JP2007104189A - Communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication device capable of improving convenience for a user in the communication device for notifying reception information when receiving emergency image data including an emergency message. <P>SOLUTION: The communication device 1 is provided with a first determination processor 2b which determines whether or not the received image data are the emergency image data; a notification control unit 2e and a voice output 11 which notify the reception information that the emergency image data are received, when it is determined that the received image data are the emergency image data; a second determination processor 2g for determining whether or not the reception of the emergency image data is confirmed from the outside; and a notification processor 2h which executes processing for notifying to at least one of external devices 17, 18, and 22 connected so as to be capable of executing communication of no-confirmation information that the reception of the emergency image data is not confirmed from the outside, when the reception of the emergency image data is not confirmed from the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus that receives image data, and more particularly to a communication apparatus that notifies information to that effect when emergency image data including an urgent message is received.

Among communication apparatuses that receive image data, there is an apparatus that notifies information to that effect when emergency image data including an urgent message is received (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A communication apparatus (here, a facsimile apparatus) described in Patent Document 1 is used in communication with a communication apparatus on the transmission side such as transmission of a called terminal identification signal (CED: Called Station Identification) when receiving image data by facsimile. When a non-standard function setting signal (NSS: Non-Standard facilities Set-up) is received from the transmission-side communication device, it is determined that the image data received by facsimile is emergency image data. Then, for example, by outputting a voice message such as “Emergency image data has been received” or an alarm sound such as “Peep”, or by turning on a lamp, information indicating that emergency image data has been received is notified. Note that the emergency image data includes image data of a manuscript in which urgent communication items are described.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-210204

  However, the communication device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the convenience for the user is not sufficient because only the information indicating that the emergency image data has been received is notified. For example, when the user is not in the vicinity of the communication device, there is a possibility that the urgent message described in the emergency image data is not transmitted to the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when receiving emergency image data including an urgent message, improves the convenience for the user in a communication device that notifies information to that effect. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device capable of performing the above.

  The communication apparatus according to claim 1 is a communication apparatus that receives image data, and first determination means that determines whether or not the received image data is emergency image data including an urgent message; When the first determination means determines that the received image data is the emergency image data, a notification means for notifying information indicating that the emergency image data has been received; and the emergency image data When it is determined by the second determination unit that determines whether or not the reception of the emergency image data has been received from the outside by the second determination unit and the second determination unit. And a notification means for performing a process of notifying the external device connected so as to be communicable that there is no confirmation information that is information to that effect.

  According to the above configuration, the first determination unit determines whether or not the received image data is emergency image data including an urgent message, and determines that the received image data is emergency image data. In this case, the notification means notifies the user that the emergency image data has been received, and the second determination means determines whether or not the emergency image data has been received from the outside. If it is determined that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside, the notification means receives no confirmation information, which is information indicating that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside. This is notified to an external device that is communicably connected.

  Therefore, when it is not confirmed from the outside (by the user) that the emergency image data has been received, no confirmation information, which is information indicating that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside, is sent to the external device. Therefore, the convenience for the user is improved by appropriately setting the external device that notifies the non-confirmation information. For example, by setting an external device for notifying confirmation-free information to an external device in which a user who should confirm the content of an urgent message can exist in the vicinity, to a user who should confirm the content of an urgent message, It is possible to recognize that emergency image data has been received. In addition, for example, by setting an external device that notifies unconfirmed information as an external device that is an emergency image data transmission source, the user who has transmitted the image data using the external device has received the emergency image data. Can be recognized from outside.

  The communication device according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the communication device according to claim 1, the notification means performs the notification process by transmitting the non-confirmation information as image data to the external device. Yes.

  According to the above configuration, the notification unit transmits the non-confirmation information as image data to the external device, thereby performing the process of notifying the confirmation unit information.

  Accordingly, since unconfirmed information is transmitted to the external device as image data, a user in the vicinity of the external device can easily receive the emergency image data by looking at the recording paper on which the image data is printed out. Can be recognized.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication apparatus according to the second aspect, the external device is a device that is a transmission source of the image data.

  According to the above configuration, the non-confirmed information is notified by the notifying unit by transmitting the non-confirmed information as image data to the external device that is the transmission source of the image data determined to be emergency image data. Processing is performed.

  Therefore, since unconfirmed information is transmitted as image data to the external device that transmitted the image data determined to be emergency image data, the user who transmitted the image data using the external device receives the image data By looking at the printed recording paper, it can be easily recognized that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside (by the user).

  The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the communication device according to claim 1 is communicably connected to the external device via a telephone line, and the notification means calls the external device, After the line with the external device is connected, the notification process is performed by sending the non-confirmation information as a voice message to the external device.

  According to the above configuration, the notification means calls the external device that is communicably connected via the telephone line, and after the line with the external device is connected, the unconfirmed information is externally transmitted as a voice message. By sending the information to the apparatus, a process of notifying the confirmation-free information is performed.

  Accordingly, since the confirmation non-information is transmitted as a voice message to the external device, a user in the vicinity of the external device can easily recognize that the emergency image data has been received by listening to the voice message.

  The communication apparatus according to claim 5 is the communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a print output unit that prints out the image data received by the receiving unit onto a recording sheet. Yes.

  According to the above configuration, the received image data is printed out on the recording paper by the print output means.

  Therefore, the user can easily confirm the content of the message that requires urgent by looking at the recording paper on which the urgent image data is printed out.

  The communication device according to claim 6 is the communication device according to claim 5, wherein the print output means determines that the received image data is the emergency image data by the first determination means, and When the image data determined not to be the emergency image data by the first determination unit is printed out on the recording paper, the print output is stopped, and the emergency image data is output from the first determination unit. The image data determined to be preferentially printed out on recording paper.

  According to the above configuration, when it is determined that the received image data is emergency image data, and the image data determined not to be emergency image data by the print output unit is printed out on the recording paper, The print output is stopped, and the image data determined to be emergency image data is preferentially printed on the recording paper.

  Therefore, when the received image data is emergency image data and image data that is not emergency image data is printed out on the recording paper, the printing output is stopped, and the emergency image data is given priority to the recording paper. Therefore, the user can confirm the content of the urgent message as soon as possible.

  The communication device according to claim 7 is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the received image data is received by an accepting unit that accepts an operation input from the outside and the first determination unit. Time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from the time when the emergency image data is received by the receiving means when the image data is determined to be the emergency image data. Based on whether or not the operation input is accepted by the accepting means, it is determined whether or not the emergency image data has been received from the outside, and the elapsed time is set to a first predetermined time. If the operation input is not accepted by the accepting unit before the time exceeds, it is determined that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside. There.

  According to the above configuration, when an operation input from the outside is accepted by the accepting unit and it is determined that the received image data is emergency image data, from the time when the emergency image data is received by the timing unit. The elapsed time is measured. When the operation input is not accepted before the elapsed time exceeds the first predetermined time, the second determination unit determines that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside. The

  Therefore, it has not been confirmed from the outside that the emergency image data has been received when the operation input is not received before the elapsed time from the time when the emergency image data is received exceeds the first predetermined time. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the emergency image data has been received from the outside (by the user) with a simple configuration.

  The communication device according to claim 8 is the communication device according to claim 7, wherein the notification means outputs information indicating that the emergency image data has been received by outputting a voice message indicating that the emergency image data has been received. And when the elapsed time exceeds a second predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time, at least one of the output speed, pitch, and size of the voice message. It is characterized by changing.

  According to the above configuration, when the elapsed time exceeds the second predetermined time which is shorter than the first predetermined time, the output speed of the voice message indicating that the emergency image data has been received, the pitch, And at least one of the sizes is changed.

  Accordingly, when the elapsed time from the time when the emergency image data is received exceeds the second predetermined time, at least the output speed, pitch, and size of the voice message indicating that the emergency image data has been received. Since 1 is changed, there is an advantage that the user can more easily recognize that the emergency image data has been received.

  The communication apparatus according to claim 9 is the communication apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the detection means for detecting presence or absence of recording paper on which image data is printed out by the print output means, and the first determination means. Measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from the time when the emergency image data is received by the receiving means when it is determined that the received image data is the emergency image data, A determination unit configured to determine whether or not the emergency image data has been received from the outside based on the presence or absence of the recording paper detected by the detection unit; 3, when it is detected by the detection means that the recording paper is present, it is determined that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside. It is characterized in that.

  According to the above configuration, when the presence or absence of the recording paper on which the image data is printed out is detected by the detection unit and it is determined that the received image data is emergency image data, the time measurement unit performs emergency image data. Elapsed time from the time when is received is measured. Then, when it is detected that there is a recording sheet on which the image data is printed out when the elapsed time exceeds the third predetermined time, the second determination unit receives the emergency image data. Is determined not to be confirmed from the outside.

  Accordingly, when there is a recording sheet when the elapsed time from the time when the emergency image data is received exceeds the third predetermined time, it is determined that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the emergency image data has been received from the outside (by the user) by a method with good convenience.

  The communication device according to claim 10 is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first determination unit is preset in an image indicated by the image data received by the reception unit. When the character included in the predetermined region is identified, and the predetermined character is included in the identified character, the image data received by the receiving means is the emergency image data It is characterized by determining that it is.

  According to the above configuration, the first determination unit identifies the character included in the predetermined area set in advance in the image indicated by the received image data, and sets the character in the identified character in advance. If the received predetermined character is included, it is determined that the received image data is emergency image data.

  Therefore, if the image indicated by the received image data includes a predetermined character set in advance, it is determined that the received image data is emergency image data. It is possible to determine whether or not the processed image data is emergency image data.

  The communication device according to claim 11 is the communication device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined character is a character having a predetermined size or more.

  According to the above configuration, the first determination unit identifies the character included in the predetermined area set in advance in the image indicated by the received image data, and sets the character in the identified character in advance. If the predetermined character is included and the predetermined character is a character having a predetermined size or more, it is determined that the received image data is emergency image data.

  Therefore, when the image indicated by the received image data includes a predetermined character and the predetermined character is a character having a predetermined size or more, the received image data is emergency image data. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination such as determining that image data that is not emergency image data is emergency image data.

  According to the communication device of the first aspect, when the emergency image data has not been received from the outside (by the user), information indicating that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside is provided. Since certain unconfirmed information is notified to the external device, the convenience for the user is improved by appropriately setting the external device for notifying the unconfirmed information. For example, by setting an external device for notifying confirmation-free information to an external device in which a user who should confirm the content of an urgent message can exist in the vicinity, to a user who should confirm the content of an urgent message, It is possible to recognize that emergency image data has been received. In addition, for example, by setting an external device that notifies unconfirmed information as an external device that is an emergency image data transmission source, the user who has transmitted the image data using the external device has received the emergency image data. Can be recognized from outside.

  According to the communication device of the second aspect, since the non-confirmation information is transmitted to the external device as the image data, the user in the vicinity of the external device is urgent by looking at the recording paper on which the image data is printed out. It is possible to easily recognize that the image data has been received.

  According to the communication device of the third aspect, since the unconfirmed information is transmitted as the image data to the external device that is the transmission source of the image data determined to be the emergency image data, the image data is transmitted using the external device. Can easily recognize that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside (by the user) by looking at the recording paper on which the image data is printed out.

  According to the communication device of the fourth aspect, since the non-confirmation information is sent to the external device as a voice message, the user in the vicinity of the external device confirms that the emergency image data has been received by listening to the voice message. It can be easily recognized.

  According to the communication device of the fifth aspect, the user can easily confirm the content of the message that requires urgent by looking at the recording paper on which the urgent image data is printed out.

  According to the communication device of claim 6, when the received image data is emergency image data and image data that is not emergency image data is printed out on the recording paper, the printing output is stopped, Since the emergency image data is preferentially printed out on the recording paper, the user can confirm the content of the message that requires an emergency as soon as possible.

  According to the communication device of the seventh aspect, the emergency image data is received when the operation input is not accepted before the elapsed time from the time when the emergency image data is received exceeds the first predetermined time. Since it is determined that it has not been confirmed from the outside, it is possible to determine whether or not the emergency image data has been received from the outside (by the user) with a simple configuration.

  According to the communication device of claim 8, when the elapsed time from the time when the emergency image data is received exceeds the second predetermined time, the output speed of the voice message indicating that the emergency image data has been received, Since at least one of the pitch and the size is changed, there is an advantage that the user can more easily recognize that the emergency image data has been received.

  According to the communication device of the ninth aspect, the emergency image data is received when there is a recording sheet when the elapsed time from the time when the emergency image data is received exceeds the third predetermined time. Since it is determined that it has not been confirmed from the outside, it is possible to determine whether or not it has been confirmed from the outside (by the user) that emergency image data has been received by a method with good convenience.

  According to the communication device of the tenth aspect, when the predetermined character set in advance is included in the image indicated by the received image data, the received image data is determined to be emergency image data. Therefore, it is possible to easily and reliably determine whether the received image data is emergency image data.

  According to the communication device of the eleventh aspect, the image is received when the image indicated by the received image data includes a predetermined character and the predetermined character is a character having a predetermined size or more. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination such as determining that image data that is not emergency image data is emergency image data.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a communication device 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the communication device 1 includes a control unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 2, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 4, a document reading unit 5, a codec 6, an image memory 7, and printing. Unit 8, operation unit 9, display unit 10, audio output unit 11, modem 12, NCU (Network Control Unit) 13, and LAN I / F (Local Area Network Interface) 14. 14 is communicably connected via a bus 15. The communication device 1 includes a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving image data by facsimile, an Internet facsimile function for transmitting and receiving image data by e-mail, and a print function for printing out image data on recording paper.

  The control part 2 controls each part which comprises this communication apparatus 1 according to the control program stored in ROM3, and functions as the receiving part 2a (refer FIG. 2) etc. which are mentioned later. The RAM 4 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the control unit 2. The RAM 4 stores various voice messages, image data, and the like.

  The document reading unit 5 reads an image of a document, generates image data, and outputs it to a predetermined output destination. Although not shown, the document reading unit 5 includes an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a flat bed scanner (FBS) having an optical system such as a light source, and an automatic document feeder (ADF). ) Or the like. The codec 6 encodes image data for copying, facsimile transmission / reception, and the like, and decodes (decompresses) the encoded image data.

  The image memory 7 stores image data directly output from the document reading unit 5, image data encoded by the codec 6, received image data, and the like. The printing unit 8 (corresponding to a part of the print output means) prints out the image data read from the image memory 7 on a recording sheet. As a printing method in the printing unit 8, for example, an electrophotographic method can be used.

  The operation unit 9 includes input keys for inputting information by the user, a touch panel, and the like. Various operation inputs by the user are performed via the operation unit 9. As input keys, a start key for instructing the document reading unit 5 to start reading a document, a stop key for instructing to stop reading the document, a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies, etc., and various settings are made. There are cursor keys. The display unit 10 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) that is arranged in parallel with the operation unit 9 and displays various setting states, operation states of the communication device 1, and the like with characters, graphics, and the like. LED lamps are displayed. The voice output unit 11 (corresponding to a part of the notification unit) outputs a voice in response to an instruction from the control unit 2.

  The modem 12 is, for example, an ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector) recommendation V.3. Modulation and demodulation of transmission / reception data according to the 30 standard or the like. The NCU 13 is a line network control device that controls a telephone line to make or cut a call, and is connected to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks) 16. The PSTN 16 is connected to a first external device 17 and a second external device 18, and the communication device 1, the first external device 17, and the second external device 18 are communicably connected via the PSTN 16. Has been. Here, the first external device 17 is a facsimile device, and the second external device 18 is a telephone.

  The LAN I / F 14 connects a LAN (Local Area Network) 19 and the communication device 1 so that they can communicate with each other. A router 20 is connected to the LAN 19, and a third external device 22 is connected via the router 20 and the Internet 21. Here, the third external device 22 is a personal computer (PC) and has a function of transmitting and receiving electronic mail.

  Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 2 includes a reception unit 2a, a first determination processing unit 2b, a print output control unit 2c, a timing unit 2d, a notification control unit 2e, a reception unit 2f, a second determination processing unit 2g, and a notification. A processing unit 2h and a setting information storage unit 2i are functionally provided.

  The receiving unit 2a receives (here, facsimile reception) image data transmitted (here, facsimile transmission) by the first external device 17. The image data received by the receiving unit 2 a is temporarily stored in the image memory 7 and then decoded (decompressed) by the codec 6.

  The first determination processing unit 2b (corresponding to the first determination unit) determines whether or not the image data received by the receiving unit 2a is emergency image data including an urgent message. That is, the character included in the predetermined area set in advance is identified in the image indicated by the image data received by the receiving unit 2a, and the predetermined character is included in the identified character. If the predetermined character is a character having a predetermined size or more, the image data received by the receiving unit 2a is determined to be emergency image data.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image indicated by the image data received by the receiving unit 2a. Here, the direction of the arrow A is the main scanning direction, and the direction of the arrow B is the sub-scanning direction. For example, when the region C is set in advance as the predetermined region, the first determination processing unit 2b includes, among the images indicated by the image data received by the receiving unit 2a and decoded (decompressed) by the codec 6. Characters included in C are identified (so-called OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing). Next, for example, when “emergency” is preset as the predetermined character, the first determination processing unit 2b searches for the character “emergency” from the identified characters. Next, when a predetermined character is included in the identified character, the first determination processing unit 2b measures the size of the character. For example, the size of one character is 1.5 cm or more in the main scanning direction. If it is 1.5 cm or more in the sub-scanning direction, it is determined that the image data received by the receiving unit 2a is emergency image data.

  Although the case where the predetermined character is “emergency” has been described here, for example, a character such as “disaster prevention” may be used. Further, here, a case has been described in which characters included in the image indicated by the image data received by the receiving unit 2a are identified, and it is determined whether or not the image data received by the receiving unit 2a is emergency image data. However, for example, when the first external device 17 adds the information indicating that the image data is emergency image data to the header or the like of the emergency image data, the information indicating that the image data is emergency image data is added to the header or the like. Whether or not the image data received by the receiving unit 2a is emergency image data may be determined based on whether or not the image data is received. Further, for example, when the first external device 17 embeds information indicating that it is emergency image data in emergency image data (so-called digital watermark) and transmits it, it is received by the receiving unit 2a and decoded by the codec 6 ( Whether or not the image data received by the receiving unit 2a is emergency image data is determined based on whether or not the image data that has been developed) includes emergency image data. May be.

  Further, here, the case where it is determined whether or not the image data received by facsimile is emergency image data has been described, but it is determined whether or not the image data received by e-mail is emergency image data. It may be. For example, as with the image data received by facsimile, the characters included in the image indicated by the image data received by e-mail are identified, and whether or not the predetermined characters are included in the identified characters. Based on the above, it is possible to determine whether or not the image data received by e-mail is emergency image data. Also, for example, it is received by e-mail based on whether or not a predetermined character (for example, “emergency”) is included in the “subject (subject)” of the body of the e-mail to which the image data is attached. It can also be determined whether the image data is emergency image data.

  The print output control unit 2c (corresponding to a part of the print output means) controls the print output of the image data on the recording paper by the printing unit 8. Here, the print output control unit 2c determines that the received image data is emergency image data by the first determination processing unit 2b, and the printing unit 8 determines that the first determination processing unit 2b has emergency image data. If the image data determined as not being printed is printed out on the recording paper, the printing output is stopped, and the image data determined as emergency image data by the first determination processing unit 2b is given priority to the recording paper. Information for instructing printing is output to the printing unit 8. When the printing unit 8 receives the information from the print output control unit 2c, the printing unit 8 stops the print output being executed and gives priority to the image data determined to be emergency image data by the first determination processing unit 2b. Print out. Further, the print output control unit 2c determines whether or not the printing unit 8 has been able to print out the image data determined to be emergency image data by the first determination processing unit 2b on the recording paper. As an example in which the printing unit 8 cannot print out image data on recording paper, there are recording paper shortage, toner shortage, and the like. The print output control unit 2c outputs, to the notification control unit 2e, information indicating whether or not the printing unit 8 has been able to print out the image data determined to be emergency image data by the first determination processing unit 2b.

  The time measuring unit 2d (corresponding to the time measuring means) measures time. Specifically, when the first determination processing unit 2b determines that the received image data is emergency image data. The elapsed time from the time when the emergency image data is received by the receiving unit 2a is measured.

  The notification control unit 2e (corresponding to a part of the notification unit) controls voice output by the voice output unit 11. Specifically, when the first determination processing unit 2b determines that the received image data is emergency image data, the first determination processing unit 2b notifies information indicating that the emergency image data has been received. Information indicating that a voice message indicating that the message has been received is output is output to the voice output unit 11. When receiving the information from the notification control unit 2e, the voice output unit 11 reads a voice message indicating that the emergency image data has been received from the RAM 4, and repeatedly outputs the read voice message. Therefore, when the first determination processing unit 2b determines that the received image data is emergency image data, the audio output unit 11 performs a sound such as “emergency image data has been received”. The message is output repeatedly.

  When the notification control unit 2e receives information indicating that the image data determined to be emergency image data could not be printed out on the recording paper, for example, “emergency image data has been received. , "Cannot print out." Further, here, a case has been described in which information indicating that emergency image data has been received is notified by voice by reading out and outputting a voice message indicating that emergency image data has been received from the RAM 4. Dictionary data which is data of words such as “I”, “U”, acoustic data which is data relating to intonation, and message data (text data) indicating that emergency image data has been received are stored in the dictionary. Based on the message data indicating that the data, sound data, and emergency image data have been received, a voice message indicating that the emergency image data has been received is generated and the generated voice message is output to receive the emergency image data. You may make it alert | report the information to that effect.

  In addition, here, a case has been described in which information indicating that emergency image data has been received is output by outputting a voice message indicating that emergency image data has been received. However, an alarm sound (for example, “Peep”) is output. By outputting, information indicating that emergency image data has been received may be notified. In addition to the sound, a lamp (not shown) may be provided at a position visible from the outside, and information indicating that the emergency image data has been received may be notified by lighting this lamp. Moreover, you may make it alert | report the information to the effect of having received emergency image data by providing a vibrator and vibrating a vibrator.

  The accepting unit 2 f (corresponding to accepting means) accepts an operation input from the outside via the operation unit 9. The second determination processing unit 2g (corresponding to the second determination unit) receives the emergency image data from the outside, that is, based on whether or not an operation input from the outside is received by the receiving unit 2f, that is, It is determined whether or not it has been confirmed by the user. Specifically, when the operation input from the outside is not accepted by the accepting unit 2f before the elapsed time measured by the time measuring unit 2d exceeds the first predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes), the emergency It is determined that the reception of the image data has not been confirmed from the outside. For example, when the first determination processing unit 2b determines that the received image data is emergency image data, information indicating that the emergency image data has been received is notified by voice. If the operation input is not received by the receiving unit 2f before the first predetermined time is exceeded, the second determination processing unit 2g confirms from the outside that the emergency image data has been received. It is determined that it has not been done.

  On the other hand, when the operation input from the outside is received by the receiving unit 2f before the elapsed time measured by the time measuring unit 2d exceeds the first predetermined time, the second determination processing unit 2g receives the emergency image data. It is determined that the reception has been confirmed from the outside. For example, when the first determination processing unit 2b determines that the received image data is emergency image data, information indicating that the emergency image data has been received is notified by voice, and the user recognizes this notification. If the recording paper on which the emergency image data is printed out is recognized and the stop key or the like of the operation unit 9 is operated, the operation input is accepted by the accepting unit 2f, so the second determination processing unit 2g It is determined that the image data has been received from the outside.

  Even if it is determined by the second determination processing unit 2g that the emergency image data has been received from the outside, or even if the elapsed time measured by the time measuring unit 2d exceeds the first predetermined time, the second When it is determined by the determination processing unit 2g that it has not been confirmed from the outside that the emergency image data has been received, the notification control unit 2e instructs to stop outputting the voice message indicating that the emergency image data has been received. Information is output to the audio output unit 11. When receiving the information from the notification control unit 2e, the voice output unit 11 stops outputting the voice message indicating that the emergency image data has been received. Therefore, from the time of receiving the emergency image data until the operation unit 9 is operated by the user or until the first predetermined time elapses, the sound indicating that the emergency image data has been received by the audio output unit 11. The message is output repeatedly.

  In addition, the notification control unit 2e performs the second determination process when the elapsed time measured by the time measuring unit 2d exceeds a second predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) shorter than the first predetermined time. When it is determined by the unit 2g that it has not been confirmed from the outside that the emergency image data has been received, an instruction is given to change the output speed, pitch, and size of the voice message indicating that the emergency image data has been received. Information to be output to the audio output unit 11. When the voice output unit 11 receives information from the notification control unit 2e, the voice output unit 11 changes the output speed, pitch, and size of a voice message indicating that emergency image data has been received. Specifically, when information from the notification control unit 2e is received, the output speed of a voice message indicating that emergency image data has been received is gradually increased, the pitch is gradually increased, and the size is gradually increased. Therefore, if the user does not operate the operation unit 9 from the time when the emergency image data is received until the second predetermined time elapses, the output speed of the voice message indicating that the emergency image data has been received gradually increases. As the pitch rises, the pitch gradually increases and the size gradually increases. Here, the case where the output speed, pitch, and size of a voice message indicating that emergency image data has been received has been described, but at least one of the output speed, pitch, and size is changed. It may be. For example, only the size of a voice message indicating that emergency image data has been received may be changed.

  When the second determination processing unit 2g determines that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside, the notification processing unit 2h (corresponding to the notification unit) confirms that there is no confirmation. A process of notifying information to at least one of the first external apparatus 17, the second external apparatus 18, and the third external apparatus 22 (hereinafter, the process of notifying confirmation-free information is also referred to as “notification process”). Is to do. Specifically, by transmitting the unconfirmed information as image data by facsimile to the first external device 17 that is the transmission source device of the image data determined to be emergency image data by the first determination processing unit 2b, Perform notification processing. For example, image data including a message such as “It has not been confirmed that urgent image data has been received” is read from the RAM 4, and the read image data is transmitted by facsimile to the first external device 17.

  Further, the notification processing unit 2h makes a call to the second external device 18 that is communicably connected via the PSTN 16 (corresponding to a telephone line), and the line with the second external device 18 is connected. Thereafter, notification processing is performed by sending unconfirmed information as a voice message to the second external device 18. For example, a voice message such as “The user has not confirmed that emergency image data has been received” is read from the RAM 4, and the read voice message is sent to the second external device 18. When the second external device 18 is connected to a line with another device (so-called busy) and the line with the second external device 18 is not connected, the notification processing unit 2h sets in advance A call is sequentially made to a plurality of external devices other than the second external device 18 being sent, and unconfirmed information is transmitted as a voice message to an external device connected to the line among the plurality of external devices.

  In addition, the notification processing unit 2 h performs notification processing by transmitting unconfirmed information as image data to the third external device 22. For example, image data including a message such as “It has not been confirmed that urgent image data has been received” is read from the RAM 4, an e-mail attached with the read image data is generated, and the generated e-mail is 3 Transmit to the external device 22.

  Here, a case has been described where notification processing is performed by transmitting unconfirmed information to an external device as image data or sending it as a voice message. For example, the unconfirmed information is externally transmitted as a predetermined signal (command). You may make it transmit to an apparatus. In this case, when a predetermined signal is received in the external device, for example, if a lamp is turned on or an alarm sound is output, the confirmation-free information can be notified to a user in the vicinity of the external device. it can.

  The setting information storage unit 2i includes a first setting for notifying the first external device 17 of no confirmation information, a second setting for notifying the second external device 18 of no confirmation information, and a third external device for no confirmation information. In this table, valid / invalid information, which is information indicating whether the third setting notified to 22 is valid or invalid, is stored. The user can input validity or invalidity of each setting from the operation unit 9, and the reception unit 2f writes the information input via the operation unit 9 in the setting information storage unit 2i. The notification processing unit 2h performs notification processing based on the valid / invalid information stored in the setting information storage unit 2i. For example, when the first setting, the second setting, and the third setting are all valid, the first external device 17, the second external device 18, and the third external device 22 are notified of the confirmation non-information. Process. Further, for example, when the first setting and the second setting are valid and the third setting is invalid, a process of notifying the first external device 17 and the second external device 18 of no confirmation information. I do.

  Hereinafter, an operation performed in the communication device 1 when image data is received from the first external device 17 will be described based on a flowchart shown in FIG. 4. First, the receiving unit 2a determines whether image data has been received (S1). Here, if it is determined that no image data has been received (S1: NO), a standby state is entered. Conversely, when the receiving unit 2a determines that image data has been received (S1: YES), the first determination processing unit 2b determines whether or not the received image data is emergency image data ( S2). When the first determination processing unit 2b determines that the received image data is not emergency image data (S2: NO), the printing unit 8 prints out the received image data on a recording sheet (S3). That is, the print output control unit 2c outputs information instructing to print out the received image data on the recording paper to the print unit 8, and the print unit 8 receives the information from the print output control unit 2c, The received image data is printed out on recording paper.

  On the other hand, when the first determination processing unit 2b determines that the received image data is emergency image data (S3: YES), the time measuring unit 2d starts from the time when the reception unit 2a receives the emergency image data. Is measured (S4). Next, the print output control unit 2c determines whether or not the printing unit 8 prints out image data on a recording sheet (S5). When the print output control unit 2c determines that the image data is printed on the recording paper (S5: YES), the printing unit 8 stops printing the image data on the recording paper (S6), The image data determined to be emergency image data is printed out on a recording sheet (S7). That is, the print output control unit 2c prints information instructing that print output is stopped and the image data determined to be emergency image data by the first determination processing unit 2b is preferentially printed on recording paper. The printing unit 8 receives the information from the print output control unit 2c, stops the print output being executed, and outputs the image data determined to be emergency image data by the first determination processing unit 2b. Priority is printed on recording paper. When the print output control unit 2c determines that the image data is not printed out on the recording paper (S5: NO), the operation of step S6 is omitted and the operation of step 7 is performed.

  Next, the audio output unit 11 notifies information indicating that the emergency image data has been received (S8). That is, the notification control unit 2e outputs information instructing to output a voice message indicating that emergency image data has been received to the voice output unit 11, and the voice output unit 11 accepts information from the notification control unit 2e. Then, a voice message indicating that the emergency image data has been received is read from the RAM 4, and the read voice message is output. Next, the second determination processing unit 2g determines whether or not the emergency image data has been received from the outside (S9). When it is determined by the second determination processing unit 2g that the emergency image data has been received from the outside (S9: YES), the operation is terminated. Conversely, when the second determination processing unit 2g determines that it has not been confirmed from the outside that emergency image data has been received (S9: NO), the time measuring unit 2d determines that the elapsed time being measured is the second time. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time is exceeded (S10). When the time measuring unit 2d determines that the elapsed time does not exceed the second predetermined time (S10: NO), the operations of steps S8 to S10 are repeatedly executed.

  Conversely, when the time measuring unit 2d determines that the elapsed time has exceeded the second predetermined time (S10: YES), the voice output unit 11 outputs the voice message output speed indicating that the emergency image data has been received, The pitch and size are changed (S11). That is, the notification control unit 2e outputs information indicating that the output speed, pitch, and size of a voice message indicating that emergency image data has been received to the voice output unit 11, and the voice output unit 11 The information from the notification control unit 2e is received, and the output speed, pitch, and size of the voice message indicating that the emergency image data has been received are changed.

  Next, the time measuring unit 2d determines whether or not the measured elapsed time has exceeded the first predetermined time (S12). When the time measuring unit 2d determines that the elapsed time does not exceed the first predetermined time (S12: NO), the operations of steps S8 to S12 are repeatedly executed. On the contrary, when the time measuring unit 2d determines that the elapsed time has exceeded the first predetermined time (S12: YES), the notification processing unit 2h uses the valid / invalid information stored in the setting information storage unit 2i. Based on this, a process of notifying at least one of the first external device 17, the second external device 18, and the third external device 22 of confirmation non-information is performed (S13).

  As described above, when it is not confirmed from the outside (by the user) that the emergency image data has been received, there is no confirmation information that is information indicating that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside. Since at least one of the external device 17, the second external device 18, and the third external device 19 is notified, convenience for the user is improved.

  For example, the first external device 17 that is the transmission source of the image data determined to be emergency image data is facsimile-transmitted as image data to the first external device 17. Therefore, the first external device 17 is used. The user who has transmitted the image data can easily recognize that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside (by the user) by looking at the recording paper on which the image data has been printed out.

  In addition, for example, since no confirmation information is transmitted as a voice message to the second external device 18, the user in the vicinity of the second external device 18 has received the emergency image data by listening to the voice message. Can be easily recognized.

  Further, for example, since no confirmation information is transmitted to the third external device 22 as image data attached to an e-mail, a user in the vicinity of the third external device 22 records the image data printed out. By looking at the paper, it is possible to easily recognize that the emergency image data has been received.

  Further, when the received image data is emergency image data and image data that is not emergency image data is printed out on the recording paper, the printing output is stopped, and the emergency image data is given priority to the recording paper. Therefore, the user can confirm the content of the urgent message as soon as possible.

  In addition, when the elapsed time from the time when the emergency image data is received exceeds the second predetermined time, the output speed, pitch, and size of the voice message indicating that the emergency image data has been received are changed. Therefore, there is an advantage that it becomes easier for the user to recognize that the emergency image data has been received.

  In addition, when the image indicated by the received image data includes a predetermined character set in advance, it is determined that the received image data is emergency image data. It is possible to determine whether or not the processed image data is emergency image data.

  In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which it is determined whether or not emergency image data has been received from the outside, based on whether or not an operation input from the outside has been received by the receiving unit 2f. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a sensor (for example, a sensor for transmitting a predetermined signal when the recording paper is in the discharge tray to a discharge tray (not shown) from which the recording paper on which the image data is printed out by the printing unit 8 is discharged) , A reflection type photo sensor, etc .: corresponding to a part of the detection means (not shown), and further, based on a predetermined signal transmitted from the sensor, the recording paper on which image data is printed out by the printing unit 8 A recording paper detection unit (corresponding to a part of the detection means, not shown) for detecting the presence / absence is functionally provided in the control unit 2, and the emergency image data is based on the presence / absence of the recording paper detected by the recording paper detection unit. It may be determined whether or not it has been confirmed from the outside that the message has been received. That is, when the elapsed time measured by the time measuring unit 2d exceeds a third predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes), the emergency image is detected when the recording paper detecting unit detects that there is recording paper. It may be determined that it has not been confirmed from the outside that data has been received. As a result, when the recording paper is present when the time elapsed since the emergency image data was received exceeds the third predetermined time, that is, when the recording paper is not removed from the paper discharge tray by the user. Since it is determined that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside, it is convenient for the user whether or not the emergency image data has been received from the outside (by the user). That is, the determination can be made without requiring an operation input by the user. In addition, a voice recognition unit that recognizes voice may be functionally provided in the control unit 2 so as to determine whether or not the emergency image data has been received from the outside based on the recognized voice. . For example, when the voice “confirmed” is recognized, it may be determined that the emergency image data has been received from the outside.

It is the block diagram which showed an example of the communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the function structure of the control part. It is the figure which showed an example of the image which the received image data shows. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed in a communication device when image data is received from a first external device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication apparatus 2 Control part 2b 1st determination process part (1st determination means)
2c Print output controller (part of print output means)
2d Timekeeping section (timekeeping means)
2e Notification control unit (part of notification means)
2f Reception part (reception means)
2g Second determination processing unit (second determination means)
2h Notification processing unit (notification means)
3 ROM
4 RAM
8 Print section (part of print output means)
9 Operation part 11 Audio | voice output part (a part of alerting | reporting means)
16 PSTN (telephone line)
17 1st external device 18 2nd external device 22 3rd external device

Claims (11)

  A communication device that receives image data, wherein the first determination unit determines whether the received image data is emergency image data including an urgent message, and the first determination unit includes: When it is determined that the received image data is the emergency image data, notification means for notifying the information that the emergency image data has been received, and whether the emergency image data has been received from the outside If the second determination means for determining whether or not the second determination means determines that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside, there is no confirmation. A communication device comprising: notification means for performing a process of notifying information to an external device connected to be communicable.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit performs the notification process by transmitting the non-confirmation information as image data to the external device.   The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the external device is a device that is a transmission source of the image data. The external device is connected to be communicable via a telephone line,
The notification means performs the notification process by sending a call to the external device, and after the line with the external device is connected, by sending the confirmationless information as a voice message to the external device. The communication apparatus according to claim 1.   5. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a print output unit that prints out image data received by the reception unit onto a recording sheet.   The print output unit determines that the received image data is the emergency image data by the first determination unit, and determines that the received image data is not the emergency image data by the first determination unit. If the data is printed on the recording paper, the printing output is stopped, and the image data determined to be the emergency image data by the first determination unit is preferentially printed on the recording paper. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein: The emergency image data is received by the receiving means when the received image data is determined to be the emergency image data by the receiving means for receiving an operation input from the outside and the first determination means. A time measuring means for measuring the elapsed time from the point in time,
The second determination means determines whether or not it has been confirmed from the outside that the emergency image data has been received based on whether or not the operation input is received by the reception means. When the operation input is not accepted by the accepting means before the time exceeds a first predetermined time, it is determined that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The notification means is configured to notify information indicating that the emergency image data has been received by outputting a voice message indicating that the emergency image data has been received, and the elapsed time is the first predetermined time. 8. The communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the output speed, pitch, and size of the voice message is changed when a second predetermined time shorter than the second predetermined time is exceeded. When the detection means for detecting the presence or absence of recording paper on which the image data is printed out by the print output means and the first determination means determine that the received image data is the emergency image data And time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from the time when the emergency image data is received by the receiving means,
The second determination means determines whether or not it has been confirmed from the outside that the emergency image data has been received based on the presence or absence of the recording paper detected by the detection means, and the elapsed time When it is detected that the recording paper is present by the detecting means when the third predetermined time is exceeded, it is determined that the emergency image data has not been received from the outside. The communication apparatus according to claim 5 or 6.   The first determination unit identifies a character included in a predetermined region set in advance in an image indicated by the image data received by the reception unit, and is set in advance in the identified character. 10. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when a predetermined character is included, the image data received by the receiving unit is determined to be the emergency image data.   The communication apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined character is a character having a predetermined size or more.

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