JP2006148838A - Image forming apparatus, facsimile reception control method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing an image from being recognized as received on a transmitting side although an image can not be outputted on a receiving side even if facsimile call arrival is detected during a power saving mode. <P>SOLUTION: There is included an initiation control unit 20a that controls initiation when canceling a power saving mode and shifting to an ordinary mode by supplying all power sources. If there is facsimile call arrival during the power saving mode, the initiation control unit 20a initiates units in an image forming apparatus 1 in a predetermined order. A facsimile communication unit 22 includes a low-rate reception means for receiving facsimile data at a reception rate lower than a reception rate in an ordinary mode if there is facsimile call arrival during the power saving mode, and a rate switching means for switching the facsimile data reception rate to the reception rate in the ordinary mode on a stage where the initiation of each of the units due to the initiation control unit 20a is confirmed during the reception. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a facsimile reception control method, a program, and a recording medium, and more specifically, an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function and capable of switching between an energy saving mode and a normal mode, and a facsimile reception control method. The present invention relates to a facsimile reception control program and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a facsimile apparatus is known that shifts to a standby state in order to suppress power consumption, other than during transmission / reception, or after a predetermined time has elapsed after transmission / reception is completed. The standby mode is also referred to as a sleep mode, a standby mode, an energy saving mode, or the like, and is a mode that waits for startup with only the sub power supply. In such a facsimile machine, the power supply is separated into two systems, a part that is necessary only in the energy saving mode (sub power supply) and a part that is unnecessary in the energy saving mode. When a new reception or transmission is performed during the energy saving mode, the normal mode is restored.

As a facsimile apparatus that reduces power consumption during standby, an apparatus that operates at a low speed for power saving during standby (when a job is not being processed) and switches to high speed when a job is received (incoming) or transmitted is disclosed. (For example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-203453 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-054073

  However, when an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function achieves a high level of energy saving, power is supplied only to circuits necessary for standby for facsimile, and power supply to other units (modules) including image formation is stopped. Things have been done. In this case, power is supplied to a unit such as an image forming unit in response to reception of a facsimile from another machine to start up and return to the normal mode.

  At this time, there is no problem as long as the unit related to image formation is normally activated and the received facsimile image can be printed out. However, if the facsimile reception is completed even though the printing is impossible due to a failure or the like, the image is received on the receiving side. Although the image cannot be output, the transmission side recognizes that an image has been received.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and even when a facsimile incoming call is detected in the energy saving mode, an image cannot be output on the transmission side even though the reception side cannot output an image. , An image forming apparatus having a facsimile function and having an energy saving mode, a facsimile reception control method in the image forming apparatus, a program for controlling facsimile reception, and its It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-readable recording medium in which a program is recorded.

The present invention is constituted by the following technical means in order to solve the above-described problems.
The first technical means is a facsimile communication means for transmitting / receiving data by facsimile communication, an image output means for forming and outputting an image with respect to facsimile data received by the facsimile communication means, and at least waiting for an incoming facsimile. An image forming apparatus comprising mode switching means for switching between an energy saving mode and a normal mode, wherein the mode switching means is activated when the energy saving mode is canceled and all power is supplied to shift to the normal mode. Activation control means for performing control, and the activation control means activates the units in the image forming apparatus in a predetermined order when there is an incoming facsimile in the energy saving mode, and the facsimile communication means When receiving a facsimile in energy saving mode, the normal Low-speed receiving means for receiving facsimile data at a receiving speed lower than the receiving speed in the mode; and during reception at the low-speed receiving speed, when the activation of each unit is confirmed by the starting control means, Speed switching means for switching the data reception speed from the low reception speed to the reception speed in the normal mode.

  According to a second technical means, in the first technical means, the facsimile communication means further includes an error notification means for notifying the transmission side of a communication error when image output with respect to the facsimile data is impossible. It is a thing.

  A third technical means is the first or second technical means, wherein the image output means is an image printing means for printing an image of the facsimile data, an image display means for displaying the image of the facsimile data, and the facsimile data. Or any one or more of non-volatile storage means for storing the image data and transfer means for transferring the facsimile data or the image data to an external device connected to the image forming apparatus. It is what.

  According to a fourth technical means, in any one of the first to third technical means, the activation control means includes means for calculating activation times of all units based on the presence or absence of an optional unit in the image forming apparatus. The low-speed receiving means determines the low-speed reception speed based on the activation time.

  A fifth technical means is the first technical means according to any one of the first to third technical means, wherein the speed switching means does not wait for confirmation of activation of all units during reception at the low reception speed, and is based on the activation control means. The facsimile data reception speed is switched from the low speed reception speed to the normal mode reception speed when it is confirmed that an image can be output by activating a unit related to the image output means. It is a thing.

  According to a sixth technical means, in the fifth technical means, the activation control means activates each unit in an activation order giving priority to the units related to the image output means.

  A seventh technical means is the sixth technical means, wherein the start control means has means for calculating start times of all units related to the image output means, and the low speed receiving means is the low speed reception. The speed is determined based on the activation time.

  An eighth technical means is the fourth or seventh technical means, wherein the low-speed receiving means is within the startup time at the determined low-speed reception speed based on the total amount of received data included in the facsimile data. A determination unit that determines whether or not reception is completed; and a stretching unit that extends the completion of reception when reception is completed within the activation time as a result of determination by the determination unit. It is characterized by.

  The ninth technical means comprises a facsimile communication means for transmitting and receiving data by facsimile communication, and an image output means for forming and outputting an image for the facsimile data received by the facsimile communication means, and at least receiving a facsimile call. A facsimile reception control method in an image forming apparatus capable of switching between a standby energy saving mode and a normal mode, the detection step detecting a facsimile incoming in the energy saving mode, and the facsimile incoming detected in the detection step The normal mode for canceling the energy saving mode and starting each unit in the image forming apparatus in a predetermined order to shift to the normal mode, and for the facsimile incoming detected by the detecting step. In A low-speed reception step for starting reception of facsimile data at a reception speed lower than the transmission speed; a start-up confirmation step for confirming the start-up of each unit in the start-up step during reception at the low-speed reception speed; and the start-up confirmation step. And a speed switching step of switching the reception speed of the facsimile data from the low reception speed to the reception speed in the normal mode when the activation of each unit is confirmed.

  According to a tenth technical means, in the ninth technical means, the activation confirmation step can output an image by activating a unit related to the image output means, instead of confirming the activation of each unit in the activation step. The speed switching step is configured to change the reception speed of the facsimile data from the low speed reception speed to the normal mode when the start of the unit related to the image output means in the start confirmation step is confirmed. It is characterized by switching to the receiving speed at.

  The eleventh technical means is a program for causing the central processing unit in the image forming apparatus to execute the facsimile reception control method in the ninth or tenth technical means.

  The twelfth technical means is a computer-readable recording medium on which the program in the eleventh technical means is recorded.

  According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function and having an energy saving mode, even when a facsimile incoming call is detected in the energy saving mode, an image is printed, displayed, stored, transferred, etc. on the receiving side. To prevent the transmission side from recognizing that the image has been received even though it cannot be output, that is, when the facsimile has been received, the received image is printed, displayed, stored, transferred, etc. Can always output.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration example including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a digital copying machine A as an example of an image forming apparatus, 2 is another digital copying machine B, 3 is a printer server, 4a, 4b and 4c are hosts (host PCs) A, B, C and 5 are Local area network (LAN), 11 feeder, 12 image reading unit, 13 image processing unit, 14 paper discharge tray, 15 finisher, 16 image forming unit, 17 paper feed tray, 18 power source, 19 Is a sub power supply, 20 is a control unit, 20a is a start control unit, 20b is start order information, 20c is option information, 20d is alternative device information, 20e is a printer controller, 21 is a user interface (user I / F), and 22 is A facsimile communication unit, 23 is a storage unit, and 24 is a network I / F.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a facsimile communication unit, an image output unit, and a mode switching unit, which will be described later. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described by taking the digital copying machine A (1) illustrated in FIG. 2 as an example of a component of the network configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 as an example. Such an image forming apparatus can be applied to a multi-function printer (multifunction machine), an analog copying machine, or the like as long as it includes a facsimile communication unit, an image output unit, and a mode switching unit. In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention may perform facsimile communication via a public line (or an Internet line) without being connected to a network as shown in FIG. In order to enable output, it is preferable to enable alternative printing and transfer by connecting to other devices such as the digital copying machine 2, the printer server 3, and the host PC 4 via a network.

  A digital copying machine 1 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a feeder 11 that automatically and continuously supplies a document to a document table, an image reading unit 12 that reads the document on the document table, and an image that performs image processing on image data read by the image reading unit 12. Processing unit 13, image forming unit 16 that prints an image on a recording medium such as paper or film for the image data processed by image processing unit 13, paper feed tray 17 that supplies paper or the like to image forming unit 16, image formation A paper discharge tray 14 for discharging paper or the like printed by the unit 16, a finisher 15 for discharging printed paper instead of the paper discharge tray 14 after bookbinding or sorting, a power supply for supplying power to each unit 18. Sub-power supply 19 that supplies power to units that need to be in standby even in the power saving mode such as the facsimile communication unit 22, a touch panel, operation buttons, etc. User I / F 21 to be connected, facsimile communication unit 22 for performing facsimile communication, storage unit 23 for storing image data, network I / F 24 for transmitting / receiving data to / from devices connected to other networks via LAN 5, and the above-mentioned The control part 20 which controls each part performed is provided.

  The sub power source 19 will be described on the assumption that it is a power source that does not supply power other than a circuit necessary for reception when waiting for a facsimile. The image processing unit 13 and the image forming unit 16 also print facsimile data received by the facsimile communication unit 22. Further, the control unit 20 includes a printer controller 20e that interprets print data (such as data described in a page description language) received from the host PC 4a and the like, converts it into bitmap data, and transmits the bitmap data to the image processing unit 13. A startup control unit 20a according to the present invention, a startup order information 20b, option information 20c, alternative device information 20d, and other units for storing information according to the present invention are also provided.

  The control unit 20 actually stores firmware including a central processing unit such as a CPU and MPU and various processing programs (a program for causing the central processing unit to execute at least a facsimile reception control method described later). ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) as an execution area where the central processing unit reads and executes the firmware. The present invention can also adopt a form as this program, and can also adopt a form as a computer-readable recording medium (for example, various recording media such as CD-ROM and FD) on which this program is recorded.

  The facsimile communication means is a means for transmitting and receiving data by facsimile communication, and is exemplified by the facsimile communication unit 22. However, there is no problem depending on the embodiment even if it has a facsimile reception function. The facsimile communication unit 22 may also include means for performing image processing such as expansion or correction of received facsimile data.

  The image output means is means for forming and outputting an image with respect to the facsimile data received by the facsimile communication section 22, and one of the means is the image processing section 13 and the image forming section 16 (and the control section 20 for controlling them). ).

  The mode switching means is means for switching between an energy saving mode and a normal mode that can wait for at least a facsimile incoming call. The normal mode is a mode in which all units are activated by the power supply 18, and the energy saving mode is the facsimile communication unit 22 and the control unit 20 (or only the part related to facsimile communication and activation control of the control unit 20) by the sub power supply 19. In this mode, power is supplied. Note that the power supply method of the power supply 18 and the sub power supply 19 is not limited as long as the drive in the normal mode and the drive in the energy saving (power saving) mode can be realized. Switching from the normal mode to the energy saving mode is automatically performed by a user operation or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation was performed, while switching (returning) from the energy saving mode to the normal mode is a facsimile incoming call according to the present invention. As a trigger, or by some user operation or user detection.

  The mode switching means includes activation control means for performing activation control when the energy saving mode is canceled and all the power is supplied to shift to the normal mode. This activation control means is exemplified by the activation control unit 20a, but activates the units in the digital copying machine 1 in a predetermined order when there is an incoming facsimile in the energy saving mode. This activation order is based on the activation order information 20b, and the operation of the unit is checked when the unit is activated. A detailed example of the boot order information 20b, option information 20c, and alternative device information 20d will be described later together with other embodiments.

  The facsimile communication means has the following low-speed receiving means and speed switching means. The low-speed receiving means receives facsimile data at a receiving speed lower than the receiving speed in the normal mode when a facsimile incoming is received in the energy saving mode. Here, the low-speed receiving means preferably determines the low-speed reception speed based on the startup time of all units, for example, based on the calculated startup time and the average received amount of facsimile data. Just decide.

  The speed switching means switches the reception speed of the facsimile data from the low speed to the reception speed in the normal mode when the activation control unit 20a confirms the activation of each unit during reception at the reception speed (low speed). The switching of the reception speed in the facsimile communication unit 22 may be processed by the activation control unit 20a. Note that the low-speed reception speed setting and the reception speed switching may be notified to the transmission side as a receivable limit speed and transmission at a transmission speed according to the maximum speed may be executed. In addition, a function of frequently changing the speed every time one block (large) is received may be provided, regardless of whether the speed is low speed or high speed (normal mode). For example, in the case of Super G3, the transmission speed (that is, the reception speed) is changed in increments of 2400 bps from 2400 bps to 33600 bps.

  Further, the activation of each unit in the speed switching means may be confirmed by notification from the activation control unit 20a. For example, when power supply is resumed due to the arrival of a facsimile when waiting for a facsimile, the respective functions (units) are activated in a predetermined order and the result is notified to the facsimile communication unit 22. In such a case, while receiving facsimile image data in a predetermined active mode (low speed), it waits for an activation result notification from the activation control unit 20a, and if the activation is completed without error by the activation result notification, reception data can be output. Therefore, switch to the normal high-speed mode and continue reception. If there is an error due to the start result notification and the start of all units has not been completed, a communication error notification is sent to the transmission side and output is aborted. Good.

  Although it is possible to determine that the transmission side has an error without sending an error notification to the transmission side, the facsimile communication means communicates to the transmission side when image output for facsimile data is impossible. By further including error notification means for performing error notification, error information can be reliably and quickly notified to the transmission side. Further, the reception may be terminated together with the communication error notification.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of facsimile reception control performed by the control unit in the digital copying machine of FIG. 2, and for explaining an example of the flow of the facsimile reception control method according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is also a flow diagram.

  When the facsimile communication unit 22 detects a facsimile incoming call in the energy saving mode (YES in step S1), the control unit 20a receives facsimile data at a reception speed lower than the reception speed in the normal mode with respect to the detected facsimile incoming call. Facsimile communication unit 22 is controlled to start receiving (step S2). This low-speed reception is reception during activation, and the mode at this time can be called the activation mode. At the same time as step S2, the control unit 20a cancels the energy saving mode and activates the units in the digital copying machine 1 in a predetermined order (starts activation) for the detected incoming facsimile. The mode is changed (step S3).

  Next, during reception at a low reception speed, the activation of each unit is confirmed based on the activation in step S3 (step S4), and if it can be activated, it is switched to high-speed reception (step S5). In step S5, when the activation of each unit is confirmed, the facsimile data reception speed is switched from the low speed to the normal mode reception speed (high speed). On the other hand, if any of the units could not be activated in step S4 (even if the activation itself was possible, even if the operation was not successful), a communication error notification is sent to the transmission side. (Step S6) and the reception is terminated (step S7).

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, reception is not completed until the start check of each unit is completed and it is confirmed that the received data can be output by processing such as printing, display, storage, and transfer. It becomes possible to do. Further, this can prevent a situation in which the transmission side thinks that the transmission has been performed normally but one reception data is not actually output. If the reception side can output an image of at least one received data on the receiving side, the receiver can contact the sender, and there is no problem because it is possible to cope with a difference between the number of transmitted data and the number of received data. .

  Actually, in energy saving mode, it is activated in response to an incoming facsimile, but since it comes with an option when it becomes a multifunction device, it takes time to start up, and it takes time due to the overhead of starting up the OS (Operating System). Therefore, there is a possibility that data reception is completed during that time. In that state, even if there is a failure, the sending side will mistake it for completion. In this embodiment, in order to cope with such a problem, when an incoming fax is detected in the energy saving mode, the reception speed is adjusted so that the reception is not completed until the start-up test of the image forming unit is completed. Prevents images that have been received from becoming unprintable, undisplayable, unstorable, untransferable, etc., and switches to high-speed reception when good start-up checks are confirmed, preventing the overall reception time from being delayed. It is out.

  Further, in the present invention, in order to make it possible to output the incoming facsimile data as much as possible, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, as the image output means, the facsimile data or the image is stored in the storage unit 23 so that the image can be output later. Means for storing data and means for transferring facsimile data or image data to an alternative apparatus via the LAN 5 by the network I / F 24 may be provided.

  As described above, as another embodiment of the present invention, the image output unit displays the image of the facsimile data, the image printing unit for printing the image of the facsimile data as exemplified in the image processing unit 13, the image forming unit 16, and the like. Image display means, non-volatile storage means for storing facsimile data or the image data, external devices connected to the digital copying machine 1 (other digital copying machine B (2), printer server 3, host PCs 4a to 4c, etc. It is preferable to include any one or a plurality of transfer means for transferring facsimile data or image data thereof. However, the nonvolatile storage means needs to be able to store the data so that it can be output even if the facsimile data cannot be output at this time. Further, it is also possible to adopt a usage pattern based on the premise that the received facsimile data is printed by the image printing means, and handle other means as an alternative means. Information as an alternative means may be stored in the alternative device information 20d. For example, if there is an alternative device connected to the LAN 5 even if output by the image printing means is not possible, processing may be performed so as to continue reception by switching to the normal high-speed mode.

  According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiments, various image output means can be supported. If the normal activation of the output means can be confirmed, the communication is completed without interrupting the communication wastefully.

  As another embodiment of the present invention, the activation control unit 20a includes a calculating unit that calculates the activation time of all units based on the presence / absence of an optional unit in the digital copying machine 1, and the low-speed receiving unit is The low reception speed may be determined based on the activation time. The low reception speed may be determined based on, for example, the calculated start-up time and the average received amount of facsimile data. However, the image forming apparatus including the digital copying machine 1 is usually sold in the form of sales. As well as selling devices with only basic functions, they also sell optional devices. Therefore, the calculation means needs to calculate the activation time of all the units based on the presence / absence of an optional unit which will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a format example of option information stored in the digital copying machine of FIG. The digital copying machine 1 stores option information 20c as information on optional units. The option information 20c stores, for example, the unit name, mounting information indicating whether or not the digital copying machine 1 is mounted (presence / absence), and the startup time for starting the optional device. The on-board information can at least be rewritten. The digital copier 1 sold with the optional device added, or the digital copier 1 to which the optional device is added later, has the option device (unit name) as many as the optional units for which mounting information is available. A value obtained by adding the corresponding start time to the start time of the entire digital copying machine 1 is calculated by the calculating means. Depending on the sales form, for example, in each unit illustrated in FIG. 2, the network I / F 24 or a screen display unit (not shown) may be handled as an optional unit.

  According to this embodiment, in each of the above-described embodiments, the activation control unit notifies the facsimile communication unit of the activation time based on the presence or absence of the optional device, and the facsimile communication unit is activated based on the notified activation time. Since the low-speed reception speed in the medium mode is determined, it is possible to optimize the reception speed during activation according to the option.

  Further, as another embodiment of the present invention, in each of the above-described embodiments (except for a mode in which the activation time of all units is calculated based on the presence / absence of an optional unit), switching by speed switching means that is receiving at low speed It is preferable to set the time as follows.

  That is, the speed switching means in the present embodiment does not wait for the activation confirmation of all the units, and at the stage where it is confirmed that the image can be output by the activation of the unit related to the image output means by the activation control unit 20a. Switch the data reception speed from the low speed to the normal mode reception speed (high speed). Here, the activation control unit 20a notifies the facsimile communication unit 22 when the activation of the items related to the output of the received data is completed.

  Further, the unit related to the image output means may include a unit incorporated as an optional unit. Accordingly, the unit related to the image output means may be only a main image output unit (for example, an image printing means including the image processing unit 13 and the image forming unit 16), or the storage unit 23, the network I / F 24, and the LAN. If there is an alternative means such as the above device, the information as the alternative means may be stored as alternative device information 20d, and the alternative means may be positioned as a unit related to the image output means.

  In the facsimile reception control method according to the present embodiment, in the step of confirming activation, instead of confirming activation of each unit, it is confirmed that an image can be output by activation of a unit related to the image output means. That is, it is sufficient to confirm at least the activation of the image output related unit in steps S3 and S4 in FIG. Then, when the activation of the image output related unit is confirmed in the activation confirmation, the low-speed is switched to the reception speed (high-speed) in the normal mode. As described above, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not at least image output is possible based on the start result, and if output is possible, switching to the normal high-speed mode is continued and reception is not possible. For example, a communication error is notified to the transmission side and reception is terminated.

  According to the present embodiment, reception is not completed until the start check of minimum functions (minimum unit necessary for image output) is completed and it is confirmed that reception data can be output. Is possible. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time during which low-speed reception is continued as compared with the above-described embodiments. In addition, this can prevent a situation in which even one piece of received data cannot actually be output even though the transmitting side thinks that transmission was successful.

  Furthermore, as another embodiment of the present invention, in the embodiment in which the switching of the reception speed is performed only by confirming the activation of the image output related unit, the activation control unit 20a selects a unit related to the image output of the facsimile data. It is preferable to set the units to be activated in a priority activation order. That is, it is preferable that the activation order information 33 in FIG. By adopting such an activation order from the standby of the facsimile, it is possible to further shorten the time until it can be confirmed that the received data can be output.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of boot order information stored in the digital copier of FIG. 2. In FIG. 5, 30 is a boot order information table, 31 is a unit name, 32 is boot order information at power-on, 33 Is activation order information when a facsimile is received in the energy saving mode, and 34 is activation order information when returning to the normal mode by a user operation or user detection in the energy saving mode. As the unit name, the user I / F 21 is illustrated as being divided into a display unit and an operation unit.

  Normally, when the power is turned on, as exemplified by the activation order information 32, for example, the control unit 20, the power supply 18, the image forming unit 16, the paper feed tray 17, the paper discharge tray 14, the finisher 15, the display unit, the operation unit, image reading The unit 12, the feeder 11, the storage unit 23, the network I / F 24, and the facsimile communication unit 22 are activated while performing activation checks. Further, when returning to the normal mode by user operation or user detection by a sensor in the energy saving mode, the activation may be performed in the same order as illustrated in the activation order information 32, or illustrated by the activation order information 34. For example, the control unit 20, power supply 18, display unit, operation unit, image forming unit 16, paper feed tray 17, paper discharge tray 14, image reading unit 12, feeder 11, facsimile communication unit 22, storage unit 23, network I / F24, The finisher 15 may be activated in the activation order, that is, in the unit order in which the user operation is expected to be performed while performing the activation check. In addition to these and later-described activation order information 33, information on the activation order in special cases may be prepared.

  On the other hand, when a facsimile is received in the energy saving mode, as the activation order information 33, for example, the control unit 20, power supply 18, image forming unit 16, paper feed tray 17, paper discharge tray 14, storage unit 23, network I / F 24, facsimile communication The unit 22, the finisher 15, the display unit, the operation unit, the image reading unit 12, and the feeder 11 are activated while performing activation checks. In this example, the activation check of the image output related unit can be completed before the activation check of the facsimile communication unit 22.

  Furthermore, as another embodiment of the present invention, in the embodiment in which the units are activated in the activation order in which the above-described facsimile data image output related units are prioritized, the low-speed reception speed is determined based on the calculated activation time. It is preferable to do so. Here, it is assumed that the activation control unit 20a includes a calculation unit that calculates the activation time of all the units related to the image output unit (there are units included as options).

  According to the present embodiment, in each of the embodiments described above, the activation control unit notifies the facsimile communication unit of the activation time of the image output related unit, and the facsimile communication unit is in the active mode based on the notified activation time. Since the low-speed reception speed is determined, it is possible to optimize the reception speed during activation corresponding to the short activation time consisting only of the image output related units.

  Furthermore, as another embodiment of the present invention, in each of the embodiments provided with the calculating means described above, the low-speed receiving means is provided with the following judging means and the extending means, and the reception of the facsimile data is completed during the low-speed reception. It is preferable to prevent in advance a situation in which the possibility of being unable to output is left. Here, regarding the amount of received data, ITU-T For example, the number of blocks (large) in total is notified in the negotiation when the first block (large) is sent. In the case of a document with only characters, one page may be one block (large). Thus, depending on the facsimile data, the amount of data may be less than expected, and this embodiment is useful.

  The determination means determines whether reception is completed within the start-up time at a low reception speed determined from the calculation result based on the total reception data amount included in the facsimile data. The extension means extends the completion of reception when reception is completed within the activation time as a result of determination by the determination means.

  There are various methods for deferring, such as listening back to inquiries from the sending side, requesting the sending side to retransmit facsimile data, or issuing a request to set a lower receiving speed to a lower speed. Is mentioned. T. of ITU-T. As a specific example of 30-compliant facsimile communication, instead of sending an MCF command and sending the next block after receiving data for one block (large), the next block is sent with the RTN command. Extension is possible by temporarily stopping or retransmitting a specific one of the blocks (small) constituting the block (large) just received by the PPR command.

  Next, as an example of processing according to the present embodiment, refer to FIGS. 6 to 9 for processing when shifting (returning) from normal mode to energy saving mode to normal mode when there is an incoming fax. To explain.

  6 and 7 are flowcharts for explaining an example of setting processing at the time of shifting to the energy saving mode in an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the flow of processing in the activation control unit. FIG. 7 shows the flow of processing in the facsimile communication unit.

  When the activation control unit 20a is instructed to shift to an energy saving mode (also referred to as a sleep mode) by elapse of time from the last operation or a forced transition operation, first, it is determined whether or not the activation mode needs to be set. (Step S11). Here, the case where setting is necessary includes, for example, when the digital copying machine 1 is shipped or when an optional device is added. If it is not necessary, the mode immediately shifts to the energy saving mode (step S15).

  On the other hand, if it is necessary to set the active mode (YES in step S11), the activation time of each unit is accumulated (step S12). In step S12, the accumulated time until the optional device is attached may be held, and the startup time of the newly added unit may be added. It should be noted that the unit to be finally accumulated is different depending on which embodiment is adopted, for example, whether it is the total of only the image output related units or the total of all units.

  The result accumulated in step S12 is notified to the facsimile communication unit 22 (step S13), and a notification (step S14 described later) that the setting of the active mode has been completed is awaited from the facsimile communication unit 22 (step S14). As soon as this notification arrives, the mode shifts to the energy saving mode (step S15).

  In response to the notification in step S13, the facsimile communication unit 22 receives this notification (a notification including information related to the activation time) (step S21). Following the step S21, the facsimile communication unit 22 may end communication before switching to high speed even if the received data amount is expected to determine a low reception speed just by the notified activation time. In consideration of this, the time margin is adjusted (step S22), and the adjusted startup time (slightly longer than the notified startup time) is stored (step S23). Then, based on this activation time, a low reception speed is determined based on the expected received data amount, and the value of the reception speed (low speed) is used for notification of the limit speed to the transmission side at the time of incoming call. For example, the setting of the running mode is completed (step S24). Further, the activation control unit 20a is notified that the in-activation mode setting has been completed (step S25), and the process ends.

  FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts for explaining a processing example at the time of returning to the normal mode caused by the incoming facsimile in the image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 9 shows the flow of processing in the facsimile communication unit.

  After shifting to the energy saving mode as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the activation control unit 20 a waits for a notification of a facsimile incoming call (step S <b> 42 described later) from the facsimile communication unit 22 (step S <b> 31). Each unit is activated in a predetermined order (step S32), and the activation result is recorded (step S33). Here, a description will be given of a case where the image output-related unit has a priority in activation order. The activated unit is related to the facsimile communication unit 22 (of course, excluding the part activated in the energy saving mode) (step) (YES in S34), since the image output unit has already performed the activation check before that, the activation check is executed as it is to the next unit (other unit) and the activation result is notified to the facsimile communication unit 22. (Step S35). Then, at the end of the startup check of other units, all units shift to the normal mode operation (step S36).

  The facsimile communication unit 22 detects whether or not the bell has ringed (step S41) or detects the incoming facsimile by another method. When a facsimile incoming call is detected, an activation process start notification is transmitted to the activation control unit 20a (step S42). Then, the timer is started (step S43), and at the same time, the active mode is entered to enter the incoming state (step S44). Then, the facsimile data is received at the speed (low speed) of the active mode by the exchange with the transmission side (step S45). During reception at low speed, it is determined whether there is a notification in step S35 or whether the time set by the timer has elapsed (step S46).

  If NO in step S46, it is determined whether or not the received data is small (step S47). If the received data is small, the extension process is executed (step S48), and the process returns to step S45. If it is determined in step S47 that the received data is not small, the process returns to step S45.

  On the other hand, in the case of YES in step S46, determination of timer expiration (step S49), determination of presence / absence of failure (step S50), determination of presence / absence of alternative device (step S51), and failure in step S50 A determination is made as to whether or not the failure in (2) is fatal (step S52), and a determination is made as to whether or not received data can be stored because the storage unit 23 is empty (step S53). In step S52, a failure such as the absence of paper or toner can be recovered later, so it is not determined to be fatal, and other failures are determined to be fatal. If there is no failure, if there is an alternative device, or if it can be stored, the operation proceeds to the normal mode as it is (step S55). On the other hand, when the time is up or when there is a fatal failure and there is no substitute device and storage is impossible, communication error processing is performed and a communication error notification is transmitted to the transmission side (step S54). The operation proceeds to the normal mode operation (step S55).

  According to this embodiment, even if the amount of received data is smaller than the amount of data assumed in the determination of the low-speed reception speed, it is possible to cope with it, and there is a possibility that the reception of facsimile data is completed during low-speed reception and cannot be output. Such a situation can be prevented in advance.

1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration example including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of facsimile reception control performed by a control unit in the digital copying machine of FIG. 2, and is also a flowchart for explaining an example of a flow of a facsimile reception control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. is there. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a format example of option information stored in the digital copying machine of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of activation order information stored in the digital copying machine of FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of setting processing in a startup control unit when shifting to an energy saving mode in an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of setting processing in a facsimile communication unit when shifting to an energy saving mode in an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example in a startup control unit when returning to a normal mode caused by an incoming facsimile in an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example in a facsimile communication unit when a normal mode is restored due to an incoming facsimile in an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital copying machine A, 2 ... Digital copying machine B, 3 ... Printer server, 4a ... Host A, 4b ... Host B, 4c ... Host C, 5 ... LAN, 11 ... Feeder, 12 ... Image reading part, 13 ... Image processing unit, 14 ... paper discharge tray, 15 ... finisher, 16 ... image forming unit, 17 ... paper feed tray, 18 ... power source, 19 ... sub power source, 20 ... control unit, 20a ... start control unit, 20b ... start order Information, 20c ... Option information, 20d ... Alternative device information, 20e ... Printer controller, 21 ... User I / F, 22 ... Facsimile communication unit, 23 ... Storage unit, 24 ... Network I / F.

Claims (12)

Facsimile communication means for transmitting / receiving data by facsimile communication, image output means for forming and outputting an image with respect to facsimile data received by the facsimile communication means, energy saving mode and normal mode capable of waiting for at least facsimile incoming An image forming apparatus comprising mode switching means for switching between
The mode switching means has start control means for performing start control when shifting to the normal mode by releasing the energy saving mode and supplying all power.
The activation control unit activates the units in the image forming apparatus in a predetermined order when a facsimile incoming call is received in the energy saving mode.
The facsimile communication means includes a low-speed receiving means for receiving facsimile data at a reception speed lower than the reception speed in the normal mode when receiving a facsimile in the energy saving mode, and receiving at the low reception speed. And an image forming apparatus comprising: a speed switching unit that switches the reception speed of the facsimile data from the low reception speed to the reception speed in the normal mode when activation of each unit is confirmed by the activation control means; apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the facsimile communication unit further includes an error notification unit configured to notify a transmission side of a communication error when image output with respect to the facsimile data is impossible.   The image output means includes an image printing means for printing the image of the facsimile data, an image display means for displaying the image of the facsimile data, a non-volatile storage means for storing the facsimile data or the image data, and the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising any one or more of transfer means for transferring the facsimile data or the image data to an external apparatus connected to the apparatus.   The activation control unit includes a unit that calculates activation times of all units based on the presence or absence of an optional unit in the image forming apparatus, and the low-speed reception unit determines the low-speed reception speed based on the activation time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is determined.   The speed switching means does not wait for confirmation of activation of all units during reception at the low reception speed, and it is confirmed that an image can be output by activation of a unit related to the image output means by the activation control means. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the facsimile data reception speed is switched from the low reception speed to the reception speed in the normal mode at the stage.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the activation control unit activates each unit in an activation order that prioritizes the units related to the image output unit.   The activation control means includes means for calculating activation times of all units related to the image output means, and the low-speed reception means determines the low-speed reception speed based on the activation time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.   The low-speed receiving means determines whether or not reception is completed within the start-up time at the determined low-speed reception speed based on the total amount of received data included in the facsimile data; and the determination means 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: an extension unit that extends the completion of reception when reception is completed within the activation time as a result of the determination in step 8. An energy saving mode and a normal mode that can at least wait for an incoming facsimile, comprising: a facsimile communication means for transmitting and receiving data by facsimile communication; and an image output means for forming and outputting an image of the facsimile data received by the facsimile communication means. A facsimile reception control method in an image forming apparatus capable of switching between modes,
A detection step of detecting a facsimile incoming call in the energy saving mode;
An activation step for shifting to the normal mode by canceling the energy saving mode and activating each unit in the image forming apparatus in a predetermined order with respect to the facsimile incoming call detected by the detection step;
A low-speed reception step for starting reception of facsimile data at a reception speed lower than the reception speed in the normal mode with respect to the facsimile incoming call detected by the detection step;
During reception at the low reception speed, an activation confirmation step for confirming activation of each unit in the activation step;
And a speed switching step of switching the reception speed of the facsimile data from the low reception speed to the reception speed in the normal mode when the activation of each unit is confirmed in the activation confirmation step. Reception control method.   Instead of confirming the activation of each unit in the activation step, the activation confirmation step confirms that an image can be output by activation of a unit related to the image output means, and the speed switching step includes the activation 10. The reception speed of the facsimile data is switched from the low reception speed to the reception speed in the normal mode when activation of a unit related to the image output means is confirmed in the confirmation step. The facsimile reception control method described in 1.   A program for causing a central processing unit in an image forming apparatus to execute the facsimile reception control method according to claim 9 or 10.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program of Claim 11.

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