JP2003209652A - Apparatus with facsimile function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus having a facsimile function capable of improving the convenience for managing a received document file by flexibly utilizing the excellent function provided in the apparatus having the facsimile function. <P>SOLUTION: The digital composite apparatus 200 with the facsimile function, connected to a personal computer 100 to transmit/receive a document file to/ from the computer 100, saves the received document in a storage medium, and also uploads it to the computer 100. A document deletion function is provided so that, when the received document is deleted on the computer 100 side, the received document saved in the storage medium is simultaneously deleted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile function
For details, refer to the host computer
Connect and send and receive document files with the host computer
Facsimile machine or digital MFP
The present invention relates to an apparatus having a facsimile function. [0002] Conventionally, personal computers and facsimile machines are known.
Like a PC (personal computer) with a modem
On a computer and copy word processing documents created on
A function that allows facsimile transmission is provided. Ma
In addition, a computer with such a personal computer / facsimile function
At SOKON, texts sent from other facsimile machines
It is also possible to receive facsimile documents. In recent years, personal computers have been used mainly in North America.
Facsimile machine or digital MFP
Connected to a device that has a facsimile function
Created from a personal computer with a word processor function, etc.
The function to send the document file as it is
You. In addition, it is possible to receive faxes received by a device with a facsimile function.
Copy the manuscript (document file) to a computer without outputting it to paper
It is also possible to suck and read on the display screen
And is widely used, especially from a paperless perspective.
It is expected that it will be. A facsimile function is provided for such a personal computer.
Facsimile transmission and reception system connected to
Can be used in the following methods. [0005] A model of an apparatus having a facsimile function
To send and receive data directly to and from other devices,
Facsimile function for the document file created on the
After downloading to the memory of the device with
Memory transmission using the function of the device side having the
Or a file once received from another device.
The data is stored in the memory of the device having the facsimile function,
It is possible to receive memory in the form of downloading to the PC afterwards.
You. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the conventional facsimile transmission / reception system, the personal computer side
To directly send and receive facsimile document files.
Can be sent and received, but can be handled by the PC.
File) resolution, paper size, image compression mode, etc.
Is limited by the functions and capabilities of the PC.
Since the functions and capabilities of the simil transmission and reception have been determined,
As shown in the figure, equipment with facsimile function
The problem of not being able to fully utilize the functions and capabilities
was there. First, it has a personal computer and a facsimile function.
Interface to connect to the device
C serial I / F, slow data transfer speed
Between a personal computer and a device with facsimile function
Exchangeable data is also limited to 200 dpi resolution
High resolution (fine characters, equivalent to 400 dpi)
File cannot be received on PC
Was. [0008] Second, the personal computer can receive a paper sheet.
Because the size is limited to A4 / B4 size, it is indefinite
Document files such as A3 size and A3 size
Could not receive directly. Third, a basic facsimile is provided on the personal computer side.
Only the function related to the transmission and reception of similli was supported.
Confidential files and files with personal ID
File, for example, if you have a facsimile function
Files received by confidential reception on a personal computer
Confidentiality is lost due to loss of confidential information,
Anyone can read as a file. Conversely, facsimile
Files that have been confidentially received by a device with functions
If you prohibit downloading to a confidential file
Can not be stored on the PC side
Inconvenience or user cannot use facsimile function with PC side
Check whether the received file exists on both the device side
Inconvenience occurs because it is necessary to perform it. Fourth, a device having a facsimile function
As one of the functions, documents scanned by your own scanner
Document file stored in the storage medium in the file
There is a document attachment sending function that attaches a document as an attachment
However, on the PC side, basic facsimile transmission and reception
Document attachment because only supported function
Could not do. The present invention has been made in view of the above.
And excellent functions of the equipment with facsimile function
By flexibly using
The purpose is to improve the convenience of management. [0012] To achieve the above object,
An apparatus having a facsimile function according to claim 1.
Is connected to the host computer and the host computer
Facsimile function to send and receive document files with the computer
The received document file in the storage medium
Store it on your body and update it on the host computer.
And receive the data on the host computer.
When a document file is deleted, it is stored in the storage medium.
Document file for deleting the received document file
A file deletion function is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a facsimile function of the present invention will be described.
One embodiment of the device having
Will be described. FIG. 1 shows a facsimile transmission / reception system of this embodiment.
FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram of a stem. In the figure, 100 is a host
PC is a computer, 200 is a facsimile machine
Digital multifunction peripheral 300 is a host device
Connecting Computer 100 and Digital Multifunction Device 200
The connection I / F (interface) is shown. This implementation
In this example, a device with facsimile function
An example using the multifunction device 200 will be described.
Of course, a re-device may be used. Note that the digital multifunction peripheral 200
Facsimile to realize the facsimile function
Application (hereinafter referred to as FAX application)
Printer application to implement printer functions
Includes copier applications that implement copier functions
Other applications to store image data
Control section 201 having a page memory and the like, and control section 20
The document is automatically conveyed to a predetermined reading position by the control of 1.
Automatic document feeder (ADF) 202 and control unit 201
The document conveyed by the ADF 202 under the control of
The scanner 203 for reading and the control of the control unit 201
Printer engine that outputs image data to recording paper
204. Further, as the connection I / F 300, a facsimile
Simulator (facsimile function) and personal computer (host
General connection I /
“TR29” which is F is used. However, it is particularly limited.
Not only, for example, not only RS232C but now
Later, the Ethernet (registered
Of course, an I / F such as a trademark can be used.
You. In the above configuration, a basic data when the TR29 is used as the connection I / F.
Data flow Highly confidential document file processing resolution, paper size, image compression mode, etc.
Attached and sent function of conforming documents Document file of Pancon and statement of facsimile function
The operation will be described in the order of the function of transferring the document file using the print control command and the function of deleting the document file. When TR29 is used as connection I / F
Basic data flow of connection First, as shown in this embodiment, connection I
Basic data when TR29 is used as / F300
For the purpose of explaining the flow of data,
Communication, direct reception, memory transmission, and memory reception.
You. Note that the digital multifunction peripheral 20
0 indicates only blocks related to the facsimile function.
The meanings of the abbreviations in the figure are as follows. DIU: Using the connection I / F 300,
A device for connecting the Socon 100 and the digital MFP 200
Place. When the connection I / F 300 is TR29
Is RS232C serial I / F and its driver software
Command exchange with the PC 100 and compression
Exchanges image data. DCR: Block for performing compression / decompression processing. SAF: Temporarily saves document files such as sent originals and received originals
This is a block including a memory for storage. MODEM: Modem. Modulation and demodulation functions for public lines
On the other hand, modulation of transmission data and demodulation of reception data are performed. The direct transmission is basically performed as shown in FIG.
Document files created or maintained on the personal computer 100
(Compressed data) as it is via the connection I / F 300
Flow to MODEM and control communication protocol by PC1
This is performed on the 00 side. In the case of direct reception, as shown in FIG.
If there is a facsimile reception (incoming call), the connection I
Notify PC 100 via / F300
100 controls the reception and the received document file
It is stored on the personal computer 100 side. However, there was an incoming call
At this time, the personal computer 100 cannot receive data for some reason
In the case of the state, as shown in the memory reception described later,
The digital multifunction peripheral 200 receives the data as usual and stores it in the memory (SA).
F). As shown in FIG.
A document file transmitted from the application 100 is connected to the connection I / F 300.
To the memory (SAF) of the digital MFP 200 via
Facsimile machine of digital multifunction device 200
Facsimile transmission in the same way as normal memory transmission
Is what you do. In the memory reception, as shown in FIG.
Reception using facsimile function of digital multifunction peripheral 200
The received document file is stored in the memory (SAF) and received.
After the completion, it is sent to the personal computer 100 side. Was
However, the output operation during memory reception depends on the user's selection.
So, for example, output at the time of reception, or
Transfer to PC 100 side
If you print on the digital MFP 200 after transferring to the
The post-processing can be set as described above. Processing of highly confidential document file In the present invention, the received document file is
, The personal computer 100 and the digital multifunction peripheral 200
Encrypts and sends highly confidential document files between
And access to sensitive document files.
Manage access rights. Specifically, as shown in FIG.
Document file on the personal computer 100 via the I / F 300
When you download a special ID (Identification)
In addition to adding information to the document file,
To prevent the contents of the document file from being read on
Is subjected to a specific encryption. For example, the connection I / F 300
To transfer the document file to the PC 100 via
By changing the order of data, easy and sufficient encryption can be performed.
I can. In general, the facsimile function has high confidentiality.
Confidential transmission /
Confidential reception, ID transmission, ID reception, personal ID transmission,
There is a personal ID reception. Document files received by confidential reception or ID reception
When outputting a file, the specific confidential number registered on the receiver side
Can be retrieved by specifying the number or ID number
You. Naturally, these confidential numbers and ID numbers are
Open to the public, so that confidentiality is maintained
Has become. Further, regarding the personal ID, the transmitting side
The receiving side agrees and specifies the same ID
Reading is possible on the receiving side. Confidentiality received via connection I / F 300
Protect these document files
One way to do this is to use confidential information and ID information.
Information in the form in which the information is added to the information of the document file.
To the application software on the PC 100
Also manages these confidential information and ID information,
Do not specify the corresponding confidential information and ID information.
As long as the document file cannot be accessed
There is a way to apply a test. Another method for further enhancing protection
As a document file to which confidential information and ID information are added.
For certain files, the order of the data is
There is a way to switch between them. Compressed file field
If you change the order of the data, a decompression error occurs
So, as it is, see the file on the personal computer 100
I can't. This data exchange is performed by the connection I / F
300 may be performed when passing through the PC 100
It may be performed on the side, and of course,
Go when passing data from 00 to the connection I / F 300
Is also good. The document file encrypted in this way is
When reading on the personal computer 100, the confidential code, ID information
Information to return to the original order on the PC 100 side
And read correctly. Resolution, paper size, image compression mode, etc.
Next, the resolution, paper size, image compression mode, etc. of the present invention
A description will now be given of a process for conforming to the usable conditions of. The general personal computer 100 and the connection I / F 3
The resolution of TR29 which is 00 is 200 dpi
Is the basis. Some paper sizes are B4 size.
Some of them only respond to the ises. This is the solution
When the image density or paper size increases, the PC 100
This is because the required memory capacity increases, in other words,
If the solution is limited by the memory capacity of the PC 100,
The resolution and paper size are fixed. For example, an original of 400 dpi in A3 size
(Document file) is about 4MB of memory
Required. Further, even with a general facsimile machine, 40
In order to be able to handle 0 dpi, an optional memo
It is necessary to purchase and re-install. The resolution / paper size / image compression mode of the present invention
The conforming process for the usable conditions such as
A document file of 400 dpi resolution received at 00,
A3 size document files, etc. via the connection I / F300
That can be downloaded to the personal computer 100
is there. The document file received by the digital MFP 200
To upload files to the PC 100,
Check the contents on the screen of the personal computer 100 for
Print and save only what is needed
User to create a file for re-use, etc.
-It varies according to. However, in the performance of the personal computer 100, A3
Document files of size or 400 dpi
If it cannot be handled, the fax
Even if the re-function can respond to these and receive, the connection I / F3
Uploading to PC 100 via 00
Can not be done. Therefore, in this embodiment, the digital composite
On the machine 200 side, according to the function and ability of the personal computer 100 side
For example, an A3 size document file is converted to a B4 size document file.
Automatic reduction to a document file or 400 dpi document file
Converts a file to a 200 dpi document file
To the PC 100 via the connection I / F 300
You. Note that changes in paper size and conversion of resolution
Expands and expands the received data (compressed data) on the memory
Can be easily executed by performing the thinning process.
You. That is, the personal computer 10 via the connection I / F 300
When uploading to 0, expand processing → thinning processing → re-
What is necessary is just to perform a compression process. These processes are supported by software
Is possible, but if processing time is a concern
May be performed by hardware. Document attachment transmission function One of the facsimile functions is to copy frequently used documents.
By storing in the memory beforehand, the original can be
Time spent preparing and scanning documents
Function that can be omitted (This function
Noh). A device having a conventional facsimile function
If you use this document attachment transmission function,
Or the memory capacity available for memory transmission is low.
Memory over error
Reduce the number of cases to about 10 and further reduce memory consumption
(200 dpi or 100 dpi)
i) Restrictions such as that only one can be registered for each case
It is carried out. In the present invention, this function is used in the document attachment transmission function.
Attached file (document file for attachment)
To be stored in the storage medium (memory) on the 100 side.
It is a thing. In other words, it is used in the document attachment transmission function
Connect I / F3 to attached file (document file for attachment)
00 and sent to the personal computer 100 for storage.
You. This sending can be done by user's choice
Good, or it may be performed automatically. This
Therefore, the digital multifunction peripheral 200 uses the document attachment transmission function.
Transmission and reception memory area
Available. In addition, the file attachment
Can use the abundant memory on the PC 100 side.
For this reason, the number of registrations, the number of
Need not be restricted to Also, when transmitting by specifying an attached file
From the personal computer 100 via the connection I / F 300
Downloads the specified attached file to the digital MFP 200
Download and perform facsimile transmission,
Attach to a document file scanned by the canner and send it
You. Document file and facsimile on Pancon
Combined transmission function with the document file on the re-function side
A description will be given of the function of combining and transmitting a document file. Pa
Resolution and paper size that can be handled on
Is handled by the facsimile function of the digital MFP 200
Resolution and paper size are inferior
A high-resolution (for example, 400 dpi) original,
If you send a 3 size original by facsimile,
Use anything with a lower resolution through the console 100
Need not be. Therefore, in the present invention, a high-resolution original
Or read an A3-size original on the digital multifunction peripheral 200
To the memory, and connect I
/ F300 and document file downloaded via
Facsimile transmission by combining (combining)
It is. For example, as an example, five originals are
Considering the case of sending first, the first and second sheets are PC 100
The original created in step 3 is stored in the digital MFP 200.
Original to be stacked, 4th original created by PC 100
Manuscript, and the last 5 pages are stored in the digital MFP 200
If the original is to be stacked,
Specify the transmission page and add it on the digital multifunction peripheral 200 side.
Specifies that the pages to be attached are the third and fifth pages. This
Of course, application software that can be specified in this way is
It is assumed that it is running on the Socon 100.
Technically, it can be realized without any problems, so a detailed explanation is
Omitted. The information specified on the personal computer 100 is
The command is transmitted to the I / F 300 as a dedicated command.
The received connection I / F 300 is
Then, the following processes are sequentially requested. # 1: The first page is downloaded from the personal computer 100.
Download and store in memory # 2: Download second page from PC 100
# 3: The third page is stored on the ADF of the digital MFP 200.
Reads one sheet from the placed document and stores it in memory # 4: Downloads the fourth page from PC 100
# 5: The fifth page is stored on the ADF of the digital multifunction peripheral 200.
One sheet is read from the placed document and stored in the memory. # 6: The destination # specified by the personal computer 100 is
Send 5 page document file stored in 1 to # 5 to memory
The above processing is executed from the personal computer 100 through the connection I /
Notification and processing to digital multifunction peripheral 200 via F300
By doing so, it can be easily realized. As a result, a document file equivalent to 400 dpi can be obtained.
File or A3 size document file on PC 100
With these instructions, facsimile transmission becomes possible. The above is an example, and the data is transmitted to the memory.
When placing a document on the digital multifunction peripheral 200
If it is troublesome to do so, for example,
When the page to be stored on the 200 side is reached, the personal computer 100 side
Automatically sets the reading conditions (400 dpi, etc.) specified in
`` Pip sound '' to encourage users to store the original
A guide sound may be generated. Alternatively, the digital multifunction peripheral 200
Accumulate the relevant manuscripts, and save information such as document files.
Transmitted to the personal computer 100 via the connection I / F 300.
The application (document file) is automatically
File). Document file using print control command
Transfer function of document file using print control command of the present invention
In the function, the document file created on the personal computer 100 side is
When transmitting to the digital multifunction peripheral 200, the personal computer 100
Print control command when printing to a printer
Send the created document file in the format using
Digital multifunction peripheral 200
Facsimile with bitmap expansion and compression data conversion
Convert to a sendable document file. This function is implemented by connecting the TR
29, the personal computer 100 and the digital multifunction peripheral 200
Compressed data and control commands between the
This is effective when exchanging data via the Al I / F. sand
In other words, serial communication takes time,
Display data for facsimile transmission in bitmap data
Open, compress and digital composite via connection I / F300
Downloading to the machine 200 takes a considerable amount of time
You. Digital multifunction machine with facsimile function
200 can be expanded to include a printer function
Many of these are functional, and if you use this printer function,
The time for downloading can be saved. Sandals
For facsimile transmission created on PC 100,
Print command to output data (document file) to printer
Digital multi-function device via connection I / F300
200 and transfer the data to the digital multifunction peripheral 200.
Data to the printer function for decompression and compression
Should be used with the facsimile function.
No. Digest Receiving Function The digest receiving function is provided on the digital multifunction peripheral 200 side.
Check the digest of the received content on the PC 100 side
Is what makes it possible. Basic of TR 29 that is connection I / F 300
The file received by facsimile using
If you download the content to the computer 100
You can check whether the file has arrived. However, TR
In 29, data is exchanged via the serial I / F.
So it takes time. Therefore, in the present invention, facsimile reception
If there is, the destination of the received multi-page document file
Sends only the information of the first page and the last page to the PC 100
Communication reduces the amount of transmission of the entire document file.
At the time of data exchange via serial I / F
This is to shorten the time. Also, the first page and the last page
According to the information of the personal computer 100,
You can check whether the document file has appropriate contents. Document File Deletion Function The document file received by the digital MFP 200 can be deleted
It has already been mentioned that uploading to
However, some users may not be able to
Copy in the memory of the MFP 200
Hand it over to the PC 100 and check the contents on the display screen.
After acknowledging, there may be a case where it is desired to determine the subsequent processing. Processing after confirming the contents on the display screen
In essence, what was to be printed was a PC 1
00 Start printing on the digital multifunction peripheral 200
If you do not need to print on recording paper or
Or delete it from the personal computer 100. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is determined that it is unnecessary after confirmation.
And the document file is deleted from the personal computer 100
In addition, the memory of the digital multifunction peripheral 200 is automatically
Delete the corresponding document file at the same time
Provides a elimination function. Specifically, from the digital MFP 200 side
When uploading a document file to the PC 100
The internal management file on the memory of the digital multifunction peripheral 200
File name or temporary ID information is added. bread
On the computer 100 side, when deleting a document file,
Internal management file name of the document file to be deleted
Alternatively, the temporary ID information is transmitted to the digital MFP 200 side.
To the digital MFP 200 based on the notification.
Delete the corresponding document file in the memory.
You. Also, of course, the printing finger
The document file can be displayed only on the personal computer 100.
You can delete or specify to save the document file.
It can be easily realized. As described above, the facsimile apparatus of the present invention
An apparatus having a millimeter function (Claim 1) is a host computer.
Connected to the host computer and the document file.
Device with facsimile function to send and receive files
Save the received document file on the storage medium
And upload it to the host computer,
Delete the received document file on the host computer
Is performed, the reception stored in the storage medium is performed.
Function to delete document files
Equipment, each of which has a facsimile function
There is no need to go to the place to delete the document file
Thus, the convenience of managing the received document file is improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a facsimile transmission / reception system of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic data flow (direct transmission) when TR29 is used as a connection I / F as in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic data flow (direct reception) when a TR29 is used as a connection I / F as in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic data flow (memory transmission) when a TR29 is used as a connection I / F as in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic data flow (memory reception) when TR29 is used as a connection I / F as in the present embodiment. [Description of Signs] 100 Personal Computer (Host Computer) 200 Digital MFP (Device with Facsimile Function) 300 Connection I / F (TR29)

Claims (1)

Claims 1. An apparatus connected to a host computer and having a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving a document file to and from the host computer, wherein the received document file is stored in a storage medium,
A function of deleting the received document file stored in the storage medium when uploading to the host computer and deleting the received document file on the host computer is provided. A device with a facsimile function.