JP3116788B2 - 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 system in which an external information processing apparatus such as a computer and a facsimile apparatus are connected.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a facsimile apparatus having an answering machine function has been developed, and a facsimile apparatus having such a function has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-286671.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-209, when the answering machine mode is set, a message message (voice data) and image data from a calling facsimile apparatus are stored as digital data in a data storage apparatus. Among the stored data, it has been proposed to output image data to recording paper and reproduce audio data with a speaker.

Further, image data to be transmitted is temporarily stored in a memory, and once connected to a facsimile apparatus of the other party via a line, a memory transmission function of transmitting the image data to the other apparatus at once, or by designating a transmission time. A time-designated transmission function for transmitting image data stored in the memory by connecting a line to a partner facsimile machine at a predetermined designated time has also been developed. In this case, the memory until transmission is occupied by the image data to be transmitted.

Further, a recent facsimile apparatus has been developed which has a multi-copy function of outputting a plurality of copies of a plurality of copies from a plurality of originals read by a scanner or the like. Some printers have a sort copy mode in which the pages are output in the order of the original pages. Also in these cases, the data of the read original has to be stored in the memory of the facsimile machine, and the amount of data to be stored tends to be enormous.

[0005]

However, at present, the storage capacity of a memory (storage device) in a facsimile apparatus is not large at present, and as described above, data for performing various functions such as transmission and reception is used. Accumulates only in the memory (storage device) in the facsimile apparatus, it becomes full immediately, and there is a problem that the functions of the facsimile apparatus, such as the answering machine function and the alternate reception function, cannot be sufficiently exhibited.

In addition, there is a problem that if a large-capacity memory is built in or externally attached to the facsimile apparatus, the cost increases.

On the other hand, as disclosed in, for example, JP-A-63-13391 and JP-A-6-98077, signals (data) can be input / output to / from a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer). An interface (I / O port) is provided in the facsimile machine, and the personal computer and the interface of the facsimile machine are connected by a cable, and image data such as characters and images (hereinafter the same) input on the personal computer side is temporarily stored in the facsimile machine. The image data received from the facsimile apparatus is transmitted to another facsimile apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a partner apparatus) via a telephone line or the like, or the image data received from the partner apparatus is temporarily stored in a memory unit in the facsimile apparatus. The facsimile machine can be transmitted to the memory of the personal computer if desired. It has been proposed to be of use as a terminal for delivery.

In recent years, computers such as personal computers generally have a large-capacity memory built-in or externally attached thereto in order to expand functions such as multitasking.

Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by utilizing the memory of a computer (external information processing device) such as a personal computer, and makes the functions of the facsimile device fully exhibited, thereby making the personal computer and the facsimile device compatible. It is an object of the present invention to improve the usability of a system connected to the system.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a facsimile apparatus system according to the present invention is a facsimile apparatus system which can be connected to an external information processing apparatus such as a computer. Both the device and the external information processing device are provided with storage means, and the external information processing device or the facsimile device is provided with detection means for detecting the remaining storage capacity of each of the two storage devices, Of the data input to the facsimile machine, the sound received from another telephone
Voice data or emails received from other computers
Selection command means for instructing to store the data of the file in one of the storage means of the facsimile apparatus and the storage means of the external information processing apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus system which can be connected to an external information processing apparatus such as a computer.
Both the facsimile apparatus and the external information processing apparatus are provided with storage means, respectively, a detection means for detecting the remaining storage capacity of each of the two storage means, and when there is no remaining storage capacity in the storage means of the facsimile apparatus or When the number is low, the voice data received from other telephones among the data input to the facsimile apparatus from other than the external information processing apparatus
Data received from data or other computers
Selection instruction means for instructing a part or all of the data to be stored in the storage means of the external information processing apparatus.

A facsimile apparatus system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the facsimile apparatus system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the facsimile apparatus other than the external information processing apparatus is responsive to a selection command of a selection means provided in the facsimile apparatus. Out of the data input to the facsimile
The electronic mail data received from the computer is stored in the storage means of the external information processing apparatus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus system according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the remaining storage capacity of each of the storage means is exhausted, the fact is displayed. It is configured as follows.

[0014]

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 (herein referred to as a calling side for convenience) of the present invention includes an input / output interface (I / O) such as a serial interface such as RS-232C or a parallel interface. Port) 3 and cable 4
Is connected to the personal computer 2 via the.

The calling-side facsimile apparatus 1 is connected to an external line 6 such as a telephone line and an exchange 7 via a network controller unit (NCU) 5 for performing line control, and the called-side facsimile apparatus. 9 or another personal computer 8 (with a fax modem).

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 the 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, the 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 / received to / from the called facsimile machine 9 and receives received commands and the called party's telephone number and telephone number. 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 a time storage area storing input / output times. 14e, a communication management information storage area 14f for storing communication management information and the like, a dialed number (telephone number) of the called side (destination), data of the destination name and one-touch number, a facsimile of the calling side. Various setting information such as presence / absence of device name registration, presence / absence of management report output, presence / absence of transmission result report, loudness of telephone call bell volume, loudness of speaker volume in the facsimile device, and the like are stored. This EEPROM (non-volatile memory) 14 does not erase its contents even if the power of the facsimile machine 1 is turned off.

The RAM 15 is for temporarily storing various data at the time of executing the operation, and also stores a voice / image storage area 15a for storing voice data and image data received when the answering machine function is performed as digital data.
Is provided.

The CCD scanner 16 reads an image of a document. The CCD scanner 16 encodes the read image data by an encoding unit 17 to transmit the image data.
The data is temporarily stored in 2 and then transmitted. In this case, as a method of compressing (suppressing) the redundancy of the facsimile signal (redundancy suppression coding method), attention is paid to the length of the continuous white signal or black signal of the facsimile signal, that is, the statistical properties of the run length. Encoding method (Modified READ, MR
Method) is adopted.

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. In this case, a multi-copy mode in which a plurality of copies are output from a single document, and when outputting one to a plurality of copies from a plurality of documents, recording is performed in order according to the page of the document and divided into each number of copies. And a sort copy mode for outputting paper.

Normally, the received image data and dot data for recording are stored in the image memory 19, and a dynamic RAM (DRAM) is often used.

In a normal receiving operation (recording is executed in real time) in the facsimile apparatus 1, signals are transmitted and received between the facsimile apparatus 1 and the facsimile apparatus 9 (or another personal computer 8) according to a predetermined communication control procedure. The transmission image information is received and temporarily stored in the buffer memory 12 as image data (analog signal). The image data is decoded (decompressed) by the decoding unit 20, and 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, the data is bit-developed at a predetermined resolution and sent to the printer 18 to be imaged (printed) in units of one page.
Is what you do.

At the time of proxy reception, normally, the received image data is temporarily stored as compressed data in the image memory 19, and the same resolution is stored in the remaining area of the image memory 19 at the time of recording (when recording paper is output). Select and expand bits.
The image data temporarily stored in the image memory 19 at the time of the proxy reception or the image data received at the time of exhibiting the answering machine function and stored in the voice / image storage area 15a are stored in an external storage device 39 of the personal computer 2, which will be described later. 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. Time specified transmission (timer 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 directly input on the personal computer 2 side is encoded data, this data may be temporarily stored in the image memory 19 of the calling side facsimile apparatus 1 and then transmitted. it can.

An operation panel 21 provided on the facsimile machines 1 and 9 includes a display unit 22 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying the operation state of the facsimile machine, a numeric keypad 23 for the 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.

Further, the facsimile apparatus 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. The CPU 30 includes a microprocessor and the like, a ROM 31 storing control programs and the like, a RAM 32 storing various data, and an input / output port (interface) 33. A keyboard 34 and a mouse 35 as input units, a display 36 such as a CRT as an output unit (a display device, which may be a liquid crystal display), a printer 37 and left and right speakers 38a,
38b, the facsimile device 1 as an input / output device, an external storage device 39 such as a hard disk device, and a floppy disk driver 40 are connected.

Then, the image data of the original input by the CCD scanner 16 for the memory transmission or the time designation transmission (timer transmission), and the other facsimile apparatus 9 at the time of proxy reception
Alternatively, image data received from the personal computer 8, voice data received from another telephone (not shown) during the answering machine function, or e-mail (message message) received from the other personal computer 8 is transmitted by facsimile, as described later. According to the selection command means provided in the apparatus 1 or the personal computer 2, the data is stored (stored) in the voice / image storage area 15a or the image memory 19 as the storage means of the facsimile apparatus 1, or the hard disk device as the storage means of the personal computer 2 For example, the user instructs whether to store (store) the data in the external storage device 39.

In this case, one or both of the facsimile machine 1 and the personal computer 2 are provided with detecting means for detecting the remaining storage capacity of each of the two storage means.

Further, when the remaining storage capacity of the storage means of the facsimile apparatus 1 is low or low, the selection command means can output data (image data and audio data) input to the facsimile apparatus 1 from a device other than the personal computer 2. (Or both) may be instructed to store a part or all of them in the storage means of the personal computer 2.

The selection command means may be provided in one or both of the facsimile machine 1 and the personal computer 2. Further, when the remaining storage capacity of each of the storage means is exhausted (memory full) or becomes smaller than a preset amount, a display means for displaying the fact is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 of the facsimile apparatus 1 or It may be used as a display device (CRT display 36) on the personal computer 2 side.

Next, referring to the flow chart shown in FIG. 4, one or both of the image data and the audio data input to the facsimile apparatus 1 from a device other than the personal computer 2 by the selection command are transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 1 or A process for instructing one or both storage means of the personal computer 2 to store (store) the data will be described.

First, following the start of the process, the operator
A function key as a selection command means on the operation panel 21 of the facsimile machine 1 is depressed, and a position to store (accumulate) data is selected and commanded as a setting mode (S1). The types of the modes are as follows: data is preferentially stored in the storage means of the facsimile machine (FAX) 1 (FAX priority mode); and data is stored only in the storage means of the personal computer (PC) 2 (PC mode). The facsimile machine 1 stores the information only in the storage means (FAX mode).

Next, in the process of S2, it is determined whether or not the fax priority mode is set, and when the fax priority mode is set (S2:
yes), it is determined whether or not the storage means of the facsimile machine (FAX) 1 has a data storable remaining amount, in other words, whether or not the FAX memory is full (S3).
If the FAX memory is not full (S3: no), the data is stored in the storage means of the facsimile machine (FAX) 1 (S4). When the processing of S3 and S4 is repeated and the FAX memory becomes full (S3: yes), the liquid crystal display device 22 of the facsimile machine 1 or the personal computer 2
"FAX memory full" appears on the CRT display 36
Is displayed (S5). And then, the personal computer (P
C) Inquire about whether the external storage device 39 has a data storable remaining amount. In other words, it is determined whether the PC memory is full (S6). If the PC memory is full (S6: yes), the liquid crystal display device 22 of the facsimile machine 1 or the personal computer 2
The display of "PC memory full" appears on the CRT display 36 on the side (S7), and the storing process ends.

If the PC memory is not full (S6: no), the data is stored in the external storage device 39 (S8). Repeat steps S6 and S8 for PC
If the memory is full (full) et al. (S6: yes), put out the display of the "PC memory full" (S7), and stores the processing end.

Next, when the mode is not the fax priority mode (S2: no), it is determined whether the mode is the PC mode (S2).
9). When the PC mode is set (S9: yes), the processes from S6 to S8 may be executed.
When the remaining amount of data that can be stored in the external storage device 39 as the storage means on the side runs out, the data storage process ends.

When the mode is not the PC mode (S9:
No), it is determined whether or not the facsimile apparatus is in a facsimile mode for storing data only (S10). If the facsimile mode is set (S10: yes), the facsimile memory is full (fu).
ll) is determined (S11). If the FAX memory is not full (S11: no), the data is stored in the storage means of the facsimile machine (FAX) 1 (S11).
12). By repeating the processing of S11 and S12, F
When the AX memory becomes full (S11: yes), "FAX memory full" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 of the facsimile machine 1 or the CRT display 36 of the personal computer 2 (S13). If not in FAX mode (S1
0: no), the mode selection setting in S1 may be executed.

Data stored (stored) in each of the storage means, ie, image data and audio data input from a location other than the personal computer 2 side, for example, image data of a document input by the CCD scanner 16 and alternate reception The image data received from the other facsimile machine 9 or the personal computer 8 at the time is stored in a predetermined area together with its command command in accordance with the respective functions of memory transmission, time designation transmission (timer transmission), multi-copy, and proxy reception. . Voice data received from another telephone (not shown) or data of an e-mail (message message) received from another personal computer 8 at the time of the answering machine function is also stored in each of the answering machine reception area (message box) and the mailbox. It is stored (stored) in the area and can be reproduced by a predetermined function.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of storing data that could not be stored in the storage means of the personal computer 2 when the remaining storage capacity of the storage means of the facsimile apparatus 1 has become less than a certain value. That is, following the start of the process, it is determined whether the storable remaining amount of the FAX memory is equal to or less than a certain value (S21). When the storable remaining amount is less than a certain value (S21: yes), a PC storage command is sent to the personal computer 2 (S22), and then the personal computer (PC).
An inquiry is made to the second side as to whether or not the external storage device 39 has a data storage remaining amount. In other words, it is determined whether the PC memory is full (S23). If the PC memory is full (S23: yes), "PC memory full" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 of the facsimile machine 1 or the CRT display 36 of the personal computer 2.
Is displayed (S24), and the storing process ends.

If the PC memory is not full (S23: no), the data is stored in the external storage device 39 (S25). If the PC memory becomes full by repeating the processing of S23 and S25 (S23: yes
), Display "PC memory full" (S24),
The storage processing ends.

If the storable remaining amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S21: no), the data is stored in the storage means of the facsimile machine (FAX) 1 (S2).
6). Next, it is determined whether the FAX memory is full (S27). If the FAX memory is not full (S27: no), the facsimile machine (FAX)
Storing the data in the first storage means (S26);
The determination in S27 is repeated. When the FAX memory becomes full (S27: yes), the display of "FAX memory full" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 of the facsimile machine 1 or the CRT display 36 of the personal computer 2 (S2).
8) Execute the process of S22 and store the data in the memory on the PC side. As a result, a part that could not be stored in the storage unit of the facsimile machine (FAX) 1 is divided, but is surely stored in the storage unit of the PC. This has the effect of eliminating missing parts.

Each of the processes in S1 and S22 is a selection command means, and S3, S6, S11, S21, S23,
Each process of S27 becomes a storable remaining amount detection unit in the storage unit.

[0048]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
The facsimile apparatus system according to the invention described in (1) is a facsimile apparatus system that can be connected to an external information processing apparatus such as a computer, wherein both the facsimile apparatus and the external information processing apparatus each include storage means, and The apparatus or the facsimile apparatus has a detecting means for detecting the remaining storage capacity of each of the two storage means, and voice data received from another telephone among data input to the facsimile apparatus from other than the external information processing apparatus.
Is the e-mail data received from other computers
Is stored in the facsimile machine-side storage means or the external information processing apparatus-side storage means.

Therefore, voice data received from another telephone when the answering machine function of the facsimile apparatus is exhibited.
Or email data from other computers
When receiving certain types of data,
Is not near a facsimile machine or computer
The voice data or e-mail data received
Even with a small amount, data can be stored using storage means on the external information processing device side such as a personal computer as if it were a storage means on the facsimile device side, and various functions of the facsimile device can be realized. There is an effect that the function of the system in which the computer and the facsimile machine are connected can be sufficiently exhibited.

The facsimile machine system according to the second aspect of the present invention is a facsimile machine system that can be connected to an external information processing device such as a computer. Detecting means for detecting the remaining storable capacity of each of the two storage means; and when the remaining storable capacity in the storage means on the facsimile apparatus side is low or low, a facsimile from outside the external information processing apparatus. Of the data entered into the device, received from another phone
Voice data or emails received from other computers
It is obtained by a selection command means for instructing to store some or all of the data Lumpur to the external information processing apparatus in the storage means.

Therefore, the voice data received from another telephone when the facsimile apparatus performs the answering machine function
Or email data from other computers
When receiving certain types of data,
Is not near a facsimile machine or computer
The voice data or e-mail data received
Even with a small amount, data can be stored using storage means on the external information processing device side such as a personal computer as if it were a storage means on the facsimile device side, and various functions of the facsimile device can be realized. The facsimile machine can be fully utilized and the function of the system connecting the computer and the facsimile machine can be fully exhibited.When the remaining storage capacity of the storage means of the facsimile machine is reduced or reduced, the personal computer is automatically activated. The above-mentioned specific type of data is securely stored in the storage means on the side of the external information processing device.
The part that could not be stored in the storage means of the facsimile machine is reliably stored in the storage means of the PC (computer) , and a large amount of data can be stored in the storage means.
Even if the data is received while the user is away, there is an effect that the loss of the data can be eliminated.

The facsimile machine system according to the third aspect of the present invention is the facsimile machine system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the external information processing is performed in response to a selection command of a selection means provided in the facsimile machine. the data input from outside the device to the facsimile device
The electronic mail data received from another computer is stored in the storage means of the external information processing apparatus.

Since the selection instructing means is provided on the facsimile apparatus side, when the various functions of the facsimile apparatus are to be exhibited, the selection instructing means may be set by the selection instructing means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus system according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the remaining storage capacity of each of the storage means is exhausted, the fact is notified. It is configured to be displayed.

According to this configuration, the state of no remaining storage capacity can be confirmed on either the facsimile apparatus or the external information processing apparatus, so that various functions of the facsimile apparatus are not displayed. This has the effect that the operator can easily confirm whether or not the judgment is made.

[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 first embodiment of input data storage processing;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of input data storage processing.

[Description of Signs] 1 Facsimile apparatus 2 Personal computer 5 NCU 10, 30 CPU 11 Modem 13, 31 ROM 14 EEPROM 15, 32 RAM 15a Voice / image data storage area 34 Keyboard 36 CRT display

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-5-227390 (JP, A) JP-A-4-306964 (JP, A) JP-A-9-116676 (JP, A) JP-A-9-9 83758 (JP, A) JP-A-64-73966 (JP, A) JP-A-8-265527 (JP, A) JP-A-60-246166 (JP, A) JP-A-9-65039 (JP, A) JP-A-5-30269 (JP, A) JP-A-4-170255 (JP, A) JP-A-63-46843 (JP, A) JP-A-63-38462 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 H04N 1/21

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] A facsimile apparatus system connectable to an external information processing apparatus such as a computer, wherein both the facsimile apparatus and the external information processing apparatus each include storage means, and the external information processing apparatus or the facsimile apparatus includes: Detecting means for detecting the remaining storable amount of each of the two storage means; and voice data received from another telephone among data input to the facsimile apparatus other than the external information processing apparatus.
Data received from a computer or other computer.
A facsimile machine system comprising : a selection command unit for commanding data to be stored in one of a storage unit of the facsimile machine and a storage unit of the external information processing device. 2. A facsimile apparatus system which can be connected to an external information processing apparatus such as a computer, wherein both the facsimile apparatus and the external information processing apparatus each have storage means, and each of the two storage means has a storable storage. Detecting means for detecting the amount of data, and when the remaining storage capacity of the storage means of the facsimile apparatus is not full or low , other data input to the facsimile apparatus from other than the external information processing apparatus.
Data received from another phone or other computer
A facsimile apparatus system comprising: a selection command unit for instructing a part of or the entire data of the e-mail received from the data processing unit to be stored in a storage unit of the external information processing apparatus. 3. A data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said computer receives data from a computer other than said external information processing apparatus in response to a selection command from a selection unit provided in said facsimile apparatus.
3. The facsimile machine system according to claim 1, wherein the data of the e-mail received from the external information processing device is stored in a storage means of the external information processing device. 4. The facsimile machine system according to claim 1, wherein when the storage capacity of each of said storage means is exhausted, the fact is displayed. .