JP2002305627A - Communication terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication terminal device capable of suppressing the consumption of materials consumed in the case the materials consumed reach a point being equal to or less than prescribed quantity. SOLUTION: When a recording instruction from an operating part 60 or a recording instruction from a personal computer 2 through an interface 120 is received, whether or not the materials consumed (toner or recording paper) reach the point being equal to or less than the prescribed quantity is decided. If the materials consumed reaches the point being equal to or less than the prescribed quantity, the message of the purport is displayed on a displaying part 70 to reject recording at a recording part 50. Also, operation that automatically records communication management reports in the recording part 50 every prescribed period and automatically records the communication management reports in the recording part 50 in each of the prescribed number of cases is rejected. Because of this, the recording part 50 does not perform recording on recording paper when the materials consumed are not higher than the prescribed quantity. Then, the consumption of the materials consumed can be suppressed when the materials consumed reaches the point being equal to or less than the prescribed quantity.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication terminal device, and more particularly, to a communication terminal device functioning as a copy, facsimile, e-mail terminal, or network printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been a case where a facsimile machine with a copying function (hereinafter, referred to as a multifunction machine) typified by a communication terminal device is connected to a communication network, and a recording unit of the multifunction machine is used as a network printer. For this reason, prints of the multifunction peripheral include a print based on a copy instruction, a print based on a facsimile reception, a network print based on an instruction from a personal computer connected to a communication network, and the like. By the way, when the amount of consumables used in printing, for example, toner or recording paper, has reached a predetermined amount or less, a message to that effect is displayed on a display unit, and toner is replenished or replaced (hereinafter referred to as toner replenishment). And a message for replenishing the recording paper are displayed.

[0003]

However, even if such a message is displayed, replenishment of toner or recording paper is not always performed immediately. That is, even if this message is displayed, until the toner or the recording paper runs out,
Since recording can be performed by the recording unit, there are many cases where toner or recording paper is not immediately replenished. Therefore, unless the toner and the recording paper are replenished, the toner and the recording paper continue to be consumed with the recording. As a result, the toner and the recording paper eventually run out, and it may not be possible to record image data by FAX reception.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to suppress consumption of consumables when the consumables have reached a predetermined amount or less. It is to provide a simple communication terminal device.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, data is received in a communication terminal device having a recording means for recording data based on a recording instruction. Receiving means, detecting means for detecting whether or not the consumable material used in the recording means has reached a predetermined amount or less, and based on a detection signal from the detecting means, when the consumable material has reached a predetermined amount or less. And control means for recording only the data received by the receiving means by the recording means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the communication terminal device according to the first aspect, the control means receives the consumable material based on a detection signal from the detection means when the consumable material has reached a predetermined amount or less. In the data received by the means, only the received data is recorded by the recording means, excluding the received data based on polling.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication terminal device according to the first or second aspect, there is provided a display unit for displaying the received data, and the control unit is configured to perform a control based on a detection signal from the detection unit. When the amount of consumables has reached a predetermined amount or less, of the data received by the receiving means, the received data based on polling is displayed on the display means, and the other received data is recorded by the recording means.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which a communication terminal device according to the present invention is embodied in a multifunction peripheral will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 1 includes an MPU 1
0, ROM 20, RAM 30, reading unit 40, recording unit 5
0, an operation unit 60, a display unit 70, an image memory 80, a codec 90, a modem 100, an NCU 110, and an interface 120.
0 are connected via the bus 130, respectively.

The MPU 10 controls each component of the multifunction device 1. The ROM 20 stores a program for controlling the MFP 1. The RAM 30 temporarily stores various information related to the multifunction peripheral 1.

The reading section 40 reads image data on a document and outputs black and white binary image data. The recording unit 50 is composed of an electrophotographic printer and records received image data and image data of a document read by the reading unit 40 in a copying operation on recording paper. The recording unit 50 includes first to third recording paper cassettes 51 to 53 for accommodating various recording paper sizes. The first recording paper cassette 51 to the third recording paper cassette 53 have a first recording paper sensor 51a to a third recording paper sensor 5 for detecting the remaining amount and presence or absence of recording paper, respectively.
3a is provided. Then, the first recording paper sensor 51
a to the third recording paper sensor 53a
When the remaining amount of the recording paper in the first to third recording paper cassettes 53 has reached a predetermined amount (for example, 10% of the total capacity) or less, or when the first to third recording paper cassettes 53 to 53 are used.
If the recording paper is exhausted, the detection signal to that effect
Output to PU10.

The recording section 50 further includes a developing unit 54 for storing toner and a toner sensor 55 for detecting the remaining amount and presence / absence of toner. Then, the toner sensor 55 detects that the remaining amount of toner is a predetermined amount (for example, 1 of the total capacity).
0 [%]) or when the toner runs out, a detection signal to that effect is output to the MPU 10.

An operation unit 60 includes a facsimile / copy key 61 for setting a facsimile mode or a copy mode, and an abbreviated key 6 for registering an abbreviated number or transmitting from an abbreviated number.
2, various operation keys such as a numeric keypad (including the * and # keys) 63 for inputting a telephone number or the number of copies, and a start key 64 for starting an original reading operation.

The display unit 70, such as an LCD,
Various information such as the operating state of the device is displayed. Image memory 80
Temporarily stores received image data and image data read by the reading unit 40. The codec 90 transmits the image data read by the reading unit 40 to the MH, MR, M
Encoding is performed by the MR method or the like. The codec 90 decodes the received image data.

The modem 100 conforms to ITU-T Recommendation T.30. 30
Based on the facsimile transmission control procedure according to 1
7, V. 27ter, V.A. Modulation and demodulation of transmission / reception data according to 29 or the like are performed. The NCU 110 controls the connection with the telephone line L, and the telephone number (FAX) of the other party.
(Including numbers) is detected.

The interface 120 controls the multifunction device 1 and the personal computer 2 via the communication network T. Next, a recording instruction from the operation unit 60 or the personal computer 2
The operation when recording is performed by the recording unit 50 based on a recording instruction via the interface 120 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This operation is performed based on the program stored in the ROM 20 based on the MP
It is executed under the control of U10 (the same applies to the operation of the multifunction peripheral 1).

In step S1, it is determined whether or not there is a recording instruction from the operation unit 60 or the personal computer 2. Here, the recording instruction from the operation unit 60 includes copying,
Recording of a communication management report, recording of a setting list of the MFP 1, and the like are included, but recording of image data by FAX reception is not included because it is not a recording instruction from the operation unit 60. The recording instruction from the personal computer 2 via the interface 120 includes a network print. Then, when there is a recording instruction from the operation unit 60 or the personal computer 2, the process proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, it is determined whether the amount of consumables in the recording unit 50 has reached a predetermined amount or less. Specifically, the first recording paper sensor 51a to the third recording paper sensor 53
a, based on the detection signal from a, whether the recording paper has reached a predetermined amount or less, or based on a detection signal from the toner sensor 55, whether the toner of the developing unit 54 has reached a predetermined amount or less. Is determined. If the amount of the consumables in the recording unit 50 has reached the predetermined amount or less, the process proceeds to step S3. on the other hand,
If the amount of consumables in the recording unit 50 has not reached the predetermined amount or less, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S3, a message indicating that recording is not possible is displayed on the display unit 70 because the consumable amount is less than the predetermined amount. Specifically, the first recording paper cassette 5
When the number of recording papers in the first recording paper cassette 1 is less than a predetermined amount, the number of recording papers stored in the first recording paper cassette 51 is less than a predetermined amount.
A message to the effect that recording cannot be performed is displayed on the display unit 70. When the amount of toner in the developing unit 54 is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, a message indicating that recording is not possible is displayed on the display unit 70 because the amount of toner is equal to or less than the predetermined amount.

In step S4, the aforementioned step S
The recording unit 50 records the image on a recording sheet based on the recording instruction in 1. Next, a flowchart shown in FIG. 3 shows an operation in a case where the communication management report is automatically recorded in the recording unit 50 every predetermined time and a case in which the communication management report is automatically recorded in the recording unit 50 every predetermined number of times. This will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S11, it is determined whether or not it is time to automatically record the communication management report. Specifically, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed or whether the number of FAX transmission / reception has reached the predetermined number. Then, when it is time to automatically record the communication management report, the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, it is determined whether the amount of consumables in the recording unit 50 has reached a predetermined amount or less. If the amount of consumables in the recording unit 50 has reached the predetermined amount or less, the process ends. On the other hand, if the consumables of the recording unit 50 have not reached the predetermined amount or less, the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the communication management report is recorded on recording paper by the recording unit 50. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

(1) When there is a recording instruction from the operation unit 60 or a recording instruction from the personal computer 2 via the interface 120, it is determined whether or not the consumable amount has reached a predetermined amount or less. Specifically, based on the detection signal from the toner sensor 55, it is determined whether or not the toner in the developing unit 54 has reached a predetermined amount or less, and the detection from the first recording paper sensor 51a to the third recording paper sensor 53a. Based on the signal, it is determined whether the number of recording sheets in the first to third recording sheet cassettes 51 to 53 has reached a predetermined amount or less. And, when the toner of the developing unit 54 reaches a predetermined amount or less, or
When the number of recording papers in the first to third recording paper cassettes 51 to 53 reaches a predetermined amount or less, a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 70, and the recording in the recording unit 50 is refused. I have. In addition, the operation of automatically recording the communication management report by the recording unit 50 every predetermined time and the operation of automatically recording the communication management report by the recording unit 50 every predetermined number are also refused. For this reason, when the consumable amount is less than a predetermined amount,
The recording unit 50 does not record on the recording paper. Therefore,
When the amount of consumables reaches a predetermined amount or less, consumption of consumables can be suppressed.

(2) On the other hand, even if the amount of consumables reaches a predetermined amount or less, image data obtained by facsimile reception is recorded on recording paper by the recording unit 50. Therefore, even if the amount of consumables reaches a predetermined amount or less, the received image data can be quickly recorded on the recording paper. Also, even if the amount of consumables reaches a predetermined amount or less, so-called memory proxy reception is not performed. As a result, the possibility that the image memory 80 overflows with the received image data can be suppressed.

(3) In addition, unlike the related art, when the amount of consumables has reached a predetermined amount or less, recording is performed based on the message displayed on the display unit 70 unless toner or recording paper is replenished. Can not. Therefore, a person who has noticed this message can be surely replenished with toner or recording paper. Therefore, the possibility that the recording unit 50 becomes inoperable can be suppressed.

The above embodiments can be embodied with the following modifications. In addition to the communication management report shown in FIG. 3, when confidential reception is performed, image data to that effect or the fact is displayed on the display unit 7.
It may be configured to display 0.

Further, in the case where the setting that the transmission to the destination is completed is recorded on a recording sheet, that is, the so-called transmission certificate is recorded in the recording unit 50, similarly, the image data of the transmission certificate or the fact is displayed. The display may be configured to be displayed on the unit 70.

In addition, in the case of setting the so-called receipt to record the receipt stored in the receiver by polling the receiver and recording the receipt, similarly, the image data of the receipt or the fact is described. It may be configured to display on the display unit 70.

The above-described embodiment may be applied to the recording unit 50 composed of ink or an ink ribbon. If the number of fax transmission / reception has reached the predetermined number and the content of the communication management report cannot be stored in the RAM 30, a part of the communication management report is stored in the image memory 80.
May be stored.

The above embodiment may be applied to the multifunction device 1 not connected to the communication network T, that is, a simple multifunction device 1. The above-described embodiment may be applied to a facsimile machine capable of transmitting and receiving electronic mail, that is, a so-called Internet FAX machine. That is, as received data,
It may be text data of an e-mail.

Further, technical ideas grasped from the above embodiment will be described below together with their effects. [1] Operating means for issuing a recording instruction, receiving means for receiving data, recording means for recording data, and detecting means for detecting whether or not consumables used by the recording means have reached a predetermined amount or less. When the amount of consumables has reached a predetermined amount or less based on the detection signal from the detecting means, rejecting the recording by the recording means based on the recording instruction from the operating means, and recording the data received by the receiving means. A communication terminal device comprising: a control unit that records data in the communication terminal. According to this configuration, since the recording by the recording unit based on the recording instruction from the operation unit is rejected, the consumption of the consumable can be suppressed when the consumable reaches a predetermined amount or less.

[2] In the communication terminal device according to the above [1], the control means, based on a detection signal from the detection means, when the consumable material has reached a predetermined amount or less, a recording instruction from the operation means. A communication terminal device that rejects recording by a recording unit based on the data, and records only received data by the recording unit, excluding data received based on polling, of data received by the receiving unit. According to this configuration, the recording based on the recording instruction from the operation unit and the recording of the received data based on the polling are rejected. Therefore, when the consumable amount has reached a predetermined amount or less, the consumption of the consumable amount is suppressed. be able to.

[3] The communication terminal device according to the above [1] or [2], further comprising a display unit for displaying received data, wherein the control unit controls the consumable material based on a detection signal from the detection unit. If the amount has reached the predetermined amount or less, the recording by the recording unit based on the recording instruction from the operating unit is refused, and among the data received by the receiving unit, the received data based on polling is displayed on the display unit, and the other reception A communication terminal device for recording data by recording means. With this configuration, recording based on the recording instruction from the operation unit is rejected, and received data based on polling is displayed on the display unit.
When the amount has reached the predetermined amount or less, consumption of consumables can be suppressed.

[4] Claims 1-3, [1]-
The communication terminal device according to any one of the above [3], further comprising connection means for connecting to a communication network, wherein the control means rejects data recording based on a recording instruction from an external terminal connected to the communication network. Communication terminal device. With this configuration, the recording instruction via the communication network is rejected, so that when the amount of consumables reaches a predetermined amount or less, consumption of the consumables can be suppressed.

[0036]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. According to the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3, when the amount of consumables reaches a predetermined amount or less, consumption of consumables can be suppressed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when recording is performed based on a recording instruction from an operation unit and a personal computer.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation when a communication management report is automatically recorded.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Multifunction machine as a communication terminal device, 2 ... Personal computer as an external terminal, 10 ... MPU which comprises control means, 20 ...
ROM constituting control means, 30 RAM constituting control means, 50 recording section as recording means, 51a to 53
a... first to third recording paper sensors constituting detection means, 55... toner sensors constituting detection means, 60
... operation unit as operation means, 70 ... display unit as display means, 100 ... modem constituting reception means, 110 ... NCU constituting reception means, 120 ... option board as connection means, T ... communication network.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 21/00 386 G03G 21/00 386 396 396 512 512 512 G06F 3/12 G06F 3/12 K F term (reference ) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ05 AQ06 AS02 CQ24 CQ39 CQ40 HH13 HK19 HV13 HV14 HV32 HV44 2H027 DC18 DD02 EE10 EJ08 EJ13 EJ15 GB03 HB02 HB13 ZA07 5B021 NN16 NN19 5C062 AA02 AB

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A communication terminal device comprising a recording means for recording data based on a recording instruction, a receiving means for receiving data, and whether or not consumables used by the recording means have reached a predetermined amount or less. And a control means for recording only data received by the receiving means by the recording means when the consumable material has reached a predetermined amount or less based on a detection signal from the detecting means. apparatus. 2. The communication terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to perform a control based on a detection signal from the detection unit.
A communication terminal device in which, when the amount of consumables reaches a predetermined amount or less, only the received data is recorded by the recording unit, excluding the received data based on polling, of the data received by the receiving unit. 3. The communication terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit for displaying received data, wherein the control unit is configured to perform a control based on a detection signal from the detection unit.
A communication terminal device in which, when the amount of consumables reaches a predetermined amount or less, of the data received by the receiving means, the received data based on polling is displayed on the display means, and the other received data is recorded by the recording means.