JP2007325122A - Network facsimile system and facsimile machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transmit the same transmission original from a plurality of facsimile machines to different destinations without allowing the plurality of facsimile machines to read the transmission original, in a system in which the facsimile machines are connected via a network. <P>SOLUTION: Image data to be transmitted by facsimile, a destination of facsimile transmission, a TTI (transmit terminal identifier) to be additionally transmitted in facsimile transmission from a request source device MFP 1-1 and image data of transmission source information to be added to the image data, are transmitted from the request source device MFP 1-1 as any one of a plurality of MFPs 1 to another distribution device MFP 1-2 via a LAN. In this way, facsimile transmission is executed from the MFP 1-2 as a distribution device to a PSTN (public switched telephone network). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a network facsimile system in which a plurality of facsimile apparatuses are connected to a network different from a telephone line for original facsimile transmission, such as a computer network, and the present invention constitutes such a network facsimile system. The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having a so-called broadcast function for automatically transmitting the same transmission document to a destination.

  When performing facsimile transmission, there are many cases where it is desired to transmit the same transmission document to a plurality of destinations. For example, when meeting materials are sent in advance by facsimile communication to meeting attendees, etc., if there is a large amount (number of pages) of sent documents, transmission to all destinations is completed. It may take several hours to complete. Further, when transmitting a direct mail or the like using facsimile communication, even if the transmission original is one page, if the destination is several thousand or tens of thousands, transmission to all the destinations is also completed. It may take several hours to complete.

  In order to meet such a demand, the conventional facsimile apparatus is provided with a broadcast function. Specifically, image data stored in the facsimile apparatus by specifying or inputting facsimile numbers (telephone numbers) of a plurality of destinations and causing the facsimile apparatus to read a transmission document only once at those destinations. Is sequentially transmitted to a plurality of facsimile numbers designated and input in advance.

  However, even if the broadcast function as described above is used, if the transmission is performed to all the destinations by one facsimile apparatus, it is not necessary to have time for causing the facsimile apparatus to read the transmission original many times. At the same time, although there is an advantage that the burden on the user is reduced, the time required to complete transmission to all destinations is not dramatically reduced. As a method for shortening the time required for facsimile transmission of the same transmission original to a plurality of destinations, a facsimile apparatus to be used can be used if a plurality of facsimile apparatuses share the destination and transmit the same transmission original. The overall required time can be shortened almost inversely proportional to the number of units. However, in this case, it is necessary for the plurality of facsimile apparatuses to read the same transmission original, which is complicated for the user.

  In addition, at the destination of facsimile transmission, a function of printing transmission source information such as a telephone number of a transmission source facsimile apparatus, a preset company name, a department name, etc. as a header on each printed sheet is widespread. However, when the same transmission document is transmitted from a plurality of facsimile apparatuses as described above, different headers are printed at the respective reception destinations. Further, when transmitting a facsimile, information to be deleted as TTI (Transmit Terminal Identifier) is transmitted. The TTI information includes the name of the transmission source, the telephone number, and the transmission date and time, and is transmitted by being included in a TSI (transmission terminal identification) signal during facsimile transmission. Therefore, as described above, when a plurality of facsimile apparatuses read the same transmission original and perform facsimile transmission from each of them, different TTI information is transmitted for each facsimile apparatus used for transmission. .

For this reason, for example, in Patent Document 1, a single facsimile apparatus that can be connected to a plurality of lines is provided with a plurality of transmission means (line control means, modem, communication control means, etc.), and the same for a plurality of destinations at the same time. An invention of a facsimile apparatus capable of facsimile transmission of a transmission document of the same type, and capable of facsimile transmission with the same transmission source information and line information (TTI information) is disclosed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-200721

  However, since the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above employs a special configuration in which a single facsimile apparatus is provided with a plurality of transmission units, in order to use such an apparatus. It is necessary to replace the conventional facsimile machine with such a machine.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a system in which a plurality of facsimile apparatuses connected to a recent LAN, the Internet, or the like and capable of communication via a computer network (computer communication) are connected to a network. The present invention mainly provides a network facsimile system capable of facsimile-transmitting the same transmission original from a plurality of facsimile apparatuses to different destinations without having to read the originals into a plurality of facsimile apparatuses, and a facsimile apparatus constituting such a system. Objective.

  Briefly, the present invention relates to a system composed of a plurality of facsimile apparatuses connected to a network by a LAN, the Internet, etc., and information on a destination from a certain facsimile apparatus to another facsimile apparatus connected by a LAN, the Internet, etc. This is configured so that facsimile transmission is performed by transmitting data of a transmission original via a network. Further, when sending a facsimile from a device that performs facsimile transmission, the transmission source information, TTI information, and the like are configured to use those of the facsimile device that requested the facsimile transmission.

  A network facsimile system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a network facsimile system in which a plurality of facsimile apparatuses are connected by a second network different from the first network for facsimile communication. Image data to be transmitted by facsimile from the first facsimile apparatus to another second facsimile apparatus, a destination of facsimile transmission, a signal to be additionally transmitted when facsimile transmission is performed from the first facsimile apparatus, and the facsimile transmission By transmitting image data to be added to the image data to be transmitted via the second network, one or a plurality of the second facsimile apparatuses can perform facsimile transmission via the first network. Features made possible To.

  In such a network facsimile system according to the first invention, the second facsimile apparatus performs facsimile transmission via the first network, that is, a telephone line, instead of the first facsimile apparatus.

The network facsimile system according to the second invention is a network facsimile system in which a plurality of facsimile apparatuses are connected by a second network different from the first network for facsimile communication. Device-specific information including a device-specific signal to be additionally transmitted at the time of transmission and preset image data to be added to the image data to be transmitted by facsimile is previously stored via the second network. Means for registering in the facsimile apparatus, means for transmitting image data to be transmitted by facsimile and destination information for facsimile transmission to the other facsimile apparatus via the second network, and other information specific to the apparatus. The second network from the facsimile machine The registration means for registering the received information, image data to be transmitted by facsimile, and destination information for facsimile transmission are received from another facsimile apparatus via the second network. The image data registered in the registration unit is added to the received image data, and the device-specific signal registered in the registration unit is added instead of the device-specific signal, and the received destination data Means for facsimile transmission via the first network according to the information.

  In such a network facsimile system according to the second invention, each facsimile apparatus transmits image data to be transmitted by facsimile and information on the destination of facsimile transmission from another facsimile apparatus to a second network such as a computer network. Image data registered in advance in the registration means is added to the received image data, and the device-specific signal registered in advance in the registration means is added instead of the signal specific to the device itself. The facsimile transmission is performed through the first network, that is, the telephone line, according to the received destination information.

  A facsimile apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is a facsimile apparatus connected to a plurality of other facsimile apparatuses via a second network different from the first network for facsimile communication, and is additionally transmitted when facsimile transmission is performed. Device-specific information including a device-specific signal to be transmitted and preset image data added to image data to be transmitted by facsimile is registered in advance in another facsimile device via the second network. Means for transmitting image data to be transmitted by facsimile and destination information of the facsimile transmission to another facsimile apparatus via the second network, and information specific to the apparatus from the other facsimile apparatus. Registration means for registering the received information when received via the network of FIG. When image data to be retransmitted and destination information for facsimile transmission are received from another facsimile apparatus via the second network, the image data registered in the registration unit is added to the received image data. And a means for adding a device-specific signal registered in the registration means in place of the device-specific signal and performing facsimile transmission via the first network according to the received destination information. It is characterized by that.

  In the facsimile apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, when image data to be transmitted by facsimile and destination information of facsimile transmission are received from another facsimile apparatus via a second network such as a computer network. Add the image data registered in the registration means to the received image data in advance, add the device-specific signal registered in the registration means in advance instead of the signal specific to the device itself, According to the information, the facsimile transmission is performed via the first network, that is, the telephone line.

  According to the network facsimile system according to the present invention and the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, instead of a facsimile apparatus different from the facsimile apparatus that should originally perform facsimile transmission, another facsimile apparatus is connected via the first network, that is, the telephone line. Perform facsimile transmission. At this time, the facsimile apparatus that performs facsimile transmission adds the image data registered in advance in the registration means to the image data received from the facsimile apparatus that should originally perform facsimile transmission, and is unique to the apparatus registered in advance in the registration means. Since a signal is added instead of a signal specific to the device itself and facsimile transmission is executed according to the received destination information, the facsimile transmission side on the side that has received the facsimile transmission transmits it from the facsimile device that should originally perform the facsimile transmission. A similar reception state is obtained.

In the following, an embodiment of a network facsimile system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which individual facsimile apparatuses are applied to an MFP. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a network facsimile system according to the present invention in which a plurality of MFPs (reference numerals 1-1 and 1-2 in the illustrated example) are connected as facsimile apparatuses according to the present invention. .

  In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1 (1-1, 1-2, and 1-3) denote MFPs that are facsimile apparatuses according to the present invention. Since these MFPs have the same configuration, the MFP denoted by reference numeral 1-1 will be mainly described below.

  A plurality of computers (hereinafter referred to as PCs) 2 that are terminal devices are connected to the MFP 1-1 via a LAN (Local Area Network) that is a second network. The MFP 1-1 is also connected to the MFP 1-3, the MFP 3, the facsimile apparatus 4, and the like capable of external facsimile communication via a public switched telephone network PSTN that is a first network. The LAN connected to the MFP 1-1 is connected to many PCs and MFPs, or a facsimile apparatus capable of communication (computer communication) via a computer network, in addition to the illustrated ones. Needless to say, the public switched telephone network PSTN is connected to a number of MFPs and facsimile machines capable of facsimile communication in addition to those shown in the figure.

  Accordingly, the MFP 1-1 can communicate with a plurality of PCs 2 via a LAN via a computer network, and can perform facsimile communication with other MFPs 1-3, 3 and the facsimile apparatus 4 via a public switched telephone network PSTN. . Needless to say, the MFPs such as the MFP 1-2 connected to the LAN and the facsimile apparatus capable of communication via the computer network are also connected to the public switched telephone network PSTN and can perform facsimile communication.

  Further, the MFP 1-1 is also connected to the Internet IN which is the second network via the LAN. A number of MFPs, which are facsimile apparatuses according to the present invention, having the same functions as the MFPs 1-1 and 1-2 are connected to the Internet IN. However, FIG. 1 shows only one MFP 1-3. It goes without saying that MFPs such as the MFP 1-3 as the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention connected to the Internet IN can perform facsimile communication via the public switched telephone network PSTN. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 1-3 connected to the MFP 1-1 via the Internet IN and other MFPs are connected to the PC 2 as a plurality of terminal devices in the same manner as the MFP 1-1. It is connected.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the MFP 1-1 as a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. Note that the MFP according to the present invention such as the MFP 1-2 connected to the MFP 1-1 via the LAN and the MFP 1-3 connected via the Internet IN shown in FIG. Description is omitted.

  The MFP 1-1 includes a control unit 10 configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit). The control unit 10 is connected to the ROM 11, RAM 12, NCU (Network Control Unit) 13, modem 14, reading unit 15, image memory 16, printing unit 17, operation unit 18, display unit 19, and LAN via a bus. Are connected to a LAN interface 20, a storage unit 21, a codec (CODEC) 22 that performs encoding / decoding processing of image data, and the like.

The control unit 10 controls each hardware unit as described above, and implements various software functions according to a control program 11 a stored in advance in the ROM 11. The control program 11a stored in the ROM 11 includes various programs necessary for general operation as the MFP 1-1, a program for performing data communication with the PC 2 via the LAN interface 20, and a modem 14. In addition to a facsimile communication program for performing facsimile communication with the external MFP 3 and facsimile apparatus 4, a program necessary for operation as a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is also included. The RAM 12 is composed of SRAM, flash memory, or the like, and temporarily stores data generated when the control unit 11 executes the control program 11a.

  The modem 14 is a fax modem capable of facsimile communication, and is directly connected to the NCU 13. The NCU 13 is connected to the public switched telephone network PSTN, and connects the modem 14 to the public switched telephone network PSTN as necessary, and is connected between the external MFP 3 and the facsimile apparatus 4 via the public switched telephone network PSTN. Facsimile communication is possible.

  The reading unit 15 is configured by a scanner using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), acquires image data by reading a document placed on a document placing table (not shown), and obtains the acquired image data as an image. It is stored in the memory 16. The image memory 16 is constituted by a DRAM, and temporarily stores image data received by facsimile communication via the modem 14 and the NCU 13 and image data read by the reading unit 15.

  The print unit 17 is, for example, an electrophotographic printer, and stores image data stored in the image memory 16 in various sizes such as A3 portrait, B4 portrait, A4 portrait, B5 landscape, and A5 landscape, or OHP. (Over Head Projector) Select the optimal size from the sheet and make a hard copy to print.

  The operation unit 18 directly operates the MFP 1-1, for example, when a document placed on a document placing table (not shown) of the MFP 1-1 is directly transmitted by facsimile, a numeric keypad, a speed dial key, and the like. It is configured as an operation panel with various function keys. The display unit 19 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays the operation state of the MFP 1-1, characters input from the operation unit 18, information to be notified to the user, and the like. Note that the display unit 19 is a so-called touch panel type operation unit, whereby the entire operation unit 18 or a part of the functions can be shared by the display unit 19.

  With the above-described configuration, the MFP 1-1 temporarily stores image data obtained by reading a document placed by a user on a document placing table (not shown) by the reading unit 15 in the image memory 16, and then the facsimile image data by the codec 22. A facsimile image transmitted to the other MFP 3 and the facsimile apparatus 4 connected to the public telephone line PSTN via the NCU 13 and the modem 14 and transmitted by the external MFP 3 and the facsimile apparatus 4 by facsimile communication. The data is received via the public telephone network PSTN, temporarily stored in the image memory 16, and then functioned as a facsimile apparatus for decoding into normal image data such as bitmap, MPEG, TIFF format by the codec 22.

  The MFP 1-1 also functions as a copying apparatus that copies image data obtained by reading a document placed on a document placing table (not shown) by the reading unit 15 onto a sheet by the printing unit 17. Further, it functions as a network printer that prints an image based on the data received from the PC 2 connected to the LAN via the LAN interface 20 by hard-copying it on a sheet with the printing unit 17. Further, the MFP 1-1 also functions as a network scanner that transmits image data obtained by reading a document by the reading unit 15 to the PC 2 connected to the LAN via the LAN interface 20.

By the way, the MFP 1-1 includes a storage unit 21 including a hard disk, a flash memory, or the like as a non-volatile storage device having a large storage capacity. In the storage unit 21, a file database (DB) 21a is set in an appropriate area. In the file DB 21a, image data received from the outside by facsimile communication as described above, image data read from the original by the reading unit 15, and image data received from the external PC 2 via the LAN are appropriately registered as document files. ing. Further, as described above, the MFP 1-1 also functions as a file server by storing various image data as document files in the file DB 21a of the storage unit 21 so that the user can reuse them.

  The MFP 1-1 also sets a link to the web server program 21b, which is a control program necessary for operation as a web server device, in the storage unit 21, and to image data constituting a document file acquired by each function as described above. A plurality of web pages and various web pages 21c such as a web page for operating the MFP 1-1 from an external device such as the PC 2 are stored. Thus, the MFP 1-1 also operates as a web server device that provides each page of the document file registered in the file DB 21a of the storage unit 21, that is, each image data constituting the document file, from the web page 21c to the PC 2. At the same time, it operates as a facsimile apparatus that operates a document file in accordance with various instructions input on a web page displayed on a terminal device such as the PC 2.

  Therefore, in the PC 2 equipped with the web browser, when a CPU (not shown) starts up the web browser and requests the web page 21c provided by the MFP 1-1, the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-1 stores the file in the file DB 21a. The document file is transmitted to the PC 2. As a result, the user of the PC 2 acquires the desired document file from the MFP 1-1 via the LAN, more specifically, the image data that is each page of the document file, and browses the contents by browsing. After confirmation, it is possible to designate the transmission destination and instruct the MFP 1-1 to perform facsimile transmission.

  Hereinafter, a processing procedure for facsimile transmission by the MFP 1-1 having the above-described configuration, particularly a processing procedure for broadcast transmission using another MFP will be described. However, in the following description, a case will be mainly described in which a transmission document that should originally be facsimile-transmitted from the MFP 1-1 is transmitted from the MFP 1-2. Therefore, in the following, the MFP 1-1 is referred to as a request source device, and the MFP 1-2 is referred to as a distribution device.

  FIG. 3 shows a distribution apparatus (in this case, the MFP 1-as a facsimile apparatus to which the MFP 1-1 as the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, for example, the MFP 1-1 as the request source apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for specifying and registering 2), and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure on the MFP 1-1 side corresponding to the distribution device. Note that the processing procedures shown in these flowcharts are executed by the control unit 10 of each MFP in accordance with a control program 11a stored in the ROM 11 in advance.

  First, the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-1, which is the request source apparatus, sends to each device in the same segment (within the range connected to the MFP 1-1 in the example shown in FIG. 1) by broadcast transmission of the UDP / IP protocol, for example. Then, the file for capability exchange is transmitted as an XML file, for example (step S11). After broadcasting the capability exchange file in this way, the MFP 1-1 waits for a predetermined time (NO in both steps S12 and S13) until receiving a response by the UDP / IP or HTTP protocol (YES in step S12). ).

On the other hand, the MFP 1-2, which is the distribution device, is on standby until it receives a UDP / IP protocol broadcast communication (NO in step S21), and until then executes other processing as necessary (step S22). ). When the MFP 1-2, which is the distribution apparatus, receives the UDP / IP protocol broadcast transmission from the MFP 1-1, which is the request source apparatus (YES in step S21), it is determined whether or not it is an XML file for capability exchange. Judgment is made (step S23). If the file is not a file for capability exchange (NO in step S23), the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-2 executes a process according to the received content, and waits until a broadcast communication of the UDP / IP protocol is received again.

  When the MFP 1-1 as the request source apparatus cannot receive a response even after a predetermined time has elapsed (time up) (YES in step S13), the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-1 ends this processing. In this case, there is no facsimile apparatus to be a distribution apparatus for the MFP 1-1.

  When MFP 1-2, which is a distribution apparatus, receives a file for capability exchange (YES in step S23), control unit 10 of MFP 1-2 generates a response file for capability exchange of its own device as an XML file, for example (step S23). S24) The generated XML file is transmitted by UDP / IP or HTTP protocol to the device (in this case, MFP 1-1) that broadcasts the XML file for capability exchange (step S25).

  As described above, when the MFP 1-1 as the request source apparatus receives the response transmitted from the MFP 1-2 before the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S12), the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-1 receives the response. It is determined whether the received response is a response file for capability exchange (step S14). If the received response is not a response file for capability exchange (NO in step S14), the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-1 ends this process. In this case, there is no facsimile apparatus to be distributed for the MFP 1-1.

  However, if the received response is a response file for capability exchange (YES in step S14), the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-1 determines the device (in this case, MFP 1-2) that has transmitted the file for capability exchange. The IP address is temporarily stored in an appropriate area such as the RAM 12 or the storage unit 21 (step S15), and this process ends. In the example described above, the MFP 1-1 receives the response file for capability exchange only from the MFP 1-2, but it is of course possible to receive response files for capability exchange from a plurality of devices.

  3 and 4, at least one facsimile apparatus (in this case, MFP 1-2) is used as a distribution apparatus in the same segment for the requesting apparatus MFP 1-1. It turns out that it is possible. Of course, conversely, when the MFP 1-2 becomes the requesting device by broadcasting the capability exchange file from the MFP 1-2, at least one facsimile device (in this case, the MFP1- 1) can be used as a distribution device.

  Next, a procedure of setting processing executed between the MFP 1-1 as the request source apparatus and the MFP 1-2 as the distribution apparatus will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Note that the processing procedures shown in these flowcharts are executed by the control unit 10 of each MFP in accordance with a control program 11a stored in the ROM 11 in advance.

  As described above, when it becomes clear that the requesting device MFP1-1 can use the MFP1-2 as a distribution device, the control unit 10 of the MFP1-1 temporarily stores the IP address (in this case, the MFP1). The request source apparatus information is transmitted to the apparatus at (IP address of -2) by, for example, an HTTP command (step S31). The request source device information is the MAC address, IP address, source information, TTI (Transmit Terminal Identifier) information, etc. of the own device (in this case, MFP 1-1). Here, the TTI information is a name of the transmission source, a telephone number, and a transmission date and time, and is a signal transmitted by being included in a TSI (transmission terminal identification) signal defined in the facsimile transmission procedure. The sender information, on the other hand, means character information such as a company name and department name printed as a header at the destination of facsimile communication.

  The MFP 1-2, which is the distribution device for the MFP 1-1, which is the request source device, executes other processes as appropriate until it receives an HTTP command from the MFP 1-1 (NO in step S41) (step S42). When an HTTP command is received from the MFP 1-1 (YES in step S41), the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-2 determines whether or not the received HTTP command is request source apparatus information (step S43). If the received HTTP command is request source device information (YES in step S43), the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-2 registers the received request source device information in the request source device table (step S44) and receives it. A response is transmitted, for example, using the HTTP protocol to the apparatus (in this case, MFP 1-1) that transmitted the request source apparatus information (step S45). Thereafter, the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-2 returns the process to step S41 again.

  If the received HTTP command is not request source apparatus information (NO in step S43), the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-2 executes a process according to the received content (step S42), and returns the process to step S41.

  As described above, the MFP 1-1 as the request source apparatus waits until a response transmitted from the MFP 1-2 as the distribution apparatus is received within a predetermined time (YES in Step S32) (Steps S32 and S32). NO in S33). When the response transmitted from MFP 1-2, which is the distribution device, is received within a predetermined time (YES in step S32), control unit 10 of MFP 1-1, which is the request source device, transmits the response (in this case) Registers the IP address of MFP1-2) in the distribution device table (step S34).

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the contents of the request source apparatus table stored in, for example, an appropriate area of the file DB 21a of the MFP 1-2 as the distribution apparatus. In the request source device table, the MAC address, IP address, source information, TTI information, and capability as a facsimile device exchanged with a file for capability exchange are registered for the request source device. It should be noted that information of a plurality of request source devices can be registered in the request source device table. Further, in this description, the MFP 1-1 is the request source device, but not only the MFP 1-1 but also other MFPs, facsimile devices, etc., when other devices are the request source devices for the respective devices. The request source device table is stored.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the contents of a distribution apparatus table stored in an appropriate area of, for example, the file DB 21a of the MFP 1-1 as the request source apparatus. In the distribution apparatus table, for each distribution apparatus, the IP address and the capacity as a facsimile apparatus exchanged by a capacity exchange file are registered. Note that information on a plurality of distribution devices can be registered in the distribution device table. In this description, the MFP 1-2 is the distribution device. However, not only the MFP 1-2, but also other MFPs, facsimile devices, and the like have distribution device tables when the respective devices are requesting devices. It is remembered.

  Note that whether each MFP becomes a request source device or a distribution device is relative, and all MFPs can be request source devices with respect to other MFPs. All MFPs can be distribution devices to other MFPs. Accordingly, each MFP has a distribution device table for the case where it is a requesting device, and also has a requesting device table for the case where it is a distribution device. However, it is of course possible to allow only a specific MFP to function as the request source apparatus. In this case, only one specific MFP needs to have only the distribution device table, and the other MFPs need only have the request source device table.

Next, referring to the flowcharts of FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG.
A processing procedure for causing the MFP 1-2, which is the distribution apparatus 1-1, to perform facsimile transmission will be described. Note that the processing procedures shown in these flowcharts are executed by the control unit 10 of each MFP in accordance with a control program 11a stored in the ROM 11 in advance.

  The MFP 1-1, which is the request source apparatus, until the destination of facsimile transmission is specified from, for example, the PC 2 connected to the LAN or until the user operates the operation unit 18 of the MFP 1-1 itself ( Other processing is appropriately executed (NO in step S51) (step S52). When the destination of facsimile transmission is designated (YES in step S51), the MFP 1-1 temporarily stores the designated destination of facsimile transmission as transmission destination information in an appropriate area such as the RAM 12 or the storage unit 21 (step S53). ). Of course, a plurality of transmission destinations can be designated.

  Next, the MFP 1-1 as the request source apparatus waits until a document file stored in advance in the file DB 21a is designated as a transmission original, or reading of the transmission original is instructed (in steps S54 and S55). Both are NO). When reading of a transmission document is instructed (NO in step S54, YES in S55), the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-1 sequentially transmits the transmission document placed on a document placement table (not shown) in units of pages by the reading unit 15. Then, the image data obtained and obtained (for example, BMP format at this time) is temporarily stored in the image memory 16. The above-described process is repeated until reading of all pages of the transmission document is completed (NO in step S56). When reading of all pages of the transmission document is completed (YES in step S56), the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-1. Advances the process to step S57 to be described later.

  On the other hand, when a document file stored in advance in the file DB 21a is designated as a transmission original from any PC 2 connected to the MFP 1-1 via a LAN (YES in step S54), the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-1 designates the document file. The read image data of the document file is read from the file DB 21 a and temporarily stored in the image memory 16. Note that the image data format in this case can be various formats such as TIFF, JPEG, and DPF.

  In any case, when the image data of each page of the transmission document is stored in the image memory 16 as described above, the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-1 as the request source apparatus stores the image data stored in the image memory 16. Is converted into a format (for example, TIFF, JPEG, PDF, etc.) that can be communicated by a computer network by the codec 22 to generate a transmission image data file (step S57). Next, the MFP 1-1 distributes the transmission image data file generated in this way and the transmission destination information file generated with the transmission destination information temporarily stored therein as its contents in the distribution apparatus table. For example, an HTTP command is transmitted to the MFP 1-2 in accordance with the IP address (step S58). If a plurality of transmission destinations are designated, the transmission destination information file includes a plurality of transmission destinations.

  Thereafter, the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-1 as the request source apparatus waits for a predetermined time until it receives a response from the MFP 1-2 in response to the HTTP command transmitted by itself (NO in steps S59 and S60). Here, the predetermined time is registered in the distribution apparatus table of the MFP 1-1 as the request source apparatus and the amount of the transmission original of the facsimile transmission requested from the MFP 1-1 as the request source apparatus to the MFP 1-2 as the distribution apparatus. The estimated time required for transmission required from the capability of the MFP 1-2, which is a distributed apparatus, is a time that allows a certain margin. Therefore, if a response cannot be received from the MFP 1-2, which is the distribution apparatus, within this predetermined time, it can be considered that an error has occurred on the distribution apparatus side.

If a response from the MFP 1-2, which is the distribution apparatus, cannot be received before the predetermined time elapses, that is, if the time is up (NO in step S59, YES in S60), the MFP 1-1 of the request source apparatus Displays an error (step S61) and ends the process. This error display is displayed on the display unit 19 of the MFP 1-1 when the transmission document is directly read by the reading unit 15 of the MFP 1-1 by the operation of the MFP 1-1, and is previously stored in the file DB 21a of the MFP 1-1. When the stored document file is designated from the PC 2, it can be displayed on the display of the PC 2.

  On the other hand, if a response from the MFP 1-2 is received before the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S59), the requesting apparatus MFP 1-1 displays a message indicating completion of transmission (step S62) and ends the processing. To do. This transmission completion display is displayed on the display unit 19 of the MFP 1-1 when the transmission original is directly read by the reading unit 15 of the MFP 1-1 by the operation of the MFP 1-1, and the file DB 21a of the MFP 1-1. When a document file stored in advance is designated from the PC 2, it can be displayed on the display of the PC 2.

  In the above example, a request for transmission is made from the MFP 1-1 as the request source apparatus to only the MFP 1-2 as one distribution apparatus, but the distribution apparatus table of the MFP 1-1 as the request source apparatus is used. When a plurality of MFPs are registered as distribution devices, for example, in accordance with a preset priority order or by operation of the operation unit 18 of the MFP 1-1, further instructions from the PC 2 connected to the MFP 1-1. The control unit 10 of the MFP 1-1 can sequentially search for MFPs that can receive a transmission request in accordance with the order set by.

  Further, when there are a plurality of transmission destinations, the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-1 as the request source apparatus assigns a plurality of transmission destinations to a plurality of MFPs registered as distribution apparatuses in the distribution apparatus table. It is possible to assign based on the contents of the capability file that is exchanged with the MFP in advance and registered in the distribution apparatus table. At this time, for example, it is possible to assign one or a relatively small number of transmission destinations to a device having a low facsimile transmission capability and assign a relatively large number of transmission destinations to a device having a high facsimile transmission capability.

  Further, when a plurality of transmission destinations are designated, the request source apparatus MFP 1-1 itself transmits to one of the plurality of transmission destinations or a plurality of destinations by other transmission apparatuses. It is of course possible to assign a transmission destination with the MFP.

  In the MFP 1-2, which is a distribution apparatus, facsimile transmission is executed according to the procedure shown in FIGS. The MFP 1-2, which is the distribution apparatus, executes other processes as appropriate until receiving the HTTP command (NO in step S71) (step S72). When the HTTP command is received (YES in step S71), the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-2 as the distribution apparatus temporarily stores the transmission destination information file included in the received HTTP command in an appropriate area such as the RAM 12 or the storage unit 21. Then, the transmission image data file included in the HTTP command is also temporarily stored in the image memory 16 (step S74).

  Next, the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-2, which is a distribution apparatus, acquires transmission destination information based on the contents of the temporarily stored transmission destination information file and generates a transmission job file (step S75). When there are a plurality of transmission destinations, that is, when a plurality of transmission destinations are included in the transmission destination information file received from the MFP 1-1 as the transmission requesting device, a transmission job file is generated for each transmission destination. The When the transmission destination job file is generated in this way, the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-2, which is the distribution apparatus, deletes the transmission destination information file temporarily stored (step S76).

Next, the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-2 serving as the distribution apparatus obtains the transmission source information (character information such as company name and department name) of the request source apparatus (in this case, the MFP 1-1) from its own request source apparatus table. At the same time, the transmission image data file temporarily stored in its own image memory 16 is read out, and the image data obtained by synthesizing both is decoded or encoded by the codec 22 to obtain facsimile image data (MH, MR, MMR encoded data). Generate (step S77).

  Next, the control unit 10 of the MFP 1-2, which is the distribution apparatus, reads the TTI information of the request source apparatus (in this case, the MFP 1-1) from its request source apparatus table, and the TSI defined in the facsimile transmission procedure. In place of the TTI information of the device itself that should be originally written in the (transmission terminal identification) signal, the TTI information of the request source device (MFP 1-1 in this case) read out is written and facsimile transmission is executed (step S78). . Accordingly, the destination facsimile apparatus that has received the transmission original transmitted by facsimile from the MFP 1-2 as the distribution apparatus is actually the request source apparatus even though it has been transmitted from the MFP 1-2 as the distribution apparatus. The reception result is the same as that transmitted from the MFP 1-1.

  The MFP 1-2, which is a distribution apparatus, waits until facsimile transmission by one transmission job file is completed (NO in step S79), and when completed (YES in step S79), deletes the transmission job file for which transmission has been completed (step S79). S80). If a plurality of transmission destinations are set for MFP 1-2, which is a distribution apparatus, a plurality of transmission job files are generated. Next, control unit 10 of MFP 1-2 determines whether transmission job files still remain. If it remains (YES in step S81), the process returns to step S77 described above to repeat facsimile transmission to other transmission destinations as described above.

  When facsimile transmission to all transmission destinations is completed, all transmission job files are deleted (NO in step S81). Therefore, the control unit 10 of MFP 1-2 deletes the transmission image data file (step S82), and transmission is completed. Is transmitted to the MFP 1-1, which is the requesting apparatus (step S83), and the process is terminated. Note that even when an error occurs during facsimile transmission and the facsimile transmission cannot be continued, the distribution apparatus MFP1-21 transmits an error notification to the requesting apparatus MFP1-1.

  Note that, by periodically executing the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 6 described above between the MFPs, the latest request source device table and distribution device table are stored in each MFP. Become. That is, even if the IP address, MAC address, source information, TTI information, capability, etc. of any MFP is changed, the changed information is updated to the request source device table and the distribution device table as soon as possible. be registered. Also, when any MFP is disconnected from the LAN, or when a new MFP is connected to the LAN, the information after changing the information as soon as possible is the request source device table and the distribution device table. It becomes possible to register for update.

  By the way, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which one of the devices connected to the MFP 1-1 via the LAN, that is, between devices such as MFPs in the same segment, operates as a request source device and the other operates as a distribution device. However, since facsimile machines included in the same segment are limited, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 1-3 connected to the MFP 1-1 via the Internet IN is also the MFP1- It can be used as a distribution device for 1. However, in this case, it is necessary to acquire information about the MFP 1-3 in advance by designating an IP address and register it in the distribution apparatus table in advance.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network facsimile system according to the present invention connected to an MFP as a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an MFP as a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure by the MFP as the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure by the MFP as the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure by the MFP as the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure by the MFP as the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. 3 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the contents of a request source apparatus table stored in an MFP as a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the contents of a distribution apparatus table stored in an MFP as a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure by the MFP as the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure by the MFP as the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure by the MFP as the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (facsimile device)
1-1 MFP (requesting device)
1-2 MFP (distribution device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Control part 11a Control program 16 Image memory 21 Storage part 21a Image database 22 Codec
PSTN first network LAN second network

Claims (3)

In a network facsimile system in which a plurality of facsimile apparatuses are connected by a second network different from the first network for facsimile communication,
The image data to be transmitted by facsimile, the destination of the facsimile transmission, and the additional transmission at the time of facsimile transmission from the first facsimile apparatus from the first facsimile apparatus of the plurality of facsimile apparatuses to the other second facsimile apparatus. By transmitting the signal to be transmitted and the image data to be added to the image data to be transmitted by facsimile via the second network, one or a plurality of the second facsimile apparatuses via the first network. A network facsimile system characterized by enabling facsimile transmission. In a network facsimile system in which a plurality of facsimile apparatuses are connected by a second network different from the first network for facsimile communication,
Each facsimile machine
Device-specific information including a device-specific signal to be additionally transmitted when facsimile transmission is performed and preset image data to be added to image data to be facsimile-transmitted is transmitted via the second network. Means for registering in advance with another facsimile machine,
Means for transmitting image data to be transmitted by facsimile and destination information of the facsimile transmission to another facsimile apparatus via the second network;
A registration means for registering the received information when the device-specific information is received from another facsimile device via the second network;
When image data to be transmitted by facsimile and destination information of facsimile transmission are received from another facsimile apparatus via the second network, the image data registered in the registration means is received in the received image data. And a means for adding a device-specific signal registered in the registration means in place of the device-specific signal and transmitting the facsimile via the first network according to the received destination information. A network facsimile system characterized by A facsimile machine connected to a plurality of other facsimile machines via a second network different from the first network for facsimile communication,
Device-specific information including a device-specific signal to be additionally transmitted at the time of facsimile transmission and preset image data to be added to the image data to be facsimile-transmitted is transmitted in advance via the second network. Means for registering with other facsimile machines;
Means for transmitting image data to be transmitted by facsimile and destination information of the facsimile transmission to another facsimile apparatus via the second network;
A registration means for registering the received information when the device-specific information is received from another facsimile device via the second network;
When image data to be transmitted by facsimile and destination information of facsimile transmission are received from another facsimile apparatus via the second network, the image data registered in the registration means is received in the received image data. And a means for adding a device-specific signal registered in the registration means in place of the device-specific signal and transmitting the facsimile via the first network according to the received destination information. A facsimile machine characterized by that.

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