JP2002185689A - Internet facsimile equipment and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a transmission side to instruct communication by a simple operation without considering a communication function of the communicating party. SOLUTION: An Internet facsimile equipment 1 simultaneously registers address information for facsimile(FAX) communication and address information for an electronic mail(E-Mail) communication for each communicating party registered in an abbreviated dial, and when the transmission of picture information to the registered communicating party is instructed, the registered address information for the facsimile communication or address information for the electronic mail communication is automatically selected according to a prescribed parameter, and the communication is performed by using this selected address information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an Internet facsimile apparatus and a control method therefor, and in particular, it is possible to give a communication instruction by a simple operation without being conscious of a communication function of a communication partner on a transmission side. The present invention relates to an Internet facsimile apparatus and a control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, Internet facsimile (i.
A general function of a FAX device is to perform a FAX and E-Mail transmission / reception operation.

However, in a conventional Internet facsimile apparatus, a user sends an image information (a communication destination) to a facsimile or a personal computer (P).
C), it is necessary to set a destination (dial number or e-mail address) and parameters for communication with consideration for the FAX communication and E-Mail.
The operation method differs depending on communication means such as communication.

[0004] Further, in these FAX and E-Mail (or also in E-Mail depending on the capability of the server),
Since the achievable capabilities and functions are different, the user must give instructions while paying attention to the functions themselves according to the application.

Further, conventionally, when one of the communication means of FAX or E-Mail is cut off due to a failure of a communication partner device or the like, the user issues a transmission instruction again using another communication means. It has poor operability, such as the need to perform it.

The prior art is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
No. 08728, "E-M by fax number designation
and "aih transmission".

[0007]

As described above, in the conventional Internet facsimile apparatus, it is necessary to give a communication instruction in consideration of the function of the communication partner, and the FAX communication and the E-Mail communication require: The operation method is different, and the operability is cumbersome in use.

Further, in the conventional Internet facsimile apparatus, the achievable capabilities and functions are different depending on the facsimile communication and the e-mail communication. It is troublesome.

Further, in the conventional Internet facsimile apparatus, when the designated communication means cannot be used due to a failure of a communication partner device or the like, the user must give another transmission instruction using another communication means. It is troublesome.

In view of the above, the present invention solves the above-mentioned inconveniences and provides an Internet facsimile apparatus capable of giving a communication instruction by a simple operation without being conscious of the communication function of the communication partner on the transmission side, and a control thereof. About the method.

[0011]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an Internet facsimile apparatus capable of transmitting scanned and stored image information as facsimile communication or e-mail communication. Registration means for registering the facsimile communication destination information and the e-mail communication destination information for each communication destination, and an instruction to transmit image information to the communication destination registered by the registration means. A selection unit that automatically selects one of the facsimile communication destination information and the e-mail communication destination information registered by the registration unit in accordance with a predetermined parameter; And communication control means for executing communication using the received destination information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the registration means associates and registers a plurality of types of parameters for each communication destination registered in the speed dial. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the plurality of types of parameters include at least an encoding method, a resolution, and a storage condition indicating a paper size.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the plurality of types of parameters include at least a communication condition indicating a communication function used at the time of communication.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of types of parameters include at least a capability condition indicating a receiving capability of a communication partner.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the plurality of types of parameters include at least a function condition indicating a communication function that can be realized by a communication partner.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the plurality of types of parameters include a priority condition indicating a priority between the plurality of types of parameters.

[0018] The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the communication control means controls communication based on parameters registered in association with the destination information selected by the selection means.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the selecting means may select the destination information for facsimile communication or the destination information for facsimile communication in accordance with the storage condition or the storage data amount of the image information to be transmitted. It is a special feature to automatically select any one of the destination information for e-mail communication.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the selecting means includes a destination information for the facsimile communication or a destination for the e-mail communication according to a communication condition designated for use during communication. Automatically select one of the information.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the seventh aspect, the selecting means sets one of the facsimile communication destination information and the e-mail communication destination information in accordance with a predetermined parameter. When a destination satisfying a desired condition cannot be detected during automatic selection, the destination information of the communication partner is selected in accordance with the priority condition.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, if the communication control means cannot perform communication using the destination information selected by the selection means, the other destination is selected. The communication is performed using the information.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the communication partner registered in the speed dial based on the partner capability information received by communicating with the communication partner. Determining means for determining whether or not the content of the capability information of the communication destination matches the content of the received capability information of the other party. If the determination means determines that the content does not match, the registered communication partner And updating means for updating the contents of the capability information.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the control method of an Internet facsimile apparatus capable of transmitting image information scanned and stored as facsimile communication or electronic mail communication, the facsimile apparatus is provided for each communication destination registered in a speed dial. Register the destination information for communication and the destination information for the e-mail communication, and when an instruction to transmit image information to the registered communication destination is issued, the registered destination information for facsimile communication or the One of the destination information for e-mail communication is automatically selected according to a predetermined parameter, and communication is performed using the selected destination information.

Further, the invention of claim 15 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 14, a plurality of types of parameters are associated with each other and registered in the speed dial.

According to a sixteenth aspect, in the fifteenth aspect, the plurality of types of parameters include at least an encoding method, a resolution, and a storage condition indicating a paper size.

According to a seventeenth aspect, in the fifteenth aspect, the plurality of types of parameters include at least a communication condition indicating a communication function used at the time of communication.

The invention of claim 18 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 15, the plurality of types of parameters include at least a capability condition indicating a receiving capability of a communication partner.

The invention of claim 19 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 15, the plurality of types of parameters include at least a function condition indicating a communication function that can be realized by a communication partner.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fifteenth aspect, the plurality of types of parameters include a priority condition indicating a priority between the plurality of types of parameters.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect, the communication control means controls the communication based on parameters registered in association with the destination information selected by the selection means. Features.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the facsimile communication destination information or the e-mail communication destination information depends on the storage conditions or the amount of data stored in the image information to be transmitted. It is characterized in that either one of the destination information is automatically selected.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the seventeenth aspect, either one of the facsimile communication destination information and the e-mail communication destination information is selected according to a communication condition designated for use during communication. Is automatically selected.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the twentieth aspect, either one of the facsimile communication destination information and the e-mail communication destination information is automatically selected according to a predetermined parameter. When a destination satisfying a desired condition cannot be detected, the destination information of the communication partner is selected according to the priority condition.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect, when communication using the selected destination information is impossible, the communication is performed using the other destination information. It is characterized by.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the communication partner registered in the speed dial based on the partner capability information received by communicating with the communication partner. It is determined whether or not the content of the capability information of the communication partner coincides with the content of the received capability information of the other party. If it is determined that the content does not match, the content of the capability information of the communication partner registered is determined. Is updated.

[0037]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of a network to which the Internet facsimile apparatus (iFAX) 1 of the present invention is applied.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this network conceptual diagram, an Internet facsimile machine (iF
The AX 1 is connected to a facsimile machine such as a G3 machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “FAX”) via a public switched network (PSTN) 2 and a public switched network (PSTN).
4 through an Internet service provider (IS
P) 5, another iFAX 75 via a router 71 of the network A via the Internet 6, and personal computers (hereinafter simply referred to as "PC") 73 and 7
4 is connected.

Here, the Internet facsimile apparatus (iFAX) transmits / receives FAX data conventionally transmitted / received on a telephone line by using an IP network such as the Internet and an intranet for a part or all of transmission lines. Or fax over IP network
Is a device that can send and receive

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the Internet facsimile apparatus (iFAX) 1 of the present invention shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 (iFAX) includes a CPU 101, an RA
M102, operation display unit 103, reading unit 104, printing unit 1
05, an image processing unit 106, an image storage unit 107, a system control unit 108, a communication control unit 109, a network control unit 110, a network control unit 111, and a line switching control unit 115 are connected via the system bus 14, and further from the facsimile. 112 and Ethernet (registered trademark) I / F 113 for receiving
Is provided.

Here, the CPU 101 controls the entire Internet facsimile machine (iFAX) 1. The RAM 102 is a storage device used for controlling the Internet facsimile machine 1. The operation display unit 103 is connected to an Internet facsimile device (iF
AX) 1 is operated. The reading unit 104
Is for reading a transmission original. The image processing unit 106 is a part that performs processes such as encoding, decoding, enlargement, and reduction. The image storage unit 107 is a part that stores image information. The system control unit 108 is a program for controlling the entire Internet facsimile, and is composed of, for example, a ROM. The communication control unit 10
Reference numeral 9 is for controlling communication suitable for the telephone network. The network control unit 110 is for controlling communication connected to a network. The network control unit 111 is for connecting to a network. The modem 112 is a modem and has a function of a low-speed mode and a high-speed mode. Also, Ethernet
The tI / F 113 is an interface for connecting to Ethernet. Also, the system bus 114
Is a bus for exchanging data with each other.
The line switching control unit 115 connects a plurality of external line interfaces with a plurality of internal communication circuits.

The CPU 101 to the network control unit 111 of the above-mentioned components mutually transmit and receive data via the system bus 114.

In addition, ordinary Scan to E-Mai
At the time of transmission, storage and transmission parameters are instructed from the operation display unit 103, and the reading unit 10
4, image information is read. After the read image information is stored in the image storage unit 107, the RAM 102 is used as a buffer under the control of the system control unit 108.
The processing is performed while using the image processing device 106 as needed, and the image in the image storage unit 108 is converted into a format suitable for transmission, and finally converted via the modem 12, the network control unit 111 and the communication control unit 109. To the telephone network as a facsimile or from the network control unit 110 to Ethernet.
E-Mail transmission is performed via the etI / F 113.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the speed dial table 102a stored in the RAM 102 of the Internet facsimile machine 1 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, in this abbreviated dial table 102a, an information item 102a-2 indicating the destination name and an information item 102a- indicating the storage condition are associated with the abbreviated number (No.) 102a-1. 3, information item 102a-4 indicating a communication parameter, and information item 1 indicating a destination
02a-5, an information item 102a-6 indicating a telephone number / mail address, and an information item 102a- indicating a capability condition.
7, an information item 102a-8 indicating a function condition, and an information item 102a-9 indicating a priority condition are registered.

Here, the information item 102a-2 of the destination name
Is registered with information indicating the name of the communication partner set by the user. Also, the information item 102a of the accumulation condition
In -3, information specifying an encoding method, resolution, paper size, and the like is registered according to the type of original to be transmitted. Also, an information item 102a-4 indicating a communication parameter
Is registered with information designating a communication function to be used at the time of communication, for example, the number of copies, relay broadcasting, confidential communication, and the like. The destination information item 102a-5 is the communication type destination of the communication destination, and in this case, information indicating whether the destination is a facsimile or an e-mail is registered. The information item 102a-6 of the telephone number / mail address includes
The destination information for each destination, that is, information indicating a telephone number for FAX, and information indicating a mail address for E-Mail are registered. Information item 1 of ability condition
In 02a-7, information indicating the reception capability of the communication partner is registered. In the function condition information item 102a-8, information indicating the communication function of the communication partner is registered. In the priority condition information item 102a-9, information indicating a priority order among parameters used in a transmission destination automatic selection process described later is registered.

In this embodiment, for example, in correspondence with the abbreviated number (No.) “1”, the destination name “Fujitaro”
, "A4, MH" for the storage condition, "None" for the communication parameter, and "FAX" and "E-Mail" for the destination
Has entered "048-
123-4567 ”and“ Fuji.T ”on the E-Mail side.
aro @ fujixerox. co. jp ”is“ A4 ”on the FAX side and“ Tif on the E-Mail side ”
fS ”is“ Facsimile ”and“ E-M ”in the function conditions.
"None" on the ai side is ">>>>"
"Is registered.

When the user wants to give a transmission instruction, the transmission destination is changed from the speed dial to the speed number (N
o. ) And the like, the original is set on the reading unit 104, and the start button is pressed, thereby performing the storing and transmitting operation. At this time, it is also possible to instruct whether to use FAX or E-Mail.

The speed dial table 102a
The contents registered in the information item 102a-7 indicating the capability condition and the information item 102a-8 indicating the function condition are registered based on the capability information of the partner device obtained by communication with the communication partner device. It is configured to be updated only when the content differs (does not match).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of the abbreviated dial registration screen 103a displayed on the operation display section 103 of the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, on this abbreviated dial registration screen 103a, a setting column 103a-1 for inputting and setting abbreviated numbers (No.) registered in the abbreviated dial, and a setting column 103a-1 are set. Setting field 103a for inputting and setting the destination name to be registered in association with the registered abbreviated number (No.)
-2 and a destination to be registered in association with the destination name, that is, a setting field 103 for designating FAX or E-Mail
a-3, a setting field 103a-4 for inputting and setting a telephone number or an e-mail address corresponding to the facsimile or e-mail specified in the setting field 103a-3, and a partner to be registered in this abbreviated number (No.) A button icon 103a-5 for setting a storage condition to be registered in advance in association with
Similarly, a button icon 103a-6 for setting communication parameters to be registered in association with the destination registered in the abbreviated number (No.) and associated with the destination registered in the abbreviated number (No.) Button icons 103a-7 for setting priority conditions to be registered are provided.

In this embodiment, for example, “2” is abbreviated to the abbreviated number (No.), “Fuji Hanako” is the destination name, and “FAX”, “E-Mail”, “ EM
aile ”is“ 048-987-6543 ”and“ F. Hanako @ ”in order from the top in the telephone number / mail address.
jitaku. ne. jp ”,“ F. Hanako @ f ”
ujixerox. co. jp ”is set.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the storage condition setting screen 103b displayed on the operation display section 103 of the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the storage condition setting screen 103b includes a setting column 103b-1 for setting an encoding method and a setting column 103b for setting a resolution as conditions for storing a document to be transmitted. -2 and a setting column 103b-3 for setting the paper size.

In this embodiment, "MH", "MMR", and "JBIG" are prepared as selection candidates for the encoding method, and "low resolution",
“Medium resolution” and “high resolution” are prepared, and “A3”, “A4”, and “A5” are prepared as paper size selection candidates.

In this embodiment, for example, instruction information "Please specify the storage parameters of the transmission original" is displayed at the top of the setting column for setting each storage condition. "MH", "MM"
R ”and“ JBIG ”are selected, and the resolution is set to“ low resolution ”.
Is selected, and “A3”, “A4”, “A”
"5" is selected and pressed (the hatched portion in FIG. 5).

Thus, the encoding method, resolution, etc. can be specified according to the type of the original to be transmitted. If the user does not specify any special storage conditions at the time of transmission, it is registered in advance in the speed dial. The transmission original is stored according to the parameters.

When a plurality of destinations are specified by the user at the same time, all the parameters registered in the specified abbreviation are searched, and the transmission original is stored in accordance with the storage parameter of the highest level. Shall be. However, when it is desired to use the same specific image information (encoding method, resolution, size, etc.) for all destinations, it is also possible to separately instruct.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication parameter setting screen 103c displayed on the operation display section 103 of the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, on this communication parameter setting screen 103c, a button icon 103c-1 for designating the number-of-copies designation communication, as a button icon for designating a communication function to be used for communication, and a relay Button icon 103c-2 for specifying broadcast communication
And a button icon 103c for specifying confidential communication
-3, a button icon 103c-4 for designating bowling communication, and a button icon 103c-5 for designating nothing in particular.

In this embodiment, the instruction information "Please specify the communication parameters to be used for communication." Is displayed above the button icon for designating each communication function. This shows a state where “designated communication” is selected and pressed.

Thus, it is possible to specify a function (copy print, relay broadcast, confidential communication, etc.) desired to be used at the time of communication. Therefore, if the user does not specify a communication parameter at the time of transmission, the function can be shortened in advance. Communication is performed according to the communication parameters registered in the dial.

When a user designates a plurality of destinations at the same time, it is assumed that communication is performed for each destination in accordance with the communication parameters registered in the designated abbreviation. However, when it is desired to use the same communication parameter for all destinations, it is possible to separately instruct.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the priority condition setting screen 103d displayed on the operation display section 103 of the Internet facsimile machine 1 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the priority condition setting screen 103d includes various parameters (storage conditions, communication parameters,
A setting column 103d-1 is provided for setting a priority order between capability conditions and function conditions.

In this embodiment, the setting column 103
Indication information of "Please decide the priority order between parameters." is displayed at the top of d-1. 1 is the priority order No. "" In the priority order No. 2. "3" is the priority N
o. 4 shows a state in which "" is set.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the automatic transmission destination selection control process in the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, first, in the Internet facsimile machine 1, when the user is instructed to transmit by speed dial (step S101YE).
S), this process is started.

Next, it is determined whether or not a special parameter is specified by the user (step S10).
2).

As a result of this determination, when it is determined that the user has specified a special parameter (step S102 YES), it is then determined whether or not the communication parameter has been specified (step S10).
3).

When it is determined that the communication parameter is specified (step S1).
03YES), then, it is determined whether E-Mail transmission is possible (step S104).

As a result of this determination, when it is determined that E-Mail transmission is possible (step S104 YES),
Next, it is determined whether or not the accumulation parameter has been designated (step S105).

When it is determined that the storage parameter has been designated (step S1).
05YES) Then, it is determined whether or not the image information read and stored by the storage parameter designated by the user can be received with the receiving capability of the other party (step S106).

As a result of this determination, when it is determined that the image information based on the storage parameter specified by the user is to be received with the receiving capability of the other party (step S106 YES), E-Mai
1 is transmitted (step S107), and this processing ends. In this case, E-Mail transmission is performed according to the communication parameters and the storage parameters designated by the user.

If it is determined in step S102 that no special parameter has been designated by the user (step S102: NO), then E-mail using the communication parameters registered in the short form is executed.
It is determined whether the stored image information based on the storage parameter that can be transmitted by mail and is registered in the short form can be received with the receiving capability of the other party (step S108).

As a result of this determination, it is determined that E-Mail transmission using the communication parameters registered in the short form is possible, and that the image information based on the storage parameters registered in the short form can be received with the receiving capability of the other party. Only when YES (step S108 YES), the processing shifts to the above-mentioned step S107, transmission by E-Mail is performed, and this processing ends. In this case, the E-Ma according to the communication parameter and the storage parameter registered in the short
An il transmission is performed.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S108, the E-
When it is determined that the mail transmission is not possible or that the image information based on the storage parameter registered in the shortened state cannot be received with the receiving capability of the other party (step S10)
8NO) Then, it is determined whether facsimile transmission is possible (step S111).

As a result of this determination, if it is determined that fax transmission is possible (YES in step S111), FA
X transmission is performed, and this processing ends. In this case, FAX transmission is performed in accordance with the communication parameters and the storage parameters registered for the shortening.

If it is determined in step S111 that fax transmission is not possible (step S111: NO), then E-Mail or FAX is selected according to the priority condition shown in FIG. Then, transmission is performed (step S112), and thereafter, this processing ends. That is, in this case, transmission is performed by selecting a communication means (either FAX or E-Mail) having a function that can be realized from a higher priority based on the preset priority condition.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S104, when it is determined that E-Mail transmission is not possible (step S104 NO), the above-described step S1 is not performed.
The process shifts to step 11 to determine similarly whether fax transmission is possible. In other words, in this case, whether fax communication can be performed using communication parameters specified by the user and whether image information based on user-specified storage parameters or image information based on storage parameters registered in abbreviated form can be received with the receiving capability of the other party. Is determined.

If it is determined that fax transmission is possible (YES in step S111), the FA
X transmission is performed, and this processing ends. In this case, fax transmission is performed in accordance with the communication parameters specified by the user and the storage parameters specified by the user or the storage parameters registered in the shortening.

If it is determined in step S111 that facsimile transmission is not possible (step S111 NO), then E-Mail or FAX is selected according to the priority condition shown in FIG. Then, transmission is performed (step S112), and thereafter, this processing ends. That is, in this case, transmission is performed by selecting a communication means (either FAX or E-Mail) having a function that can be realized from a higher priority based on the preset priority condition.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the storage parameter has not been designated (step S105: NO), then the image information based on the storage parameter registered in the short form is replaced with the image information of the partner. It is determined whether or not the signal can be received with the reception capability (step S109).

As a result of this determination, when it is determined that the image information based on the storage parameter registered in the shortened state can be received with the receiving capability of the other party (step S109 YES), the processing shifts to the above-described step S107 and E- Mail transmission is performed, and then this processing ends. In this case, E-Mail transmission is performed in accordance with the communication parameters specified by the user and the storage parameters registered in advance in the speed dial.

If it is determined in step S109 that the image information that has been read and stored cannot be received with the reception capability of the other party (step S109: NO), then the image information is adjusted to match the reception capability registered in the shortening. Are subjected to encoding conversion and reduction processing (step S110), and thereafter, the processing shifts to the processing of step S107 described above and E-Ma
The il transmission is performed, and then this processing ends. In this case, E-Mail transmission is performed according to the communication parameters specified by the user.

Further, as a result of the determination in step S106, when it is determined that the image information based on the storage parameter designated by the user cannot be received with the receiving capability of the other party (step S106 NO), the process proceeds to the above-described step S111. Similarly, it is determined whether facsimile transmission is possible.
That is, in this case, it is determined whether the facsimile communication can be performed using the communication parameters specified by the user and the image information based on the storage parameters specified by the user can be received with the receiving capability of the other party.

As a result of this determination, if it is determined that fax transmission is possible (YES in step S111), the FA
X transmission is performed, and this processing ends. In this case, FAX transmission is performed in accordance with the communication parameters and storage parameters specified by the user.

If it is determined in step S111 that fax transmission is not possible (step S111: NO), then E-Mail or FAX is selected according to the priority condition shown in FIG. A clear transmission is performed (step S112), and then this processing ends. That is, in this case, transmission is performed by selecting a communication means (either FAX or E-Mail) having a function that can be realized from a higher priority based on the preset priority condition.

According to this configuration, it is possible to give a communication instruction by a simple operation without being conscious of the communication function of the communication partner on the transmission side, and it is possible to communicate with the most suitable communication means. Become. Specifically, it is possible to execute the E-Mail communication while satisfying the condition desired by the user as much as possible and at the lowest possible communication fee.

Further, according to this configuration, specifically, the destination capability condition of the designated speed dial is determined, and if there is no special instruction, the image information is transmitted by E-Mail. At this time, if the read image information cannot be received with the receiving capability of the other party, the image information is converted into a format registered in abbreviated form and transmitted. For example, a document stored in JBIG A3
E- for those who only have the ability of if-S (A4 ・ MH)
Since it cannot be transferred by mail, it is necessary to perform encoding conversion and reduction processing. However, if the user intentionally specifies the storage parameter of the image information (JBIG A3), the transmission by E-Mail is abandoned, and the transmission is performed using the fax telephone number.

Further, according to this configuration, specifically, if there is no instruction of a special communication parameter from the user, the E-Ma using the communication parameter registered in the speed dial is used.
The transmission operation by il or FAX is performed. However, when communication parameters (relay broadcast / confidential communication) are intentionally specified, there is no means for realizing the same function in E-Mail transmission, and the function can be operated only by FAX. Abandons transmission by E-Mail, and transmits using a fax telephone number. In some cases, of course, the reverse is not possible, and there is a case where there is no means for realizing the function only by E-Mail transmission.

If there is a contradiction in the means for selecting a transmission destination based on these storage conditions and communication parameters,
E-Ma according to the priority of the parameter registered for shortening
Communication is performed by selecting either il or FAX.

Further, according to the method described in the above embodiment, when a transmission destination (facsimile communication or e-mail communication) is automatically selected and transmission is performed, the transmission destination is selected due to a failure of a communication device on the other side. When communication with the destination cannot be performed, communication is performed in place of another communication means (facsimile communication or electronic mail communication). This allows
It is possible to guarantee the communication instruction as much as possible and to save the user from having to perform the retransmission instruction.

[0096]

As described above, according to the Internet facsimile apparatus of the present invention, destination information for facsimile (FAX) communication and electronic mail (E-Mail) are provided for each communication destination registered in the short stripe dial. If the destination information for communication is registered at the same time and an instruction to transmit image information to the registered destination is given, either the destination information for facsimile communication or the destination information for e-mail communication is registered. Either one is automatically selected according to a predetermined parameter, and communication is executed using the selected destination information. A communication instruction can be given by an operation, and communication can be performed with the most suitable communication means.

Further, according to the Internet facsimile apparatus of the present invention, even if one of the communication means of facsimile communication or e-mail communication becomes unusable due to a failure of a communication partner device, etc. By automatically using the means instead of the means, it is possible to guarantee the communication instruction as much as possible and to prevent the user from having to perform the retransmission instruction beforehand.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an Internet facsimile apparatus (i.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of a network to which FAX is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the Internet facsimile apparatus (iFAX) of the present invention shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of the configuration of a speed dial table stored in a RAM of the Internet facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing a configuration example of a speed dial registration screen displayed on an operation display section of the Internet facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a configuration of a storage condition setting screen displayed on an operation display unit of the Internet facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view showing a configuration example of a communication parameter setting screen displayed on an operation display section of the Internet facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary view showing a configuration example of a priority condition setting screen displayed on an operation display section of the Internet facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a transmission destination automatic selection control process in the Internet facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Internet facsimile machine (iFAX) 2.
... Public exchange network (PSTN), 3a ... FAX (G3 machine),
3b: FAX (G3 machine), 4: Public switched network (PST)
N), 5 ... Internet service provider (IS
P), 6 ... Internet, A ... Network, 71 ...
Router, 72: Mail server, 73: Personal computer (PC), 74: Personal computer (P
C), 75: iFAX, 101: CPU, 102: RA
M, 103: operation display unit, 104: reading unit, 105: printing unit, 106: image processing unit, 107: image storage unit, 10
8 System control unit, 109 Communication control unit, 110 Network control unit, 111 Network control unit, 112 Modem, 113 Ethernet I / F, 114 System bus, 115 Line switching control unit, 102a Shortening Dial table, 103a ... Speed dial registration screen,
103b: accumulation condition setting screen, 103c: communication parameter setting screen, 103d: priority condition setting screen

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. An Internet facsimile apparatus capable of sending scanned and stored image information as facsimile communication or e-mail communication, wherein the destination information for facsimile communication and the e-mail communication are provided for each communication destination registered in a speed dial. Registration means for registering destination information for facsimile communication, and when an instruction to transmit image information to a communication destination registered by the registration means is issued, the destination information for facsimile communication registered by the registration means or the electronic device. Selection means for automatically selecting one of destination information for mail communication according to a predetermined parameter; and communication control means for executing communication using the destination information selected by the selection means. An Internet facsimile machine characterized by the following. 2. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit associates and registers a plurality of types of parameters for each communication destination registered in the speed dial. 3. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of types of parameters include at least a storage condition indicating an encoding method, a resolution, and a paper size. 4. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of types of parameters include at least communication conditions indicating a communication function used at the time of communication. 5. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of types of parameters include at least a capability condition indicating a receiving capability of a communication partner. 6. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of types of parameters include at least a function condition indicating a communication function that can be realized by a communication partner. 7. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of types of parameters include a priority condition indicating a priority between each of the plurality of types of parameters. 8. The Internet facsimile machine according to claim 1, wherein said communication control means controls communication based on parameters registered in association with the destination information selected by said selection means. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selecting unit automatically selects one of the facsimile communication destination information and the e-mail communication destination information in accordance with the storage condition or the amount of stored data of the image information to be transmitted. 4. An Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the Internet facsimile apparatus is selected. 10. The facsimile communication destination information or the e-mail communication destination information automatically selects one of the facsimile communication destination information according to a communication condition designated for use during communication. The described Internet facsimile machine. 11. The selecting means satisfies a desired condition when automatically selecting either one of the facsimile communication destination information and the e-mail communication destination information according to a predetermined parameter. 8. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when no destination is detected, the destination information of the communication partner is selected according to the priority condition. 12. The communication control means, if communication using the destination information selected by the selection means is not possible, executes communication using the other destination information. Item 1. An Internet facsimile apparatus according to Item 1. 13. Based on the capability information of the communication partner received by communicating with the communication partner, the content of the capability information of the communication partner registered in the speed dial is changed to the received capability information of the communication partner. Determination means for determining whether or not the information matches the content of the communication partner, and updating means for updating the content of the registered capability information of the communication partner when the determination means determines that the content does not match. The Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 14. A method for controlling an Internet facsimile apparatus capable of transmitting scanned and stored image information as facsimile communication or e-mail communication, wherein the destination information for facsimile communication is stored for each communication destination registered in a speed dial. Registering the destination information for the e-mail communication, and when an instruction to transmit image information to the registered communication destination is issued, the registered destination information for the facsimile communication or the destination for the e-mail communication A method of controlling an Internet facsimile apparatus, which comprises automatically selecting one of information according to a predetermined parameter and executing communication using the selected destination information. 15. The control method for an Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of types of parameters are registered in association with each other party registered in the speed dial. 16. The control method for an Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said plurality of types of parameters include at least a storage condition indicating an encoding method, a resolution, and a paper size. 17. The control method for an Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of types of parameters include at least a communication condition indicating a communication function used at the time of communication. 18. The control method according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of types of parameters include at least a capability condition indicating a receiving capability of a communication partner. 19. The control method according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of types of parameters include at least a function condition indicating a communication function that can be realized by a communication partner. 20. The method according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of types of parameters include a priority condition indicating a priority between the plurality of types of parameters. 21. The communication control unit according to claim 1, wherein the communication control unit performs communication control based on a parameter registered in association with the destination information selected by the selection unit.
6. The method for controlling an Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 5. 22. Automatically selecting one of the facsimile communication destination information and the e-mail communication destination information in accordance with the storage conditions or the amount of stored data of the image information to be transmitted. Claim 1.
7. The method for controlling an Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 6. 23. The method according to claim 17, wherein one of the destination information for facsimile communication and the destination information for e-mail communication is automatically selected according to a communication condition designated for use during communication. A method for controlling an Internet facsimile apparatus as described above. 24. When automatically selecting either the facsimile communication destination information or the e-mail communication destination information according to a predetermined parameter, a destination satisfying a desired condition cannot be detected. 21. The control method for an Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, in the case where the priority is set, the destination information of the communication partner is selected according to the priority condition. 25. The control of the Internet facsimile apparatus according to claim 14, wherein when communication using the selected destination information is impossible, communication is performed using the other destination information. Method. 26. The content of the capability information of the communication partner registered in the abbreviated dial is based on the capability information of the communication partner received by communicating with the communication partner. 15. The Internet according to claim 14, wherein it is determined whether or not the content of the communication partner matches, and if it is determined that the content does not match, the content of the registered capability information of the communication partner is updated. A method for controlling a facsimile machine.