JP2011223534A - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile machine which can deliver received image data to a destination with simple operation when the destination is at rest.SOLUTION: The facsimile machine delivers image data received from a sender to the destination and includes: a receiving section to receive the image data; an identification information output section to output identification information by printing the identification information to specify the destination when failed to deliver the image data to the destination; an image data output section to output the image data to the outside of the facsimile machine; an identification information acquisition section to acquire the outputted identification information by reading the printed identification information; an image data acquisition section to acquire the outputted image data from the outside of the facsimile machine; and a delivering section to deliver the acquired image data to the destination after specifying the destination from the acquired identification information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus that distributes image data received from a transmission source to a distribution destination.

  Conventionally, facsimile apparatuses that distribute image data received from a transmission source to a distribution destination have become widespread.

  Such a facsimile apparatus receives image data from a transmission source via a PSTN (Public Switched Telephony Network). Then, the facsimile apparatus identifies the delivery destination based on the received date and the received information such as the facsimile number of the transmission source.

  For example, a folder in a computer connected to a facsimile machine via a LAN (Local Area Network) is specified as a delivery destination. The facsimile apparatus distributes the image data to the specified distribution destination.

  With such a facsimile apparatus, the image data is stored as an electronic file in a desired distribution destination. A user of the facsimile apparatus can view the distributed image data via the computer. At this time, since the image data is distributed to a desired distribution destination, the user can easily find the image data. That is, such a facsimile apparatus facilitates management of image data.

  As such a facsimile apparatus, for example, there is a facsimile apparatus described in Patent Document 1.

JP 2002-271538 A

  However, a facsimile apparatus that distributes image data received from a transmission source to a distribution destination cannot distribute the received image data to the distribution destination when the distribution destination computer or the like is stopped.

  In such a case, the facsimile apparatus must maintain the received image data until distribution to the distribution destination becomes possible. Therefore, the facsimile apparatus needs a function for managing the maintained image data. The function for managing the image data complicates the structure of the facsimile apparatus and complicates the user operation.

  In order to avoid such a complicated structure and complicated operation, the facsimile apparatus may print received image data on paper. Thereby, the facsimile apparatus does not need to maintain the image data. However, since the image data is output on paper, the ease of managing the image data is impaired.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a facsimile apparatus capable of distributing image data received when the distribution destination is stopped to the distribution destination with a simple operation.

  In order to solve the above problems, a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is a facsimile apparatus that receives image data from a transmission source and distributes the image data to a distribution destination, and a receiving unit that receives the image data; When delivery to the delivery destination is not possible, by printing identification information for specifying the delivery destination, an identification information output unit that outputs the identification information, and when delivery to the delivery destination is not possible, An image data output unit that outputs the image data to the outside of the facsimile device; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires the identification information output by reading the printed identification information; and the output image data The image data acquisition unit for acquiring the image from the outside of the facsimile apparatus, the distribution destination is specified by the acquired identification information, and the acquired image data is acquired. And a distribution unit that distributes data to the destination.

  Thus, the facsimile apparatus can distribute the image data received when the distribution destination is stopped to the distribution destination with a simple operation. Further, the facsimile apparatus does not need to maintain the received image data when the distribution destination is stopped.

  The identification information output unit may output information including any one of a sender facsimile number, a sender mail address, a mail title, and a delivery destination address as the identification information.

  Thus, the facsimile apparatus can distribute the image data received when the distribution destination is stopped to a desired distribution destination based on the reception information when it is first received.

  The identification information output unit outputs the identification information by printing code information indicating the identification information, and the identification information acquisition unit acquires the identification information by reading the code information. May be.

Thereby, the identification information for specifying the delivery destination is output in an easy-to-read format.
Further, the identification information output unit outputs the identification information by printing the one-dimensional code as the code information, and the identification information acquisition unit reads the identification information by reading the one-dimensional code. You may get it.

Thereby, the output identification information is simplified.
The identification information output unit outputs the identification information by printing the two-dimensional code as the code information, and the identification information acquisition unit reads the two-dimensional code to obtain the identification information. You may get it.

  Thereby, the identification information for specifying the delivery destination is output in an easy-to-read format, and more information is included in the identification information.

  The identification information output unit may print character information indicating the identification information and the code information.

  Thereby, the user can confirm the identification information for specifying a delivery destination as character information. Therefore, the user can determine the delivery destination with reference to the identification information.

  Further, the image data output unit outputs the image data by printing the image data, and the image data acquisition unit reads the output image data by reading the printed image data. You may get it.

  As a result, the image data received by the facsimile apparatus when the distribution destination is stopped is printed on a recording material such as paper and output. Therefore, the user can confirm the image data that has not been distributed on paper or the like. Further, the facsimile apparatus can distribute the image data to the distribution destination by reading the output paper or the like.

  The identification information output unit may output the identification information by printing the identification information on a recording material on which the image data is printed.

  Thereby, image data and identification information are printed on the same recording material. Therefore, management of image data and identification information becomes easy. Further, the facsimile apparatus can reduce consumption of paper or the like used as a recording material.

  The image data output unit may output the image data to an alternative delivery destination different from the delivery destination, and the image data acquisition unit may obtain the output image data from the alternative delivery destination. .

  Thus, the image data received by the facsimile apparatus when the distribution destination is stopped is stored as electronic data. Therefore, the facsimile apparatus can reduce consumption of paper and the like.

  The identification information output unit may output the identification information including information for specifying the alternative delivery destination.

  As a result, the facsimile apparatus can specify, from the plurality of alternative delivery destination candidates, the alternative delivery destination that has received the output of the image data based on the identification information.

  The identification information output unit may output the identification information including information for specifying the output image data.

  Thereby, the facsimile apparatus can specify the output image data by the identification information.

  According to the present invention, image data received when the distribution destination is stopped can be distributed to the distribution destination with a simple operation.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing characteristic components of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of reception processing of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of distribution processing of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating characteristic components of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of reception processing of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of distribution processing of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
First, Embodiment 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment.
A facsimile apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a facsimile apparatus that receives image data transmitted by a transmission source 11. The image data includes graphics and characters. The facsimile apparatus 10 is connected to the PSTN 13 and is also connected to a LAN 14 that is a network for connecting to the distribution destination 12.

  The transmission source 11 is an apparatus that transmits image data to the facsimile apparatus 10, and is, for example, a facsimile apparatus, a multifunction peripheral, or a computer. The transmission source 11 is connected to the PSTN 13.

  The distribution destination 12 is a device for receiving and storing the image data distributed by the facsimile apparatus 10 and is, for example, a computer or a storage device. The delivery destination 12 is connected to the facsimile machine 10 via the LAN 14.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile machine 10 is connected to each device. The facsimile apparatus 10 receives image data from the transmission source 11. The facsimile machine 10 distributes the received image data to the distribution destination 12. The delivery destination 12 is specified by reception information such as a reception date and time and a transmission source facsimile number which is a facsimile number of the transmission source 11, for example. The delivery destination 12 may be determined in advance.

  The facsimile apparatus 10 prints identification information for specifying the delivery destination 12 on the paper 15 when delivery to the delivery destination 12 is not possible. Thereafter, the facsimile machine 10 prints the image data received from the transmission source 11 on the paper 16. Thereby, the facsimile apparatus 10 outputs the identification information and the image data. The facsimile apparatus 10 may output the identification information and the image data by printing the identification information and the image data on a recording material other than paper, such as an OHP (Overhead Projector) sheet.

  The identification information printed on the paper 15 includes information for specifying the distribution destination 12. For example, the identification information includes reception date and time, reception information such as a transmission source facsimile number, and the like. The identification information is indicated by a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark).

  After the delivery to the delivery destination 12 becomes possible, the user causes the facsimile machine 10 to read the output paper 15 and paper 16. More specifically, the user causes the scanner provided in the facsimile apparatus 10 to read the identification information printed on the paper 15 and the image data printed on the paper 16. The facsimile machine 10 specifies the distribution destination 12 based on the read identification information, and distributes the read image data to the distribution destination 12.

  Thereby, the image data received by the facsimile apparatus 10 when the distribution destination 12 is stopped is distributed to the distribution destination 12 by a simple operation. Further, since the facsimile apparatus 10 outputs the received image data when the distribution destination 12 is stopped, it is not necessary to maintain the image data.

  In FIG. 1, one transmission source 11 is shown, but there may be a plurality of transmission sources. Further, although two distribution destinations 12 are shown in FIG. 1, there may be one distribution destination or three or more distribution destinations.

  Further, the facsimile apparatus 10 and the transmission source 11 may be connected to each other via the Internet. The facsimile apparatus 10 may receive image data from the transmission source 11 using an Internet facsimile.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, an MFP (Multi Function Printer) 41 or a PC (Personal Computer) 42 may be a transmission source. The MFP 41 or the PC 42 transmits image data via the Internet 40 using an Internet facsimile. The facsimile machine 10 receives the transmitted image data. Then, the facsimile apparatus 10 executes the same processing as that received from the transmission source 11.

  Further, when Internet facsimile is used, the delivery destination 12 may be specified by the sender mail address that is the mail address of the sender 11 and the received information such as the mail title. The identification information may include received information such as a sender e-mail address and a mail title.

  The format of the identification information is not limited to the two-dimensional code, and any format that can be read by the facsimile apparatus 10 may be used. For example, the identification information may be indicated by other code information. Here, the code information is a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), and other identifiers.

  The identification information may be indicated by character information. The identification information may be indicated by a combination of code information and character information. Thereby, the user can confirm information, such as a delivery destination, with a character.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the facsimile machine 10 shown in FIG.
The facsimile apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 as a processing unit. Further, the facsimile machine 10 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24 as storage units.

  The facsimile apparatus 10 includes a modem 26, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 27, and a LAN interface 32 as communication units. The facsimile machine 10 includes an operation panel 28, a display 29, a scanner 30, and a printer 31 as input / output interfaces.

  The ROM 22 stores a control program 23. The RAM 24 stores distribution destination information 25.

  The CPU 21 is a processor that executes a control program 23 and the like stored in the ROM 22.

The ROM 22 is a read-only memory that holds the control program 23 and the like.
The RAM 24 is a readable / writable memory having a volatile storage area and the like. The RAM 24 is used as a work area when the CPU 21 executes the control program 23 and the like. The RAM 24 holds distribution destination information 25. The distribution destination information 25 is setting information for specifying the distribution destination 12 by the reception date and time, the transmission source facsimile number, the sender mail address, the mail title, and the like. The distribution destination information 25 may be information on a predetermined distribution destination 12.

  The modem 26 is a device that modulates image data transmitted to the outside and demodulates image data transmitted from the outside.

The NCU 27 is a line terminating device connected to the PSTN 13.
The operation panel 28 is an input interface device used when a user directly instructs the facsimile apparatus 10.

The display 29 is a liquid crystal display device or the like for showing the operating state to the user.
The scanner 30 is an image reading device that reads a document and acquires image data.

  The printer 31 is a printing device, and outputs the received image data by printing the image data received by the facsimile apparatus 10.

  The LAN interface 32 is a LAN interface card or the like, and is a communication interface device that transmits and receives data. The LAN interface 32 is connected to the LAN 14. Further, it may be connected to the Internet.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing characteristic components of the facsimile machine 10 shown in FIG.
3 includes a reception unit 51, a distribution unit 52, an identification information output unit 53, an image data output unit 54, an identification information acquisition unit 55, and an image data acquisition unit 56.

  The reception unit 51 is a reception processing unit realized by the CPU 21, the modem 26, the NCU 27, the LAN interface 32, and the like illustrated in FIG. The receiving unit 51 receives image data transmitted from the transmission source 11 using normal facsimile transmission or Internet facsimile transmission.

  The identification information output unit 53 is an output processing unit realized by the CPU 21 and the printer 31 shown in FIG. When the distribution to the distribution destination 12 is not possible, the identification information output unit 53 outputs the identification information by printing the identification information on the paper 15.

  The image data output unit 54 is an output processing unit realized by the CPU 21 and the printer 31 shown in FIG. When distribution to the distribution destination 12 is not possible, the image data output unit 54 outputs the image data by printing the image data received by the reception unit 51 on the paper 16.

  The identification information acquisition unit 55 is an input processing unit realized by the CPU 21, the scanner 30, and the like shown in FIG. The identification information acquisition unit 55 acquires the identification information by reading the identification information printed on the paper 15.

  The image data acquisition unit 56 is an input processing unit realized by the CPU 21 and the scanner 30 shown in FIG. The image data acquisition unit 56 acquires image data by reading the image data printed on the paper 16.

  The distribution unit 52 is a transmission processing unit realized by the CPU 21, the LAN interface 32, and the like illustrated in FIG. The distribution unit 52 specifies the distribution destination 12 from a plurality of distribution destination candidates using the distribution destination information 25 and the reception information. Further, the distribution unit 52 determines whether or not distribution to the distribution destination 12 is possible. The distribution unit 52 distributes the image data received by the reception unit 51 to the distribution destination 12 when the distribution to the distribution destination 12 is possible.

  In addition, after the identification information acquisition unit 55 acquires the identification information, the distribution unit 52 specifies the distribution destination 12 based on the identification information. The distribution unit 52 distributes the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 56 to the distribution destination 12.

  In this way, the facsimile apparatus 10 distributes image data to the distribution destination 12 when distribution is possible, and outputs identification information and image data to the outside of the facsimile apparatus 10 when distribution is not possible. Thereby, the facsimile apparatus 10 does not have to maintain and manage the image data received when distribution is not possible. After the distribution becomes possible, the facsimile apparatus 10 distributes the image data to the distribution destination 12 by acquiring the output identification information and image data.

  The identification information output unit 53 and the image data output unit 54 may be realized by the same printer 31. Thereby, identification information and image data are sequentially output. Further, the identification information acquisition unit 55 and the image data acquisition unit 56 may be realized by the same scanner 30. Thereby, the identification information and the image data are sequentially read.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of reception processing of the facsimile apparatus 10 shown in FIG.

First, the receiving unit 51 receives image data from the transmission source 11 (S11).
Next, the distribution unit 52 determines whether distribution to the distribution destination 12 is possible (S12). For example, the delivery unit 52 determines whether or not delivery to the delivery destination 12 is possible by trying to connect to the delivery destination 12. When there are a plurality of delivery destination candidates, the delivery unit 52 specifies the delivery destination 12 based on the received information. And the delivery part 52 determines whether the delivery to the specified delivery destination 12 is possible.

  Here, when distribution is possible (Yes in S12), the distribution unit 52 executes normal distribution (S13). In other words, the distribution unit 52 distributes the image data received by the reception unit 51 to the distribution destination 12 specified based on the reception information.

  On the other hand, when the distribution is not possible (No in S12), the identification information output unit 53 outputs the identification information by printing the identification information on the paper 15 (S14).

  Subsequently, the image data output unit 54 outputs the image data by printing the image data on the paper 16 (S15).

  In this way, the facsimile apparatus 10 distributes image data to the distribution destination 12 when distribution is possible, and outputs identification information and image data to the outside of the facsimile apparatus 10 when distribution is not possible.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of distribution processing of the facsimile apparatus 10 shown in FIG.

  First, the identification information acquisition unit 55 reads the identification information printed on the paper 15 (S21). Thereby, the identification information acquisition part 55 acquires identification information.

  Next, the image data acquisition unit 56 reads the image data printed on the paper 16 (S22). Thereby, the image data acquisition part 56 acquires image data.

  Next, the distribution unit 52 specifies the distribution destination 12 based on the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 55. Then, the distribution unit 52 distributes the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 56 to the distribution destination 12 (S23).

  In this way, the facsimile apparatus 10 acquires the output identification information and image data, and distributes the acquired image data to the distribution destination 12 based on the acquired identification information. If distribution is not possible at this time, the facsimile apparatus 10 may display error information on the display 29 without distributing image data.

  As described above, the facsimile apparatus 10 can distribute the image data received when the distribution destination 12 is stopped to the distribution destination 12 with a simple operation. Further, since the facsimile apparatus 10 does not need to maintain the received image data when the distribution destination 12 is stopped, it does not require a complicated configuration.

  Further, the facsimile apparatus 10 can distribute the image data to the distribution destination 12 based on the reception information when the image data is received. Accordingly, the image data is appropriately distributed.

  Further, since the image data is printed on the paper 16, the user can check the image data that has not been distributed on the paper 16.

  The identification information may be printed on the paper 16 on which the image data is printed. That is, the identification information and the image data may be printed on the same paper 16. As a result, the facsimile machine 10 can reduce the number of sheets to be output. Further, the complexity for managing the identification information and the image data is reduced.

  Further, in the facsimile apparatus 10, when a transmission destination normally specified at the time of facsimile transmission is not specified, a distribution process may be executed. As a result, the identification information and the image data are read and distributed by the same operation as in normal facsimile transmission.

  Further, the identification information may include the number of sheets of paper 16 used for distribution. For example, the facsimile apparatus 10 may have a copy function and a print function as a multifunction machine. In such a case, the paper 16 used for distribution and the copied or printed paper are mixed and output. Even when the user causes the facsimile apparatus 10 to read the sheets together, the facsimile apparatus 10 can determine the sheet 16 used for distribution by including the number of sheets 16 in the identification information.

  Further, the identification information may include information on the delivery destination 12 such as a delivery destination address indicating the destination of the delivery destination 12. That is, the identification information output unit 53 may output information on the delivery destination 12 specified by the reception information or the like as identification information. In this case, the identification information acquisition unit 55 acquires information on the delivery destination 12 as identification information. And the delivery part 52 specifies the delivery destination 12 based on the information of the delivery destination 12 acquired as identification information.

  In the first embodiment, the distribution unit 52 specifies the distribution destination 12 based on the reception information or the like, but another processing unit may specify the distribution destination 12. In the first embodiment, the distribution unit 52 determines whether or not distribution is possible, but another processing unit may determine whether or not distribution is possible. An independent control unit may perform these processes.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment outputs the received image data to the alternative delivery destination without printing the received image data.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment.
The facsimile apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 6 receives the image data transmitted by the transmission source 11 as with the facsimile apparatus 10. The facsimile machine 20 distributes the image data received from the transmission source 11 to the distribution destination 12.

  The alternative delivery destination 17 is a device for receiving and storing image data instead of the delivery destination 12, and is, for example, a computer or a storage device. The alternative delivery destination 17 is connected to the facsimile machine 20 via the LAN 14.

  The facsimile machine 20 outputs the identification information by printing the identification information on the paper 15 when the distribution to the distribution destination 12 is not possible. In addition, the facsimile machine 20 outputs the image data to the alternative delivery destination 17. The identification information printed on the paper 15 includes reception information, information on the delivery destination 12, and the like, as with the identification information shown in the first embodiment.

  After the delivery to the delivery destination 12 becomes possible, the user causes the scanner provided in the facsimile machine 20 to read the identification information printed on the paper 15. The facsimile machine 20 specifies the delivery destination 12 based on the read identification information. The facsimile machine 20 acquires image data from the alternative delivery destination 17. The facsimile machine 20 distributes the image data to the distribution destination 12.

  Thereby, the user can distribute the image data received when the distribution destination 12 is stopped to the distribution destination 12 with a simple operation. Further, since the facsimile machine 20 outputs the received image data when the distribution destination 12 is stopped, it is not necessary to maintain the image data.

  The structure of the facsimile machine 20 in the second embodiment is the same as the structure of the facsimile machine 10 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. The facsimile apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment is partly changed in processing compared with the facsimile apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing characteristic components of the facsimile machine 20 shown in FIG.
The facsimile apparatus 20 in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is different in the processing of the image data output unit 64 and the image data acquisition unit 66 from the facsimile apparatus 10 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Has been.

  The image data output unit 64 is an output processing unit realized by the CPU 21 and the LAN interface 32 shown in FIG. The image data output unit 64 outputs the image data to the alternative delivery destination 17 when delivery to the delivery destination 12 is not possible.

  The image data acquisition unit 66 is an input processing unit realized by the CPU 21 and the LAN interface 32 shown in FIG. The image data acquisition unit 66 acquires image data from the alternative delivery destination 17.

  As a result, the facsimile device 20 outputs the image data to the alternative delivery destination 17 when the delivery is not possible. Then, after the distribution becomes possible, the facsimile apparatus 20 acquires the output image data from the alternative distribution destination 17 and distributes the image data to the distribution destination 12.

  The identification information may include information for specifying the alternative delivery destination 17 such as an alternative delivery destination address indicating the destination of the alternative delivery destination 17. For example, when the alternative delivery destination 17 is specified from a plurality of alternative delivery destination candidates, the identification information output unit 53 outputs identification information including the alternative delivery destination address. And the identification information acquisition part 55 acquires the identification information containing an alternative delivery destination address. Thereby, the image data acquisition unit 66 can acquire image data from the alternative delivery destination 17 specified by the alternative delivery destination address included in the identification information.

  The identification information may include information for specifying image data such as a file name given to the image data. Thus, when the image data is output to the alternative delivery destination 17, even when a new file name is given to the image data, the facsimile apparatus 20 can specify the output image data by the identification information.

  Further, the identification information is output in the form of code information, character information, or a combination thereof, as in the first embodiment. For example, when the identification information is output as character information or a combination of character information and code information, the user can check the identification information with the character information. Further, when identification information including information for specifying the alternative delivery destination 17 and image data is output as character information, the user specifies the image data output to the alternative delivery destination 17 and confirms it via a PC or the like. can do.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of reception processing of the facsimile machine 20 shown in FIG.

First, the receiving unit 51 receives image data from the transmission source 11 (S31).
Next, the distribution unit 52 determines whether or not distribution to the distribution destination 12 is possible (S32).

  Here, when distribution is possible (Yes in S32), the distribution unit 52 executes normal distribution (S33).

The processing so far is the same as in the first embodiment.
In the second embodiment, when distribution is not possible (No in S32), the image data output unit 64 outputs the image data to the alternative distribution destination 17 (S34).

  Next, the identification information output unit 53 outputs the identification information by printing the identification information on the paper 15 (S35).

  In this way, the facsimile apparatus 20 distributes image data to the distribution destination 12 when distribution is possible, and outputs identification information and image data to the outside of the facsimile apparatus 20 when distribution is not possible. More specifically, the facsimile machine 20 outputs the image data to the alternative delivery destination 17 and prints the identification information. Thereby, the image data is stored in the alternative delivery destination 17.

  After the image data output unit 64 outputs the image data, the identification information output unit 53 prints the identification information. Thus, the output order may be reversed from that in the first embodiment.

  Further, the image data output unit 64 may give the image data a file name different from the file name of the data already existing in the alternative delivery destination 17 at the time of output. In this case, after the image data output unit 64 outputs the image data, information for specifying the image data is determined. The identification information output unit 53 prints the identification information after the image data is output, so that the identification information can be included in the identification information.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of distribution processing of the facsimile machine 20 shown in FIG.

  First, as in the first embodiment, the identification information acquisition unit 55 reads the identification information printed on the paper 15 (S41). Thereby, the identification information acquisition part 55 acquires identification information.

  Next, the image data acquisition unit 66 acquires image data from the alternative delivery destination 17 (S42).

  Next, as in the first embodiment, the distribution unit 52 identifies the distribution destination 12 based on the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 55. Then, the distribution unit 52 distributes the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 66 to the distribution destination 12 (S43).

  In this way, the facsimile machine 20 reads the identification information and acquires the image data from the alternative delivery destination 17. The facsimile machine 20 distributes the acquired image data to the distribution destination 12 based on the acquired identification information.

  As described above, the facsimile apparatus 20 can distribute the image data received when the distribution destination 12 is stopped to the distribution destination 12 with a simple operation. Further, the facsimile machine 20 does not need to maintain the image data received when the distribution destination 12 is stopped, and therefore does not require a complicated configuration. The image data received when the distribution destination 12 is stopped is stored as electronic data. Therefore, the facsimile machine 20 can reduce the output paper and the like.

  As described above, the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is described based on the first embodiment and the second embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Other forms obtained by modifying those embodiments by those skilled in the art are also included in the present invention. In addition, another embodiment realized by arbitrarily combining the components in these embodiments is also included in the present invention.

  Further, the present invention can be realized not only as a facsimile apparatus but also as a method using the processing means constituting the facsimile apparatus as a step. And this invention is realizable as a program which makes a computer perform the step contained in those methods. Furthermore, the present invention can be realized as a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM storing the program.

  The facsimile apparatus according to the present invention can distribute image data received when the distribution destination is stopped to the distribution destination, and can be applied to, for example, a multifunction machine.

10, 20 Facsimile device 11 Transmission source 12 Distribution destination 13 PSTN
14 LAN
15, 16 Paper 17 Alternative delivery destination 21 CPU
22 ROM
23 Control program 24 RAM
25 Delivery destination information 26 Modem 27 NCU
28 Operation Panel 29 Display 30 Scanner 31 Printer 32 LAN Interface 40 Internet 41 MFP
42 PC
51 receiving unit 52 distributing unit 53 identification information output unit 54, 64 image data output unit 55 identification information acquiring unit 56, 66 image data acquiring unit

Claims (11)

A facsimile apparatus that receives image data from a transmission source and distributes the image data to a distribution destination,
A receiving unit for receiving the image data;
An identification information output unit for outputting the identification information by printing identification information for specifying the distribution destination when distribution to the distribution destination is not possible;
An image data output unit for outputting the image data to the outside of the facsimile device when distribution to the distribution destination is not possible;
An identification information acquisition unit that acquires the output identification information by reading the printed identification information;
An image data acquisition unit for acquiring the output image data from outside the facsimile apparatus;
A facsimile apparatus comprising: a distribution unit that specifies the distribution destination based on the acquired identification information and distributes the acquired image data to the distribution destination. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information output unit outputs information including any one of a transmission source facsimile number, a sender mail address, a mail title, and a distribution destination address as the identification information. The identification information output unit outputs the identification information by printing code information indicating the identification information,
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information acquisition unit acquires the identification information by reading the code information. The identification information output unit outputs the identification information by printing a one-dimensional code that is the code information,
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the identification information acquisition unit acquires the identification information by reading the one-dimensional code. The identification information output unit outputs the identification information by printing a two-dimensional code that is the code information,
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the identification information acquisition unit acquires the identification information by reading the two-dimensional code. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the identification information output unit prints character information indicating the identification information and the code information. The image data output unit outputs the image data by printing the image data,
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data acquisition unit acquires the output image data by reading the printed image data. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the identification information output unit outputs the identification information by printing the identification information on a recording material on which the image data is printed. The image data output unit outputs the image data to an alternative delivery destination different from the delivery destination;
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data acquisition unit acquires the output image data from the alternative delivery destination. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the identification information output unit outputs the identification information including information for specifying the alternative delivery destination. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the identification information output unit outputs the identification information including information for specifying the output image data.

Images