JP2007288453A - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile machine capable of inputting data such as the exact FAX number of the other party in a simple procedure. <P>SOLUTION: The facsimile machine 1 inputs data of the FAX number and the name of the other party transferred from a PC terminal device 20 via a LAN 40 (ST1 and ST2), and the data are temporarily stored in a memory 8a for a dedicated key (ST3). When a dedicated key 5a is operated in this state, a dialing operation to the FAX number of the other party stored in the memory 8a for a dedicated key, and facsimile transmission is performed to the other party (ST6). When the facsimile transmission to the other party is successful (ST7), an instruction as to whether the FAX number of the other party is shortened and registered is accepted (ST9), and when an instruction to the effect that the FAX number is shortened and registered is input (ST10), the data stored in the memory 8a for a dedicated key is stored in a memory 9a for a shortened key (ST11). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile machine connected to another terminal device via a communication network such as a LAN.

In a conventional facsimile apparatus, a destination FAX number is input using an input key such as a numeric keypad provided on an operation panel of the facsimile apparatus, and document data is transmitted to the destination FAX number. When inputting the destination FAX number, if the FAX number is directly input using the numeric keypad without using the one-touch key or the abbreviated key, the FAX number stored by the operator is input, It was necessary to create a memo or other material with a number and enter it while referring to it.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-200058

  However, if the FAX number is directly input by the method as described above, there is a possibility that an incorrect FAX number may be input due to a mistake in storing the FAX number by the operator or a mistake in copying. In addition, there is a problem that it takes time and effort to prepare a document such as a memo in which a FAX number is described.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus capable of inputting accurate data such as a destination FAX number by a simple procedure.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application is a facsimile apparatus that is connected to another terminal device via a communication network and has a data receiving function for receiving data from the other terminal device. A dedicated key for starting a facsimile transmission operation and a dedicated key memory for storing data of the destination FAX number are provided. When the dedicated key is pressed, the destination FAX number stored in the dedicated key memory is displayed. And a control means for storing in the dedicated key memory data of a destination FAX number input from another terminal device via the communication network. And

  The invention according to claim 2 of the present application is the facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a shortened key for starting a facsimile transmission operation to the registered destination FAX number, and a destination registered in the shortcut key. A shortcut key memory for storing FAX number data, and the control means stores the counterpart FAX number data stored in the dedicated key memory in the shortcut key memory to store the counterpart key number data. A destination FAX number is registered in the abbreviated key.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the second aspect, when the dedicated key is pressed, the control means is a destination FAX number stored in the dedicated key memory. When the facsimile transmission is successful, the FAX number data stored in the dedicated key memory is stored in the abbreviated key memory.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the other terminal apparatus is a personal computer terminal apparatus connected to the facsimile apparatus via a LAN. It is characterized by that.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the dedicated key for starting the facsimile transmission operation and the dedicated key memory for storing the data of the destination FAX number are provided. The facsimile transmission operation to the destination FAX number stored in the memory is started, and the destination FAX number data input from another terminal device via the communication network is stored in the dedicated key memory. Since the control means is provided, the destination FAX number input from another terminal device via a communication network such as a LAN can be assigned to a dedicated key for starting the transmission operation of the facsimile device. Therefore, an operator who performs facsimile transmission can input the other party's FAX number from another terminal device on the communication network instead of inputting it from the facsimile apparatus. It is no longer necessary to input while referring to such materials. As a result, there is no possibility of inputting an incorrect FAX number due to an input person's memory difference or transcription mistake. Also, it is possible to save the trouble of preparing materials such as a memo with the FAX number.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the abbreviated key for starting the facsimile transmission operation to the registered destination FAX number and the abbreviated key for storing the data of the destination FAX number registered in the abbreviated key. And the control means stores the destination FAX number data stored in the dedicated key memory in the abbreviated key memory and registers it in the abbreviated key. The destination FAX number input from the terminal can be assigned to the abbreviated key of the facsimile apparatus and abbreviated for registration.

  According to the invention described in claim 3 of the present application, when the dedicated key is pressed, the control means performs facsimile transmission to the destination FAX number stored in the dedicated key memory, and the facsimile transmission is performed. If successful, the data of the destination FAX number stored in the dedicated key memory is stored in the abbreviated key memory, so that the facsimile transmission to the FAX number input from another terminal device is possible. After confirmation, the FAX number can be abbreviated and registered.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the other terminal device is a personal computer terminal device connected to the facsimile device via the LAN, it is possible to easily input an accurate FAX number with a simple configuration. It becomes a facsimile machine.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 respectively show the configurations of a facsimile apparatus 1 and a PC (personal computer) terminal apparatus 20 that are connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network) 40 that is a communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram. A facsimile apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called multi-function machine having both a copy function and a facsimile function. As shown in the figure, a main control unit (CPU) 2, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 3, a modem 4, operation unit 5, display unit 6, ROM 7, RAM 8, storage unit 9, image reading unit 10, image memory 11, CODEC (Coder and Decoder) 12, image recording unit 13, LAN interface (LANI) / F) 14 are provided, and these units are connected to each other via the internal bus 15. 2 is a general-purpose personal computer terminal, and includes a main control unit (CPU) 21, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a ROM 24, a RAM 25, a storage unit 26, a LAN interface (LAN I / F). ) 27, an output unit 28, an external medium reading unit 29, and the like, which are connected to each other via an internal bus 30. In these drawings, one each of the facsimile apparatus 1 and the PC terminal apparatus 20 is shown, but actually, one or a plurality of PC terminal apparatuses 20 are connected to one facsimile apparatus 1 via the LAN 40.

  First, the configuration and function of each part of the facsimile machine 1 will be described. The main control unit 2 has a function of comprehensively controlling each unit of the facsimile apparatus 1 in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 7. The main control unit 2 stores data such as a destination FAX number input from the PC terminal device 20 via the LAN 40 in a dedicated key memory (dedicated key memory area) 8 a provided on the RAM 8. Function: Function for starting facsimile transmission to the facsimile machine of the destination FAX number stored in the dedicated key memory 8a when the following dedicated key 5a is operated, stored in the dedicated key memory 8a A function of storing data such as a destination FAX number in an abbreviated key memory (abbreviated key memory area) 9 a provided in the storage unit 9 is provided.

  The NCU 3 is controlled by the main control unit 2 to control connection with a public telephone line network (PSTN) 16 that is a communication line, and to send a dial pulse corresponding to the FAX number or telephone number of the communication partner And a function of detecting an incoming call.

  The modem 4 is a fax modem having a normal facsimile communication function connected to the public telephone line network 16. This modem 4 has a function of modulating transmission data, which is a digital signal, into an analog voice signal in order to deliver transmission / reception data to / from the public telephone line network 16 via the NCU 3, and from the public telephone line network 16. A function of demodulating an analog audio signal received via the NCU 3 into digital signal reception data is provided.

  The operation unit 5 includes various input keys arranged on an operation panel (not shown) provided in the facsimile apparatus 1. These input keys include a numeric keypad for inputting numbers of FAX numbers (including symbols such as * and #), a character input key for inputting characters, symbols, and the like. In addition, a dedicated key 5a for starting facsimile transmission to the destination FAX number input via the LAN 40 is provided. The dedicated key 5a may be installed as a key having only a function as the dedicated key, or the function as the dedicated key can be assigned to a key having another function such as a one-touch key. . The operation unit 5 is provided with a shortening key 5b for calling a fax number registered for shortening. An abbreviated number for calling the registered FAX number is assigned to the abbreviated key 5b. The operation unit 5 is also provided with a start key or the like for starting a facsimile transmission operation.

  The display unit 6 displays various types of information such as the operation state of the facsimile machine 1, displays an input FAX number, and displays an operation for instructing an operator to perform the next operation. The display unit 6 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) installed on an operation panel. The display unit 6 may be a touch sensor type liquid crystal display device. When the display unit 6 is a touch sensor type liquid crystal display device, the input key of the operation unit 5, the dedicated key 5a, the shortening key 5b, and the like can be provided in the touch sensor type liquid crystal display device.

  The ROM 7 stores various programs necessary for the operation of the facsimile apparatus 1 such as facsimile transmission / reception processing executed by the main control unit 2. The RAM 8 is used as a working area of the main control unit 2 and is composed of SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM or the like. The RAM 8 temporarily stores data that needs to be stored during control by the main control unit 2, such as data generated when the program is executed. On the RAM 8, a dedicated key memory 8 a for temporarily storing data such as a destination FAX number input from the PC terminal device 20 via the LAN 40 is provided. The storage unit 9 is a storage device that incorporates a recording medium composed of a hard disk drive or a flash memory. The storage unit 9 is provided with a shortened key memory 9a for storing data such as a destination FAX number registered in the shortened key 5b. The dedicated key memory 8 a may be provided in the storage unit 9.

  The image reading unit 10 reads a document with a scanner using a CCD or the like, and outputs dot image data converted into monochrome binary. The image memory 11 encodes the image data read by the image reading unit 10 and stores it in a compressed state. The CODEC 12 encodes (encodes) the read image data by the MH, MR, MMR method, or the like in order to transmit or store the read image data. Further, the image data received in the compressed and encoded state is decoded (decoded) for recording by the image recording unit 13. The image recording unit 13 is, for example, an electrophotographic printer device. The received image data received by facsimile communication from another facsimile device or the image data of a document read by the image reading unit 10 by a copy function is recorded on a recording sheet. Record. The LAN I / F 14 is connected to the LAN 40 and receives signals and data from the LAN 40, and transmits signals and data to the LAN 40 to execute interface processing related to LAN communication such as signal conversion and protocol conversion. The facsimile apparatus 1 is connected to the PC terminal apparatus 20 via the LAN 40 by the LAN I / F 14 and can receive data from the PC terminal apparatus 20.

  Next, the configuration and function of each part of the PC terminal device 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The main control unit 21 is composed of a CPU, and controls each unit of the PC terminal device 20 as well as a transmission operation for transmitting data such as a FAX number to the facsimile device 1 as a function of software stored in the storage unit 26. Execute. The input unit 22 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, and inputs character data and instruction commands. The display unit 23 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD) or a CRT display.

  The ROM 24 stores various programs necessary for the operation of the PC terminal device 20 in advance. The RAM 25 is composed of SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM or the like, and is used as a working area for the main control unit 21 to store temporary data generated when the program is executed. The storage unit 26 is a storage device that includes a recording medium configured by a hard disk drive or the like, and includes an OS (Operating System), browser software, and software having a function of transmitting data such as a FAX number to the facsimile apparatus 1. In addition, data information such as a list in which the FAX numbers of transmission destinations are posted can be stored. The LAN I / F 27 is connected to the LAN 40 and has the same function as the LAN I / F 14 provided in the facsimile apparatus 1. The output unit 28 includes an output device such as a printer. The external medium reading unit 29 reads data stored in a diskette, a flash memory, or the like into the PC terminal device 20, and can read data information such as a list of destination FAX numbers stored in the diskette, for example.

  Next, a procedure for performing facsimile transmission by inputting data such as a destination FAX number to the facsimile apparatus 1 using the PC terminal device 20 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit 23 when data such as a partner FAX number is input on the PC terminal device 20. The destination FAX number is input by using a function of data transfer software to the facsimile machine 1 stored in the PC terminal device 20. In this case, after inputting the destination FAX number in the blank 50 of the display screen shown in FIG. 5 and executing the “transfer to FAX” command 51, the input FAX number data is transmitted to the facsimile machine via the LAN 40. 1 is transferred. In addition to this, the FAX number data may be input and transferred to the facsimile apparatus 1 using browser software or the like. Further, the data input at this time may be transferred to the facsimile apparatus 1 by inputting not only the destination FAX number but also the destination name. Hereinafter, a case where a destination FAX number and a destination name are input will be described.

  Here, the operation of the facsimile apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the facsimile machine 1, the FAX number data transferred from the PC terminal device 20 via the LAN 40 is input from the LAN I / F 14 (step ST1), and the transferred destination name data is also transferred from the LAN I / F 14. Input (step ST2). The input destination FAX number and destination name data are temporarily stored in the dedicated key memory 8a (step ST3). As a result, the FAX number and the destination name are assigned to the dedicated key 5a. In this state, it waits for a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) and waits for the operation of the dedicated key 5a (step ST4, step ST5). If the dedicated key 5a is not operated within a predetermined time (step ST5), the destination FAX number and destination name data stored in the dedicated key memory 8a are deleted (step ST8). finish. On the other hand, if the dedicated key 5a is operated within a predetermined time, a dial operation is performed on the destination FAX number stored in the dedicated key memory 8a, and facsimile transmission is performed to the destination (step ST6). ).

  If the facsimile transmission to the destination FAX number is successful (step ST7), an operation for receiving an instruction as to whether or not the destination FAX number and destination name data stored in the dedicated key memory are to be abbreviated and registered is performed. It displays on the display part 6 (step ST9). When an instruction for abbreviated registration is input (step ST10), the destination FAX number and destination name data stored in the dedicated key memory 8a are used as an available abbreviated number or designated abbreviated number. Is stored in the shortcut key memory 9a of the shortcut key 5b corresponding to (step ST11). On the other hand, if the facsimile transmission is not successful in step ST7 because the destination FAX number is wrong, or in step ST10, an instruction not to abbreviately register the destination FAX number or destination name data. If received, the destination FAX number and destination name data stored in the dedicated key memory 8a are deleted (step ST8), and the operation is terminated.

  According to the facsimile apparatus 1, data such as a destination FAX number transferred from the PC terminal apparatus 20 via the LAN 40 can be temporarily stored in the dedicated key memory 8a and assigned to the dedicated key 5a. . Therefore, an operator who performs facsimile transmission can input the destination FAX number not from the facsimile apparatus 1 but from another PC terminal apparatus 20 connected to the LAN 40, so that the FAX number is stored and input. Do not need to enter or refer to materials such as memos. As a result, there is no possibility of inputting an incorrect number due to an operator's memory difference or transcription mistake. Also, it is possible to save the trouble of preparing materials such as a memo with the FAX number. Further, the operator can easily perform facsimile transmission by operating the dedicated key 5a as if the FAX number transferred from the PC terminal device 20 is registered in the dedicated key 5a of the facsimile apparatus 1.

  In addition, since the data such as the destination FAX number stored in the dedicated key memory 8a can be stored in the abbreviated key memory 9a, the destination FAX number input from the PC terminal device 20 via the LAN 40. Can be directly registered in the shortcut key 5b of the facsimile apparatus 1. Further, the facsimile transmission to the FAX number input from the PC terminal device 20 is performed by storing in the abbreviated key memory 9a when the facsimile transmission is successful when the dedicated key 5a is operated. It is possible to register the FAX number in abbreviated manner after confirming that it is possible.

  A plurality of the dedicated keys 5a can be installed. In that case, a plurality of destination FAX numbers transferred from the PC terminal device 20 can be assigned to the dedicated keys 5a. In addition to installing a plurality of dedicated keys 5a, there is a function that allows a plurality of FAX numbers stored in the dedicated key memory 8a to be sequentially switched and called by pressing one dedicated key 5a a plurality of times. You may do it.

  Further, when the document is distributed to a plurality of destinations, data information such as a list on which a plurality of destination FAX numbers are posted is input from the PC terminal device 20, and the destination FAX numbers of the list are input to a dedicated key. It is also possible to perform facsimile transmission by storing it in the memory 8a. In the above embodiment, the case has been described in which data such as a FAX number stored in the dedicated key memory 8a is registered in the abbreviated key 5b. In addition to this, the data is stored in the dedicated key memory 8a. Data such as a FAX number may be registered in a key having another function such as a one-touch key.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, the specification, and the drawings. Is possible. For example, the communication network referred to in the present invention is not limited to the LAN 40, and may be a communication network using a cable connection such as SCSI or USB or a wireless connection as long as the facsimile apparatus 1 and the PC terminal device 20 are connected. A communication network such as Further, the other terminal device connected to the facsimile apparatus 1 via the communication network is not limited to the PC terminal device 20 but may be another computer device, a communication terminal device having a communication function, or the like.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile machine 1 connected to a PC terminal device 20 via a LAN 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the PC terminal device 20 connected with the facsimile apparatus 1 via LAN40 concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display part 23 of the PC terminal device 20 which inputs a partner FAX number. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an operation procedure in the facsimile apparatus 1;

Explanation of symbols

1 Fax machine 2 Main control unit (CPU)
3 NCU (network control circuit)
4 Modem 5 Operation section 5a Dedicated key 5b Short key 6 Display section 7 ROM
8 RAM
8a Dedicated key memory 9 Storage unit 9a Short key memory 10 Image reading unit 11 Image memory 12 CODEC
13 Image recording unit 14 LAN I / F
15 Internal bus 16 Public telephone network (PSTN)
20 PC terminal device 21 Main control unit (CPU)
22 Input unit 23 Display unit 24 ROM
25 RAM
26 storage unit 27 LAN I / F
28 Output unit 29 External medium reading unit 30 Internal bus 40 LAN (communication network)

Claims (4)

In a facsimile machine connected to another terminal device via a communication network and having a data receiving function for receiving data from the other terminal device,
A dedicated key for starting a facsimile transmission operation and a dedicated key memory for storing data of the destination FAX number are provided. When the dedicated key is pressed, the destination FAX number stored in the dedicated key memory is displayed. Configured to start the facsimile transmission operation of
A facsimile apparatus comprising a control means for storing data of a destination FAX number input from another terminal apparatus via the communication network in the dedicated key memory. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1,
A shortcut key for starting a facsimile transmission operation to a registered destination FAX number, and a shortcut key memory for storing data of a destination FAX number registered in the shortcut key;
The control means stores data of a destination FAX number stored in the dedicated key memory in the abbreviated key memory and registers the destination FAX number in the abbreviated key. apparatus. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2,
The control means performs facsimile transmission to a destination FAX number stored in the dedicated key memory when the dedicated key is pressed,
A facsimile apparatus characterized in that, when the facsimile transmission is successful, data of a destination FAX number stored in the dedicated key memory is stored in the abbreviated key memory. The facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other terminal apparatus is a personal computer terminal apparatus connected to the facsimile apparatus via a LAN.

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