 2 is connected via the bus 26.
The ML is turned on (S14), and using the calling circuit 10 via the bus 26, the telephone number of the next destination is 03-311.
A call is made to 1-3333 (S16), and it is determined whether the facsimile machine of the next destination is busy or the connection with the facsimile apparatus of the next destination is impossible (S1).
8).

If the facsimile machine of the next destination is not busy and a call is set up with the facsimile machine of the next destination, a pre-procedure is executed (S20), and a signal indicating 1234 is sent in the pre-procedure. If it is transmitted as a SUB (sub-address) signal and the facsimile machine FS1 transmits first, a signal indicating 03-3111-2222 is transmitted as an SID signal, while ring-type broadcast reception information received in memory is transmitted. If, the received SID
Send a signal.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the communication with the facsimile machine of the next destination is disconnected (S22). If the communication with the facsimile apparatus of the next destination is not cut off, it is determined via the bus 26. , The information of the operation unit 20 is input, and it is determined whether or not the first transmission is selected (S24). If the first transmission is selected, the image signal is read / transmitted (S26). The post-procedure is executed (S28).

If the first transmission is not selected (S
24), the ring-type broadcast reception information received in the memory is transmitted (S30).

When it is determined that the facsimile apparatus of the next destination is busy or that connection with the facsimile apparatus of the next destination is impossible (S18), communication with the facsimile apparatus of the next destination is interrupted. (S22),
It is determined whether or not the value of the redial counter is 0 (S
32) If the value of the redial counter is 0, redialing to the next destination is not executed, so the process proceeds to S6 and NCU2
Is turned off (S6).

On the other hand, if the value of the redial counter is not 0 (S32), the CML of the NCU 2 is transmitted via the bus 26.
Is turned off (S34), and waits for 10 minutes (S36),
The value of the redial counter is decremented by one (S3
8) The process proceeds to step S14 to execute redialing.

In step S10, if it is not selected to execute the ring-type broadcast transmission but to select the transmission of normal image information other than the ring-type broadcast transmission (S10), the redialing is performed. The counter is set to 3 (S40).

Subsequently, the C of the NCU 2 is connected via the bus 26.
The ML is turned on (S42), and a call is made to a designated destination using the calling circuit 10 via the bus 26 (S44).
It is determined whether or not the called facsimile machine is busy (S46). If the called facsimile machine is not busy and a call is set up with the called facsimile machine. , Execute the pre-procedure (S48),
It is determined whether or not communication has been disconnected with the called facsimile machine (S50). If communication with the called facsimile machine has not been broken, the image signal is read / transmitted. (S52), the post-procedure is executed (S5)
4).

When the called facsimile machine is busy (S46) and when the communication with the called facsimile machine is interrupted (S50), the value of the redial counter is set to 0. Is determined (S5).
6) If the value of the redial counter is 0, redialing to the specified destination is not performed, so the process proceeds to S6 and N
The CML of CU2 is turned off (S6).

On the other hand, if the value of the redial counter is not 0 (S56), the CML of the NCU 2 is transmitted via the bus 26.
Off (S58), wait for one minute (S60), and decrement the value of the redial counter by one (S6).
2) The process proceeds to step S42, and redial is executed.

In step S8, if transmission is not selected (S8), it is determined whether reception is selected (S64), and if reception is not selected, other processing is executed (S66).

On the other hand, when reception is selected (S64), the CML of the NCU 2 is turned on via the bus 26 (S6).
8) The pre-procedure is executed (S70), and in this pre-procedure, the other party's transmitter is notified that the SUB signal reception function and the SID signal reception function are present.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a SUB signal has been received (S72). If no SUB signal has been received, an image signal is received / recorded (S74), and the post-procedure is executed (S7).
6).

When the SUB signal is received, the received SUB
It is determined whether the signal is a signal indicating 1234 (S7).
8) If the received SUB signal is not a signal indicating 1234, a process based on the received SUB signal is executed (S80).

If the received SUB signal is a signal indicating 1234 (S78), since the received information is ring-type broadcast reception information, the image signal is received / recorded in the memory (S8).
2) The post-procedure is executed (S84), and via the bus 26,
The CML of the NCU 2 is turned off (S86), waits for 60 seconds (S88), and 5 is set to the redial counter (S12).

According to the first embodiment, if image information is to be transmitted to a predetermined destination and if ring-type broadcast reception information is to be transmitted to the next destination, the number of times of redialing is set to five. Times and the time interval for redialing is 10
Minutes, and if normal image information, which is image information other than ring-type broadcast reception information, is to be transmitted to the designated destination, the number of times of redialing is set to three and redialing is performed. The time interval can be one minute. As a result, it is possible to increase the probability that the facsimile machine FS1 can automatically transmit the ring-type broadcast reception information to the next destination even if no user exists near the facsimile machine FS1. In this case, the user does not need to manually change the setting of the time and interval of redialing according to the type of the image information, so that the burden on the user can be reduced.

The memory circuit 18, the operation unit 20, and the CP
The U22 and the ROM 24 associate the nickname indicating the content of the information to be transmitted in the ring form, the subaddress signal indicating that the received information is the information to be transmitted in the ring form, and the next destination with each other. This is an example of a registering means for registering, the NCU 2, the calling circuit 10, the CPU 22, and the R
OM24 is an example of a redialing means for redialing the predetermined partner when the predetermined image information cannot be transmitted to the predetermined partner when transmitting the predetermined image information to the predetermined partner. The CPU 22 and the ROM 24 determine whether or not to transmit the ring-type broadcast reception information, which is the information that has received the ring-type broadcast transmission, to the next destination registered in the registration means. It is an example of the redial control means for changing the control of the redial executed by the redial means.

The CPU 22 and the ROM 24 determine the re-dial interval when transmitting the ring-type broadcast reception information from the re-dial interval when transmitting image information other than the ring-type broadcast reception information. The CPU 22 and the ROM 24 determine the number of redials when transmitting the ring-type broadcast reception information, and the number of times of redialing when transmitting image information other than the ring-type broadcast reception information. This is an example of means for increasing the number of dials.

(Second Embodiment) A facsimile apparatus FS2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is basically the same as the facsimile apparatus FS1, so that illustration thereof is omitted, but the facsimile apparatus FS2 is a facsimile apparatus. The FS1 has a CPU 22a and a ROM 24a instead of the CPU 22 and the ROM 24, and only the parts different from the facsimile apparatus FS1 will be described.

In the facsimile apparatus FS2,
The absence of recording paper for printing an image corresponding to the ring-type broadcast reception information is referred to as “no recording paper”, and the remaining memory capacity of the memory for storing the ring-type broadcast reception information is equal to or less than a predetermined capacity. Something is called "memory full".

FIG. 8 shows the types of image information when the facsimile machine FS2 executes redialing in order to transmit image information, the cause of communication interruption with the receiver of the other party, and the redialing. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relationship between the number of times to execute the command and the interval at which the redial is executed.

When the facsimile apparatus FS2 transmits the ring type broadcast reception information to the next destination, the facsimile apparatus F
If the communication between S2 and the facsimile machine of the next destination becomes impossible and the cause of the communication failure is not the memory full of the facsimile apparatus of the next destination and there is no recording paper, the number of times of redialing is executed. 5 times, and the time interval for executing the redial is 5 minutes. On the other hand, if the cause of the communication failure between the facsimile machine FS2 and the next destination facsimile machine is due to the memory full of the next destination facsimile machine or no recording paper, the number of times of redialing is set to five times. The time interval for executing the redial is 10 minutes. Further, when the facsimile apparatus FS2 transmits normal image information, which is image information other than ring-type broadcast reception information, to a designated destination,
The number of times of redialing is set to three times, and the time interval for executing redialing is set to one minute.

The cause of the communication failure between the facsimile machine FS2 and the next destination facsimile machine is not the memory full of the next destination facsimile machine, but
The redial interval when there is no recording paper,
FIG. 8 shows that if the cause of the communication failure with the facsimile machine of the next destination is shorter than the re-dial interval when the facsimile apparatus of the next destination is full of memory or no recording paper. A value other than the value may be set.

The facsimile apparatus FS2 receives the ring-type broadcast reception information when the facsimile apparatus FS2 receives it.
If the ring type broadcast reception information cannot be received due to the absence of the recording paper in 2, the ring type broadcast reception information cannot be received due to the absence of the recording paper.
This is a facsimile apparatus that notifies the transmitter that has transmitted the ring-type broadcast reception information. Also, the facsimile machine FS
2 is that if the facsimile apparatus FS2 cannot receive ring-type broadcast reception information due to memory full while receiving ring-type broadcast reception information,
A facsimile apparatus for notifying a transmitter that has transmitted the ring-type broadcast reception information that ring-type broadcast reception information cannot be received due to a memory full.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22a has a ROM
According to the control program stored in the facsimile machine 24a, the entire facsimile apparatus FS2 is controlled and a facsimile transmission control procedure is executed.

The ROM 24a is a memory in which various control programs are stored. This control program is capable of receiving the ring-type broadcast reception information while receiving the ring-type broadcast reception information. If you ca n’t,
This is a program that causes the CPU 22a to execute a notification procedure of notifying a first cause, which is a cause that the ring-type broadcast reception information cannot be received, to a transmitter that has transmitted the ring-type broadcast reception information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the first cause is that there is no recording paper for printing an image corresponding to the ring-type broadcast reception information or the ring-type broadcast reception information is This is because the remaining memory capacity of the memory to be stored is less than or equal to a predetermined capacity.

Further, the control program changes the control of the redial executed in the redial procedure based on the reason that the receiver of the next destination cannot receive the ring type broadcast reception information. CP for control procedure
This is a program to be executed by U22a. In particular,
As shown in FIG. 8, when the ring-type broadcast reception information cannot be transmitted to the receiver of the next destination due to the first cause, the re-dial interval is set to a cause other than the first cause. For the second reason, the ring-type broadcast reception information is longer than the re-dial interval when the ring-type broadcast reception information cannot be transmitted to the receiver of the next destination.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the facsimile machine FS2.

The operation of the facsimile apparatus FS2 is as follows.
Since the operation is basically the same as that of the first embodiment,
Only the parts different from the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
It is shown in

Step S18 shown in the first embodiment.
It is determined whether the facsimile apparatus of the next destination is busy, or whether connection with the facsimile apparatus of the next destination is not possible, and whether the facsimile apparatus of the next destination is busy, or If connection with the facsimile machine is not possible (S90), it is determined whether or not the value of the redial counter is 0 (S92). If the value of the redial counter is 0, redialing to the next destination is performed. Since it is not executed, the process proceeds to S6 (S93), and the CML of the NCU 2 is turned off (S6).

On the other hand, if the value of the redial counter is not 0 (S92), the CML of the NCU 2 is transmitted via the bus 26.
Off (S94), wait for 5 minutes (S95),
Proceeding to S38, the value of the redial counter is decremented by one (S38).

Also, a call is set up with the facsimile machine of the next destination (S18), and the pre-procedure is executed (S20).
If the communication with the facsimile machine of the next destination is interrupted before all the transmission of the image information is completed (S97), the cause of the communication break with the facsimile apparatus of the next destination is the facsimile of the next destination. It is determined whether the apparatus is full of memory or no recording paper is present (S98), and the cause of the communication interruption with the facsimile apparatus of the next destination is the memory full or the recording paper of the facsimile apparatus of the next destination. If there is none, as shown in FIG.
Since it is 0 minutes, the process proceeds to S32 (S99), and it is determined whether or not the value of the redial counter is 0 (S3).
2).

On the other hand, if the cause of the communication interruption with the facsimile machine of the next destination is not memory full in the facsimile machine of the next destination and if there is no recording paper, as shown in FIG. Since the dial interval is 5 minutes, the process proceeds to S92, where it is determined whether or not the value of the redial counter is 0 (S92).

According to the facsimile machine FS2, if the cause of the communication interruption with the facsimile machine of the next destination is that the facsimile machine of the next destination is full of memory or if there is no recording paper, the facsimile machine of the next destination is not connected. Since it usually takes a relatively long time to return to a normal state,
Set a relatively long time between redials,
It is possible to reduce the burden on the user of the facsimile apparatus FS2 for performing a recall operation. Further, in this case, even if the user is not present near the facsimile apparatus FS2, the probability that the facsimile apparatus FS2 can automatically transmit the ring-type broadcast reception information to the next destination can be increased.

The CPU 22a and the ROM 24a are
If the ring-type broadcast reception information cannot be received while the ring-type broadcast reception information is being received, the first reason that the ring-type broadcast reception information cannot be received is the first. This is an example of notification means for notifying the cause to the transmitter that has transmitted the ring-type broadcast reception information.
U22a and ROM 24a are examples of means for changing the control of redialing performed by the redialing means based on the cause of the inability of the receiver of the next destination to receive the ring-type broadcast reception information, CPU 22a and ROM
24a means that there is no recording paper for printing an image corresponding to the ring-type broadcast reception information in the receiver of the next destination, or the remaining memory capacity of the memory for storing the ring-type broadcast reception information is predetermined. When the ring-type broadcast reception information cannot be transmitted to the receiver of the next destination due to the first cause, which is due to the capacity being less than the capacity, the redial interval is set to a value other than the first cause. Second cause
This is an example of means for making the interval longer than the re-dial interval when the ring-type broadcast reception information cannot be transmitted due to the above.

The first and second embodiments may be applied to an image communication apparatus other than a facsimile apparatus.

Conventionally, as an image communication apparatus for transmitting one piece of information to a plurality of destinations, there is known a facsimile apparatus for sequentially calling a plurality of destinations and sequentially transmitting the same transmission original.

Conventionally, when the same transmission original is transmitted to a plurality of destinations in the facsimile apparatus, one facsimile apparatus sequentially calls a plurality of destinations and transmits the same transmission original to the plurality of destinations. , The one facsimile apparatus bears all communication costs. On the other hand, since a plurality of facsimile machines receiving the same transmission original do not bear the communication cost, there is a problem that the burden of the communication cost is not uniform.

To solve the above problem, for example,
Facsimile machine FAX _A becomes facsimile machine FAX _B ,
When transmitting the same transmission original to FAX _C , FAX _D and FAX _E , the facsimile apparatus FAX _A to FAX _B , the facsimile apparatus FAX _B to FAX _C , the facsimile apparatus F
AX _C to FAX _D , facsimile machine FAX _D to FA
It is possible to consider a ring-type broadcast transmission in which the information of the transmission original is transmitted in a ring form, such as X _E or facsimile apparatuses FAX _E to FAX _A.

As described above, the facsimile apparatus FAX _A
When the same transmission original is transmitted in a ring form to the above four destinations, when the facsimile apparatus FAX _B receives the transmission original information D1 transmitted by the facsimile apparatus FAX _A , the received transmission original information D1 the stored temporarily on the memory of the facsimile apparatus FAX _B, the information D1 of the transmission document stored in the memory is the facsimile machine FAX _B sends to the facsimile apparatus FAX _C as the next destination.

In this case, for example, a facsimile machine
FAX_CThe remaining memory capacity of the
If the information amount is smaller than the information amount of the report D1, the facsimile machine F
AX _BIs FAX_CTo transmit the information D1 of the transmission original to
Fax machine FAX_BAnd FAX_CBetween
Communication error occurs.

As described above, if the facsimile apparatus FAX _B cannot transmit the information D1 of the transmission original to the facsimile apparatus FAX _{C in the} ring type broadcast transmission, the facsimile apparatus after the facsimile apparatus FAX _B in the ring type broadcast transmission. Facsimile machine FAX _C ,
The information D1 of the transmission original cannot be transmitted to each of FAX _D and FAX _E.

By the way, in a facsimile apparatus which frequently transmits and receives image information, an automatic incoming call mode for automatically receiving image information without performing a receiving operation is often set.

However, a communication error occurred during communication of image information in ring-type broadcast transmission, and the user of the earliest transmitter, which is the image communication apparatus that first transmitted the image information in one ring-type broadcast transmission, Knows that this communication error has occurred, and when the user of the earliest transmitter calls the first image communication device which is the image communication device in which the communication error has occurred, the first image communication If the automatic incoming call mode is set in the device, there is a problem that the user of the earliest transmitter cannot make a call to the first image communication device.

The present invention relates to an earliest transmitter which is an image communication apparatus which first transmits the above-mentioned image information in one ring-type broadcast transmission when a communication error occurs during communication of image information in the ring-type broadcast transmission. Knows that this communication error has occurred, and when the user of the earliest transmitter calls the first image communication device, which is the image communication device in which the communication error has occurred, It is an object of the present invention to provide an image communication device that allows a user of the device to make a call to the first image communication device.

The present invention is an image communication apparatus capable of ring-type broadcast transmission for transmitting one piece of information in a ring type. If a communication error occurs during communication of image information in ring-type broadcast transmission, An image communication apparatus for notifying the earliest transmitter that first transmitted image information in the ring-type broadcast transmission that the communication error has occurred, and setting a predetermined reception mode.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile machine FS3 according to the embodiment of FIG.

An NCU (Network Control Unit) 102 connects to a terminal of this line, controls connection of a telephone exchange network, and switches to a data communication path in order to use the telephone network for data communication and the like. Or hold a loop. The NCU 102 connects the telephone line 102a to the telephone 104 under the control of the CPU 122 (CML).
Off) or connect the telephone line 102a to the facsimile machine F
It is connected (CML on) to the S3 side. In a normal state, the telephone line 102a is connected to the telephone 104.

The hybrid circuit 106 separates the transmission system signal and the reception system signal, sends the transmission signal output by the addition circuit 112 to the telephone line 102a via the NCU 102, and transmits the signal from the other party via the NCU 102. Acceptance,
This is a circuit that sends the signal to the modem 108 via the signal line 106a.

The modulator / demodulator 108 is compliant with ITU-T Recommendation V.
8, V.I. 21, V.I. 27ter, V.I. 29, V.I. 17,
V. This is a modulator / demodulator that performs modulation and demodulation based on the C.34, and each transmission mode is designated by the control of the CPU 122. The modulator / demodulator 108 receives the transmission signal output to the bus 126 and transmits the modulated data to the signal line 108.
a, and receives the received signal output to the signal line 106a, and outputs the demodulated data to the bus 126.

The calling circuit 110 inputs telephone number information in response to a signal from the bus 126, and sends DT to the signal line 110a.
This is a circuit that outputs an MF selection signal.

The addition circuit 112 is a circuit that inputs information on the signal line 108a and information on the signal line 110a, and outputs a result of the addition to the signal line 112a.

The reading circuit 114 is a circuit for outputting read data to the bus 126.

The recording circuit 116 is a circuit for sequentially recording information output to the bus 126 line by line.

The memory circuit 118 is a work memory (RAM) that stores raw information of read data and encoded information, and transmits received information and decoded information to the bus 126. Is a memory to be stored via

In the third embodiment, the "ring-type broadcast transmission" means, for example, the facsimile machine FAX _A
Are facsimile machines FAX _B , FAX _C , FAX _D , FA
To X _E, when transmitting the same transmission original, FAX _B from the facsimile apparatus FAX _A, facsimile FAX _B
To FAX _C , facsimile machine FAX _C to FAX _D ,
The transmission of the information of the transmission original in a ring type, such as facsimile apparatuses FAX _D to FAX _E and facsimile apparatuses FAX _E to FAX _A.

In the third embodiment, transmitting image information first in one ring-type broadcast transmission is referred to as "first transmission", and the first transmission facsimile apparatus is referred to as "first transmission". Called "earliest transmitter". For example,
The earliest transmitter is the facsimile machine FAX _A in the ring type broadcast transmission. Further, the image information to be transmitted to the next destination, the information of the ring-type broadcast transmission received by the facsimile machine in the ring-type broadcast transmission,
This is called "ring-type broadcast reception information".

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the contents registered in the memory circuit 118 of the facsimile apparatus FS3.

The memory circuit 118 has a nickname indicating the contents of the information to be transmitted by the ring broadcast, information indicating whether or not to transmit first, and indicates that the received information is information to be transmitted by the ring broadcast. A subaddress signal, a next destination,
This is a memory for registering the first transmitter in association with each other.

For example, as shown in FIG.
"Kindergarten circulation" is registered as a nickname, "None" is registered as information indicating whether or not to transmit first, and "2234" indicating that the received information is information to be transmitted by ring-type broadcast is a sub-address signal. And register as "03
-3111-4444 "as the next destination and" 03
-3111-1111 "is registered as the earliest transmitter.
In addition, "Kindergarten circular (nickname)" and "No"
And "2234 (sub address signal)" and "03-311"
1-4444 (next destination) "and" 03-3111-111 "
1 (earliest transmitter) "and a ring-type broadcast number" 0 "which is an identification number assigned to one ring-type broadcast.
2 and is registered in the memory circuit 118.

The memory circuit 118 is a memory for registering its own telephone number. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 (2), the memory circuit 118 uses "03-3111-5555" as its own telephone number. Register at 118.

The operation unit 120 includes a one-touch dial, a speed dial, a numeric keypad, a * key, a # key, a start key, a stop key, a set key, a ring-type broadcast transmission start selection key, a registration key for the memory circuit 118, and an incoming call mode. It has a selection key and other function keys, and outputs information on the pressed key to the bus 126. The ring-type broadcast transmission start selection key is a key for selecting the earliest transmission of the information to be transmitted in the ring-type broadcast in one ring-type broadcast transmission. The incoming call mode selection key is a key used to set an incoming call mode.

The facsimile apparatus FS3 has an automatic incoming call mode, a manual incoming call mode, and F / T (FAX / TEL).
This is a facsimile apparatus having three incoming call modes, an automatic switching incoming call mode.

The operation unit 120 has a display unit (not shown). When information output to the bus 126 is input, the display unit displays an image based on the input information.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 122 has a ROM
In accordance with the control program stored in the facsimile machine 124, the whole facsimile apparatus FS3 is controlled and a facsimile transmission control procedure is executed.

The ROM 124 is a memory in which various control programs are stored.
A program capable of transmitting a ring-type broadcast of two pieces of information, a nickname indicating the content of the information to be transmitted in a ring-type broadcast, and the received information being the information to be transmitted in the ring-type broadcast. A subaddress signal indicating the following, a next destination, and a registration procedure for associating and registering the first transmitter, which is an image communication device that first transmits image information in one ring-type broadcast, and a ring-type broadcast If a communication error occurs during communication of image information during transmission, a notification procedure for notifying that the communication error has occurred to the earliest transmitter registered in the registration procedure, and the earliest transmission in the notification procedure This is a program that causes the CPU 122 to execute an incoming call mode setting procedure for setting a predetermined incoming call mode after notifying the communication device that the communication error has occurred. Specifically, the predetermined incoming call mode is a manual incoming call mode.

Further, when a predetermined time elapses after the predetermined incoming mode is set, the control program changes the incoming mode set immediately before setting the predetermined incoming mode to the incoming mode. Setting procedure by CPU
122 is a program to be executed.

Next, the operation of the facsimile machine FS3 will be described.

FIGS. 12 to 16 show a facsimile apparatus FS3.
5 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the first embodiment.

The memory circuit 118 is initialized via the bus 126 (S 102).
The display unit of the operation unit 120 is cleared (S104), and the bus 1
26, the CML of the NCU 102 is turned off (S1).
06).

Subsequently, the operation unit 12 is connected via the bus 126.
0, the nickname, the information indicating whether or not to transmit first, the sub-address signal, the next destination, and the above-mentioned first transmitter can be registered. It is determined whether or not the selection has been made (S108). When the registration of the above five elements is selected, the above five elements are associated with the ring-type broadcast number via the bus 126, for example, as shown in FIG. As shown in 1), the data is stored in the memory circuit 118 (S110).

Subsequently, the operation unit 12 is connected via the bus 126.
Then, it is determined whether or not the registration of the telephone number of the own device is selected (S112). If the registration of the telephone number of the own device is selected, the information is entered via the bus 126.
The telephone number of the own device is stored in the memory circuit 118, for example, as shown in FIG. 11 (2) (S114).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a calling signal has been detected (S116). If no calling signal has been detected, other processing is executed (S118).

If a call signal is detected (S116), it is determined whether or not the currently set incoming call mode is the automatic incoming call mode (S120). If the currently set incoming call mode is the automatic incoming call mode, it is determined. , N via bus 126
The CML of the CU 102 is turned on (S122), and a pre-procedure is executed (S124). In the pre-procedure, the reception of the SUB (sub address) signal is notified to the partner transmitter.

Subsequently, it is determined whether a SUB signal has been received (S126). If a SUB signal has not been received, an image signal is received / recorded (S128), and a post-procedure is executed (S126).
130).

If a SUB signal is received (S126), it is determined whether the received SUB signal is a signal indicating 2234 (S132). If the received SUB signal is not a signal indicating 2234, the received sub-address is determined. The communication control based on the signal is executed (S134).

If the received SUB signal is a signal indicating 2234 (S132), the image signal is received / recorded in the memory (S136), and the subsequent procedure is executed (S138).
6 to turn off the CML of the NCU 102 (S14).
0), it is determined whether there is a communication error with the partner transmitter (S142).

If there is a communication error with the partner transmitter (S142), the fact that there is a communication error with the partner transmitter is notified to the earliest transmitter registered in the memory circuit 118. , Wait for 60 seconds (S144), and turn on the CML of the NCU 102 via the bus 126 (S1).
46), making a call to 03-3111-1111 using the calling circuit 110 via the bus 126 (S148);
The pre-procedure is executed (S150). In this previous step,
Does not transmit SUB signal.

Subsequently, the message "Ring-type broadcast transmission which has just been communicated has failed. 03-3111-5555 (telephone number of the facsimile machine FS3)" is given as follows.
The message is transmitted to the earliest transmitter (S152), the post-procedure is executed (S153), and the manual incoming call mode is set via the bus 126 (S154). Note that, after 20 minutes have passed since the manual incoming call mode was set in step S154, the automatic incoming call mode that was set immediately before the manual incoming call mode was set is set again. The time from when the manual incoming call mode is set to when the automatic incoming call mode is set again may be set to a time other than the above-described 20 minutes.

In step S142, if there is no communication error with the other party's transmitter, the ring type broadcast reception information received in the memory is transmitted to the next destination. , NCU102
(S158), and via the bus 126,
Using the calling circuit 110, 03-3111-4444
(S160) and execute the pre-procedure (S16).
2). In this pre-procedure, the signal indicating 2234 is set to SU
Transmit as a B signal.

Subsequently, the ring-type broadcast reception information received in the memory is transmitted (S164), and the post-procedure is executed (S16).
6) The CML of the NCU 102 is turned off via the bus 126 (S168), and it is determined whether or not there is a communication error with the facsimile machine of the next destination (S170). If there is no communication error,
Since the ring-type broadcast reception information has been successfully transmitted to the next destination facsimile machine, the process proceeds to step S106.

If there is a communication error with the next destination facsimile machine (S170), the first transmitter registered in the memory circuit 118 reports that there is a communication error with the next destination facsimile machine. , So step S
Proceed to 144.

In step S120, the currently set incoming call mode is not the automatic incoming call mode (S12).
0), it is determined whether the currently set incoming call mode is the F / T automatic switching incoming call mode (S172). If the currently set incoming call mode is the F / T automatic switching incoming call mode, the bus is determined. The CML of the NCU 102 is turned on via 126 (S174), and it is determined whether or not a facsimile signal (for example, a CNG signal) is detected within a predetermined time, for example, within 10 seconds (S176). If a facsimile signal is detected, this reception is facsimile reception, and the process proceeds to step S124 to execute the pre-procedure.

If the currently set incoming call mode is the manual incoming call mode (S172), or if no facsimile signal is detected within 10 seconds (S176), an operator call is executed (S178). It is determined whether or not the operator has responded within a predetermined time, for example, within 30 seconds after executing the operator call (S180).
If the operator responds within 0 seconds, the call is executed (S182). If the operator does not respond within 30 seconds (S180), the process proceeds to step S106.

According to the third embodiment, when a communication error occurs during transmission or reception of ring-type broadcast reception information, the earliest transmitter registered in the memory circuit 118 Facsimile machine F that a communication error has occurred
S3 can automatically notify. In addition, since the manual reception mode is set in the facsimile apparatus FS3 for 20 minutes after notifying the first transmitter that a communication error has occurred, the user of the first transmitter can make a call to the facsimile apparatus FS3. Can be. In this case,
It is possible to promptly notify the user of the first transmitter and the user of the facsimile machine FS3 about the occurrence of the communication error.

Note that the memory circuit 118, the operation unit 120, the CPU 122, and the ROM 124 indicate that the nickname indicating the content of the information to be transmitted in the ring form and that the received information is the information to be transmitted in the ring form. This is an example of registration means for registering a subaddress signal, a next destination, and an earliest transmitter, which is an image communication device that first transmits image information in one ring-type broadcast, in association with each other. And the ROM 124
If a communication error occurs during communication of image information in the ring-type broadcast transmission, it is an example of a notification unit that notifies the earliest transmitter registered in the registration unit that the communication error has occurred, The CPU 122 and the ROM 124 are examples of incoming mode setting means for setting a predetermined incoming mode after the notifying means notifies the earliest transmitter that the communication error has occurred.
Is an example of means for setting again the incoming call mode set immediately before setting the above-mentioned predetermined incoming call mode when a predetermined time elapses after setting the above-mentioned predetermined incoming call mode.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 17 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the facsimile machine FS4 according to the embodiment of FIG.

The facsimile apparatus FS4 sets the facsimile apparatus FS3 to the FAX / TEL automatic switching incoming call mode instead of setting the manual incoming call mode after notifying the earliest transmitter that a communication error has occurred. Device.

The operation of the facsimile apparatus FS4 is as follows.
Since the operation is basically the same as that of the third embodiment,
FIG. 17 shows only parts different from the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

Step S15 shown in the third embodiment.
3, the post-procedure is executed (S190), and the bus 126 is executed.
To set the F / T automatic switching incoming call mode via (S1)
92). After 20 minutes have passed since the F / T automatic switching incoming call mode was set in step S192, the F / T
The automatic incoming call mode set immediately before setting the / T automatic switching incoming call mode is set again. Further, the time from when the F / T automatic switching incoming call mode is set to when the automatic incoming call mode is set again may be set to a time other than the above-described 20 minutes. Subsequently, step S1
It proceeds to 06 (S194).

According to the fourth embodiment, for 20 minutes after notifying the earliest transmitter that a communication error has occurred,
Since the F / T automatic switching incoming call mode is set in the facsimile apparatus FS4, the user of the earliest transmitter can call the facsimile apparatus FS4. In this case, the fact that the communication error has occurred is communicated to the user of the earliest transmitter and the facsimile machine FS4.
Can be quickly contacted with another user.
Further, if the facsimile machine FS4 receives a facsimile reception from a predetermined facsimile machine in the above 20 minutes, the facsimile reception can be automatically received, thereby facilitating use.

The third and fourth embodiments may be applied to an image communication apparatus other than a facsimile apparatus.

[0129]

According to the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, when image information is transmitted to the next destination in ring-type broadcast transmission, the probability that the image information can be automatically transmitted is increased. This has the effect that it can be performed.

Further, according to the inventions set forth in claims 8 to 11, a communication error occurs during communication of image information in ring-type broadcast transmission, and the above-mentioned image is not transmitted in one ring-type broadcast transmission. The user of the earliest transmitter, which is the image communication device that has transmitted the information first, knows that this communication error has occurred, and sends the first image communication device, which is the image communication device in which the communication error has occurred, to the first image communication device. When the user of the transmitter makes a call, the user of the earliest transmitter can make a call to the first image communication apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile machine FS1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a facsimile apparatus FS according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of contents registered in a memory circuit 18 included in No. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship among the type of image information, the number of times redialing is performed, and the interval at which redialing is performed when redialing is performed in order to transmit image information in the facsimile apparatus FS1. It is.

FIG. 4 is a facsimile apparatus F in the first embodiment.
It is a flowchart which shows the control operation of S1.

FIG. 5 is a facsimile apparatus F in the first embodiment.
It is a flowchart which shows the control operation of S1.

FIG. 6 shows a facsimile apparatus F according to the first embodiment.
It is a flowchart which shows the control operation of S1.

FIG. 7 is a facsimile apparatus F in the first embodiment.
It is a flowchart which shows the control operation of S1.

FIG. 8 shows the type of image information when the facsimile machine FS2 performs redialing to transmit image information, the cause of communication loss with the receiver, and the number of times redialing is performed. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a relationship between the redialing interval and an interval at which redialing is performed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the facsimile machine FS2.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus FS3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of contents registered in a memory circuit 118 included in the facsimile apparatus FS3.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the facsimile machine FS3.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of the facsimile machine FS3.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of the facsimile machine FS3.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the facsimile machine FS3.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the facsimile machine FS3.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of the facsimile machine FS4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 FS1, FS2... Facsimile apparatus, 2... NCU, 4... Telephone, 6... Hybrid circuit, 8... Modem, 10... Calling circuit, 12. ... Reading circuit, 16 ... Recording circuit, 18 ... Memory circuit, 20 ... Operation unit, 22 ... CPU, 24 ... ROM, 26 ... Bus, 22a ... CPU, 24a ... ROM, FS3, FS4 ... Facsimile machine, 102 NCU, 104 Telephone, 106 Hybrid circuit, 108 Modulator / demodulator, 110 Calling circuit, 112 Addition circuit, 114 Reading circuit 116, a recording circuit, 118, a memory circuit, 120, an operation unit, 122, a CPU, 124, a ROM, 126, a bus.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04M 11/00 303 H04M 11/00 303

Claims (12)

[Claims] An image communication apparatus capable of transmitting one piece of information in a ring type, capable of performing ring-type broadcast transmission, wherein a nickname indicating the content of the information to be transmitted in a ring-type broadcast and the received information are the ring-type information. Registration means for registering a sub-address signal indicating that the information is information to be broadcast and a next destination in association with each other; and when transmitting predetermined image information to a predetermined destination device, the predetermined image information is A redialing means for redialing the predetermined partner if transmission is not possible to the predetermined partner; a ring which is information that has received the ring-type broadcast transmission to the next destination registered in the registration means; A redial control means for changing the control of the redial executed by the redial means in accordance with whether or not the type broadcast reception information is transmitted. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the redial control means sets a re-dial interval when transmitting the ring-type broadcast reception information to a case where image information other than the ring-type broadcast reception information is transmitted. An image communication apparatus characterized in that it is means for making the interval longer than the re-dial interval in (1). 3. The redial control means according to claim 1, wherein the redial control means determines the number of redials when transmitting the ring-type broadcast reception information by using image information other than the ring-type broadcast reception information. An image communication apparatus characterized in that it is means for increasing the number of redials when transmitting the number. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when the ring-type broadcast reception information cannot be received while the ring-type broadcast reception information is being received, An image communication apparatus comprising: a notification unit that notifies a first cause, which is a cause that the ring-type broadcast reception information cannot be received, to a transmitter that has transmitted the ring-type broadcast reception information. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the first cause is that there is no recording paper for printing an image corresponding to the ring type broadcast reception information, or the ring type broadcast reception information is stored. An image communication apparatus characterized by the fact that the remaining memory capacity of the memory is less than or equal to a predetermined capacity. 6. The redial control unit according to claim 1, wherein the redial control unit determines that the receiver of the next destination cannot receive the ring-type broadcast reception information. An image communication apparatus for changing the control of redialing executed by the redialing means. 7. The redialing control device according to claim 6, wherein the redialing control means has no recording paper for printing an image corresponding to the ring-type broadcast reception information at the receiver of the next destination, or In the case where the ring-type broadcast reception information cannot be transmitted to the receiver of the next destination due to the first cause, which is caused by the remaining memory capacity of the memory storing the broadcast reception information being equal to or less than the predetermined capacity. The re-dial interval is longer than the re-dial interval when the ring-type broadcast reception information cannot be transmitted to the receiver of the next destination due to a second cause other than the first cause. An image communication device, which is a means for lengthening. 8. An image communication apparatus capable of ring-type broadcast transmission of one piece of information in a ring form, wherein the nickname indicating the content of the information to be transmitted in a ring form and the received information are the ring-type broadcast. A sub-address signal indicating information to be broadcast, a next destination, and an earliest transmitter, which is an image communication device that first transmits image information in one ring-type broadcast, are registered in association with each other. Registering means; notifying means for notifying the earliest transmitter registered in the registering means that the communication error has occurred if a communication error occurs during communication of image information in ring-type broadcast transmission; An image communication apparatus, comprising: a notifying mode setting means for setting a predetermined receiving mode after the notifying means notifies the earliest transmitter that the communication error has occurred. 9. The image communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said incoming call mode setting means is means for setting a manual incoming call mode. 10. An image communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said incoming call mode setting means is means for setting a FAX / TEL automatic switching incoming call mode. 11. The incoming call mode setting means according to claim 8, wherein said incoming call mode setting means sets said predetermined incoming call mode when a predetermined time elapses after setting said predetermined incoming call mode. An image communication apparatus characterized in that it is means for setting again the incoming call mode set immediately before the call reception mode. 12. The image communication device according to claim 1, wherein the image communication device is a facsimile device.