JP2002165042A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system by which an image forming device at a transmitter side uses a FAX function to transmit image data to an image forming device at a receiver side and the transmitter side can easily manage a return state from the receiver side with a simple configuration when the receiver side is required to return the received image data to the transmitter side. SOLUTION: When the transmitter side image forming device transmits image data (return requested data) needing a reply to the receiver side image forming device, a transmission management controller 632 sets a reply request mark to received information. Furthermore, the transmitter side adds an identification code to identify its own transmitter stored in a SAF memory 623 and transmits the resulting data to the receiver side. When the receiver side returns no data, the transmitter informs a user of the transmitter side and transmits a document requesting a reply to the receiver side.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system, and more particularly, to image data transmitted from an image forming apparatus on a transmitting side to an image forming apparatus on a receiving side. In the case of the present invention, the present invention relates to an image forming system that sets information indicating that image data requiring a reply has been transmitted to information on the receiving side obtained by the transmitting side and manages the information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the advancement of network technology,
With the spread of devices having a facsimile function, it has become extremely easy to quickly send image data to the other party. Further, by adding various information to image data to be transmitted, it has become possible to meet various requests in all fields.

A facsimile apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-37756 (hereinafter referred to as Conventional Example 1) has the technique described above. In the first conventional example, the name of each destination and the facsimile number are registered together with a predetermined identification code possessed by the operator, and a barcode table of the destination required by the operator is created, so that the destination requested by the operator is determined. A facsimile machine that detects quickly and easily transmits is described.

A facsimile apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-236047 (hereinafter referred to as Conventional Example 2) optically reads information on a fax number of a transmission destination recorded at a predetermined position of a transmission original. It has optical number reading means and transmits image information to the above-mentioned destination fax number based on the information of the destination fax number on the set original to be sent. A facsimile apparatus capable of accurately and automatically transmitting data without using a facsimile apparatus has been described.

In a communication terminal device (hereinafter referred to as conventional example 3) disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-10775, a handwriting input is performed on a touch panel with an input pen, and a reception is displayed on a liquid crystal display panel. There has been described a communication terminal device which suppresses a decrease in image quality at the time of transmission by adding information handwritten by the above-mentioned input pen to the obtained image data and easily returns a reply without having to consider a writing instrument.

[0006]

However, in the conventional example 1, it is necessary to have a bar code input device, which makes the device complicated and expensive.
Since the barcode table and the transmission original are separate, artificial management is required, and there is a problem that there is a possibility that the transmission is erroneous.

Further, in the second conventional example, it is necessary to have a character recognition device, which complicates the device and increases the cost. Further, there is a possibility that erroneous recognition may occur depending on the quality of input characters. There was a point.

Further, in the conventional example 3, there is a problem that the size of the components such as the input pen, the touch panel, and the liquid crystal display panel becomes large, so that the whole communication terminal device becomes large.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and a transmitting-side image forming apparatus transmits image data to a receiving-side image forming apparatus, and the receiving side transmits the received image data. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming system in which a sending side easily manages a reply status from a receiving side with a simple configuration when a reply is required.

[0010]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected on the same network. One of the image forming apparatuses includes a data transmitting unit that transmits image data, and a transmitting unit that transmits the image data to another image forming apparatus connected via a network. Transmission destination information detecting means for detecting information, reply request data transmitting means for transmitting reply request data, which is image data requested to be returned from another image forming apparatus, to another image forming apparatus, and transmitting reply request data Means for transmitting reply request data to another image forming apparatus, requesting a reply to information of the other image forming apparatus detected by the transmission destination information detecting means. A reply request mark setting unit that sets a reply request mark that is information indicating, and setting information storage unit that stores information of another image forming apparatus for which the reply request mark has been set by the reply request mark setting unit, Another image forming apparatus includes a data receiving unit that receives image data.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when transmitting image data for which a reply is requested, a fax
By setting a reply request mark indicating that the image data requiring a reply has been transmitted and storing it in the information of the destination obtained during the communication, the transmitted reply can be requested by simple communication file control. This makes it possible to easily manage image data, suppress human errors, and reduce manual operations.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first aspect, the image forming apparatus includes an identification code transmitting unit that transmits an identification code that is information for identifying the image forming apparatus, Identification code adding means for adding a code to the reply request data, additional data storage means for storing additional data which is reply request data to which the identification code is added by the identification code adding means, and additional information stored by the additional data storage means It is characterized by having additional data transmitting means for transmitting data and additional data printing means for printing out additional data.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when transmitting image data for which a reply is requested, an identification code, which is information for identifying the own device, is added to the image data and transmitted. Accordingly, with a simple communication file control, it is possible to suppress a human error when the transmission destination replies and to reduce a human operation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the second aspect, the identification code adding means adds the identification code as a bar code to the reply request data.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the identification code is added to the image data in the form of a barcode, so that the identification code can be read with a simple configuration at the transmission destination.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the second or third aspect, the image forming apparatus includes an additional position setting means for setting a position at which the identification code is added to the reply request data. It is characterized by having.

Thus, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by setting the position where the identification code is added, it is possible to create a document that requires a reply in various configurations according to the purpose.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the image forming apparatus transmits the identification code to its own FAX.
It is characterized in that it is set to a number.

Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when transmitting image data for which a reply is required, the identification code is set to the FAX number of the own apparatus and added to the image data so that the transmission destination can be changed. It is possible to read the identification code with an easy configuration, to suppress a human error when the transmission destination replies, and to reduce a human operation.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the image forming apparatus transmits to the other image forming apparatus by the additional data transmitting means. When the additional data is returned from another image forming apparatus, the reply request mark set in the information of the other image forming apparatus by the reply request mark setting means is deleted.

Therefore, according to the invention of claim 6, by transmitting the image data to which a reply is requested and, when the above-mentioned image data is returned from the transmission destination, the setting of the reply request mark is deleted. Image data can be easily managed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the image forming apparatus sets the reply request mark by the reply request mark setting means. In this case, there is provided a message display means for displaying a confirmation prompt message which is a message indicating that reply request data has not been returned from another image forming apparatus.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the image data requested to be returned is not returned from the transmission destination, a confirmation prompt message indicating that the image data is not returned is displayed, thereby enabling the business management. , And it is possible to suppress human error.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the seventh aspect, the message display means displays a confirmation prompt message at a predetermined cycle.

Therefore, according to the present invention, by displaying the confirmation prompt message at a predetermined cycle, it is possible to play a part in business management and to suppress human error.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the seventh or eighth aspect, the message display means transmits a confirmation prompt message when transmitting image data to another image forming apparatus. It is characterized by displaying.

Therefore, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when image data for which a reply is requested is transmitted, and when the image data is not returned from the transmission destination, every time the image data is transmitted to the transmission destination, By displaying the confirmation prompt message, it is possible to suppress human error.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, the image forming apparatus uses a document that prompts another image forming apparatus to reply. It has a reminder transmission means for transmitting a certain reminder.

Therefore, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention,
By sending image data that requires a reply and sending no image data from the destination, a reply reminder that prompts the destination to send a reply is sent to the destination, allowing simple file control. It is possible to suppress human errors and reduce human operations.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the tenth aspect, when the additional data storage means stores the additional data, the reminder transmitting means is provided in another image forming apparatus. And sending a reply reminder to the request.

Therefore, according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention,
When the transmitted image data to which the identification code is added is stored, by sending a reply reminder to urge a reply to the destination of the image data, human error is suppressed by simple file control, It becomes possible to reduce artificial operations.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the tenth or eleventh aspect,
The reminder transmitting means transmits a reminder to another image forming apparatus when the confirmation reminder message is displayed.

Therefore, according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
By transmitting the reply reminder while the confirmation reminder message is displayed, it is possible to suppress human errors by simple file control and reduce human operations.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, the reminder transmitting means has passed a predetermined time after transmitting the additional data. In this case, a reply reminder is transmitted to another image forming apparatus.

Therefore, according to the thirteenth aspect,
When a predetermined time has elapsed while image data requiring a reply is transmitted and no image data is returned from the transmission destination, a reply reminder is transmitted to the transmission destination, so that a simple file control and artificial It is possible to suppress errors and reduce artificial operations.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the second to thirteenth aspects, another image forming apparatus receives reply request data for receiving reply request data. Means, an identification code receiving means for receiving the identification code, a reception identification code adding means for adding the identification code received by the identification code receiving means to the reply request data received by the reply request data receiving means, and a reception identification code addition Receiving additional data print-out means for printing out the reply request data to which the identification code has been added by the means.

Therefore, according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention,
By adding the received identification code to the received image data and printing it out, with simple communication file control,
It is possible to suppress a human error when the transmission destination replies, and to reduce a human operation.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system of the fourteenth aspect, the reception identification code adding means adds the identification code as a bar code to the reply request data.

Therefore, according to the fifteenth aspect,
By adding the received identification code to the received image data in the form of a barcode, the identification code can be read and returned with a simple configuration.

[0040]

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus included in an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the configuration of the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The image forming apparatus comprises: an image forming apparatus main body 1;
ADF (automatic document feeder) 100, 3-bin sorter 2
00 and a bank (paper feed unit) 300.

The image forming apparatus main body 1 includes an image processing unit (not shown), a scanner 2, a writing unit 3, a plotter 4, an LED writing unit 31, a first developing unit (black developing unit) 32, , A second developing unit 33, a duplex unit 40, a duplex transport path 41, a feed roller 42, a separation roller 43, a first tray 50, and a first sheet feeding device 51.
, A registration sensor 52, a registration roller 53, and a main body vertical transport unit 60.

The scanner 2 includes a contact glass 10 on which an original is placed, an exposure lamp 11, a first mirror 12,
A second mirror 13, a third mirror 14, a lens 15,
Full-color CCD 16 and first carriage (not shown)
And a second carriage (not shown). Also,
The exposure lamp 11, the first mirror 12, the second mirror 13, the third mirror 14, the lens 15, the full-color CCD 16, the first carriage, and the second carriage are called an optical scanning system.

The writing unit 3 has a laser output unit 20, an fθ lens 21, and a mirror 22,
The plotter 4 includes a photosensitive drum 30, a transport device 54,
A fixing device 55.

The ADF 100 feeds the documents one by one to the contact glass 10 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 and discharges the paper after copying. The document feeder 101, the paper feed roller 102, the transport belt 103, and the Paper roller 104 and discharge tray 1
05 and a reversing claw 106.

The three-bin sorter 200 is provided in the first paper discharge tray 2
01, the second discharge tray 202, and the third discharge tray 20
3, a tray for exclusive use of inversion 204, a second tray switching claw 205, a third tray switching claw 206, a switching claw 207, a reverse detection sensor 208, and a transport roller 209.
And Further, the three-bin sorter 200 is configured so that transfer paper can be inverted and output to the first discharge tray 201, the second discharge tray 202, and the third discharge tray 203.

The paper feeding unit 300 includes a second tray 310, a second paper feeding device 311, and a third tray 320.
, A third sheet feeding device 321, a fourth tray 330, a fourth
It has a paper feeder 331 and a bank vertical transport unit 340.

When reading the original, the first carriage
It is driven by a stepping motor (not shown) and moves at a constant speed. The second carriage is driven by a stepping motor when reading a document, and is driven at half the speed of the first carriage. An original (not shown) on the contact glass 10 is optically scanned by the first carriage and the second carriage, and a full-color CCD 16 is transmitted through an exposure lamp 11, a first mirror 12, a second mirror 13, a third mirror 14, and a lens 15. An image is formed thereon and photoelectrically converted.

The image signals separated into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) by the full-color CCD 16 are A / A
It is A / D converted by a D converter (not shown) and output to an image processing unit that performs image processing. The image processing unit
The image signal from the A / D converter is subjected to various types of image processing (binarization, multilevel conversion, scaling, editing, etc.), and is converted into a digital signal. The writing unit 3 includes a laser output unit 20, an fθ lens 21, and a mirror 22, and the laser output unit 20 includes a laser diode (not shown) as a laser light source and a polygon motor (not shown). And

The black image signal output from the image processing unit is
The laser beam is converted into a laser beam having an intensity corresponding to the image signal, shaped into a light beam having a predetermined shape by a collimator lens (not shown), an aperture (not shown), and a cylinder lens (not shown), and irradiated to a polygon motor. Are output from the laser output unit 20. Laser output unit 20
Is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 30 via the fθ lens 21 and the mirror 22. Also,
The laser beam that has passed through the fθ lens 21 is applied to a beam sensor (not shown) that generates a main scanning synchronization detection signal PMSYNC disposed outside the image area.

The red image signal output from the image processing unit is buffered in order to match the writing position with the black image signal, sent to the LED writing unit 31, and irradiated on the photosensitive drum 30.

Documents are stacked on a document feeder table 101 and are aligned in the width direction by side guides. Document feeder table 10
The original on top 1 is separated and fed one by one from the bottom original by the paper feed roller 102, and is sent by the conveyor belt 103 onto the contact glass 10 of the image forming apparatus main body 1. After reading the original on the contact glass 10,
The sheet is discharged to a sheet discharge tray 105 by a transport belt 103 and a sheet discharge roller 104.

When reading a two-sided document, the document feeder 1
01 on the paper feed roller 10
2, the paper is fed one by one,
As a result, the original is fed onto the contact glass 10 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 and is set on the contact glass 10 after the original is inverted by the inversion claw 106. After reading the back side of the original, the original is conveyed by the conveyor belt 103 and the reversing claw 106
Is set on the contact glass 10 after the document is turned over. After reading the surface of the document, the conveyance belt 103
The sheet is discharged to a sheet discharge tray 105 by a sheet discharge roller 104.

The first tray 50, the second tray 310, the third tray
The transfer sheets stacked on the tray 320 and the fourth tray 330 are respectively supplied to the first sheet feeding device 51 and the second sheet feeding device 3.
11. Third paper feeder 321 and fourth paper feeder 331
And transported by the bank vertical transport unit 340 and the main body vertical transport unit 60. When the leading edge of the transfer paper is detected by the registration sensor 52, the transfer paper is conveyed for a predetermined time and then stopped by the registration roller 53.

This transfer paper receives an image valid signal (FGAT).
E) is sent out onto the photosensitive drum 30 to meet the tip of
An image is transferred by a transfer charger (not shown), and after the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 30, the paper is conveyed by a conveyance device 54 and has a fixing roller (not shown) and a pressure roller (not shown). The sheet is fixed by the device 55, and is discharged to the three-bin sorter 200 by the discharge roller 56.

The image formation on the photosensitive drum 30 is performed in the first
By irradiating the charge charged on the photosensitive drum 30 by a charging device (not shown) with a laser beam,
An electrostatic latent image is formed, and the photosensitive drum 3
An image is formed on 0. Thereafter, the photosensitive drum 30 is charged again by a second charging device (not shown), and LE is charged.
A second color electrostatic latent image is formed by the D array (LED writing unit) 31, and an image is formed on the photosensitive drum 30 by the second developing device 33.

When performing double-sided printing using the double-sided unit (double-sided tray) 40, transfer paper is guided from the fixing device 55 to the double-sided conveyance path 41 by the switching claw 57, and passes through the feed roller 42 and the separation roller 43. Sided unit 40
Will be integrated. The transfer paper accumulated in the duplex unit 40 comes into contact with the feed roller 42 when the duplex unit 40 is raised, and is sent to the main body vertical transport unit 60 when the feed roller 42 rotates, and is fed again to the registration roller 53. After that, printing is performed on the back surface.

When the transfer paper discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 1 is discharged to the front side, the switching claw 207 moves the transfer paper toward the first discharge tray 201, the second discharge tray 202, and the third discharge tray. Guided to the first discharge tray 201, the second
Paper is discharged to a preset tray among the discharge tray 202 and the third discharge tray. When the paper is discharged to the second paper discharge tray 202, the second tray switching claw 205
However, when the paper is discharged to the third paper discharge tray 203, the third tray switching claws 206 operate to guide the transfer paper.

In the case of the reverse discharge, the switching claw 207 is used.
When the rear end of the transfer sheet passes through the reversal detection sensor 208, the transfer roller 2
09 is reversed and guided in the direction of the first discharge tray 201, the second discharge tray 202, and the third discharge tray, and the first discharge tray 201, the second discharge tray 202, and the third discharge tray. Of the trays 203, the paper is discharged to a preset tray.

The first discharge tray 201 has a function of shifting the tray back and forth (hereinafter referred to as a front-rear shift function) and a function of shifting the tray up and down (hereinafter referred to as a vertical shift function). The forward / backward shift function is used when sorting transfer papers, and the up / down shift function is used to load a large amount of transfer papers while ensuring sheet alignment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation unit 400 of the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the function and operation of each part of the operation unit 400 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The operation unit 400 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 4
01, various numeric keys 402, a clear / stop key 403, a start key 404, and a program key 40.
5, a job recall key 406, a mode clear / preheat key 407, an interrupt key 408, a pause / redial key 409, a speed key 410, and a reception key 41.
1, FAX switching key 412, copy switching key 413, initialization key 414, guidance key 4
15, an LCD density adjustment volume 416, a facsimile display 417, and a reply key 418.

The operation unit 400 has 400 × 256 dots.
Is provided. Liquid crystal display section 40
1 is a function (copy, fax) built into the machine
Is displayed, and also has a touch panel function, and the user operates the machine according to the display.

Switching of functions (copy, facsimile)
AX switch key 412 and copy switch key 41
3 is performed.

Various numeric keys 402, clear / stop key 403, start key 404, program key 40
5. Various keys such as a job recall key 406, a mode clear / preheat key 407, and an interrupt key 408 are commonly used when using a copy function and a facsimile function.

Various keys such as the pause / redial key 409, the speed key 410, and the reception key 411 are used only when the FAX function is used.

The FAX dedicated display section 417 displays “communicating”,
“Alternate reception”, “FAX output”, “Memory full”, “F
FAX dedicated LED that displays information such as "AX error"
(Not shown), and a facsimile-only LCD (not shown) of 40 characters (20 characters × 2 lines) for displaying a communication state.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a control operation of the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

The image forming apparatus includes an operation unit controller 50
0, a main controller 501, an image processing controller 502, an ADF controller 503, a sorter controller 504, and a paper feed tray controller 505.
, FAX controller 506 and G3 controller 5
07, 508, a G4 controller 509, a liquid crystal display unit 510, an LED 511, various keys 512, various loads 513, and various sensors 514.

The main controller 501 includes an operation unit controller 500, an image processing controller 502, an ADF
Controller 503, sorter controller 504, paper feed tray controller 505, FAX controller 50
6. Control various loads 513 and various sensors 514 to perform sheet control, conveyance, fixing, double-sided, process control, and the like.

The image processing controller 502 performs image control and scanner reading control, and the ADF controller 503 performs automatic document feed control of the ADF 100.
Further, the sorter controller 504 includes the three-bin sorter 20
0, and the paper feed tray controller 505 controls the paper feed unit 300.

The facsimile controller 506 performs facsimile transmission / reception management and file management.
7 performs G3 protocol control. The G4 controller 509 performs G4 protocol control.

The operation unit controller 500 controls input of the liquid crystal display unit 510, the LED 511, and various keys 512.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing controller included in an image forming apparatus included in an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, FIG.
The image processing control of the image processing controller according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The image processing controller 502 includes a power supply 5
, Exposure lamp 11, CPU 600, ROM 601
, RAM 602, position sensor 603, motor 60
5 and an image processing unit 617, and are connected to the FAX controller 506 via the main controller 501.

Further, the image processing unit 617 performs full color C
CD 16, scanner control circuit 604, timing control circuit 606, document 607, signal processing circuit 608
, A / D converter 609 and shading correction circuit 6
10, an image processing circuit 611, and an image selector 612.
A write control circuit (black) 613, an LD 614,
Write control circuit (color) 615 and LED 616
And The original 607 is a full-color CCD.
16 is read.

The CPU 600 includes a main controller 50
When there is an instruction to start reading from No. 1, the instruction is transmitted to the scanner control circuit 604. Scanner control circuit 604
The first carriage (not shown) and the second carriage are operated by turning on the exposure lamp 11 and operating the motor 605.
A carriage (not shown) is moved to a reading reference position, and reading is started after detection by the position sensor 603. At this time, the scanner control circuit 604 generates a sub-scanning valid period signal FGATE (active at the start of reading, negative at the end of reading) and sends it to the timing control circuit 606. In the timing control circuit 606, the image synchronization clock CLK, the main scanning synchronization signal LSYNC, and the main scanning enable signal L
Generate and output GATE.

Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming process will be described. Original 607 placed on contact glass 10
Is illuminated by the exposure lamp 11 and the reflected light is imaged on the full-color CCD 16.

The formed image of the original 607 is separated by the full-color CCD 16 into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) analog image signals. The analog image signal is amplified and light quantity corrected by the signal processing circuit 608, and is converted into a digital multilevel signal by the A / D converter 609. Further, the analog image signal is subjected to shading correction by a shading correction circuit 610,
It is sent to the image processing circuit 611.

In the image processing circuit 611, MTF correction, γ
Basic image quality processing such as correction, black image generation, color image generation, binary processing, and multi-value processing, and digital-specific image processing such as scaling, editing, and marker detection are performed. , Color data DATAC is output. Image data output from the image processing circuit 611, a synchronization signal generated by the timing control circuit 606,
The write reference signal PMSYNC is supplied to the image selector 612.
Is input to

In the case of copying, a black image is sent from the writing control unit (black) 613 to the LD 614, and a color image is sent from the writing control unit (color) 615 to the LED 616, and is irradiated on the photoreceptor drum. To form

When performing FAX transmission, the image selector 6
12 to a facsimile memory (not shown) inside the main controller 501. The FAX reception output is obtained by expanding the data received from the line and developing the data in the FAX memory, and then inputting the FAX reception output together with the image data and the synchronization signal to the image secretor 612 for writing.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus included in an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the operation of image processing when the image forming apparatus of the image forming system according to the present embodiment uses the FAX function will be described with reference to FIG.

The image forming apparatus includes a main controller 50
1, an image processing controller 502, a FAX controller 506, a G3 controller 507, and a G4 controller 509.

The main controller 501 includes an image memory 620, a rotator 621, a compression / expansion unit 622,
, And the image processing controller 502 has an image selector 612. In addition, the FAX controller 506
The G3 controller 507 includes a SAF memory 623 and a transmission management control device 632,
4, a modem 625, an NCU 626, and a compression / decompression device 6
G4 controller 509 includes a line buffer 628, an ISDN controller 629, and a transformer 6
30 and a compression / decompression device 631.

When storing and transmitting a facsimile image, the data read from the scanner is subjected to various image processing by the image processing controller 502 and then to the image selector 6.
12 is stored in the image memory 620 on the main controller 501.

The data stored in the image memory 620 is subjected to an arbitrary compression code (MH,
(MR, MMR, JBIG) and stored in the SAF memory 623 on the FAX controller 506.

If it is more efficient to rotate the data stored in the image memory 620 in the A4 direction or the B5 direction and transmit the data, the rotation is performed when the data is transferred from the image memory 620 to the compression / expansion unit 622. The image is rotated by using the image compression device 621 to perform compression.

The data stored in the SAF memory 623 is stored in the line buffer 6 of the G3 controller 507.
24, and is decompressed again by the compression / decompression unit 627. At this point, information of the transmitter such as TTI printing is added. Sent from NCU 626.

Similarly, the data stored in the SAF memory 623 is transferred to the line buffer 628 of the G4 controller 509 and decompressed again by the compression / decompression device 631, where the information of the transmitter such as TID printing is transmitted. Is added, and the data is recompressed by the compression / decompression unit 631 according to the processing capability of the receiver, and then transmitted via the ISDN controller 629 and the transformer 630.

At the time of FAX reception and printing, data sent from the line is stored in the SAF memory 623 via the NCU 626 and the modem 625. The data stored in the SAF memory 623 is stored in the main controller 50.
1 is expanded by the compression / expansion unit 622 and expanded on the image memory 620. A4 side or B5 when extended
If it is more efficient to rotate and print the image horizontally, the image is rotated using the rotator 621 to expand the image when the data is transferred from the compression / expansion unit 622 to the image memory 620. The data developed on the image memory 620 is sent to the image processing controller 502, passed from the image selector 612 to a write control unit (not shown), and printed.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the image forming apparatus on the transmitting side transmits image data to the image forming apparatus on the receiving side, and the transmitted image data is used as a document for the purpose of attendance confirmation. On the other hand, the receiving side outputs the above image data,
The operation of the image forming apparatuses on the transmitting side and the receiving side when the image data needs to be returned by adding predetermined information by writing with a pen or the like will be described.

The image forming apparatus on the transmitting side and the image forming apparatus on the receiving side will be described below as having the configuration shown in FIG.

When the image forming apparatus on the transmitting side transmits image data using the FAX function, a protocol negotiation is performed immediately before the image forming apparatus on the transmitting side obtains information on the image forming apparatus on the receiving side. Can be. When the image forming apparatus on the transmitting side requests the image forming apparatus on the receiving side to return the transmitted image data, the image forming apparatus on the transmitting side transmits “Reply” to the information of the image forming apparatus on the receiving side obtained at the time of negotiation. A request mark is added and stored in the transmission management control device 632.

In the facsimile negotiation, another company mode (standard function setting) and own company mode (non-standard function setting)
In the in-house mode, the "reply request mark" can be set in various formats. The status of the “reply request mark” is held and managed by the transmission management control device 632 of the FAX controller 506.

As described above, when transmitting image data for which a reply is requested (hereinafter referred to as reply request data) to the receiving image forming apparatus, the image on the receiving side to which the "reply request mark" is added Reply request data can be easily managed by storing the information of the forming apparatus.

The image data to be transmitted by facsimile is stored in the SAF memory 623, and the information of the transmission destination of the image data (the image forming apparatus on the receiving side) includes a “reply request mark”.
Is determined, and if the “reply request mark” is added, the image data is sent to the image processing controller 502 via the main controller 501, and the “identification code” is further added. Addition and accumulation are performed.

The “identification code” is a unique code set for each image forming apparatus, and when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via a network, such as an address in each image forming apparatus. Becomes
In the present embodiment, the “identification code” may be the FAX number of each image forming apparatus.

In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus on the transmitting side adds its own FAX number as an "identification code" to the image data to be transmitted, and prints out the data as reply request data. Send to The receiving side image forming apparatus receives the image data of the reply request data and prints out the image data. The user on the receiving side performs processing such as filling in the reply request data with a writing instrument, and sends back to the transmitting side. At this time, the image forming apparatus on the receiving side scans the added FAX number on the transmitting side, thereby transmitting the FAX on the transmitting side.
The work of inputting numbers can be omitted.

As described above, the "identification code" is
When the image data set to the AX number and added is printed out, a configuration having a character recognition technology for reading information from the character of the printed FAX number is required. When the “identification code” indicating the FAX number is converted into a barcode format and added to the image data, the “identification code” is recognized by a configuration having a simpler barcode recognition technology than a configuration having a character recognition technology. And the configuration of the entire image forming apparatus is simplified.

The "identification code" does not need to be the FAX number itself. For example, any device can be applied as long as it is uniquely determined as represented by a management number for telephone directory management in a device having a FAX function. Also, what is used as the “identification code” is F
This can be set in the “transmission management control device” for each AX device. Further, since the “identification code” is added by the image forming apparatus on the transmission side, the addition position can be arbitrarily determined. For example, if you do not want to add to the manuscript side of the transmission request data, prepare a separate cover sheet and attach it.
The addition position of the “identification code” can be set by the “transmission management control device” for each image forming apparatus.

Further, in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus on the transmitting side adds the “identification code” to the image data based on the “reply request mark”, prints out the image data, and then prints out the image forming apparatus on the receiving side. The image data was transmitted to the receiving side, but an "identification code" was added to the image data, and the data was transmitted to the receiving side image forming apparatus without being printed out, and the data was printed out by the receiving side image forming apparatus. Is also good.

Further, the image forming apparatus on the receiving side may add an “identification code”. That is, the image forming apparatus on the transmitting side transmits the image data without the “identification code” added together with the “reply request mark”, and the image forming apparatus on the receiving side adds the “identification code” to the received image data. Then, a configuration for printing and outputting may be adopted.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of adding an “identification code” of the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a process of adding an “identification code” to image data when the image forming apparatus of the image forming system according to the present embodiment performs facsimile transmission will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the image data to be transmitted is expanded in the image memory 620 of the main controller 501 (step S61). The transmission management control device 632 adds a “reply request mark” to the information of the destination of the expanded image data.
Is determined (step S6).
2).

If it is determined that the “reply request mark” is not added (step S62 / No), the normal FA
The transmission accumulation control process is performed in the same manner as the X transmission, a printout is performed (step S65), and the process ends.

When it is determined that the “reply request mark” is added (step S62 / Yes), the transmission management control device 632 transmits information such as the predetermined “identification code” and “position where the identification code is added”. It is added to the image data (step S63).

The information of the added “identification code” is developed into an image in the image memory 620 of the main controller 501, and is added to the image data (step S64). After the process of adding the "identification code", the transmission accumulation control process and the print output process are performed (step S6).
5), end the processing.

The “reply request mark” managed by the transmission management control device 632 is not canceled even after the image data set with the “reply request mark” is transmitted. Will be retained. Unless reply request data is returned from the transmission destination (image forming apparatus on the receiving side), the “reply request mark” held in the transmission management control device 632 is not deleted.

The transmission management control device 632 displays a “confirmation prompt message” on the liquid crystal display unit 401 at regular intervals until the transmission request data is returned, based on the “reply request mark”. The “confirmation prompt message” is a message that notifies the user who transmitted the reply request data that the reply request data has not been returned from the transmission destination at this stage, and facilitates management of the reply request data. Also, when the user transmits another image data to the destination of the reply request data, the transmission management control device 632 displays a “confirmation prompt message” to call the user's attention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of displaying a "confirmation prompt message" of the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Less than,
Referring to FIG. 3 and along FIG. 7, a description will be given of a “confirmation prompt message” display operation of the image forming apparatus of the image forming system when reply request data is transmitted in the present embodiment.

First, the transmission management control device 632 determines whether or not a “reply request mark” is set for itself (step S71). If the "reply request mark" has not been set (step S71 / No), the process ends.

When the “reply request mark” is set (step S71 / Yes), the transmission management control device 632
Determines whether or not the “confirmation prompting message” is set to be displayed at regular intervals (step S
72).

When the "confirmation prompting message" is set to be displayed at regular intervals (step S72)
/ Yes), the transmission management control device 632 displays the “confirmation reminder message” on the liquid crystal display unit 401 at regular time intervals (step S74), and sets again so that the “confirmation reminder message” is displayed at regular intervals. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S72).

If it is determined that the “confirmation prompting message” is not set to be displayed at regular intervals (step S72 / No), it is determined whether the user is using the image forming apparatus (step S72 / No). Step S73). As a means for detecting that the user is using, a means for determining whether the user has pressed a predetermined key of the image forming apparatus may be used, or a human body using reflected light may be detected. Means may be used.

If it is determined that the user is not using the device (step S73 / No), it is determined again whether the "confirmation prompting message" is set to be displayed at regular intervals (step S72). .

If it is determined that the user is using the data (step S73 / Yes), the transmission management controller 632 is used.
Displays the "confirmation reminder message" on the liquid crystal display 401 (step S74), and again displays the "confirmation reminder message".
Is determined to be displayed at regular intervals (step S72).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of outputting the "reply reminder" of the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 3 and along FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, when the reply request data is not returned from the image forming apparatus on the receiving side, the image forming apparatus on the transmitting side sends a “reply” to the image forming apparatus on the receiving side. The operation of transmitting a reminder will be described.

The transmission management control device 632 determines whether a “reply request mark” is set on itself (step S81). If the “reply request mark” is not set (step S81 / No), the process ends.

When the “reply request mark” is set (step S81 / Yes), the transmission management control device 632
Determines whether the reply key 418 has been pressed (step S82). When the reply key 418 is pressed (step S82 / Yes), the image forming apparatus on the transmitting side transmits a “reply reminder” to the image forming apparatus on the receiving side (step S86). After transmitting the “reply reminder”, it is determined whether the reply key 418 has been pressed again (step S).
82).

[0121] The "reply reminder" indicates that the sending side requests a reply from the receiving side if the reply request data previously sent from the transmitting side image forming apparatus to the receiving side image forming apparatus is not returned from the receiving side. Reply key 4
By pressing the button 18, the message is transmitted to the receiving side and prompts the reply of the reply request data.

When it is determined that the reply key 418 has not been pressed (step S82 / No), the transmission management control device 632 determines whether the "confirmation prompting message" is set to be displayed at regular intervals. Is determined (step S83).

When the “confirmation prompting message” is set to be displayed at regular intervals (step S83)
/ Yes), the transmission management control device 632 displays a “confirmation prompt message” on the liquid crystal display unit 401 at regular time intervals (step S85), and determines whether the reply key 418 is pressed again (step S82). .

If it is determined that the "confirmation prompting message" is not set to be displayed at regular intervals (step S83 / No), it is determined whether the user is using the image forming apparatus (step S83 / No). Step S84). As means for detecting that the user is using, means for determining whether a predetermined key of the image forming apparatus has been touched may be used, or means for detecting a human body using reflected light may be used. May be used.

If it is determined that the user has not used the key (step S84 / No), it is determined again whether the reply key 418 has been pressed (step S82).

If it is determined that the user is using (step S84 / Yes), the transmission management controller 632 is used.
Displays a "confirmation prompting message" on the liquid crystal display unit 401, and determines whether the reply key 418 has been pressed again (step S82).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the time control processing of the "reply reminder" transmitting operation of the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, using FIG. 3 and along FIG.
A description will be given of a time control process of an operation in which the transmitting-side image forming apparatus transmits a “reply reminder” to the receiving-side image forming apparatus.

In the present embodiment, the request data is transmitted from the image forming apparatus on the transmitting side to the image forming apparatus on the receiving side.
A time control means for transmitting a "reply reminder" for transmitting the "reply reminder" to the receiving side is provided. The predetermined time is set and input by the user on the transmission side.

First, the transmission management control device 632 determines whether or not a “reply request mark” is set for itself (step S91). If the "reply request mark" is not set (step S91 / No), the process ends.

When the “reply request mark” is set (step S91 / Yes), the transmission management control device 632
Determines whether or not the “confirmation prompting message” is set to be displayed at regular intervals (step S
92).

When the “confirmation prompting message” is set to be displayed at regular intervals (step S92)
/ Yes), the image forming apparatus on the transmitting side transmits reply request data to the image forming apparatus on the receiving side, and determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed without a reply from the receiving side (step S).
94).

When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed after receiving no reply from the receiving side (step S94 / No),
The transmission management control device 632 causes the liquid crystal display unit 401 to display a “confirmation reminder message” at regular time intervals (step S95), and determines whether or not the “confirmation reminder message” is displayed again at regular intervals. Is determined (step S92).

If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed without a reply from the receiving side (step S94 / Yes), the image forming apparatus on the transmitting side transmits a "reply reminder" to the image forming apparatus on the receiving side. (Step S96) It is determined again whether or not the “confirmation prompt message” is set to be displayed at regular intervals (step S92).

When it is determined that the “confirmation prompting message” is not set to be displayed at regular intervals (step S92 / No), it is determined whether or not the user is using the image forming apparatus (step S92). Step S93). As a means for detecting that the user is using, a means for determining whether the user has pressed a predetermined key of the image forming apparatus may be used, or a human body using reflected light may be detected. Means may be used.

If it is determined that the user is not using the device (step S93 / No), it is determined again whether the "confirmation prompting message" is set to be displayed at regular intervals (step S92). .

If it is determined that the user is using (step S93 / Yes), the transmission management controller 632 is used.
Determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed in a state where the reply request data has not been transmitted from the receiving side (step S94). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S9)
(No. 4 / No), the “confirmation prompt message” is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 401 (step S95), and it is determined again whether the “confirmation prompt message” is set to be displayed at regular intervals (step S95). S92).

If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S94 / Yes), the image forming apparatus on the transmitting side transmits a “reply reminder” to the image forming apparatus on the receiving side (step S96), and again. It is determined whether the "confirmation prompting message" is set to be displayed at regular intervals (step S92).

[0138]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when transmitting image data for which a reply is requested, a reply is requested in the information of the transmission destination obtained during FAX communication. By setting and storing a reply request mark indicating that image data has been transmitted, simple communication file control makes it easier to manage image data that requires a transmitted reply, and suppresses human error. Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of artificial operations.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when transmitting image data for which a reply is requested, an identification code, which is information for identifying the own device, is added to the image data and transmitted. Accordingly, with a simple communication file control, it is possible to suppress a human error when the transmission destination replies and to reduce a human operation.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, by adding an identification code to image data in the form of a barcode, it is possible to read the identification code with a simple configuration at the transmission destination.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by setting the position where the identification code is added, it is possible to create a document that requires a reply in various configurations according to the purpose.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when transmitting image data for which a reply is requested, the identification code is set to the FAX number of the own device and added to the image data so that the transmission destination can be changed. It is possible to read the identification code with an easy configuration, to suppress a human error when the transmission destination replies, and to reduce a human operation.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the image data requested to be returned is transmitted, and when the image data is returned from the transmission destination, the setting of the reply request mark is deleted. Image data can be easily managed.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the image data requested to be returned is not returned from the transmission destination, a confirmation prompt message indicating that the data is not returned is displayed, thereby enabling business management. , And it is possible to suppress human error.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the confirmation prompt message is displayed at a predetermined cycle,
It plays a part in business management and can suppress human error.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when image data for which a reply is requested is transmitted, and when the image data is not returned from the transmission destination, every time the image data is transmitted to the transmission destination, By displaying the confirmation prompt message, it is possible to suppress human error.

Further, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the image data requiring a reply is transmitted, and when the image data is not returned from the transmission destination, a reply prompt for prompting the transmission destination to reply is transmitted. Is transmitted to the transmission destination, human errors can be suppressed by simple file control, and human operations can be reduced.

According to the eleventh aspect, when transmitted image data to which an identification code is added is stored, a reply reminder for urging a reply is transmitted to the transmission destination of the image data. This makes it possible to suppress human error with simple file control and reduce human operations.

Further, according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, by transmitting a reply reminder while the confirmation reminder message is displayed, human error can be suppressed by simple file control and human operation can be prevented. It becomes possible to reduce.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when image data requested to be replied is transmitted, and when a predetermined time has passed without image data being returned from the transmission destination, a reply reminder is issued. By sending to the destination,
It is possible to suppress human error by simple file control and reduce human operation.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the received identification data is added to the received image data, and the image data is printed out. It is possible to suppress errors and reduce artificial operations.

According to the fifteenth aspect, by adding the received identification code to the received image data in the form of a barcode, the identification code can be read and returned with a simple configuration. Become.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus included in an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit 400 of the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing controller included in an image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of adding an “identification code” of the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of displaying a “confirmation prompt message” of the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a “reply reminder” output operation of the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a time control process of a “reply reminder” transmitting operation of the image forming apparatus included in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus main body 2 Scanner 3 Writing unit 4 Plotter 5 Power supply 10 Contact glass 11 Exposure lamp 12 First mirror 13 Second mirror 14 Third mirror 15 Lens 16 Full color CCD 20 Laser output unit 21 fθ lens 22 Mirror 30 Photoconductor drum 31 LED writing unit 32 First developing unit (black developing unit) 33 Second developing unit 40 Double-sided unit 41 Double-sided conveying path 42 Feed roller 43 Division roller 50 First tray 51 First paper feeder 52 Registration sensor 53 Registration roller 54 Transport Device 55 Fixing device 60 Main body vertical transport unit 100 ADF (automatic document feeder) 101 Document feeder table 102 Feed roller 103 Transport belt 104 Discharge roller 105 Discharge tray 106 Reversing claw 200 3-bin sorter 201 First discharge tray 202 Second discharge tray 203 Third discharge tray 204 Reversing-only tray 205 Second tray switching claw 206 Third tray switching claw 207 Switching claw 208 Reverse detection sensor 209 Conveyance roller 300 Bank (paper feed unit) 310 second tray 311 second paper feeder 320 third tray 321 third paper feeder 330 fourth tray 331 fourth paper feeder 340 bank vertical transport unit 400 operation unit 401, 510 liquid crystal display unit 402 various numeric keys 403 clear / Stop key 404 Start key 405 Program key 406 Job recall key 407 Mode clear / preheat key 408 Interrupt key 409 Pause / Redial key 410 Shortcut key 411 Receive key 412 FAX switching key 413 Copy switching key 4 14 Initial setting key 415 Guidance key 416 LCD density adjustment volume 417 FAX dedicated display section 418 Reply key 500 Operation section controller 501 Main controller 502 Image processing controller 503 ADF controller 504 Sorter controller 505 Paper tray controller 506 FAX controller 507, 508 G3 controller 509 G4 controller 511 LED 512 Various keys 513 Various loads 514 Various sensors 600 CPU 601 ROM 602 RAM 603 Position sensor 604 Scanner control circuit 605 Motor 606 Timing control circuit 607 Document 608 Signal processing circuit 609 A / D converter 610 Shading correction circuit Image processing circuit 612 Image selector 613 Write control circuit (Black) 614 LD 615 Write control circuit (color) 616 LED 617 Image processing unit 620 Image memory 621 Rotator 622, 627, 631 Compression / expansion machine 623 SAF memory 624, 628 Line buffer 625 Modem 626 NCU 629 ISDN controller 630 Trans 632 Transmission management control device

Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AQ06 AR01 AR03 JJ04 JJ13 2C087 AA03 AA13 AB01 AB08 AC08 BA03 BA07 BB03 BB10 CB12 CB17 2C187 AC07 AD03 AE01 AE11 AF01 CD15 DC01 5C062 AA23 AB22 AB22 AB

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected on a same network, wherein one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes a data transmitting unit that transmits image data. When the image data is transmitted to another image forming apparatus connected via the network by the data transmitting means, transmission destination information detecting means for detecting information of the other image forming apparatus; Reply request data transmitting means for transmitting reply request data, which is image data requested to be returned from the image forming apparatus, to the other image forming apparatus; and transmitting the reply request data to the other image by the reply request data transmitting means. When transmitting to the image forming apparatus, a reply is information indicating that a reply is requested to the information of the other image forming apparatus detected by the transmission destination information detecting means. A reply request mark setting means for setting a request mark; and setting information storage means for storing information of the other image forming apparatus in which the reply request mark has been set by the reply request mark setting means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a data receiving unit that receives the image data. 2. An image forming apparatus comprising: an identification code transmitting unit configured to transmit an identification code that is information for identifying the image forming apparatus; an identification code adding unit configured to add the identification code to the reply request data; Additional data storage means for storing additional data which is reply request data to which the identification code has been added by the additional means; additional data transmission means for transmitting the additional data stored by the additional data storage means; 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising: an additional data print output unit that prints out the print data. 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the identification code adding unit adds the identification code as a barcode to the reply request data. 4. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus includes an additional position setting unit that sets a position where the identification code is added to the reply request data. 5. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus sets the identification code to a facsimile number of the own apparatus. 6. The image forming apparatus, when the additional data transmitted to the other image forming apparatus by the additional data transmitting unit is returned from the other image forming apparatus, the reply request mark setting unit sets the additional data. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the reply request mark set in information of another image forming apparatus is deleted. 7. The image forming apparatus, when the reply request mark is set by the reply request mark setting means, a message indicating that the reply request data is not returned from the another image forming device. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a message display unit that displays a certain confirmation prompt message. 8. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the message display unit displays the confirmation prompt message at a predetermined cycle. 9. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the message display unit displays the confirmation prompt message when transmitting the image data to the another image forming apparatus. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a reminder transmitting means for transmitting a reply reminder which is a document urging a reply to the other image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1. 11. The reminder, when the additional data is stored by the additional data storage, the reminder is transmitted to the other image forming apparatus. The image forming system as described in the above. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the reminder transmitting unit transmits the reply reminder to the other image forming apparatus when the confirmation reminder message is displayed. Image forming system. 13. The reminder sending means sends the reminder to the other image forming apparatus when a predetermined time has passed since the transmission of the additional data. The image forming system according to claim 1. 14. The other image forming apparatus, wherein: a reply request data receiving means for receiving the reply request data; an identification code receiving means for receiving the identification code; and the reply received by the reply request data receiving means. Reception identification code adding means for adding the identification code received by the identification code reception means to the request data; and reception additional data for printing out the reply request data to which the identification code has been added by the reception identification code addition means. The image forming system according to claim 2, further comprising: a print output unit. 15. The image forming system according to claim 14, wherein said reception identification code adding means adds said identification code as a barcode to said reply request data.