JP3104595B2 - Facsimile machine system - 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 machine system in which a computer such as a personal computer and a facsimile machine are connected.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-133
As disclosed in JP-A-91-91 and JP-A-6-98077, an interface (I / O port) capable of inputting / outputting a signal (data) from / to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) is provided in a facsimile apparatus. The personal computer and the interface of the facsimile apparatus are connected by a cable, and image data such as characters and images (hereinafter the same) input on the personal computer side are once transmitted to the facsimile apparatus, and are transmitted from the facsimile apparatus via a telephone line or the like. Image data transmitted to another facsimile device (hereinafter, referred to as a partner device) or conversely, image data received from the partner device is temporarily stored in a memory unit in the facsimile device, and is transmitted to a memory unit in a personal computer as desired. Thus, it has been proposed to use a facsimile machine as a terminal for distribution of personal computers. .

On the other hand, recent facsimile apparatuses have appeared with many functions, and some have a help function so that a user can easily know how to use each function. Has appeared.

[0004]

However, data such as a help list relating to the help function increases as the number of functions of the facsimile apparatus increases, and data is stored in a storage means (memory) for storing the data. Since a large capacity is required, there is a problem that the cost of the facsimile apparatus increases.

A liquid crystal display device in a facsimile apparatus is for displaying a transmission state or a reception state, and therefore, generally, the number of characters that can be displayed at one time is small. Therefore, there is a problem that even if the help function is used, only a help list as simple guidance can be expressed.

Further, it has been considered that the help list is output on a recording sheet by using a recording means such as a printer in a facsimile apparatus. However, in consideration of the storage capacity of the data such as the help list, a large amount of the help list is required. There was a problem that a complicated help list could not be output and guidance that users could fully understand could not be provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and a user has to use a computer (including a personal computer, the same applies hereinafter) having a storage means having a large storage capacity so that a user can operate the facsimile apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide guidance that can be fully understood and to improve the usability of a system in which a computer and a facsimile machine are connected.

[0008]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile machine system having an I / O port for connecting to an external device.
Connected to a facsimile machine via the I / O port
In a facsimile apparatus system including a computer, data and an operation program related to a help list such as a method of using the facsimile apparatus are installed in advance in storage means of the computer, and a help key is pressed from an input unit provided in the computer. , On a display connected to the computer,
It is configured to output data on the help list.

The invention described in claim 2 is the first invention.
In the facsimile apparatus system described in (1), data relating to the help list output to the display is output on the facsimile apparatus side.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is the invention of claim 3
A facsimile machine system according to claim 1 or claim 2.
The facsimile machine has a communication management function.
The communication management report data is stored in the computer
It is stored in storage means.

[0011]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. 1 is a perspective view of the facsimile machine 1 and the personal computer 2, FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the facsimile machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the personal computer 2 as an external information processing device. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a facsimile apparatus (fax apparatus) 1 (hereinafter referred to as a calling side for convenience) of the present invention includes an input / output interface (I / O port) 3 such as RS-232C and a cable 4. Is connected to the personal computer 2 via the PC.

The calling-side facsimile apparatus 1 is connected to a called-side facsimile apparatus via a network controller unit (NCU) 5 for performing line control, an external line 6 such as a telephone line, and an exchange 7. 9 is connected.

CPU 1 as the core of facsimile machine 1
Numeral 0 is connected to the following units of the apparatus via a signal bus line, and controls each unit of the apparatus according to a predetermined communication control procedure to execute a facsimile operation, that is, data communication.

The modem 11 modulates image information as a digital signal into an analog signal and transmits the analog signal to the external line 6 via the NCU 5, or transmits the analog signal as the image information transmitted from the NCU 5 via the external line 6. Is demodulated into a digital signal, and various signals for transmission control are transmitted and received.

As shown in FIG. 2, a CPU 10 includes a buffer memory 12 and a ROM storing a control program.
(Read only memory) 13, EEPROM (non-volatile memory) 14, RAM for storing various data
A memory (read / write memory at any time) 15, a CCD scanner 16 as a document reading unit, an operation panel 21 having a liquid crystal display unit 22, a printer 18 as a recording unit,
The encoding unit 17, the decoding unit 20, the image memory 19 and the like are connected via a bus.

The buffer memory 12 temporarily stores various data including coded image information transmitted and received to and from the facsimile machine 9 on the called side, and receives received commands and telephone numbers and numbers of the called side. It has a plurality of areas such as a transmission buffer memory 12a for temporarily storing data such as names, and a reception buffer memory 12b.

An EEPROM (non-volatile memory) 14 is
One-touch number storage area 14a, destination telephone number storage area 14b, communication state storage area 14c, function storage area 14d storing programs and data of various functions such as communication modes, and time for storing input / output time. It has a storage area 14e, a communication management information storage area 14f for storing communication management information and the like, and includes a dial number (telephone number) of a called side (a destination), data of a destination name and a one-touch number, and calling. Various setting information such as presence / absence of name registration of the facsimile machine, presence / absence of management report output, presence / absence of transmission result report, loudness of telephone call bell volume, loudness of speaker in the facsimile device, and the like are stored. This EEPROM (non-volatile memory) 14
Indicates that the contents are not erased even if the power of the facsimile machine 1 is turned off.

The RAM 15 also temporarily stores various data during execution of the operation.
Numeral 6 is for reading the image of the document, and the read image data is encoded by the encoding unit 17 for transmission, temporarily stored in the buffer memory 12, and then transmitted. In this case, as a method of compressing (suppressing) the redundancy of the facsimile signal (redundancy suppression coding method), the length of the continuous white signal or black signal of the facsimile signal,
That is, a coding method (Modified READ, MR method) or the like is adopted by focusing on the statistical properties of the run length.

On the other hand, the printer 18 records the received image data on a recording sheet as a hard copy.
A latent image is formed on a photoreceptor drum by laser light, developed with toner, transferred to a recording paper and fixed, and an electrostatic electrophotographic recording method, or a thermal printer that prints an image on thermal paper with a thermal head Adopt a method.

The CCD scanner 16 and the printer 18
And a copying function of immediately outputting a recording sheet copied from a document. The normally received image data and dot data for recording are stored in the image memory 19.
The dynamic RAM (DRA)
M) is often used.

In a normal receiving operation (recording is performed in real time) in the facsimile apparatus 1, signals are transmitted and received between the facsimile apparatuses 1 and 9 according to a predetermined communication control procedure, and then the transmission image information is received and the buffer is transmitted. The data is temporarily stored in the memory 12 as image data (analog signal). This image data is decoded (decompressed) by the decoding unit 20
Then, it is developed and written into a dot image in the bit image storage area of the image memory 19 for recording in units of one page. Then, bit development is performed at a predetermined resolution, and this is sent to the printer 18 to be imaged (printed) in units of one page.

At the time of proxy reception, the received image data is temporarily stored as compressed data in the image memory 19, and the same resolution is selected for the remaining area of the image memory 19 at the time of recording (at the time of recording paper output). And expand the bit. The image data temporarily stored in the image memory 19 at the time of the proxy reception is stored in an external storage device 38 of the personal computer 2 described later.
Etc., and the received image data can be processed in the personal computer 2.

At the time of direct transmission, the CCD scanner 1
In step 6, the transmission original is read, encoded by the encoding unit 17, and then transmitted. At the time of memory transmission, the data read and encoded by the transmission original by the CCD scanner 16 is stored in the image memory 1.
9 once, and then automatically and sequentially transmitted, or transmitted at a designated time. The time-specified transmission is convenient when there is a time difference with the called facsimile machine or when group transmission (sending the same document to a plurality of destinations) is performed.

Further, since the image data input to the personal computer 2 is coded data, this data can be stored in the image memory 19 of the calling facsimile machine 1 and then transmitted.

An operation panel 21 provided on the facsimile machines 1 and 9 includes a display section 22 such as a liquid crystal display section for displaying an operation state of the facsimile apparatus, a numeric keypad 23 for an operator to execute various operations, and a function. A key 24, a one-touch registration key 25, and the like are provided (see FIG. 1). The one-touch registration operation is executed by inputting a destination telephone number, a destination name, and the like by a predetermined operation of the ten keys 23 and the function keys 24 and a predetermined operation of the one-touch registration key 25.

In order to send a help command to the personal computer 2 by the help function described later, a predetermined one of the function keys 24 is pressed.

Further, the facsimile machine 1 has a voice LSI in which a response voice or the like for an answering machine function is stored.
(Integrated circuit) 26, an amplifier 27 for reproducing voice recorded during answering machine, a speaker 28, a reproduction key (not shown) for reproducing command, and the like.

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the personal computer 2, which includes a CPU 30 including a microprocessor, a ROM 31 storing a control program and the like, a RAM 32 storing various data, and a floppy disk (not shown). A floppy disk driver 40 for reading or writing data, an input / output port (interface) 33, and the like, a keyboard 34 and a mouse 35 as input units, and a display 36 such as a CRT as an output unit (display device) , A liquid crystal display), a printer 37, left and right speakers 38a and 38b, a facsimile device 1 as an input / output device, and an external storage device 39 such as a hard disk device as storage means.

Next, the help function will be described. Various functions provided in the facsimile machine 1, for example, the one-touch registration function, the speed dial function,
Interception function, communication management report output function, simultaneous transmission function (group dial function) for transmitting one original to a plurality of destinations, transfer transmission function for transmitting received originals (data) to a pre-registered destination There is a timer transmission function for transmitting a document to a destination at a preset time. When the user presses a help key (not shown) on the detailed setting method and usage method of these functions, the usage method and the like are displayed as a help list on the display 36 of the personal computer 2 or the printer 18 of the facsimile apparatus 1.
Alternatively, the data is printed as recording paper on the printer 37 of the personal computer 2 and output.

Therefore, data such as the help list and a program (application software) for operating the help list are stored in a floppy disk (not shown) in advance. When the facsimile machine 1 is purchased, since the floppy disk is attached, the user activates the personal computer 2 and inserts it into the floppy disk driver 40 to connect the external storage device 39 such as a hard disk device of the personal computer 2 or the like. Installed in the storage means. It is assumed that the simple help list is stored in the EEPROM 14 of the facsimile machine 1 in advance.

Next, the help list output process will be described. For example, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, when the user presses the help key of the facsimile machine 1 (S1) following the start of the process, the facsimile machine 1 A connection confirmation command is transmitted from the side, and it is determined whether or not the personal computer 2 is connected (S2). If it is determined that it is connected to the personal computer 2 (S2: yes),
Next, it is determined whether the personal computer 2 has been activated (S3). When it is determined that the personal computer 2 has been started (S3: yes), the external storage device 39 on the personal computer 2 side
Is transmitted to the facsimile machine 1 and output to recording paper by the printer 18 (S4). In this case, the data may be output to the display 36 or the printer 37 of the personal computer 2. Further, characters or the like may be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 on the operation panel 21 of the facsimile machine.

In order to shorten the transfer time, once the personal computer 2
The help list data downloaded to the facsimile apparatus 1 from the side may be configured not to be downloaded again. Further, in this case, for example, when the memory is shared with the reading buffer, the download may be permitted again only when the help list data is destroyed.

When the personal computer 2 is not connected (S2: no) and the personal computer 2 is not activated (S3: no), the simple help list stored in the facsimile machine 1 is copied to the printer 18. Or (S
5) Display on the liquid crystal display device 22.

As a modified example, when the help key is pressed from the keyboard 34 of the personal computer 2, the data of the help list stored in the external storage device 39 is deleted.
The information may be displayed on the display 36 of the personal computer 2 or output to the printer 37 as recording paper.

With this configuration, conventionally, there was only a method of checking a detailed help list in a manual book or obtaining only a simple help list on the facsimile apparatus 1 side. However, according to the present invention, a detailed help list can be obtained. As a result, it is possible to provide guidance that is easier to understand for the user. Further, it is not necessary to store a huge amount of data for the detailed help list in the storage device (EEPROM 14 or the like) of the facsimile machine 1 side, and the external storage device 39 having a relatively large storage capacity of the computer side such as the personal computer 2 etc. Therefore, the facsimile machine itself can be stored in an empty storage area, and the manufacturing cost of the facsimile apparatus itself can be reduced.

The printer 1 on the facsimile machine 1 side
If the printer 8 and the printer 37 on the side of the personal computer 2 are configured as recording means of a color ink jet type or the like, the help list can be printed in color, so that guidance that is easier to understand can be provided to the user.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart relating to the processing for storing the data of the communication management report. Each time the transmission / reception processing with another facsimile apparatus is completed following the start of the processing (S11), it is connected to the personal computer 2. It is determined whether or not it is connected (S12), and if it is connected (S12: ye
s) It is determined whether the personal computer 2 has been activated (S13). When it is determined that the personal computer 2 has been started (S13: yes), the communication management information such as the date and time of transmission / reception, the name of the destination, or the dial number is stored in the external storage device 39 of the personal computer 2. Then, data such as the required (communication) time, the number of originals to be transmitted and received, and the communication mode are transmitted and stored (S14).

If the personal computer 2 is not connected (S
12: no) or when the personal computer 2 is not running (S13: no), the communication management information is stored in the communication management information storage area 14f of the facsimile apparatus 1 (S15).

The transmission of the communication management information to the personal computer 2 may be executed each time one transmission or reception process is completed, or may be transmitted collectively every several hours.

The storage capacity of the communication management information storage area 14f is not very large, and generally only a capacity of several tens of cases is secured. And the latest data is added.

Therefore, when it is desired to store the old communication management information for a long time, as described above, it is stored in the external storage device 39 of the personal computer 2 having a relatively large storage capacity.

When the communication management information is output on the facsimile apparatus 1 side, it can be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 on a case-by-case basis, or can be output on recording paper in units of time,
It can also be output on a recording sheet for each predetermined number.

On the other hand, the communication management information transmitted to and stored in the personal computer 2 may be separately managed for the transmission part and the reception part according to the application of the management software. It can also be used for tabulating data on the frequency of use, such as the number of transmissions / receptions per month, by receiving department. Of course, such communication management information can be output on recording paper by the printer 37 on the personal computer 2 side.

In this way, if the data is transmitted and stored in the memory of the personal computer 2 or the external storage device 39, processing such as data reproduction and processing at a later date can be easily performed.

[0045]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
Facsimile system of the described invention, an external device
Facsimile machine with I / O port for connection
And a computer connected via the I / O port
In a facsimile machine system comprising: a data and an operation program relating to a help list such as a method of using the facsimile machine are previously installed in storage means of the computer, and by pressing a help key from an input unit provided in the computer, The system is configured to output data on the help list to a display connected to a computer.

Therefore, according to the present invention, a computer and
And facsimile machines each have a CPU, storage means and
And an I / O port.
It is said that data can be transmitted to and from a x-ray machine.
Of course, a huge amount of data for a detailed help list does not need to be stored in the storage means of the facsimile apparatus, and can be easily stored in an empty storage area of the storage means having a relatively large storage capacity of the computer. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the facsimile machine itself can be reduced. And
The user can easily obtain a detailed help list via a computer, and can provide guidance that is easier to understand for the user, thereby improving the usability of a system in which a computer and a facsimile machine are connected. Is played.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus system according to the first aspect, the data relating to the help list output to the display is output on the facsimile apparatus side.
Even if the printer is not connected to the computer, it is possible to output the data relating to the help list as a hard copy by using the facsimile machine, so that the user can confirm the data.

The third aspect of the present invention provides
A facsimile machine system according to claim 1 or claim 2.
The facsimile machine has a communication management function.
The communication management report data is stored in the computer
It is stored in storage means.

Therefore, communication with other facsimile machines
Information, such as date and time of transmission / reception, time,
Destination name or dialed number, required (communication) time, send
Data such as the number of transmitted / received documents, communication mode, etc.
Can be transmitted to the storage side and stored in the storage means.
From a large amount of communication management information
It has the effect of cutting.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a facsimile machine and a personal computer.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the facsimile machine.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a personal computer.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a help list output process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of storing communication management information.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Facsimile machine 2 Personal computer 5 NCU 10,30 CPU 11 Modem 13,31 ROM 14 EEPROM 15,32 RAM 18,37 Printer 21 Operation panel 34 Keyboard 36 CRT display

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-63-231368 (JP, A) JP-A-3-231882 (JP, A) JP-A-63-256048 (JP, A) JP-A-2-284569 (JP) JP-A-9-130510 (JP, A) JP-A-5-298432 (JP, A) JP-A-2-301260 (JP, A) JP-A-63-6967 (JP, A) 6-314202 (JP, A) JP-A-6-164882 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] An I / O port for connecting to an external device
Via a facsimile machine having the I / O port
A facsimile machine system comprising a computer connected to the computer, a data and an operation program relating to a help list such as a method of using the facsimile machine and the like, which are previously installed in a storage unit of the computer, and a help key from an input unit provided in the computer. A facsimile apparatus system configured to output data related to the help list to a display connected to the computer when the user presses the button. 2. The facsimile machine system according to claim 1, wherein data relating to the help list outputted on said display is outputted on a facsimile machine side. 3. The facsimile apparatus has a communication management function.
The communication management report data is stored in the computer
The storage means is stored in a storage means.
The facsimile machine system according to claim 2.