JP2003198800A - Internet facsimile machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively utilize an image memory for storing original image data according to an original image data holding effective period. <P>SOLUTION: After storing the original image data in an image data memory area 8a in a compact flash 8, the full-mode Internet facsimile machine 20 for transmitting image data via the Internet 40 by using an e-mail. When a designated effective period has passed (step 51 in the figure 7: YES), a main control part 1 controls the machine to move and store the original image data stored in the image data memory area 8a in the compact flash 8 which is an non- volatile storage means in the image data memory area 7a of a SRAM 7 which is a volatile storage means (step S57). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a full mode internet facsimile apparatus for transmitting image data using electronic mail.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a communication procedure between full mode Internet facsimile machines 20A and 20B according to the prior art.

In a full-mode Internet facsimile apparatus that transmits image data via the Internet using electronic mail, as shown in FIG. 2, in the first communication procedure, the Internet facsimile apparatus 20A on the transmitting side is the original document. After reading the image under the maximum capacity condition of the own station or the capacity condition specified by the user and storing it in the image memory as the original image data, simple image data with a resolution worse than the original image data is generated and the format information of the original image data is stored. , The first e-mail including the simple image data is transmitted via the Internet to the Internet facsimile machine 20B on the receiving side of the other party. In response to this, the Internet facsimile machine 20B on the receiving side receives its own station capability information (information such as image data file format, possible resolution and its aspect ratio, image coding method, paper size width information to be printed). At the same time, a reply e-mail including the image data request is returned to the sending side Internet facsimile apparatus 20A via the Internet. Then, the Internet facsimile machine 20A on the transmitting side generates image data corresponding to the capability information from the original image data stored in the image memory based on the received capability information on the receiving side, and includes the image data. The electronic mail is transmitted to the receiving-side Internet facsimile machine 20B via the Internet. In response to this, the internet facsimile device 20B sends an e-mail containing an OK delivery confirmation to the sender internet facsimile device 20A when it is normally received, or an NG delivery confirmation when it is abnormally received. Reply to

Next, in the second and subsequent communication procedures, the Internet facsimile machine 20A on the transmitting side is used.
Is based on the previously received capability information on the receiving side, generates image data corresponding to the capability information from the original image data stored in the image memory, and sends an email containing the image data via the Internet, It is transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 20B on the receiving side. In response to this, the Internet facsimile machine 20B
If it is received normally, confirm the delivery of OK, or
When it is received abnormally, an electronic mail including a delivery confirmation of NG is returned to the Internet facsimile machine 20A on the transmitting side.

[0005]

In the above-described full-mode Internet facsimile communication procedure, the transmitting-side Internet facsimile machine 20A is the original until it receives the e-mail including the image data request together with its own station capability information. It is necessary to store the image data in the image memory. However, the held image data may be lost due to a power failure of the power supply of the device.

Further, in the Internet facsimile machine on the transmitting side, when transmitting the first simple image data, the effective period for holding the original image data (hereinafter,
It is called the original image data retention valid period. ) Is either transient or semi-permanent (permane
nt) is configured so that it can be declared and specified (hereinafter, the former is referred to as "temporary effective period",
The latter is called "semi-permanent validity period". ). This is prepared in consideration of transmitting from a device with a small memory capacity, but the method of using the image data that retains the original image data is simply to retain it in the image data, and depending on the effective period. Image memory was not used effectively.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and provide an internet facsimile apparatus capable of effectively utilizing an image memory for storing original image data according to an original image data holding effective period. It is in.

Further, the object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and when the power source of the apparatus is restored after a power failure, appropriate processing is executed on the original image data stored in the image memory. It is to provide an internet facsimile machine capable of performing the above.

[0009]

The internet facsimile apparatus according to the first invention of the present application is of a full mode in which original image data is stored in a non-volatile storage means and then the image data is transmitted using an electronic mail. In the Internet facsimile machine, the specification means for declaring and specifying the effective period for holding the original image data, and the original image data stored in the non-volatile storage means when the specified effective period elapses. And a control unit that controls to move and store the data in a volatile storage unit.

Further, the internet facsimile apparatus according to the second invention of the present application stores the original image data in a volatile storage means backed up by a battery and then transmits the image data by using an e-mail. In the Internet facsimile apparatus of No. 1, when the power of the apparatus is restored after a power failure, control is performed to execute transmission error processing including processing of erasing the original image data stored in the volatile storage unit. It is characterized in that it is provided with a control means for controlling.

Further, the internet facsimile apparatus according to the third invention of the present application is the full-mode internet facsimile apparatus which stores the original image data in the storage means and then transmits the image data using electronic mail. Designating means for declaring and designating the valid period for holding image data as a temporary valid period or a semi-permanent valid period, and when the designated valid period is a temporary valid period, the original image data is volatile. While storing in the storage means, when the designated effective period is a semi-permanent effective period, the control means for controlling to store the original image data in the nonvolatile storage means. .

Furthermore, an internet facsimile apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a full mode internet facsimile apparatus which stores original image data in a volatile storage means and then transmits the image data using an electronic mail. In the above, the specifying means for declaring and specifying the effective period for holding the original image data as a temporary effective period or a semi-permanent effective period, and the original image data when the specified effective period is a temporary effective period. Is stored in an area of the volatile storage means that is not backed up by a battery, and when the designated effective period is a semi-permanent effective period, the original image data is stored in the volatile storage means. Control means to control to store in the area that is backed up by the battery of Characterized by comprising.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an Internet facsimile apparatus 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the internet facsimile apparatus 20 according to this embodiment, the original image data is stored in the image data memory area 8a in the compact flash (registered trademark) 8.
Is a full-mode Internet facsimile apparatus that transmits image data via the Internet 40 by using e-mail after storing the image data in the user. When transmitting the image data, the user sets a valid period for holding the original image data. The operation unit 5 is used to declare and specify a "temporary effective period" or a "semi-permanent effective period", where the former "temporary effective period" is the default effective period (for example,
72 hours) or the designated effective period changed from the default using the operation unit 5, while the semi-permanent effective period of the latter is an infinite time value as long as the compact flash (registered trademark) 8 as the image memory functions effectively. Have. When the designated valid period has elapsed (YES in step S51 of FIG. 7), the main control unit 1 stores the image data in the image data memory area 8a of the compact flash (registered trademark) 8 which is a non-volatile storage unit. It is characterized in that the original image data is controlled to be moved and stored in the image data memory area 7a of the SRAM 7 which is a volatile storage means (step S57). When the designated valid period has elapsed (YES in step S51 of FIG. 7) and the image data deletion mode is set (YES in step S52), the image data of the compact flash (registered trademark) 8 is displayed. The original image data stored in the memory area 8a is erased (step S5).
3).

In FIG. 1, the Internet facsimile machine 20 has a facsimile communication function of the conventional G3 system or the like, and also has a full mode Internet facsimile function having the communication procedure of FIG. The main control unit 1 is specifically configured by a CPU, and the bus 1
It is connected to the following hardware units via 3 and controls them, and also executes various software functions described later. The image reading unit 2 reads a document with a scanner using a CCD or the like and outputs dot image data converted into monochrome binary. The image recording unit 3 is a printer device such as an electrophotographic system, and prints out and records the image data received by facsimile communication from another facsimile device as a hard copy. Display unit 4
Is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a CRT display, and displays the operating state of the Internet facsimile machine 20 and displays image data of a document to be transmitted and received image data.

The operation unit 5 is provided with character keys necessary for operating the Internet facsimile machine 20, a numeric keypad for dialing, a speed dial key, a one-touch dial key, and various function keys. The display unit 4 may be of a touch panel type so that some or all of the various keys of the operation unit 5 may be substituted.

The ROM 6 previously stores various software programs required for the operation of the Internet facsimile machine 20 and executed by the main control unit 1. These programs are at least as shown in FIGS.
7 includes a program for full-mode Internet facsimile transmission processing shown in FIG. 7 and processing for processing after the expiration of the image data valid period (interruption processing) shown in FIG. 7, for example, in a recording medium such as a floppy disk, MO, DVD-RAM The program may be recorded and loaded into the SRAM 7 via the drive device as necessary to execute the program. The SRAM 7 is used as a working area of the main control unit 1 and stores temporary data generated when the program is executed. Here, the SRAM 7 is backed up by a battery such as a secondary battery. The compact flash (registered trademark) 8 includes an image data memory area 8a for storing image data and a communication management record table area 8b which is a memory area for recording a communication management record table.

The fax modem 10 is a public telephone line L.
It is a modem that is connected to the public telephone network 50 via the and has a function of a fax modem for ordinary facsimile communication. NCU (Network control circuit: Network)
Control Unit) 11 is a hardware circuit for closing and opening a DC loop of an analog public telephone line L and having an automatic dial function,
The fax modem 10 is connected to the public telephone line L as required. Here, the NCU 11 detects an ID receiving terminal activation signal and a normal telephone ringing signal in the originating telephone number notification service, and transmits a primary response signal and a secondary response signal in the originating telephone number notification service as necessary. can do. The NCU 11 is connected to a predetermined terminal adapter and DSU (subscriber line termination device: Dig
You may make it connect to the digital line (for example, ISDN line) of a baseband transmission system via ital Service Unit.

The interface circuit 12 is a LAN interface circuit which performs signal conversion of signals and data and protocol conversion in order to connect the Internet facsimile apparatus 20 to a LAN 30 such as Ethernet (registered trademark). Is connected to the mail server device 31 and the router device 32. Furthermore, the router device 32 is connected to a mail server device (not shown) of the other party via the Internet 40. When the image data is inserted from the Internet facsimile machine 20 into the body of the e-mail and the mail is transmitted to another Internet facsimile machine, the interface circuit 12 once transmits to the mail server apparatus 31 via the LAN 30, and then the mail is transmitted. The server device 31 sends the internet mail to the destination internet facsimile device via the LAN 30, the router device 32, the internet 40, and the destination mail server device (not shown). On the other hand, when receiving e-mail, the e-mail is received through the reverse route. The line connection to the Internet 40 is not limited to a dedicated line or the like, and may be a dial-up connection using the public telephone line L.

The Internet facsimile machine 20 of the present embodiment having the above-described structure has the function of facsimile communication such as the normal G3 system and the Internet.
It has an Internet facsimile function. In the facsimile communication function, the dot image data read by the image reading unit 2 is encoded by software according to the encoding system such as MH, MR, MMR defined by the facsimile communication standard, and then the facsimile machine of the other party. On the other hand, on the other hand, the encoded data received from the facsimile machine of the other party is also decoded into image data by the software and output from the image recording unit 3 as a hard copy.

Next, an example of an electronic mail at the time of full-mode Internet facsimile transmission according to this embodiment will be shown below.

First, Table 1 shows an example of an electronic mail when transmitting simple image data. As is apparent from Table 1, the format information of the inserted image data (file format of the image data, possible resolution and its aspect ratio, image encoding method, printing is performed before the inserted TIFF format image data). Information such as paper size width information)
It includes format information of the original image data (file format of image data, possible resolution and its aspect ratio, image encoding method, width information of paper size to be printed, etc.). Also, in line 8 of Table 1, "permanent"
However, this means that the original image data retention effective period is “semi-permanent”.

[0024]

[Table 1] Example of e-mail when sending simple image data ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Date: Wed, 20 Sep 1995 00:18:00 +0900 From: Sender@terminalA.ifax Message-Id: <199509200019.12345@terminalA.ifax> Subject: Internet FAX Full Mode Sample1 To: Recipient@terminalB.ifax Disposition-Notification-To: Sender@terminalA.ifax Disposition-Notification-Options:      Alternative-available = optional, permanent MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart / mixed;          boundary = "RAA14128.773615765" --RAA14128.773615765 Content-type: image / tiff, application = faxbw Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-features:   (& (color = Binary)      (image-file-structure = TIFF-minimal)      (dpi = 200)      (dpi-xyratio = 1)      (paper-size = A4)      (image-codng = MH)      (MRC-mode = 0)      (ua-media = stationery)) Content-alternative:   (& (color = Binary)      (image-file-structure = TIFF-limited)      (dpi = 400)      (dpi-xyratio = 1)      (paper-size = A4)      (image-coding = MMR)      (MRC-mode = 0)      (ua-media = stationery)) [TIFF-FX Profile-S image data] --RAA14128.773615765-- ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

Next, Table 2 shows an example of an electronic mail when transmitting the image data request. As is clear from Table 2,
At the end of the e-mail, the recipient's own capability information (image data file format, possible resolutions and aspect ratios, image encoding methods, paper size width information for printing, etc.)
Is included.

[0026]

[Table 2] Example of email when sending image data request ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Date: Wed, 20 Sep 1995 00:19:00 +0900 From: Recipient@terminalB.ifax Message-Id: <199509200020.12345@terminalB.ifax> Subject: Re: Internet Fax Full Mode Sample1 To: Sender@terminalA.ifax MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart / report;         report-type = disposition-notification;         boundary = "RAA14128.773615766" --RAA14128.773615766 The message sent on 1995 Sep 20 at 00:18:00 +0900 to Receipt@terminaliB.ifax with subject "Internet Fax Full Mode Sample1 "has been received.An alternative form of the message data is requested. -RAA14128.773615788 Content-Type: message / disposition-notification Reporting-UA: Recipient terminalB.ifax; IFAX-FullMode Original-Recipient: rfc822; Recipient@terminalB.ifax Final-Recipient: rfc822; Recipient@terminalB.ifax Original-Message-ID: <199509200019.12345@terminalA.ifax> Disposition: automatic-action / MDN-sent-automatically;          deleted / alternative-preferred Media-Accept-Features:   (& (color = Binary)     (image-file-structure = TIFF)     (| (& (dpi = 200) (dpi-xyratio = 200/100))       (& (dpi = 200) (dpi-xyratio = 1))       (& (dpi = 400) (dpi-xyratio = 1)))     (| (image-coding = [MH, MR, MMR])       (& (image-coding = JBIG)         (image-coding-constraint = JBIG-T85)         (JBIG-stripe-size = 128)))     (MRC-mode = 0)     (paper-size = [A4, B4])     (ua-media = stationery)) --RAA14128.773615766-- ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

Further, Table 3 shows an example of an electronic mail when transmitting the image data for the second time. As is clear from Table 3, the converted TIFF format image data is inserted at the end of the electronic mail.

[0028]

[Table 3] Example of e-mail when sending the second image data ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Date: Wed, 20 Sep 1995 00:21:00 +0900 From: Sender@terminalA.ifax Message-Id: <199509200021.12345@terminalA.ifax> Original-Message-Id: <199509200019.12345@terminalA.ifax> Subject: Internet FAX Full Mode Sample2 To: Recipient@terminalB.ifax Disposition-Notification-To: Sender@terminalA.ifax MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart / mixed;         boundary = "RAA14128.773615768" --RAA14128.773615768 Content-type: image / tiff; application = faxbw Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 [TIFF-FX Profile-F image data] --RAA14128.773615768-- ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

Further, Table 4 shows an example of an electronic mail when sending the delivery confirmation. As is clear from Table 4, the delivery confirmation information is inserted at the beginning of the email,
The last part of the information includes the capability information of the receiving side (file format of image data, possible resolution and its aspect ratio, image coding method, width information of paper size to be printed, etc.).

[0030]

[Table 4] Example of e-mail when sending delivery confirmation ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Date: Wed, 20 Sep 1995 00:22:00 +0900 From: Recipient@terminalB.ifax Message-Id: <199509200022.12345@terminalB.ifax> Subject: Re; Internet FAX Full Mode Sample2 To: Sender@terminalA.ifax MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart / report;         report-type = disposition-notification;         boundary = "RAA14128.773615769" --RAA14128.773615769 The message sent on 1995 Sep 20 at 00:21:00 +0900 to Recipient@terminalB.ifax with subject "Internet FAX Full Mode Sample2 "has been processed in Internet FAX Full Mode. --RAA14128.773615769 Content-Type: message / disposition-notification Reporting-UA: Recipient, terminalB.ifax; IFAX-FullMode Original-Recipient: rfc822; Recipient@terminalB.ifax Final-Recipient: rfc822; Recipient@terminalB.ifax Original-Message-ID: <199509200021.12345@terminalA.ifax> Disposition: automatic-action / MDN-sent-automatically; processed Media-Accept-Features:   (& (color = Binary)      (image-file-structure = TIFF)      (| (& (dpi = 200) (dpi-xyratio = 200/100))        (& (dpi = 200) (dpi-xyratio = 1))        (& (dpi = 400) (dpi-xyratio = 1)))      (| (image-coding = [MH, MR, MMR])        (& (image-coding = JBIG)          (image-coding-constraint = JBIG-T85)          (JBIG-stripe-size = 128)))      (MRC-mode = 0)      (paper-size = [A4, B4])      (ua-media = stationery)) --RAA14128.773615769 / terminalB.ifax-- ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a full-mode Internet facsimile transmission process executed by the main control unit 1 of the Internet facsimile machine 20 shown in FIG.

In step S1 of FIG. 3, first, it is determined whether or not the start key is turned on, and when the result is YES, the original image in step S2 is the maximum capacity condition of the own station or the capacity condition specified by the user. Read in step S3 and store as original image data in the image data memory area 8a in the compact flash (registered trademark) 8, and in step S3, send an e-mail containing the simple image data together with the format information of the original image data via the Internet 40. To the Internet facsimile machine of. Next, in step S4, it is determined whether or not a reply is received from the other party's Internet facsimile machine. If NO, the process proceeds to step S5, and if YES, the process proceeds to step S8. Step S
5, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed. If NO, the process returns to step S4, while Y
If ES, go to step S6. Then, step S
In 6, it is determined whether or not the number of retransmissions is a predetermined number (for example, 5 times) or less. If YES, the process returns to step S3, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S7. After executing the transmission error process of FIG. 4 in step S7, the Internet facsimile transmission process is ended.

Further, in step S8, it is judged whether or not it is an image data request. If YES, the process proceeds to step S9, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S10. After executing the image data transmission process of FIG. 6 in step S9,
The internet facsimile transmission process is ended.
On the other hand, it is determined in step S10 whether or not the delivery of OK is confirmed, and if YES, the process proceeds to step S11.
If NO, the process proceeds to step S12. After executing the transmission completion process of FIG. 5 in step S11, the Internet facsimile transmission process is ended. On the other hand, in step S12, after the transmission error process of FIG. 4 is executed, the Internet facsimile transmission process is ended.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the transmission error processing (S7, S12, S45) which is the subroutine of FIGS.

When the original image data stored in the image data memory area 8a is erased in step S21 of FIG. 4 and the reply cannot be received from the other party in step S22, or the delivery confirmation of NG is received, As described above, the transmission error report notifying that the original image data has been erased is printed and output using the image recording unit 3, and in step S23, the transmission error is recorded in the communication management recording table in the compact flash (registered trademark) 8. Record in area 8b and return to the original main routine.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the transmission completion processing (S11, S46) which is a subroutine of FIGS.

In step S31 of FIG. 5, first, the original image data stored in the image data memory area 8a is erased, and in step S32, the completion of the transmission is notified by the communication management record table area 8b in the compact flash (registered trademark) 8. Record and return to the original main routine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the image data transmission process (S9) which is the subroutine of FIG.

In step S41 of FIG. 6, first, the original image data in the image data memory area 8a is converted into a format required by the image data request, and an e-mail containing the converted image data is transmitted via the Internet 40. And transmits it to the other party's Internet facsimile machine, and in step S42, it is determined whether or not an OK delivery confirmation is received. If NO, the process proceeds to step S43, and if YES, the process proceeds to step S46. In step S43, a predetermined time (for example, 30
It is determined whether or not (minutes) have elapsed. If NO, the process returns to step S42, while if YES, the process proceeds to step S44. In step S44, it is determined whether or not the number of retransmissions is a predetermined number (for example, 5 times) or less. If YES, the process returns to step S41, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S45. In step S45, after executing the transmission error process of FIG. 4, the process returns to the original main routine. On the other hand, in step S46, after the transmission completion process of FIG. 5 is executed, the process returns to the original main routine.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a process after the image data valid period has elapsed, which is an interrupt process executed by the main control unit 1 of the Internet facsimile machine 20 of FIG.

In step S51 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not a predetermined effective period for holding the original image data has elapsed. When YES, it is determined in step S52 whether or not the image data erasing mode is set. When NO, the process proceeds to step S57, and when YES, the process proceeds to step S53. In step S57, the original image data in the image data memory area 8a is stored in the SRAM.
After moving to the image data memory area 7a in the image data storage area 7a and storing the image data memory area 7a, the processing is terminated after the expiration of the image data valid period. On the other hand, in step S53, the image data memory area 8a
The original image data is erased, and in step S54, an image data erasure notification mail notifying that the original image data has been erased is transmitted to the other party's Internet facsimile machine via the Internet 40. Further, in step S55, an image data erasing report is printed and output, and in step S56, the image data erasing is performed by the CompactFlash (registered trademark) 8
The data is recorded in the internal communication management record table area 8b, and the process ends after the image data valid period.

In the full-mode Internet facsimile machine 20, first, simple image data accompanied by information of original image data is transmitted, and if there is an image data request from the other party, the image data according to the capability condition of the other party is retransmitted. To do. However, since the Internet facsimile machine 20 on the transmitting side needs to retain the original image data during this period, the validity period of the original image data is temporarily set when transmitting the first simple image data.
It can be either (transient) or semi-permanent (permanent). In either case, it is conceivable that the Internet facsimile machine 20 on the transmitting side has some validity period, but before the image data request comes from the destination or the delivery confirmation comes at the transmitting side, It is necessary to properly process the original image data when the power is turned off due to a power failure or the like. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the original image data within the valid period is stored in the image data memory area 8a in the compact flash (registered trademark) 8 and is stored in the image data memory area 7a in the SRAM 7 after the valid period elapses. Moved and stored. This allows
It is possible to prevent the original image data from being occupied in the compact flash (registered trademark) 8 for a long period of time.
It is possible to prepare for new transmission / reception processing.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when transmitting image data, the user uses the operation unit 5 to set the "temporary effective period" or "temporary effective period" for holding the original image data. The semi-permanent effective period "is declared and specified, and when the specified effective period has passed (YES in step S51 of FIG. 7), the main control unit 1 is a non-volatile storage unit such as a compact flash (registered). The original image data stored in the image data memory area 8a of the trademark (trademark) 8 is moved to the image data memory area 7a of the SRAM 7 which is a volatile storage means and stored (step S57). Therefore, the image memory holding the original image data can be effectively used by the non-volatile storage means and the volatile storage means according to the original image data holding effective period, and the image memory can be effectively used. Can be used.

<Modification> In the above embodiment, an example of the Internet facsimile machine 20 is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the Internet facsimile machine 20 is connected to a public network such as a public telephone network or a public digital line network. The present invention can be applied to communication terminal devices including, for example, telephones and data communication devices.

In the above embodiment, the main controller 1
If the reply e-mail cannot be received even after re-sending the e-mail a predetermined number of times, prints and outputs the occurrence of a transmission error as a transmission error report (step S22 in FIG. 4). However, the electronic mail including the transmission error report may be transmitted to the other party's Internet facsimile machine or the Internet facsimile machine monitoring the Internet facsimile machine 20. Therefore, if the reply e-mail cannot be received even after re-sending, it is transmitted to the other party's Internet facsimile machine or the Internet facsimile machine monitoring the Internet facsimile machine 20. Users can understand the status of the sender.

In the above embodiment, after the effective period has elapsed, the processing after the image data effective period in FIG. 7 is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and even within the effective period, step S57. Alternatively, steps S53 to S5
The process of 6 may be executed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a power restoration process according to a modified example, which is an interrupt process executed by the main control unit 1 of the Internet facsimile machine 20 of FIG. 1, and this process is the same as the process of step S57. This is the process after execution. In step S61 of FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not the power is restored after a power failure for a predetermined time or more. If YES, the process proceeds to step S62, while N
When it is O, the power supply restoration processing is ended. Next, in step S62, the original image data remaining in the image data memory area 8a may not be accurate data such as memory data abnormality.
The original image data remaining in the image data memory area 7a is erased. Then, in step S63, an image data deletion notification mail notifying that the original image data has been deleted is transmitted to the other party's Internet facsimile machine via the Internet 40, and in step S64 an image data deletion report is printed and output. In step S65, the deletion of the image data is recorded in the communication management recording table 8b in the compact flash (registered trademark) 8 and the power restoration process is completed.

According to this power restoration processing, when the power of the apparatus is restored after a power failure, it is considered that accurate data such as memory data abnormality is lost.
A transmission error process including a process of erasing unnecessary original image data stored in the image data memory area 7a of the SRAM 7 which is a volatile storage unit is executed. Therefore, even when the power supply of the apparatus is restored after a power failure, it is possible to execute appropriate processing on the original image data stored in the image memory.

As a premise of the power recovery process of FIG.
Although the processing is performed after the processing of step S57 is performed, the present invention is not limited to this, and when reading a document image,
The original image data may be stored in the image data memory area 7a of the SRAM 7.

When the valid period for holding the original image data is declared and designated as a temporary valid period or a semi-permanent valid period, the main control section 1 determines that the designated valid period is a temporary valid period. When the specified effective period is a semi-permanent effective period, the original image data is stored in a non-volatile manner while the original image data is stored in the image data memory area 7a of the SRAM 7 which is a volatile storage means. It may be controlled so as to be stored in the image data memory area 8a of the compact flash (registered trademark) 8 which is the storage means of the above. Therefore, the image memory holding the original image data can be effectively used by the non-volatile storage means and the volatile storage means according to the original image data holding effective period, and the image memory can be effectively used. Can be used. Further, in this case, as the image memory for holding the original image data, the non-volatile storage means and the volatile storage means may be effectively used separately for each facsimile communication or each transmission destination.

Further, when the valid period for holding the original image data is declared and designated as a temporary valid period or a semi-permanent valid period, the main control unit 1 causes the designated valid period to be a temporary valid period. , The original image data is stored in the SRAM 7 which is the volatile storage means.
Of the SRAM 7 which is the volatile storage means, the original image data is backed up by the battery when the designated effective period is a semi-permanent effective period. You may control so that it may store in the area currently hold | maintained. Therefore, the image memory holding the original image data is effectively used according to the original image data holding effective period, that is, the area backed up by the battery and the area not backed up in the volatile storage means. Therefore, the image memory can be effectively used. In this case, it is effective when the SRAM 7 has a small area not backed up by the battery. Further, in this case, as an image memory for holding the original image data, an area which is backed up by a battery and an area which is not backed up by the battery in the volatile storage means are provided for each facsimile communication or each transmission destination. You may use them properly.

[0052]

As described in detail above, according to the internet facsimile apparatus of the first invention of the present application, after storing the original image data in the non-volatile storage means,
In a full-mode Internet facsimile apparatus that transmits image data using electronic mail, a specifying unit that declares and specifies the effective period for holding the original image data, and when the specified effective period has passed, And a control unit that controls the original image data stored in the non-volatile storage unit so that the original image data is moved to and stored in the volatile storage unit. Therefore, the image memory holding the original image data can be effectively used by the non-volatile storage means and the volatile storage means according to the original image data holding effective period, and the image memory can be effectively used. Can be used.

According to the internet facsimile apparatus of the second invention of the present application, the original image data is stored in the volatile storage means backed up by the battery, and then the image data is transmitted by using the electronic mail. In a full-mode Internet facsimile machine, when the power supply of the machine is restored after a power failure, a transmission error process including a process of erasing the original image data stored in the volatile storage means is executed. And a control means for controlling. Therefore, when the power of the device is restored after a power failure, the unnecessary original image data stored in the volatile storage means is taken into consideration in consideration of the case where accurate data such as memory data error is lost. Executes transmission error processing including processing to delete. Therefore, even when the power supply of the apparatus is restored after a power failure, it is possible to execute appropriate processing on the original image data stored in the image memory.

Further, according to the internet facsimile apparatus of the third invention of the present application, in the full mode internet facsimile apparatus which stores the original image data in the storage means and then transmits the image data by using the electronic mail, Designating means for declaring and designating the valid period for holding the original image data as a temporary valid period or a semi-permanent valid period, and volatilizing the original image data when the designated valid period is the temporary valid period. And a control unit that controls the original image data to be stored in the non-volatile storage unit when the designated effective period is a semi-permanent effective period. Therefore, the image memory holding the original image data can be effectively used by the non-volatile storage means and the volatile storage means according to the original image data holding effective period, and the image memory can be effectively used. Can be used.

Furthermore, according to the internet facsimile apparatus of the fourth invention of the present application, the full mode internet in which the original image data is stored in the volatile storage means and then the image data is transmitted by using the electronic mail. In the facsimile device, a designating unit for declaring and designating the valid period for holding the original image data as a temporary valid period or a semi-permanent valid period, and the original unit when the designated valid period is a temporary valid period. The image data is stored in a region of the volatile storage means that is not backed up by a battery, while the original image data is stored in the volatile storage means when the designated effective period is a semi-permanent effective period. Control to store in the area that is backed up by the battery And a stage. Therefore, depending on the original image data retention valid period, the image memory that retains the original image data can be selectively used in the volatile storage means, that is, the area backed up by the battery and the area not backed up by the battery. Therefore, the image memory can be effectively used.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an internet facsimile apparatus 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a communication procedure between full-mode Internet facsimile machines 20A and 20B according to a conventional technique.

FIG. 3 is an internet facsimile apparatus 20 of FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing a full-mode Internet facsimile transmission process executed by the main control unit 1.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a transmission error process (S7, S12, S45) which is a subroutine of FIGS. 3 and 6.

5 is a flowchart showing a transmission completion process (S11, S46) which is a subroutine of FIGS. 3 and 6. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an image data transmission process (S9) which is a subroutine of FIG.

FIG. 7 is an internet facsimile apparatus 20 of FIG.
Interrupt processing executed by the main control unit 1 of
9 is a flowchart showing processing after the image data valid period has elapsed.

FIG. 8 is an Internet facsimile machine 20 of FIG.
Interrupt processing executed by the main control unit 1 of
It is a flowchart which shows the power supply restoration process which concerns on a modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Main control unit, 2 ... Image reading unit, 3 ... Image recording section, 4 ... Display, 5 ... operation part, 6 ... ROM, 7 ... SRAM, 7a ... image data memory area, 8 ... Compact Flash (registered trademark), 8a ... Image data memory area, 8b ... communication management record table area, 10 ... fax modem, 11 ... NCU, 12 ... Interface circuit, 13 ... bus, 20 ... Internet facsimile machine, 30 ... LAN, 31 ... Mail server device, 32 ... router device, 40 ... Internet, 50 ... Public telephone network, L: Public telephone line.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A full-mode Internet facsimile apparatus in which original image data is stored in a non-volatile storage means, and then the image data is transmitted using an electronic mail, and a valid period for holding the original image data is declared. And a control means for controlling the original image data stored in the non-volatile storage means to be moved to and stored in the volatile storage means when the designated effective period has elapsed. An internet facsimile machine characterized by comprising: 2. A full-mode Internet facsimile apparatus that stores original image data in a volatile storage means backed up by a battery and then transmits the image data by using an electronic mail. An internet facsimile including control means for controlling to perform transmission error processing including processing for erasing the original image data stored in the volatile storage means when returning after apparatus. 3. A full-mode Internet facsimile apparatus for storing original image data in a storage means and then transmitting the image data using an electronic mail,
Designating means for declaring and designating the valid period for holding the original image data as a temporary valid period or a semi-permanent valid period, and volatilizing the original image data when the designated valid period is the temporary valid period. And a control means for controlling the original image data to be stored in the non-volatile storage means when the designated validity period is a semi-permanent validity period. Internet fax machine. 4. A full-mode internet facsimile apparatus that stores original image data in a volatile storage means and then transmits the image data by using an e-mail, and temporarily stores the effective period for holding the original image data. Designating means for declaring and designating a valid period or a semi-permanent valid period, and when the designated valid period is a temporary valid period, the original image data is backed up by a battery of the volatile storage means. While storing the data in a non-stored area, when the designated valid period is a semi-permanent valid period, the original image data is controlled to be stored in a region of the volatile storage means that is backed up by a battery. An Internet facsimile machine, comprising: