JP2005109797A - Facsimile transmission apparatus, facsimile transmission method and program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile transmission apparatus, a facsimile transmission method, a program, and a recording medium, which enable another transmission means to be substituted for a transmission means in the case of error and enable data to be surely transmitted by retransmission by means of other transmission means even in the case that restoration in a short period of time cannot be expected because of a fault of a facsimile machine in the reception side, or the like. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 33 calculates a charge for transmission of normal FAX and a charge for transmission passing a FAX service company on the basis of designated transmission destination and transmission data, a transmission destination prestored in a hard disk 35, and charge information (transmission information file) for specifying the charge for transmission of normal FAX and the charge for transmission passing the FAX service company respectively in accordance with the transmission data volume and selects transmission of normal FAX or transmission passing the FAX service company as a transmission means on the basis of a calculation result and transmits transmission data by the selected transmission means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  According to the present invention, the user does not perform a complicated operation, and either normal facsimile transmission via a public line or facsimile transmission via a facsimile service company is optimal (communication cost is reduced or transmission is completed within a specified time. This relates to control for selecting a facsimile transmission method.

Conventionally, during facsimile transmission, a facsimile apparatus has been proposed that automatically selects an ordinary facsimile over a public line, facsimile transmission via the Internet, commonly called Internet FAX, or an inexpensive transmission method according to the transmission time. It had been. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-261756 (Patent Document 1) discloses this type of technique.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-261756

However, Patent Document 1 refers to a fee table based on a communication time to determine a communication means, and there is a problem that the communication distance is not considered at all and is not realistic.
Even if the communication fee is low, when a highly urgent document is sent to a large number of destinations by broadcast, it is usually sent one by one (number of ports) for transmission using FAX. Therefore, there was a problem that it did not reach the receiving side at the required time, or even if it arrived, it became unnecessary.

  In addition, the selection of the communication means is a normal facsimile and Internet FAX selection, and a FAX server device or a FAX device in which a mail address is set is required on the receiving side, and only a normal facsimile is provided. In the case of a non-recipient, there are many limitations on the receiving side, such as no room for selection.

  Furthermore, if a transmission error occurs, the same communication means is used for retransmission, so if there is no possibility of recovery in a short time, as in the case of a failure on the receiving side, the error can be transmitted as it is. There was also a problem that there was a high possibility of disappearing.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to respond to a designated transmission destination and transmission data, and a transmission destination and transmission data amount stored in advance in storage means. Based on the transmission fee by the first transmission means for facsimile transmission of the transmission data through the public line and the charge information for specifying the transmission fee by the second transmission means for facsimile transmission of the transmission data via the facsimile server, The transmission fee by the first transmission unit and the transmission fee by the second transmission unit are calculated, and the first transmission unit or the second transmission unit is selected based on the calculation result, and the selected By transmitting the transmission data by the first transmission means or the second transmission means, the user can perform a simple operation by simply specifying the transmission destination and the transmission data. A facsimile transmission method with a low communication cost can be automatically selected and transmitted, and since it is usually selected from FAX transmission or transmission via a FAX service company, a facsimile machine is installed on the receiving side. There is no need to install special and expensive equipment (such as a FAX server device or a FAX device with a mail address set), and settings related to error handling can be made. Facsimile transmission that can be replaced by means of transmission, and can be reliably transmitted by resending by other transmission means even if there is no possibility of recovery in a short time, such as failure of the receiving facsimile machine An apparatus, a facsimile transmission method, a program, and a recording medium are provided.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a facsimile transmission apparatus capable of communicating with a facsimile server (FAX server 106 of the FAX service company shown in FIG. 1) via a predetermined network, first transmission data is transmitted by facsimile via a public line. Transmission means (CPU 33 shown in FIG. 2, normal FAX transmission by the line I / F unit 37) and second transmission means (CPU 33, LAN I / F shown in FIG. 2) for transmitting transmission data via the facsimile server. Rate information for specifying the transmission fee by the first transmission unit and the transmission fee by the second transmission unit according to the transmission destination and the amount of transmission data, respectively. A first storage means (hard disk 35 shown in FIG. 2), a designated transmission destination and transmission data Calculation means for calculating a transmission charge by the first transmission means and a transmission charge by the second transmission means based on the charge information (FIGS. 3 to 6) stored in the first storage means, respectively. The CPU 33 shown in FIG. 2, step S403 in FIG. 15 and the first selection means for selecting the first transmission means or the second transmission means based on the calculation result by the calculation means (step S404 in FIG. 15). ) And control means (the CPU 33 shown in FIG. 2 and step S501 in FIG. 16) for transmitting the transmission data by the first transmission means or the second transmission means selected by the first selection means. It is characterized by that.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first selection means includes a transmission means for which a transmission fee is low among the first transmission means or the second transmission means based on a calculation result by the calculation means. It is characterized by selecting.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the first storage means includes the transmission distance information (FIGS. 3 and 4) for specifying the transmission distance according to the transmission destination, the transmission distance and the amount of transmission data. First fee information (FIGS. 5 and 7) for specifying a fee by the first transmission means, and third fee information for specifying a fee by the second transmission means according to the amount of transmission data ( 6) is stored.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the first storage means specifies a transmission time by the first transmission means and a transmission time by the second transmission means in accordance with the amount of transmission data, respectively. Information (estimated transmission speed 604 shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7) is stored, and third transmission means (CPU 33, FIG. 2 shown in FIG. 2) transmits transmission data attached to an e-mail without passing through the facsimile server. Designated by the LAN I / F unit 36 via the FAX server 106 and attached to the E-mail), designation means for designating the transmission end time (time at which transmission should be completed), and a plurality of designated transmission destinations. Based on the transmission data to be transmitted and the transmission speed information stored in the first storage means, the transmission data is transmitted to all transmission destinations by the first transmission means or the second transmission means. The determination means (CPU 33 shown in FIG. 2, step S402 in FIG. 15) for determining whether or not the transmission can be completed by the transmission end time specified in the above, and transmission to all transmission destinations by the determination means until the transmission end time. When it is determined that the process cannot be completed, the second selection means (the CPU 33 shown in FIG. 2, step S402 in FIG. 15) that selects the third transmission means for only some of the transmission destinations is used. It is characterized by having.

  The fifth invention of the present invention is a setting means (FIG. 8) for making settings relating to error processing, and a second storage means (hard disk 35 shown in FIG. 2) for storing error processing setting information set by the setting means. And a changing means (CPU 33 shown in FIG. 2) for changing error processing at the time of retransmission based on the error processing setting information stored in the second storage means when a transmission error occurs by any of the transmitting means. , Steps S506 to S508) of FIG.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a third storage means for storing transmission data, and the setting means performs a first error processing to be performed at the time of retransmission by changing the transmission means, and retransmits without changing the transmission means. Error processing setting including second error processing and third error processing for holding transmission data without re-transmission is possible, and when the transmission error occurs by any one of the transmission means, When the error processing setting stored in the second storage unit is the third error processing setting, the transmission data is stored in the third storage unit in a retransmittable state without being retransmitted. And

  The seventh invention of the present invention is characterized in that the setting means is capable of performing settings relating to error processing for each number of errors.

  The eighth invention of the present invention is capable of communicating with a facsimile server via a predetermined network, and a first transmission means for facsimile transmission of transmission data through a public line and facsimile transmission of the transmission data via the facsimile server. In the facsimile transmission method in the facsimile transmission apparatus having the second transmission means, the first transmission means according to the designated transmission destination and transmission data, and the transmission destination and transmission data amount stored in advance in the storage means Calculation for calculating the transmission fee by the first transmission unit and the transmission fee by the second transmission unit based on the transmission fee by the first transmission unit and the fee information for specifying the transmission fee by the second transmission unit, respectively. Step (step S403 in FIG. 15) and the first transmission means or the second based on the calculation result A selection step for selecting a transmission means (step S404 in FIG. 15), and a transmission step for transmitting the transmission data by the selected first transmission means or the second transmission means (steps S501 to S504 in FIG. 16). It is characterized by having.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for executing the facsimile transmission method according to the eighth aspect.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a program for executing the facsimile transmission method according to the eighth aspect is stored in a recording medium so as to be readable by a computer.

  According to the present invention, the transmission fee by the first transmission means for facsimile transmission of the transmission data through the public line according to the designated transmission destination and transmission data, and the transmission destination and transmission data amount stored in advance in the storage means, The transmission fee by the first transmission means and the transmission by the second transmission means based on the charge information for specifying the transmission charges by the second transmission means for facsimile transmission of the transmission data via the facsimile server, respectively. A fee is calculated, the first transmission unit or the second transmission unit is selected based on the calculation result, and the transmission data is selected by the selected first transmission unit or the second transmission unit. The user can easily send a facsimile with low communication cost by simply specifying the destination and transmission data from the facsimile transmission device. The law can be sent automatically selects the.

  In addition, normally (when transmission can be completed within a specified time), a transmission method with a low cost is selected as a transmission means from transmission by normal FAX or transmission via a FAX service company. It is sufficient that a facsimile machine is installed on the receiving side, and it is not necessary to install a special and expensive machine (such as a FAX server apparatus or a FAX apparatus in which a mail address is set).

  In addition, since it is possible to set fine communication costs (transmission information file) such as communication distance, transmission data size, number of transmissions, etc., it is possible to select inexpensive transmission means by more accurate charge calculation, as well as nationwide and worldwide Available anywhere in the country.

  Furthermore, both documents (paper manuscripts) and data (transmission files) can be handled, and facsimile transmission can be performed by specifying either one.

  In addition, it is possible to select and set error handling when a transmission error occurs, and it is possible to substitute transmission means at the time of error, so that there is no possibility of recovery in a short time such as failure of the receiving facsimile machine Even in such a case, it is possible to perform the transmission with certainty by using another transmission means.

  In addition, if “pending” is selected for error handling when a transmission error occurs or if an error occurs even after a predetermined number of retransmissions, the LOG and transmission data are saved, so the information can be confirmed later. it can.

In addition, when a transmission completion time (transmission completion time) is specified and it is determined that transmission is not completed at the transmission end time, for example, a highly urgent document is transmitted to many destinations by broadcast. In the case of transmission using fax, one message (number of ports) is sent one by one, so if it does not reach the receiving side at the required time, select transmission via the fax service company, Furthermore, if transmission via a fax service company is not in time, only some of the destinations are selected to be sent by e-mail, so transmission of highly urgent documents, etc. is reliably completed at the end of transmission time. can do.
In addition, even when sending again, there is no need to set the document again and scan again, and it is possible to easily re-send.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a facsimile transmission system to which a facsimile transmission apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

  In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) applicable to the facsimile transmission apparatus of the present invention, which can be connected to a network in this embodiment. The MFP 101 can transmit and receive a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as FAX) with an external facsimile apparatus (hereinafter referred to as FAX apparatus) 107 (107a to 107d) via the public line 104. The MFP 101 is connected to an external network such as the Internet 105 via a local area network (LAN) 102, and a FAX server 106 installed in a FAX center of a FAX service company via the Internet 105. Can communicate with.

  The FAX service company (Internet FAX service company) refers to a company that provides a service for receiving FAX transmission information by E-mail (e-mail) and transmitting it from a company FAX server 106 to a designated destination. This FAX service company has a plurality of transmission ports and can process transmissions to multiple locations in a short time. In addition, since the price is set in units of the number of sheets, generally, there is a feature that cost merit is high especially for transmission to a long distance.

  The FAX server 106 transmits a TIFF file image attached to an electronic mail (E-mail) received via the Internet to an external facsimile machine 107 via a public line based on a designated destination. . Note that the file attached to the e-mail is not limited to the TIFF file as long as it can be transmitted by the FAX server.

  Reference numeral 103 denotes a personal computer (PC) that can perform various settings to be described later on the facsimile transmission apparatus 101 via the LAN 102.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the MFP 101 illustrated in FIG.

  In the figure, reference numeral 46 denotes a control unit which is connected to a reading unit (scanner unit) 44 which is an image input device and a printer unit 43 which is an image output device. It is a controller for inputting and outputting device information.

  A CPU 33 is a controller that controls the entire system based on a program stored in the ROM 32 or other recording medium (storage medium). A RAM 34 is a system work memory for the CPU 33 to operate, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 32 is a boot ROM and stores a system boot program.

  Reference numeral 35 denotes a hard disk (HD), which is image data, system software, cover page (display) data, document (TIFF file), administrator mail address, various transmission information files (transmission destination distance table 300 (FIG. 3), An area code area distance table 400 (FIG. 4), a distance charge table 500 (FIG. 5), a FAX service company charge table 600 (FIG. 6), a transmission data size threshold table 700 (FIG. 7)), and the like are stored.

  The operation unit 45 includes a display unit with a touch panel (not shown), various hard keys, and the like. Reference numeral 38 denotes an IO control B unit, which is an interface unit with the operation unit 45, outputs image data to be displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 45 to the operation unit 45, and is input by the user of the system from the operation unit 45. It plays a role of transmitting the information to the CPU 33.

  A LAN interface unit (LAN I / F unit) 36 is connected to the LAN 102 and inputs / outputs information. Reference numeral 37 denotes a line interface unit (line I / F unit) which is connected to the public line network 104 and inputs / outputs information. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 31.

  Reference numeral 39 denotes an IO control A unit, which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 31 and an image bus 40 for transferring image data at high speed, and converts the data structure. The image bus 40 is configured by a high-speed bus such as a PCI bus or IEEE1394.

  The following devices are arranged on the image bus 40.

  Reference numeral 41 denotes an image processing unit, which performs scanner image processing (corrects, processes, and edits input image data from the reading unit 44), image data rotation, compression / decompression processing (multi-valued image data is JPEG, binary image data). JBIG, MMR, MH), RIP processing (decoding a code (PDL code) written in a page description language into a bitmap image), a printer image processing unit (for print output image data to the printer unit 43, Printer correction, resolution conversion, etc.).

  An image conversion unit 42 converts the input image data read from the reading unit 44 into a TIFF image in the facsimile transmission mode. Note that the image data converted into the TIFF image is stored in the hard disk 35.

  Hereinafter, various transmission information files stored in the hard disk 35 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the transmission destination distance table 300 stored in the hard disk 35 shown in FIG.

  As shown in the drawing, the transmission destination distance table 300 includes a transmission destination name 301, a transmission destination E-mail address 302, a transmission destination facsimile number 303, a distance 304, and the like.

  The transmission destination name 301, the transmission destination E-mail address 302, and the transmission destination facsimile number 303 are input and registered by the user from a registration screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit of the PC 103 or the operation unit 45.

  A distance 304 indicates a distance (km) from the installation location of the MFP 101. When the transmission destination name 301, transmission destination E-mail address 302, and transmission destination facsimile number 303 are registered, the CPU 33 displays the distance 304 as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the distance corresponding to the destination facsimile number 303 is acquired and registered based on the area code area distance table 400.

  A plurality of transmission destination FAX numbers 303 can be registered for the same transmission destination name 301 in the transmission destination distance table 300.

  In addition, in the transmission destination distance table 300, a plurality of transmission destinations can be registered as a group, and at the time of FAX transmission, by selecting the group, all transmission destinations belonging to the group are designated as transmission destinations. can do.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the area code distance table 400 stored in the hard disk 35 shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the area code distance table 400 includes an area code 401 and a distance 402. The distance 402 indicates the distance between the area corresponding to the area code 401 and the area corresponding to the FAX number of the MFP 101 stored in the hard disk 35.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the distance-based charge table 500 stored in the hard disk 35 shown in FIG.

  In the figure, a distance-based charge table 500 shows FAX transmission charges per transmission time of 3 minutes corresponding to each distance, as indicated by 501 to 507.

  This distance-based charge table 500 is used when acquiring a charge per three minutes for normal FAX transmission. Specifically, first, the distance 304 is acquired from the transmission destination distance table 300 based on the designated transmission destination (FAX number), and the transmission time per 3 minutes from the distance fee table 500 based on the acquired distance. Get a fee.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a FAX service company fee table 600 stored in the hard disk 35 shown in FIG.

  In the figure, a FAX service company fee table 600 includes a FAX service company name 601, a FAX service company E-mail 602, a unit price 603 per sheet, and an estimated transmission speed 604.

  This FAX service company charge table 600 is used when calculating a charge for FAX transmission using a FAX service company. More specifically, the unit price 603 is multiplied by the number of transmissions to calculate a fee for FAX transmission using a FAX service company.

  The FAX service company fee table 600 is also used when calculating the transmission time when FAX transmission is performed using the FAX service company. The number of transmissions is divided by the estimated transmission speed 604 to calculate the transmission time (minutes) when FAX transmission is performed using a FAX service company.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a normal FAX transmission data size threshold table 700 stored in the hard disk 35 shown in FIG.

  In the figure, a transmission data size threshold table 700 is composed of a transmission data size threshold 701 and an estimated transmission time 702. The transmission data size threshold 701 corresponds to the charged data size (charging unit (data size)), and the estimated transmission time 702 corresponds to the charging time (charging unit (time)).

  The transmission data size threshold table 700 is used when calculating a FAX fee for normal FAX transmission. Specifically, first, from the transmission data size and the transmission data size threshold value 701, it is calculated how many times the transmission data size is the charging unit (time: 3 minutes), and the above-mentioned charge per transmission time of 3 minutes is calculated. Multiplication is performed to calculate a FAX fee for normal FAX transmission.

  The transmission data size threshold table 700 is also used when calculating the transmission time for normal FAX transmission. Specifically, first, the transmission data size is multiplied by the estimated transmission time 702, and the transmission data size threshold 701 is further divided to calculate the transmission time (minutes) for normal FAX transmission.

  In the facsimile transmission apparatus shown in the present embodiment, the transmission unit can be changed and retransmitted when a FAX transmission error occurs. Hereinafter, the change setting of the retransmission unit used for retransmission in the case of this FAX transmission error will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a retransmission means change setting screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 45 (FIG. 2) of the PC 103 or MFP 101 shown in FIG.

  In the figure, reference numeral 800 denotes a retransmission means change setting screen for setting a retransmission method for the first to fifth retransmissions, which is displayed in response to a retransmission means change setting instruction from the operation unit 45 of the PC 103 or MFP 101. The

  Reference numerals 801 to 805 are the first to fifth retransmission means change setting fields for performing error processing settings for the first to fifth times. “Retransmission by the same means”, “Transmission by changing the transmission means”, “ Either “attach to E-mail”, “send”, “hold”, etc. can be set by selecting the error processing. It should be noted that the retransmission means change setting field for the subsequent times after “hold” is selected cannot be set. In the case of this figure, since “hold” is selected in the fourth retransmission method setting field 804, the fifth retransmission method setting field 805 is not selectable.

  In FIG. 8, only the first to fifth retransmission means change setting fields are shown, but the number of retransmissions (number of errors) is not limited to five.

  A cancel button 806 invalidates the setting contents on the retransmission means change setting screen 800. Reference numeral 807 denotes an OK button, which validates the setting contents on the retransmission means change setting screen 800 and stores it in the hard disk 35 shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, each screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 45 (FIG. 2) of the MFP 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 when performing FAX transmission will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a transmission instruction screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 45 (FIG. 2) of the MFP 101 illustrated in FIG.

  Reference numeral 901 denotes a transmission destination designation field, which can select and designate a transmission destination registered in the transmission destination distance table 300 shown in FIG. When the FAX number input is specified in the transmission destination specification field 901, the FAX number can be input and specified as a transmission destination using a numeric keypad (not shown) of the operation unit 45.

  Reference numeral 902 denotes a return address input field for inputting a mail address for notifying the communication result, and the administrator reply mail address stored in the hard disk 35 is displayed as a default.

  Reference numeral 903 denotes a transmission original reading setting button. When this button is pressed, an original reading setting screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. Reference numeral 904 denotes a transmission destination confirmation button. When this button is pressed, a transmission destination confirmation screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed.

  Reference numeral 905 denotes a reservation transmission setting button. When this button is pressed, a reservation transmission setting screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. A reservation transmission list display button 906 is displayed. When this button is pressed, a reservation transmission list screen (not shown) is displayed, and the set reservation transmission can be confirmed in the list.

  Reference numeral 907 denotes a transmission file setting button. When this button is pressed, a transmission file setting screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a document reading setting screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 45 (FIG. 2) of the MFP 101 illustrated in FIG.

  Reference numeral 1000 denotes a document reading setting screen for setting an image mode such as a character mode and a photo mode, setting a single-sided / double-sided mode, setting an attached file format to be attached when E-mail transmission, setting a reading density, and the like. Can do.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a transmission destination confirmation screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 45 (FIG. 2) of the MFP 101 illustrated in FIG.

  Reference numeral 1100 denotes a transmission destination confirmation screen for confirming and displaying the FAX number of the transmission destination. When a plurality of FAX numbers are set as the transmission destination, either one can be selected.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a reserved transmission setting screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 45 (FIG. 2) of the MFP 101 illustrated in FIG.

  Reference numeral 1200 denotes a reserved transmission setting screen for setting a FAX transmission start date and time or a transmission end date and time.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a transmission file setting screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 45 (FIG. 2) of the MFP 101 illustrated in FIG.

  Reference numeral 1300 denotes a transmission file setting screen which allows a transmission file to be designated from a PC connected via the hard disk 35 or the LAN 103 shown in FIG. The transmission file includes various files including TIFF, PDF (Adobe), WORD (Microsoft), EXCEL (Microsoft), and the like.

  Hereinafter, a procedure of facsimile transmission in the facsimile transmission apparatus (MFP 101) of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, an administrator or the like registers a transmission information file. Specifically, by using a transmission information registration screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 45 (FIG. 2) of the PC 103 or the MFP 101 shown in FIG. 1, the transmission information file shown in FIGS. A cover (cover) is registered (the above transmission information files are created and edited on the monitor screen of the operation unit 45 of the PC 103 or MFP 101). The information on each transmission destination information file and cover (cover) can be acquired from paper by the reading unit 44 (scan-OCR) and registered. Also set the administrator email address.

  Next, retransmission means change setting is performed using the retransmission means change setting screen 800 shown in FIG.

  Then, when a transmission instruction is issued (a facsimile transmission button (not shown) of the operation unit 45 is pressed), the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 is started.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in the facsimile transmission apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the facsimile transmission processing. Note that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the CPU 33 shown in the drawing based on a program stored in the ROM 32, the hard disk 35, or other recording medium. S301 to S306 indicate each step.

  First, in step S301, the transmission designation screen 900 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed, and transmission conditions (designation of transmission destination (group acceptable), transmission original reading setting, transmission destination confirmation, reservation are displayed on each of the screens of FIGS. When details of transmission setting, transmission file setting, transmission start / end time specification are set and an execution (start) button (not shown) of the operation unit 45 is pressed, a transmission destination list is generated in the RAM 34 and the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, it is determined whether or not a transmission file is specified. If it is determined that a transmission file is specified, the process directly proceeds to step S304.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that the transmission file is not designated, the process proceeds to step S303, the paper set on the document table (not shown) of the reading unit 44 is scanned, converted into a TIFF file, and the transmission file. Is stored in the hard disk 35.

  In step S304, the transmission data capacity and number of copies are checked from the scan data or transmission file, and the process proceeds to step S305.

  Then, in step S305, transmission means determination processing (FIG. 15) is performed, and in step S306, transmission processing (FIG. 16) is performed, and the processing ends.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a second control processing procedure in the facsimile transmission apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the transmission means determination processing shown in step S305 of FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the CPU 33 shown in the drawing based on a program stored in the ROM 32, the hard disk 35, or other recording medium. S401 to S408 indicate each step.

  First, in step S401, it is determined whether or not a transmission end time is specified. If it is determined that a transmission end time is not specified, the process proceeds to step S403.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S401 that the transmission end time is specified, it is determined in step S402 whether transmission can be completed within the specified time, based on the data capacity, the number of sheets, and the number of transmission destinations. Whether or not transmission can be completed within the designated time is determined by using the data capacity and the number of sheets and the estimated transmission speed 604 shown in FIG. 6 and the transmission data size threshold table 700 shown in FIG. The time is calculated and compared with the specified time.

  If it is determined in step S402 that transmission can be completed within the specified time, the process directly proceeds to step S403.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S402 that transmission cannot be completed within the designated time, in step S405, only a part (one or a plurality of cases) of each case is attached as an attachment means to “E-mail”. "Transmit" and store it in the transmission means column of the destination list in the RAM 34. The selected item is determined to be transmission means, and the process proceeds to step S403. If it does not end within the transmission time, a message indicating that the transmission will not end within the transmission time, and a confirmation message for obtaining permission to attach the transmission to one of the above destinations to the E-mail. May be displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 45 (FIG. 2).

  Although not shown in this flowchart, only when all cases are sent via the FAX service company, if it is determined that transmission can be completed within the specified time, all cases are sent via the FAX service company. Is selected, stored in the transmission means column of the transmission destination list in the RAM 34, and the process returns to the process of the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, in step S403, first, the first item is extracted from the destination list in the RAM 34, and referring to the distance-based charge table 500 shown in FIG. 5 and the FAX service company charge table 600 shown in FIG. Based on the communication distance, the number of sheets, etc., a normal FAX charge and a FAX service company charge are calculated.

  Then, in step S404, it is determined whether the transmission via the normal FAX or the FAX service company is cheaper (cheap) according to the data capacity / communication distance, the number of sheets, etc., and if it is determined that the normal FAX is lower in price. In step S406, “normal FAX” is selected as the transmission means, and it is stored in the transmission means column of the transmission destination list in the RAM 34. Then, the process advances to step S408.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that the price via the fax service company is lower, the process proceeds to step S407, where "via fax service company" is selected as the transmission means, and the transmission destination list transmission means in the RAM 34 is selected. And proceed to step S408.

  Next, in step S408, it is determined whether or not the determination of the transmission means has been completed for all cases. If it is determined that the transmission has not been completed for all cases, the process returns to step S403 and the next case is processed. Do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S408 that the determination of the transmission means has been completed for all cases, the process returns to the process of the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a third control processing procedure in the facsimile transmission apparatus of the present invention, and corresponds to the transmission processing procedure shown in step S306 of FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the CPU 33 shown in the drawing based on a program stored in the ROM 32, the hard disk 35, or other recording medium. S501 to S509 indicate each step.

  First, in step S501, a transmission destination is extracted from the transmission destination list. Here, the priority order is set in the order of “via FAX service company”, “send attached to E-mail”, and “normal FAX”, and first, “via FAX service company” is selected as the transmission means. All the destinations that were sent, then send out the destinations for which “Send as E-mail” is selected as the sending means, and finally the “Normal FAX” destinations. And

  Then, it is determined whether the selected transmission means is “via fax service company”, “send attached to E-mail” or “normal fax”, and “via fax service company” is selected as the transmission means. In step S503, an e-mail attached with the transmission file and all transmission destination information files selected as the transmission means via the FAX service company is generated and set as an e-mail address of the FAX service. E-mail transmission is performed (transmission is performed via a FAX service company), and the process proceeds to step S505.

  If it is determined in step S501 that “send attached to E-mail” is selected as the transmission means, in step S502, a mail with a transmission file attached is generated, and a destination mail address is generated. Is sent (attached to E-mail and sent), and the process proceeds to step S505.

  If it is determined in step S501 that “normal FAX” is selected as the transmission means, transmission is performed by normal FAX in step S504, and the process proceeds to step S505.

  Next, in step S505, it is determined whether there is a transmission error. The transmission error judgment is an E-mail transmission error to the FAX service company, or a FAX transmission error from the FAX service company to the designated destination number (in this case, an E-mail from the FAX service company). mail notification is received). In addition, when an E-mail is attached and transmitted, the presence / absence of an E-mail transmission error notification is determined. Further, when transmission is performed by normal FAX, the presence / absence of a normal FAX transmission error is determined.

  If it is determined in step S505 that there is no transmission error, the process directly proceeds to step S509.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S503 that there is a transmission error, retransmission number information (not shown) stored in the hard disk 35 is counted up. In step S506, retransmission means change setting information (see FIG. 8), and based on the read retransmission means change setting information and the number of retransmission information, the retransmission by the same transmission means ("Resend by the same means"), "Hold", Retransmission means change retransmission ("Retransmission means") If the same means determines that the transmission is a retransmission, the process returns to step S501 to perform a retransmission process.

  If it is determined in step S506 that the transmission means is changed and retransmitted, the process proceeds to step S508, where the transmission means is changed (for example, if an error occurs in “normal FAX”, it is changed to “via FAX service company”). Also, change to “Normal FAX” if an error occurs via “FAX service company”, or change to “Normal FAX” if an error occurs in “Attach to E-mail”. . Then, the process returns to step S501, and retransmission processing is performed. Although not shown in the flowchart, when “send attached to E-mail” is set in the retransmission means change setting information, the transmission means regardless of the retransmission means that has caused an error. Is changed to “Send with E-mail” and the retransmission process is performed.

  If it is determined in step S506 that the request is on hold, the process proceeds to step S507, where the transmission data and the LOG information are stored in the hard disk 35 in a retransmittable state, and the process proceeds to step S509. It should be noted that even when an error occurs in a predetermined number of retransmissions (for example, 5 times), the transmission data is stored as a file together with the LOG information, and the process proceeds to step S509.

  Next, in step S509, it is determined whether or not transmission has been completed for all cases (excluding hold). If it is determined that transmission has not been completed for all cases, the process returns to step S501 to process the next case. I do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S509 that transmission has been completed for all cases (excluding hold), the process returns to the process of the flowchart of FIG.

  Although not shown in the flowchart, the communication result notification is made to the mail address set in the return address input field 902 shown in FIG.

  With the above processing, the user can automatically select and transmit the method with the lowest communication cost by a simple operation simply executed from the GUI screen (FIGS. 9 to 13) of the facsimile apparatus (MFP 101).

  In addition, normally (when transmission can be completed within a specified time), a transmission method with a low cost is selected as a transmission means from transmission by normal FAX or transmission via a FAX service company. It is sufficient that a facsimile machine is installed on the receiving side, and it is not necessary to install a special and expensive machine (such as a FAX server apparatus or a FAX apparatus in which a mail address is set).

  In addition, since it is possible to set fine communication costs such as communication distance, transmission data size, number of transmissions, etc. (transmission information file (FIGS. 5 to 7)), it is possible to select inexpensive transmission means by more accurate charge calculation It can be used anywhere in the country or around the world.

  Furthermore, both documents (paper manuscripts) and data (transmission files) can be handled, and facsimile transmission can be performed by specifying either one.

  In addition, it is possible to select an error process when a transmission error occurs (FIG. 8), so that it is possible to replace the transmission means at the time of error, and recovery is expected in a short time such as failure of the receiving facsimile machine. Even in the case where there is no error, it can be reliably transmitted by performing retransmission by other transmission means.

Furthermore, if “hold” is selected for error processing when a transmission error occurs, or if an error occurs even after a predetermined number of retransmissions, the LOG and transmission data are stored in the hard disk 35 for later information. Can be confirmed.
In addition, when a transmission completion time (transmission completion time) is specified and it is determined that transmission is not completed at the transmission end time, for example, a highly urgent document is transmitted to many destinations by broadcast. In the case of transmission using fax, one message (number of ports) is sent one by one, so if it does not reach the receiving side at the required time, select transmission via the fax service company, Furthermore, if transmission via a fax service company is not in time, only some of the destinations are selected to be sent by e-mail, so transmission of highly urgent documents, etc. is reliably completed at the end of transmission time. can do.

  In addition, even when sending again, there is no need to set the document again and scan again, and it is possible to easily re-send.

  In the present embodiment, a case where transmission via a FAX service company is included as a transmission means has been described. However, if the FAX server is configured to perform normal FAX transmission to each transmission destination via a FAX server, It is not limited to a FAX server via a FAX service company, and may be via a FAX server installed at any location. For example, the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which FAX transmission is performed from a branch office via a FAX server at the head office.

  Moreover, all the structures which combined each modification of the said embodiment are also contained in this invention.

  The configurations and contents of the various data shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 are not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the various data and configurations are configured according to applications and purposes.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the facsimile transmission apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) that stores various data processing programs readable by the facsimile transmission apparatus according to the present invention.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 in the present embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the recording medium in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading the recording medium storing the program represented by the software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

  Instead of sending via a FAX service company as a sending means, a sending means for sending via another FAX server is provided as an option, for example, normal FAX sending, from a branch office to a head office FAX server, for example. Thus, the present invention can be applied to an application in which any one of inexpensive transmission means is selected and transmitted.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the facsimile transmission system which can apply the facsimile transmission apparatus which shows one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the MFP illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the table classified by destination distance stored in the hard disk shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the table according to area code number distance stored in the hard disk shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the charge table classified by distance stored in the hard disk shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the FAX service company charge table stored in the hard disk shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a normal FAX transmission data size threshold value table stored in the hard disk shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a retransmission means change setting screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit (FIG. 2) of the PC or MFP shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a transmission instruction screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit (FIG. 2) of the MFP shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a document reading setting screen displayed on a display unit of an operation unit (FIG. 2) of the MFP illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a transmission destination confirmation screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit (FIG. 2) of the MFP illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a reserved transmission setting screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit (FIG. 2) of the MFP shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a transmission file setting screen displayed on a display unit of an operation unit (FIG. 2) of the MFP illustrated in FIG. 1. Flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in the facsimile transmission apparatus of the present invention It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing procedure in the facsimile transmission apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing procedure in the facsimile transmission apparatus of this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the recording medium (storage medium) which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the facsimile transmitter based on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

101 MFP
102 LAN
103 Personal computer (PC)
104 Public line network 105 Internet
106 FAX server 106
107 FAX machine

Claims (10)

In a facsimile transmission apparatus capable of communicating with a facsimile server via a predetermined network,
First transmission means for facsimile transmission of transmission data via a public line;
Second transmission means for facsimile transmission of transmission data via the facsimile server;
First storage means for storing charge information for specifying a transmission charge by the first transmission means and a transmission charge by the second transmission means in accordance with a transmission destination and a transmission data amount;
Calculation for calculating the transmission fee by the first transmission unit and the transmission fee by the second transmission unit based on the designated transmission destination and transmission data and the fee information stored in the first storage unit, respectively. Means,
First selection means for selecting the first transmission means or the second transmission means based on a calculation result by the calculation means;
Control means for transmitting the transmission data by the first transmission means or the second transmission means selected by the first selection means;
A facsimile transmission apparatus comprising:   The first selection means selects a transmission means with a low transmission charge from the first transmission means or the second transmission means based on a calculation result by the calculation means. 1. The facsimile transmission apparatus according to 1.   The first storage means is a first charge for specifying a charge by the first transmission means according to transmission distance information, a transmission distance and a transmission data amount for specifying a transmission distance according to a transmission destination. 3. The facsimile transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein second fee information for specifying a fee by the second transmission means is stored in accordance with information and transmission data amount. The first storage means stores transmission speed information for specifying the transmission time by the first transmission means and the transmission time by the second transmission means according to the amount of transmission data,
Third transmission means for transmitting the transmission data by attaching it to an e-mail without going through the facsimile server;
A designation means for designating the transmission end time;
Based on a plurality of designated transmission destinations, designated transmission data, and transmission speed information stored in the first storage means, the transmission data are all sent by the first transmission means or the second transmission means. Determination means for determining whether or not transmission to the transmission destination can be completed by the transmission end time designated by the designation means;
A second selection that selects the third transmission means only for any one of the transmission destinations when the determination means determines that transmission to all transmission destinations cannot be completed by the transmission end time; Means,
The facsimile transmission apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A setting means for performing settings relating to error processing;
Second storage means for storing error processing setting information set by the setting means;
Changing means for changing error processing at the time of retransmission based on error processing setting information stored by the second storage means when a transmission error occurs by any of the transmission means;
The facsimile transmission apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Third storage means for storing transmission data;
The setting means includes a first error process for changing the transmission means for retransmission, a second error process for retransmitting without changing the transmission means, and a third error process for holding transmission data without retransmission. Including error handling settings,
The changing means performs retransmission when a transmission error occurs by any one of the transmission means and the error processing setting stored in the second storage means is the third error processing setting. 6. The facsimile transmission apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the transmission data is stored in the third storage means in a retransmittable state.   7. The facsimile transmission apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the setting means is capable of performing settings relating to error processing for each number of errors. A first transmission unit capable of communicating with a facsimile server via a predetermined network and transmitting transmission data by facsimile via a public line; and a second transmission unit transmitting facsimile transmission data via the facsimile server. In a facsimile transmission method in a facsimile transmission apparatus,
To specify the transmission fee by the first transmission unit and the transmission fee by the second transmission unit according to the designated transmission destination and transmission data, and the transmission destination and transmission data amount stored in advance in the storage unit, respectively. A calculation step of calculating a transmission fee by the first transmission unit and a transmission fee by the second transmission unit, respectively, based on the charge information of
A selection step of selecting the first transmission means or the second transmission means based on the calculation result;
A transmission step of transmitting the transmission data by the selected first transmission means or the second transmission means;
A facsimile transmission method comprising: A program for executing the facsimile transmission method according to claim 8. A recording medium storing a computer-readable program for executing the facsimile transmission method according to claim 8.

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