JP2010045743A - Communication system, server device, and client device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system, a server device, and a client device, capable of preventing the output of received facsimile information from being left over a long time. <P>SOLUTION: In this communication system in the first embodiment, when a person is detected by a human sensor 40 in each client-side MFP 31, a human detection report showing that a person has been detected is reported to a server-side MFP 1. When receiving document data transmitted from an external device 300 on the server-side MFP 1, the document data is transferred to the client-side MFP 31 which has reported the human detection report recently. Thereby the document data can be transferred to the client-side MFP 31 around which a person is most likely to exist, thereby the transferred document data is output in the client-side MFP 31, and the document can be prevented from being left over a long time (for instance, one or two days). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, a server device, and a client device.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-83714 (Patent Document 1), an output device (for example, a facsimile machine) capable of transferring facsimile information is stored in advance. A facsimile apparatus for transferring facsimile information to another output device is disclosed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-83714

  However, it is possible to quickly output the facsimile information received by the own device without accumulating it by detecting the unprintable state in the own device and transferring the facsimile information to another output device stored in advance. If there is no person around the other output device, there is a problem that even if the facsimile information is output quickly, the output printed matter is left unattended for a long time.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a communication system, a server apparatus, and a client apparatus that can prevent the output of received facsimile information from being left for a long time. .

  To achieve this object, the communication system according to claim 1 includes a server device that receives facsimile information transmitted from an external device and a client device that receives facsimile information transmitted from the server device. The client device includes a detection unit that detects a human body, a detection determination unit that determines whether or not a human body is detected by the detection unit, and a detection unit that determines that a human body is detected by the detection determination unit. Notification means for notifying the server device of the detection of the human body, and the server device is stored in received information storage means for storing facsimile information received from the external device, and in the received information storage means. Facsimile information transmitting means for transmitting facsimile information to the client apparatus that has notified the detection of the human body It is equipped with a.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the communication system according to the first aspect, the server device is configured to be capable of transmitting facsimile information stored in the received information storage means to a plurality of client devices. An order storage means for storing, when detecting the detection of the human body, the order in which the detection of the human body is notified and the identification information for identifying the client device that has notified the detection of the human body in association with each other; And the identification information acquisition means for acquiring the identification information with the latest order among the identification information stored in the order storage means, wherein the facsimile information transmission means is the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means. Facsimile information stored in the received information storage means is transmitted to the client device identified by.

  The communication system according to claim 3 is the communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the server device is a client in which an elapsed time after receiving the notification of detection of the human body is equal to or longer than a first predetermined time. A transmission prohibiting means for prohibiting transmission of facsimile information by the facsimile information transmitting means to the apparatus, wherein the facsimile information transmitting means detects a new human body after the prohibition means prohibits transmission of the facsimile information. When the notification is detected, the facsimile information is transmitted to the client apparatus that has notified the detection of the new human body.

  The communication system according to claim 4 is the communication system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the server device and the client device are configured to be connectable via a telephone line network, and the notification unit of the client device includes: When it is determined that the human body is detected by the detection determination means, a request transmission means for transmitting a request signal for requesting connection start with the server device via the telephone line network, and the request transmission means by the request transmission means After transmitting a signal, when a ringing signal transmitted at predetermined intervals corresponding to the request signal is received a predetermined number of times via the telephone line network, a connection corresponding to the request signal transmitted by the request transmission means Request canceling means for canceling the request for starting, and the server device is transmitted at predetermined intervals corresponding to the request signal transmitted from the client device. A response transmission means for transmitting a response signal via the telephone line network to the client apparatus that has transmitted the request signal when a connection with the client apparatus is established after receiving the incoming call signal; If the number of times the call signal is received is equal to or less than a predetermined number before the response signal is transmitted by the step, the identification information of the client device that has transmitted the request signal is acquired, and the acquired identification information is associated with the order. And first storage execution means for storing in the order storage means.

  The communication system according to claim 5 is the communication system according to claim 4, wherein each time the server device receives the call signal, the server device rings a ringing tone, and rings the ringing tone by the ringing unit. And ringing prohibiting means for prohibiting until the predetermined number of ringing signals are received.

  A communication system according to a sixth aspect is the communication system according to the second or third aspect, wherein the server device and the client device are configured to be connectable via an Internet line, and the notification unit of the client device includes When it is determined that the human body is detected by the detection determination means, human body detection information including identification information for identifying the own device is transmitted to the server device via the Internet line as information indicating the detection of the human body. And the server device receives the human body detection information transmitted from the client device via the Internet line, acquires the identification information included in the human body detection information, and associates the acquired identification information with the order. And second storage execution means for storing in the order storage means.

  The identification information included in the human body detection information in claim 6 includes an address (for example, an IP address) on the Internet line of the client device, an ID determined for each client device, and an Internet line of the client device. A character string indicating a name is exemplified. In addition, since the human body detection information only needs to include information that can identify the client device, the human body detection information may be configured by combining one of address, ID, and character string, or at least one or more.

  A communication system according to a seventh aspect is the communication system according to the second or third aspect, wherein the server device and the client device are configured to be connectable via an Internet line, and the detection determination unit of the client device includes: A means for reading an ID card storing personal information for identifying an individual; and when the personal information is read by the reading means, it is determined that the human body has been detected, and the notification means for the client device When the personal information is read by the reading means, personal detection information including the read personal information and identification information for identifying the own device is transmitted to the server device via the Internet line, The server device stores in advance personal information that permits transmission of facsimile information by the facsimile information transmitting means. Personal information storage means, and when receiving personal detection information transmitted from the client device via the Internet line, the personal information included in the received personal detection information is stored in the personal information storage means. Personal information determining means for determining whether or not the personal information included in the personal detection information received from the client device by the personal information determining means is stored in the personal information storage means And third storage execution means for acquiring personal information and identification information included in the personal detection information, and storing the acquired personal information and identification information in the order storage means in association with the order. ing.

  The identification information included in the personal detection information in claim 7 includes an address (for example, an IP address) on the Internet line of the client device, an ID determined for each client device, and a name on the Internet line of the client device. The character string etc. which are shown are illustrated. In addition, since the personal detection information only needs to include information that can identify the client device, the personal detection information may be configured by combining one of the address, ID, and character string, or at least one or more.

  The communication system according to claim 8 is the communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the client device notifies the detection of a human body by the notification means for a second predetermined time. Even if a human body is newly detected by the detection means, a notification prohibiting means for prohibiting notification of the detection of the human body to the server device is provided.

  The communication system according to claim 9 is the communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the server device stores a transmission history when the server device transmits facsimile information to the client device. Storage means and output means for outputting the transmission history stored in the history storage means to the outside.

  For output by the output means, the server device may print the transmission history, or the server device may be provided with a display unit to display the transmission history on the display unit, or the transmission history may be transmitted to the client device. The transmission history may be printed on the client device, or the transmission history may be displayed on the display unit of the client device.

  The server device according to claim 10 is capable of receiving facsimile information transmitted from an external device, and capable of transmitting the received facsimile information to an external client device, and storing the facsimile information received from the external device. Information storage means, notification storage means for storing a human body detection notification transmitted when a human body is detected from the client device, and a client that has transmitted the human body detection notification stored in the notification storage means Facsimile information transmission means for transmitting facsimile information stored in the reception information storage means to the apparatus.

  The client device according to claim 11 is capable of receiving facsimile information from a server device that receives facsimile information transmitted from an external device, detecting means for detecting a human body, and whether or not a human body is detected by the detecting means. A detection determination unit that determines whether a human body has been detected by the detection determination unit, a notification unit that notifies the server device of the detection of the human body, and a notification unit that notifies the detection of the human body And facsimile information receiving means for receiving facsimile information transmitted from the server apparatus.

  According to the communication system of the first aspect, in the client device, when the human body is detected by the detection unit and the detection determination unit determines that the human body is detected, the detection of the human body is performed by the notification unit to the server device. Be notified. On the other hand, in the server device, the facsimile information received from the external device is stored in the reception information storage means, and the facsimile information stored in the reception information storage means transmits the facsimile information to the client device that has notified the detection of the human body. Transmitted by means. Therefore, the server apparatus receives the facsimile information transmitted from the external apparatus, and the received facsimile information is transmitted to the client apparatus in which the human body is detected, so that the facsimile information is output in the client apparatus (for example, The printed facsimile information can be recognized by the users around the client device. Therefore, there is an effect that the output of the facsimile information received by the server device can be prevented from being left for a long time.

  According to the communication system of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the communication system according to the first aspect, when the server device detects the notification of the detection of the human body, the order in which the detection of the human body is notified, The identification information for identifying the client device that has notified the detection is associated with and stored in the order storage means, and the identification information having the latest order among the identification information stored in the order storage means is acquired by the identification information acquisition means. The The facsimile information stored in the received information storage means is transmitted by the facsimile information transmission means to the client apparatus identified by the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means among the plurality of client apparatuses. Here, even if a notification of human body detection is received from the client device, there is a possibility that there is no user around the client device if a long time has elapsed since the notification of human body detection was received. However, since the server apparatus transmits facsimile information to the client apparatus with the latest notification order of human body detection transmitted from the client apparatus, there is a possibility that there is a user around the client apparatus that transmitted the facsimile information. As a result, the output of facsimile information can be prevented from being left for a long time.

  According to the communication system according to claim 3, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication system according to claim 1 or 2, in the server device, the elapsed time after detecting the notification of detection of the human body is the first predetermined time. The transmission of the facsimile information by the facsimile information transmitting unit to the client apparatus as described above is prohibited by the transmission prohibiting unit. Then, after the transmission prohibition means prohibits the transmission of the facsimile information, when a notification of detection of a new human body is detected, the facsimile information transmission means transmits the facsimile information to the client apparatus that has notified the detection of the new human body. Sent. Therefore, when it is highly likely that the first predetermined time has passed since the detection of the detection of the human body and there is no user around the client device, transmission of facsimile information to the client device is prohibited. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to reduce the possibility that the facsimile information output in the client apparatus is left for a long time.

  Further, when the notification of the detection of a new human body is detected after the transmission of the facsimile information is prohibited by the transmission prohibiting means, the facsimile information transmitting means transmits the facsimile information to the client apparatus that has notified the detection of the new human body. Therefore, the facsimile information can be transmitted as quickly as possible to the client devices around the user while preventing the facsimile information from being continuously stored in the server device.

  According to the communication system of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication system according to the second or third aspect, in the client device, when it is determined that the human body is detected by the detection determination unit, the communication is performed via the telephone line network. A request signal for requesting the start of connection with the server device is transmitted by the request transmitting means, and after the request signal is transmitted by the request transmitting means, a ringing signal is transmitted at predetermined intervals corresponding to the request signal Is received a predetermined number of times via the telephone line network, the request for connection start according to the request signal transmitted by the request transmission means is canceled by the request cancellation means. On the other hand, in the server device, when the connection with the client device is established after receiving the call signal transmitted at predetermined intervals corresponding to the request signal transmitted from the client device, the client that has transmitted the request signal A response signal is transmitted to the apparatus by the response transmission means via the telephone line network. If the number of times the call signal is received is equal to or less than the predetermined number before the response transmission means is transmitted by the response transmission means, The transmitted identification information of the client device is acquired, and the order is associated with the acquired identification information and stored in the order storage unit.

  Thus, as soon as the client device receives the in-call signal transmitted in response to the request signal for a predetermined number of times, the connection start request corresponding to the request signal is canceled. Since the identification information of the client device can be stored in the order storage means, the notification of detection of the human body can be detected based on the transmission of the request signal from the client device. Generally, in a telephone line network, charging is performed when a connection between a server device and a client device is established. However, the server device notifies the detection of a human body before the connection between the server device and the client device is established. Since it can be detected, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent being charged when notification of detection of a human body from a client device is performed via a telephone line network.

  According to the communication system of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication system according to the fourth aspect, in the server device, the ringing sound is sounded by the sounding means every time a call signal is received via the telephone line network. However, until a predetermined number of ringing signals are received, ringing of the ringing sound by the ringing means is prohibited by the ringing prohibiting means. Therefore, when the notification of the human body is notified from the client device via the telephone line network, the ringing sound is not sounded by the sounding means, so that an operation for establishing a connection between the client device and the server device (for example, The operation of picking up the handset) can be suppressed from being performed by the user on the server side, and there is an effect that it is possible to reliably prevent billing when notification of human body detection from the client device is performed via the telephone line network.

  Also, if a ringing tone is sounded each time a human body detection notification is made from the client device, the user around the server device feels uncomfortable, but the ringing sound corresponding to the human body detection notification is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the users around the server device from feeling uncomfortable.

  According to the communication system of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication system according to the second or third aspect, when the client apparatus determines that the human body is detected by the detection determination means, the detection of the human body is performed. Human body detection information including identification information for identifying the own device as information to be transmitted is transmitted to the server device via the Internet line. When the server device receives the human body detection information transmitted from the client device via the Internet line, The identification information included in the human body detection information is acquired, and the order is associated with the acquired identification information and stored in the order storage unit. Therefore, since the human body detection notification can be determined and the client device can be identified by the human body detection information transmitted from the client device via the Internet line, the human body detection notification and the client device can be easily identified. There is an effect that can be done.

  According to the communication system of the seventh aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication system according to the second or third aspect, in the client device, when the ID card storing the personal information for identifying the individual is read by the reading unit Then, it is determined that the human body has been detected by the detection determination means, and personal detection information including the read personal information and identification information for identifying the own device is transmitted to the server device via the Internet line. On the other hand, in the server device, personal information that allows transmission of facsimile information by the facsimile information transmission unit is stored in the personal information storage unit in advance, and when personal detection information transmitted from the client device via the Internet line is received, The personal information determination means determines whether or not the personal information included in the received personal detection information is stored in the personal information storage means. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the received personal information is stored in the personal information storage means, the personal information and identification information included in the personal detection information are acquired, and the acquired personal information and identification are acquired. The information is stored in order storage means in association with the order. Therefore, since the server apparatus transmits not only a person around the client apparatus but also a person around the client apparatus is a person who permits the transmission of the facsimile information, the facsimile information is transmitted. There is an effect that facsimile information that is not desired to be recognized can be prevented from being recognized by a person other than a specific individual.

  According to the communication system of the eighth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the client device notifies the detection of the human body by the notification means for a second predetermined time. In the meantime, even if a human body is newly detected by the detecting means, notification of human body detection to the server device is prohibited by the notification prohibiting means. Here, if a notification of detection of a human body is made from the client device to the server device every time a human body is detected by the detection means, both the client device and the server device are burdened with control. However, since the notification of a new human body detection from the client device to the server device is prohibited during the second predetermined time after the notification of the detection of the human body is made, the control burden on the client device and the server device can be reduced. There is an effect.

  According to the communication system of the ninth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the server apparatus transmits a transmission history when facsimile information is transmitted to the client apparatus. Is stored in the history storage means, and the transmission history stored in the history storage means is output to the outside by the output means. Therefore, it is possible to confirm the client device to which the facsimile information is transmitted by confirming the communication history output by the output means.

  According to the server device of the tenth aspect, the facsimile information received from the external device is stored in the reception information storage unit, and the notification of the human body detection transmitted when the human body is detected from the client device is stored in the notification storage unit. Is done. Then, the facsimile information stored in the received information storage unit is transmitted by the facsimile information transmitting unit to the client apparatus that has transmitted the notification of human body detection stored in the notification storage unit. Therefore, the server device can transmit facsimile information to a client device having a user around the client device, so that it is possible to suppress the output of the facsimile information from being left for a long time in the client device that is the transmission destination. is there.

  According to the client device of the eleventh aspect, when the human body is detected by the detection unit and the detection determination unit determines that the human body is detected by the detection unit, the notification of the human body is notified to the server device by the notification unit. Is done. When the facsimile information is transmitted from the server device that has notified the detection of the human body by the notification means, the facsimile information is received by the reception means. Therefore, when there is a user around the client device, the facsimile information can be received from the server device, so that the output of the received facsimile information can be prevented from being left for a long time.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a multifunction peripheral device having a server device according to the first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “server-side MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)”) 1 and a client device. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration with 31 (hereinafter referred to as “client-side MFP”).

  The communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a facsimile transfer system including a single server-side MFP 1 and a plurality of client-side MFPs 31. Each client-side MFP 31 includes a human sensor that detects a person. When a person is detected, the server-side MFP 1 is notified of a person detection notification indicating that a person has been detected, and the server-side MFP 1 sends image data (original image data) transmitted from the external device 300 ( (Hereinafter referred to as “document data”), the document data is transferred to the client-side MFP 31 that has notified the person detection notification most recently. In other words, according to the facsimile transfer system of the present embodiment, the document data received by the server-side MFP 1 can be transferred to the client-side MFP 31 where there is a high possibility that there is a person, so (2 days) can be left unattended.

  As shown in FIG. 1, server-side MFP 1, a plurality of client-side MFPs 31, and external device 300 are each connected to telephone line network 100. The server-side MFP 1 is configured to be capable of facsimile communication with any one of the client-side MFPs 31 or the external device 300 via the telephone line network 100. Further, the server side MFP 1 and the plurality of client side MFPs 31 are each connected to the Internet 200 and configured to be capable of data communication with each other via the Internet 200. The server side MFP 1 and each client side MFP 31 also have various functions such as a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a number display function.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the server-side MFP 1 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a flash memory 14, an operation key 15, an LCD 16, a LAN interface 17, a clock circuit 18, a scanner 20, a printer 21, a speaker 22, a modem 23, and It mainly has the NCU24.

  The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and flash memory 14 are connected to each other via a bus line 26. Further, the operation key 15, LCD 16, LAN interface 17, clock circuit 18, scanner 20, printer 21, speaker 22, modem 23, NCU 24, and bus line 26 are connected to each other via an input / output port 27. The modem 23 and the NCU 24 are connected to each other.

  The CPU 11 controls various functions of the server-side MFP 1 according to fixed values and programs stored in the ROM 12, RAM 13, and flash memory 14, or various signals transmitted / received via the LAN interface 17, and input / output Each part connected to the port 27 is controlled.

  The ROM 12 is a non-rewritable memory that stores a control program executed by the server-side MFP 1. The setting process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the main process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the client management table update process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the incoming call process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, and the document data transfer process shown in the flowchart of FIG. Each program to be executed is stored in the ROM 12.

  The RAM 13 is a rewritable volatile memory, and is a memory for temporarily storing various data when each operation of the server-side MFP 1 is executed. The flash memory 14 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and the data stored in the flash memory 14 is retained even after the server-side MFP 1 is powered off.

  The flash memory 14 includes a client management table memory 14a, a server information memory 14b, a document data memory 14c, an IP notification reception flag memory 14d, a document data accumulation flag memory 14e, a notification wait flag memory 14f, and a transfer history. A memory 14g is provided. The client management table memory 14a is a memory for storing a client management table indicating information about the client-side MFP 31 that is the transfer destination of document data, and the server information memory 14b is information about the server-side MFP 1 (hereinafter, “ This is a memory for storing "server information".

  Here, the client management table memory 14a will be described with reference to FIG. 2 (a), and then the server information memory 14b will be described with reference to FIG. 2 (b). FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of the client management table stored in the client management table memory 14a.

  The client management table memory 14a is a memory for storing a client management table indicating information about the client-side MFP 31 that is a transfer destination of document data. In the client management table, for example, as shown in FIG. 2A, information about one client-side MFP 31 (hereinafter referred to as “client information”) is stored for each line. One client information includes a client name, a telephone number, an IP address, and a last notification date and time of one client side MFP 31. The final notification date / time indicates the date / time when the server-side MFP 1 last received a person detection notification from one client-side MFP 31.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, one client information includes a client name “A sales office”, a telephone number “03-****-1111”, and an IP address “192. ***. 1 ”and last notification date and time“ 2008/7/2 9:00 ”. In this case, the client side whose name is “A sales office”, the telephone number is “03-****-1111”, and the IP address is “192. ****. 1.1”. This indicates that the date and time when the person detection notification was last received from the MFP 31 is 9:00 on July 2, 2008. The other client information is also explained in the same way, so the explanation is omitted.

  Next, the server information memory 14b will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of server information stored in the server information memory 14b.

  The server information memory 14b is a memory for storing information about the own device (server information). The server information includes the name of the server-side MFP 1 (that is, the name of the own device) and the telephone number (that is, the own device). Phone number) and an IP address (that is, an IP address of the own device). For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the name “head office” (own machine), the telephone number “03-****-9999” (own machine), and the IP address “own machine” 192. ****. 1.99 ”.

  Here, the description returns to FIG. The document data memory 14 c is a memory for storing (accumulating) document data transmitted from the external device 300. The IP notification reception flag memory 14d is a memory for storing an IP notification reception flag.

  The IP notification reception flag indicates whether to receive via the Internet 200 or via the telephone line network 100 when receiving the person detection notification notified from the client-side MFP 31. It is a flag to show. When the IP notification reception flag is on, the person detection notification notified via the Internet 200 is received, and the person detection notification notified via the telephone line network 100 is not received. On the other hand, when the IP notification reception flag is off, the person detection notification notified via the telephone line network 100 is received without receiving the person detection notification notified via the Internet 200.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the notification content and the reception method of the human detection notification (an example of human body detection information) are received via the telephone line network 100 and when received via the Internet 200. Is different. The person detection notification notified via the telephone line network 100 is to receive an incoming call from the client-side MFP 31 (in this embodiment, a one-time call signal), and the telephone number of the client-side MFP 31 is a number. It is to be notified by display information. On the other hand, the person detection notification notified via the Internet 200 is that information such as the IP address of the client-side MFP 31 is notified by an IP packet.

  Specifically, when a person detection notification is notified via the telephone line network 100, when a person is detected by the human sensor 40, the client side MFP 31 makes a call to the server side MFP 1 and from the telephone switchboard. As soon as a ringback tone (ringing tone from the telephone exchange) (an example of a ringing signal) is detected, the connection with the telephone exchange is disconnected. The server-side MFP 1 determines that the person detection notification from the client-side MFP 1 has been received when the incoming call (call signal) from the client-side MFP 31 is only once (one call). In the present embodiment, it is determined that the person detection notification has been received when the incoming call (call signal) is one time, but it is configured so that it can be set to any number of times such as two times or three times. You may do it.

  On the other hand, when the person detection notification is notified via the Internet 200, when the person sensor 40 detects a person in the client-side MFP 31, the name stored in the client information memory 35b (own device), An IP packet for notification of human detection including the phone number (own device) and the IP address (own device) is generated and notified to server-side MFP 1. When the server-side MFP 1 receives a human detection notification from an IP packet transmitted from the client-side MFP 31, the server-side MFP 1 determines that a human detection notification from the client-side MFP 31 has been received.

  The document data accumulation flag memory 14e is a memory for storing a document data accumulation flag. The document data accumulation flag is a flag that is set to ON when document data is stored (accumulated) in the document data memory 14c, and is set to OFF when nothing is stored. That is, it is set to ON when document data is received from the external apparatus 300, and is set to OFF when the received document data is transferred to the client side MFP 31.

  The notification wait flag memory 14f is a memory for storing a notification wait flag. The notification waiting flag is a flag indicating whether or not to defer transfer of document data until a new person detection notification is received. When the notification waiting flag is on, the document data transfer is suspended until a new person detection notification is received. When the notification waiting flag is off, the final notification is made in the client management table (see FIG. 2A). The document data is transferred to the client-side MFP 31 having the latest date and time. The transfer history memory 14g is a memory for storing a transfer result of document data.

  The operation keys 15 are constituted by operation input keys for operating the server-side MFP 1, and various keys such as a client management key 15a, a notification reception method selection key 15b, and numeric keys are provided.

  The client management key 15a is a key for adding or deleting information (client information) about the client-side MFP 31 that is a transfer destination of document data. By operating the client management key 15a, new client information can be added to the client management table in the client management table memory 14a, or existing client information can be deleted from the client management table (see FIG. 3).

  The notification reception method selection key 15b is a key for selecting whether to receive the person detection notification notified from the client-side MFP 31 via the Internet 200 or the telephone line network 100. Each time the notification reception method selection key 15b is pressed, the above-described IP notification reception flag is alternately set on and off (see FIG. 3).

  The operator presses various keys of the operation keys 15 to register (store) information (server information) about the server-side MFP 1 in the server information memory 14b, turn on / off the power, Operations such as switching of each function can be performed.

  The LCD 16 is a liquid crystal display for displaying menus, operation procedures, the status of processing being executed, and the like, and when the operation key 15 is operated, information corresponding to the operation is displayed. As described above, the server-side MFP 1 has a number display function. When an incoming call is received from the external device 300 or the client-side MFP 31 via the telephone network 100, the telephone numbers of the external device 300 or the client-side MFP 31 are displayed on the LCD 16. Is displayed.

  The LAN interface 17 is connected to the Internet 200 by connecting one end of the LAN cable to the connection port of the LAN interface 17 and connecting the other end to a relay device (not shown) such as a hub or a router. This is a known circuit that enables data communication with various devices. The timer circuit 18 is a known circuit having a clock function for marking the current date and time.

  The scanner 20 reads an image from a document set at a predetermined reading position (not shown) and generates image data that can be displayed on the LCD 16 or printed by the printer 21. Image data read by the scanner 20 is stored in a predetermined storage area in the RAM 13.

  The printer 21 is an inkjet printer that prints an image on a recording sheet set at a predetermined paper feed position (not shown). The printer 21 performs color printing by including a print head, a paper feeding device, and a recovery device that use four color inks of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black).

  The speaker 22 converts the input sound signal into a sound and produces a sound. From the speaker 22, a warning sound when an error occurs, a ringing tone corresponding to an incoming call (calling signal) from the external device 300 via the telephone network 100, and a sound signal transmitted from the external device 300 Sound based on it is pronounced.

  The modem 23 modulates image data to be transmitted by the facsimile function into a signal that can be transmitted to the telephone line network 100 and transmits the signal via the NCU 24, or receives a signal input from the telephone line network 100 via the NCU 24. The image data is demodulated so that it can be displayed on the LCD 16 or recorded on a recording sheet by the printer 21. The NCU 24 is connected to the telephone line network 100 and controls the transmission of a dial signal to the telephone line network 100 and the response of a calling signal from the telephone line network 100.

  Next, the client side MFP 31 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the client-side MFP 31 includes a CPU 32, a ROM 33, a RAM 34, a flash memory 35, an operation key 36, an LCD 37, a LAN interface 38, a clock circuit 39, a human sensor 40, a scanner 41, a printer 42, a speaker 43, A modem 44 and an NCU 45 are mainly included.

  The CPU 32, ROM 33, RAM 34, and flash memory 35 are connected to each other via a bus line 46. Further, the operation key 36, LCD 37, LAN interface 38, clock circuit 39, human sensor 40, scanner 41, printer 42, speaker 43, modem 44, NCU 45, and bus line 46 are mutually connected via the input / output port 47. It is connected. The modem 44 and the NCU 45 are connected to each other.

  In the block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the client-side MFP 31, the different parts from the block diagram of the server-side MFP 1 are the ROM 33, the flash memory 35, the operation key 36, and the human sensor 40, so only these different parts are shown. A description will be given, and the description of other identical parts will be omitted.

  The ROM 33 is a non-rewritable memory that stores a control program executed by the client-side MFP 31. Each program for executing the setting process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 and the person detection notification process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is stored in the ROM 33.

  The flash memory 35 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and the data stored in the flash memory 35 is retained even after the client-side MFP 31 is turned off. The flash memory 35 is provided with a server management memory 35a, a client information memory 35b, an IP notification flag memory 35c, and a final notification date / time memory 35d.

  The server management memory 35 a is a memory for storing information (server information) about the server-side MFP 1 that is a notification destination of a person detection notification indicating that a person has been detected by the human sensor 40. The client information memory 35b is a memory for storing information (client information) about the client-side MFP 31.

  Here, the server management memory 35a will be described with reference to FIG. 2C, and then the client information memory 35b will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the contents of server information stored in the server management memory 35a.

  The server management memory 35 a is a memory for storing information (server information) about the server-side MFP 1 that is a notification destination of a person detection notification indicating that a person has been detected by the human sensor 40. For example, the server information “server head office” of the server-side MFP 1, the telephone number “03-***-9999” of the MFP 1, and the server information of the IP address “192. ***. Remembered.

  Next, the client information memory 35b will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of client information stored in the client information memory 35b.

  The client information memory 35b is a memory for storing information about the own machine. As client information, the name of the client-side MFP 31 (ie, the name of the own machine) and the telephone number of the MFP 31 (ie, the phone of the own machine) are stored. Number) and the IP address of the MFP 31 (that is, the IP address of the own machine) are stored. For example, in the case of the client-side MFP 31 installed at the A sales office, as shown in FIG. 2D, the name “A sales office” and the telephone number “03- ***-1111 ”and the client information of the IP address“ 192. ****. 1.1 ”(own device) are stored.

  Here, the description returns to FIG. The IP notification flag memory 35c is a memory for storing an IP notification flag. When the human sensor 40 detects a person, the IP notification flag transmits a person detection notification indicating that a person has been detected to the server side MFP 1 via the Internet 200 or via the telephone line network 100. This is a flag indicating whether to transmit to the server-side MFP 1. When the IP notification flag is on, the person detection notification is transmitted to the server-side MFP 1 via the Internet 200. When the IP notification flag is off, the person detection notification is sent via the telephone line network 100 to the server-side MFP 1. Send to. The final notification date and time memory 35d is a memory for storing the date and time when the person detection notification was last transmitted to the server-side MFP 1.

  The operation keys 36 are constituted by operation input keys for operating the client-side MFP 31. Various keys such as a server management key 36a, a notification method selection key 36b, and numeric keys are provided.

  The server management key 36a is a key for setting information (server information) about the server-side MFP 1 that is the notification destination of the person detection notification (see FIG. 8). The notification method selection key 36b is a key for selecting whether to notify the person detection notification to the server side MFP 1 via the Internet 200 or the telephone line network 100. Each time the notification method selection key 36b is pressed, the above-described IP notification flag is alternately turned on and off (see FIG. 8).

  The operator presses various keys of the operation keys 36 to register (store) information (client information) about the client-side MFP 31 in the client information memory 35b, turn on / off the power, Operations such as switching of each function can be performed. The human sensor 40 includes a known sensor (for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor) that detects infrared rays emitted from a human body (moving object) or the like.

  Next, a setting process executed by the CPU 11 of the server-side MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the setting process of the server-side MFP 1. This setting process is a process for performing various settings such as adding or deleting information (client information) about the client-side MFP 31 that is the transfer destination of document data, and changing the state of the IP notification reception flag. The setting process is a process that is repeatedly executed from when the main power of the server-side MFP 1 is turned on until the main power is turned off.

  In the setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the client management key 15a is pressed (S1). When the client management key 15a is pressed (S1: Yes), information (client information) addition / deletion is set for the client-side MFP 31 as the document data transfer destination in accordance with the key operation of the operator. (S2).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, the client name of the client-side MFP 31, the telephone number of the MFP 31, and the IP address of the MFP 31 are set by the operator. Then, the set result is reflected in the client management table and stored in the client management table memory 14a (S3).

  If the client management key 15a is not pressed in the process of S1 (S1: No), the process of S2 to S3 is skipped and the process proceeds to S4. Next, it is determined whether the notification reception method selection key 15b is pressed (S4). If the notification reception method selection key 15b is pressed (S4: Yes), the IP stored in the IP notification reception flag memory 14d is determined. Change the state of the notification reception flag. Specifically, if the IP notification reception flag is on, it is set to off, and if the IP notification reception flag is off, it is set to on.

  In the process of S4, when the notification reception method selection key 15b is not pressed (S4: No), the process of S5 is skipped, the process returns to S1, and the above-described processes of S1 to S5 are repeated.

  Next, a main process executed by the CPU 11 of the server-side MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing of the server-side MFP 1. This main process is a process for receiving the document data transmitted from the external apparatus 300 and transferring the received document data to the client-side MFP 31 that has notified the person detection notification most recently. The main process is a process that is repeatedly executed from when the main power of the server-side MFP 1 is turned on until the main power is turned off.

  In the main process, first, it is determined whether or not the IP notification reception flag stored in the IP notification reception flag memory 14d is on (S11). If the IP notification reception flag is on (S11: Yes), it is determined whether a human detection notification transmitted via the Internet 200, that is, a human detection notification using an IP packet has been received (S12). On the other hand, when the IP notification reception flag is off (S11: No), the process of S12 to S13 is skipped and the process proceeds to S14.

  In the process of S12, when the person detection notification by the IP packet is received (S12: Yes), the client management table update process is executed (S13). On the other hand, when the person detection notification by the IP packet is not received in the process of S12 (S12: No), the process of S13 is skipped and the process proceeds to S14. Although details will be described later, in the client management table update process (S13), when the person detection notification by the IP packet is received, the last notification date and time corresponding to the client-side MFP 31 that has notified the person detection notification in the client management table. Is a process for updating.

  Next, it is determined whether an incoming call from the telephone line network 100 is detected (S14). If an incoming call is detected (S14: Yes), an incoming call process is executed (S15). On the other hand, when the incoming call is not detected (S14: No), the process of S15 is skipped and the process proceeds to S16. As will be described in detail later, the incoming call process (S15) receives the original data transmitted from the external device 300, stores (accumulates) the received original data in the original data memory 14c, and also stores the telephone line network 100. This is a process for updating the date and time of the last notification corresponding to the client-side MFP 31 that has notified the person detection notification in the client management table when the person detection notification is received via.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the document data accumulation flag stored in the document data accumulation flag memory 14e is on (S16). If the document data accumulation flag is on (S16: Yes), the document data to be transferred is stored in the document data memory 14c, so that the notification wait stored in the notification wait flag memory 14f is further stored. It is determined whether the flag is on (S17).

  In the processing of S17, if the notification waiting flag is on (S17: Yes), it is a case where all the last notification dates and times have passed one hour or more from the current date and time in the client management table. There is a low possibility that there are people around. Therefore, even if the original data is transferred to any client-side MFP 31, it is highly likely that the original is left unattended. Therefore, the original data transfer process (S18) for transferring the original data is skipped, and the process returns to S11. The processes of S11 to S17 are repeated.

  On the other hand, in the process of S17, when the notification waiting flag is off (S17: No), the document data transfer process is executed (S18), the process returns to S11, and the above-described processes of S11 to S18 are repeated. Although details will be described later, in the document data transfer process (S18), in the client management table, the document data is transferred to the client-side MFP 31 whose latest notification date and time is the latest and whose final notification date and time is less than one hour from the current date and time. Is a process for transferring.

  Next, the client management table update process (S13) executed by the CPU 11 of the server side MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the client management table update process (S13) of the server-side MFP1. This client management table update process (S13) is a process for updating the last notification date and time corresponding to the client-side MFP 31 that has notified the person detection notification in the client management table when the person detection notification by the IP packet is received. It is. The person detection notification notified via the Internet 200 is that information such as the IP address of the client-side MFP 31 is notified by an IP packet as described above.

  In the client management table update process, first, the IP address included in the human detection notification by the received IP packet is acquired (S21). Next, it is determined whether the acquired IP address is an IP address stored in the client management table of the client management table memory 14a (S22), and the acquired IP address is stored in the client management table. If it is an address (S22: Yes), the current date and time is acquired from the time measuring circuit 18 (S23).

  Next, in the client management table, the last notified date / time of the client name corresponding to the acquired IP address is updated to the current date / time (S24). Then, the notification waiting flag stored in the notification waiting flag memory 14f is set to OFF (S25), and this client management table update process is terminated.

  In the process of S22, when the acquired IP address is not the IP address stored in the client management table (S22: No), it is a case where a person detection notification is notified from the client-side MFP 31 that is not the transfer destination. This client management table update process is terminated without doing anything (that is, skipping S23 to S25).

  In the processes of S21 and S22, the IP address of the client-side MFP 31 included in the person detection notification is confirmed in order to specify the client-side MFP 31, but information (identification information) that can specify the client-side MFP 31 is confirmed. If so, information other than the IP address may be confirmed. For example, the client-side MFP 31 name (client name) and the telephone number of the MFP 31 are configured to be included in the person detection notification (see S86 in FIG. 9), and the client-side MFP 31 is identified by the name and telephone number. You may comprise so that it may identify. The information included in the person detection notification may be, for example, an ID uniquely determined for each client MFP 31 or a name (domain name) on the Internet 200. The person detection notification only needs to include at least one piece of information that can identify the client-side MFP 31.

  By the client management table update process in the flowchart of FIG. 5 described above, the person detection notification transmitted from the client-side MFP 31 can be received via the Internet 200 to update the client management table.

  When receiving the person detection notification via the telephone line network 100, the server-side MFP 1 is called from the one client-side MFP 31 via the telephone line network 100, so the external device 300 and the other client-side MFPs 31 The server side MFP 1 cannot be connected via the telephone line network 100. However, when the person detection notification is received via the Internet 200, the telephone line network 100 is not used, so the external apparatus 300 cannot be connected to the server-side MFP 1 and cannot transmit document data, or the server-side MFP 1 is not connected to the client. It can be prevented that the original MFP 31 cannot be connected to the side MFP 31 and the original data cannot be transferred.

  In addition, since the IP packet is used in the person detection notification notified via the Internet 200, a plurality of information (IP address, name, telephone number, etc.) about the client side MFP 31 is included in one person detection notification. Can do. Therefore, a plurality of pieces of information about the client-side MFP 31 can be received at a time, so that the client-side MFP 31 that has received the notification can be easily identified.

  Next, the incoming call process (S15) executed by the CPU 11 of the server side MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the incoming call process (S15) of the server side MFP1. In this incoming call process (S15), the document data transmitted from the external device 300 is received, the received document data is stored (stored) in the document data memory 14c, and the person detection notification is made via the telephone line network 100. In the client management table, the last notification date and time corresponding to the client-side MFP 31 that has notified the person detection notification is updated.

  In the incoming call processing, first, ringing (pronunciation from the speaker 22) in response to an incoming call (calling signal from the telephone exchange) is prohibited (S31), and it is determined whether the telephone number is notified by number display information notification (S32). ). When the telephone number is notified by the number display information notification (S32: Yes), it is determined whether the incoming call (calling signal from the telephone exchange) is once (S33). In the present embodiment, it is determined that the person detection notification has been received when the incoming call (call signal) is one time, but it is configured so that it can be set to any number of times such as two times or three times. You may do it.

  As described above, the person detection notification notified via the telephone network 100 is that the telephone number of the client-side MFP 31 is notified by number display information. More specifically, in the client-side MFP 31, when a person is detected by the human sensor 40, a call is made to the server-side MFP 1 to detect a ringback tone (ringing sound from the telephone switch) from the telephone switch. Immediately disconnect the telephone switch. The server-side MFP 1 determines that the person detection notification from the client-side MFP 1 has been received when the incoming call (call signal) from the client-side MFP 31 is only once (one call).

  When the telephone number is not notified by the number display information notification in the process of S32 (S32: No), or when the incoming call (call signal from the telephone exchange) is received twice or more in the process of S33 (S33: No) Since it is not a person detection notification notified via the telephone line network 100, ringing (pronunciation from the speaker 22) corresponding to the incoming call (calling signal from the telephone exchange) is started (S34), and the telephone line Connection with the external device 300 is performed via the network 100 (S35).

  Next, the document data transmitted from the external device 300 is received, the received document data is stored in the document data memory 14c (S36), and the connection with the external device 300 is terminated (S37). Then, the document data accumulation flag stored in the document data accumulation flag memory 14e is set to ON (S38), and this incoming call processing is terminated.

  In the process of S33, when the number of incoming calls (call signal from the telephone exchange) is less than one time (an example of a predetermined number of times) (S33: Yes), the IP notification reception stored in the IP notification reception flag memory 14d is received. It is determined whether the flag is off (S39). When the IP notification reception flag is off (S39: Yes), the telephone number notified by the number display information notification is used to confirm whether the current incoming call is a person detection notification from the client-side MFP 31. Then, it is determined whether the telephone number is stored in the client management table of the client management table memory 14a (S40).

  In the process of S39, when the IP notification reception notification flag is on (S39: No), it is a setting not to receive the person detection notification via the telephone network 100, so the processes of S40 to S43 are skipped, This incoming call processing is terminated. In the process of S40, when the telephone number notified by the number display information notification is not the telephone number stored in the client management table (S40: No), this incoming call is detected by a person from the transfer destination client. Since it is not a notification, the processing of S41 to S43 is skipped, and this incoming call processing is terminated.

  In the process of S40, when the telephone number notified by the number display information notification is the telephone number stored in the client management table (S40: Yes), the current date and time is acquired from the time measuring circuit 18 (S41). . Next, in the client management table of the client management table memory 14a, the last notified date / time of the client name corresponding to the telephone number notified by the number display information notification is updated to the current date / time (S42). Then, the notification waiting flag stored in the notification waiting flag memory 14f is set to OFF (S43), and this incoming call processing is terminated.

  6, it is determined that the person detection notification from the client side MFP 1 has been received when the incoming call (call signal) from the client side MFP 31 is only once (one call) by the incoming call processing of the flowchart of FIG. Can do. In addition, the client management table can be updated without establishing a connection with the client-side MFP 31 via the telephone line network 100, and communication costs can be reduced. In general, in the telephone network 100, a communication fee is charged when the connection between the server side MFP 1 and the client side MFP 31 is established. However, in this incoming call processing, a person detection notification is issued without establishing a connection. Since it is determined that it has been received, it is possible to receive a human detection notification without incurring a communication fee. Therefore, when notifying the person detection notification via the telephone line network 100, the communication cost can be suppressed.

  In addition, when a person detection notification is notified via the telephone line network 100, that is, when the incoming call (call signal) from the telephone exchange is less than once, the ringing according to the incoming call is not performed. It is possible to prevent an operation in the vicinity of the server-side MFP 1 from performing an operation for establishing a connection with the client-side MFP 31 (for example, picking up a handset). Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the communication fee from being charged when the person detection notification is notified via the telephone line network 100.

  Further, when the person detection notification is notified via the telephone line network 100, the ringing according to the incoming call is not performed. Therefore, every time the person detection notification is notified via the telephone line network 100, the incoming call is notified. Compared with the case where the ringing according to is performed, it is possible to suppress that the person around the server side MFP 1 feels uncomfortable the ringing according to the incoming call. Note that the case where there is a ringing in response to an incoming call is generally a case where a telephone call has been made or manuscript data has been transmitted. become. However, since the person detection notification notified through the telephone line network 100 does not require a response from a person around the server-side MFP 1, the person detection notification is in the vicinity of the server-side MFP 1 by not ringing according to the incoming call. It is possible to suppress a person from taking unnecessary measures.

  Next, the document data transfer process (S18) executed by the CPU 11 of the server side MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the document data transfer process (S18) of the server side MFP1. This document data transfer process (S18) is a process for transferring document data to the client-side MFP 31 whose latest notification date and time is the latest and less than one hour from the current date and time in the client management table. It is.

  In the document data transfer process, first, the latest notification date / time is acquired in the client management table of the client management table memory 14a (S51), and it is determined whether the acquired notification date / time is less than one hour from the current date / time. Determine (S52).

  When the acquired final notification date / time is one hour (an example of the first predetermined time) or more from the current date / time (S52: No), all final notification dates / times have passed one hour or more from the current date / time. Even if the document data is transferred to any of the client side MFPs 31, there is a high possibility that there are no people around the client side MFP 31, and there is a high possibility that the document will be left unattended. Accordingly, the notification waiting flag stored in the notification waiting flag memory 14f is set to ON (S56), and the transfer of the document data is set to be suspended until a new person detection notification is notified. End the transfer process.

  In the processing of S52, if the acquired last notification date is less than one hour from the current date (S52: Yes), the client corresponding to the acquired last notification date in the client management table memory 14a. The telephone number of the name is acquired (S53).

  Next, a call is made to the acquired telephone number (S54), and the document data stored in the document data memory 14c is transmitted to the client side MFP 31 (S55). If a plurality of document data is stored in the document data memory 14c, all the document data for the plurality of documents is transmitted to the client-side MFP 31. When the document data transmitted by the process of S55 is received by the client-side MFP 31, the document data is printed by the printer 42 of the client-side MFP 31.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the transmission of the document data is normally completed (S57). If the transmission of the document data is not normally completed (S57: No), the document data transfer process is terminated. In other words, even if the call is made to the acquired telephone number, if the other party is busy or if an error occurs during transmission of the original data, the transfer of the original data is temporarily interrupted here. However, even if the transfer is interrupted, the document data accumulation flag remains on, so the document data transfer process is executed again in the main process loop, and the document data is transferred to the client-side MFP 31.

  In the process of S57, when the transmission of the document data is normally completed (S57: Yes), the document data whose transmission is normally completed is deleted from the document data memory 14c (S58), and the transfer result of the document data is The data is stored in the transfer history memory 14g and printed by the printer 21 (S59). The document data transfer result is stored for each document item received from the external apparatus 300, for example. Specifically, the telephone number (or name such as company name) of the document data transmission source, the reception date and time of the document data, the telephone number (or name) of the client-side MFP 31 that has transferred the document, and the document The transfer date and time is stored. It should be noted that the document data transfer result may be displayed on the LCD 16 by operating the operation key 15. Then, the document data accumulation flag stored in the document data accumulation flag memory 14e is set to OFF (S60), and the document data transfer process is terminated.

  In the client data transfer process of the flowchart of FIG. 7 described above, when the latest last notification date and time has passed one hour or more from the current date and time in the client management table, until a new person detection notification is notified, Since the transfer of the document data can be suspended (prohibited), it is possible to reduce the possibility that the transferred document data is output from the client-side MFP 31 and the document is left for a long time (for example, 1-2 days).

  Further, since the transfer result of the document data is printed by the printer 21, the operator can confirm the client-side MFP 31 to which the document data is transferred by confirming the transfer result of the document data.

  Next, a setting process executed by the CPU 32 of the client side MFP 31 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the setting process of the client side MFP 31. This setting process is a process for performing various settings such as setting information (server information) about the server-side MFP 1 that is the notification destination of the person detection notification and changing the state of the IP notification flag. The setting process is a process that is repeatedly executed after the main power supply of the client-side MFP 31 is turned on until the main power supply is shut off.

  In the setting process, first, it is determined whether the server management key 36a has been pressed (S71). If the server management key 36a is pressed (S71: Yes), information (server information) about the server-side MFP 1 that is the notification destination of the person detection notification is set according to the key operation of the operator (S72). . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2C, the server name of the server-side MFP 1, the telephone number of the MFP 1, and the IP address of the MFP 1 are set by the operator. Then, the set result is stored in the server management memory 35a (S73).

  If the server management key 36a is not pressed in the process of S71 (S71: No), the process of S72 to S73 is skipped and the process proceeds to S74. Next, it is determined whether or not the notification method selection key 36b has been pressed (S74). If the notification method selection key 36b has been pressed (S74: Yes), the IP notification flag stored in the IP notification flag memory 35c is updated. Swap state. Specifically, if the IP notification flag is on, it is set to off, and if the IP notification flag is off, it is set to on.

  If the notification method selection key 36b is not pressed in the process of S74 (S74: No), the process of S75 is skipped, the process returns to S71, and the processes of S71 to S75 described above are repeated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the human detection notification process executed by the CPU 32 of the client side MFP 31 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the human detection notification process of the client side MFP 31. This person detection notification process is a process for notifying the server-side MFP 1 of the person detection notification via the Internet 200 or the telephone line network 100 when a person is detected by the human sensor 40. is there. The human detection notification process is a process that is repeatedly executed from when the main power supply of the client-side MFP 31 is turned on until the main power supply is shut off.

  In the human detection notification process, first, it is determined whether or not a human is detected by the human sensor 40 (S81). If no human is detected by the human sensor 40 (S81: No), the human sensor 40 detects the person. Wait until is detected. On the other hand, if a person is detected by the human sensor 40 (S81: Yes), it is determined whether information (server information) about the server-side MFP 1 is stored in the server management memory 35a (S82). As shown in FIG. 2C, the server information is information such as the server name of the server side MFP 1, the telephone number of the MFP 1, and the IP address of the MFP 1.

  In the process of S82, if the server information is not stored in the server management memory 35a (S82: No), the person detection notification cannot be notified because the person detection notification destination is not set. Returning, the processes of S81 to S82 are repeated. On the other hand, if the server information is stored in the server management memory 35a in the process of S82 (S82: Yes), the current date and time is acquired from the time measuring circuit 18 (S83).

  Next, it is determined whether the IP notification flag stored in the IP notification flag memory 35c is on (S84). If the IP notification flag is on (S84: Yes), the server detection MFP 1 is notified of the person detection notification via the Internet 200. First, it is determined whether or not the date and time stored in the final notification date and time memory 35d has passed one minute (an example of a second predetermined time) or more from the current date and time (S85), and the elapsed time is less than one minute. In this case (S85: No), the notification is repeated in a short period of time, so that the notification is withheld and the load on the Internet 200, the server-side MFP 1 and the client-side MFP 31 is suppressed. That is, returning to the process of S81, the processes of S81 to S85 described above are repeated. In the present embodiment, it is determined whether one minute or more has elapsed since the current date and time, but an arbitrary time may be set by the operator. For example, it may be set to 30 seconds, 30 minutes, 1 hour, no set time, or the like.

  In the processing of S85, when the date and time stored in the final notification date and time memory 35d has passed one minute or more from the current date and time (S85: Yes), it is stored in the client information memory 35b (the own device's memory). ) An IP packet for notification of human detection including a name (that is, client name), a telephone number (own device), and an IP address (own device) is generated (S86). For example, in the case of the client-side MFP 31 installed at the A sales office, the name “A sales office”, the telephone number “03-****-1111” and the IP address “192” shown in FIG. .. ***. 1.1 ”is generated.

  The generated IP packet for notification of human detection is transmitted to the IP address of the server-side MFP 1 stored in the server management memory 35a (S87), and the current date and time is stored in the final notification date and time memory 35d (S88). ), Returning to the process of S81, the processes of S81 to S88 described above are repeated.

  In the process of S84, if the IP notification flag stored in the IP notification flag memory 35c is off (S84: No), the person detection notification is notified to the server side MP1 via the telephone line network 100. . First, it is determined whether the date and time stored in the final notification date and time memory 35d has passed 20 minutes (an example of the second predetermined time) or more from the current date and time (S89), and the elapsed time is less than 20 minutes. In such a case (S89: No), the notification is repeated in a short period of time, so that the notification is withheld and the load on the telephone line network 100, the server-side MFP 1, and the client-side MFP 31 is suppressed. That is, each process of S90-S88 is skipped, it returns to the process of S81, and each process of S81-S89 mentioned above is repeated. In this embodiment, it is determined whether 20 minutes or more have elapsed since the current date and time, but an arbitrary time may be set by the operator. For example, it may be set to 1 minute, 30 minutes, 1 hour, no set time, or the like.

  In the process of S89, when the date and time stored in the final notification date and time memory 35d has passed 20 minutes or more from the current date and time (S89: Yes), the server-side MFP 1 stored in the server management memory 35a. A call is made to the telephone number (S90). Note that when a call is made to the telephone number of the server-side MFP 1, a call signal (off-hook) or a dial signal transmitted to the telephone exchange corresponds to an example of a request signal. Then, it is determined whether or not a ringback tone from the telephone exchange (ringing sound from the telephone exchange) has been detected (S91), and if a ringback tone from the telephone exchange (ringing sound from the telephone exchange) has been detected ( (S91: Yes), the transmission is immediately interrupted (S92), the current date and time is stored in the final notification date and time memory 35d (S88), the process returns to S81, and the above-described processes of S81 to S92 are repeated.

  As described above, the person detection notification notified via the telephone line network 100 is notification of the telephone number of the client-side MFP 31 using number display information. In the client-side MFP 31, when a person is detected by the human sensor 40, a call is made to the server-side MFP 1 to detect a ringback tone (ringing sound from the telephone switch) (an example of a ringing signal) from the telephone switch. Immediately after that, the connection with the telephone exchange is disconnected, and the server-side MFP 1 is notified of the person detection notification. Normally, ringback tones are repeatedly detected at regular intervals until a connection is established. Here, when the ring back tone is detected once (an example of a predetermined number of times), the connection with the telephone exchange is disconnected. The server-side MFP 1 determines that the person detection notification from the client-side MFP 1 has been received when the incoming call (call signal) from the client-side MFP 31 is only one time (one call). In this embodiment, when the ring back tone is detected once (an example of a predetermined number of times), the connection with the telephone exchange is disconnected, but the number of detections of the ring back tone until the connection with the telephone exchange is disconnected. May be set to an arbitrary number of times (for example, twice or three times).

  In the process of S91, when a ringback tone from the telephone exchange (ringing sound from the telephone exchange) is not detected (S91: No), for example, a busy tone (busy tone) or a dial tone (radiation tone) is detected. If so, the system waits for a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) (S93), returns to the process of S90, and repeats the processes of S90 to S93 described above.

  When notifying the server-side MFP 1 of the person detection notification by the person detection notification process of the flowchart of FIG. 9, the server-side MFP 1 is called and a ringback tone from the telephone exchange (ringing sound from the telephone exchange) As soon as this is detected, the server-side MFP 1 can be notified of the person detection notification by disconnecting the connection with the telephone exchange.

  As described above, in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when a person is detected by the human sensor 40 in each client-side MFP 31, a person detection notification indicating that a person has been detected is sent. The server side MFP 1 is notified. When the server-side MFP 1 receives the document data transmitted from the external device 300, the server-side MFP 1 transfers the document data to the client-side MFP 31 that has notified the person detection notification most recently.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the communication system according to the first embodiment, when the server-side MFP 1 receives document data transmitted from the external device 300, the document data is transferred to the client-side MFP 31 that has recently notified the person detection notification. It was a form to do. On the other hand, the communication system according to the second embodiment is a facsimile transfer system constituted by one server side MFP 51 and a plurality of client side devices 71 as in the first embodiment. In the MFP 71, instead of the human sensor 40 that detects a person, identification information (for example, a user name (name), an employee number, etc.) that can identify each individual recorded on an IC card (for example, an employee ID card) is stored. Or the like) is provided.

  Then, every time the IC card is read by the RFID reader 80, the client-side MFP 71 updates the login state of the owner (user) of the IC card (switching between logout and logout alternately) and logs in the user. The server-side MFP 51 is notified of the status, and the server-side MFP 51 receives the document data transmitted from the external device 300. If the received document data is transmitted from the specific external device 300, the server-side MFP 51 receives the document data. The received document data is transferred to the client-side MFP 71 to which the user corresponding to the external apparatus 300 is logged in.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the server-side MFP 51 in the second embodiment will be described. Although not shown, the server-side MFP 51 mainly includes a CPU 52, ROM 53, RAM 54, flash memory 55, operation keys 56, LCD 57, LAN interface 58, clock circuit 59, scanner 61, printer 62, speaker 63, modem 64, and NCU 65. Have.

  The CPU 52, ROM 53, RAM 54, and flash memory 55 are connected to each other via a bus line 66. Further, the operation key 56, LCD 57, LAN interface 58, clock circuit 59, scanner 61, printer 62, speaker 63, modem 64, NCU 65, and bus line 66 are connected to each other via an input / output port 67. The modem 64 and the NCU 65 are connected to each other.

  The electrical configuration of the server-side MFP 51 is different from the block diagram (see FIG. 1) of the server-side MFP 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The ROM 53 (not shown), the flash memory 55, and the operation keys 56 Therefore, only the ROM 53 (not shown), the flash memory 55, and the operation key 56 will be described, and the description of the other identical parts will be omitted.

  A ROM 53 (not shown) is a non-rewritable memory that stores a control program executed by the server-side MFP 51. The setting process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, the main process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, the user management table update process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, the incoming call process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15, and the document data transfer process shown in the flowchart of FIG. Each program to be executed is stored in the ROM 53.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the flash memory 55 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10A is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the flash memory 55 of the server-side MFP 51.

  The flash memory 55 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and the data stored in the flash memory 55 is retained even after the server-side MFP 51 is turned off. The flash memory 55 includes a client management table memory 55a, a server information memory 55b, a document data memory 55c, a document data accumulation flag memory 55d, a notification waiting flag memory 55e, a transfer history memory 55f, and a user management table memory. 55g, a transfer destination management table memory 55h, and a FAX transmission source memory 55i are provided.

  The client management table memory 55a, the server information memory 55b, the document data memory 55c, the document data accumulation flag memory 55d, and the transfer history memory 55f are respectively the client management table memory 14a described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), Since the server information memory 14b, the document data memory 14c, the document data accumulation flag memory 14e, and the transfer history memory 14g are configured in the same manner, description thereof is omitted.

  The notification wait flag memory 55e is a memory for storing a notification wait flag. The notification waiting flag in the second embodiment transfers or transfers document data transmitted from a specific external device 300 to the client-side MFP 71 to which the user corresponding to the specific external device 300 is logged in. It is a flag indicating whether to hold.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, a person detection notification (an example of individual detection information) is notified via the Internet 200. Specifically, in the client-side MFP 71, when the IC card is read by the RFID reader 80, the user name of the owner (user) of the IC card, the login state (logged in or logged out), the client information memory An IP packet for human detection notification including the (own) name, the (own) phone number, and the (own) IP address stored in 75b is generated and notified to the server-side MFP 51. . The notification of person detection by the notified IP packet is received by the server side MFP 51 via the Internet 200.

  When the notification waiting flag is on, it indicates that all users who should transfer document data are in a logout state, and the transfer of document data is suspended. When the notification waiting flag is off, the document data transmitted from the specific external device 300 is transferred to the client-side MFP 71 where the user corresponding to the specific external device 300 is logged in.

  The user management table memory 55g is a memory for storing a user management table indicating to which client side MFP 71 each user is logged in among the plurality of client side MFPs 71, and a transfer destination management table memory 55h. Is a memory for storing a transfer destination management table indicating to which user the document data transmitted from the external apparatus 300 is transferred.

  Here, the user management table memory 55g will be described with reference to FIG. 11A, and the transfer destination management table memory 55h will be described with reference to FIG. 11B.

  FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of the user management table stored in the user management table memory 55g. The user management table memory 55g is a memory for storing a user management table indicating to which client side MFP 71 each user is logged in among the plurality of client side MFPs 71.

  In the user management table, for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, information about one user (hereinafter referred to as “user information”) is stored for each line. One user information includes one user name, a client name of the client-side MFP 71 that is logged in or logged in by one user, a login status of the one user, and a last notification date and time. . The last notification date and time indicates the date and time when the notification of the login status of one user was last received from one MFP 71.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, one user information includes a user name “Yamada”, a client name “A sales office”, a login state “logged in”, and a final notification date and time “2008/7/2”. 9:00 "information. In this case, the user “Yamada” is logged in to the client side MFP 71 named “A sales office”, and the date and time when the notification of login is received is 9:00 on July 2, 2008. ing. The other client information is also explained in the same way, so the explanation is omitted.

  Next, the transfer destination management table memory 55h will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of the transfer destination management table stored in the transfer destination management table memory 55h. The transfer destination management table memory 55h is a memory for storing a transfer destination management table indicating to which user the document data transmitted from the external apparatus 300 is transferred.

  In the transfer destination management table, for example, as shown in FIG. 11B, transfer destination information indicating to which user the document data transmitted from one external apparatus 300 is transferred for each line is stored. Is done. One transfer destination information is composed of a FAX transmission source indicating the name (or telephone number) of one external apparatus 300 and a transfer destination user name to which document data transmitted from one external apparatus 300 is transferred. ing.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11B, one piece of transfer destination information includes information of a FAX transmission source “E Corporation” and a transfer destination user name “Yamada, Sato”. In this case, the document data transmitted from the FAX transmission source “E Corporation” is transferred to the user “Yamada” and the user “Sato”. The other transfer destination information is also described in the same way, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The FAX transmission source memory 55i is a memory for storing information indicating from which external device 300 the document data is transmitted. When document data is received from the external apparatus 300, the name (or FAX number) of the external apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the document data is stored (see S133 in FIG. 15).

  Here, the description returns to the server-side MFP 51. Next, the electrical configuration of the operation keys 56 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10B is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the operation keys 56 of the server-side MFP 51. The operation keys 56 are constituted by operation input keys for operating the server-side MFP 51, and are provided with various keys such as a client management key 56a, a transfer destination management key 56b, and numeric keys. The client management key 56a is configured in the same manner as the client management key 15a described in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted. The transfer destination management key 56b is a key for managing a transfer destination management table indicating to which user the document data transmitted from the external apparatus 300 is transferred.

  The operator presses various keys of the operation keys 56 to register (store) information (server information) about the server-side MFP 51 in the server information memory 55b, turn on / off the power, Operations such as switching of each function can be performed.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the client-side MFP 71 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10C is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the client-side MFP 71.

  The client side MFP 71 mainly includes a CPU 72, ROM 73, RAM 74, flash memory 75, operation keys 76, LCD 77, LAN interface 78, clock circuit 79, RFID reader 80, scanner 81, printer 82, speaker 83, modem 84, and NCU 85. Have.

  The CPU 72, ROM 73, RAM 74, and flash memory 75 are connected to each other via a bus line 86. Further, the operation key 76, LCD 77, LAN interface 78, clock circuit 79, RFID reader 80, scanner 81, printer 82, speaker 83, modem 84, NCU 85, and bus line 86 are connected to each other via an input / output port 87. Has been. The modem 84 and the NCU 85 are connected to each other.

  In the block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the client-side MFP 71, the portions different from the block diagram (see FIG. 1) of the client-side MFP 31 according to the first embodiment of the present invention are ROM 73, flash memory 75, and RFID reader 80. Therefore, only the ROM 73, the flash memory 75, and the RFID reader 80 will be described, and the description of other identical parts will be omitted.

  The ROM 73 is a non-rewritable memory that stores a control program executed by the client-side MFP 71. Each program for executing the setting process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 and the user monitoring process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17 is stored in the ROM 73.

  The flash memory 75 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and the data stored in the flash memory 75 is retained even after the client-side MFP 71 is turned off. The flash memory 75 is provided with a server management memory 75a, a client information memory 75b, and a login management table memory 75c.

  Since the server management memory 75a and the client information memory 75b are configured in the same manner as the server management memory 55a and the client information memory 55b described in the first embodiment, descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The login management table memory 75c is a memory for storing a login management table indicating whether each user is logging in or logging out in the client-side MFP 71.

  Here, the login management table memory 75c will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of the login management table stored in the login management table memory 75c. The login management table memory 75c is a memory for storing a login management table indicating whether each user is logging in or logging out in the client-side MFP 71.

  In the login management table, for example, as shown in FIG. 11C, login information for one user is stored for each line. One login information includes one user name, a login state (logged in or logged out), a login date and time, and a logout date and time. Note that the login date / time indicates the date / time when one user caused the RFID reader 80 to read the IC card (login date / time), and the logout date / time indicates that the user once again read the IC card with the RFID reader 80. (Logged out date and time).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11C, one login information includes a user name “Yamada”, a login state “logged in”, a login date and time “2008/7/2 8:55”, and a logout date and time “none”. Consists of information. It is assumed that this login management table is stored in the client-side MFP 71 installed at the A office.

  That is, in this case, the user “Yamada” is logged in to the client-side MFP 71 installed in the sales office A, and the login date and time is 8:55 on July 2, 2008. Yes. Since we have not logged out yet, there is no date and time for logout time. The other client information is also explained in the same way, so the explanation is omitted. In addition, when the IC card is read by the RFID reader 80, if the login information of the owner (user) of the IC card is not in the login management table, the login information of the user is newly added to the login management table. Added.

  Next, a setting process executed by the CPU 52 of the server side MFP 51 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the setting process of the server side MFP 51. Note that the same parts as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  This setting process includes various information such as addition or deletion of information (client information) about the client-side MFP 51 that is the document data transfer destination, and to which user the document data transmitted from the external device 300 is transferred. This is a process for setting. The setting process is a process that is repeatedly executed after the main power of the server-side MFP 51 is turned on until the main power is turned off.

  In the setting process, first, the processes of S1 to S3 in FIG. 3 are executed. Next, it is determined whether the transfer destination management key 56b has been pressed (S101). When the transfer destination management key 56b is pressed (S101: Yes), when the FAX transmission source and original data transmitted from the FAX transmission source are received according to the key operation of the operator, the original A transfer destination user name to which data is transferred is set (S102). Then, the set result is reflected in the transfer destination management table and stored in the transfer destination management table memory 55h (S103), the process returns to S1, and the processes of S1 to S103 described above are repeated.

  If the transfer destination management key 56b is not pressed in the process of S101 (S101: No), the process of S102 to S103 is skipped, the process returns to S1, and the above-described processes of S1 to S101 are repeated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the main process executed by the CPU 52 of the server side MFP 51 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing main processing of the server-side MFP 51. The same parts as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different parts are described.

  In this main process, when document data transmitted from the external device 300 is received and the received document data is transmitted from a specific external device 300, the document data is transferred to the specific external device 300. This is a process for transferring to the client-side MFP 71 to which the corresponding user is logged in. The main process is a process that is repeatedly executed from when the main power of the server-side MFP 51 is turned on until the main power is turned off.

  In the main processing, first, it is determined whether a person detection notification transmitted via the Internet 200, that is, a person detection notification by an IP packet is received (S12). In the process of S12, when the person detection notification by the IP packet is received (S12: Yes), the user management table update process is executed (S111). On the other hand, when the person detection notification by the IP packet is not received in the process of S12 (S12: No), the process of S111 is skipped and the process proceeds to S14. As will be described in detail later, the user management table update process (S111) is a user corresponding to the user name included in the received person detection notification in the user management table when the person detection notification by the IP packet is received. This is a process for updating information (such as a client name (logged in by a user) and a login state).

  Next, it is determined whether an incoming call from the telephone line network 100 is detected (S14). If an incoming call is detected (S14: Yes), an incoming call process is executed (S112). On the other hand, when the incoming call is not detected (S14: No), the process of S112 is skipped and the process proceeds to S16. As will be described in detail later, the incoming call process (S112) is a process for receiving document data transmitted from the external apparatus 300 and storing (accumulating) the received document data in the document data memory 55c.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the document data accumulation flag stored in the document data accumulation flag memory 55d is on (S16). If the document data accumulation flag is on (S16: Yes), the document data to be transferred is stored in the document data memory 55c, so that the notification wait stored in the notification wait flag memory 55e is further stored. It is determined whether the flag is on (S17).

  In the processing of S17, if the notification waiting flag is on (S17: Yes), since all the users who should transfer the document data are in the logout state, no matter which client side MFP 71 the document data is transferred, There is a low possibility that the original will reach the user to whom the original data should be transferred. Accordingly, the document data transfer process (S113) for transferring the document data is skipped, the process returns to S12, and the above-described processes of S12 to S17 are repeated.

  On the other hand, if the notification waiting flag is OFF in the process of S17 (S17: No), the document data transfer process is executed (S113), the process returns to S12, and the processes of S12 to S113 described above are repeated. Although details will be described later, the document data transfer process (S113) is performed when the document data stored in the document data memory 55c is transmitted from a specific external device 300. This is a process for transferring data to the client-side MFP 71 where the user corresponding to the specific external device 300 is logged in.

  Next, a user management table update process (S111) executed by the CPU 52 of the server side MFP 51 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the user management table update process (S111) of the server side MFP 51. In the user management table update process (S111), when a person detection notification by an IP packet is received, user information (client name or login) corresponding to the user name included in the received person detection notification is received in the user management table. Status).

  In the user management table update process, first, the user name included in the person detection notification by the received IP packet is acquired (S121), and the acquired user name is stored in the user management table of the user management table memory 55g. It is determined whether the user name is present (S122).

  When the acquired user name is a user name stored in the user management table (S122: Yes), the current date and time is acquired from the time measuring circuit 79 (S123). Next, in the user management table, the client name corresponding to the acquired user name and the login state are updated, and the last notified date / time of the client name is updated to the current date / time (S124). The information such as the client name and the login state updated here is information included in the received person detection notification together with the user name (see S167 in FIG. 17 and S170 in FIG. 17). . Then, the notification waiting flag stored in the notification waiting flag memory 55e is set to OFF (S125), and this user management table update process is terminated.

  In the process of S122, if the acquired user name is not the user name stored in the user management table (S122: No), a person detection notification when a user unrelated to the transfer of document data is detected Therefore, this user management table update process is terminated without doing anything (that is, skipping S123 to S125).

  In the processing of S121 and S122, the user name included in the person detection notification is confirmed in order to specify the user name. However, if the information can identify the user (an example of personal information), the user Information other than the name may be confirmed. For example, an ID number (employee number) corresponding to the user name may be used.

  The person detection notification includes information (an example of identification information) such as the name (client name) and IP address of the client side MFP 71 in order to identify the client side MFP 71 (FIG. 17). S167 of FIG. 17 and S170 of FIG. 17), other information may be included as long as the information can identify the client-side MFP 71. For example, an ID uniquely determined for each client-side MFP 71 or a name (domain name) on the Internet 200 may be used. The person detection notification may include at least one piece of information that can specify the user name and one piece of information that can specify the client-side MFP 71.

  When the user detection notification by the IP packet is received by the user management table update processing in the flowchart of FIG. 14 described above, the user information (client) corresponding to the user name included in the received person detection notification in the user management table Name, login status, etc.). Each time the IC card is read by the RFID reader 80, the client-side MFP 71 sends a person detection notification including information such as the login status of the owner (user) of the IC card to the server-side MFP 51 via the Internet 200. Since the notification is made, the server side MFP 51 can always update the user management table of the user management table memo 55a to the latest state.

  Next, an incoming call process (S112) executed by the CPU 52 of the server side MFP 51 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the incoming call process (S112) of the server-side MFP 51. This incoming call process (S112) is a process for receiving the document data transmitted from the external device 300 and storing (accumulating) the received document data in the document data memory 55c.

  In the incoming call processing, first, connection to the external apparatus 300 is made via the telephone line network 100 (S131), the original data transmitted from the external apparatus 300 is received, and the received original data is stored in the original data memory 55c. (S132). Next, the name (or FAX number) of the external device 300 is stored in the FAX transmission source memory 55i (S133), and the connection with the external device 300 is terminated (S134). Then, the document data accumulation flag stored in the document data accumulation flag memory 55d is set to ON, and this incoming call processing is terminated.

  Next, the document data transfer process (S113) executed by the CPU 52 of the server-side MFP 51 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the document data transfer process (S113) of the server-side MFP 51. In this document data transfer process (S113), when the document data stored in the document data memory 55c is transmitted from a specific external device 300, the stored document data is converted into the specified data. This is a process for transferring to the client-side MFP 71 where the user corresponding to the external device 300 is logged in.

  In the document data transfer process, first, the name (or FAX number) of the external apparatus 300 stored in the FAX transmission source memory 55i is acquired (S141). Then, all transfer destination user names corresponding to the acquired name (or FAX number) are extracted from the transfer destination management table stored in the transfer destination management table memory 55h (S142).

  Next, in the user management table stored in the user management table memory 55g, it is determined whether the login status of all the extracted user names is logout (S143). If the login status of all the extracted user names is logout (S143: Yes), since all users who should transfer the document data are in the logout state, no matter which client side MFP 71 the document data is transferred, There is a low possibility that the original will reach the user to whom the original data should be transferred. Therefore, the processing of S145 to S155 is skipped, the notification waiting flag stored in the notification waiting flag memory 55e is set to ON (S144), and the person detection indicating that the user who should transfer the document data has logged in is detected. The document data transfer is set to be suspended until the notification is notified, and the document data transfer process is terminated.

  In the process of S143, if the login state of any of the extracted user names is logged in (S143: No), the login state is selected from the extracted user names in the user management table of the user management table memory 55g. One user name that is logged in is extracted (S145).

  Then, the client name corresponding to the acquired user name is acquired in the user management table of the user management table memory 55g (S146), and the telephone number corresponding to the acquired client name is stored in the client management table of the client management table memory 55a. Obtain (S147).

  Next, a call is made to the acquired telephone number (S148), and the document data stored in the document data memory 55c is transmitted to the client side MFP 71 (S149). When the document data transmitted by the process of S149 is received by the client-side MFP 71, the document data is printed by the printer 81 of the client-side MFP 71.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the transmission of the document data has been completed normally (S150). If the transmission of the document data has not been completed normally (S150: No), it waits for a certain time (for example, 30 seconds) ( S151), returning to the process of S148, the processes of S148 to S151 are repeated to try to retransmit the original data.

  In the process of S150, when the transmission of the document data is normally completed (S150: Yes), it is determined in the process of S145 whether or not all the user names whose login status is login are acquired (S152). If a user name that has not been acquired remains (S152: No), the process returns to S145, and the above-described processes of S145 to S152 are repeated.

  In the process of S152, when all the user names whose login status is logged-in are acquired (S152: Yes), the original data that has been successfully transmitted is deleted from the original data memory 55c (S153), and the original data The transfer result is stored in the transfer history memory 55f and printed by the printer 62 (S154). The document data transfer result is stored for each document item received from the external apparatus 300, for example. Specifically, the FAX number (or name such as company name) of the document data transmission source, the reception date and time of the document data, the user name corresponding to the transmission source, and the FAX number of the client-side MFP 71 that has transferred the document. (Or name) and the transfer date and time of the document are stored. Then, the document data accumulation flag stored in the document data accumulation flag memory 55d is set to OFF (S155), and this document data transfer process is terminated.

  For example, when the state of the user management table is the state shown in FIG. 11A and “E Corporation” is stored in the FAX transmission source memory 55i, the document data stored in the document data memory 55c is stored. Is transmitted from the external device 300 of “E Corporation”. Original data from the external device 300 of “E Inc.” is transferred to the user names “Yamada” and “Sato”. However, since the only logged-in user is “Yamada”, the user “Yamada” Document data is transferred only to the client-side MFP 71 whose client name is “A sales office”.

  If the login status of both the users “Yamada” and “Sato” is logout, the transfer is suspended until one of the login statuses of the users “Yamada” and “Sato” is logged in. The document data is transferred to the client-side MFP 71 where the user is logged in.

  When the document data stored in the document data memory 55c is transmitted from a specific external device 300 by the document data transfer process in the flowchart of FIG. 16, the stored document data is Transfer to the client-side MFP 71 to which the user corresponding to the specific external device 300 is logged in is possible.

  Next, user monitoring processing executed by the CPU 72 of the client side MFP 71 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing user monitoring processing of the client-side MFP 71.

  In the user monitoring process, when the IC card is read by the RFID reader 80, the login status of the owner (user) of the IC card (logged in or logged out) in the login management table of the login management table memory 75c. And a process for notifying the server-side MFP 51 of the login status of the user. The user monitoring process is a process that is repeatedly executed from when the main power of the client-side MFP 71 is turned on until the main power is turned off.

  In the user monitoring process, first, it is determined whether the IC card is read by the RFID reader 80 (S161). If the IC card is not read by the RFID reader 80 (S161: No), the process waits until the IC card is read. .

  When the IC card is read in the process of S161 (S161: Yes), the user name registered in the IC card is acquired (S162), and the acquired user name is stored in the login management table of the login management table memory 75c. The login state is acquired (S163).

  Next, it is determined whether the login state of the acquired user name is “logout” (S164). When the login state of the acquired user name is “logout” (S164: Yes), the user's login state is changed from “logout” to “logged in” by reading the IC card by the RFID reader 80 this time. The That is, the login status of the acquired user name is set to “logged in” in the login management table of the login management table memory 75c (S165), and the login date and time of the acquired user name in the login management table of the login management table memory 75c. The current date and time is stored (S166).

  Next, it includes the acquired user name, login status “logged in”, name (that is, the client's own name) stored in the client information memory 75b, and IP address (of the own machine). An IP packet for human detection notification is generated (S167). Then, the generated IP packet is transmitted to the IP address of the server side MFP 51 stored in the server management memory 75a (S171), the process returns to S161, and the above-described processes of S161 to S171 are repeated.

  In the process of S164, when the login state of the acquired user name is “logged in” (S164: No), the user's login state is changed from “logged in” by reading the IC card by the RFID reader 80 this time. Changed to "Logout". That is, the login state of the acquired user name is set to “logout” in the login management table of the login management table memory 75c (S168), and the login date and time of the acquired user name is set in the login management table of the login management table memory 75c. The current date and time are stored (S169).

  Next, the person including the acquired user name, the login state “logout”, the name (that is, the client's own name) stored in the client information memory 75b, and the IP address (of the own machine) An IP packet for detection notification is generated (S170). Then, the generated IP packet is transmitted to the IP address of the server side MFP 51 stored in the server management memory 75a (S171), the process returns to S161, and the above-described processes of S161 to S171 are repeated.

  When the IC card is read by the RFID reader 80 by the user monitoring process of the flowchart of FIG. 17 described above, a person detection notification including information such as the login status of the owner (user) of the IC card is transmitted via the Internet 200. Can be notified to the server-side MFP 51, the server-side MFP 51 can always update the user management table of the user management table memo 55a to the latest state.

  As described above, in the communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the IC card is read by the RFID reader 80 in each client-side MFP 71, the login information of the owner (user) of the IC card. The server side MFP 51 is notified of a person detection notification including information such as the above. When the server-side MFP 51 receives document data transmitted from the external device 300, if the document data is transmitted from a specific external device 300, the server-side MFP 51 sends the document data to the specific external device 300. The received document data can be transferred to the client-side MFP 71 to which the corresponding user is logged in. Therefore, when document data is transmitted from a specific external device 300, it is possible to deliver the document data to a specific user earlier than when the document data is manually transferred by a person.

  Although 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 easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  For example, in the first embodiment described above, the document data transmitted from the external apparatus 300 is all received by the server-side MFP 1, but may be configured to be received by the client-side MFP 31. For example, when document data transmitted from the external apparatus 300 is received by the client-side MFP 31, it is determined whether the person is detected by the human sensor 40. If a person is detected, the client side The received document data is printed by the printer 42 of the MFP 31. On the other hand, if no person is detected, the received document data is transferred to the server-side MFP 1. According to this configuration, the document data transferred to the server-side MFP 1 is further transferred from the server-side MFP 1 to the client-side MFP 31 with a person in the vicinity, so that the transferred document data is transferred to the client side of the transfer destination. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the document is output from the MFP 31 and the document is left unattended for a long time (for example, 1-2 days).

  In the first embodiment, the server-side MFP 1 is not provided with a human sensor. However, when a human sensor is provided and document data transmitted from the external apparatus 300 is received, the human sensor is not provided. When a person is detected by the sensor, the original data is printed by the printer 21. The received document data may be transferred to the client-side MFP 31 only when no person is detected by the human sensor. As a result, the hardware configurations of the server-side MFP 1 and the client-side MFP 31 are the same. For example, a single MFP is configured to have both server and client functions, and the functions are switched by a switch or the like. Also good. Since the hardware configuration of the server-side MFP 1 and the client-side MFP 31 can be the same, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment described above, the server-side MFP 1 receives the person detection notification via either the Internet 200 or the telephone line network 100. You may comprise so that a person detection notification can be received via both the networks 100. FIG.

  In the first embodiment described above, the server-side MFP 1 selects either the Internet 200 or the telephone line network 100 by the operator, and the server-side MFP 1 receives the person detection notification by the selected method. However, the server-side MFP 1 may always be configured to receive the person detection notification via the Internet 200. Further, the server-side MFP 1 may be configured to always receive the person detection notification via the telephone line network 100.

  In the first embodiment, if the server-side MFP 1 has received an incoming call (calling signal from the telephone exchange) once or less, it rings (speaker) according to the incoming call (calling signal from the telephone exchange). (Pronunciation from 22) is prohibited, but it may be configured to always sound in response to an incoming call.

  In the second embodiment, the client-side MFP 71 notifies the server-side MFP 51 of the person detection notification via the Internet 200. As in the first embodiment, the telephone line network 100 is used. Alternatively, it may be configured so that a human detection notification can be notified. In this case, since a plurality of information such as a user name and a login state must be transmitted by the person detection notification, a connection between the server side MFP 51 and the client side MFP 71 is established to perform data communication. Constitute. Thus, even when the Internet 200 is temporarily disconnected, the telephone line network 100 can notify the person detection notification.

  In the above embodiment, the document data is transferred from the server side MFPs 1 and 51 to the client side MFPs 31 and 71 via the telephone line network 100. However, the document data is transferred via the Internet 200. You may comprise as follows. For example, the document data is transferred by e-mail, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), or the like. By transferring the document data via the Internet 200, it is possible to suppress a communication charge that occurs when data communication is performed using the telephone line network 100.

  Further, in the client side MFP of the above-described embodiment, either the human sensor or the RFID reader is provided, but a configuration in which both the human sensor and the RFID reader are provided may be employed. As a result, when the MFP on the client side receives the document data from the specific external device 300, a person is detected by the human sensor and the user corresponding to the specific external device 300 is logged in. By transferring the document data to the client-side MFP to which the user is logged in, the transferred document data is output at the client-side MFP 31 of the transfer destination, and the document is output for a long time (for example, 1-2 days). Etc.) The possibility of being left alone can be further reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the document data transfer result is printed only by the server-side MFPs 1 and 51. However, when the document data is transferred to the client-side MFPs 31 and 71, the document data transfer result is also transmitted together. The document data transfer result may be printed by the client side MFPs 31 and 71.

  The facsimile transfer system according to the above embodiment includes one server-side MFP 1, 51 and a plurality of client-side MFPs 31, 71, but one server-side MFP 1, 51 and one client-side MFP 31. , 71 may be used.

  In the above embodiment, a pyroelectric infrared sensor that detects infrared rays emitted from a human body or the like is used as the human sensor 40 that detects a human body (moving body). However, the human body (moving body) can be detected. Other sensors such as a known sensor such as a photoelectric sensor, a distance measuring sensor, or a vibration sensor may be used.

  The facsimile transfer system according to the above-described embodiment includes the server-side MFPs 1 and 51 and the client-side MFPs 31 and 71. For example, the present invention is also applicable when the client-side MFPs 31 and 71 are network printers. Can be applied. That is, when a human sensor or RFID reader is provided in the network printer and the original data is received by the server-side MFPs 1 and 51, the Internet 200 (for example, an in-house LAN) is connected to the network printer in which a person is present in the vicinity. The document data is transferred via the network printer and output from the network printer. Since the manuscript data is output to a network printer with a person in the vicinity, the possibility that the manuscript will be left for a long time (for example, 1-2 days) can be reduced.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a server-side MFP having a server device and a client-side MFP having a client device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of a client management table memory, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of a server information memory. (C) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of the server management memory, and (d) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of the client information memory. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of server side MFP. It is a flowchart which shows a server side MFP main process. It is a flowchart which shows the client side management table update process of server side MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the incoming call process of server side MFP. 6 is a flowchart showing document data transfer processing of the server side MFP. 10 is a flowchart showing setting processing of a client side MFP. 10 is a flowchart showing a human detection notification process of the client side MFP. (A) And (b) is a block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of server side MFP, (c) is a block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of client side MFP. (A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of a user management table memory, (b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of a transfer destination management table memory, and (c) is a login management table memory. It is the schematic which shows an example of the content of. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of server side MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of server side MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the user management table update process of a server side MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the incoming call process of server side MFP. 6 is a flowchart showing document data transfer processing of the server side MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the user monitoring process of client side MFP.

Explanation of symbols

1, 51 Server-side MFP (an example of a server device)
14a Client management table memory (an example of order storage means, an example of notification storage means)
14c, 55c Document data memory (an example of received information storage means)
14g, 55f Transfer history memory (an example of history storage means)
21, 62 Printer (an example of output means)
22 Speaker (an example of sounding means)
24 NCU (an example of response signal transmission means)
31, 71 Client-side MFP (an example of a client device)
40 Human sensor (an example of detection means)
75c Login management table memory (an example of personal information storage means)
80 RFID reader (an example of reading means)
S13 An example of second storage execution means S18 An example of facsimile information transmission means S31-S34 An example of ringing prohibition means S32, S33, S39-S42 An example of first storage execution means S51 An example of identification information acquisition means S52, S56 Transmission An example of prohibition means S81 An example of detection determination means S85, S89 An example of notification prohibition means S86, S87, S90 to S92 An example of notification means S90 An example of request transmission means S92 An example of request cancellation means S122 An example of personal information determination means S123, S124 Third Example of storage execution means

Claims (11)

In a communication system including a server device that receives facsimile information transmitted from an external device and a client device that receives facsimile information transmitted from the server device,
The client device is
Detection means for detecting a human body;
Detection determination means for determining whether or not a human body is detected by the detection means;
A notification means for notifying the server device of the detection of the human body when it is determined that the human body is detected by the detection determination means;
The server device
Received information storage means for storing facsimile information received from the external device;
A communication system comprising: facsimile information transmitting means for transmitting facsimile information stored in the received information storage means to the client apparatus that has notified the detection of the human body. The server device
The facsimile information stored in the reception information storage means is configured to be transmitted to a plurality of client devices,
An order storage means for storing, in association with the notification of the detection of the human body, the order of notification of the detection of the human body and the identification information for identifying the client device that has notified the detection of the human body;
Among the identification information stored in the order storage means, the identification information acquisition means for acquiring the latest identification information in the order,
The facsimile information transmission means transmits facsimile information stored in the reception information storage means to a client device identified by the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means. The communication system according to claim 1. The server device
Transmission prohibiting means for prohibiting transmission of facsimile information by the facsimile information transmitting means to a client device whose elapsed time after receiving the notification of detection of the human body is equal to or longer than a first predetermined time;
When the facsimile information transmission unit detects a new notification of detection of the human body after the prohibition unit prohibits transmission of the facsimile information, the facsimile information transmission unit notifies the client device that has notified the detection of the new human body. 3. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the facsimile information is transmitted. The server device and the client device are configured to be connectable via a telephone line network,
The notification unit of the client device includes:
A request transmission means for transmitting a request signal for requesting connection start with the server device via the telephone network when it is determined by the detection determination means that a human body is detected;
After the request signal is transmitted by the request transmission means, when a ringing signal transmitted at predetermined intervals corresponding to the request signal is received a predetermined number of times via the telephone line network, the request transmission means transmits the request signal. A request canceling means for canceling the connection start request according to the received request signal,
The server device
When a connection with the client device is established after receiving a call signal transmitted at predetermined intervals in response to a request signal transmitted from the client device, the telephone is sent to the client device that has transmitted the request signal. Response transmission means for transmitting a response signal via a circuit network;
Before the response signal is transmitted by the response transmission means, if the number of times the call signal is received is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the identification information of the client device that has transmitted the request signal is acquired, and the acquired identification information is The communication system according to claim 2, further comprising: a first storage execution unit that stores the first storage unit in association with the sequence. The server device
Ringing means for ringing a ringing tone each time the ringing signal is received;
5. The communication system according to claim 4, further comprising ring prohibiting means for prohibiting ringing of the ringing sound by the ringing means until the predetermined number of ringing signals are received. The server device and the client device are configured to be connectable via an Internet line,
The notification unit of the client device includes:
When it is determined by the detection determination means that a human body is detected, human body detection information including identification information for identifying the own device is transmitted to the server device via the Internet line as information indicating the detection of the human body. And
The server device
Upon receiving the human body detection information transmitted from the client device via the Internet line, the identification information included in the human body detection information is acquired, and the acquired identification information is associated with the order in the order storage unit. 4. The communication system according to claim 2, further comprising second storage execution means for storing. The server device and the client device are configured to be connectable via an Internet line,
The client device detection determination means comprises:
It comprises a reading means for reading an ID card storing personal information for identifying an individual, and when the personal information is read by the reading means, it is determined that the human body has been detected,
The notification unit of the client device includes:
When the personal information is read by the reading means, personal detection information including the read personal information and identification information for identifying the own device is transmitted to the server device via the Internet line,
The server device
Personal information storage means for preliminarily storing personal information allowing transmission of facsimile information by the facsimile information transmission means;
When receiving personal detection information transmitted from the client device via the Internet line, it is determined whether or not personal information included in the received personal detection information is stored in the personal information storage means. Personal information determination means;
When it is determined that the personal information included in the personal detection information received from the client device by the personal information determination unit is stored in the personal information storage unit, the personal information is identified from the personal information included in the personal detection information 4. A third storage execution means for acquiring information and storing the acquired personal information and identification information in the order storage means in association with the order. The communication system described. The client device is
Notification prohibition for prohibiting notification of detection of the human body to the server device during a second predetermined time after notification of detection of the human body by the notification unit, even if a new human body is detected by the detection unit The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising means. The server device
A history storage means for storing the transmission history when facsimile information is transmitted to the client device;
9. The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising output means for outputting the transmission history stored in the history storage means to the outside. In the server device that can receive the facsimile information transmitted from the external device and transmit the received facsimile information to the external client device,
Received information storage means for storing facsimile information received from the external device;
Notification storage means for storing a notification of detection of a human body transmitted when a human body is detected from the client device;
Facsimile information transmission means for transmitting facsimile information stored in the received information storage means to a client device that has transmitted the notification of human body detection stored in the notification storage means. Server device. In a client device that can receive facsimile information from a server device that receives facsimile information transmitted from an external device,
Detection means for detecting a human body;
Detection determination means for determining whether or not a human body is detected by the detection means;
A notification means for notifying the server device of detection of the human body when it is determined by the detection determination means that a human body is detected;
A client apparatus, comprising: facsimile information receiving means for receiving facsimile information transmitted from a server apparatus that has notified the detection of a human body by the notification means.

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