JP2003046740A - Method for facsimile communication and facsimile machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem associated with system configuration for facsimile communication of circular information, where a large number of destinations of circulation are grouped, destinations of circulations representative of the groups are established as alternate origins of circulation, master circulation routes are constituted of a parent origin of circulation and the alternate origins of circulation, a slave route of circulation is formed in each group, and all transmissions are conducted through only circular transmission, the problem of the speed of transmission of circular information in emergency being limited and such a system configuration being inferior in coping with emergency. SOLUTION: Image data are multi-destination transmitted from a master origin of circulation to be A0, to the alternate origins of circulation B0 and C0. The image data are transmitted circularly from the parent origin of circulation A0 and the alternate origins of circulation B0 and C0 to the destinations of circulation A1 to A3, B1 to B3, and C1 to C3 within the respective groups A to C through slave circulation paths RA, RB, and RC formed between them.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile communication method and a facsimile apparatus that realize a so-called circular facsimile in which received image data is sequentially transmitted to a next circulation destination in a chain manner.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional facsimile apparatus has a function as a circulation facsimile that sequentially transmits received image data in a chain manner to the next circulation destination.

An example of such a conventional circulation facsimile function will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the system configuration of a conventional circulation facsimile.

Here, a large number of facsimile machines A0 to A0
There is C0, the facsimile device A0 is set as a circulation source, and the facsimile devices B0 and C0 are set as circulation members, whereby a circulation route R is formed. The procedure of circulation transmission on the circulation route R is as follows.

The parent facsimile machine A0 first transmits image data, which is information to be circulated (hereinafter referred to as circulation information), to the facsimile machine B0 which is the next circulation destination on the circulation route R. The facsimile device B0 receives the transmitted image data, decodes the received image data, and prints if necessary. Then, the facsimile machine B0 enters the circulation facsimile transmission process to the facsimile machine C0, and transmits the image data to the facsimile machine C0 as in the above-mentioned facsimile machine A0. The facsimile machine C0 also performs the same processing as the above-mentioned facsimile machine B0.

[0006] In such circulation transmission, the transmission cost for transmitting the circulation information is not concentrated on the facsimile device A0 which is the circulation source (transmission source) which transmitted the circulation information, but the facsimile which is the circulation destination. There is an advantage in that the devices B0 and C0 can be evenly loaded.

Further, in the circulation transmission, the circulation result is transmitted from the final facsimile device C0 of the circulation route R to the facsimile device A0 of the circulation source. Therefore, in the facsimile device A0 which is the circulation source, the circulation result is distributed to the circulation route. R
There is also an advantage that the circulation results in each of the facsimile devices B0 and C0 that form the image can be collectively grasped.

However, in the circulation facsimile function shown in FIG. 8, since the image data is sequentially transferred according to the circulation destination list, when there are a large number of circulation destinations, the circulation information is transmitted to all the circulation destinations. Takes time to
There is a problem that it is less urgent.

Therefore, as a means for solving such a problem, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-215363 discloses:
Divide a large number of circulation destinations into multiple groups, set a representative circulation destination in each group as a substitute circulation source, and form a parent circulation route in advance from the parent circulation source with each of these substitute circulation sources. On the other hand, there is disclosed a facsimile apparatus which forms a child circulation route in advance from a substitute circulation source at each circulation destination in the group, and circulates and transmits in parallel on each child circulation route.

The above-mentioned circulation source serving as the parent corresponds to the headquarters, the central office, the head office, etc., and the circulation source for the agent corresponds to the regional headquarters, the regional headquarters, the regional head office, etc., and the circulation destination. , Branch offices, branch offices, branch offices, etc.

According to this, the circulation source as the parent is
Since the image data can be selectively circulated to each child circulation route through an arbitrary circulation agency, the circulation information can be promptly transmitted to each circulation destination.

[0012]

However, in the configuration described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-215363, all the transmissions, that is, the transmission of image data from the parent circulation source to each agent circulation source. Since the transmission of image data from the substitute circulation source to each circulation destination is performed only by circulation transmission, it must be said that the transmission speed of circulation information in an emergency is limited.

In other words, the circulation transmission has the advantage that the cost of transmitting the circulation information can be impartially paid to the side receiving the circulation information, and that the circulation source can grasp the circulation result. On the other hand, at each circulation destination, once the image data has been decrypted and printed as necessary, the image data will be sent to the next circulation destination on the circulation route, so the circulation source will The time required to complete the circulation of information to all circulation destinations is inevitably longer than that in the case of sequentially transmitting the broadcast information to the destinations. Therefore, there is a limit to the speed of transmission of circulation information,
This is inferior to the emergency response that requires the quick transmission of circulation information.

Further, when the circulation information is transmitted only by the circulation transmission, once the circulation transmission is started, the circulation source can grasp the circulation situation even if the circulation transmission is interrupted due to a communication error or the like during the circulation. Since it is not possible, it takes time to return, and as a result, subsequent circulation transmission will be delayed. That is, if a communication error occurs during the circulation and the image data or the like is deteriorated, it is necessary to retransmit the circulation information or the like from the circulation source to the suspended facsimile device in order to restore the circulation transmission. . However, since the circulation source cannot grasp the communication error during such circulation, the transmission of the circulation information and the like to the facsimile device which has interrupted the circulation transmission is delayed, and the circulation transmission is restarted. Time loss increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to efficiently use circulation information in each circulation facsimile by mixing a part of the circulation transmission as well as the broadcast transmission. An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile communication method and a facsimile device which can be transmitted to a circulation destination and are excellent in transmitting circulation information in an emergency.

[0016]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the facsimile communication method of the present invention divides a plurality of circulation destinations into a plurality of groups and represents a representative circulation destination in each group. When the image data is transmitted, the image data is transmitted from the parent circulation source to each substitute circulation source, and at the same time from the substitute circulation source receiving the image data Image data is sent to each circulation destination, and image data is transmitted from the parent circulation source described above to each substitute circulation source, and from the substitute circulation source to each circulation destination in the group. The transmission is characterized in that the circulation transmission and the broadcast transmission are mixedly used.

Here, the above-mentioned group may have a multi-stage structure in which a small group is provided in a large group.

According to this, in the circulation facsimile in which the circulation destinations are grouped to widen the range of selection of circulation destinations and the circulation transmission is completed promptly, the circulation source which is the parent is circulated by each agent. Not only circulation transmission but also partial broadcast transmission is used for transmission of image data to the source and transmission of image data from a substitute circulation source to each circulation destination in the group. As described above, in the broadcast transmission, the image data can be sent to each circulation destination more quickly than the circulation transmission. Therefore, the image data can be transmitted to all circulation destinations more than the case where the circulation transmission is used to transmit all the image data. Can reduce the time required to transmit.

As a result, it is possible to construct a communication system which is excellent in dealing with an emergency when it is necessary to quickly send the circulation information.

Circulation transmission and broadcast transmission are performed to transmit image data from the parent circulation source to each proxy circulation source and to transmit image data from the proxy circulation source to each circulation destination in the group. Examples of using a mixture of the following include the following, for example.

That is, a plurality of circulation destinations are divided into a plurality of groups, a representative circulation destination in each group is set as a substitute circulation source, and when transmitting image data, a circulation source which is a parent circulation source. Is a communication method in which image data is sequentially broadcast from each of the above-mentioned proxy circulation sources, and image data is sequentially circulated from each of the proxy circulation sources to each circulation destination in the group.

Alternatively, a plurality of circulation destinations are divided into a plurality of groups, a representative circulation destination in each group is set as a substitute circulation source, and when transmitting image data, a circulation source that is a parent A communication method of sequentially circulating and transmitting image data to each of the above-mentioned proxy circulation sources and sequentially transmitting the image data from the above-mentioned substitute circulation sources to each circulation destination in the group.

In the former communication method, the circulation source which is the parent is transmitted to the predetermined circulation sources of the respective substitutes in a sequential transmission manner. Therefore, as compared with the case where this is performed by the circulation transmission, The transmission of image data to the circulation source can be quickly completed, and the circulation transmission to each circulation destination in each group can be started quickly. As a result, even when there are many circulation destinations to which the circulation information should be transmitted, the circulation information can be urgently transmitted to each circulation destination.

In particular, when the image data is transmitted from the parent circulation source to each substitute circulation source by sequential circulation transmission,
If the transmission is delayed on the parent circulation route, the circulation information is distributed to the end circulation destination between the group of the circulation source of the proxy close to the circulation source of the parent and the group of the circulation source of the proxy farther than the circulation source of the parent. However, the former method does not cause such a problem.
For example, when the parent circulation source is the head office and each agency circulation source is each branch, by transmitting circulation information to each branch by broadcast transmission, it is possible to avoid unfairness due to circulation order. Circulation information can be fairly transmitted to each branch.

On the other hand, in the latter communication method, since the transmission from the substitute circulation source to each circulation destination in the group is sequentially carried out by broadcast transmission, as compared with the case of performing this by circulation transmission, the substitute circulation source is transmitted. The transmission of image data to each circulation destination can be quickly completed. As a result, even when there are many circulation destinations to which the circulation information should be transmitted, the circulation information can be urgently transmitted to each circulation destination.

In particular, the circulation source, which is the parent, wants to confirm the transmission result by transmitting the circulation information about the transmission of the circulation information to the circulation source of each proxy, but the transmission from the circulation source of the proxy to each circulation destination. With regard to, if it is not necessary to send the circulation information one by one, by using the latter method, in a shorter time than when transmitting the circulation information to the end circulation destination by circulation transmission,
Transmission of circulation information can be completed.

Further, the facsimile communication method of the present invention can be further characterized by totaling the communication results within the group at the proxy circulation source and returning the communication results to the circulation source which is the parent.

The proxy circulation source aggregates the circulation results in the group and collectively transmits them to the parent circulation source, so that the parent circulation source circuit circulates the circulation information from each circulation destination to the transmitted circulation information. It is possible to avoid being occupied for a long time to receive the result. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the influence on other urgent communication and to efficiently return the circulation result.

As a result, an excellent communication system can be configured to deal with an emergency when it is necessary to quickly send the circulation information.

Further, in the facsimile communication method of the present invention, the parent circulation source and the proxy circulation source send the image data to the substitute circulation source rather than transmitting the image data to each circulation destination in the group. It may be a further feature to prioritize transmission.

When the circulation source transmits the image data to the circulation destination, the circulation source serving as the parent and the circulation source of each proxy, the image data to the circulation source of the proxy before transmitting the image data to each circulation destination in the group. By prioritizing sending
Sending image data to each agency's circulation source becomes faster,
As a result, the transmission of image data from the substitute circulation source to each circulation destination in the group becomes faster, and the circulation information can be promptly transmitted to all circulation destinations.

As a result, an excellent communication system can be configured to deal with an emergency when it is necessary to quickly send the circulation information.

A first facsimile apparatus of the present invention is a facsimile apparatus having a function of sequentially circulating and transmitting image data and a function of sequentially transmitting broadcast data, and communication control for realizing the circulation transmission and the broadcast transmission. When the machine is set as a parent circulation source, the department transmits image data from the machine to the next circulation source of the parent circulation route formed by each agency circulation source, and the circulation of the agency is performed. When it is set to the original, the received image data is transmitted from the own machine to the next circulation source on the parent circulation route, and is also directly transmitted to each circulation destination in the group of the own machine. I am trying.

According to this, according to the setting in the communication control unit, the device itself becomes a parent circulation source, a substitute circulation source or a circulation destination, and when transmitting the image data, the parent circulation source It is possible to realize a communication system using the former communication method described above, in which image data is sequentially broadcast to each proxy circulation source, and image data is sequentially circulated from the proxy circulation source to each circulation destination in the group.

Therefore, as described above, by configuring the facsimile apparatus, it is possible to configure a facsimile communication system which is excellent in dealing with an emergency when it is necessary to quickly send the circulation information.

The second facsimile apparatus of the present invention is a facsimile apparatus having a function of sequentially circulating and transmitting image data and a function of sequentially broadcasting the image data, and realizes the circulation transmission and the broadcast transmission. The communication control unit is
When it is set as the parent circulation source, the image data is transmitted from the machine to the next circulation source of the parent circulation route formed by each substitute circulation source, and when set as the substitute circulation source, It is characterized in that the received image data is transmitted from the device itself to the next circulation source on the parent circulation route and directly to each circulation destination in the group of the device itself.

According to this, depending on the setting in the communication control unit, the device itself becomes a circulation source which is a parent, a circulation source of a proxy, or a circulation destination, and when transmitting image data, the circulation source which is a parent is used It is possible to realize a communication system using the latter communication method described above, in which image data is sequentially circulated and transmitted to each substitute circulation source, and image data is sequentially transmitted from each substitute circulation source to each circulation destination in the group.

Therefore, as described above, by configuring the facsimile apparatus, it is possible to configure a facsimile communication system which is excellent in dealing with an emergency when it is necessary to quickly transmit the circulation information.

Further, in the above first or second facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the communication control unit acts as a substitute when the own device is set as a circulation source which is a parent or a circulation source of a substitute. It can be further characterized in that the transmission of the image data to each circulation destination in the group is started after the transmission of the image data to the circulation source.

When the circulation source transmits the image data to the circulation destination, the circulation source serving as the parent and the circulation source of each proxy, the image data to the circulation source of the proxy before transmitting the image data to each circulation destination in the group. Since priority is given to transmitting the image data to each agent, the image data is transmitted to each agent's circulation source quickly, and the image data is transmitted from the agent's circulation source to each circulation destination in the group quickly and quickly. Circulation information can be transmitted to all circulation destinations.

Therefore, as described above, by adopting the configuration of the facsimile apparatus, it is possible to configure a superior facsimile communication system in response to an emergency in which the circulation information needs to be quickly transmitted.

According to the present invention, in a facsimile communication method in which received image data is sequentially circulated and transmitted, a plurality of circulation destinations are divided into a plurality of groups in advance,
A representative circulation destination in each group is set as a substitute circulation source, and when the transmission of image data is started, image data is sequentially transmitted from the parent circulation source to each substitute circulation source. At the same time, the image data may be sequentially circulated and transmitted from the proxy circulation source to each circulation destination in the group.

Further, according to the present invention, in a facsimile communication method in which received image data is sequentially circulated and transmitted, a plurality of circulation destinations are divided into a plurality of groups in advance,
A representative circulation destination in each group is set as a substitute circulation source, and when the transmission of image data is started, image data is sequentially transmitted from the parent circulation source to each substitute circulation source. At the same time, image data is sequentially circulated and transmitted from the proxy circulation source to each circulation destination in the group, and the proxy circulation source aggregates the communication results in the group to become the parent circulation source. It may be characterized by replying to.

Further, according to the present invention, in a facsimile communication method in which received image data is sequentially circulated and transmitted, a plurality of circulation destinations are divided into a plurality of groups in advance,
A representative circulation destination in each group is set as a substitute circulation source, and when the transmission of image data is started, image data is sequentially transmitted from the parent circulation source to each substitute circulation source. At the same time, the image data is sequentially circulated and transmitted from the proxy circulation source to each circulation destination in the group, and the circulation source, after transmitting the image data by the sequential broadcast transmission, is circulated on the circulation route. The transmission of the image data may be started.

Further, according to the present invention, in a facsimile communication method in which received image data is sequentially circulated and transmitted, a plurality of circulation destinations are divided into a plurality of groups in advance,
A representative circulation destination in each group is set as a substitute circulation source, and when the transmission of image data is started, the circulation source of the image data is sequentially circulated from the circulation source which is the parent to these circulation sources of the substitutes. The image data may be sequentially broadcast from the proxy circulation source to each circulation destination in the group.

[0046]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

According to the present invention, when transmitting circulation information to a plurality of circulation destinations, the plurality of circulation destinations are divided into a plurality of groups in advance, and a representative circulation destination in each group is used as a substitute circulation source. After setting, send the image data of the circulation information from the parent circulation source to each substitute circulation source, and also transmit the image data received from each substitute circulation source to each circulation destination in each group. Moreover, not only circulation transmission but also broadcast transmission is used for transmission from the parent circulation source to the circulation source of each agent and transmission from each circulation source of each agent to each circulation destination. It is a thing.

When the circulation information from the parent circulation source to each of the proxy circulation sources is set to broadcast transmission, the circulation information is transmitted from each proxy circulation source to each circulation destination in each group by circulation. In the case of transmission, and conversely, when the circulation information is transmitted from the parent circulation source to each substitute circulation source,
Circulation information from each agency's circulation source to each circulation destination in each group is broadcast. The former example will be described in Embodiment 1, and the latter example will be described in Embodiment 2.

Further, the substitute circulation source is constructed in a plurality of stages, that is, the small group is provided in the large group (2
It is also possible to have a configuration such as a step example), and in this case also, the circulation information from the parent circulation source to the circulation source of each proxy of the large group is transmitted, and the circulation source of the proxy next to the circulation source of the proxy ( Circulation transmission and broadcast transmission are mixedly used for transmission of circulation information to a representative of a small group) and transmission of circulation information from a circulation source in the next stage to each circulation destination belonging to the small group. This example will be described in the third embodiment.

The three embodiments described below are merely for clarifying the technical contents of the present invention, and should not be construed in a narrow sense by limiting to such specific examples. However, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment.

This facsimile device includes a scanner 2, an image memory 3, an encoding / decoding unit 4, a modem (FAX modem) 5, a network control device 6, a printing unit 7, a system memory 8,
It is composed of a control unit 9, an operation display unit 10, and a parameter memory 11.

The original image is read by the scanner 2 at a predetermined resolution to become image data, and the image data is given to the encoding / decoding unit 4 directly or via the image memory 3 as required, and is compressed together with compression. It is encoded and input to the modem 5.

The modem 5 is for realizing the modem function of the communication protocol (G2, G3, G4, etc.) of the facsimile machine. If the facsimile device is a G3 model, the modem 5 has a low-speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals and a high-speed modem function (V.33) for exchanging mainly image data. Modem, V.29 modem, V.27ter modem, etc.).

The image data compressed and encoded by the modem 5 is transmitted through the network control device 6 when the network control device 6 establishes a line with the transmission destination. The network control device 6 is for connecting the facsimile device to the public telephone line network and has an automatic call originating / receiving function.

On the other hand, the received image data is input to the modem 5 from the network control device 6 and given to the encoding / decoding unit 4 via the modem 5. Then, the compressed and encoded state is decoded here, supplied to the printing unit 7 via the image memory 3 as necessary, and printed out at a predetermined resolution. The image memory 3 is for storing a large number of compression-coded image data.

The procedure of the above-mentioned control processing of each unit and the facsimile transmission control processing including a circulation transfer function as described later are stored in the system memory 8 and are executed by the control unit 9 in accordance with the procedure. The system memory 8 also stores the program for the control process and various data necessary for executing the program, and also constitutes a work area of the control unit 9.

The control process by the control unit 9 is performed in response to an input operation on the operation display unit 10 including various operation keys and a display. From the operation display unit 10, various settings and data required for facsimile transmission / reception are input.

The set values and data input from the operation display unit 10 are stored in the parameter memory 11. The parameter memory 11 stores various information unique to the communication protocol to which the facsimile machine belongs, and a circulation information storage unit that stores setting values of circulation transfer modes such as setting values and data regarding a circulation route described later. Have twelve.

The respective units 2 to 11 are connected to the system bus 13, and data is exchanged between the respective units 2 to 11 mainly by the system bus 1.
It is done through 3.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the system configuration of the circulation facsimile of this embodiment.

In the present invention, a large number of facsimile machines A0
-A3, B0-B3, C0-C3 are a plurality of groups A,
The representative facsimile machines A0, B0, C0 in each of the groups A, B, C are set as a parent circulation source or a substitute circulation source.

Each of the facsimile machines A0 to A3 and B0 to B
In 3, C0 to C3, whether the own machine serves as the parent circulation source, the substitute circulation source, or the circulation destination is determined by the input operation using the operation display unit 10 described above. It is determined by being set in the circulation information storage unit 12 (see FIG. 2).

In the example of FIG. 1, the facsimile device A0 is the circulation source which is the parent, and the facsimile devices B0 and C0 are the circulation sources which are the substitutes. Further, the facsimile machines A1 to A1
A3 is a circulation destination belonging to group A, facsimile machines B1 to B3 are circulation destinations belonging to group B, and facsimile machines C1 to C3 are circulation destinations belonging to group C.

Then, the image data is transmitted from the facsimile machine A0, which is the parent circulation source, to the facsimile machines B0, C0, which are the substitute circulation sources, by direct transmission to each of the facsimile machines B0, C0. On the other hand, in the facsimile device A0 which is the circulation source and the facsimile devices A1 to A3 which are the circulation destinations, the facsimile devices B0 to B3, and the facsimile devices C0 to C3, the child circulation routes RA, RB and RC are respectively formed, It is designed to be sent by circulation.

That is, in the group A, the facsimile device A0 firstly operates the facsimile device B, which is the substitute circulation source.
The image data is sequentially broadcasted to 0 and C0, and then the image data is transmitted to the facsimile device A1 which is the next circulation destination on the secondary circulation route RA. Thereafter, in the group A, the image data is sequentially circulated and transmitted to the facsimile apparatuses A1 to A3 through the child circulation route RA.

On the other hand, in the group B, the facsimile device B0 transmits the image data received from the facsimile device A0 to the facsimile device B1 which is the next circulation destination on the secondary circulation route RB, and thereafter, the facsimile devices B1 to B3.
The image data is sequentially circulated and transmitted on the Hetoko circulation route RB.

Similarly, in the group C, the facsimile device C0 transmits the image data received from the facsimile device A0 to the facsimile device C1 which is the next circulation destination on the secondary circulation route RC, and thereafter, the facsimile devices C1 to C are used.
The image data is sequentially circulated and transmitted to 3 through the child circulation route RC.

As described above, the facsimile device A0 which is the parent circulation source transmits the image data to the facsimile devices B0 and C0 which are the circulation sources of the proxy, and the image data is transmitted to each circulation destination from the circulation transmission. By sequentially performing the broadcast transmission that can be performed quickly, the time required to transmit the image data to all circulation destinations can be shortened compared to the case where the circulation transmission is used to transmit all the image data, and the circulation information can be quickly transmitted. It is an excellent response for emergencies that need to be sent to.

Further, in this system configuration, each of the child circulation routes RA, RB, RC is formed in a closed loop, and the facsimile machine A which is the circulation source of each group.
At 0, B0, C0, the child circulation routes RA, RB,
The circulation results on RC are to be totaled. In addition, the facsimile machines B0 and C0 which are the circulation sources of the substitutes.
In (1), the totalized circulation result is sent back to the parent facsimile machine A0 through the reply route indicated by reference numerals FB and FC.

As a result, in the facsimile machine A0,
The line is not occupied for a long time, the influence on other emergency communication can be reduced, and the circulation result can be efficiently returned.

The circulation result in each group is sequentially circulated together with the image data, so that the facsimile machines A0, B
0 or C0 may be added up, or the image data returned from the last facsimile machine A3, B3, C3 to the facsimile machines A0, B0, C0 within the group and transmission within the group is started. The facsimile apparatus A0, B0, C0 may compare the image data at that time with the facsimile data, and whether or not they substantially match, that is, whether or not the image data is properly transmitted and the image data is not deteriorated may be performed.

In this system configuration, the facsimile circulation routes RA, RB, RC are provided in the respective facsimile machines A0, B0, C0. However, the secondary circulation routes RA, RB, RC are not always provided. However, it may be provided in at least one of the facsimile machines A0, B0, and C0.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a transmission procedure in circulation transmission and broadcast transmission (including relay broadcast transmission). This example is based on the F code specifications including the specifications of commonly used facsimiles.

In facsimile transmission, the sending side (calling side)
Upon receiving a calling tone (Call) from the receiver, the receiver (callee) receives NSF (non-standard function signal), CSI.
(Calling terminal identification signal) and DIS (digital identification signal) are transmitted.

Here, when the sending side detects the setting of the sub address capability and the password capability with the receiving side from within the DIS, in response, the SID (Sender I
D: Password (transmission) signal, SUB (sub-address signal), TSI (transmitting terminal identification signal), DCS (digital command signal) are sent out to specify the memory box on the receiving side as described later.

Subsequently, when the receiving side receives the TCF (training check signal), it returns a CFR (reception preparation confirmation signal) and starts receiving the image data (PIX). When it receives EOP (procedure end signal) and confirms that all the image data has been received, it returns MCF (message confirmation signal) and DCN (disconnect command signal).
Then, the communication is ended.

In the F code specifications, a circulation transmission function,
A memory box designated by the above-mentioned SID (password signal) and SUB (sub-address signal) is set in order to realize a broadcast transmission (including relay broadcast transmission) function, a confidential function, a bulletin board function and the like.

The subaddress is set in advance in a one-to-one relationship with each memory box, and is used to access each memory box for data storage, reference, retrieval, and the like. The password is set in advance for each memory box and is used to limit access to the memory box.

That is, although the memory box is designated by the SUB (sub address signal), if the SID (password signal) transmitted at the same time does not match the preset password, access to the designated memory box is made. Is prohibited.

Since a plurality of passwords can be set for one memory box, in such a setting, if any password is sent, access to the memory box is permitted. . Also,
It is also possible not to set a password, and in such a case, access to the memory box is permitted even if the password is not transmitted and whatever password is transmitted.

In the circulation transmission using the sub address, the memory box that receives the image data transfers the image data sequentially to the memory box of the corresponding sub address by the telephone number designated in advance in the memory box. , Different circulation routes can be set.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the communication method having the system configuration shown in FIG. 1 in more detail.

The sub-address has a function as a group ID for each broadcast destination for broadcast transmission and a group ID for each circulation route. Therefore, the facsimile machine A0, which is the circulation source,
In B0 and C0, each broadcast transmission from the facsimile device A0 to the facsimile device B0 and from the facsimile device A0 to the facsimile device C0, and the secondary circulation routes RA, RB,
Corresponding to RC, for example, subaddresses 123 and 56
Two memory boxes 7 and 7 are provided.

In the facsimile machine A0 which is the circulation source,
The image data to be transmitted are subaddresses 123 and 567.
And are stored in two memory boxes. And
The image data is transmitted according to the circulation destination information or the broadcast destination information designated in advance in each memory box.

First, from the memory box of the sub-address 123, the sub-addresses 123 of the facsimile machines B0 and C0, which are the circulation sources of the proxy, according to the broadcast destination information.
Are sequentially transmitted to the memory box of the sub-address 567, and then are transmitted from the memory box of the sub-address 567 to the memory box of the sub-address 567 of the facsimile apparatus A1 which is the circulation destination of the child circulation route RA according to the circulation destination information.

In response to this, the facsimile apparatus A1 follows the subaddress 56 according to the circulation destination information previously designated in the memory box of the subaddress 567.
The image data received by the memory box 7 is transmitted to the memory box of the sub address 567 of the facsimile apparatus A2 of the next circulation destination.

Similarly, in the facsimile machine A2,
The image data received by the memory box with the sub address 567 is transmitted to the memory box with the sub address 567 of the next facsimile machine A3 according to the circulation destination information designated in advance in the memory box with the sub address 567. In this way, the child circulation route RA
Then, the image data are circulated and transmitted in parallel with each other.

On the other hand, in the facsimile machine B0, the image data received in the memory box of the sub address 123 is also stored in the memory box of the sub address 567, and according to the circulation destination information previously designated in the memory box of the sub address 567, It is transmitted to the memory box of the sub address 567 of the facsimile device B1 which is the next circulation destination.

In the facsimile machine B1, the image data received in the memory box of the subaddress 567 is stored in the memory of the subaddress 567 of the next circulation destination in accordance with the circulation destination information previously designated in the memory box of the subaddress 567. Send to the box. In this way, the image data is circulated and transmitted in parallel on the child circulation route RB.

In the facsimile apparatus C0, the image data received in the memory box of the sub address 123 is also stored in the memory box of the sub address 567, and according to the circulation destination information previously designated in the memory box of the sub address 567, It is transmitted to the memory box of the sub address 567 of the facsimile device C1 which is the next circulation destination.

In the facsimile device C1, the image data received in the memory box of the sub address 567 is stored in the memory of the sub address 567 of the next facsimile device C2 in accordance with the circulation destination information previously designated in the memory box of the sub address 567. Send to the box. In this way, the image data are circulated and transmitted in parallel on the child circulation route RC.

Then, the facsimile machines A0, B0,
In C0, the image data from the memory boxes of the subaddresses 567 of the end facsimile machines A3, B3, and C3 are respectively received in the memory boxes of the subaddresses 567, and substantially match the image data at the start of transmission, that is, the sub-circle It is determined whether or not the information has been properly circulated and transmitted within a predetermined range of deterioration on the routes RA, RB, RC.

Thus, by designating each memory box, it is possible to perform circulation transmission and broadcast transmission on an arbitrary circulation route designated in advance.

Incidentally, although the description has been given here to the configuration in which one sub-address is given to one memory box,
Set two sub-addresses in one memory box,
For example, one memory box may be shared by the subaddresses 123 and 567.

Further, in the above system configuration, the facsimile machine A0, which is the circulation source, gives priority to the sequential transmission of the image data to the facsimile machines B0, C0, which are the circulation sources of the substitutes. Later, child circulation route RA
Since the image data transmission is started at, the timing when the circulation transmission is performed in parallel for each group can be made faster than the circulation source of each proxy, and the image data transmission to all circulation destinations can be promptly performed. Can be completed.

(Embodiment 2) Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, for convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as the members shown in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals,
The description is omitted.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a circulation facsimile according to another embodiment of the present invention.

It should be noted that, in the configuration of FIG. 5, the circulation source facsimile apparatus A0 is formed by the facsimile apparatus A0 and the facsimile data B0, C0 which is the agent circulation source of the image data. The facsimile machines B0 and C0, which are circulation sources of the substitutes, transmit the received image data to the facsimile machines B1 of the circulation destinations of the groups B and C to which they belong. ~ B3, C1 ~ C3,
It is to transmit by relay broadcast transmission instead of circulation transmission.

In the circulation route R on the parent circulation route, the facsimile device A0 first transmits the image to the facsimile device B0 which is the next circulation destination on the route R. At this time, the facsimile device A0 first transmits image data to the facsimile device B0.

The facsimile device B0 receives the transmitted image data, subsequently decodes the received image data, and prints it if necessary. continue,
The facsimile device B0 starts the circulation facsimile transmission process, and similarly to the above-mentioned facsimile device A0, enters the image data transmission process for the facsimile device C0. After the end of the transmission process, the facsimile device B0 sequentially performs the broadcast transmission to the terminal facsimile devices B1, B2, B3 of the group B.

On the other hand, the facsimile apparatus C0 receives the sent image data, subsequently decodes the received image data, and prints if necessary. Then, the facsimile device C0 enters the circulation facsimile transmission process, and similarly to the facsimile device B0, enters the image data transmission process to the facsimile device A0. After the transmission processing is completed, the facsimile apparatus C0
Are the end facsimile machines C1, C2 of the group C.
The data is sequentially transmitted to C3 by broadcast transmission.

In addition, in the facsimile machines B0 and C0 which are the substitute circulation sources, the transmission results of the broadcast transmissions to the facsimile machines B1 to B3 and C1 to C3 of the subordinate terminals are totaled, and the totalized results are summarized. The information transmission result is transferred from the facsimile machines B0 and C0, which are the proxy circulation sources, to the facsimile machines A0, which is the parent circulation source, with reference symbols FB and FC.
The reply route is shown in.

As a result, in the facsimile machine A0,
The line is not occupied for a long time, the influence on other emergency communication can be reduced, and the circulation result can be efficiently returned.

Regarding the transmission of the result of the broadcast transmission of the facsimile devices B0 and C0 to the facsimile device A0, either one of the reference symbols FB or FC may be used, or it may not be used at all.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the communication method having the system configuration shown in FIG. 5 in more detail.

Here, the sub-address has a function as a group ID for each broadcast destination for broadcast transmission and a group ID for each circulation route.

Therefore, in the facsimile machines A0, B0, C0 which are the circulation sources, the circulation transmission corresponding to the parent circulation route R from the facsimile machine A0 and the circulation destinations under the respective facsimile machines B0 and C0. Corresponding to the broadcast transmission to the facsimile devices B1 to B3 and C1 to C3, for example, two memory boxes of subaddresses 123 and 567 are provided.

In the facsimile machine A0 which is the circulation source,
The image data to be transmitted is stored in the memory box of the sub address 123. Then, the image data is
According to the circulation destination information designated in advance in the memory box, the information is first transmitted from the memory box of the sub address 123 to the memory box of the sub address 123 of the facsimile device B0 which is the next circulation destination by the parent circulation route R.

In response to this, the facsimile device B0 sends the image data received at the sub address 123 to the next circulation destination on the parent circulation route R according to the circulation destination information previously designated in the memory box of the sub address 123. Sub-address 123 of facsimile device C0
Send to the memory box. Further, in the facsimile device B0, the image data received at the sub address 123 is also stored in the memory box of the sub address 567, and becomes a subordinate circulation destination from the sub address 567 memory box in accordance with preset broadcast destination information. Each sub address 56 of the facsimile machines B1 to B3
7 are sequentially transmitted to the memory boxes.

On the other hand, in the facsimile device C0, in response to the circulation transmission on the parent circulation route R from the facsimile device B0, the memory box of the sub address 123 is stored in accordance with the circulation destination information previously designated in the memory box of the sub address 123. The image data received in step S1 is transmitted to the next circulation destination, that is, the memory box of the sub address 123 of the facsimile device A0 which is the parent circulation source. Further, in the facsimile device C0, the sub address 1
The image data received at 23 is also stored in the memory box of the sub address 567, and from the sub address 567 memory box, according to preset broadcast destination information, the facsimile devices C1 to C3 serving as subordinate circulation destinations.
Are sequentially broadcast to the memory box of each sub-address 567.

In this way, from the facsimile machines C0 and B0 which are the substitute circulation sources, the facsimile machine B1
To B3 and the facsimile devices C1 to C3, image data is broadcast in parallel with each other.

With such a configuration, the facsimile device A0, which is the parent circulation source, shortens the transmission of the image data by transmitting the circulation of the image data to the proxy circulation source facsimile devices B0 and C0. It can be completed in time, and the circulation result to the proxy facsimile machines B0 and C0 can be confirmed, and further, the proxy facsimile machines B0 and C0 to the facsimile machines B1 to B3 and C1 to C can be confirmed.
By sending the image data to the B.3 by the broadcast transmission, more facsimile machines B1 to B3 and C1 to C3 at the end are transmitted.
Also, the circulation information can be transmitted in a short time.

(Third Embodiment) The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention in reference to FIG. Here, for convenience of description, members having the same functions as the members shown in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a circulation facsimile according to another embodiment of the present invention.

It should be noted that, in the configuration of FIG. 7, the facsimile devices B1 to B3 and C1 to C3, which are the circulation destinations at the end of the configuration of FIG. 5 described above, are further subordinated to the facsimile devices B11 to B12. , B21 to B22, B3
1 to B32, C11 to C12, C21 to C22, C31
To C32 are provided, and facsimile devices B1 to B are provided.
After receiving image data from the facsimile machines B0 and C0 as relay broadcast transmissions, C3 and C1 to C3 further function as a proxy circulation source, and further subordinate facsimile machines B11 to B12, B21 to B22 and B31 to B
32, C11 to C12, C21 to C22, C31 to C3
2 is to circulate and transmit the image data.

In the circulation route R on the parent circulation route, the facsimile device A0 first follows the procedure of transmitting an image to the facsimile device B0 which is the next circulation destination on the route R. At this time, the facsimile device A0 first transmits image data to the facsimile device B0.

The facsimile machine B0 receives the transmitted image data. Subsequent to that, the facsimile machine B0 decodes the received image data and prints it if necessary. Then, the facsimile device B0 enters the circulation facsimile transmission process, and similarly to the above-mentioned facsimile device A0, enters the image data transmission process to the facsimile device C0. After the end of the transmission process, the facsimile machine B0 determines that the facsimile machine B of the group B has
The image data is transmitted to 1, 1, B2, and B3 by broadcast transmission. When the facsimile device B1 receives the transmitted image data, the received image data is transferred to the child circulation route R
At B1, it is transmitted to the facsimile device B11 which is the next circulation destination, and thereafter, it is sequentially circulated and transmitted to the facsimile devices B11 to B12.

Also in the facsimile machines B2 and B3,
Circulation transmission is performed to the child circulation routes RB2 and RB3 in the same manner as the facsimile device B1. In group C, as in group B, facsimile machines C1, C2, C3
Is the substitute circulation source, and the child circulation route RC1, R
At C2 and RC3, the data is sequentially circulated and transmitted to the next facsimile destination facsimile machine.

Facsimile machines B1, B2, B3, C which are the circulation sources of agents in the groups B and C.
For the results of circulation at 1, C2, C3, refer to the reference numerals FB1, FB2, FB3, F for the facsimile machines B0, C0.
It is returned by the reply route indicated by C1, FC2, FC3. It should be noted that the transmission of the circulation result to the circulation source may not be performed at all.

With such a configuration, the facsimile device A0, which is the parent circulation source, shortens the transmission of the image data by transmitting the circulation of the image data to the proxy circulation source facsimile devices B0 and C0. It can be completed in time, and the circulation result to the proxy facsimile machines B0 and C0 can be confirmed, and further, the proxy facsimile machines B0 and C0 to the facsimile machines B1 to B3 and C1 to C can be confirmed.
By transmitting the image data to 3 by the broadcast transmission, the circulation information can be transmitted to the facsimile devices B1 to B3 and C1 to C3 in a short time. Then, from the respective facsimile machines B1 to B3 and C1 to C3, the facsimile machines B11 to B12, B21 to B22, B under the respective subordinate machines are controlled.
31-B32, C11-C12, C21-C22, C3
1 to C32 can be circulated in parallel, so that the end facsimile machines B11 to B12, B21 to B22, B3
1 to B32, C11 to C12, C21 to C22, C31
Circulation information can be quickly transmitted up to C32.

The child circulation routes RB1, RB2
The RB3, RC1, RC2, and RC3 are not provided respectively, but the facsimile machines A0, B0,
It suffices if at least one of C0 is provided.

[0123]

As described above, the facsimile communication method of the present invention divides a plurality of circulation destinations into a plurality of groups,
A representative circulation destination in each group is set as a substitute circulation source, and when transmitting image data, the image data is transmitted from the parent circulation source to each substitute circulation source. Image data is sequentially transmitted from the received circulation agency to each circulation destination in the group, and the image data is transmitted from the parent circulation source described above to each circulation circulation source and from the substitution circulation source. The transmission of image data to each circulation destination in the group is characterized by using circulation transmission and broadcast transmission in a mixed manner.

According to this, in the circulation facsimile in which the circulation destinations are grouped to widen the selection range of the circulation destinations and the circulation transmission is completed promptly, the circulation source from the parent source to the circulation of each agent. Not only circulation transmission but also partial broadcast transmission is used for transmission of image data to the source and transmission of image data from a substitute circulation source to each circulation destination in the group. As described above, the broadcast transmission can send the image data to each circulation destination more quickly than the circulation transmission. Therefore, the image data can be transmitted to all circulation destinations more than the case where the circulation transmission is used to transmit all the image data. Can reduce the time required to transmit.

As a result, there is an effect that it is possible to construct a communication system which is excellent in dealing with an emergency in which the circulation information needs to be transmitted quickly.

Further, the facsimile communication method of the present invention can be further characterized in that the communication results in the group are aggregated at the proxy circulation source and the communication results are returned to the circulation source which is the parent.

The proxy circulation source aggregates the circulation results in the group and collectively transmits them to the parent circulation source, so that the parent circulation source line circulates from each circulation destination for the transmitted circulation information. It is possible to avoid being occupied for a long time to receive the result. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the influence on other urgent communication and to efficiently return the circulation result.

As a result, there is an effect that an excellent communication system can be configured to cope with an emergency when it is necessary to quickly send the circulation information.

Further, in the facsimile communication method of the present invention, the circulation source which is the parent and the circulation source of the proxy are the image data to the circulation source of the proxy rather than the transmission of the image data to each circulation destination in the group. It may be a further feature to prioritize transmission.

When the circulation source transmits the image data to the circulation destination, the circulation source which is the parent and the circulation source of each proxy, the image data to the proxy circulation source before transmitting the image data to each circulation destination in the group. By prioritizing sending
Sending image data to each agency's circulation source becomes faster,
As a result, the transmission of image data from the substitute circulation source to each circulation destination in the group becomes faster, and the circulation information can be promptly transmitted to all circulation destinations.

As a result, there is an effect that an excellent communication system can be configured to cope with an emergency when it is necessary to quickly send the circulation information.

As described above, the first facsimile apparatus of the present invention is a facsimile apparatus having a function of sequentially circulating and transmitting image data and a function of sequentially broadcasting.
The communication control unit that realizes the circulation transmission and the broadcast transmission, when its own device is set as a circulation source as a parent, sends the image data of the parent circulation route formed by the circulation source of each proxy from the own device. When the image data is sent to the next circulation source and set as a substitute circulation source, the received image data is transmitted from the own device to the next circulation source on the parent circulation route, and within the group of the own circulation device. The feature is that it is sent directly to each circulation destination.

According to this, according to the setting in the communication control unit, the device itself becomes the circulation source which is the parent, the circulation source of the proxy or the circulation destination, and when transmitting the image data, the circulation source which is the parent makes the above. It is possible to configure a communication system that sequentially broadcasts image data to each proxy circulation source, and sequentially circulates image data from the proxy circulation source to each circulation destination in the group.

In this case, the transmission from the circulation source which is the parent to the predetermined circulation sources of the substitutes is sequentially carried out by the broadcast transmission. Therefore, as compared with the case where the transmission is performed by the circulation, the circulation source of each substitute The transmission of image data to each circulation destination can be quickly completed, and the circulation transmission to each circulation destination in each group can be started quickly.
As a result, even when there are many circulation destinations to which the circulation information should be transmitted, the circulation information can be urgently transmitted to each circulation destination.

In particular, when the image data is transmitted from the parent circulation source to each substitute circulation source by sequential circulation transmission,
If the transmission is delayed on the parent circulation route, the circulation information is distributed to the end circulation destination between the group of the circulation source of the proxy close to the circulation source of the parent and the group of the circulation source of the proxy farther than the circulation source of the parent. However, the former method does not cause such a problem.

Therefore, with the configuration of the facsimile apparatus, it is possible to construct a facsimile communication system which is excellent in dealing with an emergency in which circulation information needs to be transmitted quickly.

As described above, the second facsimile apparatus of the present invention is a facsimile apparatus having a function of sequentially circulating and transmitting image data and a function of sequentially broadcasting the image data. The communication control unit that realizes the information transmission, when its own device is set as the parent circulation source, sends the image data from the own device to the next circulation source of the parent circulation route formed by each substitute circulation source. When it is set as a substitute circulation source, the received image data is transmitted from the own machine to the next circulation source on the parent circulation route, and
The feature is that the information is directly transmitted to each circulation destination in the group of the own machine.

According to this, depending on the setting in the communication control unit, the device itself becomes a parent circulation source, a substitute circulation source or a circulation destination, and when transmitting image data, the parent circulation source It is possible to realize a communication system in which image data is sequentially circulated and transmitted to each proxy circulation source, and image data is sequentially broadcasted from the proxy circulation source to each circulation destination in the group.

In this case, the transmission from the substitute circulation source to each circulation destination in the group is sequentially carried out by broadcast transmission.
Compared with the case where this is performed by circulation transmission, the transmission of image data from a substitute circulation source to each circulation destination can be completed more quickly. As a result, even when there are many circulation destinations to which the circulation information should be transmitted, the circulation information can be urgently transmitted to each circulation destination.

In particular, the circulation source, which is the parent, wants to confirm the transmission result by transmitting the circulation information about the transmission of the circulation information to the circulation source of each proxy, but the transmission from the circulation source of the proxy to each circulation destination. Regarding the above, if it is not necessary to send the circulation information one by one, by using the latter method, in a shorter time than when transmitting the circulation information to the terminal circulation destination by circulation transmission,
Transmission of circulation information can be completed.

Therefore, as described above, the configuration of the facsimile apparatus brings about an effect that it is possible to configure a facsimile communication system which is excellent in dealing with an emergency in which circulation information needs to be transmitted quickly.

Further, in the above-mentioned first or second facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the communication control section acts as a proxy when the own machine is set as a circulation source which is a parent or a circulation source of a proxy. It can be further characterized in that the transmission of the image data to each circulation destination in the group is started after the transmission of the image data to the circulation source.

When the circulation source transmits the image data to the circulation destination, the circulation source which is the parent and the circulation source of each proxy, the image data to the circulation source of the proxy before transmitting the image data to each circulation destination in the group. Since priority is given to transmitting the image data to each agent, the image data is transmitted to each agent's circulation source quickly, and the image data is transmitted from the agent's circulation source to each circulation destination in the group quickly and quickly. Circulation information can be transmitted to all circulation destinations.

Therefore, as described above, the construction of the facsimile apparatus brings about an effect that a superior facsimile communication system can be constructed in response to an emergency in which the circulation information needs to be quickly transmitted.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a system configuration for realizing a circulation facsimile function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a transmission procedure of circulation transmission and broadcast transmission.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the communication method in the system configuration shown in FIG. 1 in more detail.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a system configuration for realizing a circulation facsimile function according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the communication method in the system configuration shown in FIG. 5 in more detail.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a system configuration for realizing a circulation facsimile function according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a system configuration of a conventional circulation facsimile.

[Explanation of symbols]

A group B group C group A0 Facsimile machine (facsimile machine of circulation origin as parent) A1 Facsimile machine A2 Facsimile machine A3 Facsimile machine B0 Facsimile machine (facsimile machine of substitute circulation origin) B1 Facsimile machine B2 Facsimile machine B3 Facsimile machine C0 Facsimile device (facsimile device as a substitute circulation source) C1 Facsimile device C2 Facsimile device C3 Facsimile device R Parent circulation route RA Sub circulation route RB Sub circulation route RC Sub circulation route

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of circulation destinations are divided into a plurality of groups, a representative circulation destination in each group is set as a substitute circulation source, and when transmitting image data, a circulation source which is a parent Image data from each agent to each agent, and from the agent who received the image data to each agent in the group, and from the parent agent mentioned above. A facsimile characterized by using both circulation transmission and broadcast transmission in a mixed manner for transmission of image data to each substitute circulation source and transmission of image data from the substitute circulation source to each circulation destination in the group. Communication method. 2. The facsimile communication method according to claim 1, wherein the proxy circulation source aggregates the communication results in the group and sends the communication results back to the circulation source which is the parent. 3. The circulation source which is the parent and the circulation source of the proxy give priority to transmission of image data to the circulation source of proxy over transmission of image data to each circulation destination in the group. The facsimile communication method according to claim 1 or 2. 4. A facsimile apparatus having a function of sequentially circulating and transmitting image data and a function of sequentially broadcasting the image data, wherein the communication control unit for realizing the circulation and broadcast transmission is such that the self-device is a master unit. When it is set as a circulation source, the image data is directly transmitted from the machine to each proxy circulation source, and when it is set as the proxy circulation source or circulation destination, the received image data is transmitted to the proxy machine. A facsimile machine, which transmits to a circulation destination next to a child circulation route formed at each circulation destination in a group. 5. A facsimile apparatus having a function of sequentially circulating and transmitting image data and a function of sequentially broadcasting the image data, wherein the communication control unit for realizing the circulation transmission and the broadcast transmission is a parent device. When it is set as the circulation source, the image data is sent from the machine to the next circulation source on the parent circulation route formed by each substitute circulation source, and when it is set as the substitute circulation source, the image data is received. A facsimile machine, wherein the image data is transmitted from the device itself to a circulation source next to the parent circulation route and directly to each circulation destination in the group of the device itself. 6. The communication control unit, when the self-device is set as a parent circulation source or a substitute circulation source, transmits image data to the substitute circulation source, and then transmits it to each circulation destination in the group. 6. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 4, wherein transmission of the image data is started.