JP2008067302A - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To materialize a spam FAX prevention function without additionally providing a dedicated storage region. <P>SOLUTION: An operator operates an operation panel to request an address book registration screen to be displayed and displays the registration screen to register FAX rejection numbers (S301). A screen for inputting a FAX rejection number is displayed and the FAX number is input by operating a ten key (S302). When the input of the FAX number is accepted, information on the number of registered FAX rejection numbers in an address book storage section is read out. When the number of registered numbers reaches a registration limit (S303;Y), a screen indicating the registration error is displayed and processing is finished. If the number of registered numbers does not reach the registration limit(S303;N), the accepted FAX rejection number is registered in the address book storage section (S305). When the FAX rejection number is completely registered, a screen indicating the end of registration is displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus, and more particularly to a facsimile apparatus having a function of preventing execution of useless reception processing in facsimile communication.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a facsimile apparatus provided with a function called “annoying fax prevention function” that enables only reception from a specific destination registered in advance or enables reception from other than a specific destination registered in advance. However, the following patent documents have been proposed.
JP 2000-022850 A

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151867 discloses a facsimile apparatus that includes a FAX reception rejection partner information storage unit, compares a telephone number stored in the storage unit with a received telephone number at the time of FAX reception, and rejects reception when they match. It is disclosed.
Note that the facsimile apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is configured to provide a dedicated FAX reception refusal partner information storage unit, and therefore requires a larger storage area.

In the facsimile apparatus described in Patent Document 1 described above, in order to realize the nuisance FAX prevention function, a non-volatile storage device is required for storing information on a partner who rejects FAX reception.
However, in general, the nonvolatile storage device is not only expensive, but if a dedicated storage area is provided for the troublesome FAX prevention function, there is a possibility that the nonvolatile storage area as a whole device may be insufficient.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile machine capable of realizing a nuisance FAX prevention function without separately providing a dedicated storage area for storing information on a destination to be rejected for FAX reception.

The invention described in claim 1 is a facsimile apparatus having an address book storage area capable of registering a FAX number used as a transmission destination, and accepting means for receiving an input of a FAX number of a transmission source not desired to receive, FAX reception rejection number registration means for registering the FAX number received by the reception means as a FAX reception rejection number in the storage area of the address book, and when the FAX data is received, the FAX number of the transmission source of the FAX data Comparing means for comparing the FAX reception rejection number registered in the address book storage area, and as a result of comparison by the comparing means, the FAX data transmission source FAX number and the address book storage area are registered. A communication disconnecting unit that disconnects the communication of the FAX data when the received FAX reception rejection number matches. Ri to achieve the above object.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect, the accepting unit accepts a fax reception rejection number when the number of FAX reception rejection numbers that can be registered in the storage area of the address book exceeds a maximum number. It is characterized by comprising a display means for displaying a message indicating that it is impossible.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the maximum number of FAX reception refusal numbers that can be registered in the storage area of the address book is within the storage capacity of the address book. In the above, it can be arbitrarily set.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the third aspect, the maximum number of FAX reception rejection numbers that can be registered in the storage area of the address book exceeds the number of currently registered FAX reception rejection numbers. It is possible in range.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by storing the FAX reception rejection number in the storage area of the address book, it is possible to prevent annoying FAX reception without providing a separate dedicated storage area.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the FAX reception rejection number that can be registered in the storage area of the address book exceeds the maximum number, a message indicating that the FAX reception rejection number cannot be received can be displayed. .
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the maximum number of FAX reception rejection numbers that can be registered in the address book storage area can be set within the range of the address book storage capacity.
According to the invention described in claim 4, the maximum number of FAX reception rejection numbers that can be registered in the storage area of the address book can be changed within a range exceeding the number of FAX reception rejection numbers that are currently registered. .

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile apparatus includes a SAF management unit 101, a destination management unit 102, a job management unit 103, an operation control unit 104, a recording / reading control unit 105, a communication control unit 106, a main control unit 107, and an address. A book storage unit 108 is provided.
The SAF management unit 101 manages a memory / HDD that stores image information data such as a transmission original and a reception original when transmitting / receiving a facsimile. In the SAF (transmission / reception data storage memory) (not shown), each document is logically managed as a document file.

The destination management unit 102 manages the telephone number of the other party to be transmitted, and manages the telephone number of each transmission destination.
The job management unit 103 activates transmission of transmission originals stored in the SAF (not shown), and starts a reception operation when an incoming call is received to create one reception job. Based on this, a received job for starting printing on the recording paper of the received document is controlled. The job management unit 103 stores document file information related to each job or destination information of a telephone number of a destination to be transmitted.
The operation control unit 104 controls an operation panel (operation display unit) (not shown) operated by the operator. Registration of the FAX reception refusal number in the address book storage unit 108 is performed by an input from the operation panel by the operator.

The recording / reading control unit 105 controls an operation of reading a transmitted original or an operation of recording a received original.
The communication control unit 106 is a device including a modulation / demodulation circuit (modem) and the like, modulates and demodulates FAX transmission / reception data, and executes a FAX communication protocol. In addition, the communication control unit 106 also performs correspondence to network control and calling number notification service procedures.
The main control unit 107 controls each control unit of the facsimile apparatus.
The address book storage unit 108 is an area for storing FAX numbers that are frequently used as transmission destinations in normal use and FAX numbers that are not permitted to be received.

Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described.
Here, a procedure of processing for registering in advance a facsimile number to be rejected in the facsimile apparatus will be described.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of registration processing of a facsimile reception rejection number in the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen flow displayed when a facsimile reception rejection number registration process is performed in the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment.

First, the operator operates the operation panel (inputs a predetermined command or presses a specific button), and requests the facsimile apparatus to display an address book registration screen.
Then, the operation control unit 104 accepts a request to display the address book registration screen, and displays a screen 201 as shown in FIG. 3, that is, a registration screen for FAX reception rejection numbers, on the screen of the operation panel (step 301). ).

Subsequently, the operator presses the OK key on the displayed screen 201 in a state where “fax reception rejection destination” is selected (in the screen 201, the corresponding option is reversed in black and white).
Then, the operation control unit 104 receives a request for a registration screen of “fax reception refusal destination”, and displays a screen 202 for inputting a FAX (facsimile) number as shown in FIG.

Thereafter, the operator operates a numeric keypad provided on the operation panel and inputs a FAX number on the screen 202. After completing the input of the FAX number, the operator presses an OK key on the screen 202 (step 302).
Then, the operation control unit 104 receives an input of a FAX number.
When the operation control unit 104 accepts the input of the FAX number, the main control unit 107 reads out the registered number information of the FAX reception rejection number in the address book storage unit 108, and the registered number and the maximum number that can be registered in advance. It is determined whether the number of registrations has reached the maximum number that can be registered (step 303).

When the number of registrations has reached the maximum number that can be registered, that is, when the number of registrations is the maximum number that can be registered (step 303; Y), the operation control unit 104 displays a screen indicating that a registration error has occurred. (Step 304), the registration process is terminated.
On the other hand, when the number of registrations does not reach the maximum number that can be registered, that is, when the number of registrations <the maximum number that can be registered (step 303; N), the received FAX number is sent via the main control unit 107 to It is registered (recorded) as “fax reception refusal destination” in the storage unit 108 (step 305).
When the registration of the FAX number information in the address book storage unit 108 is completed, the operation control unit 104 displays a screen 203 indicating that the registration is completed as shown in FIG. 3, and ends the registration process.
As described above, in the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment, when a FAX reception rejection number is newly registered in a state where the same number of FAX reception rejection destinations as the maximum number that can be registered is registered, You can refuse it.

Note that the method of registering a facsimile number (FAX reception rejection number) for rejecting reception is not limited to the above-described method.
Next, a modified example of a method for registering a facsimile number (FAX reception rejection number) for rejecting reception will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another example of the facsimile reception rejection number registration processing procedure.
First, the operator operates the operation panel (inputs a predetermined command or presses a specific button), and requests the facsimile apparatus to display an address book registration screen.

Then, the operation control unit 104 accepts the request for display of the address book registration screen, and displays the screen 201 as shown in FIG. 3, that is, the registration screen of the FAX reception rejection number, on the screen of the operation panel (step 401). ).
Next, the main control unit 107 reads information on the registered number of FAX reception rejection numbers in the address book storage unit 108, compares the registered number with a preset maximum number that can be registered, and the registered number is registered. It is determined whether or not the maximum possible number has been reached (step 402).
When the number of registrations has reached the maximum number that can be registered, that is, when the number of registrations is the maximum number that can be registered (step 402; Y), the operation control unit 104 indicates that the FAX reception rejection number cannot be registered. (Step 403), and the registration process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the number of registrations does not reach the maximum number that can be registered, that is, when the number of registrations <the maximum number that can be registered (step 402; N), the operation control unit 104 displays the registration screen of the FAX reception rejection number. Continue (step 404).
Thereafter, the operator operates a numeric keypad provided on the operation panel and inputs a FAX number on the screen 202. After finishing the input of the FAX number, the operator presses an OK key on the screen 202 (step 405).
Then, the operation control unit 104 receives the input of the FAX number, and registers (records) the received FAX number as “fax reception refusal destination” in the address book storage unit 108 via the main control unit 107 (step). 406).
When the registration of the FAX number information in the address book storage unit 108 is completed, the operation control unit 104 displays a screen 203 indicating that the registration is completed as shown in FIG. 3, and ends the registration process.
As described above, when the FAX reception rejection number registration screen is displayed in a state where the same number of FAX reception rejection destinations as the maximum number that can be registered is registered, the operation panel displays that new registration cannot be performed. In other words, by notifying the user of the possibility of new registration before the FAX reception rejection number is input, it is possible to prevent the user from making unnecessary input.

The facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured such that the operator can arbitrarily set the number of FAX reception rejection numbers that can be stored in the address book storage unit 108, that is, the maximum number of FAX reception rejection numbers that can be registered. Has been.
Here, a method for setting the maximum registrable number of FAX reception rejection numbers will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting the maximum registrable number of FAX reception rejection numbers in the facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment.
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed when the maximum number of FAX reception rejection numbers that can be registered is set in the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment.

When setting (changing) the maximum registerable number of FAX reception refusal numbers, the operator first operates the operation panel (inputs a predetermined command or presses a specific button), and the facsimile apparatus Is requested to display a setting (change) screen for the maximum number of registration of FAX reception rejection numbers.
Then, the operation control unit 104 accepts a request to display a screen for setting (changing) the maximum number of FAX reception rejection numbers that can be registered, and registers the FAX reception rejection number as shown in FIG. 6 on the operation panel screen. Display the maximum possible number setting (change) screen.
Subsequently, the operator operates a numeric keypad provided on the operation panel to input a desired number (setting value). After completing the input of the settable maximum number of FAX reception refusal numbers, the operator presses an OK key (not shown) (step 501).

Then, the operation control unit 104 accepts input of a set value for the maximum number of receivable FAX reception rejection numbers.
When the operation control unit 104 receives an input of a set value of the maximum registration number of FAX reception refusal numbers, the main control unit 107 determines the maximum number of FAX numbers that can be registered in the address book storage unit 108, that is, physical elements. The information on the upper limit of the maximum number of fax numbers that can be registered, which is restricted by the above, is read, and the maximum number that can be registered is compared with the set value of the maximum number that can be registered for the fax reception rejection number entered by the operator. It is determined whether or not the set value of the maximum registerable number of FAX reception refusal numbers exceeds the maximum registerable number of FAX numbers in the address book storage unit 108 (step 502).

If the set value of the maximum registerable number of FAX reception refusal numbers exceeds the maximum registerable number of FAX numbers in the address book storage unit 108 (step 502; Y), the maximum registerable number of FAX reception refusal numbers The number is not set (changed), and the operation control unit 104 displays a screen 551 indicating that the set value of the maximum registrable number of the designated FAX reception rejection number is not appropriate as shown in FIG. Step 503), the setting process is terminated.
On the other hand, when the set value of the maximum number that can be registered for the received FAX reception rejection number does not exceed the maximum number that can be registered for the FAX number in the address book storage unit 108 (step 502; N), the main control unit 107 Based on the set value of the maximum number of receivable FAX reception rejection numbers that can be registered, the registration area of “fax reception rejection destination” in the address book storage unit 108 is set (step 504).
When the setting of the maximum receivable number of FAX reception refusal numbers is completed, the operation control unit 104 displays a screen indicating that the setting is completed, and ends the setting process.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily set (change) the maximum registerable number of FAX reception rejection numbers using a numeric keypad.
By providing the facsimile apparatus with such a function for setting (changing) the maximum number of FAX reception rejection numbers that can be registered, it is possible to register as many FAX reception rejection numbers as necessary depending on the use environment of the user (user). It becomes possible.
In addition, when setting the maximum number of receivable FAX reception refusal numbers, by comparing with the maximum number of registrable addresses in the address book, the number that the user (operator) cannot actually register is set as the FAX reception refusal number. It can be prevented that the maximum number that can be registered is set.

It should be noted that the method for setting the maximum registerable number of FAX reception rejection numbers is not limited to that described above.
Next, a modified example of the method for setting the maximum number of receivable FAX reception rejection numbers will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure for setting the maximum registrable number of FAX reception rejection numbers.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that is displayed when processing for setting the maximum registrable number of FAX reception rejection numbers is performed.

When setting (changing) the maximum registerable number of FAX reception refusal numbers, the operator first operates the operation panel (inputs a predetermined command or presses a specific button), and the facsimile apparatus Is requested to display a setting (change) screen for the maximum number of registration of FAX reception rejection numbers.
Then, the operation control unit 104 accepts a request to display a screen for setting (changing) the maximum number of FAX reception rejection numbers that can be registered, and registers the FAX reception rejection number as shown in FIG. 6 on the operation panel screen. Display the maximum possible number setting (change) screen.
Subsequently, the operator operates a numeric keypad provided on the operation panel to input a desired number (setting value). After completing the input of the settable maximum number of FAX reception refusal numbers, the operator presses an OK key (not shown) (step 601).

Then, the operation control unit 104 accepts input of a set value for the maximum number of receivable FAX reception rejection numbers.
When the operation control unit 104 receives an input of a set value of the maximum registration number of FAX reception refusal numbers, the main control unit 107 determines the maximum number of FAX numbers that can be registered in the address book storage unit 108, that is, physical elements. The information on the upper limit of the maximum number of fax numbers that can be registered, which is restricted by the above, is read, and the maximum number that can be registered is compared with the set value of the maximum number that can be registered for the fax reception rejection number entered by the operator. Then, it is determined whether or not the set value of the maximum registerable number of FAX reception refusal numbers exceeds the maximum registerable number of FAX numbers in the address book storage unit 108 (step 602).

If the set value of the maximum number that can be registered for the input FAX reception rejection number exceeds the maximum number that can be registered for the FAX number in the address book storage unit 108 (step 602; Y), the maximum maximum number that can be registered for the FAX reception rejection number The number is not set (changed), and the operation control unit 104 displays a screen 601 indicating that setting cannot be performed as shown in FIG. 9 (step 603), and ends the setting process.
On the other hand, if the set value of the maximum number that can be registered for the received FAX reception rejection number does not exceed the maximum number that can be registered for the FAX number in the address book storage unit 108 (step 602; N), then, the main control unit 107 compares the set value of the maximum number of receivable FAX reception rejection numbers with the number of registered FAX reception rejection numbers, and the setting value of the maximum registrable number of input FAX reception rejection numbers is Then, it is determined whether or not the number of registered FAX reception rejection numbers is smaller (less) (step 604).

When the set value of the maximum registerable number of FAX reception rejection numbers is smaller than the number of registered FAX reception rejection numbers (step 604; Y), the maximum registrationable number of FAX reception rejection numbers is set (changed). The operation control unit 104 displays a screen 602 indicating that setting is not possible as shown in FIG. 9 (step 603), and ends the setting process.
On the other hand, when the set value of the maximum number of receivable FAX reception rejection numbers that can be registered is larger than the number of registered FAX reception rejection numbers (step 604; N), the main control unit 107 rejects the input FAX reception rejection numbers. Based on the setting value of the maximum number that can be registered, setting of the registration area of “fax reception rejection destination” in the address book storage unit 108 is executed (step 605).
When the setting of the maximum receivable number of FAX reception refusal numbers is completed, the operation control unit 104 displays a screen indicating that the setting is completed, and ends the setting process.

In this way, by comparing with the number of currently registered FAX reception refusal numbers when setting the maximum number of FAX reception refusal numbers that can be registered, the FAX reception refusal number is registered exceeding the maximum number that can be registered. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of an illegal state.
In addition, by displaying an error screen corresponding to the determination result condition, in detail, as shown in FIG. 9, the fact that the change of the maximum number that can be registered is rejected and the reason is displayed on the error screen. Thus, the user (operator) can easily understand the reason why the setting cannot be made.
As described above, in the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the maximum number of FAX reception rejection numbers that can be registered is changed, if the changed value exceeds the maximum number that can be registered in the address book, registration is performed. The maximum possible number of changes can be rejected.
In addition, when changing the maximum receivable number of FAX reception refusal numbers, if the FAX reception refusal number has already been registered exceeding the changed value, the change of the maximum registrable number can be rejected.

In the above-described facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment, when FAX data is received via the communication control unit 106, the main control unit 107 registers the FAX number of the FAX data transmission source and the address book storage unit 108. Comparison with the received FAX reception rejection number is performed.
When the transmission source FAX number is registered in the address book storage unit 108 as a FAX reception rejection number, that is, when the transmission source FAX number matches the registered FAX reception rejection number, the main control unit 107. Transmits a command for instructing disconnection of FAX data communication to the communication control unit 106, and immediately terminates reception of FAX data.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by registering the FAX reception rejection number in the address book storage unit 108 in advance, it is possible to appropriately avoid (suppress) the reception of annoying FAX.
In the present embodiment, it is possible to register a FAX reception rejection number without using a new (separate) non-volatile memory by using the address book storage unit 108 formed of an existing non-volatile memory device. It becomes.

1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of registration processing of a facsimile reception rejection number in the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen flow when a FAX reception rejection number registration process is performed in the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of a registration process procedure of a facsimile reception rejection number. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting a maximum receivable number of FAX reception rejection numbers in the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when setting processing of the maximum registration possible number of FAX reception rejection numbers is performed in the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when setting processing of the maximum registration possible number of FAX reception rejection numbers is performed in the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another example of a procedure for setting the maximum number of receivable FAX reception rejection numbers. It is the figure which showed an example of the screen displayed when performing the setting process of the registration maximum number of FAX reception refusal numbers.

Explanation of symbols

101 SAF management unit 102 Destination management unit 103 Job management unit 104 Operation control unit 105 Recording / reading control unit 106 Communication control unit 107 Main control unit 108 Address book storage units 201 to 203 Screen 551 Screens 601 and 602

Claims (4)

A facsimile machine having an address book storage area capable of registering a FAX number to be used as a destination;
Accepting means for accepting input of a FAX number of a sender who does not wish to receive;
FAX reception rejection number registration means for registering the FAX number received by the reception means as a FAX reception rejection number in the storage area of the address book;
A comparison means for comparing, when receiving FAX data, a FAX number of the FAX data transmission source and a FAX reception rejection number registered in the storage area of the address book;
Communication disconnection means for disconnecting communication of the FAX data when the FAX data transmission source FAX number matches the FAX reception rejection number registered in the address book storage area as a result of comparison by the comparison means When,
A facsimile apparatus comprising:   The reception means includes display means for displaying a message indicating that the FAX reception rejection number cannot be received when the FAX reception rejection number that can be registered in the storage area of the address book exceeds the maximum number. 2. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   3. The maximum number of FAX reception refusal numbers that can be registered in the storage area of the address book can be arbitrarily set within the range of the storage capacity of the address book. Facsimile machine.   4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the maximum number of FAX reception rejection numbers that can be registered in the storage area of the address book can be changed within a range exceeding the number of FAX reception rejection numbers that are currently registered. .

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