JP2002204334A - Image communication apparatus, communication system, method for controlling image for transmission, storage medium, image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image communication apparatus, communication system, method for controlling an image for transmission, storage medium, image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer readable program that changes the width of an image file to be attached to an electronic mail for transmission in accordance with the set width of an read image of an original, thereby making it easy to see the area of the original when the receiving side opens the image file. SOLUTION: When transmitting electronic data by electronic mail, a CPU 201 of a facsimile machine 101 changes the width of electronic image file in accordance with the set width of read image for conversion to an electronic image file width and transmission as electronic mail data. When the electronic data is transmitted by color facsimile, a control is made such that white pixels are added to the electronic data to make the image width constant before transmission.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus, a communication system, a transmission image control method, a storage medium, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing method for processing image data to be transmitted by e-mail or facsimile. Processing method,
And a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been proposed a method of transmitting image data obtained by reading a document with a scanner to the Internet by e-mail as an attached file in a facsimile apparatus. For example, image data obtained by reading an image on a document with a scanner of a facsimile
(Tag Image File Format) format and send it as e-mail.

A method of transmitting an electronic mail using a conventional facsimile machine will be described below.

First, a user sets a document to be transmitted on a reading unit of a facsimile apparatus, selects a destination to be transmitted,
Instructs transmission.

[0005] The facsimile apparatus reads the originals of the reading section one by one, encodes them by an MMR (Modified Modified READ) system (may be an MH or MR system other than the MMR system), and further converts this into a TIFF file. In the TIFF conversion process, the TIFF
Adds ClassF header information and creates TIFF image data. Since TIFF image data is binary data, it is further converted to text data. Further, an e-mail header is added to the TIFF image data converted to the text data. When the e-mail format data is completed in this way, SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
Send an e-mail according to l).

[0006] When facsimile transmission is performed, the original is read in the same manner as in the case of the electronic mail transmission, and the MM is read.
Image data encoded in the R system is transmitted according to a known facsimile communication procedure such as G3.

[0007]

By the way, it is desired to transmit image data obtained by reading a photograph-size original with such a facsimile apparatus by e-mail.
In the past, despite being much smaller than A4 size, white pixels were added to a photo size image and transmitted as A4 size image data. This is because the same processing was performed in the case of electronic mail transmission and in the case of facsimile transmission until image data encoded by the MMR method was created.

For this reason, in the conventional facsimile apparatus, when it is desired to provide a small image such as a photograph size to a transmission destination, the data size to be transmitted is unnecessarily large, and the transmitted image data is transmitted to a personal computer (PC). ), There is a problem that an unnecessary area is displayed, so that the document area becomes difficult to see.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image communication device, a communication system, a transmission image control method, a storage medium, an image processing device, an image processing method, and a computer readable program which eliminate the above-mentioned problems. .

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image communication device, a communication system, a transmission image control method, a storage medium, an image processing device, an image processing method, and a computer-readable device capable of outputting image data of a size corresponding to a transmission method. To provide a possible program.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image communication apparatus which processes image data to have a predetermined size when facsimile transmitting the image data and outputs the image data without processing when transmitting the image data by e-mail. Devices, communication systems,
An object of the present invention is to provide a transmission image control method, a storage medium, an image processing device, an image processing method, and a computer-readable program.

The above and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides first conversion means for converting electronic image data based on image reading by an image reading means into an electronic image file; An image communication apparatus comprising: a second conversion unit that converts electronic mail data into electronic mail format; and a mail transmission unit that transmits the electronic mail data by electronic mail. It is characterized by having image processing control means for performing processing. Further, the present invention provides a first conversion unit for converting electronic image data into an electronic image file based on image reading by an image reading unit, and a second conversion unit for converting the electronic image file into electronic mail data in an electronic mail format. A communication system comprising: an image communication device including a mail transmitting unit that transmits the electronic mail data by electronic mail; and an external device that can communicate with the image communication device. Is characterized by having image processing control means for performing image processing according to the set read image width.

Further, the present invention provides a first conversion step for converting electronic image data based on image reading by an image reading means into an electronic image file, and a second conversion step for converting the electronic image file into electronic mail data in an electronic mail format. A transmission image control method applied to an image communication apparatus having a second conversion step and a mail transmission step of transmitting the e-mail data by e-mail, wherein an image for performing image processing according to a set read image width is provided. It is characterized by having a processing control step.

Further, according to the present invention, a first conversion step of converting electronic image data into an electronic image file based on image reading by the image reading means, and a second conversion step of converting the electronic image file into electronic mail data in an electronic mail format. A second storage step, a computer-readable storage medium storing a program that executes a transmission image control method applied to an image communication apparatus having an e-mail data e-mail transmission e-mail transmission step,
The transmission image control method includes an image processing control step of performing image processing according to the set read image width.

According to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus, comprising: input means for inputting image data; processing means for processing image data so that an image indicated by the image data has a predetermined size; A first generating means for generating facsimile data based on the image data input in the, a second generating means for generating e-mail data based on the image data input in the input means, the first and second And controlling the generating means, when generating facsimile data in the first generating means, processing the image data input by the input means by the processing means, then generating facsimile data, the second When the e-mail data is generated by the generating means, the image data input by the input means is processed by the processing means. And having a control means for generating an electronic mail data without.

According to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising: input means for inputting image data; first generating means for generating facsimile data based on the image data input by the input means; A second generation unit that generates e-mail data based on the input image data, and until the image data is supplied to the first or the second generation unit according to the size of the image input by the input unit. And control means for controlling the processing of (1).

According to the present invention, there is provided an image processing method, comprising the steps of: inputting image data; processing the image data so that the image indicated by the image data has a predetermined size; A first generation step of generating facsimile data based on the image data input in the, and a second generation step of generating e-mail data based on the image data input in the input step, the first and second Controlling the generation step, and when facsimile data is generated in the first generation step, the image data input in the input step is processed in the processing step to generate facsimile data, and the second data is generated. In the case of generating the e-mail data in the generating step, the input step And having a control step of generating an electronic mail data input image data to the not treated by the process step.

According to the present invention, there is provided a computer readable program comprising: an input step of inputting image data; a processing step of processing image data so that an image indicated by the image data has a predetermined size; A first generation step of generating facsimile data based on the image data input in the input step, a second generation step of generating e-mail data based on the image data input in the input step, Controlling the second generation step, and when generating facsimile data in the first generation step, processing the image data input in the input step in the processing step and then generating facsimile data, Generate email data in the second generation step If is characterized by a control step of generating an electronic mail data image data input in said input step without processing by said processing step.

According to the present invention, in the image processing method, an input step of inputting image data; a first generating step of generating facsimile data based on the image data input in the input step; A second generation step of generating e-mail data based on the input image data, and until the image data is supplied to the first or the second generation step according to the size of the image input in the input step And a control step of controlling the above processing.

According to the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable program comprising: an input step of inputting image data; a first generating step of generating facsimile data based on the image data input in the input step; A second generation step of generating e-mail data based on the image data input in the step, and supplying image data to the first or the second generation step according to the size of the image input in the input step And a control step of controlling processing up to the end of the process.

[0022]

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

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a facsimile device 101, a hand scanner 10
2, Digital camera 103, ISDN (Integrated ServicesDig
communication network 104 such as an ital Network), a facsimile machine (FAX) 105 of a communication partner, an Internet service provider (ISP) 106, and a computer (P
C) 107 is provided.

The configuration of the communication system will be described in detail. The facsimile apparatus 101, the facsimile apparatus 105 of the communication partner,
The communication partner computers 107 communicate with each other via the communication network 104. The facsimile machine 101 includes:
A detachable hand scanner 102 can be attached, and is used for reading various images. The digital camera 103 has
A detachable storage medium for storing image data captured by the digital camera 103 can be attached. It is assumed that image data is transferred between the hand scanner 102 and the digital camera 103 via a storage medium such as a compact flash (registered trademark) (CF) card or a smart media. An Internet service provider (ISP) 106 provides an Internet connection service.

FIG. 2 shows a facsimile apparatus 101 and a hand scanner 102 of the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of FIG. The facsimile apparatus 101 of the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention
PU201, ROM203, SRAM204, CPU205, ROM207, RAM208, shared register 209, shared register 210, printer image processing unit
211, color printer 212, operation panel 213, F
AXMODEM214, handset 215, speaker 216, crosspoint switch 217, DSU219, ISDNI interface 22
0, HDLC controller 221, PIAFS controller 222, CPU2
24 and a PHS processing unit 223 having a TDMA processing unit 225, a 1.9 GHz high-frequency unit 226, a PCMCODEC227, a PCMCODEC228, a PCM / ADPCM conversion unit 229, a PCM / ADPCM conversion unit 230, a path switch 231 and a path switch 232. , Hand scanner 102
Are the CPU 241, RAM 242, CIS 243, A / D converter 244, shading corrector 245, color conversion selector 246, RGB → LAB color space converter 247, RGBY → CbCr color space converter 248, γ converter A24
9, JPEG compression / decompression unit 250, γ conversion unit B251, resolution conversion unit 2
52, a CF card interface 253, and a binarization processing unit 255.

The configuration of the facsimile apparatus will be described in detail. In the facsimile apparatus 101, the CPU 201 has a ROM 20 via a system bus 202 including a data and address bus.
The program stored in 3 is read, and various controls including a control described later are executed using the SRAM 204 as a work memory according to the program. In addition, the CPU 205 controls the ROM via a system bus 206 including a data and address bus.
The program stored in the storage unit 207 is read, and various processes including a JPEG compression / expansion process of digital image data by middleware are executed using the RAM 208 as a work memory according to the program.

Data is exchanged between a system on the CPU 201 side interconnected by the system bus 202 and a system on the CPU 205 side interconnected by the system bus 206 via a shared register 209 connected therebetween. Execute Similarly, the system on the CPU 205 side and the hand scanner 102 exchange data via a shared register 210 connected between them.

An operation panel 213 connected to the system bus 206 is provided with a display (display unit) such as an LCD, numeric keys, various keys, and e-mail buttons. The user can operate the facsimile apparatus 101 or operate the facsimile machine. This is for displaying the operation state of the device 101.

The FAXMODEM 214 is connected via a system bus 206
While being controlled by the CPU 205, the crosspoint switch 21
Connected to 7. The crosspoint switch 217 has
Handset 215 and speaker 216 are also connected. Therefore, the voice and facsimile analog data input from the communication line are supplied to the handset 215, the speaker 216, and the FAXMODEM 214 via the crosspoint switch 217, and the voice and analog data output from the handset 215 and the FAXMODEM214 are transmitted to the communication line. Can be output to

DSU (Dig) connected to ISDN line (U point) 218
The ital service unit (219) converts data exchanged with the central office switch into a TTL level signal.

The ISDN interface 220 is an ISDN layer 1
The control from (1) to (3) is provided, and it has the function of inputting / outputting ISDN B channel data. HDLC controller 221 is ISDN
Assembles and decomposes data in HDLC (High Level Data Link Control procedure) format.
A PIAFS (PHS Internet Access Forum Standard) controller 222 is a wireless data communication protocol processing unit that performs processing for assembling and disassembling a frame in a wireless data communication protocol format.

The PHS processing unit 223 causes the PHS (Per
The TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) processing unit 225 assembles and disassembles frames transmitted and received by time-division multiplexing of four slots, and performs processing for disassembling. The 1.9 GHz high frequency section 226 connected to the PHS processing section 223 transmits and receives 1.9 GHz band radio waves. By using the PHS processing unit 223, a digital cordless telephone can be accommodated in the extension.

The PCMCODECs 227 and 228 are used for analog signals and PC
Converts M (Pulse Code Modulation) code data.
The PCM / ADPCM conversion units 229 and 230 are adapted to transmit an ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modula) transmitted over a PHS wireless line.
tion) Convert the code data into PCM code data.

The path changeover switches 231 and 232 are connected to an ISDN line.
A switch for switching under control of the CPU 201 whether to select an analog signal such as a facsimile signal or a voice signal sent from a digital cordless telephone via the PHS processing unit 223 as data to be transmitted at 218. It is.

Next, the main signal lines will be described. 233
Is a serial communication line for exchanging control signals between the CPU 201 and the CPU 205. Reference numerals 234 to 236 denote serial signal lines input / output to / from the ISDN interface 220. ISD
The N interface 220 selects two of these signal lines and connects them to the B1 and B2 channels of the ISDN line 218. Two
37 and 238 are signal lines for analog signals input / output to / from the FAXMODEM 214 and the handset 215. 239 and 240 are
This is a signal line for ADPCM encoded audio data input / output to / from a digital cordless telephone.

The structure of the hand scanner will be described in detail.
In the hand scanner 102, a CPU 241 such as a one-chip microprocessor reads a program stored in a built-in ROM or the like, and, according to the program, a RAM via a system bus 254 including a data and address bus.
Using the 242 as a work memory, various processes including a process described later are executed.

CIS (Conta) for reading an image on a document
The ct image sensor 243 includes a red (R), green (G), and blue (B) LED array and a line CCD. CIS24
3, when the read timing signal is input, outputs a video signal of the read image in synchronization with the read timing signal. The A / D converter 244 performs A / D (Analog to Digital) conversion of the video signal output from the CIS 243. The shading correction unit 245 performs known shading correction on the RGB image data output from the A / D conversion unit 244.

The color conversion selection unit 246 switches the input source and the output destination of the RGB image data under the control of the CPU 241. The input source is selected from either the shading correction unit 245 or the RAM 242, and the output destination is the gamma conversion unit A249 or gamma conversion unit B2.
51 or RAM242.

When performing color facsimile communication, the input RGB image data is output to the γ conversion unit A 249, and the processing result is output to the RGB → LAB color space conversion unit 247. As a result, the RGB image data is converted to image data in the CIELab color space. On the other hand, when a color image is attached to an e-mail and transmitted, the input RGB image data is converted to a γ-conversion unit B2.
51, and the processing result is output from the RGB → YCbCr color space conversion unit.
Output to 248. As a result, the RGB image data is YCbCr
It is converted to image data in a color space.

It should be noted that the γ conversion units A 249 and B 251
Similar γ conversion processing is performed, but the values of γ are different between A and B. This is because γ conversion parameters are different between a color facsimile for printing and an electronic mail for display on a display. In general,
Γ = 1.0 for color facsimile, γ = for display
It is about 1.8 or 2.2.

The JPEG compression / decompression unit 250 applies DCT (Discrete Cosin) to the input image data in the Lab or YCbCr color space.
e Transform), then performs quantization and Huffman encoding to output JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) image data, and expands the input JPEG data to output RGB uncompressed image data. For the algorithm of DCT transform and quantization / Huffman coding, please refer to the general JP
It is the same as that used in the EG compression process.

The binarization processing unit 255 converts image data in the RGB color space into CMYK binary data for printing, or converts grayscale image data into monochrome binary data for printing. The CF card interface 253 is an interface for reading JPEG image data captured by a digital camera or the like and recorded on a CF (Compact Flash) card or the like. The resolution conversion unit 252 performs resolution conversion processing of RGB image data.

The RGB → YCbCr conversion section 248 converts the 256 gradation RGB data after the γ (= 1.0) conversion processing into 256 gradation YCbCr data. By performing the following processing on the values of R, G, and B of each pixel, the values of Y, Cb, and Cr of each pixel are obtained. Y = 0.29900R + 0.58700G + 0.11400B-0x80 Cb = -0.16874R-0.33126G-0.500000B Cr = 0.50000R-0.41869G-0.08131B In the RGB → Lab converter 247, γ (= 1.8 or 2.2 ) Convert the 256 gradation RGB data after the conversion processing into 256 gradation Lab data. By performing the following processing on the values of R, G, and B of each pixel, the values of L, a, and b of each pixel are obtained. x = (8164 * R + 6004 * G + 2281 * B) / (2 ^ 22); y = (3666 * R + 12872 * G-90 * B) / (2 ^ 22); z = (302 * R -887 * G + 17027 * B) / (2 ^ 22); if (x> 1.0) x = 1.0; if (x <0.0) x = 0.0; if (y> 1.0) y = 1.0; if (y < 0.0) y = 0.0; if (z> 1.0) z = 1.0; if (z <0.0) z = 0.0; if (x <0.008856) [x = 7.787 * x + 16/116;] else x = x ^ ( 1/3); if (y <0.008856) [y = 7.787 * y + 16/116;] else y = y ^ (1/3); if (z <0.008856) [z = 7.787 * z + 16/116 ;] else z = z ^ (1/3); l1 = 116 * y-16; a 1 = 500 * (x-y); b 1 = 200 * (y-z); L = l1 * 2.56; if (L <0) L = 0; if (L> 255) L = 255; a = (a1 * 255/170) + 128; if (a <0) a = 0; if (a> 255) a = 255 b = (b1 * 255/200) + 96; if (b <0) b = 0; if (b> 255) b = 255; In the hand scanner 102, the reading width can be specified by the user, and the photo width can be specified. (1 27mm), A4 width (210mm), B4 width (25
7mm) to read the image.

Next, the initial setting of the facsimile machine will be described. The facsimile apparatus has a function of setting a destination and e-mail related information in advance so that facsimile transmission and e-mail transmission can be performed by a simple operation. Facsimile transmissions and telephone destinations can be registered in the telephone directory. The registration procedure is as follows. The control related to this initial setting is performed by the facsimile machine 10.
1 is executed by the CPU 201.

The user uses the numeric keypad on the operation panel 213 to input the name of the other party using numbers, alphabets, hiragana, katakana, kanji, and symbols, and then inputs a telephone number. If there is other additional information, the user also inputs each item. Each information is one telephone number data. The registered telephone number data is selected by designating the registered name, and is used at the time of communication. still,
Users who use this facsimile machine in Japan often use kana characters and kanji for this information, so if they are set to install in Japan, they should be able to enter kana characters and kanji by default. Switch so that English characters can be input by a specific key operation.

Next, the following items are set for electronic mail. Note that the following items are set interactively on a user interface screen displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 213 of the facsimile apparatus 101. To send an e-mail, your ISP (I
Information for connecting to the Internet Service Provider) and information for specifying the destination are required.

In order to connect to the ISP, an access telephone number of the ISP, a login name and password previously given by the ISP, an ISP primary name server address, a secondary name server address, and an SMTP server name are required.
These pieces of information are input from the numeric keypad of the operation panel 213 using numbers, alphabets, hiragana, katakana, kanji, and symbols. If there is other additional information, the user also inputs each item. It is sufficient to input only alphanumeric characters for this information. When inputting this information, pressing the OK key in response to the inquiry about the presence or absence of server information input on the user interface screen of the operation panel 213 will cause Automatically switches to the mode for entering alphanumeric characters (alphanumeric input mode).

In order to have a plurality of sets of information for connecting to the ISP, a set of these data is managed with a user name. From the numeric keypad on the operation panel 213, enter the number, alphabet, hiragana, katakana,
Entered using kanji and symbols. However, preferentially selecting a kana character or a kanji as an input mode is the same as in the case of the previous telephone destination input. Each piece of information is one connection data. The registered connection data is selected by designating a user name, and used at the time of communication.

In order to specify a destination, a destination electronic mail address is required. From the numeric keypad on the operation panel 213,
It is registered by inputting the name of the partner and the electronic mail address of the partner using hiragana, katakana, kanji, and symbols.
When entering the name of the other party, use the operation panel 21
When the user presses the OK key in response to the inquiry about the presence or absence of the other party's name input on the user interface screen of 3, the mode is automatically switched to the mode for inputting kana characters and kanji. When inputting an e-mail address, pressing the OK key in response to an inquiry as to whether or not an e-mail address has been entered on the user interface screen of the operation panel 213, a mode for inputting frequently used alphanumeric characters as an e-mail address (English) The mode automatically switches to (number input mode).

If there is other additional information, the user also inputs the corresponding items. Each piece of information is one piece of destination data. The registered destination data is selected by specifying a registered name, and is used at the time of communication. The destination data is registered in the telephone directory together with the telephone number data, and is also registered in an e-mail directory having only destination data independent of the telephone directory.

Further, although not essential, in the facsimile apparatus, the electronic mail can be transmitted with an arbitrary subject added. The subject of the e-mail is entered from the numeric keypad on the operation panel 213,
It is entered using hiragana, katakana, kanji, and symbols. When entering the e-mail subject, the operation panel
When the user presses the OK key in response to an inquiry as to whether or not the subject of the e-mail has been entered on the user interface screen of 213, a mode for inputting kana characters and kanji that are frequently used when used in Japan (kana character input mode) Automatically switches to.

The telephone directory in which electronic mail data can be registered is configured as follows. The telephone number list and the destination list are stored in the RAM 208. From the structure having the e-mail flag and the name information, a pointer is set to either the telephone number list or the destination list with the value of the e-mail flag. A set of structures is stored in RAM2 as an array sorted by name information.
08 is stored on. When an e-mail destination is registered in the telephone directory, it is stored together with the e-mail flag, and is displayed with a mark on the telephone directory.

When a telephone / facsimile is used, an e-mail destination cannot be selected from the telephone directory, and when an e-mail is used, a telephone number cannot be selected from the telephone directory. Is preventing.

As another setting, when image data is transmitted by e-mail, it is set whether to transmit the image data in the original image size or to transmit the image data after fixing it to a fixed size (for example, A4 size). it can. Also, when sending small images such as photo sizes by facsimile,
Although it is necessary to add white pixels to make the image size A4 or the like, it is also possible to set whether the image of this photo size is located at the center or at the end.

Next, the operation when the e-mail button is pressed will be described. Images that can be attached to e-mail and transmitted include:-Images scanned by manual scanning with the hand scanner 102-Images scanned by automatic scanning with the hand scanner 102 attached to the facsimile machine 101-Stored on an external memory card There are three types of images from digital cameras and the like.

When the e-mail button is depressed, first, the display section displays a [scanner correction card].
Is displayed. By selecting one of the keys using the keys on the operation panel 213, each image input operation is started.

When [Scanner] is selected, processing for transferring the image stored in the hand scanner 102 to the facsimile apparatus 101 is performed. The details of the processing will be described later in “(1) Reading by the hand scanner alone” in the description section of the various operations described below.

[0058] When [Save] is selected, the reading operation of the document is started. The details of the processing will be described later in “(2) In the case of sheet reading operation” in the description of various operations below.

When [Card] is selected, a process of transferring image data from the memory card through the CF card interface unit 253 in the hand scanner 102 is performed. The details of the processing will be described later in “(3) Case of inputting image from outside” in the following description of various operations.

The image stored in the scanner or the external memory card can be transmitted by e-mail by operating the operation panel 213 when the hand scanner 102 is attached to the facsimile apparatus 101.
This processing will be described in detail in the following description of various operations.

Next, the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above is described.
Various operations in the facsimile apparatus of the communication system according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

In this facsimile apparatus, printing (copying) of a read image, facsimile transmission, and e-mail transmission can be performed. These operations are performed using the operation panel 213. As the image input method, there are the following three methods. (1) Reading by the hand scanner 102 alone. (2) Sheet reading with the hand scanner 102 attached to the facsimile machine 101. (3) Digital camera 103 using an external memory card
Image input from etc. Hereinafter, the operation in each case will be described.

(1) In the case of reading by the hand scanner alone The hand scanner 102 is detached from the facsimile apparatus 101, and the user firstly reads the hand scanner before reading the original.
In step S301, a reading width indicating whether to read as a color image or a monochrome image and which width is to be set as the effective reading width is instructed (step S301). Next, the start key of the hand scanner 102 is pressed (step S302),
When the hand scanner 102 is manually moved, image reading starts (step S303). When color reading is instructed, when reading of a color image by the hand scanner 102 is started, a video signal is output from the CIS 243, the output video signal is A / D converted (step S304), and shading correction is performed. (Step S30
Five). Image data that has been subjected to shading correction is RGB
The data is stored in the RAM 242 as 8-bit uncompressed image data (step S306).

When monochrome reading is instructed,
The original is read in gray scale by the CIS 243 of the hand scanner 102 and A / D converted by the A / D converter 244 (step S30).
7) The grayscale image data (multi-valued data per pixel) obtained by performing known shading correction by the shading correction unit 245 (step S308) is converted to a binarization processing unit.
Binarization is performed for each pixel by 255 (step S309).
The MH image data obtained by performing the MH compression at 1 (step S310) is stored in the RAM 242 (step S311). At this time, the number of lines of the read image is stored separately from the image data (step S312).

When the reading is completed and the hand scanner 102 is attached to the facsimile apparatus 101, the copy section is displayed on the display section of the operation panel 213 of the facsimile apparatus 101.
FAX, E-mail] is displayed (step S401).

When “copy” is selected, the printing process of the image data in the hand scanner 102 is started. When color reading is designated at the time of reading, the RGB uncompressed image data stored in the RAM 242 of the hand scanner 102 is converted by the resolution conversion unit 252 to the resolution to be output to the printer (step S403), and then the binarization processing unit RGB → CM at 255
YK conversion (step S404) becomes print data, and RAM2
Stored once in 42. The print data stored in the RAM 242 is sent to the color printer 212 via the shared register 210, and a color image is printed (step S405). If the image is a photo size and the recording paper is A4, it is printed at the center of the paper or at the edge of the paper as set in advance.

Similarly, the monochrome MH image data is transferred to the facsimile apparatus 101 (main body) along the same route without performing image processing, and the CPU of the facsimile apparatus 101 (main body) expands the MH data ( (Step S406) By outputting to the printer 212, a monochrome image is printed (step S407). In this case, as in the case of color, if the image is a photo size and the recording paper is A4, it is printed at the center of the paper or at the edge of the paper as set in advance.

When [FAX] is selected, a fax transmission process of the image data in the hand scanner 102 is started. The user first selects a fax destination from the telephone directory (step S41).
0). When transmitting a color image obtained by scanning by specifying the color mode, the ISDN transmission process is performed to the selected telephone number (step S411). Then, when there is a response from the ISDN line 218, the RGB uncompressed image data stored in the RAM 242 is first converted to the resolution (200 dpi) to be transmitted by the resolution conversion unit 252 (step S412).
Then, it is determined whether or not the image data is read at the photo width (step S413), and if the image data is the photo width, white pixels are added so as to be A4 size (step S413).
S414). At this time, a white pixel is added so that the image is located in the middle of the A4 size or at the end as previously set. Here, white pixels are added so that the image is recorded on the A4 recording paper at the transmission destination in the photograph size. Subsequently, the image data is input to the color conversion selection unit 246, from which the data is passed through the γ conversion in the γ conversion unit A249 (step S415) and the RGB → Lab conversion in the RGB → Lab conversion unit 247 (step S416). Converted to Lab image data, JPE
The data is converted to Lab-jpeg image data by the G compression unit (step S
417).

In this embodiment, JPEG image data obtained by JPEG compression of Lab image data is referred to as Lab-jpeg image data. Similarly, JPEG image data obtained by JPEG compression of YCbCr image data Is referred to as YCbCr-jpeg image data. The obtained Lab-jpeg image data is
Stored in RAM242.

When transmitting a monochrome MH image obtained by scanning in the monochrome mode by the user, the MH data is directly transferred to the facsimile apparatus 101 (main unit) without performing the above-described image conversion (step). S418). Then, the CPU 205 of the main body determines whether or not the image data has been read with the photograph width (step S419). It is added and encoded again in the MH format (step S420). Thus, the Lab-jpeg image data or the MH image data stored in the RAM 242 is transferred to the FAXMODEM 214 via the shared register 210. The FAXMODEM 214 modulates the analog signal based on the image data (step S42).
1) The modulated analog signal is converted to PCM by PCMCODEC237.
It is converted into a code (step S422) and transmitted to the ISDN line 218 according to a known G3 facsimile communication procedure (step S423).

When a color image is transmitted, if the facsimile machine (FAX 105 in FIG. 1) of the communication partner has a color facsimile function, JPEG data received via the ISDN line 218 is expanded to print the image. can do.

When [E-mail] is selected, an e-mail transmission process of the image data in the hand scanner 102 is started. Since it is specified that predetermined header information be added to Internet e-mail,
Before the EG data, predetermined header information “To:” (destination), “From:” (sender), “Subject:” (subject),
It is necessary to add information such as "Cc:" (copy distribution) and "Date:" (date).

Therefore, first, the operation panel 213
Then, one is selected from a plurality of transmission sources registered in advance (step S430). This process can be omitted when there is only one registered transmission source. Sources are user name, email address, login name,
It is composed of a password, an access telephone number, a primary name server address, a secondary name server address, and an SMTP server name, and is registered by the above-described initial registration procedure.

Next, a destination is selected (step S431).
The destination is selected from a telephone directory or an e-mail directory registered in advance (step S27), or specified by inputting a number, alphabet, or symbol from a numeric keypad. The e-mail book displays only destinations and is independent of the telephone book. Information input from the numeric keypad can be registered in a telephone directory or an electronic mail directory. Further, a subject is designated (step S432). The subject is selected from a pre-registered subject book, or specified by inputting a number, alphabet, hiragana, katakana, kanji, and a symbol from a numeric keypad. Information input from the numeric keypad can be registered in the subject book.

When color reading is designated at the time of reading, a color jpeg image is transmitted as an e-mail attached file. Since the RGB uncompressed image data stored in the RAM 242 of the hand scanner 102 has a large file size, it is necessary to perform a compression process and convert it to jpeg image data in a YCbCr color space used by a PC.

The resolution conversion unit 252 converts the RGB uncompressed image data stored in the RAM 242 into a transmission resolution (for example, 2
00dpi) (step S433), and the color conversion selection unit 246,
γ conversion in the γ conversion unit B251 (step S434), RGB → YCbC
After the image data is converted into image data in the YCbCr color space via the RGB → YCbCr conversion in the r conversion unit 248 (step S435), the image data is compressed into YCbCr-jpeg data by the JPEG compression / decompression unit 252 (step S436). Store once. Further, the YCbCr-jpeg data is transferred to the RAM 208 of the facsimile apparatus 101 (step S437), and stored in the SRAM 204 as a JPEG file.
In the case of this e-mail transmission, even when transmitting an image of a photo size as in the case of the facsimile transmission, the photo size is left as it is without adding a white pixel so as to make it an A4 size. However, if the electronic mail is set to be transmitted in the A4 size in advance, the white pixels are added to the A4 size in the same manner as in the facsimile.

When monochrome reading is designated at the time of reading, a monochrome TIFF image is transmitted as an e-mail attached file. The MH data stored in the RAM 242 of the hand scanner 102 is transferred to the RAM 208 of the facsimile apparatus 101 (Step S440) and stored in the SRAM 204. Here, even if the image data is the photo size, the image size is used as it is, but if the image data is set to the A4 size, adding white pixels is the same as in the case of color.

Here, the MH data can be handled by the PC.
Convert to TIFF file. If a TIFF header is added to the MH data, the image data becomes TIFF format image data. However, data of the number of vertical lines of the image stored in the TIFF header is separately required. For this reason, the CPU 241 of the hand scanner 102
After sending the data of the number of vertical lines of the image stored in the AM 242 to the facsimile apparatus 101 (main body) after transmitting the MH data to the facsimile apparatus 101 (main body), the data is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 101 (main body) via the shared register 210. Facsimile machine 101
(Main body) creates a TIFF header including the vertical line number data and the like (step S442), and creates a TIFF file by adding it to the MH image data (step S442).
S443).

It is troublesome to input the attached image file name to be entered in the TIFF header by using a key. Therefore, a file name is generated using the input subject. In the case of sending a document with a plurality of pages attached, the number of pages is counted and a name is added with a page number added to the end of the subject. For example, if the subject is “Genko”, the file names are “Genko1” and “Genko2”.
.. Are generated.

The JPEG / TIFF file obtained by the above processing is subjected to a known text processing such as base64 or uuencode, and an e-mail header is added to generate e-mail data (step S445).

When the e-mail data is completed, ISDN transmission processing is performed to the specified provider 106. ISDN line 218
When a response is received from the provider, the communication path is connected and the provider 10
The communication line with 6 is set. Subsequently, the user logs into the server of the provider 106 according to the PAP, and the e-mail data stored in the SRAM 204 is transmitted by the SMTP protocol. Specifically, the email data is transferred from the SRAM 204 to the HDL
After being transferred to the C controller 221 and assembled into an HDLC frame, it is transmitted to the provider via the ISDN interface 220 (step S446).

When the e-mail destination PC 107 receives e-mail data via the Internet, the user can obtain a JPEG / TIFF data file attached to the e-mail. And JPEG running on PC107
It is possible to view an image received by software having a function of displaying / TIFF data, for example, a browser.

After sending the electronic mail, the destination is stored in the redial buffer or the electronic mail redial buffer. The redial buffer sorts outgoing calls / sent e-mails by use start time and saves several phone numbers / addresses in order from the latest one. The e-mail redial buffer stores sent e-mails. Are sorted by use start time, and the top several destinations from the latest one are stored.

As a method of transmitting a facsimile or an e-mail, it is also possible to select a telephone number / e-mail destination and then transmit. This is started by pressing a telephone directory key on the operation panel 213 of the facsimile apparatus 101. Pressing the telephone directory key displays the telephone number / e-mail destination registered in the telephone directory. The e-mail destination can be recognized by the letter “E” added at the end. When a telephone number is selected, the telephone / facsimile transmission mode is automatically selected, and when an e-mail destination is selected, the e-mail transmission mode is automatically selected.

As a method of transmitting an image read by the hand scanner 102 by e-mail, the above-described method using the e-mail button can also be used. When the e-mail button is pressed, [Scanner card] is displayed. If [Scanner] is selected here, the image in the hand scanner 102 can be transmitted.

(2) In the case of sheet reading operation With the hand scanner 102 attached to the facsimile apparatus 101 (main body), the hand scanner is used with the sheet feeder.
When reading an image from 102 and performing copy, FAX transmission, or E-mail transmission, the user first sets a document on the sheet feeder (step S500), and selects one of copy, FAX, and E-mail processing. The selection is made by the user pressing the corresponding button (step S5
01).

When the copy button is pressed in this state, the original is fed, and the reading of the image by the hand scanner 102 is started. CIS24 of hand scanner 102
The video signal is output from 3 and the output video signal is A
A / D converted by the / D conversion unit 244, and the shading correction unit 245
Is performed for shading correction (step S502). The shading-corrected image data is converted into a
The conversion is performed (step S503), and is converted to the printer resolution by the resolution conversion unit 252 (step S504).
Converted to print binary data in step 5 (step S50
5), once stored in RAM242. From there, shared register 2
The print binary data is sent to the printer 212 via 10 and printed out (step S506).

When the FAX transmission button is pressed after the dialing operation of the facsimile apparatus 101, or when the FAX transmission button is pressed after selecting a destination registered in the telephone directory, the FAX transmission processing is performed. Start. When a destination is selected from the telephone directory (step S511), an ISDN calling process is performed to the selected telephone number (step S51).
2). Then, when there is a response from the ISDN line 218, the reading operation is started.

The original is read by the CIS 243 of the hand scanner 102, A / D converted by the A / D converter 244, and a known shading correction is performed on the RGB image data output from the A / D converter 244 by the shading corrector 245. (Step S513). Subsequently, γ correction is performed by the γ conversion unit A249 (step S514).
The image data is converted into Lab image data by the GB → LAB color space conversion unit 248 (step S515), and encoded (compressed) by the JPEG compression / decompression unit 250 (step S516).
Output G data.

The JPEG data is transferred to the FAXMODEM 214 via the common register 210 (Step S517). Fax
The MODEM 214 modulates the analog signal based on the JPEG data (step S518), and the modulated analog signal is
It is converted into a PCM code by EC237 (step S519), and IS
Sent to DN line 218 (step S520). If the facsimile machine of the communication partner (FAX105 in Fig. 1) has a color facsimile function, that is, Lab-jpeg decompression function, ISDN
The image can be printed by expanding the JPEG data received via the line 218.

When [Save] is selected after the e-mail button is pressed, or when an e-mail transmission destination is selected from the telephone directory, the e-mail transmission processing is started by reading. Prior to the start of the creation of the e-mail data, the destination and the subject are specified as described in “(1) Transmission of image read by hand scanner”. When these processes are completed, creation of e-mail data is started (step S530).

When a color original is read from the hand scanner 102 using the sheet feeder and transmitted, the original is read by the CIS 243 of the hand scanner 102 and the A / D converter
A / D (Analog to Digital) conversion is performed in 244, and a known shading correction is performed on the RGB image data output from the A / D conversion unit 244 in the shading correction unit 245 (step S53).
1) Perform γ conversion in the γ conversion unit B251 (step S532),
The RGB → YCbCr color space conversion unit 248 converts the image data into YCbCr image data (step S533), and the JPEG compression / decompression unit 250 encodes (compresses) the image data (step S534).
Output YCbCr-jpeg data to 2. This data is transferred to the RAM 208 of the facsimile machine 101 (step S53).
5) It is converted to text, and an e-mail header is added (step S536), and it becomes e-mail data.

When the creation of the e-mail data is completed, an ISDN transmission process is performed to the specified provider 106 (step S537). Subsequent operations are the same as in the case of reading by the hand scanner 102.

In the case of sheet reading as described above, the read image data is of a standard size (A4, B4), so that it is not necessary to add white pixels or adjust the position as in a hand scanner. .

(3) When an image is input from outside The hand scanner 102 has a CF card interface unit 253 for connecting a CF card. Therefore, JPEG format image data obtained by shooting with a digital camera
If you store it on a card, the CF card can be
By attaching it to 2, the photographed image data can be printed, faxed, and e-mailed. JPEG files written on a CF card by the digital camera 103 include DCF (Design rule for Camera
The file name is given according to the File system) standard, and each file can be represented by a file ID consisting of three digits to four digits.

The hand scanner 102 is a facsimile machine 101
When the facsimile apparatus 101 recognizes that the CF card is mounted on the hand scanner 102 when the
[Copy, Fax,
E-mail] is displayed (step S601). Copy, FA
When one of X and E-mail is selected, the file ID of the image to be processed next is specified on the operation panel 213, or the DPOF (Digital Print Order Fo
rmat) or the like is selected (step S602).

In the former case, the ID of the transmission file is input from the operation panel 213 (step S603). In the latter case, the DPOF file in the CF card is analyzed to obtain the file ID to be processed (step S604). Thereafter, the file is read from the CF card (step S605). In addition, DPOF
Means how to handle image files in the recording media (for example, whether to print or send e-mail to a specific recipient) as a command file in the recording media and insert the CF card Equipment (fax etc.)
A command file (DP) for recognizing the command file and automatically printing or sending it by e-mail
OF file) format.

From the operation panel 213, the file ID
Is specified from the file list using the cursor keys, or directly specified using the numeric keypad. A plurality of images can be selected, and a range is specified by specifying a first value and a last value of a file ID used for transmission.

If [Copy] is selected in step S601, the YCbCr-jpeg data read from the CF card is expanded by the JPEG compression / expansion unit 250 to become uncompressed RGB image data (step S607). The resolution is converted to the print resolution by the resolution conversion unit 252 (step S608), and the binarization processing unit 255
Is converted to CMYK binary print data (step S60).
9), the obtained print data is temporarily stored in the RAM 242. R
The print data stored in AM242 is stored in the shared register 210.
Is sent to the color printer 212 to print an image (step S610).

If [FAX transmission] is selected, the JPEG data read from the CF card
To be uncompressed RGB data once (step S62
0), is scaled by the resolution conversion unit 252 to the transmission resolution (200 dpi) (step S621), and is temporarily stored in the RAM 242. The scaling here is performed according to the conditions set by the user in advance. This setting includes (1) adding a white pixel after scaling so that the horizontal width of the image becomes A4 width and the aspect ratio remains the original image, and (2) recording on A4 recording paper at the transmission destination. After adding the white pixels after scaling to the photo size,
There is either. Next, the RGB uncompressed data is input to the color conversion selection unit 246, and is subjected to γ conversion in the γ conversion unit A251 (step S622) and RGB → Lab conversion in the RGB → Lab conversion unit 247 (step S623). Then, the data is converted into Lab-jpeg data and stored in the RAM 242 again.

Next, when a destination is selected in the telephone directory, an ISDN transmission process is performed to the selected telephone number. And
When there is a response from the ISDN line 218, the Lab stored in RAM 242
-JPEG data is sent to FAXMODEM21 via the shared register 210.
4 is transferred (step S625). FAXMODEM214 is JPEG
The analog signal is modulated based on the data (step S62).
6) The modulated analog signal is converted to PCM by PCMCODEC237.
It is converted into a code (step S627) and transmitted to the ISDN line 218 (step S628).

If [Send E-mail] is selected, select CF
The JPEG data read from the card can be viewed as a file on a PC as it is, so it is sent as an attached file by e-mail without image processing. However, if the number of pixels set at the time of shooting with a digital camera is large, the file size of the jpeg image data obtained by shooting becomes too large and cannot be stored in the RAM 242 or the RAM 208,
Alternatively, it takes too much time for the text processing and the transmission processing. Therefore, in the present embodiment, if the file size of the file to be transmitted is larger than the predetermined size, the e-mail attachment transmission is not performed, and a message indicating the fact is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 213.

Prior to data transfer, a facsimile machine
After the user specifies the transmission file, the CPU 205 of 101
The file size of the file is obtained from the CPU 241 of the hand scanner 102 (step S630). If the obtained file size value exceeds the allowable amount (x bytes), a warning message is displayed on the operation panel 213 and transmission is stopped (step S632). Here, the allowable amount (x
The value of “x” in byte) may be a fixed value,
It may be set variably according to the remaining capacity of 08. If less than x bytes, the designated JPEG file is read out to the RAM 242 (step S633).

Next, when the e-mail address of the e-mail destination is selected in the telephone directory, the JPEG data stored in the RAM 242 is sent to the common registers 210 and 209 in order to create data to be attached to the e-mail. Via the SRAM 204. Then, e-mail data is created and transmitted by the same processing as in step S323 described above (step S634).

The details of the e-mail data transmission process are the same as those already described. In the case of an image captured by the digital camera 103, a name is given to the image. In such a case, the image name is received from the CF card, and the image name is directly used as the file name of the attached image. If no name is given to the image, the subject is used as it is as the file name, as in the case of the image read by the hand scanner 102.

As a method of transmitting an image stored in the external memory card by e-mail, the above-described method using the e-mail button can also be used. When the e-mail button is pressed, [Scanner card] is displayed. If [Card] is selected here, the image in hand scanner 102 can be transmitted.

As described above, according to the facsimile apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention, an image smaller than the standard size A4, such as a photograph (L), is transmitted by e-mail. In this case, by transmitting the image at substantially the same size as the original image, the amount of transmission data can be reduced, and the image can be provided as an image that can be easily confirmed on the display or the like at the destination.

On the other hand, when a small image such as the photograph size (L version) is transmitted by facsimile, white pixels are added in accordance with the facsimile standard and the image is transmitted as a standard size. An image of the same size and appropriately laid out can be provided.

Further, whether or not to add a white pixel at the time of sending an e-mail and how to add a white pixel at the time of facsimile sending are determined according to a previously set setting. Can be done.

In the above embodiment, these settings are made irrespective of the destination, but different settings may be made for each destination. In that case, make settings for each destination in the telephone directory.

In the case of facsimile transmission of a plurality of image sizes, a plurality of images may be added to one page and transmitted. Whether or not to perform this may be set in advance.

In the above embodiment, it goes without saying that the same image can be transmitted by both electronic mail and facsimile.

[Second Embodiment] A communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprises a facsimile apparatus 101,
Hand scanner 102, digital camera 103, ISDN (Integr
ated Services Digital Network), a communication partner facsimile machine (FAX) 105, an Internet service provider (ISP) 106, and a communication partner computer (PC) 107 (see FIG. 1).

Further, the facsimile apparatus 101 of the communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a CPU 201, a ROM 20
3, SRAM204, CPU205, ROM207, RAM208, shared register 20
9, shared register 210, printer image processing unit 211, color printer 212, operation panel 213, FAXMODEM21
4.Handset 215, speaker 216, crosspoint switch 217, DSU219, ISDNI interface 220, HDLC controller 221, PIAFS controller 222, CPU 224 and TDM
PHS processing section 223 having A processing section 225, 1.9 GHz high frequency section 22
6, PCMCODEC227, PCMCODEC228, PCM / ADPCM conversion unit 229, P
A CM / ADPCM conversion unit 230, a path changeover switch 231 and a path changeover switch 232 are provided.
1, RAM 242, CIS 243, A / D converter 244, shading corrector 245, color conversion selector 246, RGB → LAB color space converter 24
7, RGBY → CbCr color space converter 248, γ converter A249, JPEG
Compression / expansion unit 250, γ conversion unit B251, resolution conversion unit 252, CF
A card interface 253 and a binarization processing unit 255 are provided (see FIG. 2).

Note that in the second embodiment of the present invention,
About the structure substantially the same as that of the said 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the first embodiment, when performing the hand scan with the hand scanner 102 while specifying the color reading mode, the RG after the shading correction processing is used.
The B uncompressed data was stored in the RAM 242 of the hand scanner 102. However, when reading an A4 document at 200 dpi, for example,
Thus, the hand scanner 102
If the data is to be stored in the RAM 242, the data size becomes as large as about 12 MB, and if a RAM having a capacity capable of storing the data is provided, the cost of the apparatus is increased.

Therefore, when reading, some compression method is used.
It is desirable to compress the RGB data and then store it in the RAM 242 of the hand scanner 102.For example, if the data is stored as YCbCr-jpeg data, when transmitting a color fax, the data is temporarily expanded to uncompressed RGB data. Since it is necessary to compress the data again to Lab-jpeg data, the deterioration of the image data due to repeated JPEG expansion and compression is inevitable. On the other hand, even if the data is stored as Lab-jpeg data, the same image deterioration occurs because it is necessary to convert the data into YCbCr-jpeg data when sending by e-mail.

Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention,
When the user performs a hand scan with the hand scanner 102, the CPU 201 of the facsimile apparatus 101
It is checked whether or not image data is stored in the RAM 242 of 02, and if the image data is stored in the RAM 242 of the hand scanner 102, the processing is varied depending on the image width designated by the user.

The width of the image can be designated as a photograph width / A4 width / B4 width, and the processing content is restricted as follows by each designation. (1) For photo width: Monochrome performs MH compression when scanning, and color scans without compression. (2) For A4 width: For monochrome, MH compression is performed during scanning, and for color, YCbCr-jpeg compression is performed on the scanned image.
Write to RAM242. However, this JPEG data is not set as a transmission target, and can be attached to the facsimile apparatus 101 (main body) to perform only printout. (3) B4 width: For monochrome, MH compression is performed at the time of scanning, and color scanning is not performed.

The operation when the color scan of the photograph width is performed in the above (1) will be described. The processing at the time of scanning is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the image width is a photograph size. Scanning is completed and hand scanner 10
When 2 is attached to the facsimile machine 101, [Copy, FAX, E-mail] is displayed on the display section of the operation panel 213 of the facsimile machine 101 to prompt the user to select.

When [Copy] is selected, the printing process of the image data in the hand scanner 102 is started. The processing contents in this case are the same as those in the first embodiment.

When [FAX] is selected, a color FAX transmission process of the image data in the hand scanner 102 is started. However, in the color fax, the image width is determined to be A4 by the recommendation, so it is necessary to supplement the image width of the photograph width. White pixels ((R, G, B) on the left and right of scanned RGB uncompressed image
= (255,255,255)) to make it an A4 width (1728 pixels at 200 dpi), and then perform Lab-jpeg compression processing.
The obtained JPEG data is transmitted in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

When [E-mail] is selected, there is no need to add white pixels, so the RGB uncompressed image with the photograph width is YCbCr-jpeg-compressed, and the obtained JPEG data is converted to the first image. Is transmitted as an attached file in the same manner as in the embodiment.

Next, the operation when the color scan of A4 width is performed in the above (2) will be described. When scanning, the first
Unlike the embodiment, RGB image data obtained by performing shading correction is converted to YCbCr uncompressed image data via a γ conversion unit B249 and an RGB → YCbCr conversion unit 251.
The data is compressed by the JPEG compression / decompression unit 250 and stored in the RAM 242 as YCbCr-jpeg data.

In this state, when the hand scanner 102 is mounted on the facsimile apparatus 101 (main body), the display section of the operation panel 213 of the facsimile apparatus 101 (main body) displays [Copy] as in the first embodiment. ] [FAX]
Although [E-mail] is displayed, a warning is displayed and the transmission process is not performed for fax and e-mail even if the user selects it. If you select Copy, select YC
bCr-jpeg data is decompressed by the JPEG compression / decompression unit 250 and
GB uncompressed image data, further converted to print resolution by a resolution conversion unit 252, converted to CMYK binary data by a binarization processing unit 255, and the data is converted to a facsimile device 101.
Send to the (body) printer for printing.

Note that, of course, A4
Needless to say, when a color scan having a width is performed, the image data may be set as a transmission target.

That is, the CPU 201 of the facsimile machine 101
When sending e-mail data by e-mail, change the width of the electronic image file according to the set scan image width, convert it to an electronic image file, send it as e-mail data, and send the electronic image data as color facsimile In order to control the transmission of electronic image data after adding white pixels to make it a certain image width, the width of the image file to be attached to the e-mail and transmitted is changed according to the setting of the read image width of the original. Since there is no unnecessary area when the image file is opened on the receiving side, the document area can be easily viewed.

Since other processes are restricted, it is not necessary to use a large memory capacity.

The processing according to the second embodiment and the processing according to the first embodiment are performed in the present communication system by using an additional memory (RA).
M) may be switched depending on whether or not the device is attached. That is, when the additional memory is attached, the processing of the first embodiment is performed, and when the additional memory is not attached, the processing of the second embodiment is performed. Whether the additional memory is installed and the processing is limited if it is not installed,
It is displayed on the operation panel 213 so that the user can identify it.

[Modifications of First and Second Embodiments] In the first and second embodiments, image transmission is
Facsimile communication and e-mail via ISDN were assumed, but Bluetooth, IrDA (Infrared Data Associa)
) and PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) or USB (Universal Serial
Bus) and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electro)
nics Engineers) By a wired communication medium like 1394,
It is also conceivable to transmit the image to a campus or nearby computer.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a communication system according to a modification of the first and second embodiments of the present invention. A communication system according to a modification of the first and second embodiments of the present invention includes a facsimile apparatus 10.
1, hand scanner 102, digital camera 103, communication network 104 such as ISDN, communication facsimile machine (FAX) 105, Internet service provider (IS
P) 106, a communication partner computer (PC) 107, a computer (PC) 108 in the same premises as the facsimile machine 101,
It has 109.

The configuration of the main part of the communication system will be described in detail. A computer (PC) 108 is a Bluetooth, IrDA or
It communicates with the facsimile apparatus 101 via the wireless communication line 110 using PHS or the like. Computer (PC) 109, US
It communicates with the facsimile apparatus 101 via a wired communication line 111 using B (Universal Serial Bus) or IEEE1394. Other configurations are the same as those of the first and second embodiments. The image data used for communication in the communication system is JPEG-compressed image data in the YCbCr color space, as in the case of performing image communication using electronic mail.

This modified example is different from the image transmission using the e-mail described in the first and second embodiments in that, when transmission is instructed, instead of transmitting the image to the ISDN line, Second, a communication link is established according to a communication protocol of a communication medium used for communication. Then, by transmitting the JPEG data over the established communication line, it becomes possible to view an image on the computer 108 or the computer 109 having the JPEG decompression function.

[Other Embodiments] In the above-described first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which the processing mode is selected in accordance with, for example, the message “Print? FAX transmission? Email transmission?”. That is, not only the processing mode but also the image transmission mode is selected. Therefore, a dedicated key such as a “FAX key” or an “e-mail button” may be provided on the operation panel 213.

On the other hand, when transmitting an image, the transmission mode is automatically determined by determining whether the selected abbreviated number corresponds to the telephone number of the facsimile apparatus 101 or the e-mail address. Can be. If such a determination is made, the message may be “print? Send?”. Further, when the registered number in the abbreviated number (telephone directory) is the telephone number of the facsimile apparatus 101, "F" is displayed beside the name, and the registered e-mail address is used. In such a case, by displaying “E” next to the name, the user of the facsimile apparatus 101 can be easily identified.

In the first and second embodiments, ISDN is assumed as a public line, and in the case of facsimile transmission, an analog signal modulated by MODEM is converted to PCM.
In the case of encoding and sending by e-mail, the data assembled in the HDLC frame was directly sent to ISDN. However, public lines are analog lines (PSTN: Public SwitchedT)
In the case of facsimile transmission using an analog line, an analog signal modulated by MODEM is transmitted as it is. When transmitting an electronic mail, an analog signal modulated based on the electronic mail data by the MODEM is transmitted.

In addition, such as Ethernet (registered trademark)
Various communication lines such as a LAN (Local Area Network) can be used.

In the first and second embodiments, the color space conversion unit is housed in the hand scanner 102. However, the color space conversion unit may be housed in the facsimile apparatus 101. The same effects can be obtained by performing the color space conversion processing and the JPEG compression / decompression processing by hardware or by software.

In the first and second embodiments, it is assumed that the hand scanner 102 is detached from the facsimile apparatus 101 to read an image. However, similar effects can be obtained regardless of whether the hand scanner 102 is attached to the facsimile apparatus 101 or whether it is detachable from the facsimile apparatus 101.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the JPEG compression method using DCT has been described as an example of the encoding method. However, the encoding method is not limited to the JPEG compression method using DCT. Other encoding methods such as a color compression method using a wavelet transform may be used, and the color space of the image data before performing the DCT transform is not limited to Lab and YCbCr. Is also good.

In the first and second embodiments, the subject is used as it is for the name of the attached file. However, an arbitrary character string is used for the name of the attached file without using the subject as it is. It is also possible.

In the first and second embodiments and the modifications, the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 has been described as an example of a communication system. However, a facsimile apparatus, a hand scanner, a digital camera, a computer And the like can be set to an arbitrary number.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a facsimile apparatus having a facsimile transmission function and an e-mail transmission function has been described as an example. However, for example, an application for creating and transmitting e-mail data and facsimile data is installed. A similar process can be realized with a personal computer. Further, an application that does not have a transmission function and only creates e-mail data and facsimile data may be used. In this case, the e-mail data with the attached file created as in the above-described embodiment is passed to the e-mail application to cause e-mail transmission, and the facsimile data is passed to the facsimile transmission application to be transmitted by facsimile.

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader,
Printer, etc.)
A device consisting of one device (for example, a host computer,
Interface device, reader, printer, etc.). A medium such as a storage medium (or recording medium) storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or M) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the PU) reading and executing the program code stored in a medium such as a storage medium (or a recording medium).

In this case, the program code itself read from a medium such as a storage medium (or recording medium) realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium (or recording medium) storing the program code ) Will constitute the present invention. Examples of a medium such as a storage medium (or recording medium) for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a CD-R.
An OM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or a download via a network can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) Performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from a medium such as a storage medium (or a recording medium) is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer,
Based on the instructions of the program code, a case may be included in which the CPU provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. Needless to say.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a conceptual example in which a program for executing the transmission image control method of the present invention and related data are supplied from a storage medium to a device such as a computer.
The program for executing the transmission image control method of the present invention and related data include a floppy (registered trademark) disk and a CD-ROM.
It is supplied by inserting a storage medium 1101 such as a ROM into an insertion slot 1103 of a storage medium drive provided in a device 1102 such as a computer. Thereafter, the program for executing the transmission image control method of the present invention and the related data are temporarily installed from the storage medium 1101 to the hard disk and loaded from the hard disk to the RAM, or directly loaded to the RAM without being installed on the hard disk. The program and related data can be executed.

In this case, when the facsimile apparatuses according to the first and second embodiments and the modified examples of the present invention execute a program for executing the transmission image control method of the present invention, for example, see FIG. 11 described above. The program can be executed by supplying the program and related data to the facsimile device via a device such as a computer as described above, or by storing the program and related data in the facsimile device in advance. .

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the storage contents of a storage medium storing a program for executing the transmission image control method of the present invention and related data. The storage medium is, for example, volume information 1001, directory information 1002, program execution file 1003, program-related data file
It consists of storage contents such as 1004. A program for executing the transmission image control method of the present invention is a program code based on the above-described flowcharts.

As described above, in the above embodiment,
When sending e-mail data by e-mail, for example, changing the width according to the image width set by the scanner, converting it to an image file, sending it as e-mail data, and sending the electronic image data by facsimile, Facsimile reception is performed by changing the width of the image file to be attached to e-mail according to the image width setting in order to control transmission by adding white pixels to the data to make it a certain image width. Side can reproduce an appropriately laid-out image of an appropriate size, and when the e-mail recipient opens the image file, there is no unnecessary area, making it easier to see the original area and reducing the amount of data. This has the effect of reducing it.

The present invention has been described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims.

[0154]

As described above, according to the image communication apparatus of the present invention, when e-mail data is transmitted by e-mail, the width of the electronic image file is changed according to the set read image width. When converting to a file and sending it as e-mail data, and sending the electronic image data by color facsimile, the white image is added to the electronic image data to make the image width constant, and then the image is scanned. By changing the width of the image file sent as an e-mail attachment according to the settings of
Since there is no unnecessary area when the image file is opened on the receiving side, it is possible to easily view the original area.

Also, in the communication system of the present invention, the transmission image control method of the present invention, and the storage medium of the present invention, similarly to the above, according to the setting of the read image width of the original, the image is transmitted by being attached to an e-mail. By changing the width of the image file to be read, there is no unnecessary area when the image file is opened on the receiving side, so that the original area can be easily viewed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus and a hand scanner according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing when reading is performed by the hand scanner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing when a hand scanner is attached according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing when a hand scanner is attached according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a sheet reading operation process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process for obtaining image data from an external recording medium (CF card) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for obtaining image data from an external recording medium (CF card) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to a modification of the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of storage contents of a storage medium storing a program for executing the transmission image control method of the present invention and related data.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a conceptual example in which a program for executing the transmission image control method of the present invention and related data are supplied from a storage medium to a device such as a computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 facsimile apparatus 102 hand scanner 103 digital camera 104 communication network 105 facsimile apparatus of communication partner 107 computer of communication partner 220 ISDN interface 201 CPU 243 CIS

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Shinya Kogure 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. (reference) 5C062 AA02 AA29 AC24 AC41 AF11 BA04 BD09 5C076 AA14 AA37 BA06 5K030 GA18 HA01 HA05 HB04 HC02 JT05 KA01 KA06 KA13 LD11 MB18

Claims (38)

[Claims] A first conversion unit for converting electronic image data into an electronic image file based on image reading by the image reading unit; and a second conversion unit for converting the electronic image file into electronic mail data in an electronic mail format. An image communication apparatus comprising: an e-mail transmitting unit that transmits the e-mail data by e-mail; and an image processing control unit that performs image processing according to a set read image width. Communication device. 2. The image processing control means according to claim 1, wherein said electronic image data is converted into said electronic image file by said first conversion means. The image communication device according to claim 1, wherein 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a facsimile transmission unit that transmits the electronic image data by color facsimile, wherein the image processing control unit transmits the electronic image data to the electronic mail when the electronic image data is transmitted by the electronic mail. The electronic image file is converted to the electronic image file by changing the width of the electronic image file in accordance with and transmitted as the e-mail data, and when the electronic image data is transmitted by the color facsimile, a predetermined number of white pixels are added to the electronic image data. 3. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission is performed after the image width is set. 4. An image input by a single hand scanner detachably attached to the image communication apparatus main body, an image input with a hand scanner detachably attached to the image communication apparatus main body attached to the image communication apparatus main body, or from an external memory card. The image communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image communication can be performed. 5. An ISDN (integrated S
ervices Digital Network), PSTN (Public Switched T)
elephone Network) or Bluetooth, I
rDA (Infrared Data Association), PHS (Personal Ha
wireless communication medium such as ndy-phone System) or USB (Uni
versal Serial Bus), IEEE (Institute of Electrical)
5. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein communication is possible via a wired communication medium such as 1394. 6. A first conversion unit for converting electronic image data based on image reading by an image reading unit into an electronic image file, a second conversion unit for converting the electronic image file into electronic mail data in an electronic mail format, A communication system comprising: an image communication device including a mail transmitting unit configured to transmit the electronic mail data by e-mail; and an external device capable of communicating with the image communication device. A communication system having image processing control means for performing image processing in accordance with a set read image width. 7. The image processing control means of the image communication device, wherein the first conversion means converts the electronic image data into the electronic image file according to the set read image width. 7. The communication system according to claim 6, wherein the width of the electronic image file is changed. 8. The image communication apparatus further includes facsimile transmission means for transmitting the electronic image data by color facsimile, and the image processing control means of the image communication apparatus transmits the electronic mail data to the electronic mail. When the electronic image data is converted to the electronic image file by changing the width of the electronic image file in accordance with the set read image width and transmitted as the e-mail data, and the electronic image data is transmitted by the color facsimile, 8. The communication system according to claim 6, wherein the transmission is performed after white pixels are added to the electronic image data to make the image width constant. 9. The image communication device according to claim 1, wherein the image input is performed by a hand scanner detachable from the image communication device main body, or the image input is performed when the hand scanner detachable from the image communication device main body is mounted on the image communication device main body. 9. The communication system according to claim 6, wherein an image can be input from an external memory card. 10. The image communication device is connected to the external device by an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network).
k), public lines such as PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), Bluetooth, IrDA (Infrared Data Ass
ociation), wireless communication media such as PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), USB (Universal Serial Bus), I
EEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engin
eers) The communication system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein communication is possible via a wired communication medium such as 1394. 11. A first conversion step of converting electronic image data based on image reading by an image reading unit into an electronic image file, and a second conversion step of converting the electronic image file into electronic mail data in an electronic mail format. A transmission image control method applied to an image communication device having an e-mail transmission step of transmitting the e-mail data by e-mail, the image processing control step of performing image processing according to a set read image width. A transmission image control method, comprising: 12. In the image processing control step, when the electronic image data is converted into the electronic image file in the first conversion step, the width of the electronic image file is changed according to the set read image width. The transmission image control method according to claim 11, wherein 13. A facsimile transmission step of transmitting the electronic image data by color facsimile, and in the image processing control step, when the e-mail data is transmitted by the e-mail, the read image width is set. The electronic image file is converted to the electronic image file by changing the width of the electronic image file in accordance with and transmitted as the e-mail data, and when the electronic image data is transmitted by the color facsimile, a predetermined number of white pixels are added to the electronic image data. 13. The transmission image control method according to claim 11, wherein the transmission is performed after the image width is reduced. 14. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image input is performed by a hand scanner detachable from the image communication apparatus main body, or the image input is performed with the hand scanner detachable from the image communication apparatus main body attached to the image communication apparatus main body. 14. The transmission image control method according to claim 11, wherein an image can be input from an external memory card. 15. The image communication device is connected to an external device via an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), P
Public line such as STN (Public Switched Telephone Network) or Bluetooth, IrDA (Infrared Data Associati)
on), wireless communication media such as PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE (I
nstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
15. The transmission image control method according to claim 11, wherein communication is possible via a wired communication medium such as 1394. 16. A first conversion step of converting electronic image data based on image reading by an image reading means into an electronic image file, and a second conversion step of converting the electronic image file into electronic mail data of an electronic mail format. When,
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a transmission image control method applied to an image communication apparatus having an e-mail transmission step of e-mailing the e-mail data. A storage medium having an image processing control step of performing image processing according to a set read image width. 17. In the image processing control step, when the electronic image data is converted to the electronic image file in the first conversion step, the width of the electronic image file is changed according to the set read image width. 17. The storage medium according to claim 16, wherein: 18. A facsimile transmitting step of transmitting the electronic image data by color facsimile,
In the image processing control step, when the electronic mail data is transmitted by the electronic mail, the electronic image file is converted into the electronic image file by changing an electronic image file width according to the set read image width, and is transmitted as the electronic mail data. 18. The storage medium according to claim 16, wherein, when the electronic image data is transmitted by the color facsimile, a white pixel is added to the electronic image data so that the electronic image data has a fixed image width before transmission. 19. An image input by a single hand scanner detachable from the image communication apparatus main body, an image input by a hand scanner detachable from the image communication apparatus main body attached to the image communication apparatus main body, or from an external memory card. 19. The storage medium according to claim 16, further comprising a step of inputting an image. 20. An integrated services digital network (ISDN), PS between the image communication apparatus and an external apparatus.
Public lines such as TN (Public Switched Telephone Network), Bluetooth, IrDA (Infrared Data Associati)
on), wireless communication media such as PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE (In
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1
20. The storage medium according to claim 16, further comprising a step of performing communication via a wired communication medium such as 394. 21. An input unit for inputting image data, a processing unit for processing image data so that an image indicated by the image data has a predetermined size, and a facsimile based on the image data input by the input unit. First generating means for generating data, second generating means for generating e-mail data based on the image data input by the input means, and controlling the first and second generating means, When facsimile data is generated by the first generation unit, the image data input by the input unit is processed by the processing unit and then facsimile data is generated, and e-mail data is generated by the second generation unit. In this case, e-mail data is generated without processing the image data input by the input means by the processing means. An image processing apparatus comprising: 22. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the image data input by the input unit is image data read by a reading unit. 23. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the image data input by the input unit is image data read from a removable storage unit. 24. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said processing means adds white pixels to the image data to have a predetermined size. 25. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the control unit makes the γ value different between the first generation unit and the second generation unit. 26. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said control means limits operations of said first and second generation means according to a predetermined condition. 27. An input unit for inputting image data, a first generation unit for generating facsimile data based on the image data input by the input unit, and an electronic mail based on the image data input by the input unit. A second generation unit that generates data, and a control unit that controls processing until image data is supplied to the first or the second generation unit according to the size of the image input by the input unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: 28. The image processing apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the image data input by the input unit is image data read by a reading unit. 29. The image processing apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the image data input by the input unit is image data read from a removable storage unit. 30. The image processing apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the size of the image indicated by the image data input by the input means is smaller than a predetermined size, and when the image data is to be transmitted by facsimile, the image indicated by the image data is predetermined. 28. The image processing apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the image data is processed so as to have a predetermined size, and then supplied to the first generation unit.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 31. The image processing apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the control unit causes the second generating unit to generate a file corresponding to the size of the image indicated by the image data when the image data input by the input unit is to be transmitted by e-mail. The image processing device according to claim 27, wherein 32. When the electronic mail transmission is set to be performed in a file of a predetermined size, the control unit stores the file of the predetermined size in the file regardless of the size of the image indicated by the image data. 32. The image processing apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the image is generated by a second generation unit. 33. The image processing apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the control unit does not supply the image data to the first and second generation units when the image indicated by the image data input by the input unit is a color image. Item 28. The image processing device according to Item 27. 34. The control unit, if the image represented by the image data input by the input unit is a color image of a small size, permits the supply to the first and second generation units. The image processing apparatus according to claim 33, wherein 35. An input step of inputting image data, a processing step of processing image data so that an image indicated by the image data has a predetermined size, and a facsimile based on the image data input in the input step. A first generation step of generating data, a second generation step of generating e-mail data based on the image data input in the input step, and controlling the first and second generation steps, When facsimile data is generated in the first generation step, facsimile data is generated after processing the image data input in the input step in the processing step, and e-mail data is generated in the second generation step. If the image data input in the input step is A control step of generating e-mail data without processing by the processing step. 36. An input step of inputting image data, a processing step of processing image data so that an image indicated by the image data has a predetermined size, and a facsimile based on the image data input in the input step. A first generation step of generating data, a second generation step of generating e-mail data based on the image data input in the input step, and controlling the first and second generation steps, When facsimile data is generated in the first generation step, facsimile data is generated after processing the image data input in the input step in the processing step, and e-mail data is generated in the second generation step. If the image data input in the input step is A computer-readable program having a control step of generating e-mail data without processing by the processing step. 37. An input step of inputting image data, a first generation step of generating facsimile data based on the image data input in the input step, and an e-mail based on the image data input in the input step A second generation step of generating data, and a control step of controlling processing until image data is supplied to the first or second generation step in accordance with the size of the image input in the input step. An image processing method comprising: 38. An input step of inputting image data, a first generation step of generating facsimile data based on the image data input in the input step, and an e-mail based on the image data input in the input step A second generation step of generating data, and a control step of controlling processing until image data is supplied to the first or second generation step in accordance with the size of the image input in the input step. A computer readable program characterized by having.