JP2007288306A - Image forming unit, and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an internet facsimile unit capable of saving a maintenance management work, and reducing time and economic cost for maintenance management. <P>SOLUTION: In the internet facsimile unit when a print data described with a page description language (PDL) is received from a client PC for printing, if a PDL analysis error occurs, the error is detected. The print data having the occurrence of the analysis error are attached as an attachment file, and an electronic mail with a header including special information indicating that the data concerned are the print data, not an ordinary image data, is transmitted to a device installed at a maintenance manager, through internet facsimile communication. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an electronic apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus and an electronic apparatus that report an error when an error occurs in a printing process.

If a printer error occurs when printing print data (PC print) sent from a personal computer (PC), create error information print data in which the character information indicating the error content is developed, There has been invented an image forming apparatus that facsimile-transmits created error information print data to a preset transmission destination (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Note that print data to be printed on a PC is printed by a personal computer by instructing a driver (for example, a printer driver) corresponding to the image forming apparatus to print application data generated by predetermined application software. Data is generated by being converted into data described in a page description language (PDL).
JP 2000-316066 A

  When print data described in a page description language (PDL) generated by a personal computer is printed by an image forming apparatus, the print data is analyzed and expanded into bitmap data. At this time, a PDL analysis error occurs. May occur. When a PDL analysis error occurs, even if error information print data indicating that a PDL analysis error has occurred is received by an image forming apparatus as described in Patent Document 1, a PDL analysis error may occur. It is only possible to know that it has occurred, and it is not possible to elucidate why a PDL analysis error has occurred based on the error information print data. In order to identify and deal with the cause of PDL analysis errors, it is necessary to analyze and confirm what kind of print data the printer driver actually generates and how the generated print data is analyzed. is there. That is, not the content of the error that occurs due to the analysis of PDL, but the print data that is the source of the error is required. Therefore, the service person cannot cope with the fact that a PDL analysis error has occurred, goes to a location of the image forming apparatus in which the error has occurred, and repeats the printing process of the application data in which the PDL analysis error occurs again. There is a problem that it is necessary to collect the print data in which an analysis error occurs because it is executed and the printer driver generates print data, which requires maintenance work and costs. Further, since the error information print data transmitted by facsimile by the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is an image-developed image, the print data may be included even if the error information print data includes the print data. Cannot be processed by a computer, and in order to analyze print data by a computer, there is a problem that the print data that has been converted into an image must be re-input to data in a format that can be processed by the computer. .

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus and an electronic apparatus that can save maintenance work and reduce maintenance costs.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 receives print data described in a page description language from a first electronic device, and executes print processing based on the print data. In the image forming apparatus, the analysis unit that analyzes the print data to generate bitmap data, the detection unit that detects an analysis error of the print data by the analysis unit, and the detection unit that detects the analysis error And a transmission means for transmitting the print data in which an analysis error occurs together with special information indicating that the data is print data to the second electronic device by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication. Yes.

  According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus receives print data described in the page description language from the first electronic device and executes print processing based on the print data. Analysis is performed to generate bitmap data, and the detection unit detects an analysis error of the print data by the analysis unit. Then, when an analysis error is detected by the detection means by the transmission means, the print data in which the analysis error occurs is changed by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication together with special information indicating that the data is print data. 2 is transmitted to the electronic device apparatus.

  As described above, when an analysis error of the print data occurs, the print data in which the analysis error occurs is transmitted to the second electronic device by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication. Therefore, if the second electronic device is a device that is permitted by the maintenance manager of the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus, the maintenance manager may receive an analysis error without going to the permission of the customer where the image forming apparatus is installed. Since the generated print data can be acquired, maintenance management costs can be reduced.

  When the image forming apparatus is a multifunction machine such as an Internet facsimile apparatus having a printing function, a facsimile communication function, an Internet facsimile communication function, etc., the original facsimile communication function and the Internet facsimile communication function are used. Since the print data can be transmitted, it is not necessary to separately provide a communication means, and the image forming apparatus can be realized at low cost.

  Furthermore, since the print data is transmitted by Internet facsimile communication, the communication cost for transmitting the print data can be reduced.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the transmission unit establishes a connection for executing the facsimile communication with the second electronic device. And transmitting the special information.

  According to this configuration, the transmission unit transmits the special information in the communication procedure for establishing a connection for executing the facsimile communication with the second electronic device.

  As described above, since the special information is transmitted when the connection is established, the receiving apparatus can prepare and execute processing for print data to be received quickly at an early stage.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, in the Internet facsimile communication with the second electronic device apparatus, the transmission unit transmits the print data as an attached file. And an e-mail including the special information in the header is transmitted.

  According to this configuration, the transmission means attaches the print data as an attached file and transmits an e-mail including special information in the header in the Internet facsimile communication with the second electronic device.

  As described above, since the e-mail including the special information included in the header and the print data attached as an attached file is transmitted, the special information and the print data can be easily transmitted using the existing technology.

  In order to achieve the above object, an electronic apparatus device according to claim 4 is a second electronic apparatus device capable of facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication with the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, A determination means for determining whether data received by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication is received together with the special information; and when the determination means determines that the received data is not received together with the special information. A process control means for performing a process of printing the received data and transferring the received data to a third electronic device when it is determined that the received data is received together with the special information. It is characterized by providing.

  According to this configuration, the second electronic device apparatus is capable of facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication with the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, and the data received by the determination means by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication Is received together with the special information, and the processing control means determines that the received data is not received together with the special information, and the received data is printed and received. When it is determined that the data is received together with the special information, a process of transferring the received data to the third electronic device is performed.

  As described above, whether normal image data or print data is received by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication is determined depending on whether or not special information is received, and when normal image data is received. Prints the image data and, when receiving the print data, transfers the print data to the third electronic device. Therefore, when it is easy to determine whether the data to be received is normal image data or print data, and the print data is received while functioning as a normal facsimile machine or Internet facsimile machine Since the print data can be transferred to a personal computer or the like as a third electronic device such as a maintenance manager of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to reduce labor and cost for maintenance and management of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, when an analysis error of the print data occurs, the print data in which the analysis error occurs is transmitted to the second electronic device by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication. Sent. Therefore, if the second electronic device is a device that is permitted by the maintenance manager of the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus, the maintenance manager may receive an analysis error without going to the permission of the customer where the image forming apparatus is installed. Since the generated print data can be acquired, there is an effect that the maintenance management cost can be reduced.

When the image forming apparatus is a multifunction machine such as an Internet facsimile apparatus having a printing function, a facsimile communication function, an Internet facsimile communication function, etc., the original facsimile communication function and the Internet facsimile communication function are used. Since the print data can be transmitted, there is no need to separately provide a communication means, and the effect that the image forming apparatus can be realized at a low cost is also obtained.

  Furthermore, since the print data is transmitted by Internet facsimile communication, the communication cost for transmitting the print data can be reduced.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, the special information is transmitted when the connection is established. Therefore, the receiving apparatus prepares and executes processing for print data to be received quickly at an early stage. The effect that it can do is acquired.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, since the special information is included in the header and the e-mail with the print data attached as an attached file is transmitted, the special information and printing can be easily performed using the existing technology. The effect that data can be transmitted is obtained.

  According to the electronic device device of claim 4, it is determined whether normal image data or print data is received by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication depending on whether or not special information is received. When normal image data is received, the image data is printed. When print data is received, the print data is transferred to the third electronic device. Therefore, it is easy to determine whether the received data is normal image data or print data, and when the print data is received while functioning as a facsimile machine or an Internet facsimile machine, the print data is received. Since the data can be transferred to a personal computer or the like as a third electronic device such as a maintenance manager of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to reduce the labor and cost of maintenance of the image forming apparatus. It is done.

  Hereinafter, an Internet facsimile apparatus 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, an Internet facsimile apparatus 6 as an example of a second electronic apparatus apparatus according to the present invention, and a first electronic apparatus apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. A client PC 2 as an example and a client PC 7 as an example of a third electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the Internet facsimile machine 1 and the client PC 2 are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 3 so that they can communicate with each other. A router 4 is installed in the LAN 3, and the Internet facsimile machine 1 and the client PC 2 are connected to the Internet 5 through the LAN 3 and the router 4. The Internet facsimile machine 6 and the client PC 7 are communicably connected via a LAN 8. A router 9 is installed in the LAN 8, and the Internet facsimile machine 6 and the client PC 7 are connected to the Internet 5 through the LAN 8 and the router 9. Furthermore, the Internet facsimile machine 1 and the Internet facsimile machine 6 are also connected to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks) 10, and the Internet facsimile machine 1 and the Internet facsimile machine 6 can perform facsimile communication with each other.

  The client PC 2 generates print data described in page description language (PDL) based on application data generated by predetermined application software by a printer driver corresponding to the Internet facsimile apparatus 1, and prints the generated print data. Therefore, the data is transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 1.

  The Internet facsimile machine 1 receives print data transmitted from the client PC 2 and prints this print data. In this printing process, print data described in a page description language (PDL) is analyzed and developed into bitmap data (image data). At this time, when a PDL analysis error occurs in the print data, this is detected, and the print data in which the analysis error occurs is transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 6 by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication. The print data is transmitted not as image data but as data described in a page description language (PDL). When print data is transmitted by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication, it is transmitted together with special information for distinguishing it from image data transmitted in normal communication.

  The Internet facsimile machine 6 is capable of facsimile communication and Internet facsimile communication. When the special information is not received in the facsimile communication or the Internet facsimile communication, the received data is printed, and when the special information is received, Data (print data) received together with the special information is transferred to the client PC 7.

  In the client PC 7, the print data transmitted from the Internet facsimile machine 6 is analyzed, the print data is analyzed by simulating the environment of the Internet facsimile machine 1, and the cause of the analysis error is clarified.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the Internet facsimile machines 1 and 6. Although the Internet facsimile machine 1 and the Internet facsimile machine 6 have different functions, both apparatuses are configured as follows. The Internet facsimile machines 1 and 6 analyze the print data with a main control unit 10 that controls a plurality of processes including a print data print function, a document copy function, a facsimile communication function, an Internet facsimile communication function, and the like. The sub-control unit 20 generates image data by expanding print data into bitmap data.

  The main control unit 10 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an operation unit 104, a notification unit 105, a document reading unit 106, an image processing unit 107, a codec. (CODEC: Coder and Decoder) 108, image memory 109, printer 110, FAX communication unit 111, and LAN-I / F (Local Area Network Interface) 112. Each unit 101 to 112 communicates via a bus 113. Connected as possible.

  The main CPU 101 controls the operation of each unit of the Internet facsimile machines 1 and 6 including the sub-control unit 20 according to a control program stored in the ROM 102. The ROM 102 stores the control program and the like for the main CPU 101 to control the operation of each part of the Internet facsimile machines 1 and 6. The RAM 103 stores various data such as setting information used for the operation of the Internet facsimile machines 1 and 6 in a readable and writable state.

  Although not shown, the operation unit 104 is a start key for instructing the start of a document reading operation, a numeric keypad for inputting a facsimile number, the number of copies, a cursor key for designating an operation target, and an operation decision. In addition to a determination key to be performed, other input keys for performing various settings for the own devices 1 and 6 are provided. The notification unit 105 is a touch-panel liquid crystal display (LCD) that displays various setting states, operation states of the devices 1 and 6 by characters, figures, and the like, and an LED ( Light Emitting Diode) lamp, speaker that emits a predetermined warning sound, etc.

  The document reading unit 106 reads an image of a document and generates image data. Although not shown, for example, a flat bed scanner (FBS: Flat) that reads a document placed on a transparent document placing plate is used. Bed Scanner) and an automatic document feeder (ADF: Automatic Document Feeder) that conveys the document to read the document placed on the document tray.

  The image processing unit 107 performs processing such as color adjustment, color space conversion, and binarization on the image data output from the document reading unit 106. The codec 108 encodes (encodes) the image data processed by the image processing unit 107 and the like, and decodes (decodes) the encoded image data. The image data input to the codec 108 is encoded based on the JPEG, MH, MR, MMR, JBIG system, etc., and stored in the image memory 109.

  The printer 112 prints out the image data read from the image memory 109 and decoded by the codec 108.

  The FAX communication unit 111 performs facsimile communication of image data of a document, and includes a modem (MODEM: Modulator-DEModulator) and an NCU (Network Control Unit) (not shown). The modem is, for example, a recommendation V.16 of ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector). Modulation and demodulation of transmission / reception data according to the 34 standard or the like. The NCU is a line network control device that controls a telephone line to make or cut a call, and is connected to the PSTN 10. In addition to the Internet facsimile machines 1 and 6, a G3 facsimile machine or the like is communicably connected to the PSTN 10. The Internet facsimile machines 1 and 6 can communicate with the G3 facsimile machine etc. in addition to the Internet facsimile machines 1 and 6. It is possible to send and receive data by facsimile.

  The LAN-I / F 112 enables the Internet facsimile machines 1 and 6 to be connected to the LAN 3 and the LAN 8. Client PC 2, client PC 7, etc. are connected to LAN 3 and LAN 8, and Internet facsimile apparatuses 1 and 6 can communicate data with client PC 2 and client PC 7. Accordingly, the Internet facsimile machine 1 can receive print data for print processing from the client PC 2 via the LAN 3, and the Internet facsimile machine 6 receives the print data received from the Internet facsimile machine 1 or the like via the LAN 8. Via the client PC 7. A router 4 and a router 9 are connected to the LAN 3 and the LAN 8, respectively. The LAN 3 and the LAN 8 are connected to the Internet 5 through the router 4 and the router 9, respectively. Accordingly, the Internet facsimile machines 1 and 6 can also perform Internet facsimile communication with each other.

  The sub control unit 20 includes a sub CPU 121, a ROM 122, a RAM 123, a PDL expansion unit 124, and a codec 125. The units 121 to 125 are connected to each other via a bus 127 so as to communicate with each other. The main control unit 10 and the sub control unit 20 are communicably connected via a bus 128.

  The sub CPU 121 controls the operation of each unit of the sub control unit 20 in accordance with a control program (firmware) stored in the ROM 122. The ROM 122 stores the control program (firmware) and the like for controlling the operation of the sub control unit 20 by the sub CPU 121. The RAM 123 functions as a work area for the sub CPU 121 and is also used for temporary storage of print data received from the client PC 2.

  The PDL development unit 124 analyzes the print data described in the page description language (PDL) received from the client PC 2 and stored in the RAM 123 according to the firmware stored in the ROM 122, and expands it into bitmap data. Generate image data. The image data generated by analyzing the PDL of the print data by the PDL developing unit 124 is encoded based on the MMR method or the like by the codec 135, and the encoded image data is transferred to the main control unit 10 to be imaged. Stored in the memory 109.

  When the printer driver installed on the client PC 2 does not generate normal PDL (print data) or when the PDL development unit 124 cannot correctly interpret the PDL (print data) generated normally by the printer driver. Causes a PDL analysis error. In the Internet facsimile machine 1, when such a PDL analysis error occurs, the analysis error is detected by the firmware.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the client PC 2 and the client PC 7. As shown in FIG. 3, the client PCs 2 and 7 include a control unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 204, operation unit 205, display unit 206, and LAN-I / F207 is provided, and the units 201 to 207 are communicably connected via a bus 208.

  The CPU 201 controls the operations of the client PCs 2 and 7 according to a control program read from the HDD 204 and stored in the RAM 203. The ROM 202 stores various setting data necessary for the operation of the client PC 2. The RAM 203 functions as a work area of the CPU 201, and a part or all of the program to be executed is read from the HDD 204 and stored. The HDD 204 stores various programs and data such as the control program for controlling the operations of the client PCs 2 and 7 by the CPU 201 and application software for use by the user. In the HDD 204 of the client PC 2, when printing application data generated by application software using the Internet facsimile machine 1, a printing condition is specified, or description is made in page description language (PDL) based on the application data. A printer driver that generates the printed data is also stored.

  The operation unit 205 includes a mouse, a keyboard, and the like through which a user inputs information. Various input operations by the user are performed via the operation unit 205. The display unit 206 is composed of an LCD, for example, and displays various screen information. The LAN-I / F 207 connects the client PC 2 and the LAN 3 so that they can communicate with each other, and the client PC 7 and the LAN 8. Accordingly, the client PC 2 can transmit print data for print processing in the Internet facsimile machine 1 to the Internet facsimile machine 1 via the LAN 3. The client PC 7 can receive print data transfer from the Internet facsimile machine 6 via the LAN 8.

  According to the Internet facsimile apparatuses 1 and 6 and the client PCs 2 and 7, when a print data generated in the client PC 2 is printed in the Internet facsimile apparatus 1, an analysis error occurs when a PDL analysis error occurs. The print data to be transmitted is transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 6 by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication. The Internet facsimile machine 6 that has received the print data in which the analysis error has occurred transmits the received print data to the client PC 7. In the client PC 7, the maintenance person analyzes the print data in which the analysis error occurs, and clarifies the cause of the analysis error.

  Next, referring to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, when printing the print data transmitted from the client PC 2 in the Internet facsimile apparatus 1, a PDL analysis error occurs, and the print data in which the analysis error occurs is transmitted to the Internet by facsimile communication. When transmitting to the facsimile apparatus 6 and further transferring the print data received by the Internet facsimile apparatus 6 by facsimile communication to the client PC 7, the CPU 201 of the client PC 2, and the main CPU 101 and the sub CPU 121 of the Internet facsimile apparatuses 1 and 6. An example of the processing executed by will be described. Note that the order of the processes shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and may be changed as appropriate when the present invention can be realized even if the order of the processes is changed.

  First, the user of the client PC 2 performs an operation for instructing printing of application data created by the application software via the operation unit 205 with respect to predetermined application software. Then, a printer driver corresponding to the Internet facsimile machine 1 installed in the client PC 2 is activated. When the printer driver is instructed to execute printing by specifying various printing conditions, the printer driver is described in page description language (PDL) based on the application data in order to print the application data. The generated print data is generated (S101). Then, the generated print data is transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 1 for printing processing (S102).

  The Internet facsimile machine 1 receives the print data transmitted from the client PC 2 (S201), and transfers the received print data to the sub-control unit 20 (S202). In the sub control unit 20, the PDL development unit 124 analyzes the PDL of the print data and develops it into bitmap data (image data) (S203). Then, it is determined whether or not a PDL analysis error has occurred in the development of the print data into bitmap data (S204).

  If it is determined that no PDL analysis error has been detected (S204: NO), it is determined whether or not all of the print data has been developed into bitmap data (S205). If it is determined that all of the print data has not been expanded into bitmap data (S205: NO), the process returns to step 203 (S203), and expansion of the print data into bitmap data is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined that all the print data has been expanded into bitmap data (S205: YES), the bitmap data (image data) expanded from the print data is printed (S206).

  When a PDL analysis error occurs during the development of print data into bitmap data, and the occurrence of this analysis error is detected (S204: YES), the development of the print data into bitmap data is stopped and the notification unit 105 is stopped. A message indicating that a printing error has occurred is displayed on the liquid crystal display device included in (S207).

  Then, the print data in which the analysis error has occurred is transferred to the main control unit 10 (S208), and the print data in which the analysis error has occurred is transmitted to the Internet facsimile apparatus 6 determined in advance by facsimile communication. A call is made (S209). When the Internet facsimile apparatus 6 accepts a call from the Internet facsimile apparatus 1, a facsimile communication procedure is executed with the Internet facsimile apparatus 6 to establish a connection (S210). In the facsimile communication procedure for establishing this connection, the Internet facsimile machine 1 is a special device that indicates to the Internet facsimile machine 6 that the data (print data) transmitted on this connection is not image data transmitted by normal facsimile communication. Send information. This special information is transmitted in the facsimile communication procedure to indicate that the data to be transmitted is not normal image data but print data when transmitting the print data from the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 to the Internet facsimile apparatus 6. When it is done, it is predetermined. The specific data content may be any content as long as it can be identified as special information.

  When a connection is established between the Internet facsimile machine 1 and the Internet facsimile machine 6, print data in which an analysis error has occurred is transmitted from the Internet facsimile machine 1 to the Internet facsimile machine 6 over this connection (S211). When the transmission of the print data is finished, the connection is disconnected (S212).

  In this manner, when a PDL analysis error occurs in the Internet facsimile machine 1, print data in which the analysis error occurs is transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 6 by facsimile communication. In the above example, when an analysis error occurs, the development of print data into bitmap data is stopped. However, even when an analysis error occurs, the development of print data into bitmap data is continued. Then, all of the print data may be developed into bitmap data, and the print data may be transmitted by facsimile communication, and bitmap data (image data) including an error may be printed.

  The Internet facsimile machine 6 determines whether there is an incoming call (S301). If it is determined that there is no incoming call (S301: NO), it waits until there is an incoming call. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an incoming call (S301: YES), a connection for facsimile communication is established with the calling side apparatus. If the calling-side apparatus is the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 and print data is transmitted from the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 by facsimile communication, the print data is transmitted in the facsimile communication procedure when establishing a connection. Is transmitted from the Internet facsimile machine 1, and the Internet facsimile machine 6 receives this special information.

  When data transmitted by facsimile communication is received on the established connection (S303), the connection is disconnected (S304). Then, in the facsimile communication procedure when establishing the connection, it is determined whether or not special information has been received (S305).

  If it is determined that the special information has not been received (S305: NO), since the received image data is normal image data, printing of the received data (image data) by facsimile communication is executed (S306). On the other hand, if it is determined that the special information has been received (S305: YES), since the received data is not normal image data but print data in which a PDL analysis error occurs, data received by facsimile communication (print data) Is transferred to a predetermined client PC 7 (S307).

  In this way, the print data received from the Internet facsimile machine 1 by facsimile communication is transmitted to the client PC 7. In the client PC 7, the maintenance staff of the Internet facsimile machine 1 analyzes the print data in which the PDL analysis data is generated, and the cause of the PDL analysis error is clarified.

  In the above example, print data in which a PDL analysis error occurs is transmitted from the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 to the Internet facsimile apparatus 6 by facsimile communication. However, the print data is transmitted by Internet facsimile communication, that is, by e-mail. Also good. In this case, an example of processing executed by the main CPU 101 and the sub CPU 121 of the Internet facsimile machine 1 and the Internet facsimile machine 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and may be changed as appropriate when the present invention can be realized even if the processing order is changed.

  The Internet facsimile machine 1 receives the print data transmitted from the client PC 2 (S401), and transfers the received print data to the sub-control unit 20 (S402). In the sub-control unit 20, the PDL development unit 124 analyzes the PDL of the print data and develops it into bitmap data (image data) (S403). Then, it is determined whether or not a PDL analysis error has occurred in the development of the print data into bitmap data (S404).

  If it is determined that no PDL analysis error has been detected (S404: NO), it is determined whether or not all the print data has been expanded into bitmap data (S405). If it is determined that all the print data has not been expanded into bitmap data (S405: NO), the process returns to step 403 (S403), and the expansion of the print data into bitmap data is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined that all the print data has been expanded into bitmap data (S405: YES), the bitmap data (image data) expanded from the print data is printed (S406).

  When a PDL analysis error occurs during the development of print data into bitmap data, and the occurrence of this analysis error is detected (S404), the development of the print data into bitmap data is stopped, and the notification unit 105 is provided. A message indicating that a printing error has occurred is displayed on the liquid crystal display device (S407).

  Then, the print data in which the analysis error has occurred is transferred to the main control unit 10 (S408), and the print data in which the analysis error has occurred is assigned to the Internet facsimile machine 6 so as to be transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 6 by Internet facsimile communication. An e-mail addressed to the e-mail address is generated (S409). Next, print data that causes a PDL analysis error is attached as an attached file to the e-mail (S410), and the data attached as an attached file to the e-mail is the normal image data in the header portion of the e-mail. Instead, special information indicating that the print data causes a PDL analysis error is added (S411). Then, the e-mail with the special information added to the header and the print data attached as an attached file is transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 6 (S412).

  This electronic mail is transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 6 through a plurality of mail servers (SMTP servers) existing on the Internet 5. However, a connection is established between the Internet facsimile machine 1 and the Internet facsimile machine 6 by SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) or the like, and special information is added to the header from the Internet facsimile machine 1 to the Internet facsimile machine 6 as an attached file. An e-mail attached with print data may be directly transmitted. In this way, it is possible to reliably send the print data to the Internet facsimile machine 6 without losing the e-mail, and to deliver the print data to the permission of the maintenance manager.

  The Internet facsimile machine 6 determines whether or not an e-mail has been received (S501). If it is determined that no e-mail has been received (S501: NO), the Internet facsimile apparatus 6 stands by until an e-mail is received. On the other hand, if it is determined that the e-mail has been received (S501: YES), it is determined whether or not special information is added to the header portion of the received e-mail (S502).

  If it is determined that the special information is not added to the header portion of the e-mail (S502: NO), the data attached to the e-mail is normal image data, so the image data attached to the e-mail is printed. Is executed (S503).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that special information is added to the header portion of the e-mail (S502: YES), the data attached to the e-mail is not normal image data but print data in which a PDL analysis error occurs. Therefore, the electronic mail is transferred to the user of the client PC 7, that is, to the maintenance manager (S504).

  As described above, the print data in which the PDL analysis error has occurred in the Internet facsimile machine 1 is attached as an attached file to the e-mail and transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 6, and further permitted by the maintenance manager who is the user of the client PC 7. Sent to.

  As described above, according to the Internet facsimile machine 1 according to the present invention, when printing data is printed, if a PDL analysis error occurs, this is detected, and print data in which a PDL analysis error occurs is detected. Along with special information indicating that the data is print data, the data is transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 6 permitted by the maintenance manager of the Internet facsimile machine 1 by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication.

  Therefore, according to the Internet facsimile machine 1, a maintenance manager such as a serviceman who sells the Internet facsimile machine 1 goes to the place where the Internet facsimile machine 1 is installed when a PDL analysis error occurs. In addition, print data essential for elucidating the cause of the occurrence of the PDL analysis error can be acquired, so that the time and cost of maintenance of the Internet facsimile machine 1 can be reduced.

  Further, since the transmission of print data is performed using the facsimile communication function originally provided in the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 or the Internet facsimile communication function, it is not necessary to separately provide a communication means for transmitting the print data. The Internet facsimile machine 1 can be realized at low cost. Further, when print data is transmitted using electronic mail by Internet facsimile communication, the communication cost for transmitting the print data can be reduced. Since the print data is transmitted by e-mail, the Internet facsimile machine 6 that has received the print data can easily transfer the print data to the client PC 7.

  When performing facsimile communication, special information is transmitted from the Internet facsimile machine 1 to the Internet facsimile machine 6 during a communication procedure when establishing a connection between the Internet facsimile machine 1 and the Internet facsimile machine 6. After notifying that the data transmitted on the connection is not normal image data, the print data is transmitted on the connection.

  Therefore, the Internet facsimile apparatus 6 is informed early that the data received by the special information received at the connection establishment stage is not normal image data but print data, and prepares for processing the print data at an early stage. You can do this.

  Further, when performing Internet facsimile communication, print data is attached as an attached file, and an e-mail indicating that the attached file is not normal image data by including special information in the header portion is sent from the Internet facsimile machine 1 to the Internet. Since the data is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 6, the special information and the print data can be easily transmitted using the existing technology.

  Further, according to the Internet facsimile machine 6, when data is received by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication, when special information is received together with the data, the data is not normal image data but print data. If it is determined that the print data is transferred to the client PC 7 of the maintenance manager of the Internet facsimile machine 1 and no special information is received together with the data, the print data is determined to be normal image data. Print.

  Therefore, according to the Internet facsimile apparatus 6, since the print data is transferred to the client PC 7 when it receives the print data while functioning as a normal Internet facsimile apparatus, the maintenance and cost and maintenance of the Internet facsimile apparatus 1 are reduced. Can be reduced.

  In addition, embodiment of this invention is not restricted to the above-mentioned form, You may change variously. For example, when an image including an error is printed because the PDL was not correctly analyzed, an error report key operated by the user of the Internet facsimile machine 1 that performed the printing is provided in the operation unit 104, and the error report key In the same manner as when the firmware detects the occurrence of a PDL analysis error, the print data that is the source of printing may be transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 6. In this way, even when a PDL analysis error that cannot be detected by the firmware occurs and an image including the error is printed, the print data can be transmitted to the maintenance manager.

  The present invention can be applied to, for example, an apparatus that reports an error when an error occurs in PC printing.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a network including Internet facsimile machines 1 and 6 and client PCs 2 and 7 according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of Internet facsimile machines 1 and 6 as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of client PC2 and 7 as an example of the electronic device apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed in the client PC 2 when print data is generated by the client PC 2 and transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 6. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed in the Internet facsimile machine 1 when print data is transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 6 by facsimile communication. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed in the Internet facsimile machine 6 when print data received by facsimile communication is transferred to the client PC 7. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed in the Internet facsimile machine 1 when print data is transmitted to the Internet facsimile machine 6 by Internet facsimile communication. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in the Internet facsimile machine 6 when print data received by Internet facsimile communication is transferred to the client PC 7.

Explanation of symbols

1 Internet facsimile machine (image forming device)
6 Internet facsimile machine (second electronic device)
101 Main CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
111 FAX transmission unit 112 LAN-I / F
121 Sub CPU
ROM 122
RAM 123
124 PDL expansion unit 2 Client PC (first electronic device)
7 Client PC (third electronic device)
201 CPU 201
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 HDD

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus that receives print data described in a page description language from a first electronic device and executes print processing based on the print data.
Analyzing means for analyzing the print data and generating bitmap data;
Detecting means for detecting an analysis error of the print data by the analyzing means;
When the detection unit detects an analysis error, the print data in which the analysis error occurs is transmitted to the second electronic device by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication together with special information indicating that the data is print data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmitting unit that   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the special information in a communication procedure for establishing a connection for executing the facsimile communication with the second electronic device.   2. The transmission procedure according to claim 1, wherein, in the Internet facsimile communication with the second electronic device, the print data is attached as an attached file and an e-mail including the special information in a header is transmitted. Or the image forming apparatus according to 2; A second electronic device capable of facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication with the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
Determining means for determining whether data received by facsimile communication or Internet facsimile communication is received together with the special information;
When it is determined by the determination means that the received data has not been received together with the special information, the received data is printed, and when it is determined that the received data has been received together with the special information An electronic device apparatus comprising: process control means for performing a process of transferring the received data to a third electronic apparatus device.

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