JP2006287280A - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile machine capable of informing a sender about the output state of data, changing data stored in a receiver side apparatus independently of whether or not the receiver side apparatus outputs the data, and informing a recipient that the receiver side apparatus receives the data. <P>SOLUTION: A digital multifunction machine 1 is configured such that the machine 1 collates a received sender telephone number and a received confidential box number with each of a plurality of transmission destination IP phone numbers and each of a plurality of confidential box numbers stored in a transmission history storage section 153, and transmits prescribed received notice information to an external device on the basis of the address information of the external device (e.g. a personal computer 32) corresponding to the sender telephone number and the confidential box number which are coincident as the result of the collation, and when receiving image data and a confidential box number, a digital composite machine 2 is configured to inform an external device (e.g. a personal computer 31) about reception notice information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus (including a multifunction machine having a facsimile function) that performs image forming processing based on received data.

  Conventionally, when a facsimile apparatus transmits data using the confidential function, whether or not the data separately stored in the confidential box of the memory unit in the facsimile apparatus on the receiving side is printed out by the receiver. That is, it was difficult for the sender to confirm directly from the device on the transmission side. For this reason, the sender again needs to confirm it by telephone, e-mail, etc., which has the problem that it takes time and effort.

  On the other hand, as a conventional technique for solving the above problem, in the confidential mode, the transmission side telephone number transmitted during the facsimile transmission control procedure on the transmission side is read by the reception side, and the received confidential document is associated with the transmission source telephone number and stored. And a facsimile apparatus having a confidential function capable of automatically notifying that the confidential document is output to the corresponding transmission source telephone number when the confidential document accumulated by the password input operation is output. , And the transmission information transmission request of the confidential document is transmitted from the transmission side, the transmission request of the output information is read by the reception side, and the communication management report (the output information of the confidential document is stored in the storage unit of the reception device side ) Has been disclosed and proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition to solving the above problems, the conventional technique for notifying the receiver that the received data has been stored in the confidential box of the receiving facsimile machine is to specify the recipient of the confidential document in the memory on the receiver side. The confidential receiver name is registered in advance in correspondence with the confidential communication ID code to be received, and when the confidential document and the confidential communication ID code transmitted from the transmitter are received by the receiver, the received confidential communication ID is stored in the received confidential communication ID. Based on this, it is possible to search for the confidential recipient name registered in the memory in advance and display that the confidential document has reached the confidential recipient as a communication management report from the display or plotter unit. The confidential recipient name data searched on the machine side is sent to the transmitter side, and the confidential recipient name is displayed as a communication management report from the transmitter side display or plotter unit. Rukoto is confidential document communication device is disclosed and propose possible (e.g., see Patent Document 2).
JP-A-5-110874 JP-A-5-316374

  Certainly, if the above prior art is applied to a facsimile machine, the received data stored in the confidential box of the facsimile machine on the receiving side is stored in the memory unit on the receiving side when printed out by the operation of the receiver. The transmitted communication management report is notified to the facsimile machine on the transmission side, so that the sender outputs the communication management report (the output information of the confidential document) by the printer or the display device, thereby receiving the stored in the confidential box. It is possible to check whether data has been output. In addition, when the transmission side wants to confirm whether or not the reception data stored in the confidential box has been output, the transmission side transmits a transmission request for output information of the reception data stored in the confidential box on the reception side. By outputting a communication management report (confidential document output information) transmitted from the receiving side with a printer or a display device, it is possible to confirm whether or not the received data stored in the confidential box has been output. .

  In addition, if the above-described conventional technology is applied to a facsimile machine, when the received data is stored in the confidential box, the communication management report can be viewed on the receiving facsimile apparatus. The recipient user can know the data recipient name.

  However, in the facsimile apparatus described in Patent Document 1, in order to check whether data is output from the confidential box of the receiving facsimile apparatus, the sender goes to the transmitting facsimile apparatus and the communication management report is sent. There was room for reduction in the time spent on it. In addition, there is no mention of handling of data when data stored in the confidential box on the receiver side is not output by the receiver.

  Further, in the confidential document communication device described in Patent Document 2, the sender and the receiver go to each confidential document communication device to confirm the target communication management report, and the target communication management report is received. There was room for reduction in the time spent on it. Further, there is no mention of handling of data when data stored in the confidential box on the receiver side is not output by the receiver.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention does not require the sender and receiver to go to the transmitting and receiving devices, respectively, and whether or not data is output from the receiving device. Provides a facsimile machine that can notify the receiver of the data output status and can change the data stored in the receiver, and notify the receiver that the data has been received. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is assigned an interface unit for establishing communication with an external apparatus, operation means for receiving input of predetermined information, and individual destination information. Storage means provided with a plurality of storage boxes, address information storage means for storing a plurality of address information of the external device associated with the destination information, information for identifying the transmission source received together with the data, destination information and time A reception history storage means for storing information, a separate storage control means for separately storing the data in the storage box according to the destination information, and an image forming process based on the data read from the storage means. When the image forming process to be performed and the image forming process is not performed based on the data even after the predetermined time indicated by the time information has elapsed. Incomplete notification information indicating that the output of the data is incomplete, destination information corresponding to the data, and information for specifying the device are transmitted to the transmission source of the data, and within the predetermined time, When image formation processing is performed based on data, completion notification information indicating that the output of the data is completed, destination information corresponding to the data, and information for specifying the apparatus are sent to the transmission source of the data. And a completion notification control means for transmitting to. With such a configuration, the sender can notify the transmission source facsimile apparatus whether or not the image forming process of data has been performed within a predetermined time indicated by the time information. It becomes possible to know the output status of data by the recipient without confirming by telephone or e-mail. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the reception confirmation work for the receiver and the time required for it.

  The facsimile apparatus configured as described above receives the plurality of destination information stored in the address information storage means when receiving the information specifying the transmission source, the data, the destination information, and the time information. The address information of the external device associated with the matched destination information is extracted from the address information storage means, and based on the address information extracted by the verification means And reception notification control means for transmitting reception notification information indicating that the data has been stored in the storage box according to the destination information to the external device. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to notify the recipient's personal computer or the like that the data has arrived at the facsimile machine, so that the recipient has received the data without going to the facsimile machine. I can know that. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the reception confirmation work of the receiver and the time required for it.

  In addition, when the facsimile apparatus configured as described above newly receives only destination information and time information together with information specifying the transmission source, the data separately stored in the storage box is deleted according to the destination information. And a deletion notification control means for transmitting deletion notification information indicating that the data has been deleted to the external device. With such a configuration, the sender can delete the transmitted data if it is not necessary. Further, the recipient can know that the data has been deleted without going to the facsimile apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the reception confirmation work of the receiver and the time required for it.

  Further, when the facsimile apparatus having the above configuration receives new data, destination information and time information together with information for specifying the transmission source, the facsimile apparatus is separately stored in the storage box according to the destination information. Overwriting control means for overwriting new data, and overwriting notification control means for sending overwriting notification information indicating that the data has been overwritten with the new data to the external device. It is set as the structure which consists of. With this configuration, the sender can change the data by overwriting the transmitted data with new data. Further, the receiver can know that the data has been overwritten without going to the facsimile apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the reception confirmation work of the receiver and the time required for it.

  A facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes an interface unit for establishing communication with an external apparatus, an operation unit that receives input of predetermined information, and a document capture unit that captures an image of a document and generates data. The transmission control means for transmitting destination information and time information together with the information for specifying the device and the data based on the information for specifying the destination, the information for specifying the destination, the destination information and the external information A plurality of transmission history storage means associated with the address information of the apparatus and a plurality of transmissions stored in the transmission history storage means when receiving predetermined notification information, destination information, and information specifying the transmission source The information for identifying the destination and the destination information are collated with the information for identifying the received transmission source and the destination information to identify the destination for which the two match. A collating unit that extracts address information of the external device associated with information and destination information from the transmission history storage unit, and the predetermined notification based on the address information of the external device extracted by the collating unit. Notification control means for transmitting information to the external device. With this configuration, predetermined notification information is transmitted to the sender's personal computer or the like, so that the sender receives the notification information from the sender's personal computer or the like without going to the facsimile machine. It becomes possible to know the output status of data by the user. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the reception confirmation work for the receiver and the time required for it.

  As described above, in the case of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, the sender and the receiver need not go to the transmitting side and the receiving side, respectively. It is possible to know the output status of the data stored in the storage box of the device on the side and to change the data stored in the storage box of the device on the reception side. It is possible to know that the data has been received by the receiving side device.

  In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a network compatible digital multifunction peripheral having functions as a copying machine, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a digital multifunction peripheral on the transmission side and reception side according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is a transmission side and the digital multi-function peripheral 2 is a reception side. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment includes a central processing unit 10 (hereinafter referred to as a CPU [Central Processing Unit] 10), a document transport unit 11, a document take-in unit 12, an operation display unit 13, and an interface. It has a face part 14 and a memory part 15. Although not shown in the figure, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of the present embodiment includes an image forming unit, a fixing unit, a paper storage unit, a paper transport unit, and the like necessary for the image forming process in addition to the above-described components. Of course it has.

  In addition to controlling the operation of the entire apparatus, the CPU 10, as will be described in detail later, based on the destination IP telephone number (that is, information for specifying the destination) input from the operation display unit 13. Along with the IP telephone number of the apparatus (that is, information for identifying the apparatus) and image data, the destination information input from the operation display unit 13 (in this embodiment, it is expressed by a 4-digit number in the F-code confidential box method). The transmission control means for transmitting the confidential box numbers “0000” to “nnnn” of the transmission destination and the time information, the predetermined notification information, the destination information, and the IP telephone number of the transmission source (that is, the transmission source is specified) Information) is received, a plurality of destination IP telephone numbers (that is, information for specifying the destination) and destination information stored in a later-described transmission history storage unit 153 are displayed. Then, the received IP telephone number of the transmission source (that is, information for specifying the transmission source) and the destination information are collated, and the IP telephone number of the transmission destination that matches both (that is, the information for specifying the transmission destination) and Collation means for extracting address information of an external device (for example, personal computer 31) corresponding to the destination information, and a predetermined received based on the address information of the external device (for example, personal computer 31) extracted by the collation means As notification control means for transmitting the notification information to an external device (for example, the personal computer 31).

  Although the time information is described later, the digital multifunction device 2 starts counting time after the digital multifunction device 2 receives the time information and the like together with the image data, and within a predetermined time indicated by the time information, the digital multifunction device 2. Depending on whether or not the image formation processing (printing output) of the image data separately stored in the confidential box has been performed, the digital multifunction peripheral 2 sends the completion notification information or incomplete notification information to the digital multifunction peripheral 1. It is a time for determining which one to transmit.

  The document transport unit 11 automatically transports a document set on a document table (not shown) to the document take-in unit 12. The document capture unit 12 captures an image of a document transported by the document transport unit 11 and generates image data.

  The operation display unit 13 includes a numeric keypad, a touch panel, and the like, and includes an operation unit that receives information input by the user and an operation of the apparatus by the user, and a display unit that includes a liquid crystal display and displays various images. Become.

  The interface unit 14 is an interface for establishing communication with a plurality of external devices (for example, a digital multifunction device 2 and a personal computer 31 described later) connected via the Internet 41 or a LAN [Local Area Network] 42. It has a function. The interface unit 14 has a function of converting an IP telephone number into a communication protocol TCP / IP [Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol] and connecting to the Internet 41 in order to perform facsimile communication using an IP telephone. A router or the like is used, and an Ethernet (registered trademark) standard network interface card or the like is used to establish communication with the LAN 42.

  The memory unit 15 includes a ROM [Read Only Memory] 151 in which various control programs are stored, a RAM [Random Access Memory] 152 mainly used as a work area, and destination information (in this embodiment, an F code confidential box). Address of the external device (for example, the personal computer 31) associated with the destination information (for example, the personal computer 31) corresponding to the confidential box numbers “0000” to “nnnn” of the transmission destination expressed by a four-digit number according to the system A transmission history storage unit 153 that stores a plurality of addresses.

  Next, the receiving-side digital multifunction peripheral 2 of this embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital multifunction peripheral 2 includes a CPU 20, an interface unit 21, an operation display unit 22, an image forming unit 23, a fixing unit 24, a paper feeding unit 25, a memory unit 26, It has. Although not shown in the figure, it naturally includes a document transport unit and a document take-in unit necessary for a copying operation and a scanner operation.

  The CPU 20 controls the operation of the entire apparatus and, as will be described in detail later, the received destination information (in this embodiment, the confidential information of the transmission destination expressed by a 4-digit number in the F-code confidential box method). According to the box numbers “0000” to “nnnn”), the classification storage control means for separately storing the received image data in the confidential box, and the image data even if the predetermined time indicated by the received time information has elapsed If the image forming process is not performed based on the image data, the incomplete notification information indicating that the output of the image data is incomplete, the destination information corresponding to the image data, and the IP telephone number of the apparatus (that is, If the image forming process is performed on the basis of the image data within a predetermined time, the information specifying the apparatus is output to the transmission source of the image data. Completion notification means for transmitting completion notification information indicating completion, destination information corresponding to the image data, and the IP telephone number of the apparatus (that is, information for specifying the apparatus) to the transmission source of the image data; When receiving the source IP telephone number (that is, information for specifying the source), image data, destination information, and time information, a plurality of destination information stored in the address information storage unit 263, which will be described later, are received. It plays a role of a collation means for collating destination information and extracting address information (for example, IP address) of an external device (for example, personal computer 32) associated with the matched destination information from the address information storage unit 263. Yes.

  The interface unit 21 has an interface function for establishing communication with a plurality of external devices (for example, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the personal computer 32) connected via the Internet 41 or the LAN 43. For the interface unit 21, a router or the like having a function of converting an IP telephone number into a communication protocol TCP / IP and connecting to the Internet 41 in order to perform facsimile communication using an IP telephone. In addition, an Ethernet (registered trademark) standard network interface card or the like is used for the interface unit 21 in order to establish communication with the LAN 43.

  The operation display unit 22 includes a numeric keypad, a touch panel, and the like, and includes an operation unit that receives information input by the user and an operation of the apparatus by the user, and a display unit that includes a liquid crystal display and displays various images. Become.

  The memory unit 26 includes a ROM 261 in which various control programs are stored, a RAM 262 mainly used as a work area, destination information (in this embodiment, a transmission destination represented by a four-digit number in the F-code confidential box method). Address information storage unit 263 that stores a plurality of address information (for example, IP addresses) of an external device (for example, the personal computer 32) corresponding to the destination information, and a confidential box number “0000” to “nnnn” of A reception history storage unit 264 that stores the IP telephone number of the transmission source received together with the image data, destination information, and time information.

  In addition, the memory unit 26 provides individual destination information (in this embodiment, a confidential box number “0001” expressed by a four-digit number according to the F-code confidential box method) in order to realize a function of separately storing received image data. To the “nnnnn”) storage boxes B0001 to Bnnnn (hereinafter referred to as “0001” to “nnnn” confidential boxes B0001 to Bnnnn ”). .

  The image forming unit 23 includes a printer head and a photosensitive drum, and forms an image on a sheet based on image data read from the memory unit 26. The fixing unit 24 heats the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 23 to fix the image on the paper. The paper feed unit 25 includes a paper storage unit for storing paper and a paper transport unit for transporting paper from the paper storage unit to the image forming unit 23.

  Here, the personal computer 31 connected to the LAN 42 and the personal computer 32 connected to the LAN 43 will be described below. Although not shown, the personal computer 31 includes a storage unit for storing various programs and data, a display for displaying images, an input device for performing input operations, a control unit for controlling the entire personal computer, and the LAN 42. It has an interface unit for establishing a communication connection. Further, as will be described later, the personal computer 31 transmits image data from the digital multifunction peripheral 1 to the digital multifunction peripheral 2, and the output of the image data separately stored in a predetermined confidential box in the digital multifunction peripheral 2 is completed. Various notification information such as the completion notification information shown is received via the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and the notification content and the like can be displayed on the display based on the various notification information.

  Although not shown, the personal computer 32 connected to the LAN 43 controls a storage unit for storing various programs and data, a display for displaying images, an input device for performing input operations, and the entire personal computer. It has a control unit, an interface unit for establishing a communication connection with the LAN 43, and the like. In addition, the personal computer 32 is configured to be able to send and receive various commands such as a print output command for image data and various data to and from the digital multi-function peripheral 2. Further, as will be described later, the personal computer 32 receives the reception notification information indicating that the image data has been received in the confidential box having a specific number in the digital multifunction peripheral 2, and notifies the reception based on the reception notification information. The contents can be displayed on the display.

  In the following, operations when the F-code confidential box method is used in the transmitting-side digital multifunction device 1 and the receiving-side digital multifunction device 2 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the drawings. To facilitate understanding of the features of the present invention, the operation in the F-code confidential box method in the digital multifunction device 2 on the receiving side will be described first. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a registration operation related to the confidential box in the digital multifunction peripheral 2. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation when F-code confidential box type facsimile communication data is received in the digital multi-function peripheral 2. For the sake of explanation, the case where the user of the personal computer 32 is a recipient will be described as an example. Hereinafter, the registration operation related to the confidential box in the digital multi-function peripheral 2 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral 2 of the present embodiment, in step 2-1, a user who is a recipient presses an F-code setting button (not shown) for registering a confidential box displayed on the operation display unit 22. Then, a message indicating that the entry of the confidential box number is requested with a 4-digit number is displayed on the operation display unit 22. When a four-digit number is input with a numeric keypad (not shown) and the confirm button is pressed, the CPU 20 recognizes the input confidential box number and the confidential box corresponding to the confidential box number. In the present embodiment, the confidential box number will be described by taking a 4-digit number as an example, but it is not particularly limited to a 4-digit number.

  Subsequently, in step S2-2, address information (for example, personal computer) of an external device (for example, a personal computer) that is a notification destination when image data is separately stored in the confidential box of the confidential box number registered in step S2-1. , IP address) is requested to be displayed on the operation display unit 22. A numeric keypad (not shown) or an alphanumeric symbol button (not shown) displayed on the main screen is used to input address information (for example, IP address) of the recipient's personal computer 32, and a confirmation button (not shown) is entered. When pressed, the CPU 20 recognizes the address information of the personal computer 32 in association with the confidential box number recognized in step S2-1 and the confidential box corresponding to the confidential box number.

  Subsequently, in step S2-3, the operation display unit 22 is displayed to request registration of a password when browsing the confidential box recognized in step S2-1. When a numeric keypad (not shown) or an alphanumeric symbol button (not shown) displayed on the operation display unit 22 is used to input a recipient password and a confirmation button (not shown) is pressed, the CPU 20 The password, the confidential box number, and the address information of the personal computer 32 are associated with each other and stored in the address information storage unit 263, and the registration related to the confidential box is completed. Note that the registration of the user name may be added to the registration related to the confidential box described above. Also, as described above, the confidential box is registered in the digital multi-function peripheral 2 by the user who is the recipient as described above.

  Next, the operation of the digital multifunction device 2 when receiving the IP telephone number, image data, confidential box number and time information of the transmission source transmitted from the digital multifunction device 1 by the F-code confidential box method is shown in FIGS. A description will be given with reference to FIG. For the sake of explanation, as shown in FIG. 1, image data or the like transmitted by the F-code confidential box method using the digital multifunction peripheral 1 on the transmission side as a sender of the personal computer 31 is transmitted to the digital multifunction peripheral 2. The case where the user of the personal computer 32 becomes the receiver will be described as an example.

  In the digital multifunction peripheral 2 of the present embodiment, in step S3-1, as will be described later, the IP telephone number and image of the transmission source digital multifunction peripheral 1 transmitted from the digital multifunction peripheral 1 by the F-code confidential box method as described later. When the data, confidential box number and time information are received via the interface 21, the CPU 20 sorts the image data into any one of the confidential boxes B0001 to Bnnnn from 0001 to nnnn according to the confidential box number. (For example, if the received confidential box number is “0001”, it is stored separately in the confidential box B0001 of 0001). Further, the CPU 20 associates and stores the received IP telephone number, confidential box number, time information, and reception time of the transmission source digital multifunction peripheral 1 in the reception history storage unit 264.

  Subsequently, in step S3-2, the CPU 20 collates a plurality of confidential box numbers registered as described above and stored in the address information storage unit 263 with the confidential box numbers received in step S3-1. The address information of the external device corresponding to the matched confidential box number, for example, the personal computer 32 is extracted from the address information storage unit 263. Then, based on the extracted address information, the CPU 20 receives reception notification information indicating that image data has been stored in the confidential box corresponding to the received confidential box number from the interface unit 21 to an external device. It is transmitted to the personal computer 32.

  Note that the CPU 20 determines that the image data is destination information based on the extracted address information (in this embodiment, confidential box numbers “0001” to “nnnn” expressed as 4-digit numbers in the F-code confidential box method). It plays a role as a reception notification control means for transmitting reception notification information indicating that it is stored in a confidential box corresponding to an external device (for example, the personal computer 32).

  In the personal computer 32 that has received the reception notification information, the fact that the image data has been received is displayed in the confidential box of a specific number in the digital multi-function peripheral 2 based on the reception notification information.

  Therefore, since the digital multifunction peripheral 2 of the present embodiment can notify the receiver's personal computer or the like that the image data has arrived, the receiver can go to the digital multifunction peripheral 2 without going to the digital multifunction peripheral 2. It is possible to know that the image data has arrived on a personal computer or the like. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the reception confirmation work of the receiver and the time required for it.

  Subsequently, in step S3-3, the CPU 20 reads the time information stored in the reception history storage unit 264. Then, after the time count by the CPU 20 is initialized, the time count is newly started.

  Subsequently, in step S3-4, after the time counting by the CPU 20 is started, the confidential box number of the confidential box in which the image data is separately stored within the predetermined time indicated by the time information, and the password corresponding to the confidential box. When the print output command for the image data is transmitted from the personal computer 32 and received by the CPU 20 (YES in S3-4), the image data has been conveyed by the paper feeding unit 25 based on the image data in step S3-5. An image forming process is performed on the sheet by the image forming unit 23 and the fixing unit 24. Further, the confidential box number received from the personal computer 32 and the print output command for the image data are temporarily stored in the RAM 262 together with the reception time by the CPU 20.

  Subsequently, in step S3-6, the CPU 20 deletes the image data separately stored in the confidential box in which the image forming process on the paper has been completed in step S3-5.

  Subsequently, in step S3-7, the CPU 20 reads the confidential box number of the confidential box in which the image data is printed out from the RAM 262. Then, the IP telephone number of the transmission source digital MFP 1 corresponding to the confidential box number of the latest reception time is extracted from the plurality of confidential box numbers stored in the reception history storage unit 264 that matches the confidential box number. Is done. Then, the CPU 20 uses the IP telephone number, and the completion notification information indicating that the print output of the image data is completed, the confidential box number corresponding to the image data, and the IP telephone number of the digital multifunction device 2 are It is transmitted from the interface unit 21 to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 via the Internet 41, and this operation is completed. The digital multifunction peripheral 1 that has received the IP telephone number, completion notification information, and confidential box number of the digital multifunction peripheral 2 transmits completion notification information to the personal computer 31 as described later.

  In step S3-4, the confidential box number of the confidential box in which image data from the personal computer 32 is separately stored even after a predetermined time indicated by the time information has elapsed after the CPU 20 starts counting the time, When the print output command for the password and image data corresponding to the confidential box is not received by the CPU 20 (S3-4NO), the newest confidential box stored in the reception history storage unit 264 by the CPU 20 in step S3-8. The IP telephone number of the source digital multifunction peripheral 1 corresponding to the number is extracted. Then, the CPU 20 transmits incomplete notification information indicating that the print output of the image data is incomplete, the confidential box number corresponding to the image data, the change confirmation notification information, and the IP phone number of the digital multifunction peripheral 2. The IP telephone number of the original digital multifunction machine 1 is used and transmitted from the interface unit 21 to the digital multifunction machine 1 via the Internet 41. Note that the change confirmation notification information is notification information that is transmitted to the sender's personal computer 31 via the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and is sent to confirm to the sender whether or not to change the image data later. Further, as will be described later, incomplete notification information and the like are transmitted to the personal computer 31 by the digital multifunction device 1 that has received the IP telephone number, incomplete notification information, and confidential box number of the digital multifunction device 2.

  Therefore, as described above, in the case of the digital multi-function peripheral 2 according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the image forming process of the image data is performed within a predetermined time indicated by the time information according to the instruction of the receiver. Therefore, the sender can know the output status of the image data by the receiver without confirming by telephone or e-mail. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the reception confirmation work for the receiver and the time required for it.

  Subsequently, in step S3-9, when change notification information for notifying that the image data received earlier is to be changed later is received as described later (YES in S3-9), the process proceeds to step S3-10. move on. The change notification information is transmitted from the sender's personal computer 32 via the digital multi-function peripheral 1 as will be described later.

  Subsequently, in step S3-10, while the time count by the CPU 20 is continued, the confidential box number that is the same as the confidential box number and time information received by the CPU 20 in step S3-1 together with the IP phone number of the transmission source. If it is recognized that only the time information is newly received (YES in S3-10), the CPU 20 sorts and stores it in the confidential box corresponding to the newly received confidential box number in step 3-11. Existing image data is deleted. Note that the time information newly received in step S3-10 may be different from that received in step S3-1.

  Subsequently, in step S3-12, the CPU 20 collates a plurality of confidential box numbers stored in the address information storage unit 263 with the newly received confidential box number, and performs external verification corresponding to the matched confidential box number. The address information of the device, for example, the recipient's personal computer 32 is extracted from the address information storage unit 263. Then, the CPU 20 generates deletion notification information indicating that the image data stored in the confidential box with a specific confidential box number has been deleted based on the extracted address information, for example, an external device Is transmitted from the interface unit 21 to the personal computer 32, and this operation is completed.

  In the personal computer 32 that has received the deletion notification information, based on the deletion notification information, the display indicates that the image data stored in the confidential box of the specific confidential box number in the digital multifunction peripheral 2 has been deleted. Is done.

  As described above, the CPU 20 represents the destination IP phone number (that is, information specifying the source) as well as destination information (in this embodiment, a 4-digit number according to the F-code confidential box method). If only the transmission destination confidential box number “0000” to “nnnn”) and time information are newly received, the image data stored separately in the confidential box corresponding to the destination information is deleted. Deletion control means, and a role as deletion notification control means for sending deletion notification information indicating that the data stored separately in the storage box of the destination information has been deleted to an external device (for example, the personal computer 32) Is responsible.

  Therefore, as described above, with the digital multi-function peripheral 2 according to the present embodiment, the receiver can know that the image data has been deleted on a personal computer or the like without going to the digital multi-function peripheral 2. . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the reception confirmation work of the receiver and the time required for it. If the sender does not need the previously transmitted image data, the sender can delete the image data.

  Further, in step S3-9, when no change notification information for notifying that the image data received earlier is not changed later is received (NO in S3-9), as described later, it is received first. Since the image data separately stored in the confidential box is not changed later, the process returns to step S3-3.

  In step S3-10, the CPU 20 continues counting the time, and the CPU 20 sends the IP phone number of the transmission source, the same confidential box number received in step S3-1, new image data, and If it is recognized that new time information is newly received (NO in S3-10), the CPU 20 sorts and stores the new time information in the confidential box corresponding to the newly received confidential box number in step 3-13. New image data is overwritten and stored in the existing image data.

  Subsequently, in step S3-14, the CPU 20 collates a plurality of confidential box numbers stored in the address information storage unit 263 with the received confidential box numbers, and external devices corresponding to the matched confidential box numbers. For example, the address information of the personal computer 32 is extracted from the address information storage unit 263. Based on the extracted address information, the overwriting notification information indicating that the image data separately stored in the confidential box with the specific confidential box number is overwritten with new image data is externally displayed by the CPU 20. , For example, to the personal computer 32 from the interface unit 21 via the LAN 43, the process proceeds to step S3-3.

  In the personal computer 32 that has received the reception notification information, new image data is added to the image data stored in the confidential box corresponding to the specific confidential box number in the digital multifunction peripheral 2 on the display based on the overwriting notification information. Will be displayed.

  Note that, as described above, the CPU 20 adds new image data and destination information (in this embodiment, four digits according to the F-code confidential box method) together with the telephone number of the transmission source (that is, information specifying the transmission source). Image data stored separately in the confidential box according to the destination information when the new information is received (sold to the confidential box number “0000” to “nnnn”) and the time information. Overwriting control information for overwriting new image data, and overwriting notification information indicating that the image data separately stored in the storage box of the destination information is overwritten with the new image data. It plays a role as overwriting notification control means for transmitting to the device (for example, personal computer 32).

  Therefore, as described above, in the case of the digital multifunction peripheral 2 of the present embodiment, the recipient is stored in the confidential box having a specific confidential box number on a personal computer or the like without going to the digital multifunction peripheral 2. That the existing image data has been overwritten. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the reception confirmation work of the receiver and the time required for it. Also, the sender can overwrite the previously transmitted image data with new image data and change the image data.

  Next, the facsimile transmission operation in the F-code confidential box mode in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a liquid crystal display screen in the digital multi-function peripheral 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of facsimile transmission in the F-code confidential box mode in the digital multi-function peripheral 1. For the sake of explanation, as shown in FIG. 1, image data or the like transmitted by the F-code confidential box method using the digital multifunction peripheral 1 on the transmission side with the user of the personal computer 31 as the sender is the digital multifunction peripheral 2. The case where the user of the personal computer 32 becomes the receiver will be described as an example.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the F code confidential box mode switching displayed on the liquid crystal display 131 of the operation display unit 13 by the sender in step S5-1. When a button (not shown) is pressed, the status display unit 132 is changed to the F code confidential box mode, and the facsimile transmission in the F code confidential box mode is enabled. Subsequently, in accordance with the guidance displayed on the main display unit 133, the numeric keypad (not shown), as shown in FIG. 4, the IP telephone number 134 of the transmission destination (in this embodiment, the digital multifunction machine 2), the confidential box number When 135 (four digits in this embodiment), symbol 137, and time information 136 are input, the CPU 10 temporarily stores the input information in the RAM 152. Subsequently, a screen requesting input of address information (for example, IP address) of the sender's personal computer 31 is displayed on the main display unit 133, and the address information is displayed on the numeric keypad (not shown) or the main display unit 133. Alphanumeric symbol buttons (not shown) are used to input address information of the sender's personal computer 31. If, for example, 30 is entered in the time information 136, the receiving digital multi-function apparatus 2 has information indicating 30 minutes.

  In step S5-2, when a document is set on the document transport unit 11 and a start key (not shown) is pressed, the document is transported by the document transport unit 11 to the document capture unit 12, and the document is captured. Image data is generated by the unit 12. The generated image data is temporarily stored in the RAM 152. The IP telephone number 134, confidential box number 135, time information 136, and image data are read again from the RAM 152 by the CPU 10 and input to the interface unit 14 in the order shown in FIG. Then, according to the IP telephone number 134, the IP telephone number 134, the confidential box number 135, the time information 136, and the image data are transmitted to the digital multi-function peripheral 2. Then, the CPU 10 stores the address information of the sender's personal computer 31, the confidential box number 135 and the destination IP telephone number 134 in the transmission history storage unit 153 in association with each other.

  As described above, in the digital multi-function peripheral 2, the received image data is stored separately in the confidential box according to the confidential box number 135.

  Subsequently, in step S5-3, when the image data sorted and stored in the confidential box according to the confidential box number is output within the predetermined time indicated by the time information 136 in the digital multifunction peripheral 2 as described above. The completion notification information (indicating that the output of the image data has been completed), the confidential box number corresponding to the image data, and the IP phone number are sent to the interface unit 14 by the CPU 10. If it is recognized that the message has been received via the terminal (S5-3 YES), in step 5-4, the CPU 10 stores a plurality of confidential box numbers and destination addresses stored in association with the transmission history storage unit 153. The received IP phone number and confidential box number are checked against the IP phone number. Address information corresponding to the fine confidential box number is extracted. Then, based on the extracted address information, for example, completion notification information is transmitted to the personal computer 31, and the operation is completed.

  In the personal computer 31 that has received the completion notification information, the image data transmitted to the digital multifunction peripheral 2 in the F-code confidential box mode is displayed on the display of the personal computer 31 based on the completion notification information. According to the instruction command, the fact that the print output has been completed from the digital multi-function peripheral 2 is displayed.

  In step S5-3, as described above, the image data sorted and stored in the confidential box according to the confidential box number 135 of the digital multifunction peripheral 2 is printed out even if a predetermined time indicated by the time information 136 has elapsed. If not, incomplete notification information (indicating that output of image data has not been completed) transmitted from the digital multifunction device 2 and change confirmation notification information (image data stored in the confidential box of the digital multifunction device 2) When the CPU 10 recognizes that the confidential box number and the IP telephone number are received via the interface unit 14 (information for requesting the sender to confirm whether or not to change the password) In step S5-3 NO), in step S5-5, the CPU 10 causes the incomplete notification information, change confirmation notification information, confidential box number, and IP phone number of the transmission source. But, it is temporarily stored in the RAM152.

  Subsequently, in step S5-6, the source IP phone stored in the RAM 152 is stored in the RAM 152 for the plurality of confidential box numbers and destination IP phone numbers stored by the CPU 10 in association with the transmission history storage unit 153. The number and the confidential box number are collated, and the address information corresponding to the IP telephone number and the confidential box number that coincide with each other is extracted from the transmission history storage unit 153. Then, based on the extracted address information, for example, incomplete notification information and change confirmation notification information are transmitted to the personal computer 31, and the transmission history is stored in the transmission history storage unit 153.

  The operation of the personal computer 31 to which the incomplete notification information and the change confirmation notification information are transmitted based on the address information will be described below. In the personal computer 31, based on the incomplete notification information, the display of the personal computer 31 displays that the print output of the image data transmitted in the F-code confidential box mode is incomplete in the digital multifunction peripheral 2.

  Further, based on the change confirmation notification information, a change confirmation button (not shown) for confirming whether or not the image data stored in the confidential box of the digital multi-function peripheral 2 will be changed later on the display of the personal computer 31; An unchange confirmation button (not shown) is displayed. When the input device of the personal computer 31 is used by the sender and a change confirmation button (not shown) for changing the image data later or an unchange confirmation button (not shown) for changing the image data is selected, the digital multifunction peripheral The change notification information for notifying that the image data stored in the confidential box 2 will be changed later or the non-change notification information notifying that the image data is not changed is returned to the digital multifunction device 1.

  Subsequently, in step S5-7, if the CPU 10 recognizes that the change notification information returned from the personal computer 31 has been received via the interface unit 14 (YES in step S5-7), step S5- 8, the CPU 10 uses the IP telephone number of the digital multifunction peripheral 2 stored in the RAM 152 to transmit change notification information from the interface unit 14 toward the digital multifunction peripheral 2.

  In step S5-7, if the CPU 10 recognizes that the non-change notification information returned from the personal computer 31 has been received via the interface unit 14 (NO in step S5-7), step S5- 9, the CPU 10 uses the IP telephone number of the digital multi-function peripheral 2 stored in the RAM 152 to transmit non-change notification information to the digital multi-function peripheral 2 from the interface unit 14, and the process proceeds to step S <b> 5-3. move on.

  Subsequently, in step S5-10, the operation display unit 13 accepts the input of retransmission of facsimile transmission as follows and retransmits, and proceeds to step S5-3.

  When deleting the image data stored separately in the confidential box of the digital MFP 2 on the receiving side, as shown in FIG. 4, the IP phone number 134 of the digital MFP 2 is input at step S5-2. After the confidential box number 135 (four digits in this embodiment), the symbol 137, and time information 136 are input, the start key (not shown) is pressed without setting the document on the document transport unit 11. Then, the CPU 10 transmits the IP telephone number, confidential box number, and time information of the digital multifunction device 1 to the destination digital multifunction device 2 from the interface unit 14, and the process proceeds to step S5-3.

  When new image data is to be overwritten on image data stored separately in the confidential box of the digital MFP 2 on the receiving side, as shown in FIG. After the confidential box number 135 (four digits in this embodiment), the symbol 137, and the time information 136, which are the same as those input in step S5-2, are input, the document is set on the document transport unit 11 and the start key ( When (not shown) is pressed, the CPU 10 sends new image data, confidential box number, and time information generated by the document take-in unit 12 to the destination digital multifunction peripheral 2 from the interface unit 14. Then, the process proceeds to step S5-3.

  Therefore, as described above, in the case of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of the present embodiment, the incomplete notification information and completion notification information received from the digital multifunction peripheral 2 are transmitted to the sender's personal computer 32 or the like. The sender can know the print output status of the transmitted image data from the contents shown in the notification information on the sender's personal computer or the like without going to the digital multifunction machine 1. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the reception confirmation work of the sender and the time required for it.

  As described above, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the digital multi-function peripheral 2 of this embodiment are configured to perform facsimile communication using an IP telephone, but perform mutual conversion between image data and a facsimile signal. A network control unit (NCU [Network Control Unit]) for establishing a connection with a modem or a public telephone line may be used to perform facsimile communication through the public telephone line.

  In addition, the digital multifunction machine 1 and the digital multifunction machine 2 of the present embodiment are divided into a transmission side and a reception side for convenience, and their functions are limited. Both functions of the digital multi-function peripheral 2 may be provided. In the present embodiment, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 on the transmission side and the digital multifunction peripheral 2 on the reception side are connected to the Internet or the LANs 42 and 43. However, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 and the digital multifunction peripheral of the present embodiment are used. A plurality of digital multi-function peripherals having the same functions as the multi-function peripheral 2 and a plurality of digital multi-function peripherals having the functions of both the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the digital multi-function peripheral 2 are connected to the Internet 41 and the LANs 42 and 43. Also good.

  In this embodiment, the personal computers 31 and 32 are connected to the LANs 42 and 43. However, the present invention is not limited to these personal computers, and a plurality of personal computers may be connected.

  The configuration of the present invention can be variously modified in addition to the above embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is a technique effective for a facsimile apparatus having a confidential communication function.

These are the block diagrams which show one Embodiment of the digital multifunctional device of the transmission side and receiving side which concern on this invention. These are the flowcharts which show the registration operation regarding the confidential box in the digital multi-function peripheral 2. These are the flowcharts which show the operation | movement at the time of receiving the facsimile communication data of F code confidential box system in the digital multi-function peripheral 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a liquid crystal display in the digital multifunction peripheral 1. These are flowcharts showing the operation of facsimile transmission in the F-code confidential box mode in the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital MFP 2 Digital MFP 10, 20 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Document conveyance part 12 Document taking-in part 13,22 Operation display part 131 Liquid crystal display 132 Status display part 133 Main display part 134 IP telephone number 135 Mailbox number 136 Time information 137 Symbol 14,21 Interface part 15,26 Memory part 151,261 ROM
152, 262 RAM
153 Transmission history storage unit 263 Address information storage unit 264 Reception history storage unit 265 Mailbox storage unit 23 Image forming unit 24 Fixing unit 25 Paper feeding unit 31, 32 Personal computer (PC)
41 Internet 42, 43 LAN [Local Area Network]

Claims (5)

  An interface unit for establishing communication with an external device, an operation unit for receiving input of predetermined information, a storage unit having a plurality of storage boxes to which individual destination information is assigned, and an association with the destination information Address information storage means for storing a plurality of address information of the external device received, information for specifying the transmission source received together with data, destination information and time history information for storing time information, and depending on the destination information A separate storage control means for separately storing the data in the storage box; an image forming means for performing an image forming process based on the data read from the storage means; and a predetermined time indicated by the time information. Even if image formation processing has not been performed based on the data, incomplete notification information indicating that the output of the data is incomplete, When the destination information corresponding to the data and the information specifying the apparatus are transmitted to the data transmission source, and the image forming process is performed based on the data within the predetermined time, the data Completion notification information indicating completion of output, destination information corresponding to the data, and completion notification control means for transmitting information specifying the apparatus to the transmission source of the data, Facsimile machine to do.   When the information specifying the transmission source, the data, the destination information, and the time information are received, the plurality of destination information stored in the address information storage unit is collated with the received destination information to match Collation means for extracting address information of the external device associated with the destination information from the address information storage means, and based on the address information extracted by the collation means, the data corresponds to the destination information. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising reception notification control means for transmitting reception notification information indicating that the data is stored in a storage box to the external apparatus.   When only the destination information and the time information are newly received together with the information for specifying the transmission source, a deletion control means for deleting the data separately stored in the storage box according to the destination information, and the data is deleted 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising deletion notification control means for transmitting deletion notification information indicating that the notification has been made to the external apparatus.   When new data, destination information and time information are received together with information specifying the transmission source, the new data is overwritten on the data stored separately in the storage box according to the destination information. An overwriting notification control means for sending overwriting notification information indicating that the data has been overwritten with the new data to the external device. The facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   An interface unit for establishing communication with an external device, an operation unit that receives input of predetermined information, a document capture unit that captures an image of a document and generates data, and information that specifies a transmission destination Based on this, the transmission control means for transmitting destination information and time information together with the information specifying the device and the data is associated with the information specifying the transmission destination, the destination information, and the address information of the external device. A plurality of transmission history storage means, and information for specifying a plurality of transmission destinations stored in the transmission history storage means when receiving notification information, destination information and information for specifying a transmission source, and the destination The information that matches the received source information and the destination information is collated with the information, and the information is matched with the information and destination information that specify the destination that matched. A matching unit that extracts the address information of the external device from the transmission history storage unit; and the predetermined notification information addressed to the external device based on the address information of the external device extracted by the matching unit. And a notification control means for transmitting to the facsimile apparatus.

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