JP2008167120A - Communication apparatus and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication apparatus and a communication method capable of suppressing user's erroneous specification of a destination. <P>SOLUTION: When destination retrieval 51d is depressed, transmitted images indicated by transmitted FAX data which had been transmitted in the past under the same FAX setting conditions as FAX setting conditions (black, fine, dark) set at present and the transmitted destinations of the transmitted images are displayed in a vertically corresponding state. Thereby a user can specify a present destination while knowing which data have been transmitted to which destination in the past. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device and a communication method, and more particularly to a communication device and a communication method that can suppress erroneous designation of a destination by a user.

Conventionally, a facsimile apparatus is known as one of communication apparatuses that communicate with a counterpart apparatus. In relation to this facsimile apparatus, the following Patent Document 1 describes: “Searching for a destination name registered in the telephone book using a character string input from the operation unit 114 as a keyword, A technique is described in which a telephone number and a mail address associated therewith are displayed on the external display unit 105, and a destination address is designated using the displayed destination name.
JP 2002-44431 A (paragraph 0049)

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, the partner name is searched using the character string input from the operation unit 114 as a keyword, and therefore, a similar partner name is searched and displayed. Can be considered. In this case, there is a problem in that the user must specify a correct partner name from among similar partner names, and there is a risk of specifying an incorrect partner name.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a communication apparatus and a communication method that can suppress erroneous designation of a destination by a user.

  In order to achieve this object, the communication device according to claim 1 communicates with the counterpart device, and is transmission means for transmitting data to the counterpart device, and data transmitted by the transmission means. A first storage means for storing a transmission completion condition indicating a setting condition relating to transmitted data and a transmission destination indicating a transmission destination partner apparatus that has transmitted data in accordance with the transmission completion condition; and the transmission means An acquisition unit that acquires a transmission schedule condition indicating a setting condition regarding transmission schedule data that is data to be transmitted, and a transmission that is stored in association with the transmitted condition that matches the transmission schedule condition acquired by the acquisition unit First extracting means for extracting a completed destination.

  The communication apparatus according to claim 2 is the communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission completion condition and the transmission schedule condition are configured from a plurality of types of setting items, and the first extraction unit is configured to determine the transmission schedule condition. For all the setting items to be configured, a transmitted destination stored in association with the transmitted condition is extracted on condition that the value matches the setting item configuring the transmitted condition.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the second aspect, when the transmission destination is not extracted by the first extraction unit, at least one of the setting items constituting the transmission schedule condition. And a second extraction means for extracting a transmitted destination associated with the transmitted condition on condition that a value matches a setting item constituting the transmitted condition.

  The communication device according to claim 4 is the communication device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising: a second storage unit that stores preset initial setting conditions, wherein the transmission destination is set by the first extraction unit. If the setting item is not extracted, a setting item having a value different from the setting item constituting the transmission initial setting condition is specified from the setting items constituting the transmission scheduled condition, and the value matches the specified setting item. Second extraction means is provided for extracting a transmitted destination associated with a transmitted condition composed of setting items including setting items.

  The communication device according to claim 5 is the communication device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second extraction means is associated with a transmitted condition that includes setting items having many matching setting items. Extract destinations with priority.

  The communication device according to claim 6 is the communication device according to claim 2, wherein the first storage means indicates transmission order information indicating an order in which the transmitted data is transmitted in association with the transmitted destination. Is stored, and when the transmitted destination is not extracted by the first extracting means, a second extracting means for preferentially extracting the latest transmitted destination based on the transmission order information is provided. Yes.

  The communication device according to claim 7 is the communication device according to claim 2, wherein the scheduled transmission condition includes a density condition relating to a density of an image formed by the scheduled transmission data as one of setting items. When the transmission destination is not extracted by one extraction means, the transmission destination condition is associated with the transmission condition that includes the setting item that matches the density condition among the setting items that constitute the scheduled transmission condition. Second extraction means for preferentially extracting transmitted destinations is provided.

  The communication device according to claim 8 is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an output unit that outputs predetermined information, wherein the first or second extraction unit extracts the transmitted destination that has been extracted. Is output to the output means as a destination candidate.

  The communication device according to claim 9 is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising output means for outputting predetermined information, wherein the first storage means is associated with the transmitted destination. The transmitted data that is transmitted data is stored in the transmitted destination, and the first or second extracting means stores the transmitted data stored in association with the extracted transmitted destination. The output means outputs the indicated information as a destination candidate.

  A communication device according to claim 10 is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising output means for outputting predetermined information, wherein the first storage means is associated with the transmitted destination. The transmitted data, which is transmitted data, is stored in the transmitted destination, and the first or second extracting means stores the information indicated by the extracted transmitted destination and the extracted transmitted destination. Information corresponding to the information indicated by the transmitted data stored in correspondence is output to the output means as a destination candidate.

  The communication device according to claim 11 is the communication device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first or second extraction unit is configured to preferentially extract information indicated by a transmitted destination, or prioritize. The information indicated by the transmitted data stored in association with the transmitted destination extracted in this manner is preferentially output to the output means as a destination candidate.

  The communication device according to claim 12 is the communication device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein an input means for inputting an instruction from a user, and a destination candidate selected by the user via the input means. Based on the transmission schedule condition, setting means for setting a transmission destination counterpart apparatus that transmits the transmission schedule data from among the destination candidates output to the output means.

  The communication device according to claim 13 is the communication device according to claim 12, wherein when the plurality of destination candidates are selected via the input unit, the setting unit selects all of the selected destinations. Setting as a counterpart device, the transmission means transmits the transmission schedule data to all the counterpart devices set by the setting means according to the transmission schedule conditions.

  The communication device according to claim 14 is the communication device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the output means adjoins two display devices having a display screen of the same size capable of displaying predetermined information. The first or second extraction means displays the destination candidate on the other display device in a state where the information indicated by the scheduled transmission condition is displayed on one of the display devices.

  A communication device according to a fifteenth aspect is the communication device according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the display screen of the display device is configured in a rectangular shape having an aspect ratio of 3 to 4.

  The communication device according to claim 16 is the communication device according to claim 15, wherein when the first or second extraction means displays a plurality of destination candidates, the input means is not displayed more than a predetermined number. When the user gives an instruction to display another destination candidate, the remaining destination candidates are displayed within the predetermined number.

  The communication device according to claim 17 is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the transmission means transmits the transmission schedule data in accordance with a facsimile procedure.

  The communication method according to claim 18, wherein the communication method communicates with a counterpart device, a transmission step of transmitting data to the counterpart device, and a transmission completion indicating a setting condition relating to transmitted data that has been transmitted by the transmission step A storage step for storing a condition and a transmission destination indicating a transmission destination partner device transmitted in accordance with the transmission completion condition, and a transmission schedule indicating a setting condition regarding transmission transmission data to be transmitted by the transmission step An acquisition step of acquiring a condition, and an extraction step of extracting a transmitted destination stored in association with the transmitted condition that matches the scheduled transmission condition acquired in the acquisition step.

  According to the communication device of claim 1, when data is transmitted to the counterpart device, the transmission condition indicating the setting condition regarding the transmitted data, and the destination partner that transmitted the data according to the transmission condition A transmission destination indicating the side device is stored in association with each other. On the other hand, when data is to be transmitted to the other apparatus from now on, the transmitted destination stored in association with the transmitted condition that matches the scheduled transmission condition indicating the setting condition regarding the scheduled transmission data is extracted. . Therefore, by specifying the transmission destination of the scheduled transmission data using the extracted transmission destination, it is possible to suppress erroneous specification of the destination by the user.

  For example, order tables, periodic reports, slips, and the like often transmit data in the same format to the same destination. In addition, each format has special colors such as presence / absence of image (figure), line type, color / black and white, character size, etc. for each format. In many cases, data is transmitted by increasing the density or decreasing the density when the background of the original is dark, and setting specific setting conditions for each format. Accordingly, by extracting and specifying the destination based on the setting condition, it is possible to suppress erroneous specification of the destination by the user.

  That is, instead of searching for a destination name using a specific character string as a keyword as in the past, the destination address is searched based on setting conditions, so that the possibility of searching for a similar destination name is suppressed. Thus, it is possible to suppress the designation of an incorrect partner name.

  According to the communication device according to claim 2, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication device according to claim 1, the extracted transmission destination has a value that matches all of the setting items constituting the scheduled transmission condition. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to extract a transmission destination candidate that is presumed to be most correct as a transmission destination of the transmission planned data.

  According to the communication device according to claim 3, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication device according to claim 2, when there is no transmitted condition whose value matches all the setting items constituting the scheduled transmission condition In the above, a transmission destination that is associated with a transmission condition that has a value that matches at least one of the setting items that constitute the transmission schedule condition is extracted. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to extract a transmission destination candidate that is assumed to be correct as a transmission destination candidate of the transmission planned data.

  According to the communication device according to claim 4, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication device according to claim 2 or 3, there is no transmitted condition in which the value matches all of the setting items constituting the scheduled transmission condition. In this case, among the setting items constituting the scheduled transmission condition, a setting item having a value different from that of the setting item constituting the transmission initial setting condition is specified, and includes a setting item whose value matches the specified setting item. A transmitted destination associated with a transmitted condition composed of setting items is extracted. Of the setting items constituting the scheduled transmission condition, the setting item having a value different from the setting item constituting the initial transmission setting condition is often the setting item in which the characteristic of the scheduled transmission data appears best. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to extract a transmission destination candidate that is estimated to be more efficient and correct.

  According to the communication device according to claim 5, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to claim 3 or 4, there has been no transmitted condition whose value matches all of the setting items constituting the scheduled transmission condition. In this case, a transmission destination that is associated with a transmission condition having a setting item that has many matching setting items is extracted with priority. A transmission completed condition having more setting items whose values match the setting items of the scheduled transmission condition is more likely to be appropriate as a transmission destination candidate. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to extract a transmission destination candidate that is estimated to be more efficient and correct.

  According to the communication device of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to the second aspect, when there is no transmitted condition whose value matches all the setting items constituting the scheduled transmission condition Are extracted with priority on the latest transmitted destination. The more recent the destination is, the more likely the user's memory is certain. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous designation of a destination by the user by extracting such a recent transmitted destination with priority.

  According to the communication device according to claim 7, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication device according to claim 2, when there is no transmitted condition whose value matches all of the setting items constituting the scheduled transmission condition Are preferentially extracted from the transmission destinations associated with the transmission completion conditions having the setting items having the same density condition among the setting items constituting the transmission schedule conditions. As for the density condition, the spot color of the scheduled transmission data is likely to appear, and a destination having a density condition that matches the density condition of the scheduled transmission data is preferentially extracted, and the extracted transmission destination is used. By designating the transmission destination of the scheduled transmission data, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress erroneous designation of the destination by the user.

  According to the communication device according to claim 8, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, information indicating the extracted transmitted destination is output to the output unit. If you have forgotten your destination or are uncertain, you can often regain your memory by looking at the output. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the destination from being erroneously designated.

  According to the communication device according to claim 9, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, information indicated by transmitted data stored in association with the extracted transmitted destination Is output to the output means. That is, the user can recognize the previously transmitted data at a glance. The user before designating the destination to which the data is to be transmitted is in a state of knowing what kind of data the data to be transmitted is from now on (manuscript of the data to be transmitted from now on) May have). In this state, the user can designate the current destination while knowing what data was previously transmitted to which destination. This leads to suppression of erroneously specifying the destination. Here, for example, order tables and periodic reports are often transmitted to the same destination. Such documents are often in a similar format. In such a case, in particular, the user can specify the current destination while comparing whether the previously transmitted data and the data transmitted this time are in a similar format. Can be suppressed.

  According to the communication device of the tenth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the information indicated by the extracted transmission destination and the extracted recorded transmission destination are supported. Since the information indicated by the transmitted data stored in the output is output to the output means, the effects of claims 8 and 9 can be achieved simultaneously.

  According to the communication device of the eleventh aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, information indicated by a pre-extracted transmission destination or preferentially extracted. The information indicated by the transmitted data stored in association with the transmitted destination is preferentially output to the output means. Since information presumed to be correct as the destination address can be preferentially presented to the user, there is an effect that the destination address can be set efficiently.

  According to the communication device of the twelfth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, the destination counterpart device that transmits the scheduled transmission data according to the scheduled transmission condition is provided with an output unit. Are set as destination candidates selected by the user via the input means. There is an effect that a correct destination can be set by a simple operation of selecting a transmission destination from the extracted destination candidates.

  According to the communication device of the thirteenth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to the twelfth aspect, when a plurality of destination candidates are selected via the input means, all the selected destinations are transmission destinations. The scheduled transmission data is transmitted to all the configured counterpart devices in accordance with the scheduled transmission conditions. There is an effect that it is possible to save the trouble of setting the same setting condition many times for each transmission destination, and to efficiently transmit the scheduled transmission data.

  According to the communication device of the fourteenth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects, the output means includes two display screens having the same size capable of displaying predetermined information. And the first or second extracting means is configured such that the destination candidate is displayed on the other display device in a state where the information indicated by the scheduled transmission condition is displayed on one of the display devices. Is displayed. There is an effect that the transmission schedule condition and the destination candidate can be displayed with a good balance.

  According to the communication device of the fifteenth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication device of the fourteenth aspect, the display screen of the display device is configured in a rectangular shape with an aspect ratio of 3 to 4. Since it corresponds to the most widely used screen size, it can be displayed on a screen of a size familiar to the user, and there is an effect that the user does not feel uncomfortable.

  According to the communication device of the sixteenth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device of the fifteenth aspect, when a plurality of destination candidates are displayed, a predetermined number or more is not displayed and another destination is received from the user. When there is an instruction to display candidates, the remaining destination candidates are displayed within a predetermined number, so even if the display screen is small and many destination candidates need to be displayed, The destination candidate can be displayed in a size that can be confirmed by the user, while ensuring the display of.

  According to the communication device of the seventeenth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, the transmission schedule data is transmitted along a facsimile procedure. When transmitting as facsimile data, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the destination from being erroneously designated.

  According to the communication method of claim 18, when data is transmitted to the counterpart device, a transmission condition indicating a setting condition regarding the transmitted data, and a transmission destination partner that transmits data according to the transmission condition A transmission destination indicating the side device is stored in association with each other. On the other hand, when data is to be transmitted to the other apparatus from now on, it is stored as a transmission destination candidate of the transmission planned data in correspondence with a transmission completed condition that matches a transmission planned condition indicating a setting condition related to the transmission planned data. Sent destinations are extracted. Therefore, by specifying the transmission destination of the scheduled transmission data using the extracted transmission destination, it is possible to suppress erroneous specification of the destination by the user.

  For example, order tables, periodic reports, slips, and the like often transmit data in the same format to the same destination. Also, each format has special colors such as presence / absence of image (figure), line type, color / monochrome difference, character size, etc. for each format. If there are many thin lines or thin lines, send setting In many cases, the data is transmitted by setting the setting conditions by increasing the density of the image, or by reducing the density as the transmission setting when the background of the original is dark. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous designation of the destination by the user by extracting and designating the destination based on the specific setting conditions set for each format.

  That is, instead of searching for a destination name using a specific character string as a keyword as in the past, the destination address is searched based on setting conditions, so that the possibility of searching for a similar destination name is suppressed. Thus, it is possible to suppress the designation of an incorrect partner name.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a multifunction machine 1 as the present invention (communication device). The multi-function device 1 is an MFD (Multi Function Device) that integrally includes a printer 2 provided at the bottom, a scanner 3 provided at the top, and an operation panel 4 provided on the front side of the scanner 3. It has a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function.

  The multifunction device 1 is connected to an external device such as a USB memory, a digital camera, or a personal computer, and has a function of recording data received from the external device on a recording sheet. In addition, it has a function of displaying data received from an external device on a liquid crystal display (LCD) 41 on the operation panel 4.

  The scanner 3 includes a document reading table 6 that functions as an FBS (Flatbed Scanner), and a document cover 8 for the document reading table 6. The document cover 8 includes an automatic document transport mechanism (ADF: Auto Document Feeder, hereinafter referred to as “ADF”) 7. A platen glass is disposed on the upper surface of the document reading table 6. An image reading unit (not shown) is built in the document reading table 6. In the scanner 3 configured as described above, an image of a document is read using FBS or ADF.

  A document feeding / discharging unit 9 is located on the front side of the ADF 7. The document feeding / discharging unit 9 is divided into two upper and lower spaces by a document placing table (not shown). The upper side of the document placing table is assigned as the document feeding unit, and the lower side of the document placing table is assigned as the document discharge unit. A pair of covering members 10 (10a, 10b) are provided from the ADF 7 so as to cover the document feeding / discharging unit 9. The covering member 10 suppresses accumulation of dust, dust and the like in the document feeding / discharging unit 9.

  FIG. 1 shows a state in which a document is placed on a document placing table (not shown). The document is placed on the document table with the reading surface read by the scanner 3 facing upward (opposite the document table side). The document placed on the document placement table is transported in the direction of arrow A by the ADF 7 and discharged to the document discharge section via an internal U-shaped transport path (not shown). The document discharged to the document discharge unit is discharged with the reading surface facing downward.

  The printer 2 records an image on a recording sheet based on image data read by the scanner 3 or image data input from the outside. The printer 2 is a so-called inkjet image recording apparatus (inkjet recording apparatus). The ink jet method is merely an example of an image recording method using the printer 2. Of course, various image recording methods such as an electrophotographic method and a thermal transfer method can be adopted as the image recording method by the printer 2.

  An opening 11 is formed on the front side of the multifunction device 1, in other words, on the front side of the printer 2. Inside the opening 11, the paper is discharged onto the paper feed tray 14 and the upper stage of the paper feed tray 14. A tray 15 is included.

  An operation panel 4 is provided on the front side of the multifunction machine 1. The operation panel 4 is for operating the printer 2 and the scanner 3, and includes various operation keys 40 (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) and an LCD 41.

  The LCD 41 is formed in a rectangular shape whose longitudinal direction is the direction of the arrow A, and the aspect ratio is 3 to 8. More specifically, two independent rectangular LCDs having an aspect ratio of 3 to 4 are integrally formed adjacent to each other in the direction of arrow A. However, this scale is ignored in the figure.

  When a predetermined command is input to the multifunction device 1, the operation of the multifunction device 1 is controlled by the control unit 20 (see FIG. 2) based on the input information. Note that the multifunction device 1 is configured to operate based on commands sent from the computer via a printer driver, scanner driver, or the like in addition to commands entered from the operation panel 4.

  A connection panel 70 is provided below the operation panel 4 and above the opening 11. The connection panel 70 is provided with a USB terminal 71 on the left end side thereof. The USB terminal 71 is a connector terminal that connects the external device and the multifunction device 1 so as to communicate with each other by USB connection to the external device.

  A slot portion 72 is disposed on the right end side of the connection panel 70. The slot portion 72 is provided with a plurality of card slots into which a memory card (card type memory) can be loaded. When a memory card is loaded in the card slot and image data is read from the loaded memory card by the control unit 20 described later, the read image data and information related to the image data are transferred to the control unit 20 (see FIG. 2). ) Is displayed on the LCD 41. Alternatively, the selected arbitrary image is recorded on the recording paper in the printer 2.

  With reference to FIG. 2, a schematic configuration of the control unit 20 that controls the operation of the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the control unit 20 of the multifunction machine 1. The control unit 20 controls the operations of the multifunction machine 1 including the printer 2, the scanner 3, and the operation panel 4.

The control unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 24. An ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 26 is connected via the bus 25.
The CPU 21 is a central processing that controls the multifunction device 1 in general, and operates according to a program stored in the ROM 22. The ROM 22 stores a program for controlling various operations of the multifunction machine 1. For example, the FAX data transmission program 22a is stored in the ROM 22 as a program for executing the FAX transmission processing shown in FIG.

  The RAM 23 is used as a storage area or work area for temporarily recording various data used when the CPU 21 executes the program. The EEPROM 24 includes a telephone directory memory 24a, a transmitted FAX data memory 24b, and an initial setting condition memory 24c.

  The telephone directory memory 24a stores a telephone directory in which the address of the counterpart device that transmits the FAX data is associated with the FAX number. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the phone book used by the user is stored individually for each user. Of course, a configuration may be adopted in which one phone book is shared by a plurality of users.

  The transmitted FAX data memory 24b stores transmitted FAX data that has been transmitted to the counterpart device. The transmitted FAX data stored in the transmitted FAX data memory 24b includes the destination (address, FAX number) of the partner apparatus that transmitted the FAX data, the date and time when the FAX data was transmitted, and setting conditions (for example, , Monochrome / color, density, resolution, etc.) are stored in association with each other.

  The initial setting condition memory 24c stores predetermined setting conditions (for example, black and white as a transmission type, standard as a resolution, and normal as a density) when transmitting a FAX. The initial setting conditions stored in the initial setting condition memory 24c can be arbitrarily set by the user.

  The ASIC 26 controls the operation of the printer 2, the scanner 3, the operation panel 4, the slot unit 72, and the like in accordance with a command from the CPU 21 (for example, a motor or an inkjet recording head that drives the printer 2, an ADF 7 of the scanner 3 is driven). Control the operation of the motor, image reading unit, etc.). Since the printer 2, the scanner 3, the slot 72, and the like have known configurations, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Further, the ASIC 26 includes a panel gate array 27 (panel GA 27) for controlling an operation key 40 for inputting a desired command to the multifunction device 1, an LCD controller 28 for controlling screen display of the LCD 41, a computer and a parallel cable or a USB cable. A parallel interface 29 (parallel I / F 29) for transmitting and receiving data via the USB terminal 71 and the amplifier 7 are connected to a speaker 74 and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 18 which is a dedicated clock chip. Note that a battery 18a is connected to the RTC 18 so that the RTC 18 can be started while the power is turned off.

  Further, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 31 is connected to the ASIC 26, and a modem 32 is connected to the NCU. The NCU 31 is used for line control and is connected to a telephone line. The NCU 31 receives call signals and various signals transmitted from the exchange. The NCU 31 transmits a dial signal at the time of transmission according to the operation of the operation key 40 to the exchange or performs data communication such as transmission / reception of an analog voice signal when the telephone line is closed.

  The modem 32 performs modulation and demodulation of FAX data and e-mail data. The modem 32 transmits and receives various procedure signals for transmission control. The FAX data is transmitted / received along the facsimile procedure by the NCU 31 and the modem 32.

  Next, the outline of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating information displayed on the LCD 41 when the FAX mode is set. When the FAX mode is set, the telephone book 50 is displayed in the left column 41a of the LCD 41, and the FAX transmission 51 is displayed in the right column 41b.

  In the telephone book 50, a user name 50a, a group name 50b, and an address 50c are displayed in order from the left side. In the user name 50a, a list of names of users who can use the multifunction device 1 is displayed. For example, “Asai, Kato, Sasaki, Harada” is displayed. In the group name 50b, “A” level in the 50-sound chart is displayed. In the address 50c, a list of addresses stored for each user in the telephone directory memory 24a is displayed. For example, when the “a” line is selected in the group name 50b, the address “a” is addressed accordingly. “Akai Shoji, Akagi Shoji, Iida Electronics, Ishida Kogyo, Ueda Kogyo, Eda Shoji, Ohno Electronics” is displayed.

  In the FAX transmission 51, a destination 51a, a transmission mode 51b, an image quality setting 51c, and a destination search 51d are displayed in order from the top. In the destination 51a, an address is displayed in the left column, and a FAX number is displayed in the right column.

  In the transmission mode 51b, black (black and white transmission) indicating the transmission type and Color (color transmission) are displayed side by side. In addition, Std (standard), fine (fine), and S. Fine (super fine) and Photo (photo) are displayed side by side. In the image quality setting 51c, Light (thin), Normal (normal), and Dark (dark) are displayed side by side as contrast (density).

  In this embodiment, the items including the transmission type, the resolution, and the density are collectively referred to as a FAX setting condition, and FAX data according to the FAX setting condition is transmitted to the counterpart apparatus.

  The destination search 51d is pressed when selecting a transmission destination from the FAX setting conditions. When the destination search 51d is pressed, destination candidates are displayed on the LCD 41, and the destination of the transmission destination can be set from the displayed destination candidates.

  Each item as the FAX setting condition described above is configured such that when the user selects a column, the background color of the column changes, and the item selected by the user can be seen at a glance. FIG. 3A shows a state in which “Asai” is selected as the user name 50a, “A” row is selected as the group name 50b, Black and Fine are selected as the transmission mode 51b, and Dark is selected as the image quality setting 51c.

  Originally, the user selects the address to which the FAX is to be transmitted from among the addresses 50c. If the address is forgotten or the destination address is uncertain, the address 50c is used. Cannot specify an exact address. In such a case, the destination search 51d is pressed by the user.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a state where the destination search 51d is pressed by the user. When the destination search 51d is pressed, a destination candidate 52 is displayed in the left column 41a of the LCD 41 where the telephone directory 50 was displayed.

  As the destination candidate 52, the transmitted image indicated by the transmitted FAX data in which the FAX data has been transmitted in the past under the same FAX setting condition as the currently set FAX setting condition (Black, Fine, Dark), and its transmission The destination address is displayed in the vertical direction. In the right corner, a next display 51f and a re-extraction 51f are displayed.

  For example, an image 52a sent to the address “Akai Shoji”, an image 52b sent to the address “Iida Electronics”, an image 52c sent to the address “Ishida Kogyo”, an image 52d sent to the address “Ueda Sangyo”, and an address “Ono Electronics” Is displayed so that it can be seen that the transmitted image 52e has been transmitted.

  As a result, the user can recognize the previously transmitted data at a glance. The user before designating the destination to which the data is to be sent is in a state of knowing what kind of data the data to be sent is from now on (with the original of the data to be sent in hand) I also have it). In this state, the user can designate the current destination while knowing what data was previously transmitted to which destination.

  This leads to suppression of erroneously specifying the destination. For example, order tables, periodic reports, slips, and the like often transmit data in the same format to the same destination. Also, each format has special colors such as presence / absence of image (figure), line type, color / monochrome difference, character size, etc. for each format. If there are many thin lines or thin lines, send setting In many cases, the data is transmitted by setting a specific setting condition for each format by increasing the density of the image or by reducing the transmission density when the background of the document is dark. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous specification of the destination by the user by extracting and specifying the destination based on the specific setting conditions set for each format.

  In addition, because the destination candidate 52 is displayed in the left column 41a and the FAX transmission 51 is displayed in the right column 41b of the LCD 41 having one of the same screen sizes, both can be displayed in a balanced manner. Further, the left column 41a and the right column 41b of the LCD 41 are configured in a rectangular shape having an aspect ratio of 3 to 4, and this size corresponds to the most widely used screen size. Therefore, the destination candidate 52 and the FAX transmission 51 can be displayed without causing the user to feel uncomfortable.

  Further, it is preferable to display the transmitted images with priority from the latest ones. The more recent a transmitted image is, the more likely it is that the stored image is certain. Therefore, the user can select the correct display by giving priority to displaying the recently transmitted image. it can.

  Then, when the user selects (presses) a specific display (sent image, address) from the displayed destination candidates 50, the destination corresponding to the selected display is the FAX data this time. Set as the destination of the destination to be sent.

  The next display 51f instructs the user to switch display contents. That is, since the left column 41a of the LCD 41 has a limited size, if all the corresponding transmitted images and addresses are displayed at once, each display may be small and the display contents may not be confirmed. Therefore, the number of displays that can be displayed in one display is limited in advance, and when the next display 51f is pressed, the display is switched to another display.

  Therefore, even when the display space of the left column 41a of the LCD 41 is small and it is necessary to display a large number of destination candidates 52, the display space for the FAX transmission 51 can be ensured while the user can confirm it. The destination candidate 52 can be displayed.

  As a display switching mode, even if the transmitted image and the address are switched one by one, the currently displayed transmitted image and the address are simultaneously switched to another transmitted image and the address. May be.

  Although the re-extraction 51g is not a FAX setting condition that completely matches the currently set FAX setting condition (Black, Fine, Dark), this time, a destination candidate that is likely to be applicable as a FAX transmission destination is separated. The user instructs to extract and display from the above conditions. Other conditions will be described later.

  FIG. 3C is a diagram showing a state in which the user has selected a specific display from among the displayed destination candidates 52. When the user selects a specific display, the selected transmitted image 52e and the address “Ohno Electronics” are displayed surrounded by a frame F. In addition, the address “Ohno Electronics” and the fax number “052-XXX-XXXX” of “Ohno Electronics” are displayed in the address 51a of the right column 41b. Further, the enlarged image K of the transmitted image 52e is enlarged and displayed in the empty space in the right column 41b. Therefore, it is possible to display the transmitted image in a more easy-to-view manner for the user, and to notice that the user has made an incorrect designation. On the other hand, if the selected display is correct, the destination corresponding to the selected display is set as the destination of the transmission destination for FAX transmission this time, so that it is possible to suppress erroneous specification of the destination by the user. .

  Next, FAX transmission processing for transmitting FAX data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the FAX transmission process. This process is a process executed by the CPU 21 in accordance with the FAX data transmission program 22a. This process is executed when the user operates the mode selection key 40a to set the FAX mode. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the document to be transmitted is already placed on the document placing table as shown in FIG.

  In this process, first, the telephone book 50 and the FAX transmission 51 are displayed on the LCD 41 (S401). Information to be displayed in the telephone directory 50 is read from the telephone directory memory 24a and displayed. As the FAX setting condition of the FAX transmission 51, first, the initial setting condition stored in the initial setting condition memory 24c is displayed. When changing the FAX data to be transmitted this time from the initial setting condition, the user changes the FAX data to a desired FAX setting condition.

  Thus, the set FAX setting condition is acquired (S402). That is, if the FAX setting condition is changed from the initial setting condition, the changed FAX setting condition is acquired, and if the FAX setting condition is not changed, the initial setting condition is acquired. In the present embodiment, the FAX setting condition acquired in S402 is referred to as a transmission schedule setting condition.

  Next, it is determined whether the destination search 51d has been pressed by the user (S403). If the destination search 51d has been pressed (S403: Yes), the transmitted setting condition stored in the transmitted FAX data memory 22b is read (S404). ), From the read transmission setting conditions, the transmission setting conditions that completely match the transmission schedule setting conditions acquired in S402 are extracted (S405).

  Then, it is determined whether there is a transmission setting condition that completely matches (S406). If it exists (S406: Yes), the transmission FAX data memory is associated with the matching transmission setting condition. The thumbnail of the transmitted image stored in 22b and the address are associated with each other and displayed as the destination candidate 52 on the left column 41a of the LCD 41 (S407).

  Next, it is determined whether the user has selected a specific display from among the displayed destination candidates 52 (S408). If it is determined that the user has selected (S408: Yes), transmission is performed in association with the selected display. The FAX number stored in the completed FAX data memory 22b is set as the destination of the transmission destination for transmitting the current FAX data (S409).

  When the destination of the transmission destination is set in this way, the user is inquired about whether to select another destination (S412). When the user gives an instruction to select another destination (S412: Yes) , The process from S407 is repeated.

  As a result, when FAX data is transmitted to a plurality of destinations under the same setting conditions, all the selected destinations are set as transmission destinations, and transmission is scheduled to all the set counterpart devices in accordance with the scheduled transmission conditions. Data is sent. Therefore, the trouble of setting the same setting condition for each transmission destination can be saved, and the transmission schedule data can be transmitted efficiently.

  The inquiry to the user can be displayed on the LCD 41 together with OK / NG or inquired by voice. Further, the user's answer to this inquiry can be answered, for example, via a predetermined seed operation key 40 or by pressing OK / NG.

  If it is determined in S408 that the user has not selected a specific display (S408: No), it is determined whether the next display 51f has been pressed (S410). (S410: Yes), the display is switched to the destination and thumbnail display different from the current display, and the processing from S407 is repeated. If it is determined in S410 that the next display 51f has not been pressed (S410: No), it is determined whether the re-search 51g has been pressed (S411). If the re-search 51g has not been pressed, (S411: No), the processing from S407 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the user does not give an instruction to select another destination in S412 (S412: No), the ADF 7 transports one page of the document placed on the document placement table and places it on the reading surface of the document. The recorded image is read by the scanner 3 (S413). Then, it is determined whether there is still a document (S414). If there is a document (S414: Yes), the process proceeds to S413 again, and if there is no document (S414: No), a known facsimile procedure is followed. Then, the read image of the document is faxed as fax data (S415). Then, the FAX data transmitted by FAX, the destination (address, FAX number), the FAX transmission setting condition, and the transmission date and time are stored in association with each other in the transmitted FAX data memory 24b (S416), and this process is terminated.

  In S406, when there is no transmission setting condition that completely matches the transmission schedule setting condition acquired in S402 (S406: No), and when it is determined in S411 that the re-extraction 51g is pressed. (S411: Yes) After an incomplete match process described later is executed (S417), the process proceeds to S412.

  Here, the incomplete matching process (S417) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this process, first, the transmitted FAX data is read from the transmitted FAX data memory 22a (S501), and the thumbnail of the recently transmitted image and the address are associated with each other from the read FAX transmitted data. The destination candidate 52 is preferentially displayed on the left column 41a of the LCD 41 (S502).

  Then, it is determined whether the user has selected a specific display from the displayed destination candidates 52 (S503), and if selected (S503: Yes), the destination determined based on the selected display. The transmission destination is set in (S504).

  That is, when there is no transmission setting condition that completely matches the transmission schedule setting condition acquired in S402 (S406: No), and when it is determined in S411 that the re-extraction 51g is pressed (S411: Yes), the thumbnail of the latest transmitted image is preferentially extracted and displayed. The more recent images that have been sent, the more likely that the user's memory will be certain. Therefore, by extracting and displaying such recently sent images with priority, the user's misdesignation of the destination is suppressed. be able to.

  Next, the user is inquired about whether or not to change the currently set transmission schedule setting condition (S505). When changing (S505: Yes), after obtaining the changed transmission setting condition (S506), If the present process is terminated and no change is made (S505: No), the present process is terminated.

  If it is determined in S503 that the user has not selected a specific display (S503: No), the phonebook 50 is displayed in the left column 41a of the LCD 41 (S507), and the phonebook 50 is displayed by a normal method. The user waits for the destination to be instructed by the user, sets the destination to the destination instructed by the user (S508), and ends this processing.

  Next, a second embodiment of the incomplete matching process (S417) described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the incomplete matching process of the second embodiment. In the first embodiment described above, a case has been described in which thumbnails and addresses of recently transmitted images are extracted and displayed as destination candidates 52. However, in the second embodiment, each item of the transmission schedule setting condition is completely Although there is no match, a transmitted setting condition that matches at least one of the items of the transmission schedule setting condition is extracted, and a transmitted image associated with the transmitted setting condition is set as the destination candidate 52 Extract and display. Even in such a configuration, it is possible to extract and display a transmission destination candidate that is presumed to be correct as a transmission destination candidate of the scheduled transmission data.

  Similar to the incomplete match process of the first embodiment described above, the incomplete match process of the second embodiment is also transmitted in accordance with the transmission schedule setting condition acquired in S402 in S406 shown in the flowchart of FIG. This process is executed when the setting condition does not exist (S406: No) and when it is determined that the re-extraction 51g is pressed in S411 (S411: Yes).

  In this process, first, items different from the initial setting conditions are extracted from the transmission schedule setting conditions (S601). That is, among the setting items that constitute the transmission schedule setting conditions (concentration conditions, resolution conditions, and Black / Color), the setting items that differ in value from the setting items that configure the transmission initial setting conditions are particularly those of the transmission schedule data. It is often the setting item where the spot color appears most often. Therefore, by first specifying the setting item and extracting the transmitted setting condition including the setting item, it is possible to extract a transmission destination candidate that is presumed to be more correct.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the extracted item is a density setting (S602). If the density setting is a density setting (S602: Yes), a transmitted setting condition having the same density setting as the transmission scheduled setting condition is set from the transmitted FAX data memory 24b. Extract (S603). Next, it is determined whether there is a transmission setting condition having the same resolution setting as the transmission schedule setting condition in the extracted transmission setting condition (S604). If it exists (S604: Yes), the transmission is performed. Finished setting conditions are extracted (S605). Then, the thumbnails and addresses of the transmitted images stored in association with the extracted transmission setting conditions are displayed as destination candidates 52 on the left column 41a of the LCD 41 (S606).

  If there is no transmission setting condition that has the same resolution setting as the transmission schedule setting condition (S604: No), the transmitted image stored in association with the transmission setting condition extracted in S603 is stored. The thumbnail and the address are displayed on the left column 41a of the LCD 41 as the destination candidate 52 (S606).

  As for the density condition, the spot color of the scheduled transmission data is likely to appear, and the transmitted setting condition having the density condition that matches the density condition of the scheduled transmission data is extracted preferentially and is associated with the transmitted setting condition. By displaying the thumbnails and addresses of the transmitted images with priority, it is possible to efficiently display destination candidates that are presumed to be correct.

  On the other hand, in S602, if the extracted item is not the density setting (S602: No), it is determined whether the extracted item is the resolution setting (S607). If the extracted item is the resolution setting (S607: Yes), the transmission schedule setting condition The transmission setting conditions having the same resolution setting as that of the transmitted FAX data memory 24b are extracted from the transmitted FAX data memory 24b (S608), and the thumbnails and addresses of the transmitted images stored in association with the extracted transmission setting conditions are set as destinations. The candidate 52 is displayed on the left column 41a of the LCD 41 (S606).

  In S607, if the extracted item is not the resolution setting (S607: No), it is determined whether the extracted item is the Black / Color setting (S609). If the extracted item is the Black / Color setting (S609: Yes), The transmitted setting condition that is the same black / color setting as the scheduled transmission setting condition is extracted from the transmitted FAX data memory 24b (S610), and the thumbnail of the transmitted image that is stored in association with the extracted transmitted setting condition. Are displayed on the left column 41a of the LCD 41 as destination candidates 52 (S606).

  Then, it is determined whether the user has selected a specific display from the displayed destination candidates 52 (S611), and if selected (S611: Yes), a destination determined based on the selected display. The transmission destination is set in (S612).

  Next, the user is inquired about whether or not to change the currently set transmission schedule setting condition (S613). When changing (S613: Yes), after acquiring the changed transmission setting condition (S614), If the present process is terminated and no change is made (S613: No), the present process is terminated.

  If it is determined in S611 that the user has not selected a specific display (S611: No), the phone book 50 is displayed in the left column 41a of the LCD 41 (S615), and the phone book 50 is obtained by a normal method. The user waits for the destination to be instructed by the user, sets the destination to the destination instructed by the user (S616), and ends this processing.

  While the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be easily guessed.

  In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which all the FAX data transmitted by FAX is associated with predetermined information such as destination and date / time data and stored in the transmitted facsimile data memory 24b. Are not required to be stored in the transmitted facsimile data memory 24b. For example, the user may be notified of whether to save the transmitted FAX data, and the user may store the transmitted FAX data only when the user determines that the FAX data is to be stored and inputs that fact.

  In addition, for example, only the most recent FAX data is stored without inquiring of the necessity of storage, or the control is automatically performed so as to store only a total of five FAX data together with the most recent FAX data. You may comprise as follows. In such a case, the required storage capacity of the transmitted facsimile data memory 24b can be reduced as compared with the case where all FAX data is stored.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the transmitted image, the destination, the FAX transmission setting, and the like are displayed on the LCD 41 and output has been described. However, instead of the LCD 41, the transmitted image, the destination, the FAX transmission setting, etc. May be recorded on a recording medium and output. In such a case, the output can be larger than that displayed on the LCD 41 and output.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the data to be transmitted to the counterpart device is transmitted according to the facsimile procedure has been described. However, as the procedure of the data to be transmitted to the counterpart device, e-mail, SMB, FTP, HTTP Data may be transmitted according to a communication procedure such as.

  Further, the communication path is not limited to a telephone line, and the Internet, wired LAN, wireless LAN, Bluetooth, USB, wireless USB, or the like may be used.

1 is an external perspective view of a multifunction machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a FAX transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the incomplete matching process of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the incomplete matching process of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (communication device)
2 Printer (output means)
40 Operation keys (input means)
31 NCU (part of transmission means)
24b Transmitted FAX data memory (first storage means)
24c Initial setting condition memory (second storage means)
41 LCD (output means, display device)
S402 Acquisition means S405 First extraction means S407 First extraction means S409 Setting means S501 Second extraction means S502 Second extraction means S504 Setting means S601 Second extraction means S603 Second extraction means S605 Second extraction means S608 Second extraction means S610 Second extraction means S606 Second extraction means S612 Setting means

Claims (18)

In a communication device that communicates with a counterpart device,
A transmission means for transmitting data to the counterpart device;
The transmission condition that indicates the setting condition regarding the transmitted data that has been transmitted by the transmission means is stored in association with the transmitted destination that indicates the destination device that has transmitted the data according to the transmitted condition. First storage means;
An acquisition means for acquiring a transmission schedule condition indicating a setting condition relating to transmission schedule data which is data to be transmitted by the transmission means;
A communication apparatus comprising: a first extraction unit that extracts a transmission destination stored in association with the transmission condition that matches the transmission schedule condition acquired by the acquisition unit. The transmitted condition and the scheduled transmission condition are composed of a plurality of types of setting items,
The first extracting means stores all setting items constituting the scheduled transmission condition in association with the transmitted condition on condition that the value matches the setting item constituting the transmitted condition. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a transmission destination is extracted.   If the transmission destination is not extracted by the first extraction means, a condition that at least one of the setting items constituting the scheduled transmission condition matches the value of the setting item constituting the transmitted condition The communication apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a second extraction unit that extracts a transmitted destination associated with the transmitted condition. A second storage means for storing a preset initial setting condition;
When the transmission destination is not extracted by the first extraction unit, a setting item having a value different from the setting item constituting the transmission initial setting condition is specified from among the setting items constituting the transmission scheduled condition. And a second extraction means for extracting a transmitted destination associated with a transmitted condition composed of a setting item including a setting item whose value matches the specified setting item. Item 4. The communication device according to Item 2 or 3.   5. The communication according to claim 3, wherein the second extraction unit preferentially extracts a transmission destination that is associated with a transmission condition having a setting item that has many matching setting items. 6. apparatus. The first storage means stores transmission order information indicating the order in which the transmitted data is transmitted in association with the transmitted destination,
When the transmission destination is not extracted by the first extraction unit, a second extraction unit that preferentially extracts the latest transmission destination based on the transmission order information is provided. The communication apparatus according to claim 2. The transmission schedule condition includes, as one of setting items, a density condition related to a density of an image formed by the transmission schedule data,
When the transmission destination is not extracted by the first extraction unit, the transmission condition is associated with the transmission condition including the setting item that matches the density condition among the setting items that constitute the transmission schedule condition. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a second extracting unit that preferentially extracts a transmitted destination. Output means for outputting predetermined information,
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first or second extraction unit causes the output unit to output information indicating the extracted transmission destination as a destination candidate. Output means for outputting predetermined information,
The first storage means stores transmitted data that is data transmitted to the transmitted destination in association with the transmitted destination,
The first or second extraction unit causes the output unit to output information indicated by the transmitted data stored in association with the extracted transmitted destination as a destination candidate. The communication apparatus in any one of 8-8. Output means for outputting predetermined information,
The first storage means stores transmitted data that is data transmitted to the transmitted destination in association with the transmitted destination,
The first or second extraction means associates information indicated by the extracted transmitted destination with information indicated by the transmitted data stored in association with the extracted transmitted destination. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the information as a destination candidate.   The first or second extraction means prioritizes information indicated by the transmitted destination extracted with priority or information indicated by transmitted data stored in association with the transmitted destination extracted with priority. The communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the output unit outputs the information as a destination candidate. An input means for inputting an instruction from the user;
Based on the destination candidate selected by the user via the input unit, a destination counterpart device that transmits the transmission schedule data according to the scheduled transmission condition is set from the destination candidates output to the output unit The communication apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a setting unit configured to perform the setting. When a plurality of destination candidates are selected via the input unit, the setting unit sets all the selected candidates as destination devices of the transmission destination,
13. The communication apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the transmission unit transmits the transmission schedule data to all the counterpart devices set by the setting unit according to the transmission schedule condition. The output means is configured by adjoining two display devices having a display screen of the same size capable of displaying predetermined information,
The first or second extraction unit displays the destination candidate on the other display device in a state where the information indicated by the scheduled transmission condition is displayed on one of the display devices. 14. The communication device according to any one of 13.   The communication device according to claim 14, wherein the display screen of the display device is configured in a rectangular shape having an aspect ratio of 3 to 4.   When the first or second extraction unit displays a plurality of destination candidates, if a predetermined number or more is not displayed and an instruction to display another destination candidate is received from the user via the input unit, The communication apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the remaining destination candidates are displayed within the predetermined number.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the transmission schedule data along a facsimile procedure. In a communication method for communicating with a counterpart device,
A transmission step of transmitting data to the counterpart device;
A storing step for storing a transmission completion condition indicating a setting condition relating to transmitted data that has been transmitted by the transmission step, and a transmission destination indicating a transmission destination counterpart device that is transmitted in accordance with the transmission completion condition;
An acquisition step of acquiring a transmission schedule condition indicating a setting condition related to transmission schedule data to be transmitted by the transmission step;
A communication method comprising: an extracting step of extracting a transmitted destination stored in association with the transmitted condition that matches the scheduled transmission condition acquired in the acquiring step.

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