JP2007312306A - Facsimile system and facsimile apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for easily attaining facsimile transmission even if neither the driver software nor the application software exist on the terminal side. <P>SOLUTION: A file list on network is browsed on a monitor 15 of PC1. When a user selects a file A stored in a shared folder of PC2, the file A is stored in a transmission file storage part 44 of WS4. A FAX driver 104 rasterizes the file A in WS4. The raster file B is stored in a raster file storage part 39 of a digital multi-functioned machine 3. A transmission dialog is displayed on the monitor 15 of PC1 and a user inputs destination information. The digital multi-functioned machine 3 thereby transmits the raster file B by facsimile. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile transmission technique.

  It is possible to execute facsimile transmission directly from a personal computer via a facsimile apparatus. For example, the user activates word processing software on a personal computer and performs document editing work. When the document is completed, the facsimile transmission function is executed from the word processor software menu.

  Specifically, when the word processor software calls and executes the FAX driver, the user interface of the fax driver is displayed on the monitor. The user uses this user interface to input facsimile destination instructions after inputting information on the destination. As a result, a facsimile transmission instruction is transmitted from the personal computer to the facsimile apparatus, and facsimile transmission using the telephone line or the Internet is performed from the facsimile apparatus.

JP 2004-304320 A

  In this way, it is possible to perform facsimile transmission from a personal computer via a network, which is convenient because the user does not have to travel to a place where the facsimile apparatus is located. In addition, since it is not necessary to print a document file or the like that is a target of facsimile transmission and read the printed medium by the facsimile apparatus, the operation is easy and the resources are saved.

  However, in order to use such a function, driver software for performing facsimile transmission via a network must be installed in each personal computer. In addition, in order to send a document created by a word processing software of a software manufacturer by facsimile, the word processing software needs to be installed in a personal computer. Similarly, in order to send all types of data files by facsimile, a corresponding application program needs to be installed.

  In Patent Document 1, facsimile transmission data created by a personal computer is written in a memory of the multifunction device, so that the multifunction device transmits the data written in the memory by facsimile. In Patent Document 1, in a personal computer, image data to be transmitted is converted into MH format image data, and then written in the memory of the multi-function peripheral.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables easy facsimile transmission even when there is no driver software or application software on the terminal side.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a system comprising a terminal, a facsimile machine, and a processing unit, wherein the terminal designates a transmission file and notifies the facsimile machine, and a transmission Means for specifying destination information and notifying the facsimile apparatus, wherein the facsimile apparatus stores the transmission file in a first storage unit provided in the processing apparatus, and based on the transmission destination information. Means for facsimile transmission of a rasterized file stored in a second storage unit included in the facsimile apparatus, and the processor rasterizes the transmission file stored in the first storage unit and is rasterized. Means for storing the file in the second storage unit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system including a facsimile apparatus and a processing apparatus, wherein the facsimile apparatus stores means for designating a transmission file and the first storage unit included in the processing apparatus. Means for designating transmission destination information, and means for facsimile transmission of a rasterized file stored in a second storage unit of the facsimile apparatus based on the transmission destination information, and the processing apparatus Comprises: rasterizing the transmission file stored in the first storage unit; and storing the rasterized file in the second storage unit.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile system according to the first or second aspect, a fax driver is installed in the processing device, and the transmission file is rasterized by executing the fax driver. It is characterized by that.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the facsimile device includes the processing device.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the transmission file is stored in a first storage unit included in a processing device connected via a network and means for receiving transmission file designation information from a terminal connected via the network. Means, means for receiving destination information from the terminal, a second storage unit storing a rasterized file, and a rasterized file stored in the second storage unit based on the destination information The transmission file stored in the first storage unit is rasterized in the processing device and then stored in the second storage unit by the processing device. To do.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for inputting transmission file designation information from the operation unit, means for storing the transmission file in a first storage unit provided in a processing device connected via a network, and the operation unit. Means for inputting the destination information from the second storage unit, a second storage unit for storing the rasterized file, and a unit for facsimile transmission of the rasterized file stored in the second storage unit based on the destination information The transmission file stored in the first storage unit is rasterized in the processing device and then stored in the second storage unit by the processing device.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the facsimile apparatus includes the processing apparatus.

  In the facsimile system of the present invention, the processing apparatus rasterizes the transmission file designated by the terminal, and the facsimile apparatus transmits the rasterized file by facsimile. Thus, it is not necessary to install the driver software for facsimile transmission in the terminal that instructs facsimile transmission or the terminal that stores the transmission file. Alternatively, there is no need to install an application program for executing the transmission file. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden of program installation on a network such as an office. The user can execute facsimile transmission without being aware of the presence of driver software or application programs.

  Also, when a transmission file is designated in the facsimile apparatus, the rasterizing process is executed in the processing apparatus. Even in this case, the user can execute facsimile transmission without being aware of the presence of driver software or application programs.

{First embodiment}
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall view of a facsimile system according to an embodiment. This system includes personal computers (hereinafter abbreviated as PCs) 1 and 2, a digital multifunction device 3, a workstation (hereinafter abbreviated as WS) 4, and a LAN (Local Area Network) 5 that connects these devices. Etc. Such a system is installed in a company office, for example, and an employee uses the PCs 1 and 2, the digital multifunction machine 3, and the WS 4 to perform business.

  The PC 1 includes a CPU, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 11 performs overall control of the PC 1, the hard disk 12, a communication unit 13 that transmits and receives data to and from other computers and devices via the LAN 5, a keyboard, and a mouse. And the like, and a monitor 15. The hard disk 12 also stores a client program 101. Similarly, the PC 2 includes a control unit 21, a hard disk 22, and a communication unit 23.

  The digital multifunction device 3 has a fax function, a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and the like, and also has a network function. Therefore, the PCs 1 and 2 connected to the LAN 5 can use various functions of the digital multifunction peripheral 3 via the LAN. As described above, employees working in the office use the digital multifunction device 3 via the LAN using the PCs 1 and 2 or actually move to the location of the digital multifunction device 3 and perform a copy operation or the like. In this way, one digital multifunction machine 3 is shared by a plurality of employees.

  The digital multifunction device 3 includes a CPU, a RAM, and the like, and controls the overall control of the digital multifunction device 3, a program memory 32, and a communication unit 33 that transmits and receives data to and from other computers via the LAN 5. And an operation unit 34 and a monitor 35. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 34 and the monitor 35 are configured by a touch panel display 36. In the program memory 32, a server program 102 is stored. In addition, the digital multifunction machine 3 includes a FAX transmission unit 37, a transmission file temporary storage unit 38, and a raster file storage unit 39. The FAX transmission unit 37 has a function of transmitting G3 FAX via a telephone line and a function of transmitting Internet FAX via the communication unit 33. The transmission file temporary storage unit 38 and the raster file storage unit 39 are folders created in a storage medium such as a flash memory.

  WS4 is a server such as a PC server or a UNIX (registered trademark) server. The WS 4 includes a control unit 41 that includes a CPU, a RAM, and the like, and performs overall control of the WS 4, a hard disk 42, a communication unit 43 that transmits and receives data to and from other computers and devices via the LAN 5, and a transmission file storage Part 44. The transmission file storage unit 44 is a folder created in a storage medium such as a hard disk.

  In such a system configuration, facsimile transmission is performed by a user operating the PC 1. In order to perform facsimile transmission, the user uses a client program 101 installed in the PC 1 and a server program 102 installed in the digital multifunction machine 3. In the present embodiment, the server program 102 is constituted by a WEB server and WEB contents (HTML file and various programs), and the client program 101 is constituted by a WEB browser. Further, in order to perform facsimile transmission, the agent program 103 and the FAX driver 104 installed in the WS 4 are used.

  The function of each program will be described. First, the WEB application including the client program 101 and the server program 102 displays a user interface for causing the monitor 15 of the PC 1 to specify a transmission file. Then, a process of copying the file designated by the user to the transmission file temporary storage unit 38 is executed. Further, the WEB application executes a process of copying the file stored in the transmission file temporary storage unit 38 to the transmission file storage unit 44 of the WS 4.

  The agent program 103 is a resident program and monitors the transmission file storage unit 44. When the file is stored in the transmission file storage unit 44, the FAX driver 104 is activated. The FAX driver 104 rasterizes the file stored in the transmission file storage unit 44 and converts it into a data format that can be transmitted by FAX. Further, the agent program 103 executes a process of copying the rasterized file to the raster file storage unit 39 of the digital multi-function peripheral 3.

  Next, the flow of facsimile transmission processing will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of processing in the digital multifunction machine 3. First, the digital multi-function peripheral 3 receives a file list display instruction for designating a transmission file from the WEB screen (step S11). This step will be described. A user operating the PC 1 activates the client program 101 (WEB browser) and accesses the server program 102 (WEB server) of the digital multi-function peripheral 3. As a result, the user interface is displayed on the monitor 15 of the PC 1. For example, a menu screen is displayed on the monitor 15 as an initial screen. Then, a file list display instruction is given by the user on the menu screen.

  When the user gives an instruction to display a list of files (YES in step S11), the server program 102 searches for a domain or computer on the network using SMB (Server Message Block), and stores it under the shared folder. The file is displayed on the monitor 15 (step S12).

  Specifically, first, as an initial screen, a domain selection screen 210 as shown in FIG. Here, three domains AREA 1 to 3 are displayed as an example. Here, the user clicks one domain by operating the mouse. Thereby, a computer selection screen 220 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. On this screen, a list of computers included in the domain selected on the domain selection screen 210 is displayed. Here, three computers COMPUTER01 to 03 are displayed as an example. Here, the user clicks one computer by operating the mouse. Thereby, a file selection screen 230 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. This screen displays a list of network shared files in the computer selected on the computer selection screen 220. Here, five types of data files are displayed. In this way, it is possible to select a file shared by the network that can communicate with the PC 1 as a transmission file. Of course, it is also possible to select a local file stored in the PC 1 using this screen transition.

  Although the user name and password input forms are displayed on the screens of FIGS. 4 to 6, a password is set in order to perform access control for the domain, access control for the computer, and access control for the file. You should keep it.

  The user refers to the user interface shown in FIG. 6 and selects a file to be transmitted by facsimile. Then, the “Send” button is selected. When the server program 102 receives the transmission file selection and transmission execution instruction (step S13), the server program 102 copies the selected file to the transmission file temporary storage unit 38 of the digital multifunction peripheral 3, and further transmits the file to the WS4. Copy to the file storage unit 44 (step S14).

  Here, it is assumed that the user operating the PC 1 operates according to the screens shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and selects the file A stored in the hard disk 22 of the PC 2. The server program 102 copies the file A stored in the PC 2 selected by the user to the transmission file temporary storage unit 38 in the digital multi-function peripheral 3 as shown in FIG. 1, and further transmits this file A to the WS 4. It is copied to the file storage unit 44.

  As described above, in the facsimile transmission system of the present embodiment, a user who wants to perform facsimile transmission selects a file subjected to SMB browsing as a facsimile transmission file in accordance with the screen transition as shown in FIGS. That is, not only the file stored in the PC 1 operated by the user but also the file stored in another PC 2 connected via the network can be selected as the transmission file.

  Here, the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of rasterization processing in WS4. As described above, in WS4, the agent program 103 operates as a resident program. The agent program 103 constantly monitors whether a file has been copied to the monitoring folder (step S21). Specifically, the agent program 103 refers to the transmission file storage unit 44 at predetermined intervals to check whether or not a file is stored.

  In step S14 of FIG. 2, when the digital multifunction peripheral 3 copies the file A to the transmission file storage unit 44, the agent program 103 confirms the existence of the file A (YES in step S21) and activates the FAX driver 104. As a result, the FAX driver 104 rasterizes the file A (step S22).

  Specifically, the FAX driver 104 converts the file A into image data for facsimile transmission, that is, image data coded by MH / MR / MMR or the like. For example, if the file A is a document file corresponding to a certain word processing software, the document file is converted into image data such as MH format. If the file A is a data file corresponding to a certain spreadsheet software, the data file is converted into image data such as MH format.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, processing for converting files of various formats into image data for facsimile transmission is executed in WS4. In other words, the FAX driver is installed on the computer that is instructing facsimile transmission (PC1 in this embodiment) or the computer that stores the target file for facsimile transmission (PC2 in this embodiment). Even without this, image conversion for facsimile transmission is executed. Furthermore, it is not necessary to install even an application program for executing (opening) a transmission target file on a computer that issues a facsimile transmission instruction or a computer that stores a transmission target file. If the file to be transmitted can be browsed in the user interface shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, it is transferred to WS4 by the server program 102 and converted to facsimile transmission data.

  When the file A is rasterized by the FAX driver, the agent program 103 copies the rasterized raster file B to the raster file storage unit 39 of the digital multifunction machine 3 (step S23). Further, after copying the raster file B, the agent program 103 instructs the server program 102 to display a transmission dialog.

  Again, it returns to the flowchart of FIG. After copying the file A to WS4 in step S14, the server program 102 enters a reception standby state for FAX transmission image data (step S15). That is, it monitors whether a rasterized file is written in the raster file storage unit 39.

  When the raster file B is copied to the raster file storage unit 39 by the agent program 103 in step S23 of FIG. 3, the server program 102 confirms the reception of the raster file B (YES in step S15), and issues a transmission dialog display instruction. Wait (step S16). When the display instruction of the transmission dialog is received, the transmission dialog is transmitted to the PC 1, and the transmission dialog 240 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the monitor 15 of the PC 1 (step S17).

  A user operating the PC 1 operates the keyboard and mouse to input necessary information in the transmission dialog 240. Here, since the file A is transmitted by facsimile, the destination is designated in the “fax transmission destination” field. In the sending guide field, the “edit sending guide” button is selected to edit the sending guide. The sending guidebook edited here is added to the head of the raster file B. Alternatively, if the Internet FAX function (I-FAX function) is used, the destination e-mail address is input in the “E-mail transmission destination” field. In addition, the text of the electronic mail is edited in the “electronic mail text” field.

  When the user inputs transmission destination information or the like in the transmission dialog 240 and clicks a “send” button, the input information is transmitted to the digital multifunction device 3. When the server program 102 receives the transmission destination information (YES in step S18), the server program 102 transmits the raster file B by facsimile according to the transmission destination information (step S19). As a result, the FAX transmission unit 37 transmits the raster file B by facsimile under the control of the server program 102. Specifically, when the FAX number is designated as the transmission destination, the FAX transmission unit 37 transmits the raster file B as a facsimile of the G3 standard or the like. When an e-mail address is designated as the transmission destination, the FAX transmission unit 37 transmits an e-mail with the raster file B as an attached file.

  In this way, the user who operates the PC 1 can perform facsimile transmission only by performing an operation of selecting a file and an operation of designating a transmission destination. Conventionally, in order to send a document file by facsimile, the FAX driver is called by opening the file with word processing software and executing printing processing. According to the present embodiment, software for executing (opening) a transmission file and a FAX driver do not need to be installed in a computer instructing facsimile transmission. Further, it is not necessary for an application program or a FAX driver to be stored in a computer that stores a target file for facsimile transmission. Accordingly, it is possible to freely select a file existing on the network and send it by facsimile without worrying about the presence of an application program or a FAX driver.

  In other words, if the FAX driver corresponding to various data files is stored only in WS4, it is not necessary to install the FAX driver in other computers. Therefore, it is possible to minimize software installation work in an office or the like.

{Second Embodiment}
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Also in the second embodiment, the configuration of each computer and network is the same as in FIG. In the first embodiment, an instruction for facsimile transmission is issued from the PC 1, but in the second embodiment, facsimile transmission is performed using the operation panel (touch panel display 36) of the digital multi-function peripheral 3. .

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the programs for controlling facsimile transmission are the client program 101 (WEB browser) installed in the PC 1 and the server program 102 (WEB server and WEB content) installed in the digital multifunction machine 3. In the second embodiment, the server program 102 performs facsimile transmission control independently.

  When the user touches the touch panel type display 36 of the digital multifunction peripheral 3, an initial menu screen is displayed. Therefore, when the user performs a predetermined operation, the server program 102 displays a menu screen 310 as shown in FIG. 8 on the touch panel display. Here, when the user selects the folder button, a domain selection screen 320 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. When the user performs an operation of selecting a domain on the domain selection screen 320, a computer selection screen 330 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. When the user performs an operation of selecting a computer, a file selection screen 340 shown in FIG. A list of the shared files in the selected computer is displayed. The flow of these processes is the same as that described in FIGS. 4 to 6 in the first embodiment. However, these selection screens are not displayed on the client terminal, but are displayed on the touch panel display 36 of the digital multi-function peripheral 3.

  The processing after the user selects a transmission file on the file selection screen 340 and selects the “Send” button is the same as in the first embodiment. If the user selects the file A stored in the PC 2, the server program 102 copies the file A to the transmission file storage unit 44 of WS 4. In the WS 4, the FAX driver 104 rasterizes the file A, and the agent program 103 copies the raster file B to the raster file storage unit 39 of the digital multifunction device 3. Then, the server program 102 displays a transmission dialog, acquires transmission destination information, and performs facsimile transmission. However, the transmission dialog is not displayed on the client terminal but on the touch panel display 36 of the digital multi-function peripheral 3. The contents of the transmission dialog are the same as in FIG.

  Also in this embodiment, it is not necessary to install the FAX driver in the computer storing the file to be transmitted by facsimile. Further, the application program for executing the transmission target file does not need to be installed in the computer in which the file is stored. The user can execute facsimile transmission only by performing an operation of selecting a file on the network.

{Modifications}
The present invention may have the following system configuration. In the first and second embodiments, the digital multifunction device 3 copies the file to be transmitted to the WS 4, executes the FAX driver 104 in the WS 4, and copies the raster file B to the digital multifunction device 3 again. did. In contrast to this, the digital multifunction device 3 may be configured to have this WS4 function. In other words, the agent program 103 and the FAX driver 104 may be operated in the digital multifunction device 3 so that the transmission target file is rasterized in the digital multifunction device 3.

  Even in the case where the digital multifunction device 3 is provided with the WS4 function in the first embodiment, the PC 1 that issues a facsimile transmission instruction and the PC 2 that stores the transmission target file have application programs and There is no need to install a FAX driver. The user need only perform an operation of selecting a file existing locally or on the network. Even in the case where the digital multifunction device 3 is provided with the WS4 function in the second embodiment, an application program and a FAX driver must be installed on the PC 2 in which the transmission target file is stored. There is no. The user need only perform an operation of selecting a file existing locally or on the network.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the agent program 103 and the FAX driver 104 are different programs has been described as an example. However, the FAX driver 104 may have the function of the agent program 103. That is, the FAX driver 104 operating in the WS 4 may monitor the transmission file storage unit 44 and execute rasterization processing when detecting that a file has been written.

1 is an overall view of a facsimile system according to an embodiment. 6 is a flowchart of facsimile transmission processing in the digital multi-function peripheral. It is a flowchart of the rasterizing process in WS. It is a figure which shows the domain selection screen displayed on PC. It is a figure which shows the computer selection screen displayed on PC. It is a figure which shows the file selection screen displayed on PC. It is a figure which shows the transmission dialog displayed on PC. It is a figure which shows the menu screen displayed on the operation panel of a digital multifunctional device. It is a figure which shows the domain selection screen displayed on an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the computer selection screen displayed on an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the file selection screen displayed on an operation panel.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2 PC
3 Digital MFP 4 WS
5 LAN
39 Raster file storage unit 44 Transmission file storage unit 101 Client program (WEB browser)
102 Server program (WEB server)

Claims (7)

A system comprising a terminal, a facsimile machine and a processing device,
The terminal
Means for designating a transmission file and notifying the facsimile apparatus;
Means for designating destination information and notifying the facsimile apparatus;
With
The facsimile machine is
Means for storing the transmission file in a first storage unit included in the processing device;
Means for facsimile-transmitting a rasterized file stored in a second storage unit of the facsimile apparatus based on the destination information;
With
The processor is
Means for rasterizing the transmission file stored in the first storage unit and storing the rasterized file in the second storage unit;
A facsimile system comprising: A system comprising a facsimile machine and a processing device,
The facsimile machine is
A means of specifying a transmission file;
Means for storing the transmission file in a first storage unit included in the processing device;
Means for specifying destination information;
Means for facsimile-transmitting a rasterized file stored in a second storage unit of the facsimile apparatus based on the destination information;
With
The processor is
Means for rasterizing the transmission file stored in the first storage unit and storing the rasterized file in the second storage unit;
A facsimile system comprising: In the facsimile system according to claim 1 or 2,
A facsimile system, wherein a fax driver is installed in the processing device, and the transmission file is rasterized by executing the fax driver. The facsimile system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The facsimile system, wherein the facsimile apparatus includes the processing device. Means for receiving transmission file designation information from a terminal connected via a network;
Means for storing the transmission file in a first storage unit provided in a processing apparatus connected via a network;
Means for receiving destination information from the terminal;
A second storage unit for storing the rasterized file;
Means for facsimile-transmitting a rasterized file stored in the second storage unit based on the destination information;
With
The facsimile apparatus, wherein the transmission file stored in the first storage unit is rasterized in the processing device and then stored in the second storage unit by the processing device. Means for inputting transmission file designation information from the operation unit;
Means for storing the transmission file in a first storage unit provided in a processing apparatus connected via a network;
Means for inputting destination information from the operation unit;
A second storage unit for storing the rasterized file;
Means for facsimile-transmitting a rasterized file stored in the second storage unit based on the destination information;
With
The facsimile apparatus, wherein the transmission file stored in the first storage unit is rasterized in the processing device and then stored in the second storage unit by the processing device. In the facsimile apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
A facsimile apparatus, wherein the facsimile apparatus includes the processing device.

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