JP2002290693A - Facsimile machine and method for reserved transmission - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide facsimile machine that is improved in operability with respect to reserved transmission and, in addition, can surely store information on transmitting time. SOLUTION: When a time key is operated in connection with a facsimile number inputted by operating ten keys, this facsimile machine reads time information stored in a time memory and displays the information on a displaying section (steps 101, 103, and 104). Then the equipment prepares the information on transmitting time by correcting the time information as necessary (steps 106 and 109) and executes transmission based on the time counted by means of a timer and the information on transmitting time.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a time (transmission time information) for transmitting predetermined image information.
And a facsimile apparatus having a reservation transmission function for executing transmission when the time is reached.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recent facsimile apparatuses have a reservation transmission function of storing image information in a facsimile apparatus in advance and executing transmission to a desired facsimile number at a time designated by a user. A user who intends to use the reservation transmission function with such a facsimile apparatus needs to store transmission time information using a numeric keypad or the like every time a reservation is made, so that the operation is troublesome. Therefore, for the purpose of simplifying the operation of storing the transmission time information, for example, a facsimile apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-198275 is known. This facsimile apparatus is provided with a one-touch key (function key in a known example) for reading predetermined time information (transmission time zone in a known example) stored in advance,
By operating this one-touch key, time information is read out, and the time information can be stored as transmission time information. Therefore, the operation for storing the transmission time information can be performed only by the operation of the one-touch key, and the troublesome operation can be eliminated.

[0003]

By the way, although the operation is troublesome for the user, in the case of a facsimile apparatus which stores the transmission time information desired by the user using a numeric keypad or the like, the transmission time information desired by the user can be reliably operated by operating the numeric keypad. Can be stored. However, in the case of the facsimile apparatus described in the above publication in which transmission time information can be stored only by operating the one-touch key, the operation is not troublesome, but the time information stored in advance corresponding to the one-touch key is used. Is different from the time information desired by the user, erroneous transmission time information not desired by the user is stored. In other words, a user who thinks that the pre-stored time information is 8:00 wants to execute transmission at 8:00 and operates the one-touch key, but actually 7:00 is stored as time information. In this case, 7:00 may be stored as transmission time information contrary to the user's intention. In an office or the like where a plurality of users share one facsimile machine, the time information may be changed before the user knows it, which is highly likely.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus which improves operability regarding reservation transmission and enables reliable storage of transmission time information. And

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to achieve the above object, and the invention according to claim 1 has an operation unit for inputting a facsimile number, a reading unit for reading an original, and a reading unit for reading a document. In a facsimile apparatus having a transmission unit for transmitting image information of a document to a facsimile number input from the operation unit, a display unit, a timer for measuring time, a time information storage unit for storing time information, and A time designation instructing unit that instructs to read out the time information stored in the information storage unit, a time correcting unit that corrects the read time information and sets corrected time information, and a facsimile number input by the operation unit. Read control means for reading the time information stored in the time information storage section and displaying the read time information on the display section when the time designation instructing section is operated in relation to the time information instructing section; For the time information read by the read control means, the correction time information is used as transmission time information when the time correction means is executed, and the time information is used when the time correction means is not executed. Reservation control means for storing the facsimile number and the image information as transmission time information in the reservation storage unit, and the facsimile based on the time measured by the timer and the transmission time information stored in the reservation storage unit. A facsimile apparatus having transmission control means for transmitting the image information to a number.

According to the present invention, the time information stored in the time information storage unit is read out when the time designation instruction unit is operated in connection with the input of the facsimile number by the operation unit. Displayed on the display unit, this time information can be corrected as necessary, and can be used as transmission time information, and transmission can be performed based on the time measured by the timer and the transmission time information. Is read out by the time designation instructing section, it can be confirmed on the display section, the time information can be corrected if necessary, and the transmission time information can be reliably stored. It is.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, even when the time information is corrected by the time correcting means, the content of the time information storage section is stored in the previously stored time information. Is a facsimile machine that holds

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the contents of the time information storage section are retained even when the time correction means is executed. The time information in the time information storage unit used by many users is not changed by the execution of the special time correction means by the special user, and many users can specify the time as before even after the execution of the time correction means This has the effect that the indicating unit can be used.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a setting unit for storing arbitrary time information in the time information storage unit.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, arbitrary time information can be stored in the time information storage section.
When the use frequency of the time information used by the user changes, the time information in the time information storage unit can be changed to the time information desired by the user.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, when the time correcting means is executed, the corrected time information corrected by the time correcting means is used as new time information as a time information storage unit. This is a facsimile device to be stored in the facsimile machine.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, when the time correcting means is executed, the time information in the time information storing means is changed. Therefore, the present invention has an effect that the time information of the time information storage means can be changed promptly in accordance with the change of the usage pattern of the user.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the time information stored in advance in connection with the input of the facsimile number is read, the read time information is displayed, and the read time information is corrected to correct the corrected time information. A reservation for storing the correction time information as transmission time information, storing the facsimile number and image information, and executing transmission of the image information to the facsimile number based on a timer value and the transmission time information. Transmission method.

According to the invention as claimed in claim 5, the time information is corrected as necessary, and is set as transmission time information, and the transmission is executed based on the time measured by the timer and the transmission time information. Because of this, when time information that is not intended by the user is read out, the user can confirm it on the display, correct the time information as necessary, and make sure that the user can make a reservation at the desired time. It has the effect of being able to execute transmission.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment. The facsimile machine is a CPU 1 for controlling the entire facsimile machine.
have. The CPU 1 is connected via a bus line 2 comprising an address bus and a data bus to a ROM 3 for storing an operation program including a facsimile procedure such as a communication protocol of a facsimile apparatus, and a RAM 4 for storing image information and the like. I have.

Further, a scanner 5 which is a reading unit for reading an image of a document, a printer 6 for printing received image information, a display unit 7 for displaying various messages and an input facsimile number, etc. An operation unit 8 having various keys such as a numeric keypad used for inputting a facsimile number of a transmission destination, a modem 9 for modulating image information and a command given from the CPU 1, a line network 10 From the network and the network 10
A line control unit 11 for controlling transmission of a signal to the control unit, a timer circuit 12 serving as timer means for measuring time, and the like are connected.

FIG. 2 is a memory configuration diagram of the facsimile apparatus. The RAM 4 includes a transmission / reception data storage unit (not shown) for storing received image information and image information to be transmitted, a one-touch dial storage unit (not shown) for storing a facsimile number corresponding to a one-touch dial, and the like. , An image memory 13 for storing reserved image information, a time memory 14 for storing time information in advance, a reservation memory 15 for storing reservation information, and the like.

The reservation memory 15 comprises a facsimile number area 151 for storing a facsimile number and a transmission time area 152 for storing transmission time information.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the operation unit 8 of the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment. The operation unit 8 includes a plurality of one-touch keys 16 for inputting a facsimile number of a transmission destination stored in advance with one touch, a ten-key 17 for inputting a facsimile number of a transmission destination, a reset key 18 for instructing re-operation, A start key 19 for instructing start of transmission, a reservation key 20 for instructing reservation, a time key 21 used for reading time information from the time memory 14, a correction key used for correcting the read time information. 22 and the like. Further, the display unit 7 is also provided on the operation unit 8.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts of the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the following operation procedure is determined. When making a reservation, after setting a document on a document placing portion (not shown) on which a document to be read by the scanner 5 is placed, the reservation key 20 is operated, and a facsimile number is input using the ten keys 17 or the one-touch key 16. And
The time key 21 is operated. The start key 19 is operated to store the displayed time information as the transmission time information, and the correction key 2 is used to correct the displayed time information.
2 is operated, the desired time information is input by the ten keys 17, and then the start key 19 is operated.

When it is desired to store time information in the time memory 14, the correction key 22 is operated in a standby state, desired time information is input with the ten keys 17, and then the start key 19 is operated.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process for storing transmission time information of the facsimile machine. This flowchart is executed in response to the operation of the reservation key 20 of the operation unit 8 while the facsimile apparatus is on standby. In step 100, a facsimile number is input. This is to detect the operation of the one-touch key 16 or the operation of the numeric keypad 17, and the facsimile number input by each key is temporarily stored in a work memory (not shown). In the case of the one-touch key, the input process of the facsimile number is completed by pressing the desired one-touch key. Become.

When the process of inputting the facsimile number is completed, the facsimile apparatus enters a key input standby state. Here, when any key is input, it is determined whether or not the key input in step 101 is the time key 21. Time key 21
If not, other processing is executed in step 102. Other processes include a process for canceling a reservation by the reset key 18. If it is determined in step 101 that the key is the time key 21, time information is read from the time memory 14 in step 103, and the time information is stored in a work memory (not shown) in an area different from the area storing the facsimile number. The time information read in step 104 is displayed on the display unit 7, and the apparatus enters a standby state for key input.

Here, when a key input is made, step 1
It is determined whether or not the key input at 05 is the start key 19. If it is determined that the key is not the start key 19, it is determined in step 106 whether the key is the correction key 22. If it is not any key, other processing is executed in step 102. Other processes include a process for canceling a reservation by the reset key 18.

If it is determined in step 105 that the key is the start key 19, it means that the transmission time information has been determined, and the process proceeds to step 107. Step 10
The description of the processes after 7 will be described later. If it is determined in step 106 that the key is the correction key 22, it is necessary to correct the displayed time information.
In step 9, a correction process is performed. This is a process for appropriately correcting the time information stored in the work memory by operating the numeric keypad 17. The corrected time is overwritten and stored as the corrected time information on the time information in the work memory. Numeric keypad 17
Is completed by the start key 19,
The determination of the operation of the start key 19 is performed in step 105.

If the start key 19 is determined in step 105, the facsimile number and time information (or correction time information) stored in the work memory are stored in the facsimile number area 151 of the reservation memory 15 in step 107.
And the transmission time area 152. The time information stored in the transmission time area 152 is stored as transmission time information. In step 108, a reading process of the image information of the document is executed, stored in the image memory 13, and the process ends. The facsimile machine thus reserved compares the value of the timer that measures the current time every minute with the transmission time information stored in the transmission time area 152 of the reservation memory 15. When the timer value matches the transmission time information, a call is made to the facsimile number stored in the facsimile number area 151 of the reservation memory 15,
The image information stored in the image memory 13 is transmitted (transmission control means).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of storing time information in the facsimile machine. By executing this flowchart, the time information read out when the time key 21 is operated can be changed as appropriate.

This flowchart is executed when it is determined that the correction key 22 of the operation unit 8 has been operated in the standby state of the facsimile machine. When the correction key 22 is operated in the standby state, the facsimile apparatus reads the time information stored in the time memory 14 into the work memory (not shown) in step 110 and displays it on the display unit 7 in step 111. If no time information is stored in the time memory 14, a display indicating that, for example, "00:00" is displayed. Then, at step 112, a time input process is executed. This is a process for receiving an input of time information by operating the numeric keypad 17. The time information is newly input or changed to new time information by operating the numeric keypad 17. Completion of the input of the time information by the operation of the ten keys 17 is determined by the operation of the start key 19.

As described above, the time information input by the ten keys 17 stores the time information of the work memory at that time in the time memory 14 in step 113 in response to the determination of the operation of the start key 19. As a result, the new registration or change of the time information is completed, and the process is terminated.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
Now, it is assumed that 7:00 is stored in the time memory 14. It is assumed that the user intends to make a reservation to execute transmission at 8:00 on the facsimile number “111-1111”. The user first sets a document on the document placing portion and operates the reservation key 20. Then, using the numeric keypad 17, input the facsimile number “111-1111”,
The start key 19 is operated. Thus, the facsimile number is stored in the work memory. Next, the user assumes that 8:00 is stored in the time memory
Operate 1 Thus, the currently stored seven o'clock is read from the time memory 14 and stored in the work memory and displayed on the display unit 7. The display is, for example,
"07: 00" (24 hour display, 7:00 pm 1
9:00).

After confirming the display, the user operates the correction key 22 to correct the time since 7:00 is displayed. Subsequently, the ten key 17 is operated to correct at 8:00 (for example, an operation of 0800). The display is "08:00"
Becomes 8:00 is the correction time information. By operating the start key 19, the facsimile number "111-
The time information “8 o'clock” corrected to “1111” is stored in the facsimile number area 151 and the transmission time area 152 of the reservation memory 15, respectively. The time information stored in the transmission time area 152 is stored as transmission time information. Thereafter, the original placed on the original placing portion is read by the scanner 5 and stored in the image memory 13.

The image information stored in the image memory 13 is transmitted to the facsimile number "111-1111" when the time counted by the timer reaches 8:00. As mentioned above,
If the time information read by the time key 21 is not the time information desired by the user, the user can confirm the time information by display, and the user operates the correction key 22 to obtain the desired corrected time information obtained by correcting the time information. Can be stored as transmission time information. In the case of the facsimile apparatus of the above embodiment, when the correction key 22 is operated to generate the correction time information, the correction time information is stored in the transmission time area 152 of the reservation memory 15 as the transmission time information. 14 is not reflected. That is, the time information previously stored in the time memory 14 is retained as it is. Therefore, even if a user who wishes to reserve a very special time (8:00 in the above example) uses the correction key 22, the original time information (7 in the above example). Since the time is not changed, the general user can continue to use the original time information (7 o'clock) thereafter.

On the other hand, a user who wants to change the original time information (7 o'clock) operates the time key 21 in a standby state. A case in which “7:00” stored as time information in the time memory 14 is changed to “8:00” will be described.

When the time key 21 is operated in the standby state,
“7 o'clock” of the time information stored in the time memory 14 is displayed on the display unit 7. The user corrects “8:00” using the numeric keypad 17 (for example, operates 0800),
The start key 19 is operated. As a result, "8:00" is stored in the time memory 14, and thereafter, when the time key 21 is operated, "8:00" is displayed on the display unit 7.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been made such that the facsimile number and the transmission time information are stored in the reservation memory 15, and the reserved image information is stored in the image memory 13. If a code such as a job management code is assigned to each reservation and transmission time information, a facsimile number, and image information are stored in correspondence with the code, it is easy to manage many reservation information. .

The time information for the reservation has been described as an example in which the apparatus is operated only by operating the time key 21. In addition to the input of the time information of the reservation by the time key 21, the time information by the ten keys 17 is also used from the beginning. May be applied to a device capable of inputting data. Further, it has been described that when the time information is corrected by the correction key 22, the content of the time memory 14 is not changed. However, the content of the time memory 14 is also changed every time the time information is corrected. You may. In this case, for example, a step of processing of “time information of the work memory is stored in the time memory 14” may be inserted between step 108 and step 109. With such a function, for example, the time key 21
When the time information "7 o'clock" read out in step (1) is changed to "8 o'clock" as correction time information using the correction key 22, the time information in the time memory 14 is also changed to "8 o'clock".
The contents of the time memory 14 can be changed without performing an operation of correcting the contents of the time memory 14 again.

Further, the case where there is one time key 21 has been described as an example, but a plurality of time keys 21 may be provided. In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0038]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the time designation instruction section is operated in connection with the input of the facsimile number by the operation section, the time information stored in the time information storage section is read out, and the display section 7 is read. And the time information is corrected as necessary and used as transmission time information, and transmission can be executed based on the time measured by the timer and the transmission time information. When read out by the designation instruction unit, it can be confirmed on the display unit 7, the time information can be corrected as needed, and the effect of being able to store reliable transmission time information is achieved. is there.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the invention, the contents of the time information storage section are retained even when the time correction means is executed, so that many users can use the information. The time information stored in the time information storage unit is not changed by the execution of the special time correction unit by the special user, and many users can use the time designation instruction unit as before even after the execution of the time correction unit. This is an effect.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, arbitrary time information can be stored in the time information storage unit. When it changes, the time information in the time information storage unit can be changed to the time information desired by the user.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, when time correction means is executed,
Since the time information in the time information storage unit is changed, the time information in the time information storage unit can be quickly changed according to a change in the usage pattern of the user.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the user can correct the time information as necessary and use the corrected time as the transmission time information and execute the transmission based on the time measured by the timer and the transmission time information. If unintended time information is read, the user can confirm it on the display, correct the time information if necessary, and execute reliable reservation transmission at the time desired by the user. It is effective.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a memory configuration diagram of the facsimile apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation unit 8 of the facsimile machine in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing for storing transmission time information of the facsimile apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a storage process of time information of the facsimile machine in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 5 scanner (reading unit) 7 display unit 8 operation unit 11 line control unit (transmission unit) 12 timer circuit (timer) 14 time memory (time information storage unit) 152 transmission time area (transmission time storage unit) 21 time key (time) Step 103, 104 (read control means) Steps 106, 110 (time correction means) Steps 108, 109 (reservation control means)

Continued on front page F term (reference) 2F002 AA05 AD06 BA02 BD04 FA31 GA06 GC22 5C062 AA02 AB17 AB20 AB23 AB41 AB42 AC36 AC38 AE02 AF03 AF06 BA00 5C075 BA08 BA11 CD07 CD09 CD18 FF90

Claims (5)

[Claims] An operation unit for inputting a facsimile number;
In a facsimile apparatus having a reading unit for reading a document, and a transmitting unit for transmitting image information of the read document to a facsimile number input from the operation unit, a display unit, a timer for measuring time, and storing time information A time information storage unit, a time designation instructing unit that instructs to read the time information stored in the time information storage unit, a time correction unit that corrects the read time information and sets the corrected time information, When the time designation instructing unit is operated in connection with the input of a facsimile number by the operation unit, the time information stored in the time information storage unit is read and read control means for displaying the time information on the display unit; When the time correction means is executed on the time information read by the read control means, the correction time information is used as transmission time information, and If the time correction means is not executed, the time information is stored as transmission time information in the transmission time storage unit and the reservation control means stores the facsimile number and image information, and the time measured by the timer and A facsimile apparatus comprising: a transmission control unit configured to transmit the image information to the facsimile number based on transmission time information stored in a transmission time storage unit. 2. The content of the time information storage section retains time information stored in advance even when the time information is corrected by the time correction means.
A facsimile machine as described. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising setting means for storing arbitrary time information in the time information storage section. 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the time correcting means is executed, the corrected time information corrected by said time correcting means is stored as new time information in a time information storage unit. 5. Time information stored in advance in connection with input of a facsimile number is read, said read time information is displayed, and said read time information is corrected to be corrected time information. A reservation transmission method that stores the facsimile number and the image information as transmission time information, and executes transmission of the image information to the facsimile number based on a timer value and the transmission time information.