JP3347749B2 - Facsimile machine - 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 for continuously transmitting, for example, each page of a book-type document to the same destination, and more particularly to a facsimile apparatus capable of extending the time allowed for turning pages.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a scanner often provided in a conventional facsimile apparatus.
FIG. 1A shows a document transport type scanner, and FIG. 1B shows a document fixed type scanner. Conventionally, in a facsimile apparatus, as shown in FIG. 4A, a document 102 to be conveyed is often read by using a fixed scanner 101. The document 102 is transported by the transport rollers 103 to the position where the scanner 101 is disposed, and the image information is read while being closely transported to the scanner 101 by the reading position rollers 104. In this configuration, by adding an ADF (automatic document feeder) mechanism, it is possible to transmit a plurality of pages of a sheet document, and to transmit the sheet regardless of the length of the document.

[0003] However, in the case of a so-called book-type original such as a notebook or a book, it is difficult to convey the original by a roller. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 4B, a facsimile apparatus using a fixed original scanner often used in a copying machine or the like is often used. In the original fixed type scanner shown in FIG.
The document 102 is placed on the glass plate 201, and the document 102 is pressed from above by the pressure plate 202.
Thereafter, the glass plate 201 and the pressure plate (so-called platen) 20
2 or the scanner 1 under the glass plate 201
By moving 01, the image information of the document is read. In addition,
FIG. 4B shows a configuration example in which the scanner 101 is moved.
3 moves on the guide 204.

According to such a system, the scanning can be performed by the scanner 101 while the original 102 is fixed on the glass plate 201, so that the image information is read regardless of the type of the original, such as a book-type original. be able to. Also in this configuration example, it is possible to add an ADF mechanism in the pressure plate 202, and it is possible to transmit a plurality of pages in the case of a sheet document.

[0005]

However, in such a conventional facsimile apparatus, when it is desired to continuously transmit a plurality of pages of a book-type document to the same destination, multi-transmission (continuous transmission) / single transmission (one sheet) (Only transmission) is set to multi-transmission, and every time transmission of one page is completed, the pressure plate 202 is raised to turn the page, and the start button must be pressed each time. However, if it takes time to turn the page and if the next page cannot be set within the specified time, the transmission will automatically end and the telephone line will be disconnected, so the transmission must be redone. There was a drawback that operability deteriorated.

Therefore, the invention according to claim 1 is a book type.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile apparatus that improves the operability of multi-transmission by extending the time allowed for turning pages of a document . According to the second aspect of the present invention, the book-type original is securely set on the platen.
And then send the next page,
An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus which determines that a next page for continuous transmission is being set by detecting that a pressure plate for pressing a book-type document is raised.

Further, the invention according to claim 3 provides a facsimile apparatus which confirms the setting of a document when the pressure plate is raised and then closed, thereby preventing unnecessary transmission of the document and improving reliability. It is an object. Also,
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus which improves reliability by notifying an operator when a next page is not set reliably within a time allowed for turning a page. The purpose is.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
In order to achieve the above purpose, the image information of the original
And a scanner for reading
Facsimile for sequentially transmitting the embedded image information line by line
In the similli machine, the scanner scans the original one page.
For judging whether the reading of the page has been completed
And based on the maximum signal transmission time allowed by the standard
Fill bit added to the image information of the last line of the original
Determining means for determining the number of objects,
Reading of one page of the original is completed by the scanner
If it is determined that the
Of the fill bits of the last line
The transmission data of the last line.
Line data generating means for generating data
It is characterized by .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pressure plate for pressing an original to a scanner,
An opening and closing detector which detects opening and closing of the pressure plate, cell at a predetermined position
A document sensor for detecting a loaded document, and the scanner
From the time the lump read of the document one page has been completed by
Until the document exchange period of the specified length has elapsed, the next page
And notifying means for notifying to the outside so as to Tsu bets, when it is detected that the pressure plate by the opening and closing detector during the notification period by notification means is opened, determining means and the next page document are being set And characterized in that: According to a third aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, when the opening / closing detector detects opening / closing of the pressure plate, and after the opening / closing, a document set is detected by a document sensor,
Setting completion detecting means for detecting completion of setting of the next page document, and continuous transmission control means for permitting continuous transmission of the next page document after detecting completion of setting of the next page document. Features.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the end of the continuous transmission is notified to the outside when the completion of the setting of the next page document is not detected during the notification period by the notification means. It is characterized by having a notifying means.

[0011]

[Action] In the first aspect of the present invention having the above structure, the final scan line of the document read by the scanner, immediately
Chi, the maximum transmission time for a signal transmission time of the last line is allowed in the standard, i.e., such that the maximum signal transmission time, fill bits the required number is added to the image information of the last line
As a result, the time is added to the transmission data of the last line, and the time allowed for document exchange is extended.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the document detected by the document sensor is scanned.
Scanner, and the scanner scans the original.
After the scanning is completed, the document replacement period elapses.
To set the next page original by the notification means
The request message is notified to the outside. Further, when the opening and closing of the pressure plate is detected and it is detected that the pressure plate is opened during the notification period by the notification means, it is determined that the next page document is being set. In the third aspect of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the setting of the next page document is detected on the condition that the pressing plate is opened and closed and the document set is detected after the opening and closing, and completion of setting of the next page document is detected. After the detection, continuous transmission of the next page document is permitted.

Further, in the invention according to the fourth aspect having the above configuration, when the next page document is not set during the notification period by the notification means, the end of the continuous transmission is notified to the outside.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below based on embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a facsimile apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same components as those of the above-described conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a specific description thereof will be omitted.

First, the configuration will be described. In FIG. 1, C
A PU (Central Processing Unit) 11 controls the entire system, and firmware for determining the control operation is stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12. A work area and a temporary storage area necessary for the CPU 11 to perform control are provided by a RAM (Rand).
om Access Memory) 13.

The scanner section 14 converts the image of the document to be transmitted
It reads one line at a time and outputs binarized image data. Note that the scanner unit 14 of the present embodiment is a fixed document type scanner shown in FIG. The plotter 15 receives the binarized image data and prints it on recording paper. The DCR 16 is an encoding / decoding device, which compresses the code at the time of transmission and transfers the data to a modem (modulator / demodulator) 17, and reproduces and decodes the compressed code data sent from the modem 17 at the time of reception and transfers the data to the plotter 15. Things.

The modem 17 converts the coded digital data sent from the DCR 16 into analog data at the time of transmission and transfers the analog data to an NCU (network control unit) 18. Is converted into digital data and transferred to the DCR 16. The NCU 18 is an analog interface connecting the line L and the modem 17, and also has a function of performing a calling operation.

The input device 19 is a key input device composed of switches. The display device 20 visually displays the status of the system to the operator. The position detector 21 detects opening and closing of the pressure plate 202 as an opening and closing detector. The document sensor 22 detects a document set at a predetermined position. In this embodiment, when the originals exchanged during the original exchange period of a predetermined length are sequentially and continuously transmitted, first, as described above, the multi-transmission is set, and the original 102 is set. The set original 102 is confirmed by, for example, the reflective original sensor 22, and image information is read by the scanner 101. A message is displayed on the display device 20 as a notification unit so that the next page document is set from the time when the reading of the document 102 is completed by the scanner 101 until the replacement period elapses.

The signal transmission time of the last line of the original 102 read by the scanner 101 is, for example, CC
As the maximum transmission time <br/> that are allowed on standards such as ITT G3, the determining means and CPU11 as the final line data generation unit <br/>, fill bits required number of the last line image The last line by being added to the information
Is added to the transmission data. FIG. 2A shows a state in which the fill bit is added , and the maximum signal transmission time , for example, G
In the case of 3 standards, the line end signal EO is set to 5 seconds.
A required number of fill bits (for example, 0 bits) are added immediately before L. Note that the line end signal EOL is added before and after the transmission data of each scanning line to indicate a division of the scanning line and enable resynchronization after error detection.

As described above, in this embodiment, the original 1
Since the original sensor 22 detects that the original 02 is set, and does not transmit an undetected original, a defectively set original is not transmitted. Also, in this embodiment, the transmission time of the last line can be set to the maximum time allowed by the standard by adding the fill bit, so that the time allowed for document exchange can be extended, and You can afford to turn pages. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the degree of disconnection during continuous transmission due to inadequate page turning, thereby improving operability.

Next, if the position detector 21 detects that the pressure plate 202 has been opened while the next page set request message is being displayed on the display device 20, the CPU 11 as a judging means sets the next page. It is determined that a document is being set, and the communication flow is controlled so that continuous transmission is continued. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the pressure plate 202 for pressing the document 102 is lifted, it is determined that the next page document is being set, and the communication protocol is controlled so as to extend the document exchange time on the premise of continuous transmission. It is possible to reduce interruption of continuous transmission contrary to the operator's intention.

The opening and closing of the pressure plate is detected by the position detector 21, and after the opening and closing, the original
Is detected, the CPU 11 as a set completion detecting unit detects that the setting of the next page document is completed. Then, as a continuous transmission control means, the CPU 11 confirms that the setting of the next page document is completed, and
Continuous transmission of the next page document by U18 is permitted.

As described above, in this embodiment, the pressure plate 2
Since the document set is detected together with the opening / closing operation of the document 02, it is possible to detect whether the next page document has been set at the time of multi-page transmission, or whether the pressure plate 202 has just been opened and then closed. Accurate judgment can be made, and reliability is improved. Further, the display device 2
When the setting of the next page document is not detected during the notification period of 0, the display device 20 notifies the end of the continuous transmission to the outside as a notification unit, and disconnects the line.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the document setting of the next page has failed, the operator is notified of the failure, so that the operating state of the apparatus can be easily grasped, and the reliability is improved. By the way, in the present embodiment, the position detector 2
When it is detected that the pressure plate 202 has been opened by 1,
The CPU 11 determines that the next page document is being set by the determination means.
When 2 is not set, it is necessary to control not to transmit. For this reason, the presence or absence of the document 102 is confirmed by the document sensor 22.

First, the position detector 21 may be configured to detect whether the pressure plate 202 is open or closed by a microswitch or the like. Further, by using a photo sensor as the position detector 21 and detecting how much the book is open, a thick book can be used as a document. Next, regarding the document sensor 22, the pressure plate 202 is usually white, and the outside of the document 102 is generally transmitted as white data. However, in this case manuscript 10
In many cases, the background of No. 2 is white, so that the ordinary reflection sensor may not be able to detect that the document 102 is placed. For this reason, the pressure plate 202 may have better reflection characteristics than white, or may have a mirror surface, so that the recognizability of the document 102 may be improved based on the difference in reflection characteristics.

It is also possible to install only a plurality of document sensors 22 or attach them to the scanner 101 to recognize the size of the document, thereby transmitting only the necessary area.
This prevents the size of the transmitted document from becoming constant regardless of the size of the document 102. When the size of the transmitted document is small, it is possible to transmit the document as close as possible to the size of the document. Can be saved, and the economy can be improved.

Next, a protocol for extending the set time of the next page will be described with reference to FIG. (1) In the case where there is a next original, that is, in the case of continuous transmission, when scanning of one page is completed, R
The image information of the last line of the original document
The last line of the original
Fill bits are added to the transmission data consisting of image information ,
Make time to raise the pressure plate 202. This data format is
As shown in FIG. 2B, the method is as described in the CCITT rules. Thereafter, when the pressure plate 202 is actually raised, a message end signal EOM (End of Message), which is a post message of the protocol, is further added.
And send it out. That is, a message confirmation signal MCF is received from the receiving side receiving the message end signal EOM.
(Message Confirmation) and the digital identification signal DIS
(Digital Identification Signal) is returned about 6
Let's see how seconds are the document exchange period. in this way,
With the two means of adding the fill bit and returning from the receiving side, the time required to replace the original of about 10 seconds is allowed, and the transmission time for the addition of the fill bit is extended in the conventional original replacement period. .

Thereafter, when the start button is pressed, a digital command signal DCS (Digital Commaand S) is transmitted from the transmitting side.
ignal) and training check TCF (Training)
Check) is sent. In response to this, when a reception preparation confirmation signal CFR (Confirmation to Receive) is returned from the receiving side, the image information of the next page is transmitted. (2) When there is no next original, that is, when continuous transmission is to be ended, a disconnection command signal DCN (Disconnect) is transmitted from the transmission side, and the line is disconnected.

Next, FIG. 3 shows an example of a processing flow of this embodiment.
The operation will be described in accordance with FIG. At the time of transmission, first, the original 102 is set, a telephone call is made, and the start button is turned on (step S1).
02 is checked, and the setting of the document 102 is confirmed by the document sensor 22 (step S2), and the protocol is started.

The image information is obtained by the movement of the scanner 101.
A line is scanned and read line by line, and for example, a first-in first-out FIFO (First-in first-out FIFO) set in the RAM 13 as an area is set.
irst-out) is stored in the memory (step S3). Judgment
When the scanning of one line is completed , the CPU 11 determines whether the scanning of one page of the document is completed (step S4). If the scanning is not completed , the CPU 11 transmits the data of one line stored in the FIFO memory (step S4). Step S5) Scan the next line. In this manner, the scanning for each line is repeated, and the entire surface of the original of one page is scanned.

If it is determined in step S4 that the scanning of the entire original has been completed, a message for requesting the next page set is displayed on the display device 20 to notify the operator (step S6), and the transmission time of the last line is shown in FIG. (A)
A fill bit is added to the image information of the last line so that the time becomes 5 seconds as shown in (5) (step S7). Incidentally, the transmission time of 5 seconds is allowed is G3 standard, determining means
CPU 11 as the other standard is the highest in that standard.
The fill bit is determined so that a large signal transmission time is obtained ,
Add. Data obtained by adding fill bits to the image information of the last line is transmitted as transmission data of the last line (step S8).

Next, it is determined whether or not the platen 202 has been raised within the document replacement period extended by the addition of the fill bit (step S9). If the platen has not been raised, the procedure end signal EOP (End of Procedures) is sent to end the communication (step S10). On the other hand, if the pressure plate 202 is raised in the determination of step S9, the raised pressure plate 202 is lowered, and it is determined whether the document 102 is detected by the document set sensor 22 in the lowered state (step S11). If NO, that is, if the transmission original has been removed but the next page original has not been set, a message end signal EOM shown in FIG. 2B is transmitted (step S12). After transmitting the message end signal EOM, the digital identification signal D
It is determined whether the next page document is set before the IS is returned (step S13). If not set, the disconnection command signal DCN is sent out, and the communication is terminated. If set, the process returns to step S3,
Start sending the next page.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S11 is YES, that is, if the next page is set, the multi-page signal MPS is transmitted (step S14).
Returning to step S3, transmission of the next page is started. That is, the protocol after the digital command signal DCS shown in FIG. 2B is started. In the above-described processing, the criterion for the presence of a document is that the pressure plate 202 is lowered and the document sensor 22
Is ON.

[0034]

As described above, according to the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the facsimile is read by the scanner.
The signal transmission time of the last line of the
Required number of filters to achieve the maximum signal transmission time specified.
Is added to the transmission data of the last line.
The time allowed for document exchange can be extended,
This allows room for turning pages of a check-type original. others
Communication is interrupted during continuous transmission due to inadequate page turning
Degree of operation can be reduced, and operability can be improved.

[0035]

According to the facsimile apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the original detected by the original sensor is
Scanned by the scanner, the original
The manuscript exchange period elapses from the end of reading the manuscript
Until the next page is set by the notification means
Request message is sent to the outside
The original sensor detects that the
Since undetected originals are not sent,
No defective document is sent. Further, when the opening and closing of the pressure plate is detected, and when it is detected that the pressure plate is opened during the notification period by the notification means, it is determined that the next page document is being set, and the communication flow is performed so as to continue the continuous transmission. , The document exchange time can be extended on the assumption of continuous transmission, and interruption of continuous transmission contrary to the operator's intention can be reduced.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the third aspect, the opening / closing of the pressure plate and the setting of the next page document are detected on the condition that the document set is detected after the opening / closing. Since the continuous transmission of the next page document is permitted after detecting the completion of the setting, it is possible to detect whether the next page document has been set at the time of multi-page transmission, or whether the pressure plate 202 has only been opened and then closed, The document exchange set for continuous transmission can be accurately determined, and the reliability is improved.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, when the next page document is not set during the notification period by the notification means, the end of the continuous transmission is notified to the outside. The operation state of the device can be easily grasped, and the reliability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing a facsimile apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a communication protocol. FIG. 2A shows a state in which fill bits are added to transmission data, and FIG. 2B shows a post message according to the communication protocol.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a configuration example of a scanner which is often provided in a conventional facsimile apparatus. FIG. 4A shows a document transport type scanner, and FIG. 4B shows a document fixed type scanner.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 CPU ( judgment means, decision means, final line data
Data generating means) 20 display unit (notification unit) 22 document sensor 101 scanner

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A scanning method for reading image information of a document line by line.
The image information read by the scanner in one line.
In a facsimile machine that sequentially transmits documents one by one, reading of one page of the document by the scanner is completed.
Determining means for determining whether or not the signal has been transmitted, based on the maximum signal transmission time allowed by the standard.
Fill bit to be added to the image information of the last line of the draft
Determining means for determining the number of documents and the determining means;
If it is determined that the page has finished loading,
Before the number of said fill bits determined by the determining means,
By adding to the image information of the last line,
Last line data to generate the last line transmission data
Facsimile apparatus characterized by comprising a generation means.
Place. A pressure plate for pressing the document against the scanner; an open / close detector for detecting the opening / closing of the pressure plate; a document sensor for detecting a document set at a predetermined position; and reading of one page of the document by the scanner. End
Until the specified document exchange period elapses
Notification means to notify the outside to set a page original
And determining means for determining that a next page document is being set when the open / close detector detects that the pressure plate has been opened during a notification period by the notification means. Item 1. A facsimile apparatus according to Item 1. 3. An open / close detector detects opening / closing of a pressure plate.
A set completion detecting means for detecting that the setting of the next page document has been completed when the document sensor detects the setting of the document after the opening and closing; and 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: continuous transmission control means for permitting continuous transmission. 4. A notifying means for notifying the end of continuous transmission to the outside when completion of setting of a next page document is not detected during the notification period by the notifying means.
A facsimile machine as described.