JP2007300392A - Facsimile apparatus, facsimile data transmitting and receiving method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile apparatus, a facsimile data transmitting and receiving method, and a computer program which stores a received image and a transmission source number of a facsimile relationally and sets a transmission destination based on the received image at send back. <P>SOLUTION: When the facsimile data are received (S11:YES), the received image obtained by decoding the facsimile data and the transmission source number of the facsimile data are relationally stored (S12). The received image is printed (S13), it is determined whether send back to the receiving of the facsimile data is necessary or not (S14), and return processing is conducted in the case that the send back is determined to be necessary (S15). The return processing scans receiving paper or makes a user select the received image by displaying it. An HDD is searched on a basis of the scanned image or the selected received-image, and the transmission source number corresponding to the searched received-image is set as a returning destination. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus, a facsimile data transmission / reception method, and a computer program that can store a facsimile reception image and a transmission source number in association with each other and set a transmission destination based on the reception image when replying.

  Conventionally, when destination information such as a telephone number and a facsimile number is registered in one hardware key or software key (hereinafter collectively referred to as a one-touch key) for each destination and the one-touch key is operated. There has been proposed an image transmission apparatus that reads information on a registered transmission destination and starts transmission processing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In such an image transmission apparatus, since the transmission destination is determined by selecting one one-touch key, it is not necessary to individually input the transmission destination number (for example, a 10-digit number). Therefore, it is possible to provide an environment that is more convenient than the case where the transmission destinations are individually input.

A facsimile apparatus that reads an image of a document by a scanner device or the like, extracts a facsimile number of a transmission destination by performing image analysis on the read image using a character recognition technique, and transmits a facsimile to the extracted facsimile number Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 60-96951 A JP 2005-311990 A

  In the above-described image transmission apparatus and facsimile apparatus, the user himself / herself does not need to directly input the transmission destination number, which has the advantage of saving labor, but the relationship between the transmission original and the transmission destination is the user. There is a problem that it is necessary for the user to grasp the one-touch key corresponding to the transmission destination without making a mistake and to write the correct transmission destination number on the transmission document in advance. It was.

  In particular, it is very cumbersome to set a one-touch key for each inquiry source when receiving an inquiry from an unspecified number of people by facsimile and replying to the inquiry. It is also troublesome to prepare an answer in which the facsimile number is described in.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and extracts transmission source information and image information included in received data, stores the extracted transmission source information and image information in association with each other, and receives data. When sending a reply to a message, the sender information is specified based on the image information, so that the reply destination can be specified by specifying the received image without directly inputting the destination information such as a facsimile number. Is provided, a facsimile data transmission / reception method, and a computer program.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes a means for extracting transmission source information and image information included in received data in a facsimile apparatus that transmits and receives data including transmission source information and image information by facsimile communication, and extracted transmission source information. Storage means for associating and storing image information, and when replying to data reception, means for designating transmission source information based on image information, and replying according to the transmission source information designated by the means Means.

  In the present invention, when transmission source information and image information included in received data are extracted, the extracted transmission source information and image information are stored in association with each other, and a reply is made to data reception Since the sender information is designated based on the image information, when the user makes a reply to the reception of the data, the reply destination is determined by specifying the received image.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention comprises means for displaying an image on the basis of image information stored in the storage means and means for accepting a selection for the displayed image when a reply is made to data reception. The transmission source information associated with the image information corresponding to the selected image is designated.

  In the present invention, the image is displayed based on the image information, the selection is accepted for the displayed image, and the transmission source information is designated based on the selected image, so that the user can receive the data. When a reply is made, a reply destination is determined by selecting an image as a reply target from a plurality of displayed images.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes a unit for recording an image on a sheet based on the extracted image information, a unit for reading an image recorded by the unit, and image information corresponding to the read image from the storage unit. Means for searching, and is characterized by designating transmission source information associated with the searched image information.

  In the present invention, since the image recorded on the sheet is read and the destination information is designated based on the read image, when the user makes a reply to the reception of the data, The reply destination is determined by reading the image recorded on the.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes means for determining whether or not the transmission source information included in the received data is predetermined transmission source information, and the transmission source information and the image information according to a determination result by the means. And means for determining whether or not to store in the storage means.

  In the present invention, only when data transmitted from a predetermined transmission source is received, the transmission source information and the image information can be stored in association with each other. As a result, it is not necessary to store transmission source information and image information for all data, and memory resources can be saved.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention has a means for determining whether or not the transmission source information included in the received data is the predetermined transmission source information, and the transmission to be stored when determining that the transmission source information is the predetermined transmission source information. Means for changing the original information to a predetermined reply destination.

  In the present invention, when data transmitted from a predetermined transmission source is received, the reply destination is changed, so that information can be exchanged not only between the two parties but also between the three parties.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes means for determining whether or not image information included in received data includes an image according to a predetermined format, and the image information and the transmission source information according to a determination result by the means. For determining whether or not to store the data in the storage means.

  In the present invention, the transmission source information and the image information can be stored in association with each other only when data including image information in a predetermined format is received. As a result, it is not necessary to store transmission source information and image information for all data, and memory resources can be saved.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention comprises means for requesting the transmission source of the data to transmit image information including an image according to the predetermined format when it is determined not to store the image information and the transmission source information. It is characterized by providing.

  In the present invention, when it is determined that the predetermined format is not included and the image information and the transmission source information are not stored, it can be requested to follow the predetermined format.

  In the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, the storage means includes a plurality of storage areas, and means for determining a storage area for storing the image information and transmission source information according to an image format based on the image information. It is characterized by providing.

  In the present invention, since there are a plurality of storage areas and the storage area for storing the image information and the transmission source information is determined according to the format of the image, for example, according to a predetermined format Can be stored in a storage area that is stored semipermanently, and can be stored in a temporary area that is stored temporarily if the predetermined format is not followed.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes means for extracting reply destination information from the image information included in the received data. When the reply destination information is extracted, the image information and the extracted reply destination information are associated with each other. The information is stored in the storage means.

  In the present invention, when the reply destination information is extracted from the image information, the image information and the extracted reply destination information are stored in association with each other. Therefore, the reply destination for this data is set by the transmission source. Will be the reply destination.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes a unit for determining a period for storing the image information and the transmission source information in the storage unit, based on the image information included in the received data, and the storage of the image information and the transmission source information. Means for determining whether or not the determined period has ended when stored in the means, and means for erasing the image information and the transmission source information when determining that it has ended.

  In the present invention, since the storage period is determined in accordance with the image information included in the received data, the facsimile includes confidential matters, the facsimile includes important matters, and the facsimile includes personal information. When it is determined from the image information, security can be improved by setting the storage period short.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention comprises means for restricting reading of image information stored in the storage means to the recipient when a recipient is determined for the received data.

  In the present invention, when the receiver receives the predetermined data, the reading of the stored image information is restricted to the receiver, so that the security is improved.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that when storing image information included in received data, only image information of a specified page is stored.

  In the present invention, since only the image information of the designated page is stored, memory resources can be saved.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, when storing image information included in received data, the image information is stored by changing to a designated image quality.

  In the present invention, when storing image information, the image quality is changed to the specified image quality and stored. Therefore, for example, when storing for display purposes, the resolution can be reduced, and the memory resources can be reduced. Savings are possible.

  A facsimile data transmission / reception method according to the present invention includes a step of extracting transmission source information and image information included in received data in a facsimile data transmission / reception method of transmitting / receiving data including transmission source information and image information by facsimile communication. Storing the transmission source information and the image information in association with each other, and when replying to the reception of the data, the step of specifying the transmission source information based on the image information, and the transmission source information specified by the step And a step of performing a reply.

  In the present invention, when transmission source information and image information included in received data are extracted, the extracted transmission source information and image information are stored in association with each other, and a reply is made to data reception Since the sender information is designated based on the image information, when the user makes a reply to the reception of the data, the reply destination is determined by specifying the received image.

  A computer program according to the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer to transmit and receive data including transmission source information and image information. The computer program includes a step of causing the computer to extract transmission source information and image information included in received data; A step of storing the extracted transmission source information and image information in association with each other; a step of causing the computer to specify transmission source information based on the image information when performing a reply to the reception of data; and a specification of the computer And a step of performing a reply according to the transmitted source information.

  In the present invention, when transmission source information and image information included in received data are extracted, the extracted transmission source information and image information are stored in association with each other, and a reply is made to data reception Since the sender information is designated based on the image information, when the user makes a reply to the reception of the data, the reply destination is determined by specifying the received image.

  In the case of the present invention, the transmission source information and the image information included in the received data are extracted, the extracted transmission source information and the image information are stored in association with each other, and a reply is made to the reception of the data. The source information is designated based on the image information. Therefore, when replying to data reception, the reply destination is determined by specifying the received image, so no cumbersome key operation is required, and destination information is set in advance for each sender. Therefore, it is possible to provide a very convenient environment for the user.

  According to the present invention, an image is displayed based on the image information, a selection is accepted for the displayed image, and transmission source information is designated based on the selected image. Therefore, when a reply is made in response to data reception, the reply destination is determined by selecting the reply target image from a plurality of displayed images, so that it is possible to search for the reply target document while viewing the image. .

  According to the present invention, an image recorded on a sheet is read, and transmission destination information is designated based on the read image. Therefore, when replying to the reception of data, the reply destination is determined by reading the image recorded on the sheet, so that no cumbersome key operation is required, and the destination information is sent to each sender. Therefore, it is not necessary to set in advance, so that it is possible to provide a very convenient environment for the user.

  According to the present invention, transmission source information and image information can be stored in association with each other only when data transmitted from a predetermined transmission source is received. As a result, it is not necessary to store transmission source information and image information for all data, and memory resources can be saved.

  In the case of the present invention, when data transmitted from a predetermined transmission source is received, the reply destination is changed, so that information can be exchanged not only between the two parties but also between the three parties.

  According to the present invention, the transmission source information and the image information can be stored in association with each other only when data including image information in a predetermined format is received. As a result, it is not necessary to store transmission source information and image information for all data, and memory resources can be saved.

  According to the present invention, when it is determined that the image information and the transmission source information are not stored without including the predetermined format, it is possible to request to follow the predetermined format.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of storage areas are provided, and a storage area for storing image information and transmission source information is determined according to the format of the image. Therefore, for example, it is possible to selectively use a storage area that is stored semipermanently when it follows a predetermined format, and a temporary area that is temporarily stored when it does not follow a predetermined format.

  According to the present invention, when the reply destination information is extracted from the image information, the image information and the extracted reply destination information are stored in association with each other. Therefore, the reply destination for this data is set by the transmission source. It becomes a reply destination.

  In the case of the present invention, the storage period is determined according to the image information included in the received data. Therefore, when it is judged from image information that the facsimile includes confidential matters, the facsimile includes important matters, or the facsimile includes personal information, the leakage of information is minimized by setting the storage period short. The security can be improved.

  In the case of the present invention, when the receiver receives the predetermined data, reading of the stored image information is limited to the receiver, so that information leakage can be minimized, and security can be improved. Improvements can be made.

  According to the present invention, since only the image information of the designated page is stored, memory resources can be saved.

  In the case of the present invention, when storing image information, the image quality is changed to the specified image quality, so that, for example, when storing for display purposes, the resolution can be reduced and memory resources can be saved. Is possible.

Hereinafter, a mode in which the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral having a facsimile function, a copy function, and a printer function will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a facsimile transmission / reception system according to the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. The digital multifunction peripheral 100 is connected to facsimile apparatuses 200 and 300 via a facsimile communication network FN and a communication network such as a local area network. Information processing apparatuses 400 and 500 such as personal computers are connected via the LN.

  When the digital multifunction peripheral 100 receives facsimile data transmitted from the facsimile apparatuses 200 and 300, the digital multifunction peripheral 100 decodes the facsimile data to generate an output image (received image). On the sheet based on the generated received image Then, image formation is performed. When a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 400 or 500 is received, the print job is expanded according to the job description language to generate an output image. Then, image formation is performed on the sheet based on the generated output image.

  Note that “0743-55-xxxx” is set as the transmission number in the facsimile apparatus 200, and “06-3260-yyyy” is set as the transmission number in the facsimile apparatus 300.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of processing executed by the digital multi-function peripheral 100. When the digital multifunction peripheral 100 receives facsimile data transmitted from one of the facsimile apparatuses connected to the facsimile communication network FN (for example, the facsimile apparatus 200), the digital multifunction peripheral 100 transmits the facsimile data transmission source. The number (0743-55-xxxx) and the image (received image) obtained from the facsimile data are stored in association with each other. When a reply is made to the received facsimile data, the user directly inputs the reply destination number in the past, but in the present invention, the reply destination number is set by specifying the received image. That is, since the transmission source number and the received image are stored in association with each other, it is possible to automatically set the reply destination as the transmission source number by designating the received image.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 100. The digital multifunction peripheral 100 includes a CPU 101. The CPU 101 reads and executes a control program stored in advance in the ROM 103, thereby controlling various hardware connected via the bus 102, and the present invention as a whole. To operate as a facsimile apparatus. The RAM 104 is a volatile memory, and temporarily stores data generated during the execution of the control program.

  The management unit 105 includes a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, and a part of the storage area is used as a management table 105 a that manages data stored in the HDD 112. Details of the management table 105a will be described later.

  The operation panel 106 includes an operation unit 106a that receives a user instruction and a display unit 106b that displays information to be notified to the user. The operation unit 106a includes various operation keys for receiving instructions from the user, setting values for each function such as the number of prints, copy density, and destination of facsimile data, switching operation of each function, output start instruction, and the like. Accept user instructions. The display unit 106b includes a liquid crystal display, and displays the operation status of the entire apparatus, various setting values input through the operation unit 106a, information to be notified to the user, and the like. Further, a part of the display unit 106b includes a touch panel type software key configured to receive the above-described setting operation.

  The image reading unit 107 includes a light source that irradiates light to a reading document, an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD), an AD converter, and the like (not shown), and is set at a predetermined reading position. An image of the original is imaged on the image sensor and converted into an analog electric signal, and the converted analog signal is AD converted by an AD converter. Then, digital image data is generated by correcting the light distribution characteristics of the light source at the time of document reading, sensitivity variations of the image sensor, and the like on the digital signal obtained by AD conversion.

  The communication IF 108 is a communication interface that complies with the communication standard of the communication network LN, receives a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatuses 400 and 500 connected to the communication network LN, and transmits to the information processing apparatuses 400 and 500. Information to be notified is transmitted. When the digital multifunction peripheral 100 is used as a so-called network scanner, the image data of the document obtained by the image reading unit 107 is transmitted to a desired information processing apparatus (for example, the information processing apparatus 400) through the communication IF 108. The communication IF 108 controls transmission / reception of such various data.

  The facsimile modem 109 includes a line termination circuit for connecting the facsimile apparatuses 200 and 300 to the outside, and receives facsimile data transmitted via the facsimile communication network FN. The facsimile modem 109 includes a decoding circuit for decoding received facsimile data, and transfers image data obtained by decoding to the image memory 110. The facsimile modem 109 is provided with an encoding circuit for encoding facsimile data to be transmitted, and the facsimile data encoded by the encoding circuit is sent to a target facsimile apparatus (for example, the facsimile apparatus 200). Send. The facsimile modem 109 executes such facsimile data transmission / reception and facsimile data encoding / decoding processing.

  The image memory 110 includes a semiconductor memory. The image data generated by reading an image of an original by the image reading unit 107, the image data developed from the print job received through the communication IF 108, and the facsimile received by the facsimile modem 109. Image data obtained by decoding the data is temporarily stored. The image data temporarily stored in the image memory 110 is transferred to a transfer destination according to the purpose of use according to an instruction from the CPU 101. That is, when image formation is performed on paper, it is transferred to the image forming unit 111, when it is transmitted as scanner data to the information processing apparatuses 400 and 500, it is transferred to the communication IF 108, and when it is transmitted as facsimile data, it is a facsimile. The image data is transferred to the modem 109 and transferred to the HDD 112 when the image data is stored using the electronic filing function.

The image forming unit 111 is, for example, a charger that charges the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, laser writing that emits a laser beam according to image data received from the outside and generates an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. Device, developer that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum to visualize it, and transfer that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum onto a sheet such as paper or an OHP film A device or the like (not shown) is provided, and an image desired by a user can be formed on a sheet by electrophotography.
In this embodiment, the image forming unit 111 is configured to perform image formation by an electrophotographic method using a laser writing device, but is configured to perform image formation by an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, and a sublimation method. Of course, it may be.

  The HDD 112 is a disk-shaped magnetic recording medium, and a part of the storage area is used as a data storage area for storing a received image of facsimile data in association with a transmission source number. This data storage area is divided into a first storage area 112a and a second storage area 112b, and the capacity of the first storage area 112a is set smaller than that of the second storage area 112b. For this reason, the first storage area 112a is mainly used as an area (temporary folder) for temporarily storing working data, and when the free space of the first storage area 112a is reduced, the first storage area 112a is stored in the first storage area 112a. Then, the data after a predetermined time has been automatically stored in the second storage area 112b. On the other hand, the second storage area 112b is an area for storing data organized by data file format, processing mode such as printer function, scanner function, copy function, facsimile function, or folder created by the user. Yes, it is in a stored state unless an operation instruction such as erasure is made. When there is no more free space in the second storage area 112b, a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 106b of the operation panel 106 to notify the user and data that seems unnecessary is deleted, or an HDD device is added. By doing so, it is urged to secure a new free space.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed when the digital multi-function peripheral 100 receives facsimile data. First, the CPU 101 of the digital multi-function peripheral 100 determines whether or not facsimile data has been received by checking the reception status at the facsimile modem 109 (step S11). If it is determined that the facsimile data is not received (S11: NO), the process waits until the facsimile data is received.

  If it is determined that the facsimile data has been received (S11: YES), the received image obtained by decoding the facsimile data is associated with the transmission source number of the facsimile data and stored in the HDD 112 (step S12). Then, the CPU 101 prints the received image by generating a print image from the received image and transferring it to the image forming unit 111 (step S13).

  Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a reply is necessary for reception of facsimile data by determining whether or not a predetermined operation has been received on the operation panel 106 (step S14). When it is determined that a reply is necessary (S14: YES), a reply process described later is executed (step S15). When it is determined that a reply is not necessary (S14: NO), the process according to this flowchart is performed. finish.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure when the digital multi-function peripheral 100 performs a reply process in response to reception of facsimile data. First, the CPU 101 of the digital multi-function peripheral 100 determines whether or not the paper (reception paper) printed based on the facsimile data is scanned by the image reading unit 107 (step S21).

  When it is determined to scan the reception sheet (S21: YES), the image formed on the reception sheet is scanned by the image reading unit 107, and a scanned image is acquired. The scanned image is temporarily stored in the image memory 110. Next, an image that matches the scanned image is retrieved from the HDD 112 (step S22), and a reply destination number corresponding to the retrieved image is extracted by referring to the management table 105a (step S23). Then, the scanned image is transmitted to the reply destination based on the extracted reply destination number (step S24). At this time, facsimile data including a reply destination number and a scanned image is generated, and the facsimile data is transmitted to the reply destination through the facsimile modem 109.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the received sheet is not scanned (S21: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not to display a received image (step S25). When determining that the received image is not displayed (S25: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S21.

  If it is determined that the received image is to be displayed (S25: YES), the CPU 101 executes user authentication (step S26). In user authentication, the user is requested to input a user code (for example, a four-digit numerical value), and it is determined whether or not the user code input in response to the request is a preset code. Do by. If the user is not authenticated, an error message is displayed on the display unit 106b of the operation panel 106, and the process according to this flowchart ends.

  After executing the user authentication, the received image stored in the HDD 112 is displayed on the display unit 106b of the operation panel 106 (step S27). At this time, all the received images stored in the HDD 112 may be displayed. If the received images are saved in a folder for each user by confidential transmission, the received images are saved in the folder. Only received images may be displayed.

  Next, a selection by the user for the displayed received image is accepted (step S28), and a reply destination number corresponding to the selected image is extracted by referring to the management table 105a (step S29). Then, the selected image is transmitted to the reply destination based on the extracted reply destination number (step S30). At this time, facsimile data including a reply destination number and a selected image is generated, and the facsimile data is transmitted to the reply destination through the facsimile modem 109.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, when facsimile data is received, the received image is unconditionally stored in association with the transmission source number. However, a condition for saving the received image is set, and according to the condition. You may make it preserve | save.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of processing executed when the digital multi-function peripheral 100 receives facsimile data. First, the CPU 101 of the digital multi-function peripheral 100 determines whether or not facsimile data has been received by checking the reception status at the facsimile modem 109 (step S31). If it is determined that facsimile data has not been received (S31: NO), the process waits until facsimile data is received.

  If it is determined that the facsimile data has been received (S31: YES), the CPU 101 executes a storage determination process described later (step S32). Next, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to store an image (received image) obtained from the facsimile data by the storage determination process (step S33). When it is determined that the storage is necessary (S33: YES), the CPU 101 executes a storage process described later (step S34).

  When the saving process is executed (S34), or when it is determined in step S33 that saving of the received image is unnecessary (S33: NO), the CPU 101 generates a print image from the received image and transfers it to the image forming unit 111. Thus, the received image is printed (step S35).

  Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a reply is necessary for the reception of the facsimile data by determining whether or not a predetermined operation is accepted on the operation panel 106 (step S36). When it is determined that a reply is necessary (S36: YES), the reply process described with reference to FIG. 5 is executed (step S37). When it is determined that a reply is not necessary (S36: NO), The process according to the flowchart ends.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the digital multi-function peripheral 100 performs a storage determination process. First, the CPU 101 of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 determines whether or not the transmission source of the received facsimile data is a designated transmission source number (step S41). If it is determined that the transmission source number is designated (S41: YES), the CPU 101 determines that the received image should be stored (step S42), and returns the process to the routine shown in FIG.

  If it is determined that the transmission source of the received facsimile data is not the designated transmission source number (S41: NO), the format of the received image is specified by image recognition (step S43). Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the received image has a designated format (step S44). If it is determined that the format is specified (S44: YES), the CPU 101 extracts a reply destination number by performing character recognition processing on the received image (step S45), and designates the extracted number as a reply destination. (Step S46). At this time, the CPU 101 determines that the received image should be saved (step S47), and returns the process to the routine shown in FIG.

  If it is determined that the format of the received image is not the specified format (S44: NO), it is determined whether or not re-transmission should be requested in the specified format (step S48). If it is determined that retransmission should not be requested (S48: NO), the CPU 101 determines that the received image should not be saved (step S49), and returns the processing to the routine shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the retransmission should be requested in the designated format (S48: YES), the data in the designated format is transmitted and the retransmission is requested (step S50). FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image transmitted by the digital multifunction peripheral 100 when requesting retransmission. FIG. 8 (a) shows an error notification, informing the message that it was not accepted because the format of the transmitted facsimile is different, and that it should be transmitted in the format shown on the attached sheet. FIG. 8B shows a format of a facsimile to be transmitted, and indicates that the digital multi-function peripheral 100 accepts the facsimile transmitted according to the format.

  Next, received image storage processing will be described. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are flowcharts for explaining a processing procedure when the digital multi-function peripheral 100 performs a saving process. First, the CPU 101 of the digital multi-function peripheral 100 determines whether or not the received image is composed of a plurality of pages (step S51). If it is determined that the received image consists of a single page (S51: NO), the received image is set as a storage target (step S52). On the other hand, when it is determined that the received image is composed of a plurality of pages (S51: YES), a preset designated page is extracted as a storage target (step S53). By this process, for example, only the first two pages can be saved.

  Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a change in image quality is requested (step S54). If it is determined that a change in image quality is requested (S54: YES), the CPU 101 generates a thumbnail image based on the received image (step S55). By this processing, the digital multi-function peripheral 100 can prepare a low-resolution image for display and a high-resolution image for image recognition.

  When the thumbnail image is generated (S55) or when it is determined that the image quality change is unnecessary (S54: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the storage period needs to be controlled (step S56). If it is determined that the storage period needs to be controlled (S56: YES), character recognition processing is performed on the received image, and information about the storage period described in the received image is extracted (step S57). When the storage period has elapsed since the received image was stored in the HDD 112, the digital multi-function peripheral 100 performs a process of deleting the received image from the HDD 112. Since the storage period is limited, the received image does not remain semipermanently, and security can be improved.

  When the storage period information is extracted (S57), or when it is determined that the storage period is not required to be controlled (S56: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether the storage location needs to be changed (step). S58). If it is determined that the storage location needs to be changed (S58: YES), the folder specified by the user is specified as the storage location among the folders provided in the second storage area 112b in the HDD 112 (step S59). ). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no need to change the storage location (S58: NO), the temporary folder provided in the first storage area 112b in the HDD 112 is designated as the storage location (step S60).

  Next, the CPU 101 updates the management table 105a in the management unit 105 (step S61). FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the management table 105a. In the management table 105a, the folder name that is the storage location of the received image, the reply destination facsimile number (or e-mail address), the file name of the received image to be stored, the name of the generated thumbnail image, and the stored received image are displayed. The contents of the access restriction at the time of display and the storage period are stored in association with each other.

  After updating the management table 105a, the CPU 101 stores the received image and thumbnail image in the HDD 112 in association with the transmission source number (step S62). Thereafter, the CPU 101 returns the processing to the routine shown in FIG.

  In the above-described embodiments, the transmission destination facsimile number is used as the reply destination. However, when facsimile data transmitted from a predetermined transmission source is received, the reply destination is changed to a predetermined transmission destination. It is good also as a structure. In this case, a conversion table between a predetermined transmission source facsimile number and a transmission destination facsimile number may be prepared.

  Further, when a reply destination facsimile number is described in a facsimile of a predetermined format, the facsimile number may be extracted by a character recognition technique, and the extracted facsimile number may be set as a reply destination.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a facsimile transmission / reception system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the contents of processing executed by the digital multifunction peripheral. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed when the digital multi-function peripheral receives facsimile data. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the digital multi-function peripheral performs a reply process for reception of facsimile data. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed when the digital multi-function peripheral receives facsimile data. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the digital multi-function peripheral performs a storage determination process. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image transmitted by a digital multifunction peripheral when requesting retransmission. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the digital multifunction peripheral performs a storage process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the digital multifunction peripheral performs a storage process. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a management table.

Explanation of symbols

100 Digital MFP 101 CPU
103 ROM
104 RAM
105 Management Unit 106 Operation Panel 107 Image Reading Unit 108 Communication IF
109 Facsimile Modem 110 Image Memory 111 Image Forming Unit 112 HDD
200,300 Facsimile device 400,500 Information processing device LN communication network FN Facsimile communication network

Claims (15)

In a facsimile apparatus that transmits and receives data including transmission source information and image information by facsimile communication,
A means for extracting transmission source information and image information included in received data, a storage means for associating and storing the extracted transmission source information and image information, and when replying to data reception, is based on image information A facsimile apparatus comprising: means for designating transmission source information; and means for performing a reply in accordance with the transmission source information designated by the means.   When replying to the reception of data, the image processing apparatus includes means for displaying an image based on image information stored in the storage means, and means for accepting a selection for the displayed image, corresponding to the selected image. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein transmission source information associated with image information to be designated is designated.   A means for recording an image on a sheet based on the extracted image information; a means for reading an image recorded by the means; and a means for retrieving image information corresponding to the read image from the storage means. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein transmission source information associated with the image information is designated.   Means for determining whether or not the transmission source information included in the received data is predetermined transmission source information, and whether or not to store the transmission source information and the image information in the storage unit according to the determination result by the means 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for determining whether or not.   Means for determining whether or not the transmission source information included in the received data is the predetermined transmission source information, and if it is determined that the transmission source information is the predetermined transmission source information, the transmission source information to be stored is set as a predetermined return destination. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a changing unit.   Means for determining whether the image information included in the received data includes an image according to a predetermined format, and whether to store the image information and the transmission source information in the storage means in accordance with a determination result by the means The facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising means for determining whether or not.   The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for requesting the transmission source of the data to transmit image information including an image according to the predetermined format when it is determined not to store the image information and the transmission source information. 6. The facsimile apparatus according to 6.   The storage means has a plurality of storage areas, and comprises means for determining a storage area for storing the image information and transmission source information in accordance with an image format based on the image information. The facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   Means for extracting reply destination information from the image information included in the received data, and when the reply destination information is extracted, the image information and the extracted reply destination information are associated with each other and stored in the storage means; The facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the facsimile apparatus is provided.   Based on the image information included in the received data, a unit for determining a period for storing the image information and the transmission source information in the storage unit, and a case where the image information and the transmission source information are stored in the storage unit are determined. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: means for determining whether or not the period has ended; and means for deleting the image information and the transmission source information when it is determined that the period has ended. The facsimile apparatus according to one.   11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that restricts reading of image information stored in the storage unit to the receiver when a receiver is determined for the received data. The facsimile machine described in one.   12. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when storing image information included in received data, only image information of a specified page is stored.   12. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when storing image information included in received data, the image information is stored by changing to a designated image quality. In a facsimile data transmission / reception method for transmitting / receiving data including transmission source information and image information by facsimile communication,
The step of extracting transmission source information and image information included in the received data, the step of storing the extracted transmission source information and image information in association with each other, and when replying to the reception of the data, based on the image information A facsimile data transmission / reception method comprising the steps of designating transmission source information and performing a reply in accordance with the transmission source information designated by the step. In a computer program for causing a computer to transmit and receive data including transmission source information and image information,
A step of causing the computer to extract transmission source information and image information included in the received data; a step of causing the computer to store the extracted transmission source information and image information in association with each other; and A computer program comprising a step of designating transmission source information based on image information and a step of causing a computer to perform a reply in accordance with the designated transmission source information when performing a reply.

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