JP2011061322A - Image forming apparatus, facsimile transmission method, and facsimile transmission program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for prohibiting facsimile transmission that is to be interrupted during transmission due to expiration of license, before transmission. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: a communication time table for holding a unit communication time to be spent for transmitting each image data to another multifunction machine 100; an HDD 213 for storing an application; an operation display part 220 for receiving input of an address of a device that receives the image data; a current time acquisition part 203 for acquiring the current time; a designated time acquisition part 204 for acquiring a designated time; a difference time calculation part 205 for calculating a difference time indicating a difference between the current time and the designated time; an address counting part 206 for counting the number of input addresses; and a transmission image calculation part 209 for calculating the number of image data pieces that can be transmitted by the designated time on the basis of the communication time table, the difference time, and the number of counted addresses. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote management system including an image forming apparatus that performs fax transmission in consideration of a license expiration date, a fax transmission method, and a fax transmission program.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus capable of increasing functions by installing an application, it is known that each operating application is managed by a unique license. Further, the expiration date of the license is determined by the license information, and when the expiration date has passed, only the application whose expiration date has passed can no longer be used.

  However, in the conventional technology, for example, when the license expiration date of a fax expires during fax transmission, the operation of the application is stopped in the middle of transmission, so that the transmission is terminated in the middle. Therefore, it is impossible for the user to grasp whether or not the current transmission is completed within the license validity period and the transmission of all the originals can be completed before the transmission. In other words, the conventional technology has a problem that the processing based on the expiration date of the license is not considered.

  In this regard, a technique for completing fax transmission by a designated time has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, after generating an image of a document to be transmitted, a communication time is calculated from a protocol exchange time and an image information amount stored in advance, and a call is made at a time obtained by subtracting the calculated communication time from a specified time. Thus, a method for completing transmission by a designated communication time is disclosed. Here, it is conceivable to apply the time when the license expires as a designated time to fax transmission processing within the license expiration date.

  However, in the method of Patent Document 1, since the communication time can be calculated only after the original is read, the user can send the original that can be transmitted at the input stage regarding the transmission destination such as the fax destination and the number of originals. I ca n’t figure out how many.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of preventing fax transmission that is canceled in the middle of transmission processing due to expiration of a license before transmission is started.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus connected to a license management server that manages application licenses. A communication time table including unit communication time required for transmission, a storage unit that stores the application, an input reception unit that receives an input of a destination of the transmission destination of the image data, and a current time that indicates a current time A time acquisition unit, a specified time acquisition unit that acquires a specified time specified as a time to complete the transmission, a difference time calculation unit that calculates a difference time indicating a difference between the current time and the specified time, are input A destination number counting unit that counts the number of destinations, the unit communication time, the calculated difference time, and the counted number of destinations. Based on, characterized in that it comprises a transmittable number calculating unit for calculating the number of the image data that can be transmitted to the specified time.

  In addition, the present invention provides a communication time table including unit communication time required for transmitting image data per sheet to another image forming apparatus, a storing step for storing the application in a storage unit, and transmission of the image data. An input receiving step for receiving an input of a destination, a current time acquiring step for acquiring a current time indicating a current time, a specified time acquiring step for acquiring a specified time specified as a time for completing the transmission, A difference time calculating step for calculating a difference time indicating a difference between a current time and the specified time; a destination number counting step for counting the number of input destinations; the unit communication time; and the calculated difference time; Based on the counted number of destinations, a transmittable number calculating step for calculating the number of image data that can be transmitted by the specified time. Characterized in that it comprises Tsu and up, the.

  The present invention is also a program for causing a computer to execute, wherein the computer includes a communication time table including unit communication time required for transmitting image data per sheet to another image forming apparatus, and the application. An input receiving step for receiving an input of a destination of the transmission destination of the image data, a current time acquisition step for acquiring a current time indicating the current time, and a time for completing the transmission A designated time obtaining step for obtaining the designated time, a difference time calculating step for calculating a difference time indicating a difference between the current time and the designated time, a destination number counting step for counting the number of input destinations, The specified time based on the unit communication time, the calculated difference time, and the counted number of destinations Characterized in that to execute in a transmittable number calculation step, of calculating the number of the image data that can be sent to.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent fax transmission that is canceled in the middle of transmission processing due to expiration of the license before the transmission starts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a remote management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the license management server 300. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of license information and product information. FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a software configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral 100. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of communication time. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication time table. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process for calculating the number of transmittable images by the transmittable image number calculation unit 209. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication time table created for each destination. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing for calculating the number of transmittable images based on the communication time table updated based on the pre-communication processing time and post-communication processing time required for transmission. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for switching time in the “image processing” section of the communication time table. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of communication time table creation processing based on the time of pre-communication processing and post-communication processing required for transmission. FIG. 14A is a diagram in which the time of pre-communication processing and post-communication processing is associated with the destination of fax transmission. FIG. 14B is a diagram of an example of a communication time table created for each destination. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of communication time table creation processing based on the average value. FIG. 16A is a diagram in which a fax transmission destination is associated with a time value for each time type and an average value for each time type. FIG. 16B is a diagram of an example of updating the communication time table set to a fixed value. FIG. 17 is a functional configuration diagram of the MFP 500 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the procedure of application invalidation processing. FIG. 19 is a functional configuration diagram of the MFP 600 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the number of transmittable images notification process. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the number of transmittable images. FIG. 22 is a functional configuration diagram of the MFP 700 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the transmission job cancel process.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus, a fax transmission method, and a fax transmission program according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, an example in which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a multi-function peripheral (MFP) in which a plurality of functions such as copying, faxing, and printers are housed in one housing is shown. Without being limited thereto, the present invention can be applied to any image processing apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus and a scanner apparatus in which an application can be installed.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a remote management system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote management system includes an application download server 400, a license management server 300, and a plurality of multifunction peripherals 100a, 100b, and 100c (hereinafter, an unspecified multifunction peripheral is simply referred to as a multifunction peripheral 100). Are connected via a network 80 such as the Internet. A firewall 90 is provided between the network 80 and the plurality of multifunction peripherals 100.

  The firewall 90 detects and blocks unauthorized access by monitoring data flowing through the boundary with the outside so that a third party who has entered the remote management system through an external network such as a public line or the Internet does not perform the unauthorized operation. .

  The multifunction device 100 is a device having a plurality of functions such as copying, faxing, and printers, and is connected to each other via a local network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). In the remote management system of the present embodiment, three multifunction devices 100a, 100b, and 100c are connected, but the present invention is not limited to this, and one, two, or four or more multifunction devices are connected. It is good also as a structure.

  The application download server 400 is an apparatus that holds an application used in the multifunction device 100 and provides the application to the multifunction device 100.

  The license management server 300 is a device that manages a license (usage right) of an application provided from the application download server 400 and installed in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  In order to realize remote management, the remote management system of the present embodiment has a function of transmitting and receiving processing requests and responses to methods of applications to be mutually mounted by RPC (Remote Procedure Call) in each device. In order to realize RPC, protocols such as SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) can be used.

  Next, the system configuration of the license management server 300 will be described. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the license management server 300. As shown in FIG. 2, the license management server 300 transmits and receives data to and from the multifunction device 100 via the network 80.

  The license management server 300 includes a database in which license information is registered, and the multifunction peripheral 100 holds product information including a product key. When the license management server 300 receives the product key from the multi-function device 100, the license management server 300 searches the license information registered in the database based on the product key, and acquires the license information that matches the product key. When the license management server 300 acquires the license information with the matching product key, the license management server 300 transmits the matching license information to the multifunction peripheral 100. If the license expiration date has exceeded at the current time, the license application is invalidated.

  Next, the configuration of license information and product information will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of license information and product information. As shown in FIG. 3, the license information includes a license ID that is an identifier of individual license information, a product ID that is an identifier of a product, and an expiration date that indicates the expiration date of the license. The product information is composed of product IDs for identifying individual applications.

  Next, the multifunction device 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the multifunction peripheral 100 has a configuration in which the controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire MFP 100 and controls drawing, communication, and input from an operation unit (not shown). The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge (NB) 13, a system memory (MEM-P) 12, a south bridge (SB) 14, a local memory (MEM-C) 17, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 16 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 110, and the north bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15. The MEM-P 12 further includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b.

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the multifunction peripheral 100, has a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, and AGP 15, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a program / data storage memory, and the RAM 12b is a writable / readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, or the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP 15, PCI bus, HDD 110, and MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that perform rotation of image data by hardware logic and the like. Access controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. An FCU (Facsimile Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface 50 are connected to the ASIC 16 via a PCI bus. The operation display unit 20 is directly connected to the ASIC 16.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer, and the HDD 213 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms.

  The AGP 15 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card that has been proposed to speed up graphics processing, and speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 12 with high throughput. .

  FIG. 5 is a software configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the multi-function device 100 includes a monochrome laser printer (B & W LP) 101, a color laser printer (Color LP) 102, an HDD 213, hardware resources 104 such as a scanner, a facsimile, and a memory, a network interface ( I / F) 105 and a software group 110 including a platform 120 and an application 130.

  The platform 120 interprets a processing request from an application and generates a hardware resource acquisition request, and a system resource manager that manages one or a plurality of hardware resources and arbitrates the acquisition request from the control service. (SRM) 123 and a general-purpose OS 121.

  The control service is formed of a plurality of service modules, and includes an SCS (system control service) 122, an ECS (engine control service) 124, an MCS (memory control service) 125, an OCS (operation panel control service) 126, and an FCS. (Fax Control Service) 127, NCS (Network Control Service) 128, NRS (New Remote Service) 129, and Application Install Control Service 131. The platform 120 has an application program interface (API) that enables a processing request to be received from the application 130 using a predefined function.

  The general-purpose OS 121 is a general-purpose operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes the software of the platform 120 and the application 130 in parallel as processes.

  The process of the SRM 123 performs system control and resource management together with the SCS 122. The SRM123 process uses hardware resources such as engines such as a scanner unit and printer unit, memory, HDD file, and host I / O (Centro I / F, network I / F, IEEE 1394 I / F, RS232C I / F, etc.). Arbitration is performed according to the request from the upper layer to be used, and execution control is performed.

  Specifically, the SRM 123 determines whether the requested hardware resource is available (whether it is not used by another request), and if it is available, the requested hardware resource is used. Tell the upper layer that it is possible. In addition, the SRM 123 performs use scheduling of hardware resources in response to a request from an upper layer, and directly executes request contents (for example, paper conveyance and image forming operation, memory allocation, file generation, etc. by a printer engine). .

  The process of the SCS 122 performs application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, resource management, interrupt application control, and the like.

  The process of the ECS 124 controls the engine of the hardware resource 104 including a black and white laser printer (B & W LP) 101, a color laser printer (Color LP) 102, a scanner, a facsimile, and the like.

  The MCS 125 process acquires and releases an image memory, uses a hard disk device (HDD), compresses and decompresses image data, and the like.

  The FCS 127 process includes facsimile transmission / reception using PSTN / ISDN network from each application layer of the system controller, registration / quotation of various facsimile data managed by BKM (backup SRAM), facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and fusion transmission / reception. Provides an API to do.

  The NCS 128 process is a process for providing a service that can be commonly used for applications that require network I / O. Data received from the network side according to each protocol is distributed to each application, and data from the application. Mediation when sending to the network side.

  In the present embodiment, the NCS 128 process receives an install request and an uninstall request together with application and license information. The NCS 128 process notifies the mediation apparatus 200 of installation completion information when the application installation based on the installation request is successful. On the other hand, when the application installation based on the installation request fails, the intermediary device 200 is notified of the installation incomplete information. Further, when the application based on the uninstall request is successfully uninstalled, the NCS 128 process notifies the mediation apparatus 200 of uninstallation completion information. On the other hand, when the uninstallation of the application based on the uninstallation request fails, the incomplete uninstallation information is notified to the mediation apparatus 200.

  The process of the OCS 126 controls an operation panel (operation panel) serving as information transmission means between the operator (user) and the main body control. The OCS 126 obtains a key press (or touch operation) from the operation panel as a key event, and operates according to a request from the application 130 or the control service and a part of the OCS process that transmits a key event function corresponding to the obtained key to the SCS 122. A drawing function for drawing and outputting various screens on the panel, a function for controlling the operation panel, and the like are composed of pre-registered OCS library portions. The OCS library is mounted by being linked to each module of the application 130 and the control service. The OCS 126 may be configured to operate as a process, or the OCS 126 may be configured as an OCS library.

  The application installation control service 131 performs application installation processing based on the received application and license information based on the installation request received by the NCS 128 process. In addition, the application installation control service 131 performs an application uninstall process based on the received license information based on the uninstall request received by the NCS 128 process.

  The process of the NRS 129 has a function related to device remote management via the network and a scheduler function such as data conversion when data is transmitted and received via the network.

  The application 130 includes a printer application 111 that is a printer application having a page description language (PDL), PCL, and postscript (PS), a copy application 112 that is a copy application, and a fax application 113 that is a facsimile application. A scanner application 114 as a scanner application, a network file application 115 as a network file application, a process inspection application 116 as a process inspection application, and a WEB server for a client terminal such as a PC connected to the Internet It has a WEB application 117 that operates as an (http server) and displays various screens on a WEB browser that operates on a client terminal.

  Each process of the application 130 and each process of the control service realize user services related to image forming processing such as copying, printers, scanners, and facsimiles while performing inter-process communication by calling functions, sending return values thereof, and sending and receiving messages. is doing.

  As described above, the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of applications 130 and a plurality of control services, all of which operate as processes. In each of these processes, one or a plurality of threads are generated and parallel execution is performed in units of threads. The control service provides a common service to the application 130. For this reason, a large number of these processes perform a parallel operation and a parallel operation of threads to perform inter-process communication with each other. User services related to image forming processing such as copying, printers, scanners, and facsimiles are provided.

  Also, in the multifunction device 100, a third party such as a customer of the multifunction device 100 or a third vendor can develop and install the external application 172 in the application layer above the control service layer. The external application 172 is an application received from the mediation apparatus 200 and is installed by the application installation control service 131.

  In the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, a plurality of application 130 processes and a plurality of control service processes operate. However, the application 130 and the control service process have a single configuration. Is also possible. Each application 130 can be added or deleted for each application. That is, as described above, the external application 172 can be installed and can be uninstalled.

  Next, a functional configuration of the multifunction machine 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral 100. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes an input control unit 201, an image reading unit 202, a current time acquisition unit 203, a specified time acquisition unit 204, a difference time calculation unit 205, and a destination number counting unit 206. A display control unit 207, a communication unit 208, a transmittable image number calculation unit 209, a communication time recording unit 210, a communication time table creation unit 211, a transmission control unit 212, and an HDD 213. The operation display unit 220 and the scanner unit 230 are connected.

  The HDD 213 stores a communication time table, a stored document, a communication time, a transmission history, and various other information. Here, the communication time table is a time during which the multifunction device 100a communicates with another multifunction device 100b in fax transmission. The communication time is a communication time with another multifunction device 100 at the time of fax transmission, and is stored for each of a plurality of processes in the fax transmission. The transmission history is a history in which the transmission date / time and the number of transmissions are associated with the destination of fax transmission. The archived document is a document file that has already been accepted by the input control unit 201 or a document that has been read by the image reading unit 202 and is stored as image data.

  The input control unit 201 accepts various types of input information input by the user from the operation display unit 220 and passes the input information to each unit according to the type of input information. For example, when an input of a fax transmission destination is accepted, the input information is passed to the destination number counting unit 206. When the input of the designated time designated as the time for completing the fax transmission is accepted, the input information is passed to the designated time acquisition unit 204. Further, when an input of a stored document is accepted as a transmission document for fax transmission, the received stored document is transferred to the image reading unit 202 and the transmission image number calculation unit 209.

  The display control unit 207 displays various information on the operation display unit 220 in a state where the information can be visually recognized. The image reading unit 202 reads a document image from the scanner unit 230 and acquires image data.

  The transmission control unit 212 transmits the image data read and acquired by the image reading unit 202 to a destination for which input is received by the input control unit 201 via the communication unit 208.

  The current time acquisition unit 203 acquires the current time from a clock (not shown) indicating the current time. The specified time acquisition unit 204 acquires a specified time at which an input is received by the input control unit 201.

  The difference time calculation unit 205 calculates a difference time indicating a difference between the current time acquired by the current time acquisition unit 203 and the specified time acquired by the specified time acquisition unit 204.

  The destination number counting unit 206 receives a destination whose input is accepted from the input control unit 201 and counts the total number of destinations.

  The communication time recording unit 210 records a communication time, which is a time during which the communication unit 208 communicates with another multifunction device 100 in fax transmission. Specifically, the communication time recording unit 210 counts the communication time for each processing type, such as pre-communication processing, image transmission, and post-communication processing, per image data, and calculates the value of each counted communication time. To record.

  The communication time table creation unit 211 creates, for each destination, a communication time table in which the communication time value recorded in the HDD 213 by the communication time recording unit 210 is associated with the fax transmission destination.

  The communication unit 208 communicates with the license management server 300 and the application download server 400 via the network 80. In addition, it communicates with another multifunction peripheral 100b via a LAN (not shown). Specifically, communication protocol control and communication data modulation / demodulation are performed.

  The transmittable image number calculation unit 209 calculates the number of images that can be transmitted by the designated time based on the communication time table stored in the HDD 213. Hereinafter, a method for calculating the number of transmittable images based on the communication time table will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of communication time. As shown in FIG. 7, the communication time is composed of sections (hereinafter referred to as time type sections) composed of five time types S, C1, F, C2, and C3. S indicates the time from when the input control unit 201 receives a transmission start request from the user until the image reading unit 202 finishes obtaining and processing the image data. C1 indicates the time of negotiation with the communication destination multifunction peripheral after the start of calling. F indicates an image transmission time. When there are a plurality of images to be transmitted, F is repeated for the number of images. C2 indicates a post-processing time of communication after completion of document transmission. C3 represents the call interval time from the end of the previous destination transmission process to the start of the next destination call when there is a next destination.

上記（１）式を展開することで、画像枚数が求めることができる。

ここで、通信時間を指定時刻と現在時刻の差分とすれば、通信時間テーブルと入力宛先数に基づいて、指定時刻までに送信可能な画像数を求めることができる。なお、画像数の解が、小数点になった場合は、切り上げる。 The communication time can be expressed by the following equation according to the time type classification.

The number of images can be obtained by developing the above equation (1).

Here, if the communication time is the difference between the specified time and the current time, the number of images that can be transmitted by the specified time can be obtained based on the communication time table and the number of input destinations. If the solution for the number of images has a decimal point, round it up.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication time table. As shown in FIG. 8, the communication time table includes five time values of “image processing”, “pre-communication processing”, “image communication”, “post-communication processing”, and “calling interval”. It is held separately for each type. As for “image processing”, the input value of the image is further divided into three input types of “DF / single-sided”, “DF / double-sided”, and “stored document”, and time values are held. The number of transmittable images calculation unit 209 calculates the number of transmittable images by substituting the time values of these communication time tables into the above equation (2). The values in the communication time table shown in FIG. 8 are set as fixed values of the product standard, but the settings can be updated as will be described later.

  Next, a process for calculating the number of transmittable images by the transmittable image number calculating unit 209 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process for calculating the number of transmittable images by the transmittable image number calculation unit 209.

  The input control unit 201 waits for detection of destination input (step S1), and when input of the destination is detected (step S1: Yes), the input control unit 201 transmits input information about the destination to the destination number counting unit 206. If input of a destination is not detected (step S1: No), the process ends without performing fax transmission processing.

  The destination number counting unit 206 counts the number of destinations received from the input control unit 201, and acquires the number of destinations whose input is currently accepted by the input control unit 201 (step S2).

  The current time acquisition unit 203 acquires the current time from the clock indicating the current time (step S3), and the specified time acquisition unit 204 acquires the specified time received from the input control unit 201 (step S4).

  The difference time calculation unit 205 calculates a difference time by subtracting the current time acquired by the current time acquisition unit 203 from the specified time acquired by the specified time acquisition unit 204 (step S5).

  The transmissible image number calculation unit 209 acquires a communication time table stored in the HDD 213 (step S6). The communication time table includes a default communication time table and a communication time table created for each destination having a transmission history. The default communication time table is the communication time table in which a fixed value is set as described with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, with the communication time table created for each destination, the destination is associated with the default communication time table, and among the processing types of the default communication time table, pre-communication processing and post-communication processing are It is the communication time table in which the communication time required at the time of the last transmission to the said destination is recorded. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication time table created for each destination. As shown in FIG. 10, the communication time table created for each destination is associated with the destination, and the value of the communication time of the pre-communication processing and the post-communication processing is required in the transmission processing to the destination. The recorded value is recorded.

  Here, a specific method of the communication time table acquisition process that is a process of acquiring the communication time table will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the communication time table acquisition process.

  The transmissible image number calculation unit 209 checks whether or not the input destination is a destination having a transmission history with reference to the HDD 213 (step S11). As a result of the confirmation, if there is no transmission history in the HDD 213 (step S11: No), the transmittable image number calculation unit 209 specifies a default communication time table and acquires each time value from the specified communication time table. (Step S13).

  Here, a process for switching the time of the “image processing” section of the communication time table when acquiring each time value from the communication time table will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for switching time in the “image processing” section of the communication time table.

  The transmissible image number calculation unit 209 checks whether or not a stored document is input as a transmission document for fax transmission received by the input control unit 201 (step S21). When confirming that a stored document has been input (step S21: Yes), the transmissible image number calculation unit 209 changes the image processing input type to “stored document” (step S22). Specifically, the number of transmittable images calculation unit 209 acquires time “0 sec” corresponding to the stored document in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the stored document has been selected (step S21: No), whether or not the document feeding method is single-sided in the input information about the fax transmission accepted by the input control unit 201. Is confirmed (step S23). When it is confirmed that the document feeding method is single-sided (step S23: Yes), the image processing input type is changed to “DF / single-sided” (step S24). Specifically, the number of transmittable images calculation unit 209 acquires the time “2 sec” corresponding to DF / single side in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the document feeding method is single-sided (step S23: No), the image processing input type is changed to “DF / double-sided” (step S25). Specifically, the number of transmittable images calculation unit 209 acquires a time “3 sec” corresponding to DF / both sides in FIG.

  In step S11, if the destination has a transmission history (step S22: Yes), the communication time table of the destination whose input is detected in step S1 in FIG. 9 is acquired (step S23).

  In step S7 of the flowchart of FIG. 9, the transmittable image number calculation unit 209 calculates the number of transmittable images based on the calculated difference time and the acquired communication time table (step S7). Specifically, the number of transmittable images is obtained by acquiring each processing time from the communication time table acquired in step S6 and substituting it into the above equation (2).

  Next, a communication time table creation process created by the communication time table creation unit 211 after execution of fax transmission will be described.

  The communication time table creation unit 211 creates a communication time table based on the communication time of communication by the communication unit 208 and the destination whose input is detected by the input control unit 201.

  Here, communication time table creation processing, which is processing for creating a communication time table, will be described. As a communication time table creation process, a method of creating a communication time table based on the pre-communication process time and post-communication process time required for transmission will be described below. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of communication time table creation processing based on the time of pre-communication processing and post-communication processing required for transmission.

  The communication time recording unit 210 records the pre-communication processing time and the post-communication processing time in the HDD 213 during transmission (step S31). Specifically, the communication time recording unit 210 counts the time of the pre-communication process and the post-communication process for each destination whose input is detected in step S1 of FIG. 9 and records each counted time in the HDD 213.

  FIG. 14A is a diagram in which the time of pre-communication processing and post-communication processing is associated with the destination of fax transmission. As illustrated in FIG. 14A, the communication time recording unit 210 sets the time value “12.5 sec” of the pre-communication process and the post-communication process to the destination “000-xxx-xxx” of the fax transmission. The time value “3.5 sec” is associated and recorded in the HDD 213.

  The communication time table creation unit 211 associates a destination with the default communication time table stored in the HDD 213, and creates a communication time table for each destination (step S32). Specifically, among the processing types of the default communication time table, the time values of the pre-communication processing and the post-communication processing are set as the time values of the pre-communication processing and the post-communication processing recorded by the communication time recording unit 210. rewrite. Among a plurality of processing types divided in the communication time table, the pre-communication process and the post-communication process have different time values depending on the destination. Therefore, in order to calculate the number of transmittable images using a time value suitable for the destination, the communication time table creation unit 211 creates a communication time table for each destination.

  FIG. 14B is a diagram of an example of a communication time table created for each destination. As illustrated in FIG. 14B, the communication time table creation unit 211 associates a destination with the default communication time table, and “12.5 sec” recorded by the communication time recording unit 210 as the time value of the communication preprocessing. Is entered. Further, “3.5 sec” recorded by the communication time recording unit 210 is input as the time value of post-communication processing.

  In addition, as another example of the communication time table creation process, a method of creating using an average value of a plurality of data will be described.

  When there are a plurality of transmission histories to the same destination, the communication time table creation unit 211 obtains an average value for each processing type of communication time already stored in the HDD 213, and for each destination based on the obtained average value It is also possible to create a communication time table. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of communication time table creation processing based on the average value.

  The communication time recording unit 210 records the transmission date and time in the HDD 213 in association with the time value for each time type (step S41). The communication time table creation unit 211 calculates an average value of time values for each time type recorded by the communication time recording unit 210 (step S42).

  FIG. 16A is a diagram in which a fax transmission destination is associated with a time value for each time type and an average value for each time type. As illustrated in FIG. 16A, the communication time recording unit 210 sets the fax transmission destination “000-xxx-xxx” to the transmission date and time “3 / x xx: xx” for each processing type. The time value is recorded in association with the time value for each time type in the transmission date and time “4 / x xx: xx”. The average value is an average value of time values for each processing type calculated by the communication time table creation unit 211.

  In FIG.15 S43, the communication time table preparation part 211 matches a destination with a default communication time table, inputs the calculated average value, and produces the communication time table based on an average value (step S43). FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication time table created based on the average value. As illustrated in FIG. 16B, the communication time table creation unit 211 inputs an average value for each time type of “pre-communication processing”, “image transmission”, “post-communication processing”, and “calling interval”. Create a communication time table.

  Since the time value of pre-communication processing and post-communication processing is determined only by the line speed of the own device and the other device of transmission, once communication is performed and those time values are acquired and stored, the next communication Can also use the same time value. Thus, in this way, time values of communication pre-processing and post-communication processing performed in the past for each destination are stored, and the number of transmittable images is determined based on the communication time table updated with the stored time. By calculating, functionality can be improved.

  In addition, in this way, the time value for each time type divided in the communication time table of communication performed in the past for each destination is stored, and more accurately from the average value of each time value calculated therefrom. Since the number of transmittable images can be calculated, the functionality can be further improved.

(Embodiment 2)
In the present embodiment, the designated time in the first embodiment is set as the application expiration date. When the application expiration date is exceeded, the application is invalidated.

  First, the MFP 500 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a functional configuration diagram of the MFP 500 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the MFP 500 includes an input control unit 201, an image reading unit 202, a current time acquisition unit 203, an expiration date acquisition unit 504, a difference time calculation unit 205, and a destination count unit 206. A display control unit 207, a communication unit 208, a transmittable image number calculation unit 209, a communication time recording unit 210, a communication time table creation unit 211, an invalidation unit 510, a transmission control unit 212, and an HDD 213. And is connected to the operation display unit 220 and the scanner unit 230. Note that the configuration of the remote management system and the hardware configuration of the multi-function device 500 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Functions and configurations of the expiration date acquisition unit 504 and the invalidation unit 510 will be described. The functions and configurations of the units other than the expiration date acquisition unit 504 and the invalidation unit 510 are the same as those of the multi-function device 100 according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The expiration date acquisition unit 504 acquires the license expiration date of the application from the license file. Here, the license file is a file in which information about the license, such as the license expiration date of the application and license permission items, is recorded. The license file is received from the license management server 300 and stored in the HDD 213.

  The invalidation unit 510 compares the current time acquired by the current time acquisition unit 203 with the license expiration date acquired by the expiration date acquisition unit 504, and determines whether or not the current time exceeds the license expiration date. If it is exceeded, disable the application.

  Next, a procedure of processing for invalidating an application (hereinafter referred to as application invalidation processing) will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the procedure of application invalidation processing.

  Step S50 to step S52 are the same as step S1 to step S3 in the flowchart showing the procedure of the process for calculating the number of transmittable images in FIG.

  In step S53, the expiration date acquisition unit 504 acquires the license expiration date from the license file stored in the HDD 213 (step S53).

  The invalidation unit 510 compares the current time acquired in step S52 with the license expiration date acquired in step S53, and checks whether the current time exceeds the license expiration date (step S54). . As a result of the confirmation, if it is confirmed that the current time exceeds the license expiration date (step S54: Yes), the invalidation unit 510 invalidates the application whose license expiration date has been exceeded (step S55). ).

  On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the current time has exceeded the license expiration date (step S54: No), the difference time calculation unit 205 calculates the difference time from the current time to the license expiration date (step S54). S56).

  The transmittable image number calculation unit 209 acquires a communication time table (step S57), and calculates the number of transmittable images based on the calculated difference time and the acquired communication time table (step S58).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the designated time is the license expiration date of the application, and when the license expiration date is exceeded, only the function of the disabled application cannot be used by disabling the application. The functionality can be improved.

(Embodiment 3)
In this embodiment, whether or not transmission of the number of transmittable images calculated by the number of transmittable images calculation unit 209 or the number of images input by the user can be completed within a specified time in the first embodiment. To be notified.

  First, the multifunction peripheral 600 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 is a functional configuration diagram of the MFP 600 according to the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the MFP 600 includes an input control unit 601, an image reading unit 202, a current time acquisition unit 203, a specified time acquisition unit 204, a difference time calculation unit 205, and a destination number counting unit 206. A display control unit 207, a communication unit 208, a transmittable image number calculation unit 209, a communication time recording unit 210, a communication time table creation unit 211, a notification control 610, a transmission control unit 212, and an HDD 213. And is connected to the operation display unit 220 and the scanner unit 230. Note that the configuration of the remote management system and the hardware configuration of the multi-function device 600 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Functions and configurations of the input control unit 601 and the notification control unit 610 will be described. The functions and configurations of the units other than the input control unit 601 and the notification control unit 610 are the same as those of the multi-function device 100 according to the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The input control unit 601 receives various input information input by the user from the operation display unit 220. As input information, inputs such as a fax transmission destination, the number of transmission images, a specified time, a notification time, and the like are accepted. Here, the number of transmitted images is the number of images to be faxed. The notification time is a time for determining a time before a specified time, and the number of images that can be transmitted to the user, or whether or not the number of transmitted images that have been input can be transmitted within the specified time (hereinafter referred to as the notification time) This is a reference time for starting notification of transmission completion.

  The input control unit 601 transmits input information to each unit according to the type of input information. For example, when input of a destination for fax transmission is accepted, the input information is transmitted to the destination number counting unit 206. When the input of the designated time designated as the time for completing the fax transmission is received, the input information is transmitted to the designated time acquisition unit 204. In addition, when the input of the number of transmission images and the notification time is accepted, the number of transmission images and the notification time are transmitted to the notification control unit 610.

  The notification control unit 610 obtains the notification time, confirms whether or not the current time has passed the notification time, and if it is confirmed that the notification time has passed, the notification control unit 610 informs the user of the number of images that can be transmitted or whether or not transmission has been completed. Notice. Here, the notification time is a time obtained by subtracting the notification time from the specified time. Further, whether or not transmission is complete is notified when the input control unit 601 receives an input of the number of transmission images.

  Specifically, the notification control unit 610 first obtains the notification time by subtracting the notification time from the specified time. Then, the current time acquired by the current time acquisition unit 203 is compared with the obtained notification time to check whether the current time has passed the notification time. When it is confirmed that the notification time has passed, the operation display unit 220 displays the number of images that can be transmitted or whether or not transmission is complete. Here, regarding the display of the number of transmittable images, the number of transmittable images calculated by the transmittable image number calculating unit 209 is displayed. Whether or not the transmission can be completed is compared with whether or not the number of input transmission images is larger than the number of transmittable images calculated by the transmittable image calculation unit 209. If it is the same or less than possible, a message indicating that transmission can be completed is displayed.

  Next, a process for notifying the number of images that can be transmitted or whether or not transmission is complete (hereinafter referred to as a process for notifying the number of transmittable images) will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the number of transmittable images notification process.

  Since Step S60 and Step S61 are the same as Step S1 and Step S2 in the flowchart showing the procedure of the process for calculating the number of transmittable images in FIG.

  In step S62, the input control unit 601 receives an input of the number of transmission images (step S62). Note that the input of the number of transmission images is arbitrary, and when the input is not accepted, the notification control unit 610 notifies the number of transmittable images and does not notify the completion of transmission.

  Step S63 and step S64 are the same as step S3 and step S4 in the flowchart showing the procedure of the process for calculating the number of transmittable images in FIG.

  In step S65, the notification control unit 610 acquires the notification time from the input control unit 601 (step S65). The notification control unit 610 checks whether or not the current time acquired by the current time acquisition unit 203 has passed the notification time (step S66). Specifically, the notification time is obtained by subtracting the notification time acquired in step S64 from the specified time acquired by the specified time acquisition unit 204.

  When the notification control unit 610 confirms that the current time has passed the notification time (step S66: Yes), the difference time calculation unit 205 acquires the current time from the specified time acquired by the specified time acquisition unit 204. The difference time is calculated by subtracting the current time acquired by the unit 203 (step S67).

  Step S68 and step S69 are the same as step S6 and step S7 in the flowchart showing the procedure of the process for calculating the number of transmittable images in FIG.

  In step S70, the notification control unit 610 notifies the number of transmittable images or whether transmission is complete (step S70). Specifically, the notification control unit 610 displays the number of transmittable images calculated by the transmittable image number calculation unit 209 on the operation display unit 220. Alternatively, when the input of the number of transmission images is accepted in step S62, the number of transmission images accepted for input is compared with the calculated number of transmittable images to display whether transmission is complete. Specifically, when the number of transmission images is larger than the calculated number of transmittable images, transmission impossible is displayed on the operation display unit 220. When the number of transmittable images is equal to or less than the calculated number of transmittable images, transmission is possible. Is displayed on the operation display unit 220.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the number of transmittable images. In FIG. 21, the designated time is set as the license expiration date, and as shown in this figure, the notification control unit 610 can complete transmission by the license expiration date, saying that “25 more can be sent until the license expiration date”. Display the number of images.

  In this way, the notification control unit 610 notifies the number of images that can be transmitted up to the designated time or the completion of transmission of the number of input transmission images, so that the user can transmit more images, or Since it can be determined whether or not transmission of all images can be completed within the specified time, it is possible to prevent transmission that does not complete transmission by the specified time.

(Embodiment 4)
In the present embodiment, when an image having the number of transmittable images calculated by the transmittable image count calculation unit 209 in Embodiment 1 is input, the transmission job is canceled.

  First, the multifunction peripheral 700 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 22 is a functional configuration diagram of the MFP 700 according to the fourth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the MFP 700 includes an input control unit 701, an image reading unit 202, a current time acquisition unit 203, a specified time acquisition unit 204, a difference time calculation unit 205, and a destination count unit 206. A display control unit 207, a communication unit 208, a transmittable image number calculation unit 209, a communication time recording unit 210, a communication time table creation unit 211, a job cancellation determination unit 710, a transmission control unit 712, The HDD 213 is mainly provided, and is connected to the operation display unit 220 and the scanner unit 230. Note that the configuration of the remote management system and the hardware configuration of the multi-function device 700 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Functions and configurations of the input control unit 701, the job cancellation determination unit 710, and the transmission control unit 712 will be described. The functions and configurations of the units other than the input control unit 701, the job cancellation determination unit 710, and the transmission control unit 712 are the same as those of the multi-function device 100 according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The input control unit 701 receives various input information input by the user from the operation display unit 220. As input information, an input of a fax transmission destination, the number of transmission images, a specified time, and the like is accepted.

  The input control unit 701 transmits input information to each unit according to the type of input information. For example, when input of a destination for fax transmission is accepted, the input information is transmitted to the destination number counting unit 206. When the input of the designated time designated as the time for completing the fax transmission is received, the input information is transmitted to the designated time acquisition unit 204. When the input of the number of transmission images is accepted, the number of transmission images is transmitted to the job cancellation determination unit 710. In addition, when an input of a transmission start instruction that is an instruction to start transmission is received, the transmission start instruction is transmitted to the transmission control unit 712.

  The job cancellation determination unit 710 determines whether or not to cancel the transmission job. If it is determined to cancel, the job cancellation determination unit 710 transmits a message to that effect to the transmission control unit 712. Specifically, the job cancellation determination unit 710 compares the number of transmittable images calculated by the transmittable image number calculation unit 209 with the number of transmit images received by the input control unit 701, and transmits the input received. If the number of images is larger than the calculated number of transmittable images, it is determined to cancel the transmission job.

  Upon receiving a transmission start instruction from the input control unit 701, the transmission control unit 712 reads the image data read by the image reading unit 202, and receives the input image data received by the input control unit 201 via the communication unit 208. Send to. However, even when the transmission control unit 712 receives a transmission start instruction from the input control unit 701, the transmission control unit 712 cancels the transmission job when the job cancellation determination unit 710 determines to cancel the transmission job.

  Next, a procedure of processing for canceling a transmission job (hereinafter referred to as transmission job cancellation processing) will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the transmission job cancel process.

  Step S80 and step S81 are the same as step S1 and step S2 in the flowchart showing the procedure of the process for calculating the number of transmittable images in FIG.

  Steps S80 to S86 are the same as steps S1 and S7 in the flowchart showing the procedure of the process for calculating the number of transmittable images in FIG.

  In step S 87, when the input control unit 701 receives an input of a transmission start instruction (step S 87), the job cancellation determination unit 710 transmits the transmission input from the input control unit 701 or input by the image reading unit 202. The number of images is acquired (step S88).

  The job cancellation determination unit 710 compares whether or not the acquired number of transmission images is greater than the number of transmittable images (step S89). Here, when the acquired number of transmitted images is larger than the number of transmittable images, the job cancellation determination unit 710 determines to cancel the transmission job.

  If the job cancellation determination unit 710 determines that the job is to be canceled because the number of acquired transmission images is greater than the number of transmittable images (step S89: Yes), the transmission control unit 712 cancels the transmission job. (Step S90). On the other hand, if the job cancellation determination unit 710 determines that the transmission job is not canceled because the number of acquired transmission images is the same as or less than the number of transmittable images (step S89: No), image data is input. It transmits to the destination (step S91).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the number of input transmission images is larger than the number of transmittable images, the transmission job is canceled, so that transmission is performed before the specified time (license expiration date). Transmission that cannot be completed can be avoided.

  Note that the fax transmission program executed by the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The fax transmission program executed by the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. It may be configured to be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Furthermore, the fax transmission program executed by the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The fax transmission program executed by the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The fax transmission program executed by the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the above-described units (input control unit, image reading unit, current time acquisition unit, designated time acquisition unit, difference time calculation unit, destination number counting unit, display A control unit, a communication unit, a transmittable image number calculation unit, a communication time recording unit, a communication time table creation unit, and a transmission control unit). As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) is the ROM The above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device by reading and executing the fax transmission program from the input control unit, the image reading unit, the current time acquisition unit, the specified time acquisition unit, the difference time calculation unit, the destination number counting unit, A display control unit, a communication unit, a transmittable image number calculation unit, a communication time recording unit, a communication time table creation unit, and a transmission control unit are generated on the main storage device. To have.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is described by taking an example in which the image forming apparatus is applied to a multifunction machine having at least two functions among a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus such as a printer, a scanner apparatus, and a facsimile apparatus.

100, 500, 600, 700 MFP 201, 601, 701 Input control unit 202 Image reading unit 203 Current time acquisition unit 204 Designated time acquisition unit 205 Differential time calculation unit 206 Destination number counting unit 207 Display control unit 208 Communication unit 209 Transmission Number of possible images calculation unit 210 Communication time recording unit 211 Communication time table creation unit 212, 712 Transmission control unit 213 HDD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 300 License management server 400 Application download server 504 Expiration date acquisition part 510 Invalidation part 610 Notification control part 710 Job cancellation judgment part

JP-A-8-18757

Claims (10)

In an image forming apparatus connected to a license management server that manages application licenses,
A communication time table including unit communication time required for transmission of image data per sheet to another image forming apparatus, a storage unit for storing the application,
An input receiving unit that receives an input of a destination of the transmission destination of the image data;
A current time acquisition unit for acquiring a current time indicating the current time;
A designated time acquisition unit for acquiring a designated time designated as a time for completing the transmission;
A difference time calculation unit for calculating a difference time indicating a difference between the current time and the specified time;
A destination number counting unit for counting the number of input destinations;
Based on the unit communication time, the calculated difference time, and the counted number of destinations, a transmittable number calculating unit that calculates the number of image data that can be transmitted by the specified time;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The specified time acquisition unit acquires the expiration date of the license from the license management server as the specified time,
The transmittable number calculating unit calculates the number of image data that can be transmitted before the expiration date as the designated time;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The storage unit stores a notification time that is a time before a predetermined time of the specified time and is a time for notifying the user of the number of image data that can be transmitted within the calculated difference time,
A notification unit for notifying the user of the number of image data that can be transmitted when it is confirmed that the notification time has passed;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The storage unit stores a notification time that is a predetermined time before the specified time and is a time for notifying the user of whether or not transmission of the number of input image data is completed within the difference time. And
A notification unit for notifying the user of the completion of the transmission when confirming that the notification time has passed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A number acquisition unit for acquiring the number of the image data to be transmitted;
A determination unit for determining whether or not transmission of the acquired number of pieces of the image data is completed by the input designated time;
A job canceling unit for canceling the transmission process when it is determined that transmission of the input number of the image data cannot be completed;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The storage unit stores the communication time table further including time values of communication pre-processing and post-processing set in advance as fixed values;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A communication time recording unit that records time values of the pre-processing and post-processing of the communication for each transmitted destination;
A communication time table creating unit that creates the communication time table including the time values of the pre-processing and post-processing of the communication for each destination based on the recorded pre-processing and post-processing time values of the communication;
Further comprising
The transmittable number calculating unit is configured to transmit the image data that can be transmitted by the designated time based on the communication time table associated with the input destination, the difference time, and the counted number of destinations. Calculating the number of
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6. The communication time table creation unit calculates an average value of the recorded pre-processing and post-processing time values for each destination, and creates the communication time table in which the calculated average value is associated with each destination. To do,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. A communication time table including unit communication time required to transmit image data per sheet to another image forming apparatus, and a storage step of storing the application in a storage unit;
An input receiving step of receiving an input of a destination of the transmission destination of the image data;
A current time acquisition step for acquiring a current time indicating the current time;
A designated time obtaining step for obtaining a designated time designated as a time for completing the transmission;
A difference time calculating step for calculating a difference time indicating a difference between the current time and the specified time;
A destination count step for counting the number of input destinations;
Based on the unit communication time, the calculated difference time, and the counted number of destinations, a transmittable number calculating step of calculating the number of image data that can be transmitted by the specified time;
Including fax sending method. A program for causing a computer to execute,
The computer includes a communication time table including unit communication time required for transmission of image data per sheet to another image forming apparatus, and a storage unit that stores the application.
An input receiving step of receiving an input of a destination of the transmission destination of the image data;
A current time acquisition step for acquiring a current time indicating the current time;
A designated time obtaining step for obtaining a designated time designated as a time for completing the transmission;
A difference time calculating step for calculating a difference time indicating a difference between the current time and the specified time;
A destination count step for counting the number of input destinations;
A transmittable number calculating step of calculating the number of pieces of image data that can be transmitted by the specified time based on the unit communication time, the calculated difference time, and the counted number of destinations;
A fax transmission program characterized by being executed as:

Images