JP2009207010A - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile machine capable of easily recognizing, during memory transmission, the transmission status of image data in real time. <P>SOLUTION: A network multifunction peripheral 1 includes: a reading part 12 which reads a document and generates image data; a CODEC 14 that codes and compresses the generated image data; a memory part 15 for storing the coded and compressed image data; a modem 16 for performing memory transmission of the stored image data; an NCU 17; and a display part 18 for displaying an image indicating a page of the document being transmitted and the portion being transmitted, when memory transmission is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having a memory transmission function.

In recent years, facsimile apparatuses having a so-called memory transmission function in which image data read from a document is temporarily stored in the memory of the apparatus and then transmitted are widely used. Patent Document 1 discloses a color facsimile system having such a memory transmission function, which can display waiting information of a document waiting for transmission and result information already transmitted.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-8983

  When transmitting image data using the memory transmission function, unlike so-called scanner transmission, which transmits while reading a document, whether or not the document has been sent and how far the transmission has progressed, etc. It was difficult to recognize the situation. According to the color facsimile system described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to display waiting information of a document waiting for transmission and result information already transmitted, but it is considered that the transmission status during memory transmission is displayed in real time. Not. Therefore, a technique that can easily recognize the transmission state of a document during memory transmission has been desired.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus capable of easily recognizing a document transmission state in real time during memory transmission.

  A facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes a reading generation unit that reads a document and generates image data, a storage unit that stores image data generated by the reading generation unit, and a transmission that transmits the image data stored in the storage unit to a memory. And display means for displaying an image showing a page of a document being transmitted and a transmission location when memory transmission is being performed by the transmission means.

  According to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, when memory transmission is being performed, an image showing the page and transmission location of the document being transmitted is displayed, so that the document at that time is visually and intuitively displayed. Can be recognized. For this reason, it is possible to easily recognize the transmission state of the document in real time during the memory transmission.

  In the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the display means displays an image indicating a page and a line of a transmitted document and an image indicating a page and a line of an untransmitted document during memory transmission.

  In this way, it is possible to express that the original is being transmitted to the receiving facsimile apparatus by moving the original image (image). Therefore, it is possible to recognize the transmission state of the document at a glance.

  In the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, the display unit displays the image based on the total number of pages of the read original, the data size of the generated image data, and the amount of transmitted image data during the memory transmission. It is preferable to display.

  In this way, as the image data is transmitted, it is possible to display and update an image indicating the document transmission status in real time.

  According to the present invention, since the image indicating the page and the transmission location of the document being transmitted is displayed, the transmission status of the document can be easily recognized in real time during memory transmission.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same element and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. Here, a case where the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment is mounted on a network multifunction device will be described as an example.

  First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the network MFP 1 in which the facsimile apparatus is mounted will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network multifunction device 1.

  The network multifunction device 1 has functions of a printer, a scanner, and a copy in addition to a network compatible facsimile and IFAX (Internet facsimile) function. In order to realize these functions, the network MFP 1 includes a control unit 10, an operation unit 11, a reading unit 12, a recording unit 13, a codec 14, a storage unit 15, a modem 16, an NCU 17, a display unit 18, and an IFAX control unit. 19, a Web server 20, a LAN interface 21, and the like. Each unit is connected to be communicable with each other via a communication line 22.

  The control unit 10 includes a microprocessor that performs calculations, a ROM that stores programs for causing the microprocessor to execute each process, a RAM that temporarily stores various data such as calculation results, and the like. The control unit 10 executes the program stored in the ROM, thereby realizing the functions of each unit constituting the network multifunction device 1 described below and integrating other hardware constituting the network multifunction device 1. Control.

  The operation unit 11 includes keys used for using each function of the network multifunction peripheral 1 including a facsimile function, such as a numeric keypad, an abbreviated key, a start key, and various function keys. The user can perform facsimile transmission (memory transmission) by setting a document, inputting a destination facsimile number using a numeric keypad or an abbreviated key, and then depressing a start key. In addition, the user can set the time for executing the memory transmission by using a function key and a numeric keypad.

  The reading unit 12 includes a light source, a CCD, and the like, and reads a document such as a paper document for each line according to a set sub-scanning line density, and generates image data. The recording unit 13 is an electrophotographic printer, and prints out image data read by the reading unit 12, image data received by a facsimile, and the like on a sheet.

  The codec 14 encodes and compresses the image data read by the reading unit 12 (hereinafter simply referred to as “encoding”) and decodes the encoded image data. The reading unit 12 and the codec 14 described above correspond to the reading generation unit described in the claims. As an encoding method, MH (Modified Huffman), MR (Modified READ (relative element address designate)), MMR (Modified Modified READ), or the like is used.

  The storage unit 15 is configured by a DRAM or the like, and stores image data encoded by the codec 14. That is, the storage unit 15 functions as a storage unit described in the claims. In addition, when the document is read by the reading unit 12, the storage unit 15 stores the total number of pages of the read document and associates the encoded image data size of each page with the document (image data). And remember.

  The modem (modem / demodulator) 16 performs modulation / demodulation between the digital signal and the analog signal. The modem 16 generates and detects various function information such as a digital command signal (DCS). The NCU (Network Control Unit) 17 is connected to the modem 16 and controls the connection between the modem 16 and the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 100. The NCU 17 has a function of sending a call signal corresponding to a destination facsimile number and detecting the incoming call. That is, the modem 16 and the NCU 17 function as transmission means described in the claims.

  The display unit 18 is a display device using an LCD or the like, and displays the operation state of the network multifunction peripheral 1 and / or various setting contents. In addition, the display unit 18 may, for example, based on the total number of pages of the read document, the number of transmitted pages, the encoded image data size of each page, and the amount of transmitted image data during memory transmission. Then, an image showing the page of the document being transmitted and the transmission location is displayed. More specifically, an image showing pages and lines of a document that has already been transmitted and an image showing pages and lines of a document that has not been transmitted are displayed side by side. That is, the display unit 18 functions as display means described in the claims.

  The IFAX control unit 19 uses the Internet environment, and transmits the read transmission document as TIFF / PDF format image data attached to a mail. Further, the IFAX control unit 19 receives mail from the POP server every set time and automatically prints out. The Web server 20 makes it possible to access a data such as a home page, a login page, and a facsimile operation page described in HTML from a client terminal and execute a predetermined HTTP task. The LAN interface 21 is an interface through which the network MFP 1 is communicably connected to the LAN 101. The LAN 101 is connected to the Internet 102 via the router 30.

  Next, the operation of the network multifunction device 1, particularly the display operation during memory transmission will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a communication procedure of facsimile communication by the network multifunction device 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example during dialing (during a call). FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example when the first page of the document is transmitted, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example when the second page of the document is transmitted. Here, a case where three originals are transmitted in memory in the G3 mode will be described as an example. Needless to say, the number of documents is not limited to three, and the communication mode is not limited to the G3 mode.

  After a document to be sent is set in an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), memory transmission is selected on the operation unit 11 (not required when memory transmission is set by default) and a destination facsimile number is input. When the start key is depressed, the network MFP 1 sequentially reads the set originals with the reading unit 12, encodes the read image data with the codec 14, and temporarily stores (accumulates) the data in the storage unit 15. . When the set original is read, the number of read originals (number of pages) is counted and stored. Further, when encoding is performed, the data size of the encoded image data is detected and stored for each page.

  Subsequently, after the line is connected by the NCU 17, the network multifunction peripheral 1 transmits the image data stored in the storage unit 15 to the destination facsimile machine via the modem 16 and the NCU 17. Details will be described below.

The transmission procedure of G3 facsimile is ITU-T T.264. The image data transmission / reception is realized by transitioning from the next phase A to phase E.
Phase A: Call setup procedure (outgoing and outgoing call control)
Phase B: Pre-message procedure Phase C: Message transmission Phase D: Post message procedure Phase E: Call release procedure (line disconnection)

  In phase A, a connection is established between the network MFP 1 (originating terminal) and the receiving side (transmission destination) facsimile apparatus (destination terminal). The facsimile machine on the receiving side receives the CNG signal (calling tone: 1100 Hz) or returns a CED signal (called station identification signal: 2100 Hz) 1.8 to 2.5 seconds after being connected to the line.

  Subsequently, in phase B, functions are identified and communication conditions are selected. After receiving the CED signal, the facsimile machine on the receiving side transmits a DIS signal indicating the capability of the own machine. The network multifunction device 1 selects a function to be used for transmission from among the capabilities indicated by the DIS signal, and transmits it to the receiving facsimile apparatus using the DCS signal. After transmitting the DCS signal, the network multifunction device 1 transmits a training signal (TCF signal) for switching to a high-speed modem. When the receiving facsimile apparatus receives the TCF signal and finishes adjusting the modem, it transmits a CFR signal indicating that reception preparation is completed.

  Here, the example of a display of the display part 18 in the phase A and the phase B is shown in FIG. In these phases, since the document (image data) has not been transmitted yet, the stored image indicating the three documents is displayed on the display unit 18 based on the number of pages of the document counted at the time of reading. Is done. The display unit 18 also displays character information (“dialing”) indicating the communication status.

  Returning to FIG. 2, in the subsequent phase C, the image data (encoded data) stored in the storage unit 15 is transmitted. In other words, when receiving the CFR signal, the network multifunction peripheral 1 transmits the image data of the first page via the modem 16 and the NCU 17 (PIX).

  Here, FIG. 4 shows a display example of the display unit 18 when the first page of the document is transmitted. When the first page is transmitted, the transmitted line of the first page is set according to the data size of the image data of the first page stored at the time of encoding and the amount of transmitted image data. The image indicating the unsent line on the first page and the image indicating the unsent page (second and third pages) are displayed side by side with an arrow indicating the transmission direction. Both images are updated in real time as the image data is transmitted. In other words, an image indicating the transmission location of the document (first page) is displayed while being updated in real time. As a result, the fact that the first page of the document is transmitted to the facsimile machine on the receiving side is expressed by the movement of the document image (image). The display unit 18 also displays character information indicating the communication status (“first page during document transmission”).

  Returning to FIG. 2, in the subsequent phase D, transmission confirmation for one page and transmission procedure (post message procedure) for a plurality of pages are executed. More specifically, after the image data for one page is transmitted, the network MFP 1 transmits an MPS signal when there is a next transmission page, and when the page that has been transmitted immediately before is the last page. Transmits the EOP signal, and when the next page is transmitted after the parameter is changed, the EOM signal is transmitted. When receiving one of the control signals, the receiving facsimile device returns an MCF signal indicating confirmation. Thereafter, when an MPS signal is transmitted, the process returns to phase C. When an EOM signal is transmitted, the process returns to phase B, and each phase is repeatedly executed. When the EOP signal is transmitted, the process proceeds to phase E.

  Here, since the second page document exists in the present embodiment, the network multifunction peripheral 1 transmits the MPS signal, receives the MCF signal, and then stores the second page image data stored in the storage unit 15. Is transmitted (PIX).

  Here, FIG. 5 shows a display example of the display unit 18 when the second page of the document is transmitted. When the second page is transmitted, the transmitted line of the second page is set according to the data size of the image data of the second page stored at the time of encoding and the amount of transmitted image data. The image indicating the transmitted page (first page), the image indicating the untransmitted line of the second page, and the image indicating the untransmitted page (third page) sandwich an arrow indicating the transmission direction. Are displayed side by side. Both images are updated in real time as the image data is transmitted. In other words, an image indicating the transmission location of the document (second page) is displayed while being updated in real time. As a result, the fact that the document on the second page is transmitted to the facsimile machine on the receiving side is expressed by the movement of the document image (image). The display unit 18 also displays character information indicating the communication status (“second page during document transmission”).

  Returning to FIG. 2 and continuing the description, after the image data of the second page is transmitted, the above-described phase D and phase C are repeatedly executed, and the image data of the third page is transmitted (PIX). After the image data of the third page is transmitted, the network multifunction device 1 executes the phase D again, and transmits an EOP signal indicating that the page that has been transmitted is the last page. When the facsimile machine on the receiving side receives the EOP signal, it returns an MCF signal indicating confirmation. Thereafter, the process proceeds to phase E.

  In phase E, the network MFP 1 terminates the connection and releases the line. More specifically, the network multifunction peripheral 1 transmits a DCN signal indicating disconnection to disconnect the call.

  According to the present embodiment, when memory transmission is being performed, an image showing the page and transmission location of the document being transmitted is displayed, so the document transmission status at that time is visually and intuitively Can be recognized. For this reason, it is possible to easily recognize the transmission state of the document in real time during the memory transmission.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to express that the original is being transmitted to the receiving facsimile apparatus by moving the original image (image). Therefore, it is possible to recognize the transmission state of the document at a glance.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, as the image data is transmitted, it is possible to display and update an image indicating the document transmission status in real time.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the facsimile according to the present invention is mounted on a network multifunction peripheral, but it goes without saying that it can be applied to a single-function facsimile dedicated machine.

  In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a G3 facsimile. However, the present invention can also be applied to a super G3, a G4 facsimile used in an ISDN line, and the like.

  The present invention can also be applied to direct SMTP for performing direct communication between Internet facsimile terminals without using a mail server. In direct SMTP using e-mail, multi-page TIFF data including multiple pages of image data in one TIFF file is encoded into text data using Base64, added to the e-mail body, and then sent to the SMTP protocol. Will be sent according to. Therefore, unlike the G3 facsimile described above, the page being transmitted cannot be recognized. Therefore, when the present invention is applied to direct SMTP, the above-described image, that is, an image showing a page of a document being transmitted and a transmission location is displayed according to the ratio of the transmitted data amount to the total data size. It is preferable.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network multifunction peripheral in which a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment is mounted. It is a sequence diagram which shows the communication procedure of facsimile communication. It is a figure which shows the example of a display during a dial. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example when the first page of the document is being transmitted. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example when a second page original is being transmitted.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network multifunction device 10 Control part 11 Operation part 12 Reading part 13 Recording part 14 Codec 15 Memory | storage part 16 Modem 17 NCU
18 Display Unit 19 IFAX Control Unit 20 Web Server 21 LAN Interface 30 Router 100 PSTN
101 LAN
102 Internet

Claims (3)

Reading and generating means for reading a document and generating image data;
Storage means for storing the image data generated by the reading generation means;
Transmission means for transmitting the image data stored by the storage means in memory;
A facsimile apparatus comprising: display means for displaying an image showing a page of a document being transmitted and a transmission location when memory transmission is being performed by the transmission means.   2. The facsimile according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays an image indicating a page and a line of a transmitted document and an image indicating a page and a line of an untransmitted document during memory transmission. apparatus. The display means displays the image based on the total number of pages of the read original, the data size of the generated image data, and the amount of transmitted image data during memory transmission. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

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