JP2740688B2 - Image communication device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus, in particular, a method of calling a plurality of partner stations,
The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus that performs polling reception of image data in a predetermined order from each partner station.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image communication apparatus such as a facsimile, a so-called polling process of transmitting image data from a called side in response to a request from a calling side has been performed.

In the conventional device, the image information that has been polled is output in the order in which the receiving operation was performed.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] On the other hand, control for executing polling for a plurality of partner stations in a preset order is also known. In this case, if the polling reception has failed, a polling process for the next partner station is executed. Then, if there is a partner station that has been processed up to the last partner station and has not been processed yet, polling processing for the partner station is performed.

For example, assume that polling reception is performed at 10 locations, the third and sixth locations are busy, and the respective destinations are shifted to the next destination.

In this case, the output order of the received images is 1, 2, 4, 5,
The order is 7, 8, 10, 3, 6th.

As described above, if polling reception is always performed from a plurality of the same destinations, there is a disadvantage that the output order of the received images differs depending on the busy state of the destination device.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide an image communication device that can output a polling reception image in a preset order regardless of the presence or absence of an error.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention relates to an image communication apparatus which calls a plurality of partner stations and polls and receives image data from each partner station in a predetermined order. Means for calling a partner station based on a preset polling order, storing information on the polling failure when image data cannot be polled and receiving, and polling failure based on the information stored in the storage means. After retrying the polling of the partner station, a configuration is employed in which the control means causes the recording and output of the polled and received image data to be performed in an order corresponding to the predetermined polling order.

[Operation] According to the above configuration, even in the case of polling from a plurality of partner stations, image data can be recorded and output in a preset order regardless of the polling reception result.

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on examples shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the structure of an image communication apparatus employing the present invention. Here, a facsimile apparatus that performs polling reception from a plurality of partner stations is considered.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 denotes a telephone network used for data communication and the like, which is connected to a terminal of the line to control connection of a telephone switching network, switch to a data communication path, hold a loop. NCU (network control device) that performs

The signal line 2a is a telephone line, and the NCU 2 inputs the signal of the signal line 38a, and if the signal level is "φ", connects the telephone line to the telephone side, that is, connects the signal line 2a to the signal line 2b. Also, if the signal level of the signal line 38a is “1”, the NCU 2
The telephone line is connected to the facsimile machine side, that is, the signal line 2a is connected to the signal line 2c. In a normal state, the telephone line is connected to the telephone 4 side.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a hybrid circuit that separates a transmission system signal and a reception system signal. That is, the transmission signal on the signal line 16a is transmitted to the telephone line via the NCU 2 via the signal line 2c. The signal sent from the other party is output to the signal line 6a via the signal line 2c after passing through the NCU 2.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a reading circuit, which sequentially reads image signals for one line in the main scanning direction from a transmission document and creates a signal sequence representing binary values of white and black. It is composed of an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), an optical system, and a document transport system. The binary signal sequence of white and black is output to the signal line 8a.

The code 10 receives the data output to the signal line 8a and outputs the coded (MH (Modified Huffman) coding or MR (Modified Read) coding) data to the signal line 10a.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a memory circuit. The memory circuit 11 does not operate when the signal line “φ” is output to the signal line 38i. When the signal “1” is not output to the signal line 38i, the memory circuit 11 inputs the encoded data output to the signal line 10a and stores it in the memory.

When the signal “2” is output to the signal line 38i, the memory circuit 11 outputs data stored in the memory circuit 11 to the signal line 11a.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a modulator that performs modulation based on the known CCITT recommendation V27ter (differential phase modulation) or V29 (quadrature modulation).

The modulator 12 inputs the signal of the signal line 10a when the signal of the signal level “φ” is output to the signal line 38j, and outputs the signal of the signal level “1” to the signal line 38j when the signal is output. The signal on the signal line 11 is input, modulation is performed, and the modulated data is output to the signal line 12a.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a modulator that performs modulation based on the known CCITT recommendation V21. The modulator 14 receives the procedural signal on the signal line 38b, performs modulation, and outputs modulated data to the signal line 14.

Reference numeral 16 inputs the signals of the signal lines 12a and 14a and outputs the result of addition to the signal line 16a.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a demodulator that performs demodulation based on the known CCITT recommendation V21. The demodulator 18 receives the signal on the signal line 6a, performs V21 demodulation, and outputs demodulated data to the signal line 18a.

Reference numeral 20 indicates a known CCITT recommendation V27ter (differential phase modulation)
Alternatively, it is a demodulator that performs demodulation based on V29 (quadrature modulation). The demodulator 20 receives the signal of the signal line 6a, performs demodulation, and outputs demodulated data to the signal line 20a.

Reference numeral 22 indicates that the demodulated data output to the signal line 20a is input when the signal of the signal level “φ” is output to the signal line 38c, and the signal of the signal level “1” is output to the signal line 38c. In this case, the decoding circuit which inputs the data output to the signal line 32a and outputs the decoded (MH (Modified Huffman) decoding or MR (Modified Read) decoding) data to the signal line 22a. is there.

Reference numeral 24 indicates that when the decoded data is output to the signal line 22a, this signal is sequentially input, and for each line,
This is a recording circuit for recording. The recording circuit 24 includes a laser beam printer, a thermal printer, and the like.

When a recording command pulse is generated on the signal line 34d, the recording circuit 24 inputs and outputs data output from the signal line 34c by a recording circuit (not shown).

It is assumed that the recording paper is discharged from the recording circuit 24 outside the machine so that the lower side is the recording surface. Therefore, if the entire recording paper received by the operator is turned upside down, the recorded images will be arranged in the order of reception, with the recording surface turned upside down.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show the recording paper discharge port 24 of the recording circuit 24. FIG.
The structure near k is shown. Here, the structure of the recording paper transport system and the like are omitted.

A tray 24l for holding the discharged recording paper is provided outside the outlet 24k, and a plurality of partition plates SK1 to SKn are arranged inside the outlet 24k. These partition plates are driven by the power of an unillustrated solenoid, motor, etc.
Direction, and can be arranged on the recorded recording paper. Hereinafter, this operation is referred to as “insert”.

FIG. 3 (A) shows a state after the partition plate has been "inserted" and thereafter a plurality of recorded recording sheets have been discharged in the K1 direction.

Further, the partition plate is configured to be able to be lifted upward (arrow U) from the state shown in FIG. 3 (A). As a result, as shown in FIG. 3 (B), the recording paper on the partition plate SK is raised, and the recording paper is discharged as indicated by an arrow K2, whereby the discharge order of the recording paper can be matched.

The partition plates SK1 to SKn perform not only the above insertion and ascending (up), but also withdrawal and descending (down). These actions are:
It is controlled by the signal lines 34e and 34f.

That is, the recording circuit 24 inputs the number of the partition plate output to the signal line 34e, and performs insertion, removal, up, and down of the partition plates SK1 to SKn specified by the number. The insertion, removal, up, and down of the partition plate SK correspond to the values “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” of the signal line 34f, respectively.

Reference numeral 26 indicates that when a calling command pulse is generated on the signal line 34h,
This is a calling circuit that inputs the telephone number output to the signal line 34g and outputs the selection signal to the signal line 2b.

Reference numeral 28 denotes an operation unit. When one-touch dial, numeric keypad, * key, # key, polling key, or the like is pressed, the pressed information is output to the signal line 28a.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a counter circuit for counting the number of busy times at the time of calling. When a clear pulse is generated on the signal line 34k, the counter is cleared. Then, every time an increment pulse is generated on the signal line 34l, the counter value is output to the signal line 30a.

Symbol 32 corresponds to the number of the partition plate (SK1, SK2 ... SKn),
This is a storage circuit for storing which of the opposite stations a received image is stored under the partition plate. The partner station is identified by a number.

When data is stored in the storage circuit 32, the number of the partition plate SK (for example, "01") and "*" are stored in the signal line 32a, and the number of the partner station reception image to be stored below the partition plate SK (for example, , “03”), a write pulse is generated on the signal line 34j.

When reading the information stored in the storage circuit 32, after outputting the number of the partition plate (for example, SK01) to the signal line 32a, a read pulse is generated to the signal line 34i. As a result, the number of the receiving image to be output (for example, the destination “03”) is output below the partition plate specified by the signal line 32a.

 Next, an outline of the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a facsimile apparatus having a multi-polling function, and is capable of performing polling reception at a maximum of 75 places, for example, 24 places of one-touch dial, 50 places of shortened dial, and one place of input from a numeric keypad. .

In this embodiment, polling reception from ten locations is considered. The ten polling reception orders are registered. These 10 partner stations are 1, 2, 3, ..., 10 respectively.
Identify by number.

First, a call is made to the partner station 1 and polling reception is performed.
When polling reception is successful for the partner station 1,
Calls the other station 2 and performs polling reception. Then, when the polling reception to the partner station 2 is successful, a call is made to the partner station 3.

Here, when the partner station 3 is in use and busy, the partition plate SK1 is inserted above the received image of the partner station 2 here.
Then, the original of the partner station 3 is received under the partition plate SK1. Then, the fact that the busy circuit is 1 is stored.

Next, when a call is made to the partner station 4 and polling is received, the received image is placed on the partition plate SK1. Thereafter, it is assumed that calls are made to the partner stations 5, 6, and 7 in order, and polling reception is successful. Next, a call is made to the partner station 8.

Here, when the partner station 8 is in use and busy, the partition SK2 is inserted above the image received by the partner station 7. Then, the original of the partner station 8 is received under the partition plate SK2. The fact that the busy count is 1 is stored.

Next, when a call is made to the partner station 9 and polling reception is performed, the received image is placed on the partition plate SK2.

Thereafter, it is assumed that calls are sequentially made to the partner station 10 and polling reception is successful. Next, in the first call of all the other parties, the other station that could not receive polling, in this case, the third station,
The call is again made to 8 in order. When a call is made to the partner station 3 and the polling reception is successful, the partition plate SK1 is raised (up),
The received image of the partner station 3 is put on the received image of the partner station 2. Then, remove the partition plate SK1.

Next, a call is made to the partner station 8. Here, when the partner station 8 is busy and busy, only the busy number is incremented. That is, the original of the partner station 8 is received below the partition plate SK2. Then, the fact that the busy count is 2 is stored.

Next, in the call in the second cycle, a call is made again to the partner station that could not receive the polling, that is, in this case, the partner station 8.

This time, it is a case to call the other station 8 continuously.
Wait for a predetermined time, for example, one minute. And
Call the other station 8 again. Here, when the partner station 8 is in use and busy, only the number of busy times is incremented.

That is, the original of the partner station 8 is received below the partition plate SK2. Then, the fact that the busy count is 3 is stored. Here, since the number of busy times is 3, the partition plate SK2 is raised, and, for example, “the other station 8
The telephone number was called, but it was busy. "The recording paper (communication result record) was recorded, and the partition SK2 was removed. Here, it is assumed that the recording surface of all the received and recorded images faces downward.

When the operator picks up the image information received by multi-polling and turns over the image information, the operator can view the received images from the partner station 1 in the order of the partner 10.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a control procedure of the control circuit 34 for realizing the above operation. The illustrated procedure is stored in the ROM 34r. The various counters, except for the busy counter 30, are assumed to be secured in an area such as a RAM.

In FIG. 2A, step S40 represents the beginning.

In step S42, the signal level "0" is applied to the signal line 34a.
Is output, the CML relay of the NCU 2 is turned off, and the line is connected to the telephone 4.

In step S44, a signal “0” is output to each of the signal lines 34e and 34f, and all the operations of the partition plates SK1 to SKn are prohibited.

In step S46, it is determined whether multi-polling reception has been selected. When the multi-polling reception is selected, the process proceeds to step S50, and when the multi-polling reception is not selected, other processing (step S4) is performed.
Perform 8).

In step S50, a clear pulse is generated on the signal line 34k to clear the busy count circuit 30.

In step S52, 1 is set to the counter of the partner station.

In step S54, 1 is set to the partition plate counter.

In step S56, after outputting the telephone number of the partner station designated by the partner station counter to the signal line 34g,
At 4h, a call command pulse is generated and a call is made.

In step S58, it is determined whether or not the called station that is calling is busy. Step S6 when busy
The process proceeds to 0, and if not busy, the process proceeds to step S66 to perform polling reception.

In step S60, the fact that the image of the partner station specified by the partner station counter is stored under the partition indicated by the value of the partition counter is stored in the circuit 32.

In step S62, the control of the partition plate is performed by the signal lines 34e and 34f as in step S60.

In step S64, the partition plate counter is incremented by one.

In step S68, the counter of the partner station is incremented by one.

In step S70, it is determined whether or not a call has been made to all the partner stations. If a call has been made to all the partner stations, step S7
Proceed to 2 to proceed to step S54 if no call has been made to all the partner stations.

In step S72 of FIG. 2B, the signal line 34l
Then, a pulse for increment is generated, and the value of the busy number counter 30 is incremented by one.

In step S74, the data output to the signal line 30a is input, and it is determined whether the busy number counter 30 has become 3 or more. When the value of the busy number counter 30 becomes 3 or more, the process proceeds to step S96, and when it is less than 3, the process proceeds to step S76.

In step S76, it is determined whether or not one partner station has not yet received polling reception. If there is only one, wait for a predetermined time (for example, one minute) (step S78). If not, step S80
Proceed to.

In step S80, 1 is set to a counter n.

In step S82, it is determined whether or not n is smaller than the partition plate counter. When n is smaller than the partition plate counter, the process proceeds to step S84. When n is equal to or larger than the partition plate counter, the process proceeds to step S72.

In step S84, the number of the partner station to be stored is input from the storage circuit 32 below the partition n. And signal line
The partition plate SKn is controlled via 34e and 34f so that the received image can be stored at the position. If there is no other party number corresponding to the partition plate Skn in the storage circuit 32, the process proceeds to step S94.
Proceed to.

In step S86, after outputting the telephone number of the partner station in step S84 to the signal line 34g, a calling command pulse is output to the signal line 3g.
Output to 4h and make a call.

In step S88, it is determined whether the called station that is calling is busy. When the other station is busy, the process proceeds to step S94, and when not, the process proceeds to step S90.

In step S90, the counter station number corresponding to the partition plate counter n stored in the circuit 32 is cleared. Then, the recording circuit 24 is controlled via the signal lines 34e and 34f, and the partition plate SKn is pulled out.

 Step S92 represents polling reception.

In step S94, the counter n is incremented by one.

In step S96, 1 is set to the counter n.

In step S98, it is determined whether the value of the counter n is smaller than the value of the partition plate counter. When n is smaller than the partition plate counter, the process proceeds to step S100,
When n is equal to or larger than the partition plate counter, the process proceeds to step S42.

In step S100, the number of the partner station stored under the partition n is input from the storage circuit 32.

Then, the partition plate SKn of the recording circuit 24 is raised via the signal lines 34e and 34f, and, for example, "the partner station xxx
I made three calls to (number information such as the corresponding reception number), but I was busy. Discharge the recording paper on which the communication result record such as "party phone number 03 7x8 1x11" is recorded. This communication result record is synthesized by a character generator or the like.

Here, when there is no number of the partner station corresponding to the partition plate SKn in the circuit 32, the step S100 is skipped. Steps
In S102, the counter n is incremented once.

According to the above configuration, according to the present invention, in a facsimile apparatus having a multi-polling function, when the n-th partner station is busy, the partition plate SK is inserted, and subsequently, a call is made to the (n + 1) -th partner station. Then, polling reception is performed, and when returning to the nth partner station again, the partition plate is controlled, and the polling reception image of the nth partner station is displayed as n-1.
It can be output between the n-th partner station and the (n + 1) -th partner station.

According to the present invention, the n-th remote station is called a predetermined number of times, and when busy, between the (n-1) -th remote station and the (n + 1) -th remote station, the n-th remote station is called a predetermined number of times. It is possible to output a communication result record indicating that a call was made but busy.

As a result, during multi-polling reception, the output order of the received images can always be constant irrespective of the busy state of the partner device. In addition, when a certain partner station is busy and polling reception is not possible, it is possible to output a communication result record indicating that fact in the output order, and it becomes unnecessary to arrange reception information of an operator. Is easier to use.

That is, at the time of multi-polling reception, it becomes possible to always keep the output order of the received images constant regardless of the busy state of the partner device. Further, when a certain partner station is busy and cannot perform polling reception, it is possible to output a communication result record indicating that fact in the output order. Then, the operator does not need to organize the received information, and is easy to use.

In the above embodiment, the order of polling is fixed. However, the order of polling reception may be changed, and communication may be attempted a plurality of times to the same destination when busy. Also, the number of times of abandoning polling reception due to busy may be a different value.

Further, the recording order of the polling-received image information may be fixed by means other than the partition plate SK. For example, in a device having a large-capacity external storage device or the like, all received images may be stored, and may be recorded and output in a predetermined recording order when all polling processes have been completed.

Further, if the recording circuit 24 is an apparatus capable of using recording paper of a plurality of colors, a recording paper of a color different from that for normal image recording may be used for recording the communication result during a busy time.

[Effects of the Invention] As is apparent from the above, according to the present invention, a plurality of partner stations are called and an image communication apparatus that polls and receives image data from each partner station in a predetermined order is set in advance. Means for calling a partner station based on the polling order and storing information regarding the polling failure when image data cannot be polled and receiving; and performing polling for the partner station for which the polling failed based on the information stored in the storage means. After retrying, since a configuration is provided in which control means for performing recording output of image data received by polling in the order corresponding to the predetermined polling order is adopted, even in the case of polling from a plurality of partner stations, polling is performed. Regardless of the reception result, image data can be recorded and output in a preset order, which can be used to An excellent image communication device that is not required can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention,
2 (A) and 2 (B) are flowcharts of the polling control of the control circuit of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B) are explanatory diagrams showing the configuration of a recording paper discharge unit. 2 NCU, 4 Telephone 6 Hybrid circuit, 8 Reading circuit 10 Encoding circuit, 11 Memory circuit 12, 14 Modulator, 16 Addition circuit 18, 20 Demodulator, 22 Decoding circuit 24 ... Recording circuit, 26 ... Calling circuit 28 ... Operation unit 30 ... Busy count circuit 32 ... Storage circuit, 34 ... Control circuit

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An image communication apparatus which calls a plurality of partner stations and polls and receives image data from each partner station in a predetermined order. Means for storing information on the failure of polling when the polling cannot be received; and, based on the information stored in the storage means, retrying the polling for the partner station having failed the polling, and then recording and outputting the image data received by polling. The image communication apparatus is provided in control means for performing the above-mentioned polling in an order corresponding to the predetermined polling order.