JP2004260856A - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow the control information of a facsimile machine which controls image data by providing a file number for each file of the accumulated image data to be known easily irrespective of the display capability of a display. <P>SOLUTION: An image memory 19 which accumulates image data transmitted through a phone line, a RAM 13 which registers in memory the control information of the file number or the image data provided to the data, a display 14 which outputs and displays various types of information, and a data inputting means 15 with which an operator makes input operation is provided. A CPU 11 registers the number input from the inputting means 15 at a memory transmission into the RAM 13 as the file number. And, when the file number is input from the inputting means 15 during waiting, the CPU 11 calls up the control information of the image data corresponding to the number from the RAM 13 to output and display in the display 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus that transmits image data via a communication line, and more particularly to a facsimile apparatus that manages image data by assigning a file number to each file of the image data.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a facsimile apparatus for transmitting image data via a connected telephone line has been known. Recent facsimile apparatuses have a memory function of storing image data to be transmitted in an image memory (memory transmission / reception, etc.). Are provided.

As a facsimile apparatus of this type, a file number is assigned to each file of image data stored in an image memory, management information of the image data is stored in association with the file number, and when it is necessary to know a transmission result and a transmission time, Some devices have been devised so that the management information can be output together with the file number and transmission destination. By inputting a time near the time when the storage was performed, the management information can be easily output. (For example, see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-6-30208

  However, such a conventional facsimile apparatus equipped with a large-sized graphic display as a display unit can display a large amount of character information and the like, so that a destination such as RTI (Receiver Terminal Identification) can be transmitted. Management information such as information, transmission time, transmission destination telephone number, and transmission result can be displayed for a plurality of communications from the latest. On the other hand, in a widespread facsimile apparatus (for example, a personal facsimile apparatus) using thermal paper, a dot matrix type liquid crystal display capable of displaying about 10 characters per line as a display unit due to cost considerations. It is difficult to display and output multiple pieces of management information due to the use of a device, etc.For example, if you want to know whether memory transmission has been performed normally, output a management report with the management information recorded on a paper and check it There was a problem that had to be done. Further, at this time, there is a trouble that the management information of the image data desired to be known must be searched from a plurality. In the facsimile apparatus described in the above publication, it is necessary to store the time when the operation (accumulation of image data) is performed.

  In view of the above, the present invention allows an operator to assign an arbitrary number as a file number of image data, so that only management information of desired image data can be easily called, and the size of the display unit is reduced. Regardless, an object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus that can easily know necessary management information.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized in that it is configured as follows.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an image storage unit that stores image data to be transmitted via a communication line, and manages the image data by assigning a file number. Means for registering input information input from the input means as the file number.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, when transmitting the image data, the input information input from the input means is registered in the registration means as an input file number. Also, by registering in the registration means as an input file number according to the destination, it is also possible to configure so that when receiving image data, a file number corresponding to the destination is given to the image data. . Therefore, an arbitrary number, for example, a number that is easy for the operator to remember, a number that is predetermined for each operator, or the like can be assigned to the stored image data as a file number. Here, the file number input by the operator may be not only a combination of arithmetic numerals but also information including alphanumeric characters and symbols.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the number comparing means for comparing the input file number input from the input means with a registered file number already registered in the registering means, Notifying means for notifying the operator of whether or not the input file number can be used based on the comparison result.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the input file number is compared with the registered file number, and based on the comparison result, whether or not the input file number can be used is notified to the operator. Therefore, it does not become the same as the file number of the previously stored image data.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, an information storage unit for storing management information on image data stored in the image storage unit, and an image corresponding to the file number obtained by obtaining the file number Sending means for sending data management information from the information storage means to the call request destination.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the management information of the image data includes at least a communication result, a communication time, a name and a telephone number of a destination, the number of communication pages, a communication time, a communication time, and the like. When one or more types are stored and the file number is obtained, the management information of the corresponding image data is called, the file number is input, and the image data is transmitted to the request destination which has requested the acquisition of the management information. Therefore, it is possible to acquire only the management information of the image data stored with an arbitrary file number.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect, the transmitting means is configured to obtain a file number from input information of the input means.

  Further, the invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 3 or 4, an output unit for outputting the management information is provided as a destination of the transmission unit. .

  According to the fourth or fifth aspect of the invention, the file number of the image data requesting the acquisition of the management information is input from the input means. Therefore, the file number can be easily input (obtained) because the input is only made from the input means as in the case of registration. Then, the management information corresponding to the file number is sent to the output means and output. Therefore, when the output means is the display means, only the management information of the image data desired to be displayed is displayed and output. When the output means is the recording means, only the management information of the image data desired is recorded and output. In the case of the output means, only the management information of the image data desired to be known is output as a sound (for example, a signal sound or a voice message representing the management information).

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect of the present invention, an identification unit for identifying a file number from information received through the communication line is provided, and the sending unit is configured to output the file number from the identification information by the identification unit. The file number is obtained.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 7, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 6, the transmission means transmits the management information called from the information storage means to a transmission source which transmitted the file number via the communication line. It is characterized in that it is configured to transmit.

  According to the sixth or seventh aspect of the invention, the file number of the image data requesting the acquisition of the management information is identified from the received information. Therefore, for example, the file number can be sent (obtained) from another telephone or facsimile machine installed outside. Then, the management information corresponding to the file number is transmitted to the transmission source. Therefore, it can be displayed / recorded and output at the transmission source, and can be heard at the transmission source in the case of a signal sound or voice message representing management information.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, a file number automatically assigned when an input file number is not input from an input unit when image data is stored in the image storage unit. Is provided to the registration means.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, when there is no input from the input means, the file number is automatically assigned. Therefore, it is not necessary to always input a file number from the input unit when transmitting image data.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or the fourth aspect of the present invention, a dedicated selecting means for selecting an input mode for inputting the file number from the input means is provided. .

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, it is possible to set the mode for inputting the file number only by operating the exclusive selection means. Therefore, the file number can be input by a simple operation such as one-touch operation without performing a complicated operation such as a case where the file number is shared with another function.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when transmitting image data, input information input from the input unit can be registered as an input file number. In addition, by registering the input file number according to the destination, it is possible to provide a configuration in which the image data is given the file number when receiving the image data. Therefore, an arbitrary number such as a number that is easy for the operator to remember or a number that is predetermined for each operator can be assigned to the stored image data as a file number. Therefore, the image data can be used at the time of calling or resending without confirming the file number of the image data desired to be known. Further, the management information of the image data desired to be known from the management report or the like can be easily identified.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the input file number is notified to the operator whether the file number has been used (registered) or not, so that duplication of file numbers can be prevented.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the management information of the image data corresponding to the obtained file number is transmitted to the request destination, it is possible to know only an arbitrary file number, that is, only desired management information.

  According to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, since the file number of the management information desired to be input is input from the input means, only the desired management information can be easily called, and only the management information is output. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to easily output only the management information of the desired image data. Therefore, in the case of display output, it is possible to display and output desired management information even if the display capability of the display device is small. Further, even in the case of recording output or sound output, other unnecessary management information can be omitted.

  According to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, the file number is identified from the information received via the communication line, so that the file number can be input from an externally installed communication device, and only the management information thereof can be input. Is transmitted to the transmission source, so that the transmission information can be displayed / recorded and output, and the management information can be known by listening to a signal sound or a voice message representing the management information.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the file number of the image data is automatically assigned when there is no input from the input means, so that it is not necessary to always input the file number when transmitting the image data. Therefore, it is possible to save time and effort when transmitting image data that does not require confirmation of management information.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, it is possible to set the mode for inputting the file number only by operating the exclusive selecting means, so that the file number can be input by a simple operation without performing a complicated operation. Can be. In addition, management information can be easily known.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIGS. 1 and 2 are views showing a first embodiment of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. This embodiment corresponds to the first to fifth and ninth aspects of the present invention.

  First, the configuration will be described.

  In FIG. 1, the facsimile apparatus includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that controls various parts of the apparatus according to firmware stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12 and executes various processes of the present invention, A RAM (Random Access Memory) 13 that stores various information such as driving conditions and management information and also stores data necessary for operation, and a display that displays and outputs various information such as driving conditions, device status, and input information. Unit (output means) 14, a data input means 15 for inputting settings, instructions and the like by an operator, and a predetermined line control at the time of outgoing / incoming to disconnect the connection to a telephone line (communication line). An NCU (network control unit) 16, a modem 17 for modulating and demodulating image data and various procedural signals and transmitting / receiving (transmitting) image data via the NCU 16, and transmitting / receiving image data. A DCR (encoding / decoding unit) 18 for expanding and decoding received image data while compressing and encoding received image data; an image memory (image storing means) 19 for storing read / received image data; A scanner 20 that reads an image of a document to be transmitted and converts it into digital image data, a plotter 21 that records and outputs an image on paper by a recording medium based on the read / received image data, and an NCU 16 and a modem 17 A DTMF signal detector 22 for detecting a received DTMF (Dual Tone Matrix Frequency) signal is connected via a bus 23. The display unit 14 employs a dot matrix type liquid crystal display capable of displaying about 10 characters in one line due to cost considerations.

  The CPU 11 temporarily registers in the RAM 13 a file number and an address corresponding to each file of the image data stored in the image memory 19, and stores the management information of the image data in the RAM 13 in the file number. And manages the image data by storing the image data. When an output command of a management report in which management information is recorded is input from the data input unit 15, the CPU 11, for example, performs transmission or terminates normally as relating to image data accumulated during memory transmission. Result of transmission, whether transmission was completed, the transmission time, the name of the destination (destination), the telephone number (facsimile number) of the destination, the number of pages of the transmitted original (number of pages), and the time required for transmission Alternatively, the communication charge or the like required for transmission is called from the RAM 13 and sent to the plotter 21 for recording and output.

  Further, the CPU 11 inputs an arbitrary number (may be a combination with a symbol) from the data input means 15 for the file number for managing the image data, gives the number to the image data, and stores (registers) it in the RAM 13. When an input selection key (not shown) constituting a selection means of the data input means 15 for selecting an input mode is depressed (one touch) and a file number is inputted by ten keys or the like, that number is stored in the RAM 13. If the input file number is already registered and cannot be used, the input file number is already registered and displayed on the display unit 14. When the CPU 11 selects an input mode with the input selection key from the data input means 15 and inputs an input file number during standby, the CPU 11 sequentially calls management information corresponding to the number from the RAM 13 and sends it to the display unit 14. Display output is also possible.

  That is, the CPU 11 constitutes a number comparing unit, a notifying unit, and a sending unit, and the RAM 13 constitutes a registering unit and an information storage unit.

  Next, the operation at the time of memory transmission will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, an original is set on the scanner 20 (step P1). When an input selection key of the data input means 15 is pressed together with selection of the memory transmission function, an input mode for inputting a file number is selected, and the file number is displayed on the display unit 14. An input instruction message for prompting the user to input with the ten keys is displayed (step P2).

  Next, when the operator inputs an arbitrary number (for example, a combination of four numbers) according to the input instruction message (step P3), the input file number is compared with the registered file number in the RAM 13 and registered (used). Is confirmed (step P4), and if the input file number has been registered, the process returns to step P2, and the input instruction message (may be changed to a different number) is displayed on the display unit 14 again. On the other hand, when the input file number is not registered (unused), the input file number is stored and registered in the RAM 13 and, for example, a setting completion message is displayed on the display unit 14.

  Then, when the operator presses a start key (not shown) by the setting completion message, execution of the memory transmission function is started, the image of the original is read by the scanner 20, and the image data is stored in the image memory 19, The address in the image memory 19 is stored in the RAM 13 so as to correspond to the input file number (step P5).

  Thereafter, when the operator presses an input selection key from the data input unit 15, it is determined that the command is an output command of management information of an arbitrary file number, and an input instruction message is displayed on the display unit 14. When the operator inputs an input file number in response to the input instruction message, the transmission result of the management information of the image data corresponding to the file number is called from the RAM 13 and displayed and output on the display unit 14. Each time the button is pressed, the transmission time, the transmission destination name, the transmission destination telephone number, the number of transmission pages, the transmission time, and the transmission fee are sequentially called from the RAM 13 and displayed on the display unit 14. That is, if the memory transmission has not been completed, a message indicating that the transmission has not been performed is displayed and output. If the memory transmission has been completed, the transmitted message and its management information are displayed and output.

  When the operator inputs an output command of the management report from the data input means 15, the management information relating to all the image data stored in the image memory 19 is called from the RAM 13 and is listed in the order of file number, as usual. And is recorded and output.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the file number stored in the image memory 19 can be input from the data input unit 15 and registered as an arbitrary number. It can be assigned as a predetermined number or the like every time. Therefore, even when a management report is recorded and output, it is possible to easily identify and confirm the management information of the image data transmitted by itself.

  Also, the input file number is compared with the registered file number, and if the file number is already used, the user is prompted to re-enter (the operator is notified whether or not the input file number can be used). It is possible to prevent file numbers from being duplicated without being added to image data.

  Furthermore, since the management information relating to the image data of the input file number is transmitted to the display unit 14 only by inputting the file number from the data input unit 15, the management information corresponding to the input file number can be obtained even with a small display unit 14. Only display can be output.

  Further, this file number can be entered in the input mode by one-touching the input selection key of the data input means 15 at the time of registration and output request, and the input operation can be easily performed without performing a complicated operation. be able to. In addition, the type of display of the management information can be sequentially switched simply by repeatedly pressing the input selection key.

  Further, the output of only the management information of the input file number is not limited to the display output by the display unit 14, and even when the plotter 21 records and outputs the management report as the management report, the management information of the image data that the user wants to know can be obtained from a plurality of management information. You can check without looking for what you want.

  In the present embodiment, the operation and effect at the time of transmission have been described, but also at the time of reception, a file number corresponding to the other party is registered in advance, and when image data from the other party is received in memory, the file number is registered. A configuration may be adopted in which a registration file number is assigned, whereby only the management information from the source that the user wants to know can be output in the same manner as when transmitting.

  Further, an audio output device is provided to output, for example, a signal sound representing management information (for example, one or two beeps when transmission is completed, and about five beeps when transmission is not completed), or output management information. You may make it output as a voice message.

  In addition, when a retransmission function is provided, the input file number can be used for the retransmission processing without confirming the file number when contacted by the other party.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, and this embodiment corresponds to the first to fifth, eighth, and ninth aspects of the present invention. Note that the present embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the above-described first embodiment, and thus the overall configuration is not shown in the drawings and will be described with reference to FIG. 1 of the above-described embodiment.

  First, the configuration will be described.

  In FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, when the input mode is selected by pressing the input selection key of the data input unit 15 at the time of memory transmission and the file number is not input, The automatically assigned file number is registered in the RAM 13. That is, the CPU 11 constitutes a numbering means.

  Next, the operation at the time of memory transmission will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Steps performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  First, Steps P1 and P2 are performed, and after an input instruction message prompting the user to input a file number is displayed on the display unit 14, it is confirmed whether the file number has been input (Step P11), and the file number is input. If so, the process proceeds to steps P4 and P5, where it is determined whether or not the input file number can be used. The image data read by the scanner 20 is stored in the image memory 19, and the address and the input file number are stored in the RAM 13. It is memorized.

  On the other hand, if the input of the file number has not been performed for a predetermined time or more, or the operation of skipping the input mode, for example, the pressing of the numeric keypad “0” has been performed, for example, the registered next file (ie, the serial number) The number is stored and registered in the RAM 13 (step P13), and the file number is automatically assigned to the image data stored in the image memory 19 in step P5.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the functions and effects of the above-described embodiment, when the file number of the image data stored in the image memory 19 is not input, the file number assigned to the image data is automatically stored in the RAM 13. Since the storage registration is performed, it is not necessary to always input the file number of the image data, and it is possible to save the trouble of transmitting the image data that does not require checking the management information.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, and this embodiment corresponds to the first to ninth aspects of the present invention. Note that the present embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the above-described first embodiment, and thus the overall configuration is not shown in the drawings and will be described with reference to FIG. 1 of the above-described embodiment.

  First, the configuration will be described.

  In FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, the CPU 11 receives a call via the NCU 16 and the modem 17 after receiving a call, and detects a DTMF signal (reception information) detected by the DTMF signal detection unit 22. Is determined based on whether a "#" DTMF signal is included or not. If a "#" DTMF signal is detected, the file number is identified from the signal sequence that follows. In response, a transmission result of the corresponding management information is called from the RAM 13 and a signal sound or a voice message indicating the content is transmitted (transmitted) to the transmission source. That is, the CPU 11 constitutes an identification unit together with the transmission unit. Although the "#" DTMF signal is a command for executing the processing according to the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that other combinations of "*", numerals, and the like may be used.

  Next, the operation during standby will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, when the telephone number of the facsimile apparatus of the present embodiment is dialed from a transmission source such as an external telephone (step P21), an incoming call operation is performed (step P22). .. "(Step P23), and the DTMF signal is transmitted. In the drawings, () is attached to the processing step on the transmission source side.

  Next, on the facsimile apparatus side of the present embodiment, after the incoming call in step P22, it is checked whether a DTMF signal including "#" has been transmitted from the transmission source (step P24), and step P23 is performed by the transmission source. If no "#" DTMF signal is detected, a normal facsimile reception operation is performed (step P25). On the other hand, if the "#" DTMF signal is detected, the management information of the subsequent file number "..." is searched in the RAM 13 and the transmission result is called (step P26).

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the transmission result of the management information has been transmitted (step P27). If the transmission result has been transmitted, for example, a tone (signal tone) of “pi-pi” indicating the transmission has been transmitted from the transmission source connected to the line. (Step P28). On the other hand, when the transmission has not been completed, for example, a tone “PPP” indicating transmission is transmitted to the transmission source (step P29). Note that, instead of such a tone, a voice message of a transmission result such as “transmitted” or “not transmitted” may be transmitted to the transmission source.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the file number of the image data desired to be identified is identified by the DTMF signal transmitted from the outside, and the signal sound (or voice message) indicating the transmission result of the management information corresponding to the file number is generated. Since the transmission is made to the transmission source, the transmission result can be known only by dialing the file number together with the telephone number from another telephone when the user is out of the office.

  At this time, the management information itself may be transmitted to the transmission source, so that the transmission side can display and record the management information.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a first embodiment of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation according to the first embodiment, and is a flowchart thereof. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, and is a flowchart thereof. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third embodiment of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, and is a flowchart thereof.

Explanation of reference numerals

11 CPU (number comparison means, notification means, transmission means, number assignment means, and identification means)
12 ROM
13 RAM (registration means and information storage means)
14 Display (output means)
15 Data input means
16 NCU
17 Modem
19 Image memory (image storage means)
20 Scanner
21 plotter
22 DTMF signal detector

Claims (9)

A facsimile apparatus comprising image storage means for storing image data to be transmitted via a communication line, and assigning a file number to manage the image data.
The operator has input means for inputting,
A facsimile apparatus comprising a registration unit for registering input information input from the input unit as the file number. Number comparison means for comparing the input file number input from the input means with a registered file number already registered in the registration means,
2. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying an operator of whether or not the input file number can be used based on the comparison result. Information storage means for storing management information about image data stored in the image storage means,
2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a sending unit that obtains the file number and sends management information of the corresponding image data from an information storage unit to a call request destination.   4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said sending means is configured to obtain a file number from input information of said input means.   5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an output unit for outputting the management information is provided as a destination of the transmission unit. Providing identification means for identifying a file number from information received via the communication line,
4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said transmission means is configured to obtain a file number from identification information by said identification means.   7. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said transmission means is configured to transmit the management information called from the information storage means to a transmission source transmitting the file number via the communication line.   A number assigning means for registering an automatically assigned file number to a registering means when there is no input of an input file number from an inputting means when storing image data in said image storing means. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1.   5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit for selecting an input mode for inputting the file number from the input unit.

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