JP3042348B2 - Facsimile machine with printer function - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having a printer function which receives a code data output from a computer or the like and forms an image corresponding to the data on a recording sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of facsimile machine with a printer function prints code data (hereinafter, also referred to as PC data) output from a computer or the like using an image forming apparatus provided in the facsimile machine. A facsimile receiving unit that receives facsimile data (hereinafter, also referred to as facsimile data) transmitted via a telephone line or the like, and a decoding unit that decodes the received facsimile data into binary data. A print data input unit (for example, a PC data interface) for inputting PC data to a general facsimile apparatus having a recording unit for forming an image on recording paper based on the decoded binary data. The PC data input through the print data input unit is binarized based on predetermined font data, and It is achieved by providing a binarizing means for input to the recording section.

In this case, when the facsimile receiving section receives the facsimile data transmitted via the telephone line, the decoding means decodes the facsimile data into binary data, and the recording section converts the facsimile data into the decoded binary data. A corresponding image is formed (hereinafter, this function is called a facsimile function). Also,
When the PC data is input via the print data input unit, the binarizing unit binarizes the PC data based on predetermined font data, and the recording unit responds to the binarized binary data. An image is formed (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a printer function).

[0004]

In this type of apparatus, a recording section is driven to provide a help list explaining various operation methods related to a facsimile function or a printer function, and a demonstration for inquiring about the specifications of the apparatus. It is also conceivable to print such data. In this case, it is better to store the contents of various lists and the like as code data, and when printing the lists, binarize and input to the recording unit in the same manner as PC data. It is considered to be preferable in the following points as compared with the case where That is, data such as various lists can be stored in a small memory, and further, by using the above-mentioned predetermined font data, it is possible to print in clear characters.

However, if the user attempts to change the operating conditions related to the printer function while the help list or the like is being printed, the following problem occurs. That is, the printer function is used to print the help list and the like. However, since the setting change is instructed during the use, the CPU or the recording buffer may drop data of the help list or the like, The changed settings may not be executed reliably.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a facsimile apparatus with a printer function provided with a means capable of satisfactorily continuing a printing operation even when an operation for changing the setting of an operating condition of a printer function is performed during printing of a help list or the like. Made for the purpose of providing.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording unit for forming an image on a recording sheet based on binary data, and the recording unit transmits the image via a communication line. Facsimile receiving section for receiving facsimile data, a print data input section for inputting code data created by an external device such as a computer, and decoding facsimile data received by the facsimile receiving section into binary data. Decoding means for inputting the data to the recording unit, and binarizing the code data input to the print data input unit based on predetermined font data;
A facsimile apparatus with a printer function, comprising: a binarizing means for inputting the data to the recording unit; receiving the facsimile data by the facsimile receiving unit; decoding the data by the decoding means; A code data generating means for generating code data related to a facsimile function for forming an image corresponding to the data;
A printer function setting means for binarizing the image data by a value converting means and further setting an operation condition relating to a printer function for forming an image corresponding to the data in the recording section in accordance with an operation of an operator; Setting prohibition means for prohibiting setting of the operating condition by the printer function setting means when the code data generation means generates the code data, and when the code data generation means generates the code data, The code data is binarized based on the predetermined font data and input to the recording unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the code data generating means generates code data corresponding to a help list related to the facsimile function based on an operation of an operator. The gist is the facsimile apparatus with a printer function described.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the printer function setting means sets the operating condition based on data input from a key switch, and the setting prohibiting means masks data input from the key switch. The gist of the facsimile apparatus with a printer function according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting of the operating condition is prohibited.

[0010] The invention according to claim 4 further comprises warning means for warning an operator when the key switch is operated while the setting prohibiting means prohibits the setting of the operating condition. The gist of the present invention is a facsimile apparatus with a printer function according to claim 3.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a first control unit for controlling the facsimile receiving unit, the decoding unit, the code data generating unit, and the printer function setting unit.
5. The printer function according to claim 1, further comprising a control circuit for controlling the print data input unit and the binarizing unit. 6. A facsimile machine is a gist.

[0012]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when facsimile data is transmitted via a communication line, the facsimile receiving unit receives the facsimile data, and the decoding means operates as follows. The facsimile data is decoded into binary data and input to the recording unit. Then, the recording unit forms an image on recording paper based on the binary data (facsimile function). When code data generated by an external device such as a computer is input to the print data input unit, the binarizing unit binarizes the code data based on predetermined font data and inputs the binarized data to the recording unit. I do. Then, the recording unit forms an image on recording paper based on the binary data (printer function).

Further, the code data generating means generates code data related to the facsimile function. Then
The binarizing unit binarizes the code data based on the predetermined font data and inputs the binarized data to the recording unit, and the recording unit forms an image on recording paper based on the binary data. Further, when the code data generating means generates the code data, the setting prohibiting means prohibits the printer function setting means from setting operating conditions relating to the printer function.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when the code function is being printed by the printer function, it is possible to prohibit the setting change of the operating condition related to the printer function, and to record the image corresponding to the code data in the recording unit. Can be formed satisfactorily. The invention described in claim 2 is claim 1
In the invention described above, the code data generating means generates code data corresponding to a help list related to a facsimile function based on an operation of an operator. Therefore, when the operator performs a predetermined operation, the help list can be printed well by the recording unit while the setting change is prohibited.

The third aspect of the present invention provides the first or second aspect.
In the invention described above, the printer function setting unit sets the operating condition based on data input from a key switch, and the setting prohibiting unit masks the data input from the key switch, thereby setting the operating condition. The feature is that setting is prohibited.

Therefore, the operator can set the above-mentioned operating conditions very easily by operating the key switch. Further, the setting prohibiting means can surely prohibit the setting change by masking data input from the key switch. Therefore, according to the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first and second aspects of the present invention, the setting of the operating condition of the printer function is facilitated, and the setting change is surely prohibited to further increase the image corresponding to the code data. The effect of being able to print well is produced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect, when the key switch is operated when the setting prohibiting means prohibits the setting of the operating condition, It is characterized by having a warning means for giving a warning to the operator. For this reason, it is possible to promptly warn the operator that the setting of the operating condition by the key switch is prohibited, thereby preventing the operator from performing unnecessary key operations. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the third aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that the operability of the facsimile apparatus with a printer function can be further improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the facsimile receiving section, the decoding means, the code data generating means, A first control circuit for controlling the printer function setting unit; a second control circuit for controlling the print data input unit; and the binarizing unit. That is, the facsimile receiving section, the decoding section, the code data generating section, and the printer function setting section are controlled by a control circuit different from the print data input section and the binarizing section. For this reason, the processing speed of the entire facsimile machine with a printer function is improved, and the printing process of the code data is also speeded up. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4, there is an effect that information corresponding to the code data can be provided more quickly.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the facsimile apparatus 2 of the embodiment to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the internal mechanism.

Note that the facsimile apparatus 2 of the present embodiment
An image is read from a manuscript, the image data is transmitted as facsimile data to another facsimile device via a telephone line, and facsimile data (FAX data) transmitted from the other facsimile device via the telephone line is received. In addition to a function as a normal facsimile apparatus for forming an image on recording paper (facsimile function), a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer)
And code data (PC data) transmitted from a printer or a word processor via a printer cable,
It has a function as a printer (printer function) for forming an image corresponding to the data on recording paper.

As shown in FIG. 2, a handset 12 is attached to the side of the main body 10 of the facsimile apparatus 2, and an operation panel 14 is provided at the front of the upper surface. A cassette mounting portion 18 for detachably mounting the recording paper cassette 16 (see FIG. 3) is formed at the rear of the upper surface of the main body 10, and a document table 20 is formed at the center of the upper surface.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
A scanner unit 22 for reading an image from a document placed on a document table 20, a recording unit 26 for forming an image on recording paper 24 stored in a recording paper cassette 16, A control unit 70 for realizing the function is incorporated.

In the scanner section 22, the originals placed on the original table 20 are taken in one by one by a paper feed mechanism including a paper feed roller 32 and a separation pad 31 and the like. Then, the document is transported to the document support plate 34 by the transport rollers 33, and an image is read by an image reading device 35 disposed below the document support plate 34. The document after the image reading is discharged via a discharge roller 36 to a discharge tray 37 provided on the front surface of the main body 10.

The image reading device 35 irradiates the original on the original support plate 34 with light from the light source 38, reflects light reflected from the original by mirrors 39 and 40, and furthermore, a lens 41 to a line image sensor 42. The light is condensed on a light receiving surface of the document, and the document image is read one line at a time. A document sensor 44 that optically detects whether a document is set on the document table 20 is provided on a path from the document table 20 to the paper feeding mechanism.

On the other hand, in the recording section 26, the recording paper cassette 1
The recording paper 24 accommodated in the printer 6 is fed one by one by a paper feed mechanism including a paper feed roller 51 and a separation pad 52. Then, the recording paper 24 is sent to the image forming apparatus 55 via the transport roller 53, and a toner image is formed in the image forming apparatus 55. The recording paper 24 on which the image has been formed is sent to a fixing device 56, and after the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 56,
The paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray 58 provided on the front surface of the main body 10. The fixing device 56 is a known device including a heating roller having a built-in heater for heating, and a pressing roller for holding the recording paper 24 between the heating roller and the heating roller. By doing so, the toner image is fixed on the recording paper 24.

The image forming apparatus 55 includes a photosensitive drum 6
1, a laser beam scanning device 62 for irradiating the photosensitive drum 61 with laser light to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface thereof, and a developing device 6 for attaching toner to the photosensitive drum 61 after the electrostatic latent image is formed
3 and a transfer roller 64, which applies an electric charge to the recording paper 24 so that the toner adhered to the photosensitive drum 61 is transferred to the recording paper 24.
The laser beam scanning device 62 further includes a laser emitting unit 67 that emits a laser beam in accordance with a command from the control unit 70, a laser beam condensing lens 68, and a lens 68. A reflection mirror 69 and the like for guiding the collected laser light to the photosensitive drum 61 are provided.

That is, the recording unit 26 is configured as a so-called laser printer, and forms an image on the recording paper 24 in accordance with a command from the control unit 70. The operation panel 14 is configured as follows. That is, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, numeral keys 141 for inputting a fax number of the other party, a FAX key 142 for giving various instructions related to the facsimile function, and a printer key 143 for giving various instructions related to the printer function. A copy key 144 for giving various instructions related to a function as a copier attached to the facsimile function, a function key 145a for making various settings related to various functions, a cursor key 145b, and a set key 14.
5c, a clear key 145d, various key switches such as a help key 146 for instructing output of a help list, and a liquid crystal display 147 for displaying information related to the various functions. Note that the liquid crystal display 147 is configured in two upper and lower stages as described later,
Each stage is configured to display different information.

Next, the control unit 70 for controlling each of the above units includes:
As shown in FIG. 1, a facsimile (FAX) unit 72, a printer unit 74, and a gate array 7 connecting these units.
6 is comprised. The FAX unit 72 sets an operation mode, reads an original image, sends / receives FAX data, decodes received data, and decodes received data in response to various instructions from the operator input via the operation panel 14. FA
A network control unit (NCU) for transferring X data to the printer unit 74, etc., and enabling a telephone call and facsimile data transmission / reception with the CPU 80, the ROM 82, the RAM 84, and other telephones and facsimile machines. 86, a modem 8 for transmitting and receiving FAX data to and from another facsimile machine via the NCU 86
7, and a buzzer 88 or the like as warning means for generating an alarm sound for warning the operator of an operation error or the like. Then, the CPU 80, the ROM 82, the RAM 84, the NCU 8
6, modem 87, buzzer 88, and operation panel 14
Are connected to each other via a bus 89, and the gate array 76 is also connected to the bus 89. In addition, the above-described receiver 12 and a speaker for calling are connected to the NCU 86, and a call with another telephone can be made through the receiver 12. Further, the ROM 82 stores, in addition to programs for various processes to be described later, code data (hereinafter referred to as help data) corresponding to a help list related to the facsimile function.

On the other hand, the printer unit 74 includes the gate array 7
6 to form a facsimile image on the recording paper 24 (in other words, to print FAX data) by controlling the driving of the recording unit 26 in accordance with the FAX data sent from the FAX unit 72 via the FAX 6. As with the facsimile unit 72, it is configured as a well-known microcomputer mainly including a CPU 90, a ROM 92, and a RAM 94. The printer unit 74 includes a personal computer interface 9.
When PC data from an external personal computer 98 is input to the personal computer interface 96, the CPU 90 responds to the PC data by using the recording unit 26.
To form a created image created by the personal computer 98 on the recording paper 24 (in other words, print PC data). The CPU 90, the ROM 92, the RAM 94, the personal computer interface 96, and the recording unit 26 are connected to each other via a bus 99. The gate array 76 is also connected to the bus 99.

Next, the FAX unit 72 and the printer unit 74
Among the various control processes executed in the first embodiment, the printer operation setting process, the FAX data reception process, the FAX data and PC data printing process, and the help list printing process, which are main processes related to the present invention, are described with reference to FIGS. This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a printer operation setting process for externally setting the control mode of the recording unit 26 on the printer unit 74 side when printing PC data. This process is executed by the facsimile CPU 80 when the operator operates the function keys 145a of the operation panel 14 and inputs a setting command for the printer operation.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the process is started,
First, in S110 (S represents a step), a setting screen showing setting items of the control mode and current setting contents is displayed. This setting screen includes the size (paper size) of the recording paper 24, the paper feeding method of the recording paper 24, and the PC for the recording paper 24.
The data printing direction (printing direction), the image resolution at the time of printing the PC data, and the like are each made for the operator to select from the following preset candidates. In the present embodiment, each of these settings is set. Operation panel 14 for items and selection candidates
Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 147, and the currently selected content of each setting item is highlighted. (1) Paper size: Letter (8 1/2 * 11 inch), Leg
al (8 1/2 * 14 inch), A4 (210 * 297 mm). (2) Paper feed method: Automatic paper feed, manual feed. (3) Printing direction: portrait, landscape. (4) Resolution: 300 dpi, 170 dpi,
75 dpi.

As described above, when the setting screen is displayed in S110, the operator operates the cursor keys 145b to specify a candidate in each setting item.
The set key 145c for confirmation is pressed. Therefore, F
In the subsequent S120, the AX CPU 80 accepts a key input by the operator and, if the key input changes a selection candidate, changes a candidate to be highlighted on the display screen accordingly. And S13
At 0, it is determined whether the set key 145c has been pressed. If it is determined in S130 that the set key 145c has not been pressed, the process returns to S120 again.
If it is determined that the set key 145c has been pressed, S1
At 40, the setting contents on the display screen are stored in the RAM 84,
In S150, a printer priority mode (hereinafter, referred to as PC priority mode) is set and stored in the RAM 84. In S160, a timer for canceling the PC priority mode is set, and the process ends.

The FAX CPU 80 changes the display on the liquid crystal display 147 before and after the above processing as follows. That is, before the PC priority mode is set by the above processing, the current date and time are displayed as information related to the facsimile function in the upper stage of the liquid crystal display 147 as illustrated in FIG. Further, in the lower part of the liquid crystal display 147, “ON LINE” (indicating that PC data can be received) or “OFF LINE” (indicating that PC data cannot be received) are displayed as information related to the printer function. Instruction) is displayed. When the PC priority mode is set by the above processing,
As illustrated in FIG. 6B, “ON LIN” in the lower row
P next to the "E" (or "OFF LINE") display
“PP” indicating the C priority mode is displayed. Note that the printer function “ON LINE”, “OF
Switching of the “F LINE” state is performed by the printer key 143.
The predetermined operation is performed.

The timer for releasing the PC priority mode set in S160 is for automatically releasing the PC priority mode set in S150 after a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) elapses. In this embodiment, when the timer counts the set time, an interrupt process (not shown) is executed to release the PC priority mode. Then, with this release, the FAX CPU 80 returns the display on the liquid crystal display 147 to, for example, the state shown in FIG. Furthermore,
The presence / absence of the setting of the PC priority mode and the contents of the setting stored in the RAM 84 are transferred to the PRINT CPU 90 of the printer unit 74 at the end of the process, and
Is stored in the RAM 94 on the
It is used when executing print processing of data and PC data.

Next, the reception processing of FAX data repeatedly executed as one of the main routines in the FAX CPU 80 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, when this processing is started,
First, in S210, it is determined whether or not a request to start receiving data has been transmitted from the printer unit 74 side. If there is a request to start sending data (S210: YE
S), after performing the received data decoding process described later in S300, the process proceeds to S220, and if there is no delivery request (S210: NO), the process directly proceeds to S220. In S220, it is determined whether or not the FAX data is received by the NCU 86 and the modem 87. If the fax data has been received (S
220: YES), the process proceeds to S230, and if the FAX data has not been received (S220: NO), the process proceeds to S210 again.

In step S230, a print request command is transmitted to the printer unit 74. In step S240, in response to the print request command,
It is determined whether the K command has been transmitted. If the print OK command has been transmitted (S240: YES), the process proceeds to S260 after activating a later-described received data decoding process in S250, and the print OK command has not been transmitted. Case (S2
40: NO), that is, if the printer unit 74 cannot print the received data, the process directly proceeds to S260.

In S260, the NCU 86 and the modem 8
7 stores the FAX data received in a predetermined storage area (reception buffer memory 84a) in the RAM 84, and
In step 270, it is determined whether reception of one page of FAX data has been completed. If reception of one page of FAX data has not been completed (S270: NO), the process proceeds to step S260. The page buffer for receiving buffer memory 84
Stored in a.

If it is determined in S270 that reception of one page of FAX data has been completed (S270: YES),
In S280, it is determined whether or not the next page of FAX data is received by NCU 86 and modem 87, and if the next page of FAX data is not received (S280:
NO), the process is temporarily terminated, and if the facsimile data of the next page has been received, the process returns to step S260, and the facsimile data of the next and subsequent pages are stored in the reception buffer memory 84a in the same procedure as described above. Store.

Next, the received data decoding process executed in S300 and started in S250 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that this process
This is a process for transmitting the FAX data stored in the reception buffer memory 84a to the printer unit 74 side.
When it is started at 0, it is executed in a time-sharing manner using the idle time of the above-mentioned reception processing.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this received data decoding process, at S310, 1 is stored in the reception buffer memory 84a.
It is determined whether or not the received data of the page is stored, and 1
If the received data for the page is stored (S310: YE
S), the process proceeds to S320, and if the received data for one page is not stored (S310: NO), the process of S310 is repeated to store the received data for one page in the reception buffer memory 84a. Wait for. Note that this S3
The process 10 is a process for waiting for storing one page of reception data in the reception buffer memory 84a in the processes after S260 when the process is started in S250.

Next, in S320, the FAX data stored in the reception buffer memory 84a is decoded into printing code data (bitmap data) of a predetermined resolution (for example, 200 dpi). Is transmitted to the printer unit 74 side. And
In S340, it is determined whether the transfer of one page of data has been completed. If the transfer of one page has not been completed (S34).
0: NO), and by shifting to S320 again, the FA
The decoding and transfer of one page of X data are performed.

On the other hand, when the decoding and transfer of one page of the FAX data are completed (S340: YES), a page break command is transmitted to the printer unit 74 in S350, so that the transmission of the FAX data of one page is completed. Notify that it has finished. Then, in the subsequent S360, the reception buffer memory 8
It is determined whether fax data of the next page to be printed remains in 4a. If fax data of the next page remains (S360: YES), the process proceeds to S310 again and faxes of the next page and thereafter are read. The decoding and transmission of the data are performed in the same manner as described above, and when the decoding and transmission of all the FAX data stored in the reception buffer memory 84a are completed (S360: NO), an end command indicating that fact is given in S370. Is transmitted to the printer unit 74 side, and the process ends.

Next, the printing process of FAX data and PC data executed by the PRINT CPU 90 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. As shown in FIG. 9, when this process is started, it is first determined in S410 whether or not there is a print request from the personal computer 98, and if there is a print request from the personal computer 98 (S410: YES), FIG. The process proceeds to the PC data printing process shown in FIG. 10. Conversely, if there is no print request from the personal computer 98 (S410: NO), it is determined in S420 whether the FAX unit 72 has received a print request.

If there is no print request from the FAX unit 72 (S420: NO), the flow shifts to S430.
Determine whether the PC priority mode is currently set,
If the PC priority mode is not set (S430: N
O) In S440, the FAX unit 72 is inquired as to whether or not the FAX data to be printed is stored in the reception buffer memory 84a, thereby determining whether or not the FAX unit 72 has the FAX data to be printed. I do. Also, F
If there is FAX data to be printed in the AX section 72 (S44)
0: YES), in S450, the recording unit 26 determines whether or not the printing operation is possible, and if the printing operation is possible (S450: YES), in S460, the fax unit 7
An extraction request is transmitted to the second side, and the process proceeds to S510. If it is determined in S430 that the current mode is the PC priority mode (S430: YES), FA is determined in S440.
When it is determined that there is no FAX data to be printed in the X section 72 (S440: NO), or in the recording section 2 in S450.
If it is determined that No. 6 is in a state in which the printing operation cannot be performed (S450: NO), the process returns to S410.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S420 that there is a print request from the FAX unit 72 side (S420: YE
S), in S470, it is determined whether or not the PC priority mode is currently set, and if the PC priority mode is set (S470: YES), the current fax is set in S490.
After transmitting a print NG command indicating that data cannot be printed to the FAX unit 72, the process is temporarily terminated.

If it is determined in S470 that the PC priority mode is not set (S470: NO), S4
In 80, the recording unit 26 determines whether the printing operation is possible. If the recording unit 26 is unable to perform the printing operation (S480: NO), a print NG command is transmitted to the FAX unit 72 in S490, and the process is temporarily terminated. If the print operation is possible (S480: YES), a print OK command is transmitted to the FAX unit 72 in S500,
The process moves to S510.

In step S510, the PRINT CPU 90 determines whether valid data is present in a FAX interface input / output port (hereinafter referred to as FAX I / F IO) for receiving transmission data from the FAX unit 72 through the gate array 76. The fax unit 72 determines whether the fax
Wait for data to be sent.

Then, in step S510, the fax / I / FI
If it is determined that there is valid data in O (S510: YE
S), In S520, it is determined whether or not the input data is a page break command. If the input data is not a page break command (S520: NO), in S530, the input data is an end command. It is determined whether or not the input data is not an end command (S530: NO), S540
Then, the input FAX data is stored in the recording buffer memory 94a in the PRINT RAM 94, and the process returns to step S510. The data is stored in the buffer memory 94a.

If it is determined in S520 that the input data is a page break command (S520: YES), RA
Since the print facsimile data for one page has been stored in the recording buffer memory 94a of the M94, S550
Then, by driving the recording unit 26 in accordance with the FAX data for one page, an image corresponding to the FAX data is formed (printed) on the recording paper 24, and the process returns to S510. On the other hand, if it is determined in S530 that the input data is an end command (S530: YES), there is no more FAX data to be printed, so the process is temporarily terminated.

In the printing of the FAX data in S550, the FAX data is transferred to the laser beam scanning device 62, and the laser beam scanning device 62 emits a laser beam corresponding to this data. This is performed by synchronously driving mechanical components such as a sheet feeding roller 51, a conveying roller 53, a fixing device 56, a sheet discharging roller 57, a photosensitive drum 61, and a developing device 63.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S410 that a print request has been made from the personal computer 98 side (S410:
YES), and as shown in FIG.
6 determines whether the printing operation is possible or not, and
6 cannot print (S560: N
O), a BU indicating this to the personal computer 98 in S570.
An SY response is sent out, and the process ends once.

On the other hand, if the recording unit 26 can perform the printing operation (S560: YES), the PRI is determined in S580.
The NT CPU 90 determines whether or not there is valid data in a PC interface input / output port (hereinafter, referred to as PC I / F IO) that receives transmission data from the personal computer 98 via the personal computer interface 96.
It waits for PC data to be transmitted from the personal computer 98.

Then, in S580, the PC / I / F / IO
Is determined to have valid data (S580: YE
S), in S590, it is determined whether or not the input data is a page break command. If the input data is not a page break command (S590: NO), in S600, whether or not the input data is an end command. If the input data is not an end command (S600: NO), the input data is sequentially stored in the recording buffer memory 94a in the PRINT RAM 94 in S610, and the process returns to S580.
The PC data transmitted from the personal computer 98 is stored in the recording buffer memory 94a of the RAM 94 according to a procedure such as shifting to.

In storing the PC data in the recording buffer memory 94a in S610, the FAX data (2) is printed as in S540 in order to print the PC data on the recording paper 24 in accordance with the settings made by the printer operation setting process. Value data) as it is in the recording buffer memory 94a.
Instead of storing the PC data as code data according to the set resolution, paper size, and printing direction, the PC data is expanded (binarized) into bitmap data for printing using predetermined font data. , Recording buffer memory 94a
To be stored.

If it is determined in S590 that the input data is a page break command (S590: YES), RA
In the recording buffer memory 94a of the M94, a PC of one page is stored.
Since the data (binarized data) has been stored, the recording unit 26 is driven in accordance with the one-page PC data in S620, so that the recording paper 24 corresponds to the PC data. An image is formed (printed), and S580 is performed again.
Move to On the other hand, if it is determined in S600 that the input data is an end command (S600: YES), there is no longer any PC data to be printed, so the process is temporarily ended.

The printing of the PC data in S620 is basically executed in the same manner as the printing of the FAX data in S550.
When manual feeding is set as the paper feeding method, the recording paper 24 can be manually fed.

Next, a process of printing a help list related to the facsimile function will be described. When the help key 146 of the operation panel 14 is operated, the facsimile CPU 80
Executes the help data transmission process of FIG. When the process is started, first, in S710, a help command for instructing printing of a help list is sent to the printer unit 74 via the gate array 76, and in S720, help data as code data is sent to the printer unit 74 side. Transfer to Here, the help data is data in which a character string constituting a help list is represented by a corresponding character code, and the above-described page feed command and end command are also provided.

At S730, the printer key 143,
Alternatively, when the operator presses the function key 145a or the like, normal data processing is not performed on data input by the operator (data mask), and the key is pressed by a routine (not shown). The state of the apparatus is set such that the buzzer 88 is sometimes driven to generate a warning sound. In addition, the following S7
At 40, it is determined whether or not the transfer of the help data has been completed, based on whether or not the end command has been transferred. If it is determined that the process has been completed (YES), the process is temporarily terminated, and if it is determined that the process has not been completed (NO), the process proceeds to S750. In S750, it is determined whether a BUSY response has been sent from the printer unit 74 side.
As will be described later, if the recording unit 26 is in use at the time of sending the help command or the recording unit 26 cannot print the help list for other reasons, a BUSY response is sent from the printer unit 74 side. So, BUS
If the Y response has not been sent (S750: NO),
Move to 720 and continue sending help data,
When the Y response has been sent (S750: YES),
The process moves to S760. In S760, as illustrated in FIG. 12, "BUSY" indicating that the recording unit 26 is unusable is displayed at the lower stage of the liquid crystal display 147, and the process is terminated once.

When the help command is sent to the printer unit 74 in S710, the PRINT CPU 90
3 is executed as an interrupt process. When the processing is started, first, in S860, the recording unit 2
It is determined whether or not the printing operation of the help list by the printing unit 6 is possible. If the printing unit 26 cannot perform the printing operation (S860: NO), a BUSY signal indicating the fact is transmitted to the FAX unit 72 side in S870. Then, the process is temporarily terminated. Here, when an interrupt occurs, the CPU for PRINT
90 determines that the printing operation is not possible (S860: NO) also when the processing of S580 to S620 in FIG. 10 is being executed and the help list cannot be immediately printed.

Conversely, if the recording unit 26 is capable of performing a printing operation (S860: YES), it is determined in S880 whether there is valid data in the FAX / I / F / IO described above. It waits for help data to be transmitted from the FAX unit 72 side. Then, in S880, the fax /
If it is determined that there is valid data in the I / F / IO (S8
80: YES), it is determined in step S890 whether the input data is a page break command, and in step S900, whether the input data is an end command. S900: NO), S91
At 0, the input data is sequentially stored in the recording buffer memory 94a in the PRINT RAM 94, and again at S8.
Move to 80. In this way, every time data for one page is stored (S890: YES), the flow shifts to S920, and the data for one page is printed. If it is determined in S900 that the input data is an end command (S900: YE
S) Since there is no more help data to be printed, the process is temporarily terminated. After the end of the process, FIG.
The setting of the state of the device in S730 shown in FIG.

As described above, FAX / I / F / IO
May be input with FAX data (binary data). Therefore, the determination of the presence or absence of valid data in S880 is determined as valid data only when the FAX / I / F / IO data is code data. The determination of the binary data and the code data may be made by, for example, a data head. In storing the help data in the recording buffer memory 94a in step S910, the help data, which is code data, is developed (binarized) into bitmap data for printing using predetermined font data, and is stored in the recording buffer memory 94a. It is stored in the memory 94a.

As described above, in this embodiment, at the time of printing the help list, it is possible to mask the data input from the printer key 143 and the like, and to surely prohibit the setting change of the operating condition related to the printer function. For this reason, the help list can be printed well by the recording unit 26. Further, if the printer key 143 is operated or the operation to enter the printer function setting menu is performed by the function key 145a or the like at the time of the above masking, the buzzer 88 generates an alarm sound. For this reason,
The operator can quickly know that the setting of the operating condition related to the printer key function is prohibited. Therefore, useless key operation by the operator can be prevented, and the operability of the apparatus can be further improved. In this embodiment, the printer key 143 and the function key 145a are used.
Thus, operating conditions relating to the printer function can be set very easily.

Further, in this embodiment, the help list is
The data is stored as code data in M82, binarized by the printer unit 74 based on predetermined font data, and printed. For this reason, the following effects can be obtained as compared with the case where the help list is stored in advance as binary data. That is, the data of the help list can be stored in a small memory, and further, by using the predetermined font data, it is possible to print with clear characters.

Further, in the present embodiment, the FAX unit 72 and the printer unit 74 are controlled by separate CPUs 80 and 90. Therefore, the processing speed of the entire facsimile apparatus 2 is improved, and the print processing of the help list can be further speeded up. In the above embodiment,
The NCU 86 serves as a facsimile receiving unit, the PC interface 96 serves as a print data input unit, and a fax CP.
In the processing executed in U80, the received data decoding processing in FIG. 8 is provided to the decoding means, and in the processing executed in the PRINT CPU 90, S610 in FIG. 10 and S9 in FIG.
S720 of FIG. 11 corresponds to the code data generating means and S720 of FIG. 11 corresponds to the binarizing means and the processing executed by the FAX CPU 80.
The printer operation setting process and the switching process of “ON LINE” and “OFF LINE” based on the operation of the printer key 143 are set in the printer function setting means. Among the processes executed by the FAX CPU, S730 in FIG. 11 is set. The FAX CPU 80 corresponds to a first control unit, and the PRINT CPU 90 corresponds to a second control unit.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the FAX unit 72 and the printer unit 74 have separate CPUs.
Although 80 and 90 are provided, each unit 72 and 74 may be controlled by one CPU. As the warning means, in addition to a warning sound such as the buzzer 88 of the present embodiment, an error message on the liquid crystal display 147,
A warning by a display such as lighting of a pilot lamp (not shown) can also be applied. Further, as the code data generating means, various modes are conceivable, such as a means for generating help data as in the present embodiment and a means for generating data for demonstration.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an internal mechanism of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating a configuration of an operation panel of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a printer operation setting process.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating display display before and after a printer operation setting process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of receiving FAX data.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a received data decoding process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a data printing process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining part of the data printing process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating help data transmission processing.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a display display at the time of sending a BUSY response.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a help list printing process.

[Explanation of symbols]

2. Facsimile machine 14 Operation panel 24
Recording paper 26 Recording unit 55 Image forming device 56 Fixing device 61 Photosensitive drum 62 Laser beam scanning device 63
... Developing device 65 ... Transfer device 70 ... Control unit 72 ... FAX unit
74: printer unit 76: gate array 84a: reception buffer memory
86 NCU 87 Modem 88 Buzzer 94a Recording buffer memory 96 Personal computer interface 141 Numeric keys 142 FAX key 143 Printer key 14
4: Copy key 145a: Function key 145b: Cursor key 145c: Set key 145d: Clear key 1
46 Help key 147 LCD display

Continuation of front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A recording unit for forming an image on recording paper based on binary data, a facsimile receiving unit for receiving facsimile data transmitted via a communication line, and an external device such as a computer. A print data input unit for inputting the received code data; decoding means for decoding the facsimile data received by the facsimile receiving unit into binary data and inputting the binary data to the recording unit; A binarizing means for binarizing the code data based on predetermined font data and inputting the binarized code data to the recording unit, wherein the facsimile receiving unit receives facsimile data at the facsimile receiving unit, A decoding means for decoding the data by the decoding means and further forming a picture corresponding to the data by the recording unit; Code data generating means for generating code data related to the simmi function, data input to the print data input section are binarized by the binarizing means, and the recording section corresponds to the data. Printer function setting means for setting an operating condition related to a printer function for forming an image to be printed in accordance with an operation of an operator; and when the code data generating means generates code data, the operating condition by the printer function setting means. Setting prohibiting means for prohibiting the setting of, and when the code data generating means generates code data, the binarizing means binarizes the code data based on the predetermined font data. A facsimile machine with a printer function, which is input to a recording unit. 2. A facsimile with a printer function according to claim 1, wherein said code data generating means generates code data corresponding to a help list relating to said facsimile function based on an operation of an operator. apparatus. 3. The printer function setting means sets the operating condition based on data input from a key switch, and the setting prohibiting means masks the data input from the key switch to thereby determine the operating condition. 3. The facsimile apparatus with a printer function according to claim 1, wherein the setting is prohibited. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a warning unit that warns an operator when the key switch is operated while the setting prohibition unit prohibits the setting of the operating condition. Item 3. A facsimile apparatus with a printer function according to Item 3. 5. A first control circuit for controlling the facsimile receiving section, the decoding section, the code data generating section, and the printer function setting section, the print data input section, 5. A facsimile apparatus with a printer function according to claim 1, further comprising: a second control circuit for controlling the value conversion means.