JP2623481B2 - Facsimile machine that can input carla code - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus capable of inputting a color code, and more particularly, to a facsimile apparatus capable of executing a required task using a color code as input data.

2. Description of the Related Art In a facsimile apparatus, input of document image information is naturally performed by its scanner unit, but input of other dial data and the like is generally performed by key input through an operation port. On the other hand, in view of the trouble of key input operation, a device having an opt input function using a mark sheet or a bar code has been proposed as a special input method.

Although these opt input means are superior to key input in the simplicity and speed of input operation,
The mark sheet has one bit of information per bit, and the amount of information is so small that there are inconveniences such as a large input sheet. In addition, bar code input requires simple bar position accuracy because it is strictly required. However, it is not suitable as an input means that can be created.

For these reasons, these input means are not currently implemented in facsimile machines.

OBJECTS Accordingly, the present invention has been made with the object of providing a facsimile apparatus capable of inputting various types using a color code which is not inconvenient as seen in the mark sheet and the bar code.

Configuration The basic configuration of the present invention is shown in FIG.

In the figure, 1 is a mode setting means for setting a color code input state, 2 is a reading means for reading image information of each color code 3a from a sheet 3 on which color codes 3a are arranged, and 4 is a color code 3a read. Storage means 5 for storing the image information of each color code 3a in a state where the image information of each color code 3a can be read out as independent information;
And a data conversion means 6 for converting the image information of the color code 3a stored in the storage means 5 into a format of required input data.

In this configuration, first, when the reading mode of the color code is set by the mode setting means 1, the facsimile apparatus is set to the color code input mode different from the normal document reading mode.

Here, the reading means 2 reads the color code 3a of the sheet 3, and the image information of the read color code 3a is stored in the storage means 4.

In this case, in order for the Karla code 3a to be used as input data, each Karla code 3a must be read as independent information, but the synchronization establishing means 5 must be able to read the information of each Karla code 3a independently. The data is stored in the storage unit 4. That is, in the reading stage, the data of each color code 3a in the storage means 4 is stored in a state where it can be specified by a specific address by means such as reading the synchronization mark simultaneously with the color code or synchronizing with an encoder or the like.

A single Karla code 3a is composed of four squares. As shown in FIG. 2, by painting each square separately, a single Karla code can represent data of 4 bits (16 types).
The synchronization establishing means 5 can independently handle information consisting of 4 bits of each color code 3a.

The information of the color code stored in the storage means 4 is converted into the format of required input data in the facsimile apparatus by the data format conversion means 6 for each color code 3a. The data is transferred to the unit 7 and handled as data for executing a predetermined task. Here, "required input data" refers to "dial data", "ID data", "password for error or scramble processing", "change data of system program", and the like.

As described above, in the present invention, the input to the facsimile apparatus is performed using the Karla code, but a single Karla code can represent 4-bit information in a square of about 5 mm and has a high accuracy like a bar code. Since it is not required, a large amount of information can be easily created and used as required input of the facsimile machine.

Embodiment 1 In this embodiment, a scanner of a facsimile machine is used for both normal document reading and color code reading.

In this case, an original 11 as shown in FIG. 3 is used as a read original in which the color codes are arranged. That is, the color code 13 is arranged in a matrix along the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction when the document 11 is read by the scanner 12, and the rows and columns of the color code 13 are arranged around the array area. Synchronization marks 14 and 15 are provided correspondingly.
Since the resolution of the scanner 12 in the facsimile apparatus is generally about 7.7 lines / mm, the size of the color code 13 is set to about 5 mm square, and
Since the resolution can be resolved by the number of scanning lines more than the number of scanning lines, a reading error does not occur.

 FIG. 4 shows a processing system for this original image information.

The image reading section 16 is the same as a normal facsimile machine, and conveys the original 11 with the conveying rollers 17 and LED at a predetermined position.
The original is irradiated by the array 18 and the image information of the original is read by the scanner 12. The configuration of the image information data processing system is the same as that of a normal facsimile machine, and a ROM 19 storing the operation program of the system, a RAM 20 serving as an image storage memory, and a ROM 2 storing management data.
1. The line buffer 22, the operation port 23, and the like are connected to the CPU bus 24, and the system is controlled by the CPU 25 reading and executing the program in the ROM 19.

The features of this embodiment are that the color code reading mode can be set at the operation port 23, that the ROM 21 stores a file in which the image information of the color code 13 corresponds to the required data format, and that the ROM 19 is A special operation program in the Karla code reading mode is stored.

Hereinafter, a data processing process in the Karla code reading mode will be described.

First, a color code reading mode is set from the operation port 23. Next, when the image reading section 16 reads the original 11 on which the color codes are arranged, the image information of the synchronization marks 14 and 15 and the color code 13 read by the scanner 12 is stored in the RAM 20 via the line buffer 22. You.

Here, the CPU 25 searches the image information of the RAM 20 and first detects the image information of the synchronization marks 14 and 15, thereby specifying the address of the color code 13 corresponding to the address of the synchronization marks 14 and 15 and specifying the image. Read information.

Next, the CPU 25 searches a file in the ROM 21 based on the read image information of the color code 13 and reads a data format corresponding to the image information. That is, Carla code
Thirteen pieces of image information are converted into a required data format.

This data format has a format as required input data in the facsimile machine, and is used as dial data, ID data, and other data. Therefore, if the contents are defined in the file of the ROM 21 and the CPU 25 controls the facsimile apparatus using the converted data,
An instruction input for causing the facsimile apparatus to execute a required task can be given by the 11 color code 13.

For example, if the converted data is dial data or ID data, communication is possible by simply reading the manuscript with the Karla code arranged in a predetermined position without inputting them from the keyboard 23 of the operation port as in the past. become. Also,
The contents of the program of the facsimile machine can be read out as a dump list by a display device or a printer, and the change is performed by rewriting by a keyboard input or exchanging a ROM.If this embodiment is applied, the rewriting of the program is read and the original is read. It can also be executed by Karla code.

Embodiment 2 In this embodiment, the facsimile apparatus has a dedicated card reader separately from the scanner, reads a card such as a business card in which a carla code is described, and converts the read data. It is used as dial data.

FIG. 5 shows the back side of the business card 26, in which the color codes 27 corresponding to the respective digits of the dial data are arranged in a line. Naturally, the dial data relates to the telephone number of the person specified by the business card.

The card reader and the system for processing the read data are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 28 denotes an insertion groove for the business card 26;
Is inserted between the rollers 29 when inserted from the side of the insertion groove 28, and enters the insertion groove 28 while rotating the roller 29.

As shown in FIG.
Is mounted, and further provided with a wheel 31 which meshes with the orm 30 and rotates. A slit 31a is formed concentrically on the wheel 31.
Due to the rotation of the roller 29 accompanying the insertion of the business card 26, the slit 31a of the wheel 31 is opposed each time each mass 27a of the carla code 27 passes through the reading unit 32 by the reflective sensor. That is, the image information of each cell 27a of the color code 27 is pulse-converted and read by the optical rotary encoder system.

A clock generator 33 that generates a clock in synchronization with the rotation of the wheel 31 is provided on the rotating shaft of the wheel 31.

With the above configuration, the pulse obtained from the reading unit 32 is input to the shift register 34, shifted by the clock of the clock generator 33, and accumulated in the shift register 34.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 8, the reading section 32 is provided with two-stage reflection type sensors (A, B) for independently detecting the upper mass and the lower mass of the color code 27. In conjunction with the optical rotary encoder, the data of each cell 27a of each carla code 27 can be individually detected.

Therefore, if the pulse corresponds to the single color code 27 shown in FIG. 8, the shift register 34 stores data as shown in the timing chart of FIG. Can be determined.

In this way, the dial data indicated by the Karla code 27 on the business card 26 is stored in the shift register 34, and the data is latched by the latch 35,
The data is read out to the CPU bus 36 of the facsimile machine.

The subsequent data processing is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the data format conversion file is stored.
The data is converted by the ROM into a dial data format that can be processed by the facsimile apparatus. In this case, the data is transferred to the communication control unit, thereby calling the destination (the person identified by the business card 26).

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the change can be set in the scanner unit of the facsimile apparatus, the business card reading mode can be set from the operation port, and dial data can be input simply by inserting the business card of the destination person into the card reading apparatus. Calls can be made in a very simple procedure.

Effects As described above, the present invention enables a facsimile apparatus to use a color code as input data.

Therefore, the input data can be easily created by effectively utilizing the advantages such as the fact that a large amount of information, which is a feature of the Karla code, can be expressed in a relatively small area and that high accuracy is not required.

In addition, since the Karla code does not require high reading accuracy when reading, it is possible to realize error-free reading with a normal scanner or a simple card reader.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the basic configuration of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the amount of information that can be expressed by a single color code by painting each mask, and FIG. 3 is an array of synchronization marks and color codes. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing system for manuscript image information, FIG. 5 is a back side of a business card on which a color code is arranged, and FIG. 6 is a card reader and processing of read data. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an optical rotary encoder unit, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a relationship between a color code and a reflection type optical sensor, and FIG.
6 is a timing chart of A and B output pulses. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Mode setting means, 2 ... Reading means 3 ... Sheet, 3a ... Carla code 4 ... Storage means, 5 ... Synchronization establishment means 6 ... Data format conversion means 7 ... Facsimile apparatus data processing unit

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus, comprising: a mode setting means for setting a color code input state; a reading means for reading color code image information from a sheet on which the color code is arranged; and a color code read by the reading means. Storage means for storing the image information of each color code, synchronization establishing means for storing the image information of each color code in the storage means in a readable state as independent information, and image information of the color code stored in the storage means. A facsimile machine capable of inputting a color code, comprising: data conversion means for converting an input data into a format. 2. A scanner according to claim 1, wherein said reading means is a scanner of a facsimile apparatus, and a synchronization mark for designating a position of each color code is attached to a read original, and image information of each color code in said storage means is converted into image information of the synchronization mark. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the address is specified based on the position. 3. A card reading means provided separately from a scanner of a facsimile apparatus, wherein a color code is read by a reflection type optical sensor while being synchronized with an optical rotary encoder which operates in conjunction with insertion and movement of the card. A facsimile apparatus capable of inputting a color code according to claim (1) or (2), wherein said facsimile apparatus reads said image information. 4. The color camera according to claim 1, wherein the data conversion means converts the image information of the color code into dial data of a transmission destination. A facsimile machine that allows code entry. 5. A data conversion means for converting image information of a carla code.
Claims (1) for converting to ID data
A facsimile apparatus capable of inputting a color code according to any one of the above items (2) and (3).