JP2002152483A - Facsimile machine and image transmission method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrict an increase in communication costs caused by transmission of unrequired images as much as possible when the images are presented by circulation, etc., in a facsimile machine. SOLUTION: A facsimile machine comprises an image memory 4 for storing original images, and a simple image formation part 11 for forming simple images designating an outline of the original images. Here, the simple images formed by the simple image formation part 11 are transmitted, and when a recipient of the simple images requests the original images corresponding to the simple images, the original images corresponding to those in the image memory 4 are transmitted to the requester. Thus, it is possible to restrict an increase in unrequired communication costs when the originator decides that the original images are unnecessary.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus and an image transmission method using the facsimile apparatus, and more particularly to a facsimile apparatus suitable for providing the same image to a plurality of destinations and an image transmission method using the facsimile apparatus. Things.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, a technique has been proposed in which a transfer path is formed between a plurality of facsimile apparatuses (fax apparatuses) via a public line network, and images are circulated by these facsimile apparatuses.

[0003] Such a technique is disclosed, for example, in JP-A-7-11.
No. 1575. According to the technique disclosed in the above publication, the circulation source facsimile apparatus is configured to transmit the facsimile number (fax number) of each circulation destination facsimile apparatus.
Is transmitted to the first circulation destination facsimile machine together with the image. Each circulation destination facsimile device receives the image and automatically transmits the image and the facsimile number to the next circulation destination facsimile device based on the facsimile number sent together with the image. By sequentially repeating this process, the image is circulated to each circulation destination facsimile device designated by the circulation source facsimile device.

In this technique, each circulation destination facsimile apparatus bears the communication cost of transmitting an image to the next circulation destination facsimile apparatus, so that the communication cost burden situation of each facsimile apparatus can be made substantially equal. It is possible to solve the problem that one circulation source facsimile machine bears all communication costs to each circulation destination facsimile machine.

[0005]

However, in the above technique, even if the image to be circulated is unnecessary for the user of the circulating facsimile apparatus, the user is required to continue the circulation in order to continue the circulation. You have to bear the communication cost to send.

[0006] In particular, in the above technique, since the image to be circulated is an original image, the data amount may be large. If the data amount of the circulated image is large, the time required for communication becomes longer, and the communication cost increases.

Therefore, when an image to be circulated is unnecessary for the user of the circulating facsimile machine,
The user has to bear extra communication costs, and the disadvantage to the user becomes remarkable especially when the data amount of the image is large.

If the data amount of the circulated image is large, the time required for ending the circulation becomes longer, and the efficiency of the circulation becomes worse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to minimize an increase in communication cost due to unnecessary image transmission when providing an image by circulation or the like. Another object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus and an image transmission method capable of realizing efficient transmission.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a transmitting unit capable of transmitting an image to the outside; a receiving unit capable of receiving a signal from the outside; And a simple image creating unit for creating a simple image showing the outline of the original image. The simple image created by the simple image creating unit is transmitted from the transmitting unit, and the simple image is transmitted. When the receiving unit receives a signal indicating that the destination requests the original image corresponding to the simplified image, the corresponding original image in the memory is transmitted to the request source. I have.

In the above arrangement, when providing an image to another facsimile apparatus or the like using this facsimile apparatus, a simple image is first transmitted to determine whether or not the original image is necessary. Provider). Here, since the simple image shows the outline of the original image, the amount of data to be transmitted can be made smaller than that of the original image.

When the recipient needs to view the received simple image and need the corresponding original image, he or she may request the original image corresponding to the received simple image to the facsimile machine as the transmission source. . At this time, the facsimile apparatus transmits the corresponding original image stored in the memory to the request source.

According to this, when the recipient judges that the original image is not necessary, the communication cost incurred is only that required for the transmission of the simple image, that is, the one required for the communication with a smaller data amount. Only, unnecessary increase in communication cost can be suppressed. In particular, when an image for which it is not clear whether or not it is necessary for the recipient is to be provided to a large number of recipients, the above-described effect becomes remarkable.

[0014] Further, by making the data amount of the simple image smaller than the data amount of the original image, the simple image can be sent faster than the original image. If so, an outline of the image to be provided can be provided to all the recipients in a shorter time.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus, the transmitting unit can transmit a signal to the outside, and when transmitting a simple image from the transmitting unit, the simple image is predetermined. It is preferable to add a circulation signal for sequentially transferring and circulating the data to a plurality of destinations, and then transmitting the data.

In the above configuration, the simplified images can be sequentially transferred to a plurality of destinations and circulated. In the conventional configuration, when circulating, the communication cost for transferring the original image has to be borne even if the contents of the circulation are necessary or unnecessary at each transmission destination.
In the above-described configuration, the provider basically bears only the communication cost of the simple image that requires a small communication cost, and the communication cost is separately generated only when there is a provider requiring the original image. can do. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the overall communication cost when circulating.

In the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus, the reception unit may further include a signal indicating that the destination of the simple image requests the original image. Preferably, it is received as a polling request.

In the above configuration, the original image is transmitted to the recipient in response to a polling request from the recipient who needs the original image. Therefore, only the recipient who needs the original image can bear the communication cost for acquiring the original image. This makes it possible to realize a more appropriate communication cost burden.

The polling request is convenient for the provider because the provider can obtain the original image whenever necessary, as long as the original image is stored.

In the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus, when the receiving unit receives a polling request, it is determined whether or not the polling request source is included in the plurality of predetermined destinations. Is preferably determined.

In the above configuration, when a polling request is issued from a person who is not the recipient of the image to be provided, transmission of the image to be provided to the polling request source can be prohibited. . This makes it possible to prevent information leakage when providing a highly confidential image.

In the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus, the circulation signal may include a request source signal indicating a request source requesting the original image at each transmission destination of the simple image. The circulation signal is set to be sequentially transferred to the plurality of predetermined destinations, circulated, and then returned to the receiving unit. When the receiving unit receives the circulation signal, the circulation is performed. It is preferable to transmit the original image to the request source indicated by the request source signal included in the signal.

In the above configuration, since the recipient who needs the original image can be recognized at the end of the circulation, the original image is transmitted to the required recipient immediately thereafter, so that the original image is deleted from the memory early. be able to. Therefore, the memory can be used efficiently.

Further, the above configuration is convenient when the communication cost for transmitting the original image is borne by the transmission source.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus, when the original image can be divided into a plurality of parts, the memory stores the original image for each part, and the simplified image creation unit The receiving unit creates a simple image that can specify each part of the original image, and sends a signal indicating that the destination of the simple image requests the part of the original image specified based on the simple image. Preferably, upon receipt, the corresponding original image portion in the memory is transmitted to the requestor.

In the above configuration, when the original image can be divided for each page, for example, the recipient can request and acquire only the necessary pages instead of all of the original images. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time and communication cost required to acquire a necessary original image.

[0027] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image transmitting method using a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes a step of storing an original image, a step of creating a simple image showing an outline of the original image, Transmitting, and when receiving a signal indicating that the destination of the simple image requests the original image corresponding to the simple image, transmitting the stored corresponding original image to the request source And step.

According to the above-described method, the effects described for the facsimile apparatus can be obtained.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment. This facsimile apparatus is an apparatus having a function as, for example, a group 3 (GIII) facsimile apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile apparatus includes a scanner unit 1, a printing unit 2, an operation display unit 3, an image memory (memory) 4, a parameter memory 5, and a network control unit (NC).
U) 6, FAX modem 7, encoding / decoding unit (DCR)
8, a control unit 9, a system memory 10, and a simple image creation unit 11.

The scanner unit 1 reads a document image at a predetermined resolution and obtains image information for transmission. The printing unit 2 prints (records and outputs) image information received from another facsimile machine at a predetermined resolution. The operation display unit 3 is used for instructing various operations as a facsimile apparatus and inputting data, and includes a plurality of operation keys and a display.

The image memory 4 stores image information read by the scanner unit 1 (including image information subjected to predetermined image processing before transmission such as encoding processing) over multiple pages. Memory. In an apparatus having a function of storing received image information in a memory and outputting the image information, the received image information is also stored in the image memory 4.

The parameter memory 5 is a memory for storing various information unique to the facsimile machine.
The parameter memory 5 is a circulation information storage unit 5 for storing circulation information to be added to an image to be circulated.
a.

The network control unit 6 is for connecting the facsimile apparatus to a public telephone line, and has an automatic transmission / reception function. The FAX modem 7 has a group 3
A low-speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals, and a high-speed modem function mainly for exchanging image information (compressed image signals) for executing a facsimile modem function. Function (V.33
Modem, 29 modem, V.29. 27ter modem etc.). The network control unit 6 and the FAX modem 7 constitute a transmission unit and a reception unit, and these transmit and receive images and signals to and from the outside.

The encoding / decoding section 8 encodes and compresses the image information to be transmitted, and decodes the received image information (encoded and compressed image signal) to restore the image signal before compression. .

The control unit 9 controls main operations of the facsimile apparatus. The control unit 9 includes a scanner unit 1, a printing unit 2, an operation display unit 3, a network control unit 6, a FAX modem 7, and an encoding / decoding unit 8. By controlling the operation and storing and reading data in and from the image memory 4, parameter memory 5, and system memory 10, processing for facsimile transmission including circular transfer is performed.

The system memory 10 is a memory for storing a control program executed by the control unit 9 and various data necessary for executing the control program. Further, the system memory 10 constitutes a work area when executing the control program.

The simple image creating unit 11 creates a simple image for circulation described later from an original image which is an original image read by the scanner unit 1. Here, the simple image indicates an outline of the original image, and for example, the following can be considered. If the original image includes a plurality of pages, the first page is used as a simplified image, or each page is reduced and combined into one page (for example, a small image such as a thumbnail is combined into one page). May be considered as a simple image. Also,
A rough image in which the resolution of the original image is reduced may be used as the simple image. Such a simple image can have a smaller data amount than the original image.

The scanner unit 1, the printing unit 2, the operation display unit 3, the image memory 4, the parameter memory 5, the network control unit 6, the FAX modem 7, the encoding / decoding unit 8, the control unit 9, the system memory 10 , And the simple image creating unit 11 are connected to a system bus 12, and data transmission between these elements is mainly performed via the system bus 12. Further, the network control device 6 and the FAX modem 7
It is connected so that direct data transmission is possible.

Next, a procedure when the facsimile apparatus performs transmission or reception will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing signals transmitted and received in a time series when communication is performed using the facsimile apparatus. In the following description, a facsimile machine on the transmission side (hereinafter, “FA on the transmission side”)
X ". ) And a receiving-side facsimile machine (hereinafter, referred to as a “receiving-side FAX”).

First, at the start of transmission, the transmitting FAX
The call signal CNG is transmitted to the receiving FAX. Receiver FA
When X recognizes the call signal CNG, it receives the call response signal CE.
D is returned to the sending FAX. Also, the receiving FAX
A signal NSF indicating a function that is not standardized but can be executed in the receiving FAX, such as a circulation function (function of the present embodiment) and a confidential function, a signal CSI indicating a telephone number (fax number) of the receiving FAX, A signal DIS indicating the performance of the receiving FAX such as the transmission speed and the maximum receiving width is returned to the transmitting FAX.

Upon completion of reception of the above four signals (CED, NSF, CSI, DIS) from the receiving FAX, the transmitting FAX is not standardized, such as a circulation function and a confidential function. A signal NSS indicating a function executable in the FAX is transmitted to the receiving FAX. The transmitting FAX is a signal TS indicating the telephone number of the transmitting FAX.
I, a signal DCS indicating the performance of the transmission-side FAX such as the transmission speed and the maximum reception width is transmitted to the reception-side FAX.

Further, the transmitting FAX transmits the training signal Tr and the training check signal TCF to the receiving FAX. When the training is completed, the receiving FAX returns a signal CFR indicating that the preparation for reception is completed to the transmitting FAX.

After receiving the signal CFR from the receiving FAX, the transmitting FAX transmits an image data signal (image signal) PIX indicating an image to be transmitted to the receiving FAX. When the image to be transmitted extends over a plurality of pages, the transmitting FAX transmits the image data signal PIX for the first page, and then transmits the multi-page signal MPS to the receiving FAX. The receiving FAX that has received the multi-page signal MPS following the image data signal PIX returns a message confirmation signal MCF to the transmitting FAX.

Thereafter, the operation of transmitting the image data signal PIX and the multi-page signal MPS from the transmitting FAX to the receiving FAX and the operation of returning the message confirmation signal MCF from the receiving FAX to the transmitting FAX are transmitted. It is repeated for the number of times smaller by one page than the number of pages of the image.

After transmitting the image data signal PIX indicating the image of the last page, the transmitting FAX transmits the last page signal EOP. The receiving FAX that has received the last page signal EOP returns a message confirmation signal MCF to the transmitting FAX. The transmission-side FAX that has received the message confirmation signal MCF transmits a line close signal DCN to the reception-side FAX to disconnect the line.

Next, circulation transmission by the facsimile apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing circulation transmission using the facsimile apparatus.

When performing the circulation transmission, in a circulation group constituted by a plurality of facsimile apparatuses F1 to Fn, any one of the facsimile apparatuses belonging to the circulation group can transmit all the facsimile apparatuses F1 to F1 in the circulation group.
Images to be circulated (hereinafter referred to as “circulated images”) are sequentially transferred to Fn in a specific order. The circulation group is constructed in advance. Then, in the facsimile apparatus which starts circulation transmission, a code for specifying a circulation group (hereinafter, referred to as "group code").
, And the circulation transmission operation can be started without inputting the facsimile number of the circulation destination.

Here, the process of constructing the circulation group will be described. When constructing a circulation group, first, the circulation destination registration information is created in one facsimile apparatus (for example, the facsimile apparatus F1) in which the circulation group is to be constructed. The circulation destination registration information includes a code indicating the transmission of the circulation, a group code, and the facsimile apparatuses F1 to Fn belonging to the circulation group.
, A code indicating the facsimile machine that started circulation, information indicating the circulation order, and the like.

The information for registering the circulation destination created by the facsimile machine F1 for constructing the circulation group is put on the signal NSS (see FIG. 2) of the non-standard function of the transmitting side, and is transmitted to another facsimile belonging to the circulation group. The data is sequentially transferred to the devices F2 to Fn. In the facsimile machines F2 to Fn that have received the circulation destination registration information, the circulation information to be used when performing the circulation transfer is extracted from the circulation destination registration information and stored therein.

That is, each of the facsimile machines F2 to Fn
Reads the circulation information from the received circulation destination registration information, and stores the read circulation information in the circulation information storage unit 5a (see FIG. 1) in the parameter memory 5. Store. Thereafter, the facsimile machine at the transfer destination indicated by the circulation destination registration information (F2-
The transmission destination registration information is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus to which the transmission destination registration information has not been transmitted among Fn.

When the above operation has been executed in all of the facsimile machines F2 to Fn constituting the circulation group, the circulation destination registration information is transmitted to the facsimile machine F1 (master) serving as a starting point. Thereby, in the facsimile machine F1, it is confirmed that the circulation information is stored in all of the facsimile machines F1 to Fn belonging to the circulation group.

Therefore, hereinafter, the facsimile apparatus F
In 1 to Fn, circulation information necessary for circulation can be used without manually inputting data.

When circulating the circulation destination registration information in order to construct a circulation group as described above, a circulation test image which is a test image may be transmitted together. Alternatively, instead of the circulation test image, a circulation image which is an image to be circulated may be transmitted together, and the first circulation may be performed simultaneously with the construction of the circulation group.

A method of transmitting an image to a circulation group using the circulation group constructed as described above will be described below.

[First Embodiment] A first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram conceptually showing a method of transmitting an image in the present embodiment. Here, a case will be described in which a facsimile device F1 is a starting point of a circulation (hereinafter, referred to as a “circulation source”) in a circulation group including the facsimile devices F1 to F4.

The facsimile machine F1, which is the circulation source, reads a document by the scanner unit 1 and stores the read document image in the image memory 4 as an original image. In this case, the manuscript has four pages, each of which has an original image OP.
1 to OP4. The original images OP1 to OP4 are images to be polled and transmitted by a polling request described later. Therefore, the original images OP1 to OP4 are stored in a box which is a predetermined area of the image memory 4, and the box is associated with a polling number.

The simple image creating section 11 of the facsimile machine F1 creates a simple image SP based on the original images OP1 to OP4. The simple image is such as to show the outline of the original image as described above, and here, the original images OP1 to OP4 are reduced and combined on one page.

Then, the facsimile machine F1 starts circulation. At this time, the facsimile device F1 transmits only the simple image SP to the facsimile device F2 without transmitting the original images OP1 to OP4.

The signal NSS (see FIG. 2) when the facsimile machine F1 transmits the simplified image SP contains the contents shown in FIG. Here, the signal NSS will be described. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the content of the signal NSS in the present embodiment.

At the head of the signal NSS, three types of codes, an NSS code C0 indicating the signal NSS, a CCITT members code C1, and a maker code C3, are set. After these codes, an FIF (facsimile information field) (circulation signal, circulation transfer mode signal) is set. The above non-standard functions (confidential transmission and circular transmission)
Shown as code in IF. Further, the circulation destination registration information and the circulation information are also indicated as codes in the FIF.

That is, the code in the FIF refers to relay transmission (transmission processing for relaying data received from another facsimile apparatus and transferring the data to another facsimile apparatus. Circulation transmission is also included in relay transmission. ), And a code C for identifying the type (normal image or simple image) of the circular image transmitted by circular transmission.
4, a code C5 indicating the number of frames corresponding to the number of original images, a group code C6 for identifying a circulation group, and a circulation source number C7 which is a telephone number of a facsimile machine as a circulation source (here, the facsimile machine F1
The telephone number is used to finally return to the circulation source that the circulation transfer has been completed. ) And telephone numbers (circulation destination numbers) C8 of all the facsimile machines F1 to F4 belonging to the circulation group.

The facsimile apparatus F2 that has received the signal NSS identifies that the transmission is a circulation transmission based on the code C3. The group code C6 is compared with the circulation information stored in the circulation information storage unit 5a in the parameter memory 5. When it is confirmed by this collation processing that the group code C6 matches the circulation information, the circulation group to which the facsimile apparatus F2 belongs is identified, and the circulation destination to be transmitted next (here Then, the facsimile apparatus F3) is recognized.

It should be noted that the circulation information can also include information on a change in circulation order in addition to the group code C6 as described above. That is, by setting a code for changing the order of circulation in the FIF,
The order of the circulation can be changed every time the circulation is transmitted. And if you want to be able to change the order of the circulars,
The priority of the circulation order in the circulation can be changed according to the contents of the image of the circulation, and the usability is improved. If there is a busy facsimile machine in the circulation transfer, the order of circulation to the busy facsimile machine can be changed to a backward order.

The facsimile apparatus F2 receives the signal NSS
Is received, an image data signal PIX of the simplified image SP, which is a circulation image, is received. Then, the facsimile machine F
2 forwards the signal NSS and the received image data signal PIX of the simplified image SP to the facsimile machine F3.

Such processing is performed by the facsimile machine F3.
The same goes for F4, where the simple image SP is circulated and transferred to the facsimile machine F1, and the circulation of the simple image SP ends. In this embodiment, the circulation transfer of the simplified image SP from the facsimile machine F4 to the facsimile machine F1 is not always necessary, but by performing this, it is possible to confirm that the circulation of the simplified image SP is completed successfully in the facsimile machine F1. Desirable.

The facsimile machines F2 to F4 which have received the simple image SP print the received simple image SP on paper or the like by the printing unit 2. The user of each of the facsimile apparatuses F2 to F4 can determine whether or not the original images OP1 to OP4 are necessary by looking at the printed simple image SP. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the users of the facsimile apparatuses F2 and F4 have determined that the original images OP1 to OP4 are not necessary, and that the user of the facsimile apparatus F3 is necessary.

The user of the facsimile machine F3 which needs the original images OP1 to OP4 requests the facsimile machine F3 to poll the facsimile machine F1 for the original images OP1 to OP4. In the facsimile machine F1, the network controller 6 receives a polling request. Here, the polling request refers to a request from the facsimile machine F3 as the request source to the facsimile machine F1 as the request destination.
, And designates an area (box) of the image memory 4 in the facsimile apparatus F1, and transmits a signal for instructing the facsimile apparatus F3 which is the request source to transmit the image stored in the area. That means.

The operation to be performed by the user of the facsimile machine F3 when making a polling request will be described with reference to FIGS.
It will be described based on. FIG. 6 to FIG. 8 are diagrams for explaining the operation at the time of making a polling request.
P and the display state of the operation display unit 3 when making a polling request.

FIG. 6 shows a case where a polling number associated with a box storing the original images OP1 to OP4 is added to the simple image SP. In this case, the operation display unit 3 displays a comment inquiring about a polling number when performing polling. The user
A polling request can be made by inputting the polling number shown in the simple image SP. At this time,
As shown in FIG. 4, the facsimile apparatus F3 accesses the facsimile apparatus F1 as the circulation source based on the telephone number of the circulation source included in the signal NSS received at the time of circulation, and the polling number input by the signal NSS at that time. Is transmitted to the facsimile machine F1. Facsimile machine F1
Then, based on the received polling number, the original image OP1 stored in the box corresponding to the number is received.
To OP4, the facsimile machine F that is the polling request source
3 is transmitted by polling. Thereby, the facsimile apparatus F3 can receive the original images OP1 to OP4. At this time, the communication cost can be set so as to be borne by the facsimile machine F3 which is the polling request source.

FIG. 7 shows a case where polling numbers associated with the original images OP1 to OP4 are transmitted from the circulation source. In this case, the polling number may not be described in the simple image SP, and the FI
The polling number may be included in F (for example, after the circulation destination number C8). In the facsimile machine F3, the polling number transmitted is automatically acquired, and the polling number acquired to the degree of confirmation is added together with the comment for inquiring the user whether to execute a polling request for receiving the original images OP1 to OP4. May be displayed on the operation display unit 3. In this case, the user only has to select whether or not to receive the original images OP1 to OP4. Subsequent processing of the facsimile machine F1 and the facsimile machine F3 is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 simply shows the original images OP1 to OP
This is a case where not only selection of whether or not to receive the original image OP4 but also selection of which page (part) of the original images OP1 to OP4 to receive can be made. This selection is performed after the processing such as the specification of the polling number described with reference to FIG. 6 or FIG. In this case, the frame numbers (No. 1 to No. 4) of the original images OP1 to OP4 are added to the simple image SP. The facsimile apparatus F3 displays a comment for inquiring the user about the frame numbers of the original images OP1 to OP4 to be received. The user can select and acquire a required image by inputting the frame number indicated in the simple image SP. In order to make this selection possible, the facsimile machine F1 stores the original images OP1 to OP4 in a box for each page, and associates the frame number with the polling number of each box. In this case, the original images OP1 to OP1
Since only a necessary page can be requested instead of all of the OP4, it is possible to reduce the time and communication cost required to acquire a necessary original image.

The above processing will be described with reference to a flowchart.

First, the facsimile machine F1 as the circulation source
Will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing when the facsimile machine F1 that is the circulation source performs circulation transmission in the present embodiment.

When the mode for performing circular transmission is set in the facsimile apparatus F1, the user is prompted to select whether or not to transmit the simple image SP (step S10). If the simple image SP is not to be circulated and transmitted, the scanner unit 1 scans the original image and scans the original image OP.
The image information of 1 to OP4 is read (step S11),
Circulation transmission is performed using the image information (step S12).
Note that the processing for circulation transmission is based on the procedure described with reference to FIG. 2, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

On the other hand, when circulating and transmitting the simple image SP, the original images OP1 to OP are transmitted as in step S11.
The image information of P4 is read (step S13), and the image information is stored in a predetermined box of the image memory 4 (step S14). Then, image information of the simple image SP is created based on the image information (step S15), and circulation transmission is performed using the image information of the simple image SP (step S16).

Next, the facsimile machine F2 as the circulation destination
The processing in F4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the facsimile machines F2 to F4, which are circulation destinations, perform circulation reception in this embodiment.

When the facsimile machines F2 to F4 receive the circulation transmission, it is determined whether or not the circulation image is the simple image SP based on the code C4 of the signal NSS (see FIG. 5) (step S20). Here, when the circulation image is not the simple image SP, that is, the original images OP1 to OP1
If it is OP4, the image is circulated and transferred to the next circulating destination (step S21). The printing unit 2 prints the received original images OP1 to OP4 (step S22).

On the other hand, if the circulated image is the simple image SP, the circulated image is transferred to the next circulating destination similarly to step S21 (step S23). Step S2
2 to print the simple image SP (step S2)
4). It is not always necessary to print the simple image SP, and if the operation display unit 3 can display the simple image SP, the simple image SP may be displayed without printing.

Then, the user is made to select whether or not to make a polling request (step S25). Here, if no polling request is made, the process ends. When a polling request is made, the user inputs a polling number or a frame number as necessary (step S2).
6) A polling request is issued to the facsimile machine F1 (step S27). Then, the original image requested from the facsimile machine F1 is received (step S28), and the received original image is printed (step S29).

Next, the facsimile machine F1 as the circulation source
In the following, a process performed when a polling request is issued from a circulation destination will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing performed when the facsimile machine F1 that is the circulation source receives a polling request in the present embodiment.

When there is a polling request (step S3
0), it is determined whether the polling request is from the circulation group (step S31). If the polling request is from the circulation group, the requested original image is polled and transmitted to the polling request source (step S31). S3
2). In step S31, whether or not the polling request is from the circulation group may be determined based on the telephone number of the polling request source. As described above, by determining whether or not the polling request is from the circulation group, it is possible to prevent information leakage particularly in a case where the original image is an image with high confidentiality.

The facsimile machine F1 as the circulation source
Then, a time limit for storing the original image may be set, the time limit may be notified to the circulation destination together with the simplified image, and the original image may be deleted after the time limit.

[Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram conceptually showing a method of transmitting an image in the present embodiment. As in the first embodiment, a case will be described in which a facsimile device F1 is a circulation source in a circulation group including facsimile devices F1 to F4.

As in the first embodiment, the facsimile machine F1 serving as a circulation source reads a document by the scanner unit 1 and converts the read document image into the original images OP1 to OP.
4 is stored in the image memory 4. Original image OP
1 to OP4 are images to be transmitted (broadcast transmission) to the request source according to the original request included in the circulation result signal NSS as described later. Therefore, the original images OP1 to OP4 are stored in a box which is a predetermined area of the image memory 4.

The facsimile machine F1 creates a simple image SP as in the first embodiment, and transmits only the simple image SP to the facsimile machine F2.

The signal NSS (see FIG. 2) when the facsimile machine F1 transmits the simplified image SP contains the contents shown in FIG. Here, the signal NSS will be described. FIG. 13 shows the signal NS in the present embodiment.
It is a conceptual diagram which shows the content of S.

The signal NSS of this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that an original request C9 is included after the circulation destination number C8.

In the present embodiment, the simple images SP received by the facsimile machines F2 to F4, which are circulation destinations, are printed before the circulation transfer. Each facsimile machine F2-F
The user No. 4 can determine whether or not the original images OP1 to OP4 are necessary by looking at the printed simple image SP.
Here, it is assumed that the user of the facsimile machine F2 has determined that the original images OP1 to OP4 are not necessary, and has determined that the users of the facsimile machines F3 and F4 are necessary.

First, the user of the facsimile machine F3, who needs the original images OP1 to OP4,
Before the circular transfer of P, processing for the original request is performed. When the simple image SP is circulated and transferred to the facsimile machine F4, the contents of the original request by the user of the facsimile machine F3 are transmitted to the original request C of the signal NSS.
9 and transfer the circulation. At this time, the content registered in the original request C9 is the telephone number (original request source number (request source signal) C9a) of the facsimile machine F3. When the user can select a necessary frame, a frame number C9b associated with the original request source number C9a is registered in the original request C9.

When performing this processing, the facsimile machine F3
The operation to be performed by the user will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation when making the original request, and shows the simplified image SP and the display state of the operation display unit 3 when making the original request.
FIG. 14 is substantially the same as FIG. 7 in the first embodiment, in that the polling number is not displayed and a comment indicating that the original image is transmitted after circulation is displayed. The user may select whether to receive the original image based on this display. Further, as described with reference to FIG. 8 in the first embodiment, the user may be able to select a necessary frame.

When the above-mentioned operation for making the original request is completed, the facsimile machine F3 registers the contents of the original request in the original request C9 of the signal NSS and forwards it to the facsimile machine F4. The same processing as that of the facsimile machine F3 is performed in the facsimile machine F4. Then, the signal NSS in which the original request C9 is registered is circulated and transferred to the facsimile machine F1 by the facsimile machines F3 and F4, and the circulation ends.

After the circulation is completed, the facsimile machine F1 recognizes the contents of the original request C9 of the signal NSS received from the facsimile machine F4, and
The necessary original image is broadcasted to the facsimile machines F3 and F4 that require P4. Thus, the users of the facsimile apparatuses F3 and F4 can obtain the original images.

The above processing will be described with reference to a flowchart. Note that the process of starting circulation in the facsimile machine F1, which is the circulation source, is substantially the same as that in the first embodiment, and will not be described here.

Facsimile machines F2 to F4 as circulation destinations
Will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the facsimile machines F2 to F4, which are circulation destinations, perform circulation reception in the present embodiment. Steps equivalent to those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

When the facsimile machines F2 to F4 receive the circulation transmission, it is determined whether or not the circulation image is the simple image SP (step S20). Here, if the circulated image is not the simple image SP, the original images OP1 to OP4 received by the printing unit 2 are printed (step S2).
2). The image is circulated and transferred to the next circulation destination (step S21).

On the other hand, if the circulation image is a simple image SP, the simple image SP is printed or displayed as in step S22 (step S24). Then, the user is made to select whether or not to make an original request (step S2).
5). Here, if the original is not requested, the process proceeds to step S23. When the original is requested, the frame number is input by the user as needed (step S26). Then, the original request source number and the frame number are registered in the signal NSS (step S50), and the simple image SP is circulated and transferred to the next circulation destination together with the NSS (step S23).

Next, the facsimile machine F1 as the circulation source
Will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the facsimile machine F1 as the circulation source after the circulation in this embodiment.

When the circulation end is received from the facsimile machine F4 (step S40), the original images OP1 to OP
It is determined whether or not there is a user requesting P4, that is, whether or not the original request source number C9a is registered in the original request C9 in the signal NSS (step S41). The original images OP1 to OP4 are broadcasted based on the registered original request source number C9a (step S42).

As described above, the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes the image memory 4 for storing the original image, and the simple image creating unit 11 for creating a simple image showing the outline of the original image. The simple image created in step 11 is transmitted to another facsimile machine or the like. And transmitting a signal indicating that the destination of the simple image requests the original image corresponding to the simple image,
When the facsimile apparatus receives the signal, the facsimile apparatus transmits the corresponding original image in the image memory 4 to the request source.

According to this, when it is determined that the original image is not necessary at the transmission destination, only the communication cost required for transmitting the simple image is required, and unnecessary increase of the communication cost can be suppressed. it can.

Further, since a simple image can be transmitted faster than an original image, especially when an image is to be provided to many destinations, the outline of the image to be provided is shorter. It can be provided to all transmission destinations in time.

In the first and second embodiments, as described above, the simplified image is transmitted to each transmission destination (circulation destination) by circulation, so that the transmission cost of the transmission destination is basically small. Only the communication cost of the simple image is borne. Then, when an original image is required at each transmission destination, communication costs can be separately generated. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the overall communication cost when circulating.

In the first embodiment, the transmission destination that requires the original image acquires the original image by the polling request, so that the communication cost can be borne by the party acquiring the original image. This makes it possible to realize a more appropriate communication cost burden. Furthermore, the polling request is convenient for each transmission destination because the original image can be acquired whenever necessary as long as the original image is stored in the facsimile machine F1.

In the first embodiment, the case where the transmission of the simple image is transmitted by circulation has been described. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this, and the transmission may be performed by a method such as broadcast transmission.

In the second embodiment, a request signal (original request source number C9a) indicating a request source that requests an original image is included in a circulation signal (FIF) for circulating a simplified image. It is possible that the circulation signal is sequentially transferred to each transmission destination and circulated, and then returned to the facsimile machine F1 which is the circulation source. Then, the facsimile apparatus F1 transmits the original image to the request source indicated by the request source signal included in the circulation signal. As a result, the facsimile apparatus F1 can recognize the request source that requires the original image at the end of the circulation, and can immediately delete the original image from the image memory 4 by transmitting the original image to the request source immediately thereafter. . Therefore, the image memory 4 can be used efficiently. In this case, it is convenient when the communication cost for transmitting the original image is borne by the circulation source.

In the second embodiment, the case where the transmission of the original image is broadcast is described. However, the second embodiment is not limited to this case. It may be constructed and circulated by that circulation group. Thereby, the burden of the communication cost of the circulation source can be reduced.

[0109]

As described above, the facsimile apparatus of the present invention includes a memory for storing an original image and a simple image creating section for creating a simple image showing the outline of the original image, and transmits the simple image. When a signal indicating that the transmission destination requests the original image corresponding to the simple image is received, the corresponding original image in the memory is transmitted to the request source.

According to this, when the user of the destination facsimile machine (provider) determines that the original image is not necessary, the communication cost incurred is that required for transmission of the simple image, that is, the data amount is increased. It is possible to suppress unnecessary increase in communication cost by using only the communication required for a small number of communication. In particular, when an image for which it is not clear whether or not it is necessary for the recipient is to be provided to a large number of recipients, the above-described effect becomes remarkable.

Further, by making the data amount of the simple image smaller than the data amount of the original image, the simple image can be sent faster than the original image. If so, an outline of the image to be provided can be provided to all the recipients in a shorter time.

The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus described above, further includes a step of transmitting the simplified image to a plurality of predetermined destinations for circulation when transmitting the simplified image. It is preferable to add the circular signal and transmit.

According to this, the provider basically bears only the communication cost of the simple image requiring a small communication cost, and the communication cost is separately generated only when there is a provider who needs the original image. You can make it. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the overall communication cost when circulating.

In the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the facsimile apparatus further receives an original image request as a polling request from a destination of a simplified image.

According to this, only the recipient who needs the original image can bear the communication cost for acquiring the original image. This makes it possible to realize a more appropriate communication cost burden.

The polling request is convenient for the provider because the provider can obtain the original image whenever necessary, as long as the original image is stored.

In the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that, in the facsimile apparatus, when a polling request is received, it is determined whether or not the polling request source is included in the transmission destination.

According to this, when there is a polling request from a person who is not the recipient of the image to be provided,
The transmission of the image to be provided can be prohibited to the polling request source. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the leakage of information when providing a highly confidential image.

In the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus, the circulation signal may further include a request source signal indicating a request source requesting the original image at each transmission destination of the simplified image. It is preferable that the circulation signal is sequentially transferred to the transmission destination, circulated, and then returned. When the circulation signal is received, it is preferable to transmit the original image to the request source included in the circulation signal.

According to this, the original image can be deleted from the memory at an early stage. Therefore, the memory can be used efficiently. It is also convenient when the transmission source bears the communication cost for transmitting the original image.

In the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus, a memory stores an original image for each part, and a simple image creating unit creates a simple image capable of specifying each part of the original image. Preferably, upon receiving a signal indicating that the destination is requesting a portion of the original image, the corresponding portion of the original image in memory is transmitted to the requestor.

According to this, the recipient can request and obtain only the necessary pages and the like, not all of the original images. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for acquiring a necessary original image and the communication cost.

As described above, the image transmitting method by the facsimile apparatus of the present invention includes the steps of storing an original image, creating a simplified image showing an outline of the original image, and transmitting the created simplified image. Receiving a signal indicating that the destination of the simplified image requests the original image corresponding to the simplified image, transmitting the stored corresponding original image to the requestor. Is the way.

According to the above-described method, the effects described for the facsimile apparatus can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing signals transmitted and received in a time series when performing communication using the facsimile apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing circulation transmission using the facsimile apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram conceptually showing a method of transmitting an image in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the contents of a signal NSS in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation at the time of making a polling request in the first embodiment, and shows a simplified image and a display state of an operation display unit at the time of making a polling request.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an operation at the time of making a polling request in the first embodiment, and shows a simplified image and a display state of an operation display unit at the time of making a polling request.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation at the time of making a polling request in the first embodiment, showing a simplified image and a display state of an operation display unit at the time of making a polling request.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing when the facsimile machine that is the circulation source performs circulation transmission in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing when a facsimile machine that is a circulation destination performs circulation reception in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed when a facsimile machine that is a circulation source receives a polling request in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram conceptually showing a method of transmitting an image in the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the contents of a signal NSS in the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an operation when an original request is made in the second embodiment, and shows a simplified image and a display state of an operation display unit when an original request is made.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing when a facsimile machine, which is a circulation destination, performs circulation reception in the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by the facsimile machine that is the circulation source after the circulation in the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Scanner part 2 Printing part 3 Operation display part 4 Image memory 5 Parameter memory 6 Network controller 7 FAX modem 8 Encoding / decoding part 9 Control part 10 System memory 11 Simple image creation part

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Tsutomu Taniguchi 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Tetsuya Shibata 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (72) Inventor Katsumi Nagata 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Japan Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Shigeki Nakahara 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Sharp Corporation F Terms (reference) 5C062 AA02 AA30 AB42 AC24 AC43 AC60 AE02 AE14 AF02 AF07 AF08 BA01 BC01 BD08 5C075 BB11 CA01 CA14 DD90 FF90 GG09 5C076 AA22 AA36 AA40 BA03 BA04 CB02 5K101 KK01 NN06 NN21 RR17 RR18

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A transmitting unit capable of transmitting an image to the outside, a receiving unit capable of receiving a signal from the outside, a memory for storing an original image, and a simple image generation for generating a simple image showing an outline of the original image And transmitting a simple image created by the simple image creating unit from the transmitting unit, and a signal indicating that the destination of the simple image requests an original image corresponding to the simple image. A facsimile apparatus, wherein when the receiving unit receives the data, the corresponding original image in the memory is transmitted to the request source. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit is capable of transmitting a signal to the outside, and when transmitting a simple image from the transmitting unit, the simple image includes a plurality of predetermined simple images. A facsimile apparatus which adds a circulation signal for sequentially transferring and circulating to a transmission destination of the facsimile. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the receiving unit sends a signal indicating that the destination of the simple image requests the original image to a polling request from the destination of the simple image. A facsimile apparatus for receiving as a fax. 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when said receiving section receives a polling request, it is determined whether or not the polling request source is included in said plurality of predetermined destinations. A facsimile machine. 5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the circulation signal can include a request source signal indicating a request source requesting the original image at each transmission destination of the simplified image. The circulation signal is set so that it is sequentially transferred to the plurality of predetermined destinations and circulated, and then returned to the reception unit.When the reception unit receives the circulation signal, the circulation signal is transmitted to the reception unit. A facsimile apparatus for transmitting an original image to a request source indicated by a request source signal included therein. 6. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the original image can be divided into a plurality of parts.
The memory stores the original image for each part, the simple image creation unit creates a simple image that can identify each part of the original image, and the destination of the simple image is specified based on the simple image. A facsimile apparatus for transmitting a corresponding original image portion in the memory to the request source when the receiving section receives a signal indicating that the original image portion is requested. 7. An image transmitting method using a facsimile apparatus, wherein: a step of storing an original image; a step of creating a simple image showing an outline of the original image; a step of transmitting the created simple image; Transmitting a stored corresponding original image to the requestor when the signal indicating that the destination has requested the original image corresponding to the simplified image is received. Image transmission method.