JP2004274499A - Image forming apparatus and facsimile receiving system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To output image data with a desired configuration for every originator when a facsimile is received. <P>SOLUTION: The control unit 2 of an image forming system 1 stores in a storing unit 5 a setting table in which a facsimile number of an originator for the facsimile corresponds to a processing mode implemented when the facsimile is received. At the receive of the facsimile, the control unit 2 follows the processing mode set in the setting table, and makes the received image data printed by using a printer unit 8 when the facsimile is received from the originator set in the printing mode. When receiving the facsimile from the originator set in a memory mode, the received image data are stored in the storing unit 5 or in an outer memory unit. When receiving the facsimile from the originator set in a mail transmission mode, the received image data are transmitted through an E-mail. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a facsimile receiving system capable of performing facsimile communication by connecting to a telephone line.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus capable of performing facsimile communication by connecting to a telephone line normally outputs image data received by a facsimile to a sheet. In addition, an apparatus that can connect to a network and transmit image data by e-mail has been considered (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-215141 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
2. Description of the Related Art As an image forming apparatus capable of performing facsimile communication, there is an apparatus called a so-called multifunction peripheral having functions of a copier, a facsimile apparatus, and a printer. In such an apparatus, there is an apparatus in which a form other than printing can be selected as an output form of image data.
[0005]
However, when a facsimile is received, the user cannot select the output form of the image data for each sender, for example, and cannot obtain the image data in a desired form. Further, in the output mode in which image data received by facsimile is transmitted by e-mail, if the amount of data received by facsimile is large, the data cannot be received on the receiving side of the e-mail, or the function of the mail server or the like is deteriorated. There was a problem.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a facsimile receiving system that can output image data in a desired form when a facsimile is received. And
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is connected to a telephone line to perform facsimile communication, and is executed when the facsimile communication unit receives an incoming facsimile and receives image data. Means for setting a processing mode to be set for each facsimile sender, and when a facsimile communication is received by the facsimile communication means, the processing mode set by the setting means is executed according to the sender, and the received image data And control means for outputting
[0008]
According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the processing mode to be executed when a facsimile communication is received by the facsimile communication means is set for each sender by the setting means. When the facsimile communication unit receives a facsimile call, the control unit executes a processing mode preset by the setting unit in accordance with the caller, and outputs image data.
[0009]
Thus, when a facsimile is received, different processing can be executed according to the sender, so that image data can be acquired in a desired form for each sender of the facsimile.
[0010]
A facsimile receiving system according to the present invention is a facsimile receiving system in which an image forming apparatus that performs facsimile communication, an external storage device that stores image data, and a terminal device that transmits and receives e-mail are connected via a network. The apparatus sets a processing mode to be executed when an image data is received in response to an incoming facsimile by setting means for each facsimile caller, and by a setting means according to the caller when the facsimile call is received. Control means for executing the processing mode, and outputting the received image data, as a processing mode set by the setting means, a printing mode for printing image data by a printing means provided in the image forming apparatus, A storage mode for storing image data in an external storage device, and a mail transmission for sending image data to a terminal device It is that a mode.
[0011]
According to the facsimile receiving system of the present invention, the processing mode to be executed when the image forming apparatus receives a facsimile call is set by the setting unit in association with the sender. When receiving a facsimile call, the control unit prints the received image data according to the processing mode set by the setting unit, when receiving a facsimile from the sender set in the print mode. When a facsimile is received from a sender set in the storage mode, the received image data is stored in the external storage device. Alternatively, when a facsimile is received from a sender set in the mail transmission mode, the received image data is transmitted by e-mail.
[0012]
Thus, when a facsimile is received, different processing can be executed depending on the sender, so that the image data can be automatically sorted for each sender of the facsimile and the image data can be obtained in a desired form.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of an image forming apparatus and a facsimile receiving system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a processing mode to be executed when a facsimile is received is set in advance for each facsimile sender, and when a facsimile is received, a predetermined mode is set according to the sender. The processing mode can be executed.
[0014]
The image forming apparatus 1 is a digital multifunction peripheral having functions as a copier, a facsimile machine, and a printer. A control unit 2 for controlling the image forming apparatus 1 is provided. The control unit 2 uses a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a facsimile communication unit 3, a network communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an operation unit 6, a scanner unit 7, and a printer unit 8 are connected to the control unit 2.
[0015]
The facsimile communication unit 3 is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 1 and the telephone line 9, and the facsimile communication unit 3 and the control unit 2 execute a program to realize a facsimile communication unit.
[0016]
The network communication unit 4 is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 1 to a network 10 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The network communication unit 4 and the control unit 2 execute programs to execute network communication. Is achieved.
[0017]
The storage unit 5 is a non-volatile memory that stores programs executed by the control unit 2 and the like, and a hard disk that constitutes a large-capacity storage unit that stores image data.
[0018]
The operation unit 6 is, for example, a liquid crystal display constituting a display unit, and a keyboard such as a touch panel and numeric keys provided on the liquid crystal display. The operation unit 6 is controlled by the control unit 2 and receives a user's operation, and displays words for operation guidance, processing results, information input by the user, display of various keys, and the like according to the transition of the processing.
[0019]
The scanner unit 7 includes a CCD image pickup device that optically reads a document and converts the document into an electric signal. The printer unit 8 includes a semiconductor laser that forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum, a transfer device that transfers toner attached to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum to paper, a fixing device that fixes the toner, and a paper supply. It is composed of a paper transport device and the like.
[0020]
When the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a copier, the control unit 2 optically reads a document by the scanner unit 7 to obtain image data as an electric signal, and the printer unit 8 converts the image data to paper. The original is copied by printing.
[0021]
Further, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is connected to a telephone line 9 and a network 10, and is used as a printer and a facsimile. Hereinafter, an overall configuration of a system in which the image forming apparatus 1 is incorporated will be described. That is, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the facsimile receiving system of the present embodiment.
[0022]
For example, a plurality of facsimile apparatuses 11 are connected to the telephone line 9 to which the image forming apparatus 1 is connected, and facsimile transmission and reception are performed between the image forming apparatus 1 and the facsimile apparatus 11.
[0023]
When a facsimile is received by the image forming apparatus 1, when there is an incoming call from the facsimile apparatus 11, which is the sender, the control unit 2 shown in FIG. 1 converts the image data received by the facsimile communication unit 3 into a predetermined format. And prints it on paper by the printer unit 8 and outputs it.
[0024]
The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a LAN 10a that is a network 10. A host computer 12, a mail server 13, and the like are connected to the LAN 10a. When the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a printer, for example, image data is sent from the host computer 12 to the image forming apparatus 1, and in the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 2 shown in FIG. The converted image data is converted into a predetermined format, printed on paper by the printer unit 8, and output.
[0025]
The host computer 12 includes a control unit and a storage unit such as a hard disk, and functions as a large-capacity external storage device that stores image data acquired by the image forming apparatus 1.
[0026]
The mail server 13 is connected to the Internet 10b, which is the network 10, and sends and receives e-mails between the image forming apparatus 1 and the like connected to the LAN 10a and the terminal device 14 connected to the Internet 10b. The image forming apparatus 1 may be directly connected to the Internet 10b.
[0027]
The image forming apparatus 1 incorporated in the system of FIG. 2 described above has a general function of printing and outputting image data on a sheet when a facsimile is received. It has a function of storing and saving in the host computer 12 and transmitting it to another terminal device 14 or the like by e-mail.
[0028]
Then, it is possible to set whether the received facsimile is received by the image forming apparatus 1, the host computer 12, or the terminal device 14. At this time, a recipient (device for acquiring image data) can be set for each facsimile sender.
[0029]
For this reason, the image forming apparatus 1 includes, as processing modes to be executed when a facsimile is received, a print mode for printing received image data, a storage mode for storing received image data, and an e-mail It has a mail transmission mode for sending by attaching to a mail.
[0030]
Which processing mode is executed when a facsimile is received can be set for each facsimile sender. That is, the control unit 2 controls the operation unit 6 so that the user inputs setting information necessary for executing each processing mode at the time of facsimile reception, and stores the setting information in a non-volatile memory or the like constituting the storage unit 5. And a setting table in which information for specifying the caller such as the fax number of the caller is associated with various setting information such as the processing mode. As described above, the control unit 2, the storage unit 5, and the operation unit 6 constitute a setting unit that sets a processing mode to be executed when receiving a facsimile for each facsimile sender.
[0031]
As another example of the setting means, a host computer 12 or a management terminal (not shown) connected via the LAN 10a may be used. That is, the user selects a processing mode and inputs setting information from the host computer 12 or the like, and stores the information in the image forming apparatus 1.
[0032]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the setting table. The setting table 15 stores information for identifying the caller and the processing mode and information necessary for executing the processing mode in association with each other. When the facsimile communication unit 3 receives a facsimile, the control unit 2 transmits the image data. The setting table 15 is searched with the sender's fax number sent together with it, and if a corresponding fax number exists, the corresponding processing mode is executed.
[0033]
In order to create the setting table 15, the control unit 2 allows the user to operate the operation unit 6 to input and select necessary items, and saves the setting table 15 in the storage unit 5.
[0034]
4 to 7 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of input screens for setting information. First, the control unit 2 displays a registration screen 21 on the liquid crystal display of the operation unit 6 for inputting a fax number and a registered name of the caller, as shown in FIG.
[0035]
When the fax number and the registered name of the sender are input on the registration screen 21, the control unit 2 stores the fax number and the registered name in the setting table 15 of the storage unit 5 and, as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the operation unit 6 to select a processing mode to be set according to the operation mode. In this example, as described above, as the selectable processing modes, a print mode for printing the received image data, a storage mode for storing the received image data, and sending the received image data attached to an e-mail are transmitted. E-mail transmission mode is provided.
[0036]
When the storage mode is selected on the processing mode selection screen 22, the control unit 2 associates the information indicating that the processing mode to be executed when receiving the facsimile is the storage mode with the fax number of the corresponding sender. In addition to storing the information in the setting table 15, information required to be stored in a predetermined storage destination is stored in the setting table 15. When the storage unit 5 of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a large-capacity hard disk or the like capable of storing image data, the storage unit 5 of the image forming apparatus 1 is designated by default as a storage destination when the storage mode is selected. To If the image forming apparatus 1 does not have a large-capacity storage unit, the host computer 12 connected via the network is designated by default. The user may specify a desired storage destination.
[0037]
When the print mode is selected on the processing mode selection screen 22 shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 2 sends information indicating that the processing mode to be executed when the facsimile is received is the print mode to the corresponding sender's fax number. The output form selection screen 23 for selecting the output form to paper is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the operation unit 6 as shown in FIG.
[0038]
Examples of output forms on paper that can be selected when the print mode is designated include the following examples. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an output form of image data of a plurality of pages. The normal output mode shown in FIG. 8A is an output mode in which, when image data of a plurality of pages is received, one page of image data is printed on one sheet of paper, and all received pages are printed. .
[0039]
The reduced output mode illustrated in FIG. 8B is an output mode in which, when image data of a plurality of pages is received, images of a plurality of pages are reduced and combined on one sheet of paper and printed. Here, FIG. 8B shows an example of a mode called 4in1 in which four pages are reduced to one page. Other reduced output forms include a form called 2in1 in which two pages are reduced to one page, and a form called 8in1 in which eight pages are reduced to one page. For this reason, when the reduced output is selected as the output mode, the number of pages to be combined on one sheet may be set.
[0040]
The cover output mode shown in FIG. 8C is an output mode in which, when image data of a plurality of pages is received, only the first page is printed. On the output mode selection screen 23 shown in FIG. 6, one of the above-described normal output, reduced output, and cover output is selected.
[0041]
Here, when the reduced output or the cover output is selected in the print mode, the hard disk or the host computer 12 constituting the storage unit 5 is output to the host computer 12 so that an image conforming to the original document can be output on paper as necessary. And the received image data. For this reason, when the reduction output or the cover output is selected in the print mode, the control unit 2 stores the information required for storage in a predetermined storage destination in the setting table 15 so that the storage mode can be executed. The storage destination in the print mode may be specified by default when the storage mode is selected, or the user may specify a desired storage destination.
[0042]
When the mail transmission mode is selected on the processing mode selection screen 22 shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 2 sends information indicating that the processing mode to be executed when the facsimile is received is the mail transmission mode to the corresponding sender. The information is stored in the setting table 15 in association with the fax number and, as shown in FIG. Then, when a mail address is input on the address input screen 24, the control unit 2 stores the mail address in the setting table 15.
[0043]
When a facsimile with a large number of pages is received from a sender whose mail transmission mode is selected, it takes time to transmit the mail by mail. For example, when a manuscript of 4 to 5 pages is received by facsimile, if the manuscript is converted into a general file format used as an attached file of an e-mail, the size becomes about 1 MB (megabyte).
[0044]
For this reason, when a large amount of image data is received by facsimile, if it is transmitted as an attached file of an e-mail, it takes a long time for communication, which may cause the function of the mail server 13 shown in FIG. 2 to deteriorate. Also, the receiving side may not be able to receive.
[0045]
Therefore, when image data of a predetermined size or more is received from a sender set to the mail transmission mode, here, when the size of the file attached to the e-mail is 1 MB or more, the control unit 2 executes the storage mode. Then, the received image data is stored in the storage unit 5 or the host computer 12. Here, the storage destination of the image data from the sender in the mail transmission mode is the storage destination specified by default.
[0046]
For example, when the storage unit 5 of the image forming apparatus 1 includes a large-capacity hard disk or the like capable of storing image data, the storage unit 5 of the image forming apparatus 1 is designated as a default storage destination. If the image forming apparatus 1 does not have a large-capacity storage unit, the host computer 12 connected via the network is designated by default. The user may specify a desired storage destination.
[0047]
Then, the control unit 2 transmits an e-mail attached with information for causing the e-mail recipient to recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is receiving a facsimile from a specific sender.
[0048]
Examples of the form of information attached to an electronic mail include the following. For example, the control unit 2 performs a process of transmitting an e-mail with information specifying the sender, information indicating the name of the file storing the image data and information indicating the storage location.
[0049]
Alternatively, the control unit 2 performs a process of reducing and synthesizing image data of a plurality of pages in units of one page to create a file whose size is reduced, and sending an e-mail with this file attached. Alternatively, the control unit 2 performs a process of dividing a plurality of pages of image data into units of about one to two pages, creating a plurality of files, attaching each file, and transmitting a plurality of e-mails.
[0050]
When image data of a predetermined size or more is received from a sender set to the mail transmission mode, the control unit 2 attaches information to an e-mail in a form set by default. The form of the attached information may be selected by the user.
[0051]
Hereinafter, an operation of the image forming apparatus 1 and a facsimile receiving system using the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall operation at the time of facsimile reception.
[0052]
When the facsimile communication unit 3 receives the facsimile from the facsimile terminal 11 via the telephone line 9 in the facsimile communication unit 3 (step SA1), the control unit 2 registers the fax number of the sender in the setting table 15 of the storage unit 5. A search is made as to whether or not it has been performed (step SA2). If it is determined in step SA2 that the received facsimile is from a caller whose facsimile number is not registered in the setting table 15, the control unit 2 controls the printer unit 8 to perform normal reception processing. Under control, the received image data is printed on paper and output (step SA3).
[0053]
If it is determined in step SA2 that the received facsimile is from a caller whose facsimile number is registered in the setting table 15, the control unit 2 searches for the set processing mode ( Step SA4).
[0054]
If it is determined in step SA4 that the process at the time of facsimile reception has received a facsimile from the sender set to the print mode, the control unit 2 controls the printer unit 8 to print the received image data on a paper. And output it (step SA3).
[0055]
If it is determined in step SA4 that the process at the time of facsimile reception has received a facsimile from the sender set to the storage mode, the control unit 2 converts the received image data into a file of a predetermined format, In accordance with the storage destination information registered in the setting table 15, it is stored in its own storage unit 5 or the host computer 12 (step SA5).
[0056]
Then, the control unit 2 displays information indicating that the received facsimile is stored as data on the operation unit 6 (step SA6). The information display of the output state of the image data is automatically deleted, for example, after a lapse of a predetermined time (after 2 to 3 hours). Alternatively, the information may be deleted by the user's operation after being confirmed by the user.
[0057]
If it is determined in step SA4 that the process at the time of facsimile reception has received a facsimile from a sender set to the mail transmission mode, the control unit 2 converts the received image data into a file of a predetermined format. Then, the e-mail with this file attached is transmitted to the e-mail address registered in the setting table 15 (step SA7).
[0058]
Then, as the output state display in step SA6 described above, the control unit 2 displays, on the operation unit 6, information indicating that the received facsimile has been transferred by e-mail. By the above processing, when a facsimile is received, a predetermined processing mode is executed for each sender, and the received image data can be output in a desired form to a desired place.
[0059]
Next, details of the operation in the mail transmission mode will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the mail transmission mode. When the processing at the time of facsimile reception determines that a facsimile has been received from a sender set to the mail transmission mode, the control unit 2 converts the received image data into a file of a predetermined format. Then, it is determined whether the file size is a predetermined amount, here, 1 MB or more (step SB1). If the file size is less than 1 MB, an e-mail with this file attached is transmitted to the e-mail address registered in the setting table 15 (step SB2).
[0060]
If the file size is equal to or larger than 1 MB in the determination in step SB1 described above, the control unit 2 executes the storage mode and sends the storage mode to its own storage unit 5 or the host computer 12 according to the storage destination information registered in the setting table 15. The image data is stored (step SB3).
[0061]
Then, the control unit 2 transmits the e-mail attached with the information specifying the sender, for example, the sender name registered in the setting table 15 and the information indicating the file name and the storage location of the image data in the setting table. 15 is transmitted to the address registered (step SB4).
[0062]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another operation example of the mail transmission mode. When the processing at the time of facsimile reception determines that a facsimile has been received from a sender set to the mail transmission mode, the control unit 2 converts the received image data into a file of a predetermined format. Then, it is determined whether the file size is a predetermined amount, here, 1 MB or more (step SC1). If the file size is less than 1 MB, an e-mail with this file attached is transmitted to the e-mail address registered in the setting table 15 (step SC2).
[0063]
If it is determined in step SC1 that the file size is 1 MB or more, the control unit 2 reduces and combines the image data of a plurality of pages in units of one page to create a file of reduced size (step SC3). .
[0064]
Then, it is determined whether the size-reduced file is 1 MB or more (step SC4). If the reduced file size is less than 1 MB, an e-mail with this file attached is transmitted to the e-mail address registered in the setting table 15 (step SC2).
[0065]
If the file size is equal to or larger than 1 MB in the determination in step SC4 described above, the control unit 2 executes the storage mode, and stores the file in its own storage unit 5 or the host computer 12 in accordance with the storage destination information set in the setting table 15. The image data is stored (step SC5). Here, the image data to be stored is original data that is not data obtained by reduction synthesis.
[0066]
Then, the control unit 2 transmits the e-mail attached with the information specifying the sender, for example, the sender name registered in the setting table 15 and the information indicating the file name and the storage location of the image data in the setting table. 15 is transmitted to the address registered (step SC6).
[0067]
As still another operation example of the mail transmission mode, when the file size is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount, the control unit 2 divides the image data of a plurality of pages into units of about one to two pages and creates a plurality of files. Then, a process of transmitting a plurality of e-mails to which these files are individually attached to e-mail addresses registered in the setting table 15 is performed.
[0068]
As described above, when a facsimile from a sender set in the mail transmission mode is received and the amount of data is large, the received original image is stored as data without being transmitted by e-mail. Then, in the mail, information that can be recognized as receiving a facsimile from a specific sender is transmitted. As a result, the amount of information transmitted by e-mail can be suppressed to a small amount, so that problems such as the deterioration of the function of the mail server 13 due to the large amount of data and the inability to receive on the e-mail receiving side are solved. .
[0069]
Next, details of the operation in the print mode will be described. When the control unit 2 determines that the process at the time of facsimile reception has received a facsimile from the sender set in the print mode, the control unit 2 controls the printer unit 8 according to the output mode set in the setting table 15 to perform the printing on the paper. Perform printing. For example, when the output form on paper is set to the normal output form, the control unit 2 prints one page of image data on one sheet and prints all received pages.
[0070]
If the reduced output mode is set, the control unit 2 executes the storage mode, and stores the image data in its own storage unit 5 or the host computer 12 in accordance with the storage destination information set in the setting table 15.
[0071]
In addition, the received image data is reduced and synthesized so that images of a plurality of predetermined pages fit on one sheet of paper, and printed on a sheet of paper. Further, identification information obtained by encoding information indicating a storage location of the image data is also printed on a sheet. Here, the image data stored in the storage unit 5 or the like is original data that is not reduced and synthesized.
[0072]
When the user inputs identification information from the operation unit 6 or a terminal device connected to the network and receives a print instruction, the control unit 2 reads out the corresponding image data from the storage unit 5 or the host computer 12, and outputs the image data. Print in form. Then, the image data stored in the storage unit 5 or the host computer 5 is deleted.
[0073]
When the cover output mode is set, the control unit 2 executes the storage mode, and stores the image data in its own storage unit 5 or the host computer 12 in accordance with the storage destination information set in the setting table 15.
[0074]
Further, only the first page of the received image data is printed on a sheet. Further, identification information obtained by encoding information indicating a storage location of the image data is also printed on a sheet. Here, the image data stored in the storage unit 5 or the like is the original data of all the received pages.
[0075]
When the user inputs identification information from the operation unit 6 or a terminal device connected to the network and receives a print instruction, the control unit 2 reads out the corresponding image data from the storage unit 5 or the host computer 12, and outputs the image data. Print in form. Then, the image data stored in the storage unit 5 or the host computer 5 is deleted.
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is connected to a telephone line to perform facsimile communication, and a process executed when the facsimile communication unit receives an incoming facsimile and receives image data. Setting means for setting the mode for each facsimile sender, and when a facsimile communication is received by the facsimile communication means, executes the processing mode set by the setting means according to the sender and outputs the received image data. And control means for performing the control.
[0077]
Thus, when a facsimile is received, different processing can be executed according to the sender, so that image data can be acquired in a desired form for each sender of the facsimile.
[0078]
In the facsimile receiving system equipped with this image forming apparatus, the image data received by the image forming apparatus can be processed such as printing, storing, or sending by e-mail according to the sender of the facsimile. The image data can be automatically sorted and the image data can be obtained in a desired form.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a facsimile receiving system according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting table.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an input screen for setting information.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an input screen for setting information.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an input screen for setting information.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an input screen for setting information.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an output form of image data of a plurality of pages.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an overall operation at the time of facsimile reception.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a mail transmission mode.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another operation example of the mail transmission mode.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image forming apparatus
2 control unit
3 Facsimile communication section
4 Network Communication Department
5 Storage unit
6 Operation section
7 Scanner section
8 Printer section
9 telephone line
10 Network
10a LAN
10b Internet
11 Facsimile machine
12 Host computer
13 mail server
14 Terminal device

Claims (14)

Facsimile communication means for performing facsimile communication by connecting to a telephone line;
Setting means for setting a processing mode to be executed when receiving image data in response to an incoming facsimile by the facsimile communication means, for each facsimile sender;
When the facsimile communication unit receives a facsimile call, the control unit executes a processing mode set by the setting unit according to a caller and outputs the received image data. Forming equipment. Printing means for printing image data,
Storage means for storing image data;
Network communication means for transmitting image data by e-mail by connecting to a network,
The processing mode set by the setting unit may be a print mode for printing image data by the printing unit, a storage mode for storing image data by the storage unit, or a mail transmission mode for sending image data by the network communication unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Display means for notifying the user of the information,
3. The control unit, when receiving a facsimile from a caller whose processing mode other than the print mode is set by the setting unit, displays information indicating the executed processing mode on the display unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit deletes information displayed on the display unit after a lapse of a predetermined time. When receiving a predetermined amount or more of image data from a sender whose mail transmission mode is set by the setting unit, the control unit executes a storage mode and stores the image data by the storage unit,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, as the mail transmission mode, information for specifying a sender and information for specifying a storage location of image data are transmitted. When receiving a predetermined amount or more of image data from a sender whose mail transmission mode is set by the setting unit, the control unit executes a storage mode and stores the image data by the storage unit,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the mail transmission mode, the image data of a plurality of pages is reduced and combined to the number of received pages or less and transmitted. When receiving a predetermined amount or more of image data from a sender whose mail transmission mode is set by the setting unit, the control unit executes a storage mode and stores the image data by the storage unit,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the mail transmission mode, a plurality of pages of image data are divided and each is transmitted by e-mail. A print mode is set by the setting means. In this print mode, a special output mode other than a normal output mode for printing one page of image data on one sheet of paper and printing all received pages is set. When receiving the image data from the sender, the control unit performs printing in the special output mode set in the print mode,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a storage mode is executed, and the image data is stored by the storage unit. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the special output mode set by the setting unit is an output mode in which image data of a plurality of pages is reduced and combined to the number of received pages or less and printed. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the special output mode set by the setting unit is an output mode for printing only the first page of the image data of a plurality of pages. The control unit prints identification information that specifies the image data stored in the storage unit,
11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the input of the identification information is received, the corresponding image data stored in the storage unit is printed, and the printed image data is deleted from the storage unit. . In a facsimile receiving system in which an image forming apparatus that performs facsimile communication, an external storage device that stores image data, and a terminal device that transmits and receives electronic mail are connected via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Setting means for setting a processing mode to be executed when receiving a facsimile call and receiving image data for each facsimile sender;
When receiving a facsimile call, the control unit executes a processing mode set by the setting unit according to the caller, and outputs the received image data.
The processing mode set by the setting unit includes a printing mode for printing image data by a printing unit provided in the image forming apparatus, a storage mode for storing image data in the external storage device, and A facsimile receiving system comprising: 13. The facsimile receiving system according to claim 12, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a storage unit for storing image data, and stores the image data in the storage unit when a storage mode is set. When receiving a predetermined amount or more of image data from a sender whose mail transmission mode is set by the setting unit, the control unit executes a storage mode to store the image data,
14. The facsimile receiving system according to claim 12, wherein information indicating that facsimile is received from a sender of a mail transmission mode is transmitted as the mail transmission mode.

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