JP2002218154A - Digital image forming system and data transfer method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital image forming system that can transmit image data captured by a digital copying machine 1 to a specific transmission destination from an unspecified place. SOLUTION: The digital image forming system is provided with a communication management center 151 and a mobile phone 2 that can communicate with the digital copying machine 1 and also with the communication management center 151. The communication management center 151 is provided with a CPU 152 that transmits image data stored in a memory 153 to the mobile phone 2 on the basis of a request from the mobile phone 2. The mobile phone 2 is provided with a CPU 131 that makes a request of the image data stored in the communication management center 151 to store the image data sent from the communication management center 151 to the memory 132 and transfers the image data stored in the memory 132 to the digital copying machine 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a digital image forming system including an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine and a portable image communication apparatus such as a portable telephone, and an image data transfer method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a digital image forming apparatus having a function of transmitting image data to another apparatus as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-57868. This digital image forming apparatus has a digital mode including a copy mode in which image data of a document read by a scanner is printed out by a recording unit, and a facsimile mode in which the image data is transmitted to another device through a communication device and a communication line. It is a composite copying machine.

The digital image forming apparatus disclosed in the above publication is capable of automatically switching between the copy mode and the facsimile mode. With such a configuration, it is possible to copy or fax original image data efficiently. . Further, the image data received by the facsimile function can be output from the recording unit.

[0004]

When the facsimile function of the digital image forming apparatus or a general facsimile apparatus is used, image data can be transmitted to a specific destination. However, in this case, it is limited to a case where the transmitting party is always at a specific place. That is, image data cannot be quickly transmitted to a transmission partner whose location is unspecified, such as a business man who moves to visit a number of business partners at work.

[0005] On the other hand, when a mobile phone that is widely used as a mobile communication terminal is used at present, the mobile phone may be in an unspecified location. In addition, necessary information can be transmitted through a telephone call. However, in this case, the image data cannot be transmitted.

[0006] Conversely, when a business man obtains a document to be transmitted to a predetermined destination immediately on the road, he / she must transmit the document promptly unless he / she is carrying it with a portable facsimile machine. Can not. Also,
Such a facsimile apparatus is practically unsuitable for carrying in terms of weight and size. Also, for example, when a facsimile machine is borrowed on the road, the communication fee varies depending on the communication distance, time, time zone, service company, etc. This method cannot be used.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides a digital image processing apparatus capable of easily and quickly transmitting and receiving image data and visualizing the image data even when the sender or the receiver of the image data is in an unspecified place. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming system and an image data transfer method.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a digital image forming system according to the present invention is a digital image forming apparatus which is currently widely used, for example, a digital copying machine and a portable image communication apparatus, for example, It is configured as follows using a mobile phone.

That is, the digital image forming system of the present invention comprises a digital image forming apparatus and a portable image communication apparatus capable of communicating with the digital image forming apparatus and further capable of communicating with a communication management apparatus. In the digital image forming system, the communication management device is a storage unit that stores image data transmitted to the portable image communication device, and is stored in the storage unit based on a request from the portable image communication device. Control means for transmitting image data to the portable image communication device, wherein the portable image communication device has a storage unit for storing image data transmitted from the communication management device; By requesting the image data stored in the device, the image data transmitted from the communication management device is stored in the storage unit. Control means for transferring the image data stored in the unit to the digital image forming apparatus, wherein the digital image forming apparatus comprises: a visualizing means for visualizing the image data; Control means for supplying the image data transferred from the communication device to the visualization means.

According to the above arrangement, image data transmitted from another communication device to the portable image communication device is stored in the storage means of the communication management device. On the other hand, the operator of the portable image communication device operates the image communication device for form, and confirms the presence of image data with the communication management device.
Here, the presence of the image data can be confirmed, but the operator
The transfer of the image data is requested, and based on the request, the portable image communication device requests the communication management device to transfer the image data, and the communication management device transfers the image data to the portable image communication device. The image data transferred to the portable image communication device is further transferred to a digital image forming device. In the digital image forming apparatus, the image data is visualized by the visualizing means.

In the digital image forming system, as described above, the image data transmitted from another communication device is stored in the communication management device, and the portable image communication device transfers the image data as needed. Can be requested. Therefore, it is not necessary to always secure a large storage capacity for storing the image data in the portable image communication device, and the storage capacity of the portable image communication device can be effectively used for other purposes.

Another digital image forming system according to the present invention includes a digital image forming apparatus and a portable image communication apparatus capable of communicating with the digital image forming apparatus and further capable of communicating with a communication management apparatus. A communication unit that stores image data transmitted from another communication device to the portable image communication device; and a notification that the image data is stored in the storage unit. Control for transmitting information to the portable image communication device and reading out the image data from the storage unit and transferring the image data to the portable image communication device when the portable image communication device requests transmission of the image data Means, the portable image communication device is capable of communicating with the digital image forming device, after receiving the notification information from the communication management device, the Control means for making a transfer request for the image data to the communication management device and transferring the image data transferred from the communication management device to the digital image forming device, wherein the digital image forming device And a control means for supplying image data transferred from the portable image communication device to the visualization means.

According to the above arrangement, image data transmitted from another communication device to the portable image communication device is stored in the storage means of the communication management device. At this time,
Since the notification information indicating this state is transmitted to the portable image communication device, the operator of the portable image communication device can know the existence of the image data in the communication management device. The operator requests the transfer of the image data. Based on the request, the portable image communication device issues a transfer request of the image data to the communication management device, and the image data is transmitted from the communication management device to the portable image communication device. Will be transferred. The image data transferred to the portable image communication device is further transferred to a digital image forming device. In the digital image forming apparatus, the image data is visualized by the visualizing means.

In this digital image forming system, as described above, image data transmitted from another communication device is stored in the communication management device, and the portable image communication device transfers the image data as needed. Can be requested. Therefore, it is not necessary to always secure a large storage capacity for storing the image data in the portable image communication device, and the storage capacity of the portable image communication device can be effectively used for other purposes.

Still another digital image forming system according to the present invention is a digital image forming apparatus, and a portable image communication apparatus capable of communicating with the digital image forming apparatus and further capable of communicating with a communication management apparatus. Wherein the communication management device includes: a storage unit that stores image data information transmitted from another portable image communication device to the portable image communication device; and the image data is stored in the storage unit. Transmitting notification information indicating that to the portable image communication device,
Control means for reading the image data from the storage means and transferring the image data to the portable image communication device when the portable image communication device issues a transfer request for the image data; and A storage unit for storing image data, and after receiving the notification information from the communication management device, sends a request for transfer of the image data to the communication management device, and is transferred from the communication management device. Control means for storing image data in the storage means, reading the image data stored in the storage means and transmitting the read image data to the digital image forming apparatus, wherein the digital image forming apparatus And a control means for supplying image data transferred from the portable image communication device to the visualization means. It is characterized in.

According to the above arrangement, image data transmitted from another communication device to the portable image communication device is stored in the storage means of the communication management device. At this time,
The notification information indicating this state is transmitted to the portable image communication device, and the operator of the portable image communication device can know the presence of the image data in the communication management device based on the notification information. The operator requests the transfer of the image data,
Based on this, a transfer request for image data is made from the portable image communication device to the communication management device, and the image data is transferred from the communication management device to the portable image communication device. The image data transferred to the portable image communication device is stored in the storage unit of the portable image communication device. Thereafter, the portable image communication device and the digital image forming device are set in a communicable state, and the image data is transferred from the portable image communication device to the digital image forming device. The image data is visualized by the means.

In the present digital image forming system, as described above, image data transmitted from another communication device is stored in the communication management device, and the portable image communication device transfers the image data as needed. Can be requested. Therefore, it is not necessary to always secure a large storage capacity for storing the image data in the portable image communication device, and the storage capacity of the portable image communication device can be effectively used for other purposes.

Further, the image data transferred from the communication management device to the portable image communication device is temporarily stored in the storage means of the portable image communication device. By making it possible to communicate with the digital image forming apparatus, a visualized image of the image data can be obtained.

According to the image data transfer method of the present invention, image data read by a document image reading device provided in a digital image forming apparatus is communicated from the digital image forming apparatus to a communication management apparatus which is another external communication apparatus. A first transmission to the communication management device via a possible portable image communication device
And the second step of storing the transmitted image data in the communication management device. The portable image communication device requests the transfer of the image data stored in the communication management device as necessary. And a third step.

According to the above configuration, the image data transmitted from another communication device is stored in the communication management device, and the portable image communication device requests the transfer of the image data as needed. Therefore, it is not necessary to always secure a large storage capacity for storing the image data in the portable image communication device, and the storage capacity of the portable image communication device can be effectively used for other purposes.

[0021]

[First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 2, the present digital image forming system includes a digital copying machine 1 as a digital image forming apparatus and a mobile phone 2 as a portable image communication apparatus. The mobile phone 2 can communicate with other communication devices using a telephone communication network, and is detachably attached to the digital copying machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the digital copying machine 1
It comprises a scanner section 11 and a laser printer section 12. The scanner section 11 includes a document table 21 made of transparent glass, a double-sided automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as RADF) 22 that automatically conveys a document onto the document table 21, and a document table 21 mounted on the document table 21. The scanner unit 23 is configured to scan and read an image of a placed document.

The RADF 22 is a device for automatically feeding the documents set on the document tray (not shown) one at a time onto the document table 21 one by one. RADF22
Passes through a transport path for a one-sided original, a transport path for a two-sided original, a transport path switching unit, and other units (not shown) in order to cause the scanner unit 23 to read one or both sides of the original in accordance with an operator's selection. A sensor group and a control unit for grasping and managing the state of the document are provided. The RADF 22 is conventionally known.

The scanner unit 23 includes a first scanning unit 24, a second scanning unit 25, an optical lens 26, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 27. The first scanning unit 24 has a lamp reflector assembly 28 for exposing the original surface and a first reflecting mirror 29 for reflecting a light image reflected from the original. The second scanning unit 25 converts the reflected light image from the first reflecting mirror 29 into a CC image.
Second and third reflecting mirrors 30 and 3 for guiding to D27
1 is installed. The optical lens 26 forms a reflected light image from the document on the CCD 27. CCD27
Converts the reflected light image from the document into an electric image signal.

The scanner unit 11 moves the scanner unit 23 along the lower surface of the document placing table 21 while sequentially placing the document to be read on the document placing table 21 by the operation related to the RADF 22 and the scanner unit 23. It is configured to move and read a document image. The first scanning unit 24 travels at a constant speed V from left to right in FIG.
5 scans in parallel in the same direction at a speed of V / 2 with respect to the speed V. As a result, the image of the document placed on the document placing table 21 is sequentially formed on the CCD 27 line by line to read the image.

The image data obtained from the scanner unit 23 is sent to the image processing section 13 shown in FIG. 4, and after being subjected to various processes, is temporarily stored in the image memory 64 of the image processing section 13. Further, this image data is read from the image memory 64 in response to the output instruction, and
2 and recorded as an image on a recording sheet.

The laser printer unit 12 includes a laser writing unit 41, an electrophotographic processing unit 42 for forming an image, and a recording sheet conveying system 43 on which an image is recorded.
It has.

The laser writing unit 41 corrects the laser light (not shown), a polygon mirror for deflecting the laser light at an equal angular velocity, and the laser light deflected at an equal angular velocity on the photosensitive drum 44 at an equal angular velocity. f-10
It has a lens and the like. The semiconductor laser light source emits laser light in accordance with image data read from the image memory 64 or image data transferred from an external device.

The electrophotographic process unit 42 includes a charging unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a peeling unit, a cleaning unit, and a static eliminator around the photosensitive drum 44 in a known manner.

The transport system 43 includes a transport section 45, cassette paper feeders 46 and 47, a manual paper feeder 48, a fixing device 49, and a resupply path 50. The transport unit 45 transports the recording sheet to a transfer position where the transfer unit of the electrophotographic process unit 42 is disposed. Cassette paper feeder 4
Numerals 6 and 47 are for feeding a recording sheet to the transport section 45. The manual sheet feeding device 48 is for feeding a recording sheet of any size. The fixing device 49 fixes the toner image formed on the recording sheet on the recording sheet. The resupply path 50 is for resupplying the recording sheet to the transfer position when an image is formed again on the back surface of the recording sheet having passed through the fixing device 49.

A post-processing device 51 is provided downstream of the fixing device 49. The post-processing device 51 performs post-processing such as stapling on a recording sheet on which an image is recorded.

In the laser printer section 12, the image data read from the image memory 64 is output as laser light by the laser writing unit 41. The laser beam scans the surface of the photoconductor drum 43 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 43. This electrostatic latent image is developed with a toner supplied from a developing device to become a toner image. This toner image is transferred by a transfer unit to a recording sheet supplied from one of the cassette sheet feeding devices 46 and 47 and the manual sheet feeding device 48. The toner image on the recording sheet is fixed by the fixing device 49. Thereafter, the recording sheet is processed by the post-processing device 51 as necessary, and is discharged outside the apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 4, the digital copying machine 1 includes an image processing section 13 for performing various image processing on image data of a document read by the scanner section 11. Next, the configuration and functions of the image processing unit 13 will be described.

The image processing unit 13 includes an image data input unit 61
, An image data processing unit 62 and an image data output unit 63
, An image memory 64 including a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a hard disk, and a CPU (Centr
al Processing Unit) 65.

The image data input unit 61 includes a CCD unit 61
a, histogram processing section 61b and error diffusion processing section 6
1c. The image data input unit 61 is a CCD 27
The image data of the original obtained from the image data is binarized, and the image data is processed by an error diffusion method while obtaining a histogram as a binary digital amount. The processed image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 64.

That is, in the CCD section 61a, an analog electric signal corresponding to each pixel density of the image data is A / D converted and then MTF-corrected, black-and-white corrected or gamma-corrected, and 256 gradations (8 bits). The digital signal is output to the histogram processing unit 61b.

In the histogram processing section 61b, the digital signal output from the CCD section 61a is added for each of 256 pixel densities, and density information (histogram data) is obtained. This histogram data is sent to the error diffusion processing unit 61c as pixel data, and is sent to the CPU 65 as needed.

The error diffusion processing unit 61c employs an error diffusion method, which is a kind of pseudo intermediate processing, that is, a method in which a binarization error is reflected in the binarization determination of adjacent pixels.
Are converted into 1-bit (binary) digital signals, and a redistribution operation is performed to faithfully reproduce the local area density in the document.

The image data processing section 62 includes a multi-value processing section 6
2a and 62b, a synthesis processing unit 62c, a density conversion processing unit 62
d, a scaling unit 62e, an image processing unit 62f, an error diffusion processing unit 62g, and a compression processing unit 62h.
The image data processing unit 62 is a processing unit that finally converts the input image data into image data desired by the operator. The image data is processed by the image data processing unit 62 until the image data is finally stored in the image memory 64 as output image data. However, the above-described processing units included in the image data processing unit 62 function as needed, and may not function in some cases.

In the multi-value processing sections 62a and 62b, the data binarized by the error diffusion processing section 61c is converted again into 256 gradations. The synthesis processing unit 62c selectively performs a logical operation for each pixel, that is, an operation of a logical sum, a logical product, or an exclusive logical sum. The data to be subjected to this calculation is the pixel data stored in the image memory 64 and the bit data from the pattern generator (PG). In the density conversion processing unit 62d, the data of 256 gradations is
The relationship between the input density and the output density is arbitrarily set based on a predetermined gradation conversion table.

The scaling unit 62e interpolates the pixel data with the input known data in accordance with the designated scaling factor. As a result, pixel data (density value) for the target pixel after scaling is obtained. Here, after the magnification in the sub-scanning direction is changed, the main scanning direction is scaled.
In the image processing unit 62f, various image processes are performed on the input pixel data, and information collection such as feature extraction for the data sequence is performed. The error diffusion processing unit 62g of the image data input unit 61
Processing similar to 1c is performed.

The compression processing section 62h compresses the binary data by encoding called run length. As for the compression of image data, the compression functions in the final processing loop when the final output image data is completed.

The image data output unit 63 includes a restoration unit 63a,
It includes a multi-value processing section 63b, an error diffusion processing section 63c, and a laser output section 63d. Image data output unit 63
Restores the image data stored in the image memory 64 in a compressed state, converts the image data back to the original 256 gradations, and performs error diffusion of the quaternary data which is a smoother halftone expression than the binary data.

The decompression unit 63a decompresses the image data compressed by the compression processing unit 62h. Multi-value processing section 63
b, the multi-value processing section 62a of the image data processing section 62
The same processing as in 62b is performed. Error diffusion processing unit 63c
Then, the same processing as that performed by the error diffusion processing unit 61c of the image data input unit 61 is performed.

In the laser output section 63d, digital pixel data is converted into a laser on / off signal based on a control signal from a sequence controller (not shown). The semiconductor laser in the laser writing unit 41 is turned on / off based on this signal, and the photosensitive drum 44
An electrostatic latent image is written thereon.

The image data handled by the image data input unit 61 and the image data output unit 63 is basically stored in the image memory 64 as binary data in order to reduce the capacity of the image memory 64. It is also possible to process the quaternary data in consideration of the deterioration of the image data.

The operation of the digital copying machine 1 is based on the main CP.
U65, and the configuration of the control system by the main CPU 65 is as shown in FIG.

In the figure, a desk-related load 66, a RADF-related load 67, an operation board unit 68, a sorter control unit 69, a scanner-related load 70, a printer-related load 71, and the image data processing unit 62 are connected to a main CPU 65. Have been.

The main CPU 65 manages each of the above-described units by sequence control, and outputs a control signal to each unit during control. The desk-related load 66 is a load such as a motor or a clutch in a sorter of the cassette sheet feeding devices 46 and 47, the manual sheet feeding device 48, and the post-processing device 51. RAD
The F-related load 67 is a load such as a motor, a clutch, and a switch in the RADF 22. The scanner-related load 70 is a load such as a motor and a solenoid in the scanner unit 23. The printer-related load 71 is a load such as a motor, a solenoid, and a high-voltage power supply in the electrophotographic process unit 42.

The sorter control unit 69 includes a CP
U, which controls the operation of the sorter based on a control signal from the main CPU 65.

The operation board unit 68 is an input unit for inputting various settings such as a copy mode and instructions to the digital copying machine 1 by an operator, and includes a CPU. The operation board unit 68 transfers, to the main CPU 65, a control signal corresponding to, for example, a copy mode set by an operator through input. The main CPU 65 operates the digital copying machine 1 according to the mode based on the control signal. On the other hand, the main CPU 65 transfers a control signal indicating the operation state of the digital copying machine 1 to the operation board unit 68. The operation board unit 68 displays the operation state of the digital copying machine 1 on the display unit based on the control signal to indicate to the operator what operation state the digital copier 1 is currently in.

The image memory 64 connected to the image data processing section 62 is composed of a main memory 64a composed of a semiconductor memory, for example, and a hard disk 64b. The image data communication unit is connected to the main memory 64a. This image data communication unit 7
Reference numeral 2 is provided to enable information communication such as image data and image control signals with another digital information device.

The operation board unit 68 has an operation panel 73 shown in FIG. Operation board unit 68
Outputs to the main CPU 65 information such as the designation of the copy mode input by the operator through the operation panel 73.
In response to this information, the main CPU 65 operates the digital copier 1
To work.

A touch panel type liquid crystal display device 81 is arranged at the center of the operation panel 73. A screen switching instruction area 81 is provided on a part of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 81.
a is provided. This screen switching instruction area 81a
Is for inputting an instruction to switch the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 81 to a screen for selecting an image editing function.
When the operator directly presses this area 81a with a finger,
As will be described later, a list of various editing functions is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 81 so that a desired function can be selected.
At this time, of the displayed display area of various editing functions,
When the operator presses a desired editing function area with a finger, the editing function is set.

On the operation panel 73, a brightness adjustment dial 82 for adjusting the brightness of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 81 is provided at the left end position in FIG. Between the dial 82 and the liquid crystal display 81, an automatic magnification setting key 83, a zoom key 84, a fixed magnification key 85
86, an equal-size key 87, a duplex mode setting key 88, and a post-processing mode setting key 89 are provided.

The automatic magnification setting key 83 is used to set a mode for automatically selecting the copy magnification, and the zoom key 84 is used to set the copy magnification in increments of 1%. The fixed magnification keys 85 and 86 are for selecting a fixed magnification, and the same magnification key 87 is for returning the copy magnification to a standard magnification (same magnification). A double-sided mode setting key 88 is for setting a double-sided mode.
The post-processing mode setting key 89 is for setting a predetermined post-processing mode.

In the vicinity of the liquid crystal display 81, there are provided a density switching key 90, a density adjustment key 91 and a tray selection key 92. The density switching key 90 is used to switch the copy density adjustment from automatic to manual or to the photograph mode. The density adjustment key 91 is for finely setting the density level in the manual mode or the photograph mode. The tray selection key 92 is used to select a paper feeding device to be used, that is, a recording sheet of a size to be used, from the cassette paper feeding devices 46 and 47 and the manual paper feeding device 48.

At the right side of the liquid crystal display device 81 in the figure, the numeric keypad 93, clear key 94, print switch 95, all release key 96, interrupt key 97, operation guide key 98, message forward key 99, memory transmission mode A key 100, a mode switching key 101, and a one-touch dial key 102 are provided.

The ten keys 93 are used to set the number of copies and the like, and the clear key 94 is used to clear the number of copies and to stop continuous copying halfway. The print switch 95 is for instructing the start of copying, and the all release key 96 is for releasing all of the currently set modes and returning to the normal state. The interrupt key 97 is operated when it is desired to copy another document during continuous copying.
The operation guide key 98 is operated when the operation of the digital copying machine 1 is not known.
The operation method of the digital copying machine 1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 81. The message forward key 99 is for switching the display of the message displayed by the operation of the operation guide key 98 while moving forward.

The memory transmission mode key 100, the mode switching key 101, and the one-touch dial key 102 are setting keys for the facsimile mode. The memory transmission mode key 100 is for designating that the transmission original is temporarily stored in the memory and then transmitted. The mode switching key 101 is used to select and switch the operation mode of the digital copying machine 1 from various modes such as copy / printer / fax / mobile phone transmission. The one-touch dial key 102 is for making a one-touch operation to make a call to a destination whose telephone number is stored in the digital copying machine 1 in advance.

The configuration of the operation panel 73 relating to the types and arrangements of the various keys is merely an example, and differs depending on various functions mounted on the digital copying machine 1.

Further, in the digital copying machine 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 2 is detachable at the mounting portion 1a. The mounting section 1a is provided with the image data communication unit 72. The image data communication unit 72 is a modem device used in, for example, normal facsimile communication. Image data communication unit 72
The image data modulated by is input to the mobile phone 2,
The data is transmitted to another communication device through the mobile phone 2. Therefore, the image data communication unit 72
As shown in FIG. 7, the mobile phone 2 includes a connector 72a and a connector 2a for connecting to each other. The mobile phone 2 includes a display unit 133, an antenna 13
Dial keys 135, redial keys 136 of numbers 4, 0 to 9, and input keys 137 for inputting predetermined commands
Etc. are provided. The redial key 136 is used to recall a previously dialed calling party again, as provided in a normal telephone, and to simplify the calling operation.

The image data is supplied to the image data communication unit 72, for example, as follows. That is, when a document to be transmitted is set on the RADF 22 and the print switch 95 is turned on, the scanner unit 11 reads a document image. The image data thus obtained is appropriately processed by the image processing unit 13 and then sequentially loaded into the image memory 64. On the other hand, in the mobile phone 2, the operation panel 7
In step 3, a call is made to the input destination, and the connection with the destination is completed. Thereafter, the image data stored in the image memory 64 is supplied to the image data communication unit 72, and the above-described image data is transmitted.

The image processing unit 13 not only supplies the image data to the mobile phone 2 via the image data communication unit 72 but also converts the image data into a format that can be handled by the communication device as the transmission destination. It can also be supplied.

In order to enable the above operations, the digital copying machine 1 and the portable telephone 2 constitute a control circuit shown in FIG. The digital copying machine 1 is provided with the main CPU 65 for managing the entire digital copying machine and a display CPU 121 for managing the operation board unit 68, and a display memory 122 is connected to the display CPU 121. As described above, the main CPU 65 manages operations of the scanner unit 11, the laser printer unit 12, the image processing unit 13 including the image memory 64, and other units. The main CPU 65 can communicate with the display CPU 121, and can operate the operation panel 7 of the operation board unit 68.
Various operation modes are set based on an instruction from the operator input from the operator 3, and the entire operation of the digital copying machine 1 can be managed.

The digital copier 1 has a scanner section 1.
1. A facsimile function unit as an image transmission means including a main CPU 65, an image memory 64, an image data communication unit 72, an operation panel 73, and the like. The facsimile function unit includes an image data communication unit 72. In this case, the image data communication unit 72 is also connected to a telephone line.

On the other hand, the mobile phone 2 includes a CPU 131, a memory 132, a display unit 133, an antenna 134 and the like. The CPU 131 includes the memory 132 and the display unit 1
33 for managing the operation of the entire mobile phone 2. The image data transferred from the digital copying machine 1 via the image data communication unit 72 is stored in the memory 132.

Further, the mounting portion 1a is provided with a lock mechanism 111 for preventing the portable telephone 2 from being inadvertently removed from the mounting portion 1a. This lock mechanism 11
1 includes a pair of lock claws 112, a spring 113 which is an elastic member, and an eccentric cam 114, and further includes a cam driving device 115 for driving the eccentric cam 114 and a pair of mobile phone mounting sensors 116.

The locking claw 112 is provided to face one side and the other side of the mobile phone 2 mounted on the mounting section 1a. The lower part of the lock claw 112 is rotatably attached to the mounting part 1a, and the claw parts 112a formed on the upper part face each other. Corresponding to the claw 112a, the mobile phone 2 is formed with a recess 2b that can be fitted with the claw 112a. The spring 113 has a locking claw 112
Is pulled in a direction away from the mobile phone 2.

The eccentric cam 114 is in contact with the lock claw 112 and rotates or swings the lock claw 112.
The lock claw 112 is rotated in the direction of the mobile phone 2 against the pulling force of the spring 113 by the pressing operation of. When the eccentric cam 114 performs the pressing operation, the claw 112a of the lock claw 112 is fitted into the concave portion 2b of the mobile phone 2 mounted on the mounting portion 1a, and the mobile phone 2 is removed from the mounting portion 1a. Becomes impossible. This is the locked state of the lock mechanism 111. On the other hand, when the pressing operation by the eccentric cam 114 is released, the lock claw 112 is pulled by the spring 113 and separated from the mobile phone 2. As a result, the mobile phone 2 can be removed from the mounting section 1a. This is an unlocked state of the lock mechanism 111.

The mobile phone mounting sensor 116 is mounted on the mounting section 1a.
The mobile phone 2 detects a mounted state and a non-mounted state of the mobile phone 2. The detection signal of the mobile phone wearing sensor 116 is
It is input to the main CPU 65. The main CPU 65
When the mounting state is detected by the mobile phone mounting sensor 116 and the digital copying machine 1 is in the lock request state, the cam driving device 115 is controlled so that the eccentric cam 114 performs the pressing operation. On the other hand, when the non-wearing state is detected by the mobile phone wearing sensor 116 and the digital copying machine 1 is not in the lock request state, the cam driving device 115 is controlled so that the pressing operation by the eccentric cam 114 is released. I do. Thus, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the mobile phone 2 is accidentally detached from the digital copying machine 1 in the lock request state of the digital copying machine 1.

In the present embodiment, the lock request state is a case where the digital copying machine 1 and the mobile phone 2 are in communication for transmitting and receiving image data and the like.

As an alternative to the lock mechanism 111, a mechanism that covers the mobile phone 2 with the cover when the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the mounting portion 1a and locks the mechanism for opening and closing the cover in the locked state. Good.

In the above configuration, a specific operation of the digital image forming system will be described below.

In the present digital image forming system, the image data held by the digital copying machine 1 can be transferred to the mobile phone 2 and transmitted to another communication device through the mobile phone 2. This operation is an operation in the image transmission mode. In this image transmission mode, image data is transferred from the digital copying machine 1 to the mobile phone 2 with the mobile phone 2 attached to the digital copying machine 1, and then the mobile phone 2 is removed from the digital copying machine 1. , Mobile phone 2
To transfer image data from the communication device to another communication device.

First, the operation of transferring image data of a document read by the scanner unit 11 to the mobile phone 2 in the mobile phone transmission mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

At the time of this operation, the operator inputs an instruction to transmit an original image to another communication device using the mobile phone 2 from the operation panel 73 in advance, that is, a mobile phone transmission mode. An input and an input for designating a transmission destination are performed. Then, the original is, for example, RADF22
When the print switch 95 is turned on (S1), the main CPU 65
Based on the 16 detection signals, it is confirmed whether or not the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the mounting section 1a of the digital copying machine 1 (S2).

At this time, if the mobile phone 2 is not mounted on the mounting section 1a, it is confirmed whether or not the image transmission mode is set (S3). As a result of this confirmation, if the image transmission mode is set, a display prompting the operator to mount the mobile phone 2 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 81 (S4).
The digital copying machine 1 waits until the mobile phone 2 is mounted. The display is performed by the display CPU 121 controlling the liquid crystal display device 81 based on a command from the main CPU 65. On the other hand, if the image transmission mode is not set in S3, it is determined that the copy mode for copying the original is set, and the operation shifts to that operation.

In S2, if the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the mounting section 1a, it is determined whether or not a document is set on the RADF 22, for example (S5). If the result of this determination is that a document has not been set, a display urging the user to set the document is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 81 (S
6). When the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the mounting section 1a in S2, the lock mechanism 111 is locked to the mobile phone 2 as described above.

In step S5, the original is stored in the RADF 22
, Scanning of the document is started (S
7). As a result, the image of the document is sequentially read, and the obtained image data is stored in the image memory 64 of the image processing unit 13 (S8).

When the image data of all the originals is stored in the image memory 64 in this way (S9), the main CPU 6
5 confirms the format of image data that can be handled by the mobile phone 2 and the storage capacity of the memory 132 of the mobile phone 2 by communicating with the CPU 131 of the mobile phone 2 (S10). As a result of this confirmation, if the memory 132 has a capacity enough to store the image data to be transferred from the digital copier 1, the main CPU 65
The image data stored in the image memory 64 is converted into a format that can be handled by the mobile phone 2 (S11) and transferred to the mobile phone 2 (S12). At this time, a message indicating that the image data is being transferred is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 81. On the other hand, the memory 132
If the storage capacity of the
And the processing is stopped.

When the transfer of the image data from the digital copying machine 1 to the mobile phone 2 is completed as described above (S1)
3) A message to that effect is displayed by the liquid crystal display device 81 (S14). At this time, the lock mechanism 1
Reference numeral 11 denotes the unlocked state of the mobile phone 2 described above.

Thereafter, when the mobile phone 2 is removed from the digital copying machine 1 by the operator based on the message (S15), the image data stored in the image memory 64 is deleted (S16).

The operator connects the mobile phone 2 to the digital copier 1
After being removed from the mobile phone 2, the image data stored in the CPU 131 is subjected to further processing or stored without erasing by using various processing functions provided in the mobile phone 2, or Processing such as transmission to another communication device (image transmission mode) can be performed.

In the mobile phone transmission mode, the mobile phone 2
Performs the operations shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. S21 to S28 shown in the figure are operations when the mobile phone 2 receives the image data transferred from the digital copying machine 1 when the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the digital copying machine 1. Steps S29 to S39 are operations in which the mobile phone 2 is removed after receiving the image data from the digital copying machine 1, and transmits the image data to another communication device alone.

Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG.
First, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the digital copying machine 1 (S21). This determination is made based on, for example, whether the CPU 131 can communicate with the main CPU 65 of the digital copying machine 1.

When the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the digital copying machine 1, the CPU 131 checks the capacity of the memory 132 (S22), and determines the capacity of the memory 132 and the format of the image data that the mobile phone 2 can handle. Is transmitted to the main CPU 65 of the digital copying machine 1 (S23). Thereafter, the mobile phone 2 enters a state of receiving data from the digital copying machine 1 and waits (S2).
4).

Next, the CPU 131 operates the digital copier 1
When the image data is received from (S25), the image data is stored in the memory 132 (S26). At this time,
The CPU 131 further causes the display unit 133 to display a message indicating that image data is present, indicating that the image data is stored in the memory 132 (S27).

Thereafter, when the mobile phone 2 is detached from the digital copying machine 1 by the operator (S28), the operation of receiving image data from the digital copying machine 1 is terminated, and the process proceeds to a standby routine in the normal processing mode.

If the portable telephone 2 is not attached to the digital copying machine 1 in S21 and the image transmission mode is set (S29), the data is transferred from the digital copying machine 1 in the memory 132. The presence or absence of image data is confirmed (S30). As a result, if the image data is stored in the memory 132, the CPU 131 sets destination information indicating the destination of the image data (S3).
1).

Thereafter, the mobile phone 2 is operated by the operator.
When a transmission instruction is input in (S32), the mobile phone 2 starts a procedure for transmitting image data (S33).

Next, when the connection with the transmission destination is completed (S3
4), the CPU 131 starts transmission of the image data stored in the memory 132 (S35). The transmission of the image data at this time is performed by a modulation circuit and a communication device (not shown) included in the mobile phone 2, the antenna 134, and the like.

Thereafter, when the transmission of the image data is completed (S36), the CPU 131 cuts off the communication with the transmission destination (S37) and shifts to the standby routine in the normal processing mode. In S34, if the connection with the transmission destination cannot be established, the retransmission mode is set (S39), and the transmission procedure is continued until the retransmission mode is established.

On the other hand, if the image data to be transmitted is not stored in the memory 132 in S30 (S3
8) Terminate the operation and shift to the standby routine in the normal processing mode.

In the above-described operation, for example, if the user carries the portable telephone 2 which can constitute a digital image forming system together with the digital copying machine 1 arranged there, the user can carry the scanner device without carrying the scanner device. The image of the original can be easily taken into the mobile phone 2 using the digital copying machine 1. Further, the image data captured by the mobile phone 2 can be transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to a destination at an arbitrary time and from an arbitrary location. That is, the image data can be transmitted to the destination without being restricted by the position where the digital copying machine 1 is installed or the time during which the digital copying machine 1 can be used.

When transferring image data from the digital copying machine 1 to the mobile phone 2, the digital copying machine 1 converts the image data into a format that can be handled by the mobile phone 2, and then transfers the image data to the mobile phone 2. Has been transferred to. Therefore, in the mobile phone 2 which is required to be miniaturized, the configuration for converting the image data is not required, the configuration is simplified, and the amount of use of the memory 132 for storing the image data can be minimized. . Therefore, miniaturization of the mobile phone 2 is not hindered.

When transferring image data from the digital copying machine 1 to the mobile phone 2, the memory 1 of the mobile phone 2
32 to determine whether or not 32 has the capacity to store the image data to be transferred from the digital copying machine 1;
When the memory 132 has a capacity capable of storing the image data, the image data is transferred from the digital copying machine 1 to the mobile phone 2, while when the capacity is insufficient, the transfer of the image data is stopped. . Therefore, useless transfer of image data from the digital copying machine 1 to the mobile phone 2 and useless capture of image data into the memory 132 can be prevented. Further, it is possible to prevent in advance a trouble such as a stop of the operation of the digital image forming system due to the data over of the memory 132.

In the above example, the configuration in which the portable telephone 2 is detachable from the digital copying machine 1 has been described. However, the mobile phone 2 may be able to communicate with the digital copying machine 1 by, for example, infrared communication, and need not necessarily be detachable from the digital copying machine 1. The mobile phone 2 can face the digital copying machine 1 when it can communicate with the digital copying machine 1 including the case of the infrared communication.

Reference Example 2 Another reference example of the present invention is shown in FIG.
This will be described below with reference to FIG.

In the present digital image forming system, the operation in the image transmission mode is replaced with the operation in FIGS.
The operation in the mobile phone transmission mode shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the digital image forming system.

In the operation in the portable telephone transmission mode, first, in a state where the portable telephone 2 is mounted on the digital copying machine 1, image data of an original read by the scanner unit 11 of the digital copying machine 1 is read. , A transmission operation to a specific destination is performed. At this time, if the mobile phone 2 cannot make a connection for transmission with another communication device of the transmission destination, the image data stored in the image memory 64 of the digital copying machine 1 is transferred to the mobile phone 2 and It is stored in the memory 132 of the telephone 2. As a result, image data can be transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to a specific destination.

Next, the operation in the portable telephone transmission mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

For example, in the standby state of the normal processing mode, when the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the digital copying machine 1 by the operator (S41), the mobile phone transmission mode is set in the digital image forming system, and this state is displayed on the liquid crystal display. It is displayed on the device 81 (S42).

Thereafter, if the document to be transmitted is, for example, RADF2
2 (S43), information indicating the destination is input from the one-touch dial key 102 of the operation panel 73 (S44), and when the print switch 95 is turned ON (S44).
45), the original is read by the scanner unit 11 (S
46). The image data thus obtained is stored in the image memory 64 (S47). Thereafter, when the reading of the document is completed (S48), the lock mechanism 111 locks the mobile phone 2 (S49).

Thereafter, a call for connection is made from the mobile phone 2 to the destination (S50). If the mobile phone 2 can be connected to the destination (S51), it is stored in the image memory 64 through the mobile phone 2. The transmitted image data is sequentially transmitted to the destination (S52).

Next, when the transmission of the image data is completed (S
53), the mobile phone 2 cuts off the connection with the destination (S5).
4), the lock mechanism 111 is unlocked with respect to the mobile phone 2 (S55). Thereafter, a message indicating the completion of the transmission of the image data is displayed, and the mobile phone transmission mode is released (S56).

In step S51, if the mobile phone 2 cannot connect to the destination, the main CP of the digital copying machine 1
U65 causes the liquid crystal display device 81 to display that effect (S65).
57). Further, the main CPU 65 causes the liquid crystal display device 81 to display a message that the image data stored in the image memory 64 is to be transferred to the mobile phone 2 (S58). The main CPU 65 communicates with the CPU 131 of the mobile phone 2 to confirm the data format that the mobile phone 2 can handle and the capacity of the memory 132 (S59). If the memory 132 does not have the capacity to store the image data, the process is stopped. If the memory 132 has the capacity to store the image data, the process is continued.

Thereafter, the main CPU 65 converts the image data stored in the image memory 64 into a format that can be handled by the mobile phone 2 (S60), and transfers it to the mobile phone 2 (S61). At this time, destination information indicating the destination is transferred at the same time as the image data. Further, a message indicating that the image data is being transferred is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 81. The destination information sent to the mobile phone 2 is stored in the memory 132 of the mobile phone 2. This transmission destination information is called up by operating the redial key 136 of the mobile phone 2. Therefore, when image data is transmitted from the mobile phone 2, the dial key 135 by the operator is used.
Operation is unnecessary.

In this way, when the transfer of the image data from the digital copying machine 1 to the mobile phone 2 is completed (S6)
2) A message indicating that is displayed by the liquid crystal display device 81 (S63). At this time, the lock mechanism 1
Reference numeral 11 denotes an unlocked state.

Thereafter, when the mobile phone 2 is detached from the digital copying machine 1 by the operator based on the message (S64), the image data stored in the image memory 64 is deleted (S65).

The operator connects the mobile phone 2 to the digital copier 1
After being removed from the mobile phone 2, the image data stored in the CPU 131 is subjected to further processing or stored without erasing by using various processing functions provided in the mobile phone 2, or Processing such as transmission to another communication device (image transmission mode) can be performed.

In the above operation, even if the image data cannot be transmitted to a specific destination at the installation position of the digital copying machine 1, the mobile phone 2 can be used to change the image data from an arbitrary place. Image data can be transmitted to the transmission destination at the time. Therefore, the operator does not need to wait on the spot until the transmission of the image data is completed.
Accordingly, an operator who is busy with time, for example, a businessman, can effectively use time at a place where the digital copying machine 1 is installed, for example, on the road.

In the above operation, when image data is transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to a specific destination, only the redial key 136 needs to be operated, and the operation of the dial key 135 for the fax number is unnecessary. Therefore, the operation for transmitting image data from the mobile phone 2 to a specific destination is simple.

If the facsimile device of the digital copying machine 1 cannot be connected to a specific destination, the fact is notified to the operator by the liquid crystal display device 81, and the image data held by the digital copying machine 1 is transferred to the portable device. Transferring to phone 2.
Therefore, the operator can confirm the direction of the processing of the image data. As a result, it is possible to prevent operational confusion by the operator, and it is possible to reliably prevent inconveniences such as an error in transmission of image data of an important document and a failure in transmission.

When image data is transferred from the digital copying machine 1 to the mobile phone 2, destination information indicating the destination is also transferred at the same time.
A destination can be called by operating 36. Therefore, when image data is transmitted from the mobile phone 2, the operation of the dial key 135 by the operator is not required, and the operation of calling the transmission destination is simple.

Reference Example 3 Still another reference example of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

In this digital image forming system, FIG.
And the operation in the mobile phone transmission mode shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the digital image forming system.

In this digital image forming system, the digital copying machine 1 has a fax function unit. The facsimile function unit is a well-known one generally provided in the digital copying machine 1.
Is a function of transmitting image data stored in the image memory 64 to another communication device.

In the operation in the portable telephone transmission mode, the image data of the original read by the scanner unit 11 of the digital copying machine 1 is transmitted to a specific destination by the facsimile function unit provided in the digital copying machine 1. Will be At this time, if there is no connection for transmission between the fax function unit and another communication device of the transmission destination, the image data stored in the image memory 64 of the digital copying machine 1 is transferred to the mobile phone 2 and 2 in the memory 132. As a result, the image data can be transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to a specific destination.

Next, the operation in the mobile phone transmission mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

In this operation, for example, in the standby state of the normal processing mode, first, the operator issues a command for transmitting a document by fax to the operation panel 73 of the digital copying machine 1, that is, a command for the fax mode, by a mode switching key. The information is input by the user 101 (S71). Further, the transmission destination is set to the one-touch dial key 102 by the operator.
, And a document to be transmitted is set on the RADF 22, for example (S72).

Next, in order to instruct the start of the transmission operation,
When the print switch 95 is turned on (S73), reading of the transmission original by the scanner unit 11 is started (S73).
74). The image data thus obtained is stored in the image memory 64 (S75).

When reading of all originals is completed (S7)
6) A call for connection is made to the destination (S7).
7) If connection with the transmission destination is established (S78), transmission of the image data stored in the image memory 64 is started (S78).
79). Thereafter, when the transmission of the image data is completed (S8)
0), the digital copying machine 1 cuts off the communication line (S8).
1) The processing shifts to the standby routine in the normal processing mode.

If the connection cannot be established with the destination at S78, the liquid crystal display device 81 displays a message to that effect (S82), and displays a message asking whether transmission by the mobile phone 2 is necessary (S83).

On the basis of this display, the mode switching key 10
1 is operated (S84), and when the fax transmission mode is set (S85), the retransmission mode is set by the fax function unit (S94), and the process proceeds to S77 to repeat the following operation.

On the other hand, when the mobile phone transmission mode is set in S85, it is checked whether or not the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the digital copying machine 1 (S86). LCD display 8 for prompting
This is performed at 1 (S87).

When the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the digital copying machine 1, the lock mechanism 111 is locked. The main CPU 65 of the digital copier 1 communicates with the CPU 131 of the mobile phone 2 to confirm the data format that the mobile phone 2 can handle and the capacity of the memory 132 (S88). As described above, if the memory 132 has insufficient capacity, the processing is stopped, while if there is no insufficient capacity, the processing is continued.

Thereafter, the main CPU 65 converts the image data stored in the image memory 64 into a format that can be handled by the mobile phone 2 (S89), and transfers it to the mobile phone 2 (S90). At this time, destination information indicating the destination is transferred at the same time as the image data. Further, a message indicating that the image data is being transferred is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 81. The destination information sent to the mobile phone 2 is stored in the memory 132 of the mobile phone 2. This transmission destination information is called up by operating the redial key 136 of the mobile phone 2.

In this way, when the transfer of the image data from the digital copying machine 1 to the mobile phone 2 is completed (S9)
1) A message indicating that is displayed by the liquid crystal display device 81 (S92). Thereafter, the image memory 64
Is deleted (S93).
Further, the lock mechanism 111 enters the unlocked state. Thereby, the operator can detach the mobile phone 2 from the digital copying machine 1 and appropriately transmit image data to the transmission destination.

In the above operation, even if image data cannot be transmitted to a specific destination using the facsimile function unit of the digital copying machine 1 at the installation position of the digital copying machine 1, By using 2,
Image data can be transmitted from any location to the destination at any time. Therefore, the operator does not need to wait on the spot until the transmission of the image data is completed. Accordingly, an operator who is busy with time, for example, a businessman, can effectively use time at a place where the digital copying machine 1 is installed, for example, on the road.

In the above operation, when image data is transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to a specific destination, only the redial key 136 needs to be operated, and the operation of the dial key 135 for the fax number is unnecessary. The operation for transmitting image data from the mobile phone 2 to a specific destination is simple.

When the facsimile function unit of the digital copying machine 1 cannot connect to a specific destination, the fact is notified to the operator by the liquid crystal display device 81, and the operator transfers the image data from the digital copying machine 1 to the portable device. It is possible to select whether to transfer the call to the telephone 2 or to hold it in the digital copying machine 1 and to transmit from the digital copying machine 1 by re-transmission. Therefore, the operator can confirm the direction of the processing of the image data, and it is possible to reliably prevent inconveniences such as an error in transmission of image data of an important document and a failure to transmit the image data. In addition, transmission of image data to a transmission destination in an optimal manner according to the operator's time allowance or the operator's use position of the digital image forming system, for example, whether it is his / her office or on the road. It can be performed.

If the fax function unit of the digital copying machine 1 cannot establish a connection with the transmission destination, the fact is notified to the operator, and connection is attempted in the retransmission mode of the fax function unit or the portable telephone 2 is used. An operator is prompted to shift to transmission of image data. As a result, it is possible to prevent confusion in the operation of the operator and to surely prevent inconveniences such as transmission errors and non-transmission of image data of important documents. Further, the operator can select transmission of the image data through an appropriate route at that time.

Reference Example 4 Still another reference example of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

In this digital image forming system, FIG.
And an operation in the image transmission mode shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the digital image forming system.

In this digital image forming system, the digital copying machine 1 has the same facsimile function unit as that described in the third embodiment.

In the operation in the image transmission mode, when transmitting image data of a document read by the scanner section 11 of the digital copying machine 1 to a specific destination, the digital copying machine 1 Depending on whether the mobile phone 2 is attached or not, transmission by the mobile phone 2 or transmission by the fax function unit is automatically selected.

Next, the operation in the image transmission mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

In this operation, for example, in a standby state of the normal processing mode, first, when the print switch 95 is turned on by the operator (S101), it is determined whether or not the digital copying machine 1 is set to the image transmission mode. Confirmation (S102). The setting of the image transmission mode is performed by the mode switching key 101.

If the image transmission mode is set in S102, the transmission original is read (S10).
3) The obtained image data is stored in the image memory 64 (S104). Thereafter, when reading of all originals is completed (S105), it is checked whether or not the mobile phone 2 is attached (S106).

As a result of this check, if the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the digital copying machine 1, the lock mechanism 111 is locked. The main CPU 6 of the digital copying machine 1
5 confirms the data format that the mobile phone 2 can handle and the capacity of the memory 132 by communicating with the CPU 131 of the mobile phone 2 (S107). As described above, if the memory 132 has insufficient capacity, the processing is stopped, while if there is no insufficient capacity, the processing is continued.

After that, the main CPU 65 converts the image data stored in the image memory 64 into a format that can be handled by the mobile phone 2 (S108).
(S109). At this time, if the destination information indicating the destination of the image data is input when the image transmission mode is set in S102, the destination information is transferred together with the image data. Further, a message indicating that the image data is being transferred is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 81.
The destination information sent to the mobile phone 2 is stored in the memory 132 of the mobile phone 2. This transmission destination information is stored in the mobile phone 2
Is operated by operating the redial key 136.

In this way, when the transfer of the image data from the digital copying machine 1 to the mobile phone 2 is completed (S11)
0), a message to that effect is displayed by the liquid crystal display device 81 (S111). Then, lock mechanism 1
Reference numeral 11 denotes an unlocked state.

As a result, the operator can operate the digital copier 1
When the mobile phone 2 is removed from the digital copier 1 (S112), the image data stored in the image memory 64 is deleted (S112).
113). In this state, the operator can appropriately transmit image data from the mobile phone 2 to the destination. In the case where transmission destination information has been input to the mobile phone 2 at the time of image data transmission, the redial key 1
A call can be made by the operation of 36. On the other hand, if the destination information has not been input to the mobile phone 2 in advance, a call is made by operating the dial key 135.

On the other hand, in step S106, when the mobile phone 2 is not mounted, the one-touch dial key 102
Of transmission destination information by the operator by using (S11)
4) and if there is a transmission instruction (S115), the digital copying machine 1 starts a transmission procedure of image data by the function (S116). At this time, if a connection cannot be established with the transmission destination (S117), a retransmission mode is set (S123).
Returning to S116, the subsequent operations are repeated.

In S117, if the facsimile function unit of the digital copying machine 1 can connect to the transmission destination, the image data is transmitted (S118), and after the transmission of the image data is completed (S119), the digital copying machine 1 The communication with the server is interrupted (S120).

If the digital copying machine 1 is not set to the image transmission mode in S102, the scanner unit 11 reads the original (S121), and the obtained image data is sent to the image processing unit 13. The image data is stored in the image memory 64 (S122). Next, the digital copying machine 1 reads out the image data stored in the image memory 64, and outputs an image on paper by the laser printer unit 12 (S123). Thereafter, the digital copying machine 1 ends the operation when the above-described processing for all the originals is completed (S124).

In the above operation, image data is transmitted using the mobile phone 2 or the fax function unit of the digital copying machine 1 is used depending on whether or not the mobile phone 2 is attached to the digital copying machine 1. Transmission of all image data is automatically selected. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the operation of the operator, and it is possible to prevent the user from mistakenly setting the mode.

When image data is transmitted using the mobile phone 2, the image data can be transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to the destination at any time and from any place, as described above. .

Reference Example 5 Still another reference example of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

In this digital image forming system, the digital copying machine 1 has the fax function unit as described above. In the digital image forming system, when transmitting image data obtained by the scanner unit 11 of the digital copying machine 1 to another communication device, the digital copying machine 1
When the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the mobile phone, transmission by the mobile phone 2 is automatically selected regardless of the fax function unit. This operation is shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

For example, in the standby state of the normal processing mode, when the operator mounts the mobile phone 2 on the mounting section 1a of the digital copying machine 1 (S131), the mobile phone transmission mode is set in the digital image forming system. The state in which the mobile phone transmission mode is set is the liquid crystal display device 8
1 is displayed (S132). At this time, a message is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 81 indicating that facsimile by the mobile phone 2 is possible and that the user is prompted to set an original on the RADF 22. As described above, the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the mobile phone mounting sensor 116. 1.
16.

Thereafter, if the document to be transmitted is, for example, RADF2
2 (S133), information indicating the destination is input from the one-touch dial key 102 of the operation panel 73 (S134), and when the print switch 95 is turned on (S135), the scanner unit 11 reads the original. Performed (S136). The image data thus obtained is stored in the image memory 64 (S137). Thereafter, when reading of all originals is completed (S138), the lock mechanism 111 locks the mobile phone 2 (S13).
9).

Thereafter, a call for connection is made from the portable telephone 2 to the destination (S140), and the portable telephone 2 is called.
Can be connected to the transmission destination (S141), the image memory 64
Is modulated by the image data communication unit 72 and transferred to the mobile phone 2. The mobile phone 2 sequentially transmits the image data transferred from the digital copying machine 1 to the other party (S142).

Next, when the transmission of the image data is completed (S
143), the mobile phone 2 cuts off the connection with the destination (S1).
44), the lock mechanism 111 is unlocked with respect to the mobile phone 2 (S145). Then, the liquid crystal display device 8
At 1, the display of the transmission completion is performed, and the mobile phone transmission mode is canceled (S146). The operator can remove the mobile phone 2 from the digital copying machine 1 based on the above display.

In the above configuration, the image data transmission operation using the facsimile function unit of the digital copying machine 1 and the image data transmission operation using the mobile phone 2 are performed by the mobile phone 2. Necessary operation in transmission operation,
That is, the switching is performed by the mounting operation of the mobile phone 2 to the digital copying machine 1. Therefore, the switching operation by the operator is simplified.

In the operation of transmitting the image data held by the digital copying machine 1 to a specific destination via the mobile phone 2, the image data sequentially read from the image memory 64 of the digital copying machine 1 is used. , And are sequentially transmitted to the destination without being stored in the memory 132 once, so that quick transmission is possible. In this operation, the memory 132 for storing image data in the mobile phone 2 is not required.

In the above configuration, the digital copier 1
By installing the mobile phone 2 in a place where many people can use it, for example, in a convenience store or other store that provides a copy service, many people can use The convenient functions of the digital image forming system can be utilized. This is particularly effective when a document needs to be transmitted to a specific destination immediately at a destination.

When the digital image forming system is used, the cost of transmitting the image data is borne by the user of the portable telephone 2, so that the calculation of the complicated fee by using the digital copying machine 1 is performed. And no billing is required. Therefore, when transmitting image data, the digital copying machine 1 can be borrowed without hesitation even when going out.

Further, in a state where the portable telephone 2 is mounted on the digital copying machine 1, it is desirable that the communication between the portable telephone 2 and other communication devices is always performed in a stable radio wave state. To this end, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the mobile phone 2 is supported such that the antenna 134 is substantially vertical when mounted on the mounting section 1a of the digital copying machine 1. This is because the radio wave transmitted from the mobile phone 2 has a vertical amplitude. That is, in the present digital image forming system, the mobile phone 2
Is mounted on the digital copying machine 1 in a state where radio waves transmitted from the antenna 134 can be propagated favorably to another communication device as a transmission destination.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the portable telephone 2 is mounted on the digital copying machine 1, the portable telephone 2 is connected to the portable copying machine 1 via the connector 2a and the connector 72a. The telephone power supply unit 141 is connected. This is to prevent a situation in which the battery of the mobile phone 2 is exhausted and a communication error occurs when image data is transmitted from the digital copying machine 1 to another communication device through the mobile phone 2. When a communication error occurs, the return operation becomes complicated, and the operator is burdened with a great deal of time when going out. The power supply of the digital copying machine 1 may be connected to the mobile phone 2 at all times when the mobile phone 2 is attached to the digital copying machine 1 or only during transmission of image data by the mobile phone 2. Good. In the latter case, for example, as shown in the figure, a switch 142 composed of a transistor or the like is provided in a power supply path between the power supply unit 141 for the mobile phone and the connector 72a, for example.
OFF is controlled by the main CPU 65.

In the connection between the digital copying machine 1 and the mobile phone 2, it is necessary to set a connection state in a communication environment appropriate for the mobile phone 2 in order to transmit good image data from the mobile phone 2. Good. The communication environment is, for example, a communication speed (2400 bps, 9600 bps, etc.) such as a capability of the mobile phone 2, a data format, a communication protocol, a power supply voltage, a communication company or a terminal manufacturer. That is, not only the mobile phone 2 but also a portable image communication device includes a digital system, an analog system, a PHS,
There are communication devices having communication standards such as an optical communication system (IR), various wireless communication devices such as communication devices of a specified low power system, and terminal devices having a built-in communication device. It is. For this, the digital copier 1
Recognizes the communication environment with the mobile phone 2 and sets it. As a method of recognizing the communication environment, for example, when a plurality of switches are arranged in parallel in the mounting section 1a of the digital copying machine 1 and the mobile phone 2 is mounted in the mounting section 1a,
Various types of information regarding the communication environment of the mobile phone 2 may be recognized by a combination of a plurality of the above-described switches that are turned ON or OFF when the mobile phone 2 is mounted. In this case, for example, a convex block for pressing the switch is provided at the bottom of the mobile phone 2,
The switch operated by the arrangement position of this block is selected. Further, as another method, by transmitting and receiving information between the main CPU 65 of the digital copying machine 1 and the CPU 131 of the mobile phone 2, information about the communication environment is transferred from the mobile phone 2 to the digital copying machine 1 as code information. Is also good.

Reference Example 6 Still another reference example of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

In the present digital image forming system, the user-specific telephone number information stored in the memory 132 of the mobile phone 2 is temporarily supplied to the digital copying machine 1, and the operator operates based on the telephone number information. The destination of the image data can be set. This operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

For example, when the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the mounting section 1a of the digital copying machine 1 in the standby state of the normal processing mode (S151), the mobile phone transmission mode is set in the digital image forming system. The state in which the mobile phone transmission mode is set is the liquid crystal display device 8
1 is displayed (S152). At this time, on the liquid crystal display device 81, a message indicating that the user is prompted to set the document on the RADF 22 is displayed.

Next, if the document to be transmitted is, for example, RADF22
(S153), the memory 1 of the mobile phone 2
The terminal information stored in the digital copier 1 is taken into the digital copier 1 via the image data communication unit 72 and stored in the image memory 64 (S154). The terminal information is information used by the mobile phone 2 mainly including telephone number information of the other party.

Next, the main CPU 6 of the digital copying machine 1
5 reads out the telephone number information from the terminal information and displays it on the liquid crystal display device 81 (S155). Based on this display, the transmission destination is specified by the operator, and thereby the transmission destination of the image data is set (S15).
6). For example, in the display of the telephone number information, each telephone number is displayed with a number in the display order. When the transmission destination is specified, the operator operates the ten-key 93 on the operation panel 73 to display the number in the display order. By inputting, the destination is specified.

Next, the print switch 95 is operated by the operator.
Is turned on (S157), the scanner unit 11 reads a document (S158). At this time, the number of originals is counted by the counter, and the original size is detected by the original size sensor. The counter and the document size sensor are well-known components provided in a general copying machine. The image data obtained by reading the document is stored in the image memory 64 (S159). Thereafter, when reading of all originals is completed (S160), the lock mechanism 111 locks the mobile phone 2 (S161).

Next, the main CPU 65 causes the liquid crystal display device 81 to display information regarding communication (S162). This information includes the number and size of originals to be transmitted obtained by the counter and the original size sensor, the destination telephone number, the destination name, the communication status, and the like. By performing such display, the operator can easily grasp the communication status.

Next, a call for connection is made from the mobile phone 2 to the destination (S163). If the mobile phone 2 can connect to the destination (S164), the image data stored in the image memory 64 is read. Is transferred to the mobile phone 2.
The mobile phone 2 sequentially transmits the image data transferred from the digital copier 1 to the other party (S165).

Next, when the transmission of the image data is completed (S
166), the mobile phone 2 cuts off the connection with the destination (S)
167). In the digital copying machine 1, the main CPU
Reference numeral 65 denotes the scanner unit 11 printing out transmission information such as the number of transmission originals stored in the image memory 64, the original size, the transmission destination, the transmission time, the time required for transmission, and a part of the transmission image data. . Alternatively, the main CPU 65 transfers the transmission information stored in the image memory 64 to the mobile phone 2 (S168). When the mobile phone 2 receives the information from the digital copying machine 1, it stores it in the memory 132.

Further, the image memory 6 of the digital copying machine 1
4 temporarily stored information, ie, the terminal information,
The transmission information and the image data of the transmission original are deleted (S169). This operation is also performed when the mobile phone transmission mode is canceled during transmission for some reason such as a transmission trouble.

Next, the lock mechanism 111 enters the unlocked state (S170). After that, the transmission completion is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 81, and the mobile phone transmission mode is canceled (S171). The operator can remove the mobile phone 2 from the digital copying machine 1 based on the above display.

In the operation of S156, the destination is set based on the telephone number information from the mobile phone 2. However, the destination can be set by the facsimile function unit of the digital copying machine 1. . In this case, one-touch dial key 102 or numeric keypad 93 on operation panel 73 is operated. In operation of the ten keys 93, individual numbers constituting a telephone number are input. In this case, the telephone number information corresponding to the operation of the ten key 93 or the one-touch dial key 102 is transferred from the main CPU 65 of the digital copying machine 1 to the mobile phone 2, and
CPU 131 establishes connection with the transmission destination based on the telephone number information.

As described above, in the present digital image forming system, the connection to the destination can be established not only based on the telephone number information from the mobile phone 2 but also by operating the ten key 93 or the one-touch dial key 102 of the digital copying machine 1. Since it is possible, even if the user is unfamiliar with the operation, confusion does not occur and the operability is good.

Further, as shown in the operation of S168, after the transmission of the image data to the transmission destination is completed, the digital copying machine 1 sets the number of transmission documents, the size of the document, the transmission destination,
Since the transmission information such as the transmission time, the time required for the transmission, and a part of the transmission image data is printed out, even when the image data is transmitted using the digital copying machine 1 arranged at the destination, The operator can obtain a transmission record of the transmission information at hand. Therefore, management of transmission records after the operator returns to the company, for example, becomes easy.

In the digital copying machine 1, transmission information when transmission is performed using the fax function unit and transmission information when transmission is performed using the mobile phone 2 are managed separately. It has become. This is for the following reason.

The facsimile function section of the digital copying machine 1 is usually provided with a management function for storing information on transmission and reception in order to grasp the transmission and reception status, and printing out the information as necessary. . By this management function, when transmission information when transmission is performed using the mobile phone 2 is stored, the transmission information and transmission information when transmission is performed using the fax function unit are confused, It is difficult to confirm both transmission information. Therefore, the above two types of transmission information are managed separately so as to solve this problem.

The transmission information when the transmission is performed using the portable telephone 2 is printed out from the digital copying machine 1 or transferred to the portable telephone 2, and then transmitted to the image memory 64 of the digital copying machine 1. Is to be erased from. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which personal information of the operator remains in an external device, that is, the digital copying machine 1, and is abused.

In the present digital image forming system,
As shown in the operation of S168, when transmission is performed using the mobile phone 2, the transmission information held by the digital copying machine 1 can be transferred to the mobile phone 2. Therefore, in the mobile phone 2, by storing the transmission information in the memory 132, the transmission information can be displayed on the display unit 133 as necessary. This facilitates confirmation and management of transmission records.

[Embodiment 7] Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The digital copier 1 can transmit and receive image data to and from an external device via the image data communication unit 72 shown in FIG. When the mobile phone 2 is connected to the image data communication unit 72 as an external device, the image data transferred from the mobile phone 2
After being processed by the image processing unit 13, the image is taken into the image memory 64. The image data is read out by the main CPU 65 and supplied to the laser printer unit 12, so that it can be printed out on a recording sheet. When the mobile phone 2 and the digital copying machine 1 are in communication, the lock mechanism 111 is locked and the mobile phone 2 is fixed to the digital copying machine 1 as described above.

Next, the operation of transferring image data received by the mobile phone 2 to the digital copying machine 1 and printing out the image data in the digital copying machine 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 23 and 24 show the operation of the mobile phone 2, and FIGS. 25 and 26 show the operation of the digital copying machine 1.

First, the operation of the mobile phone 2 will be described. 23 and 24, when the power is turned on, the mobile phone 2 enters a communication standby state. At this time, the CPU 131 of the mobile phone 2 determines whether the operator issues a call instruction to a specific partner (S181) or whether there is an incoming call (S181).
182) or whether the mobile phone 2 is attached to the digital copying machine 1 (S183), and is constantly monitored.

Here, when a predetermined outgoing call instruction is issued by the operator to make a call to a specific party (S18).
1), the mobile phone 2 is in the calling mode. Next, the telephone number information of the specific destination is set (S184), and when the call key is operated (S185), the mobile phone 2 makes a call to the specified destination (S186). When the communication with the other party is established, the call becomes possible (S187). Thereafter, when the end key is operated, the communication state is cut off (S188), and the apparatus enters a standby state.

When a call instruction from the other party, that is, an incoming call is received, the mode is set to the incoming call mode (S182), and it is confirmed whether the call is a voice call or an image data call (S189). If the incoming call is by voice, the operator is called by a ringing tone (S19).
2) When the operator operates the call key (S193), a call becomes possible (S194). Thereafter, when the end key is operated, the communication state is cut off (S195) and the apparatus enters a standby state.

On the other hand, if the image data is received at S189, CPU 131 receives the image data and stores it in memory 132 (S190). further,
In order to notify the operator of the arrival of the image data, a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 133 (S191). Then, it will be in a standby state. As a method for notifying the arrival of the image data, a specific notification sound may be generated in addition to the above display.

[0189] In the portable telephone 2, when an image data is received, a message indicating the fact is displayed on the display unit 133. When the incoming call is confirmed by this display, the operator goes to the place where the digital copying machine 1 is installed with the mobile phone 2 and mounts the mobile phone 2 on the mounting section 1 a of the digital copying machine 1. Thereby, the mobile phone 2 enters the mounting mode (S183). The transition to the mounting mode is performed, for example, when the mounting of the mobile phone 2 on the digital copying machine 1 is detected by the mobile phone mounting sensors 116, 116, and information indicating this is transmitted from the main CPU 65 to the CPU 131. .

When the operator instructs the transfer of image data from the mobile phone 2 to the digital copying machine 1 after entering the mounting mode (S196), the CPU 131 transfers the image data stored in the memory 132 to the digital copying machine. 1 (S197). The image data is taken into the digital copying machine 1 via the image data communication unit 72 and stored in the image memory 64. Thereafter, in the digital copying machine 1, if there is an instruction to delete the image data (S1).
98), and the erase operation is performed (S199), and the apparatus enters a standby state.

On the other hand, in S196, if there is a transfer request for various setting information, the information is transferred in response to the request (S200), and thereafter, a standby state is set.

Next, the operation of the digital copying machine 1 will be described. 25 and 26, when the power is turned on, the digital copying machine 1 starts warm-up (S211), and upon completion thereof, enters a standby state (S2).
12). At this time, the main CPU 6 of the digital copying machine 1
5 operates in the copy mode (S213);
It is monitored whether it operates as a fax mode (S214), operates as a printer mode for outputting data transferred from an external device (S215), or operates as a mobile phone mounting mode (S2).
16). These operation modes are set according to various input conditions to the digital copying machine 1.

When the copy mode is set by operating the operation panel 73 (S213), the operator operates the operation panel 73 to set the number of copies, the copy magnification, the copy density, and the like (S217). next,
When the print switch 95 is turned on after the original is set on the RADF 22, for example (S218), copying is performed (S219), and after copying is completed (S220), the apparatus enters a standby state.

Further, the fax mode is set (S2
14) When fax transmission is set (S221),
Thereafter, the operator inputs the telephone number of the transmission destination using, for example, the ten keys 93, and sets the transmission mode for specifying the sharpness of the image (S222).

Next, when the original is set on the RADF 22 and the send button is turned on (S223), the original is read by the scanner unit 11 (S224).
The document image data is transmitted to the transmission destination (S225).
Thereafter, when the transmission is completed (S226), the digital copying machine 1 enters a standby state.

On the other hand, if the fax is received in S221, the main CPU 65 stores the transmitted image data in the image memory 64 (S227). When the laser printer unit 12 is ready to record the image data, that is, print out (S22).
8) Print out the image data (S22)
9). When the fax receiving process is completed in this way (S230), the digital copying machine 1 enters a standby state.

When a specific control signal is input to an external interface (not shown), the digital copying machine 1 enters the printer mode (S215). When receiving image data transmitted from an external device, for example, a word processor (S231), the main CPU 65
Causes the image memory 64 to store the transmitted image data. Thereafter, when the laser printer unit 12 is ready to print out the image data (S2).
32), and print out the image data (S23).
3). When the processing of the received image data is completed in this way (S234), the digital copying machine 1 enters a standby state.

The digital copying machine 1 has a mounting section 1
When the mobile phone 2 is mounted on a and this state is detected by the mobile phone mounting sensors 116, 116, the mobile phone is set to the mobile phone mounting mode (S216).

When the mobile phone mounting mode is set, the digital copier 1 enters a state of receiving image data from the mobile phone 2 (S235). Then, upon receiving the image data from the mobile phone 2 (S236), the image data is
The image is stored in the image memory 64 while being processed by the image processing unit 13 as necessary (S237). The processing in the image processing unit 13 may be performed either when the image data is stored in the image memory 64 or when the image data is read out from the image memory 64 for printout.

After that, the main CPU 65 checks the image size in the image data, and checks the presence or absence of a recording sheet of an appropriate size corresponding to the size, that is, a sheet (S2).
38). If there is a sheet of the appropriate size (S23)
9), the sheet is selected (S240), and the received image data is printed out (S241). in this case,
The main CPU 65 transfers the image data stored in the image memory 64 to the laser printer unit 12 in accordance with the operation of the laser printer unit 12. Incidentally, in S239,
If there is no sheet of the appropriate size, the appropriate size is displayed on the liquid crystal display 81 (S242), and after waiting for the sheet to be set by the operator, the operation of S240 and thereafter is performed.

As described above, in the present digital image forming system, even if the operator is out, if the image data is transmitted to the mobile phone 2 carried by the operator, the arrival of the image data is notified to the operator. When the operator attaches the mobile phone 2 to the digital copying machine 1 while on the road, the digital copying machine 1
Can print out the image data. Thereby, the operator can check the transmitted information.

Therefore, even when it is necessary to transmit information that cannot be transmitted by telephone to the operator when the operator is out of the office, the above information can be transmitted satisfactorily. Of course, it is not necessary to always carry a device for printing out image data.

If the format of the image data transferred from the mobile phone 2 is different from the data format handled by the laser printer unit 12, the image processing unit 13 converts the format of the image data so as to conform to this format. Convert the format. Accordingly, in the laser printer section 12, image data can be printed out appropriately, and a good image can be obtained.

The selection of an appropriate size paper in S239 is performed by expanding the image data in the image memory 64 in S237 and confirming the image size in S238 based on the size of the expanded image data. Is going. Therefore, it is possible to select a sheet of an appropriate size.

That is, the format of the image data transferred from the mobile phone 2 is various. Therefore, an accurate image size cannot be determined unless, for example, expansion of compressed image data or expansion from character code data is actually performed. Therefore, when a sheet is simply selected based on the instructed sheet size information and image data is recorded, the image may be missing from the sheet.

In the digital copying machine 1, when the printout of the image data is completed, the image memory 64
May be deleted. Similarly, in the mobile phone 2, after the image data to be printed out is transferred to the digital copying machine 1, the transferred image data may be deleted from the memory 132. This operation is effective in effectively using the limited storage capacity, particularly when performed on the mobile phone 2 having a small storage capacity. Further, not only the image data is uniformly deleted, but also it is possible to select to save the image data as needed. Digital copier 1 or mobile phone 2
In the case where the image data is stored without erasing, the image data can be processed and used, for example.

In the present digital image forming system,
The digital copier 1 uses the function of printing out the image data transferred from the mobile phone 2 to the mobile phone 2.
The various setting information set in, the telephone number information registered in the mobile phone 2 and the like are stored in the digital copying machine 1.
, And can be printed out in the digital copying machine 1. The above information is usually stored as code information in the mobile phone 2. Therefore, in the digital copying machine 1, when the code information is printed out, the code information is developed and printed out using a function of converting the code information into dot information representing characters in the printer mode.

The mobile phone 2 has a configuration for specifying information to be printed out in the digital copying machine 1. In this configuration, for example, when the input key 137 of the mobile phone 2 is operated, the information set or registered in the mobile phone 2 is stored in the memory 1 by the CPU 131.
32 is displayed on the display unit 133, and when another selection key is operated, the information is transferred to the digital copying machine 1.

[Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Note that, in the present embodiment, members having the same functions as the members described in each of the above reference examples are denoted by the same reference numerals,
The description is omitted.

This digital image forming system has a configuration shown in FIG. That is, when the communication management center 151 as a relay device (communication management device) that manages communication of the mobile phone 2 or the like receives image data to be transmitted to a specific mobile phone 2, the image data is sent to a CPU (control unit). ) 152 stores it in the memory (storage means) 153 and transmits a message to the destination mobile phone 2 that there is image data to be transmitted. Based on this message, the operator sets the mobile phone 2 to the nearest digital copier 1, and then the mobile phone 2 receives the image data transmitted from the communication management center 151, and transmits the received image data to the digital copier 1. 1 prints out.

Next, this operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 28 shows the operation of the communication management center 151, and FIGS.
2 shows operations of the mobile phone 2 and the digital copying machine 1.

In FIG. 28, the communication management center 151
Then, when image data to be transmitted to a specific mobile phone 2 is received (S251), the image data and transmission destination information are stored in the memory 153 (S252). Thereafter, a message indicating that image data to be transmitted exists is transmitted to the destination mobile phone 2 (S253).

Thereafter, if there is a request for transmission of image data from the mobile phone 2 in response to the message (S254),
In the communication management center 151, the requested mobile phone 2
The image data to be transmitted is confirmed based on the telephone number and the transmission destination information stored previously (S255).

As a result of the check, if there is image data to be transmitted (S256), the image data is transmitted to the mobile phone 2 (S257). Thereafter, when the transmission of the image data is completed (S258), it is checked whether or not there is an instruction to delete the image data (S259). If there is an instruction to delete the image data, the transmitted image data is deleted from the memory 153 (S26).
0). The erasing instruction is set in advance at the communication management center 151 or set in response to a request from the mobile phone 2.

On the other hand, if there is no image data to be transmitted in S256, a message to the effect that there is no image data to be transmitted is transmitted to portable telephone 2 (S26).
1) End the operation.

Next, the portable telephone 2 and the digital copying machine 1
Will be described. 29 and 30, the mobile phone 2 enters a standby state when the power is turned on.
At this time, the CPU 131 of the mobile phone 2 receives a message from the communication management center 151 (S27).
1) It is constantly monitored whether the mobile phone 2 is attached to the digital copying machine 1 (S272) and whether a telephone number for a call is set (S273).

Here, when a message indicating that there is image data to be transmitted is transmitted from the communication management center 151 (S271), the message is displayed on the display unit 133 (S274). Alternatively, the operator is notified by a specific notification sound that there is image data to be transmitted.

Thereafter, when the operator confirms the above message and attaches the mobile phone 2 to the nearest digital copying machine 1, the mobile phone 2 requests the communication management center 151 to transmit image data.

In this case, that is, when the mobile phone 2 is attached to the digital copying machine 1 (S272) and the message is displayed on the display unit 133 (S275), the connection to the communication management center 151 is established. Is transmitted (S276). Then, when the connection with the communication management center 151 is completed (S277), the CPU 131 transmits the telephone number information of the mobile phone 2 (S278), and further requests transmission of image data (S279).

Thereafter, when image data is transmitted from the communication management center 151 in response to the transmission request, the mobile phone 2 receives this image data (S280) and transfers it to the digital copying machine 1. The digital copying machine 1 receiving the image data from the mobile phone 2 prints out the image data by the laser printer unit 12 (S281). Thereafter, when the printout of the image data is completed (S2
82), the mobile phone 2 cuts off communication with the communication management center 151 (S283) and enters a standby state.

On the other hand, in step S275, when the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the digital copying machine 1, but the message is not displayed on the display unit 133, the original transmission mode is set in the mobile phone 2 and the digital copying machine 1. Yes (S2
84). In this case, a transmission original is set in the digital copying machine 1 (S285), and a transmission destination is set (S28).
6), a call for connection to the destination is made (S28).
7). Thereafter, when the connection between the mobile phone 2 and the transmission destination is completed (S288), the transmission original is read by the scanner unit 11 of the digital copying machine 1 (S289), and the image data is transmitted (S290). Thereafter, when the transmission is completed (S291), the mobile phone 2 cuts off the communication with the transmission destination (S292) and enters a standby state.

In the portable telephone 2, a telephone number is set for a telephone call (S273). When the call key is turned on (S293), a call is made to the telephone number destination (S294), and When the connection with the number destination is completed (S
295), and a call is made (S296). Thereafter, when the call end key is operated (S297), the mobile phone 2 communicates with the called party (S298).

As described above, in the present digital image forming system, image data transmitted from another communication device is stored in the communication management center 151, and the mobile phone 2 requests transfer of image data as needed. be able to.
Therefore, it is not necessary to always secure a large storage capacity for storing the image data in the memory 132 of the mobile phone 2. As a result, the storage capacity of the memory 132 can be effectively used for other purposes.

The transmission of image data from the communication management center 151 to the mobile phone 2 is performed based on the operation of mounting the mobile phone 2 on the digital copying machine 1 by the operator. Is performed when it is determined that the image data can be accepted, the communication trouble due to poor preparation on the mobile phone 2 side is less likely to occur. In this case, in this case, the mobile phone wearing sensor 116-1 is used.
The input means is constituted by 16.

[Embodiment 2] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32.

The present digital image forming system has the configuration shown in FIG. 27, and the portable telephone 2 receives image data transmitted from the communication
The image data is printed out from the digital copying machine 1 when the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the digital copying machine 1 thereafter.

Next, this operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 31 and 32. 31 and 32.
2 shows the operation of the mobile phone 2 and the digital copier 1, and the operation of the communication management center 151 is shown in FIG.
8 is the same as that shown in FIG.

In FIG. 31 and FIG.
Enters a standby state when the power is turned on. At this time, the CPU 131 of the mobile phone 2 determines whether a message has been received from the communication management center 151 (S301) or whether a transmission request mode for requesting the communication management center 151 to transmit image data has been set (S302). 2 is constantly monitored to see whether the digital copying machine 2 is mounted on the digital copying machine 1 (S303) or whether a telephone number for a call is set (S304).

When a message indicating that there is image data to be transmitted is transmitted from the communication management center 151 (S301), the message is displayed on the display unit 133 (S305). Alternatively, the operator is notified by a specific notification sound that there is image data to be transmitted.

Thereafter, when the transmission request mode is set in the mobile phone 2 by the operator who has confirmed the message (S302), the CPU 131 of the mobile phone 2 makes a call for communication with the communication management center 151. (S3
06). The setting of the transmission request mode is performed by, for example, input key 1
37 is performed. When the connection of the communication management center 151 is completed (S307), the CPU 131
Transmits the telephone number information of the mobile phone 2 (S308),
Further, a transmission request for image data is made (S309).

Thereafter, when image data is transmitted from the communication management center 151 in response to the transmission request, the mobile phone 2 receives the image data (S310), and
131 stores the image data in the memory 132 (S311). Thereafter, when the reception of the image data is completed (S312), the mobile phone 2 cuts off the communication with the communication management center 151 (S313) and enters a standby state.

Thereafter, when the portable telephone 2 is mounted on the digital copying machine 1 and the memory 132 of the portable telephone 2 stores image data (S314), the portable telephone 2 is set in the image data transfer mode and stored in the memory 132. The transferred image data is ready to be transferred to the digital copier 1 (S3
15).

Next, the state of the digital copying machine 1 is confirmed by communication between the CPU 131 of the mobile phone 2 and the main CPU 65 of the digital copying machine 1 (S316), and the digital copying machine 1 can communicate with the mobile phone 2. (S
317), the CPU 131 of the mobile phone 2 transfers the image data to the digital copying machine 1 (S318). Thereafter, when the transfer of the image data is completed (S319), the mobile phone 2 cuts off the communication with the digital copying machine 1 (S32).
0), and enters a standby state.

The image data transferred to the digital copying machine 1 is then printed out by the laser printer unit 12 of the digital copying machine 1. The operations in S321 to S335 shown in FIG. 32 are the same as those in S284 shown in FIG.
To S298.

As described above, in the present digital image forming system, image data transmitted from another communication device is stored in the communication management center 151, and the mobile phone 2 requests transfer of image data as necessary. be able to.
Therefore, it is not necessary to always secure a large storage capacity for storing the image data in the memory 132 of the mobile phone 2. As a result, the storage capacity of the memory 132 can be effectively used for other purposes.

Since the image data transferred from the communication management center 151 to the mobile phone 2 is temporarily stored in the memory 132, the operator can connect the mobile phone 2 to the digital copier 1 at an appropriate time. That is, it is possible to obtain a visualized image of the image data in the mounted state.

The transmission of image data from the communication management center 151 to the mobile phone 2 is performed based on, for example, the operation of the input key 137 by the operator. Since it is performed when it is determined that it is possible, communication troubles due to poor preparation on the mobile phone 2 side are less likely to occur.

The digital image forming system according to the present invention includes a digital image forming apparatus, for example, a digital copying machine,
The digital image forming apparatus includes a portable image communication device, such as a mobile phone, which is portable independently of the digital image forming device, and which can communicate with the digital image forming device, and can communicate with other communication devices. The forming device
Image data generating means for reading an image of a document and converting the image data into image data; first storage means for storing the image data;
A first control unit that stores the image data obtained from the image data generation unit in the first storage unit, reads the image data stored in the first storage unit, and transfers the image data to the portable image communication device Wherein the portable image communication device stores image data,
A second control unit that stores the image data transmitted from the digital image forming apparatus in the second storage unit, reads the image data stored in the second storage unit, and transmits the read image data to the other communication device May be provided.

In this case, in the digital image forming apparatus, the image data obtained from the image data generating means is stored in the first storage means by the first control means. In addition, this first
The image data stored in the storage means is read by the first control means and transmitted to the portable image communication device. In the portable image communication device, the image data transmitted from the digital image forming device is stored in the second storage unit by the second control unit. Further, the image data stored in the second storage means is read by the second control means and transmitted to another communication device.

Therefore, for example, if a portable image communication device, for example, a portable telephone, which can constitute a digital image forming system together with a digital image forming device arranged there, is carried at a place of travel, the scanner device can be carried without traveling. Further, even when the digital image forming apparatus does not have the fax function, the image of the document can be easily taken into the portable image communication apparatus as image data by using the digital image forming apparatus on the go. Further, the image data captured by the portable image communication device can be transmitted to the destination from any location.

Further, if the digital image forming apparatus is installed in a place where many people can use it, for example, in a convenience store or other store that provides a copy service, a portable image communication apparatus, for example, is widely used today. Many people can use the convenient functions of the digital image forming system by using a mobile phone that is widely used. This is particularly effective when a document needs to be transmitted to a specific destination immediately at a destination.

When the present digital image forming system is used on the road, the cost required for transmitting image data is, for example, a communication company, for example, a portable image communication device having a communication contract with a telephone company, for example, a mobile phone. The burden on the user makes it unnecessary to calculate and charge a complicated fee by using the portable image communication device.

In the digital image forming system according to the present invention, the digital image forming apparatus further includes image transmitting means capable of transmitting image data to the other communication device via a communication line. Means, when the image transmitting means is in a state where image data cannot be transmitted to the other communication device, and when the digital image forming apparatus and the portable image communication apparatus are in a communicable state, The image data stored in the storage means may be read and transmitted to the portable image communication device.

In this case, when the image transmitting means of the digital image forming apparatus cannot transmit image data to another communication apparatus and the digital image forming apparatus and the portable image communication apparatus are in a communicable state. The image data stored in the first storage unit of the digital image forming apparatus is transmitted to the portable image communication device, and stored in the second storage unit.

Therefore, even if the operator cannot communicate with a specific destination using the image transmission means of the digital image forming apparatus, the operator does not need to wait on the spot and can carry the portable image. Image data can be transmitted to a destination at any time and from any place using the communication device.
Therefore, an operator such as a business man who is busy with the time does not need to worry about the time required from the setting to the completion of the transmission, and can effectively use the time when going out.

In addition, the digital image forming system of the present invention is a digital image forming apparatus, which can be carried independently of the digital image forming apparatus, can communicate with the digital image forming apparatus, and has other communication devices. A digital image forming apparatus for reading an image of a document and converting the image into image data; and a first image data storing device for storing the image data.
Storage means for storing image data obtained from the image data generation means in the first storage means,
First control means for reading the image data stored in the storage means and transferring the image data to the portable image communication device; and visualization means for visualizing the image data stored in the first storage means. And the portable image communication device may include a second control unit that transmits image data transmitted from the digital image forming device to the other communication device.

In this case, in the digital image forming apparatus, the image data obtained from the image data generating means is stored in the first storage means by the first control means. In addition, this first
The image data stored in the storage means is read by the first control means and transmitted to the portable image communication device. In the portable image communication device, image data transmitted from the digital image forming device is transmitted to other communication devices by the second control unit.

Therefore, for example, if a portable image communication device, for example, a portable telephone, which can constitute a digital image forming system together with a digital image forming device arranged there, is carried at a place of going, a scanner device can be carried without carrying the device. Further, even when the digital image forming apparatus does not have a facsimile function, the image data of the document can be easily transmitted to another communication apparatus using the digital image forming apparatus.

If the digital image forming apparatus is installed in a place where many people can use it, for example, in a convenience store or other store that provides a copy service, a portable image communication apparatus, for example, is widely used today. Many people can use the convenient functions of the digital image forming system by using a mobile phone that is widely used. This is particularly effective when a document needs to be transmitted to a specific destination immediately at a destination.

When the present digital image forming system is used on the road, the cost required for transmitting image data is, for example, the cost of a portable image communication device, for example, a portable telephone having a communication contract with a communication company, for example, a telephone company. The burden on the user makes it unnecessary to calculate and charge a complicated fee by using the portable image communication device.

In the digital image forming system of the present invention, the portable image communication device further includes a second storage unit for storing image data, and the first control unit includes at least the digital image forming device and the digital image forming device. When the portable image communication device is in a communicable state, the image data stored in the first storage unit is sequentially read and transmitted to the portable image communication device, and the second control unit includes: When the digital image forming apparatus and the portable image communication apparatus are in a communicable state, and the portable image communication apparatus and the other communication apparatus are in a communicable state, a transmission is made from the digital image forming apparatus. While the transmitted image data is sequentially transmitted to the other communication devices, the digital image forming device and the portable image communication device are in a communicable state. And storing the image data transmitted from the digital image forming apparatus in the second storage means when the portable image communication apparatus is in a communication disabled state with the other communication apparatus. Good.

In this case, when the digital image forming apparatus and the portable image communication apparatus are in a communicable state and the portable image communication apparatus and another communication apparatus are in a communicable state, the data is stored in the first storage means. The read image data is sequentially read and transmitted to the portable image communication device. This image data is sequentially transmitted to another communication device.

On the other hand, when the digital image forming apparatus and the portable image communication apparatus are in a communicable state and the portable image communication apparatus and another communication apparatus are in a non-communicable state,
The image data stored in the first storage means is sequentially read and transmitted to the portable image communication device. This image data is stored in the second storage means.

Therefore, for example, when the user tries to transmit image data obtained from a digital image forming apparatus disposed there to another communication apparatus via a portable image communication apparatus, When the portable image communication device and the other communication device are in a communication disabled state, the image data stored in the first storage device of the digital image forming apparatus is sequentially read out and the second storage device of the portable image communication device is read out. Is stored.

Thus, even when communication with the transmission destination cannot be performed, the operator does not need to wait on the spot, and can use the portable image communication device at any time and at any time. Image data can be transmitted from a location to a destination. Therefore, an operator, such as a business man, who is busy with time can use his time effectively on the go.

In the digital image forming system according to the present invention, the digital image forming apparatus further includes a display unit for displaying information and an input unit for an operator to perform an input operation. The telephone number information indicating the telephone number of the destination registered in the portable image communication device is transferred to the digital image forming apparatus, and the first control means is transferred from the portable image communication device. Displaying the telephone number information on the display means, and transmitting designation information indicating the telephone number information designated by the operation of the input means to the portable image communication device, further comprising the second control The means may transmit the image data transferred from the digital image forming apparatus to a destination indicated by the designation information.

In this case, when transmitting image data to a destination registered in advance in the portable image communication apparatus, the operator need only specify the telephone number information by the input means of the digital image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the operator when transmitting image data.

Further, in the digital image forming system according to the present invention, the first control means may store the first image in the first storage means after canceling a communication state between the digital image forming apparatus and the portable image communication apparatus. The information on the image data transmitted through the portable image communication device may be deleted.

In this case, after the communication state between the digital image forming apparatus and the portable image communication device is released, the information on the image data transmitted through the portable image communication device and stored in the first storage means is deleted. Let it. Therefore,
This information, for example, personal information of the operator, can be prevented from remaining in an external device, that is, a digital image forming apparatus, and can be prevented from being misused.

In the digital image forming system of the present invention, the portable image communication device further comprises a second storage means, and the first control means stores the image data transmitted through the portable image communication device. The second control means causes the second storage means to store the information about the image data transferred from the digital image forming apparatus in a second storage means. Is also good.

In this case, since information about the image data transmitted through the portable image communication device is stored in the second storage means of the portable image communication device, the operator stores this information in, for example, the portable image communication device. By displaying the image data on the display device, the transmission status of the image data can be easily confirmed. Therefore, management of the image data transmission operation is easy.

Further, the digital image forming system of the present invention is a digital image forming apparatus, which can be carried independently of the digital image forming apparatus, can communicate with the digital image forming apparatus, and has other communication devices. A portable image communication device capable of communicating with the portable image communication device, wherein the portable image communication device stores image data transmitted from the other communication device in the storage device, A control unit that reads out image data stored in the storage unit and transmits the read out image data to the digital image forming apparatus, wherein the digital image forming apparatus visualizes the image data, A control unit for supplying image data transmitted from the portable image communication device to the visualization unit may be provided.

In this case, when image data is transmitted from another communication device to the portable image communication device, the image data is stored in the storage means of the portable image communication device. The image data can be read out from the storage unit and transmitted to the digital image forming apparatus when the portable image communication apparatus is in a state capable of communicating with the digital image forming apparatus.
The image data transmitted to the digital image forming apparatus is supplied to the visualizing means and visualized.

In the present digital image forming system, since such an operation is possible, the operator of the portable image communication apparatus, that is, the person who wants to transmit the image data is, for example, out of the office and not in a specific place. However, if the other party carries a portable image communication device, the image data can be reliably delivered. The image data can be visualized and confirmed on the spot if the portable image communication device can be communicated with the nearest digital image forming device constituting the digital image forming system even when going out. Can be. Therefore, according to the present digital image forming system, it is possible to promptly and reliably deliver information on urgent business items that are insufficient by telephone communication.

In the digital image forming system of the present invention, the portable image communication device may include a notifying unit for notifying that the image data has been stored in the storage unit.

In this case, the fact that the image data has been transmitted can be promptly and easily communicated to the person carrying the portable image communication apparatus without having to notify the user of the call using, for example, a portable telephone. Thus, the operator of the portable image communication device can quickly confirm the transmitted image data.

Also, the digital image forming system of the present invention can be carried independently of the digital image forming apparatus, a relay apparatus (communication managing apparatus) for relaying communication, and independently of the digital image forming apparatus. A portable image communication device capable of communicating with the digital image forming apparatus, and capable of communicating with another communication device via the relay device, wherein the relay device communicates with the portable image communication device from the other communication device. A storage unit for storing image data transmitted to the device, and, when the image data is stored in the storage unit, transmitting notification information indicating the state to the portable image communication device, Control means for reading the image data from the storage means and transferring the image data to the portable image communication apparatus when a transfer request for the image data is made from the image communication apparatus for use The portable image communication device comprises: a notifying unit for notifying when the notifying information is received from the relay device; an input unit for a transfer request of the image data; and an input from the input unit. And a control unit for requesting the relay device to transfer the image data to a portable image communication device based on the relay device, and transferring the image data transferred from the relay device to a digital image forming apparatus. A digital image forming apparatus, comprising: a visualization means for visualizing image data; and a control means for supplying the image data transferred from the portable image communication device to the visualization means. Configuration.

In this case, image data transmitted from another communication device to the portable image communication device is stored in the storage device of the relay device. At this time, notification information indicating this state is transmitted to the portable image communication device, and the notification means performs a notification operation in the portable image communication device based on the notification information. Thereby, the operator of the portable image communication device can know the existence of the image data in the relay device. When requesting the transfer of the image data, the operator can make a transfer request by inputting to the input means. Based on this, a request for transfer of image data is made from the portable image communication device to the relay device, and the image data is transferred from the relay device to the portable image communication device. The image data transferred to the portable image communication device is further transferred to a digital image forming device. In the digital image forming apparatus, the image data is visualized by the visualizing means.

In this digital image forming system, as described above, the image data transmitted from another communication device is stored in the relay device, and the portable image communication device requests transfer of the image data as needed. can do. Therefore, it is not necessary to always secure a large storage capacity for storing the image data in the portable image communication device, and the storage capacity of the portable image communication device can be effectively used for other purposes.

Further, the digital image forming system of the present invention can be carried independently of the digital image forming apparatus, a relay apparatus (communication management apparatus) for relaying communication, and independently of the digital image forming apparatus. A portable image communication device capable of communicating with the digital image forming apparatus, and capable of communicating with another communication device via the relay device, wherein the relay device communicates with the portable image communication device from the other communication device. A storage unit for storing image data transmitted to the device, and, when the image data is stored in the storage unit, transmitting notification information indicating the state to the portable image communication device, Control means for reading the image data from the storage means and transferring the image data to the portable image communication apparatus when a transfer request for the image data is made from the image communication apparatus Wherein the portable image communication device has storage means for storing image data, notification means for notifying when the notification information is received from the relay device, and input means for the image data transfer request Requesting the relay device to transfer the image data to the portable image communication device based on the input from the input unit, and storing the image data transferred from the relay device in the storage unit. Control means for reading the image data stored in the storage means and transmitting the read image data to the digital image forming apparatus, wherein the digital image forming apparatus visualizes the image data. And control means for supplying image data transferred from the portable image communication device to the visualization means.

In this case, image data transmitted from another communication device to the portable image communication device is stored in the storage device of the relay device. At this time, notification information indicating this state is transmitted to the portable image communication device, and the notification means performs a notification operation in the portable image communication device based on the notification information. Thereby, the operator of the portable image communication device can know the existence of the image data in the relay device. When requesting the transfer of the image data, the operator can make a transfer request by inputting to the input means. Based on this, a request for transfer of image data is made from the portable image communication device to the relay device, and the image data is transferred from the relay device to the portable image communication device. The image data transferred to the portable image communication device is stored in the storage unit of the portable image communication device. Thereafter, the portable image communication device and the digital image forming device are set in a communicable state, and the image data is transferred from the portable image communication device to the digital image forming device. The image data is visualized by the means.

can do. Therefore, it is not necessary to always secure a large storage capacity for storing the image data in the portable image communication device, and the storage capacity of the portable image communication device can be effectively used for other purposes.

The image data transferred from the relay device to the portable image communication device is temporarily stored in the storage means of the portable image communication device. By making it communicable with the image forming apparatus, a visualized image of the image data can be obtained.

[0274]

As described above, the digital image forming system according to the present invention is capable of communicating with a digital image forming apparatus and the digital image forming apparatus, and further, is capable of communicating with a communication management apparatus. In a digital image forming system including an image communication device, the communication management device includes a storage unit that stores image data transmitted to the portable image communication device, and the storage unit that stores the image data based on a request from the portable image communication device. Control means for transmitting image data stored in the storage unit to the portable image communication device, wherein the portable image communication device stores image data transmitted from the communication management device. Requesting image data stored in the communication management device,
Control means for storing the image data transmitted from the communication management device in the storage unit, and transferring the image data stored in the storage unit to the digital image forming apparatus, Is configured to include a visualization unit that visualizes image data, and a control unit that supplies the image data transferred from the portable image communication device to the visualization unit. .

Thus, image data transmitted from another communication device to the portable image communication device is stored in the storage means of the communication management device. On the other hand, the operator of the portable image communication device operates the image communication device for form, and confirms the presence of image data with the communication management device. here,
Although the presence of the image data can be confirmed, the operator requests the transfer of the image data, and based on the request, the portable image communication device requests the communication management device to transfer the image data, and the communication management device Is transferred to the portable image communication device. The image data transferred to the portable image communication device is further transferred to a digital image forming device. In the digital image forming apparatus, the image data is visualized by the visualizing means.

Therefore, in this digital image forming system, as described above, the image data transmitted from another communication device is stored in the communication management device, and the portable image communication device stores the image data as needed. You can request a transfer. Therefore, there is no need to always secure a large storage capacity for storing the image data in the portable image communication device, and the storage capacity of the portable image communication device can be effectively used for other purposes. Play.

Another digital image forming system of the present invention includes a digital image forming apparatus and a portable image communication apparatus capable of communicating with the digital image forming apparatus and further capable of communicating with a communication management apparatus. A communication unit that stores image data transmitted from another communication device to the portable image communication device; and a notification that the image data is stored in the storage unit. Control for transmitting information to the portable image communication device and reading out the image data from the storage unit and transferring the image data to the portable image communication device when the portable image communication device requests transmission of the image data Means, the portable image communication device is capable of communicating with the digital image forming device, after receiving the notification information from the communication management device, the Control means for making a transfer request for the image data to the communication management device and transferring the image data transferred from the communication management device to the digital image forming device, wherein the digital image forming device And a control means for supplying image data transferred from the portable image communication device to the visualization means.

Thus, image data transmitted from another communication device to the portable image communication device is stored in the storage means of the communication management device. At this time, the notification information indicating this state is transmitted to the portable image communication device, so that the operator of the portable image communication device can know the existence of the image data in the communication management device. The operator
The transfer of the image data is requested, and based on the request, the portable image communication device requests the communication management device to transfer the image data, and the communication management device transfers the image data to the portable image communication device. The image data transferred to the portable image communication device is further transferred to a digital image forming device. In the digital image forming apparatus, the image data is visualized by the visualizing means.

Therefore, in the present digital image forming system, as described above, image data transmitted from another communication device is stored in the communication management device, and the portable image communication device stores the image data as needed. You can request a transfer. Therefore, there is no need to always secure a large storage capacity for storing the image data in the portable image communication device, and the storage capacity of the portable image communication device can be effectively used for other purposes. Play.

[0280] Still another digital image forming system according to the present invention is a digital image forming apparatus, and a portable image communication apparatus capable of communicating with the digital image forming apparatus and further capable of communicating with a communication management apparatus. Wherein the communication management device includes: a storage unit that stores image data information transmitted from another portable image communication device to the portable image communication device; and the image data is stored in the storage unit. Transmitting notification information indicating that to the portable image communication device,
Control means for reading out the image data from the storage means and transferring the image data to the portable image communication device when the portable image communication device requests transfer of the image data; A storage unit for storing image data, and after receiving the notification information from the communication management device, makes a transfer request for the image data to the communication management device, and transfers the image data from the communication management device. Control means for storing image data in the storage means, reading the image data stored in the storage means and transmitting the read image data to the digital image forming apparatus, wherein the digital image forming apparatus And a control means for supplying image data transferred from the portable image communication device to the visualization means. It is.

Thus, image data transmitted from another communication device to the portable image communication device is stored in the storage means of the communication management device. At this time, notification information indicating this state is transmitted to the portable image communication device, and the operator of the portable image communication device can know the presence of the image data in the communication management device based on the notification information. The operator requests the transfer of the image data. Based on the request, the portable image communication device issues a transfer request of the image data to the communication management device, and the image data is transmitted from the communication management device to the portable image communication device. Will be transferred. The image data transferred to the portable image communication device is stored in the storage unit of the portable image communication device. Thereafter, the portable image communication device and the digital image forming device are set in a communicable state, and the image data is transferred from the portable image communication device to the digital image forming device. The image data is visualized by the means.

Therefore, in the digital image forming system, as described above, the image data transmitted from another communication device is stored in the communication management device, and the portable image communication device stores the image data as needed. You can request a transfer. Therefore, it is not necessary to always secure a large storage capacity for storing the image data in the portable image communication device, and the storage capacity of the portable image communication device can be effectively used for other purposes.

Further, the image data transferred from the communication management device to the portable image communication device is temporarily stored in the storage means of the portable image communication device. An effect is provided in which communication is possible with the digital image forming apparatus, and a visualized image of image data can be obtained.

According to the image data transfer method of the present invention, image data read by a document image reading apparatus provided in a digital image forming apparatus is communicated from the digital image forming apparatus to a communication management apparatus which is another external communication apparatus. A first transmission to the communication management device via a possible portable image communication device
And the second step of storing the transmitted image data in the communication management device. The portable image communication device requests the transfer of the image data stored in the communication management device as necessary. And a third step.

Thus, the image data transmitted from another communication device is stored in the communication management device, and the portable image communication device requests the transfer of the image data as necessary. There is no need to always secure a large storage capacity for storing the image data in the portable image communication device, and the storage capacity of the portable image communication device can be effectively used for other purposes.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital image forming system according to a reference example of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a digital copying machine and a mobile phone constituting the digital image forming system shown in FIG. 1, showing a state where the mobile phone is mounted on the digital copying machine;

FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing an internal structure of the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an image processing unit provided in the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system provided in the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 2;

6 is a front view of an operation panel provided in the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view showing the mobile phone shown in FIG. 2 and a lock mechanism provided in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation subsequent to the operation shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1 corresponding to an operation of the digital copying machine shown in FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation subsequent to the operation shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing operations of a digital copying machine and a mobile phone in a digital image forming system according to another reference example of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation subsequent to the operation shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing operations of a digital copying machine and a mobile phone in a digital image forming system according to still another reference example of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation subsequent to the operation shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing operations of a digital copying machine and a mobile phone in a digital image forming system according to still another reference example of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation subsequent to the operation shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a digital image forming system according to still another reference example of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation subsequent to the operation shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration for connecting a power supply to a mobile phone in a digital image forming system according to still another reference example of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation of a digital image forming system according to still another reference example of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an operation subsequent to the operation shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an operation on the mobile phone side of the digital image forming system in still another reference example of the present invention.

24 is a flowchart showing an operation subsequent to the operation shown in FIG.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital copying machine side of the digital image forming system in still another reference example of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an operation subsequent to the operation shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an operation of the communication management center shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an operation of the mobile phone and the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an operation following the operation shown in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an operation on the mobile phone side of the digital image forming system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an operation subsequent to the operation shown in FIG. 31.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 digital copying machine (digital image forming apparatus) 1a mounting section 2 mobile phone (portable image communication apparatus) 11 scanner section (image data generating means) 64 image memory (first storage means) 65 main CPU (first control means) 73 operation panel 131 CPU (second control means) 132 memory (second storage means) 137 input key (input means) 151 communication management center (communication management device) 152 CPU (control means) 153 memory (storage means)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yama ▲ saki ▼ Public person 22-22, Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ06 HJ08 HK08 HK19 HL01 HN16 HX10 2H027 EE08 EE10 EJ08 EJ09 EJ13 EJ15 ZA07 5B021 AA01 BB01 BB05 DD11 EE01 5C062 AA05 AA12 AA14 AA29 AB38 AB42 AC41 AC42 AC43 BA04 BB03 5K101 KK01 LL12 MM07 NN06 NN18NN

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A digital image forming system comprising: a digital image forming apparatus; and a portable image communication apparatus capable of communicating with the digital image forming apparatus and further capable of communicating with a communication management apparatus. A storage unit that stores image data transmitted to the portable image communication device; and a portable image communication device that transmits the image data stored in the storage unit based on a request from the portable image communication device. Control means for transmitting to the device, the portable image communication device, a storage unit for storing image data transmitted from the communication management device, and image data stored in the communication management device By making a request, the image data transmitted from the communication management device is stored in the storage unit, and the image data stored in the storage unit is stored in the digital image storage device. Control means for transferring the image data to the image forming apparatus, the digital image forming apparatus includes: a visualization means for visualizing image data; and the image data transferred from the portable image communication device. A digital image forming system comprising: a control unit that supplies the visualized image to the visible image forming unit. 2. A digital image forming apparatus comprising: a digital image forming apparatus; and a portable image communication apparatus capable of communicating with the digital image forming apparatus, and further capable of communicating with a communication management apparatus. A storage unit for storing image data transmitted from another communication device to the portable image communication device; and notification information indicating that the image data is stored in the storage unit to the portable image communication device. Control means for transmitting the image data from the storage means and transferring the image data to the portable image communication apparatus when the portable image communication apparatus requests transmission of the image data. The image communication device, in a state in which communication with the digital image forming device is possible, after receiving the notification information from the communication management device, transmits the image data to the communication management device. Control means for making a transmission request and transferring the image data transferred from the communication management device to the digital image forming apparatus, wherein the digital image forming apparatus visualizes the image data. And a control unit for supplying image data transferred from the portable image communication device to the visualization unit. 3. A digital image forming apparatus comprising: a digital image forming apparatus; and a portable image communication apparatus capable of communicating with the digital image forming apparatus and further capable of communicating with a communication management apparatus. Storage means for storing image data information transmitted from the portable image communication device to the portable image communication device, and notification information indicating that the image data has been stored in the storage device. Control means for transmitting the image data from the storage means and transmitting the image data to the portable image communication apparatus when the image data is transmitted from the portable image communication apparatus to the portable image communication apparatus. The portable image communication device includes: a storage unit configured to store image data; and a request to transfer the image data to the communication management device after receiving the notification information from the communication management device. And a control unit for storing the image data transferred from the communication management device in the storage unit, reading the image data stored in the storage unit, and transmitting the image data to the digital image forming apparatus. The digital image forming apparatus includes: a visualization unit that visualizes the image data; and a control unit that supplies the image data transferred from the portable image communication device to the visualization unit. A digital image forming system. 4. A portable image communication device capable of communicating image data read by a document image reading device provided in a digital image forming device with a communication management device which is another external communication device from the digital image forming device. A first step of transmitting the transmitted image data to the communication management apparatus via the communication management apparatus, a second step of storing the transmitted image data in the communication management apparatus, and the portable image communication apparatus Requesting the transfer of the image data stored in the management device.