JP3490794B2 - 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 machine, and more particularly to a facsimile machine for reading handwritten address information on a transmission original and making a call based on the read address information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-175363 [H04N, which was published on July 11, 1991, has been published.
1/32] discloses a facsimile apparatus which reads an address described in a transmission document and performs automatic dialing based on the read address. In this conventional technique, a handwriting section is provided at a predetermined position of a transmission document, a destination telephone number is handwritten there, and this handwritten destination telephone number is read by a character recognition unit.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-38965 (H04N 1/3), which was filed and published on February 20, 1991.
In 2], the character or bar code of the telephone number written on the head of the transmitted document is scanned to read the image, the electric signal is output, the telephone number is recognized from the electric signal, and the recognized telephone number A facsimile device for automatically dialing is disclosed.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-140963 [H04N 1/1 filed and published on May 14, 1992]
32] discloses a facsimile apparatus which detects a destination telephone number based on read data intermediate between the first slice level and the second slice level and automatically dials the telephone number. That is, in this conventional technique, the density of the text of the transmission original is set higher than the first slice level, and a telephone number having a lower density level than the text is entered in the margin below the original, or the text and the telephone number have the same density level. In this case, a dividing line having a lower density level than the text is inserted between the text and the telephone number so that the text and the telephone number can be distinguished and recognized.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-207256 [H04N 1/1 filed on August 13, 1993]
32], a facsimile machine in which a transmission original is placed under a cover sheet, a destination telephone number is written in a description field formed at a predetermined position on the cover sheet, and the dialed number is automatically dialed. It is disclosed.

[0006]

In such an automatic facsimile apparatus, whether the recognized destination information is correct,
In other words, it is necessary to confirm whether or not it was correctly recognized, or whether or not it was filled in by mistake, but except for the former two prior arts, it is not configured to make such confirmation. Also, in the former two prior arts, it is only disclosed that the recognition result is displayed for a certain period of time, and when the destination information is manually input during that time, dialing is performed according to the manually input destination information. Therefore, it cannot be said that sufficient time for correction and correction is secured from the end of recognition to the start of calling. Therefore, a situation may occur in which the confirmation of the recognition result is insufficient and the recognition result is transmitted to an incorrect destination.

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus capable of sufficiently confirming a recognition result and preventing transmission to an erroneous destination as much as possible.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided a destination information reading means (10) for reading destination information written on a transmission original.
0), destination information recognition means (60, S4, S5) for recognizing the destination information based on the output of the destination information reading means, calling means for executing the calling procedure according to the destination information recognized by the destination information recognition means ( (S6, S612) , interruption means (S602-S610) for interrupting the processing from when the destination information is recognized by the destination information recognition means until the calling means makes a call, by the interruption means
Interruption time setting means (CT, which variably sets the interruption time)
S603, S610) , manually operated manual operation keys (54) ,
And either the first interruption mode or the second interruption mode
Equipped with interruption mode setting means (CT) to set , interruption means,
Depending on the setting of the interruption mode setting means, the interruption time setting means
First suspend mode that suspends for the time set by
The second, which is interrupted by pressing or until the manual operation key is operated
A facsimile machine that suspends processing in a suspend mode .

[0009]

The transmission motor drives the document feed roller, which moves the transmission document in the sub-scanning direction. When the transmission document moves in the sub-scanning direction, the destination information reading means scans the transmission document in the main scanning direction. The destination information reading means is, for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), and outputs an electric signal of black dots or white dots, that is, image data according to the density of the transmission document. This image data is stored in, for example, a line buffer, and the destination information recognition means recognizes the destination information based on the image data in the line buffer. Then, the calling means automatically executes the calling procedure according to the recognized destination information.

The interrupting means temporarily or permanently interrupts the processing from the recognition to the calling according to the setting of the recognition confirmation time memory switch CT. For example, memory switch
If "0" is set in CT, the calling operation will not be executed until a manually operated switch such as Starsky is operated. If a variable numerical value is set in the memory switch CT, the time length processing corresponding to the numerical value is interrupted, and after that time, the calling operation is automatically executed.

[0011]

According to the present invention, since the interruption means can secure a sufficient time from the recognition to the calling, it is possible to confirm whether or not the destination information is correct, and the information is transmitted to the wrong destination. Is less. The above-mentioned objects, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0012]

1 is an external view showing an embodiment of the present invention. The facsimile apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a housing 12, and an operation panel 14 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 12. Various keys shown in detail in FIG. 2 are arranged on the operation panel 14.

That is, on the operation panel 14, "0 to
A ten-key pad 16 including "9", "*" and "#" is provided, and the ten-key pad 16 is used when manually inputting the destination information as described later. In FIG. 2, "A ~
Each of the four keys indicated by "D" is a one-touch dial key 18, which can be pressed to dial a preregistered destination. Speed dial key 2
0 is used for inputting destination information by a pre-registered two-digit code number, for example.
It is possible to input a shortened code by using the and ten keys 16. The flash key 22 is a key for performing a so-called flushing operation.
2 is operated, NCU (Network Control Uni
t) 114 breaks the telephone line for 700 milliseconds to 1 second. The tone key 24 is a dial pulse signal or DTM.
A key for switching F (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) signals. The pause key 26 is used to set the dial pause period. The redial key 28 is used for redialing a destination to which a call is made once but the line is not connected. Reference numerals 30 and 32 indicate a hold key and a hands-free key, respectively.

In FIG. 2, a menu key 34 is provided above the numeric keypad 16, and the menu key 34 is a function selection key. That is, the menu can be selected by pressing the menu key 34. As will be described later, the menu key 34 is also used as a key for moving the cursor 38 in the upper digit direction, that is, in the left direction in the liquid crystal display (LCD) 36. The set key 40 is
This is a key for confirming the menu set by the menu key 34. However, the set key 40 is the LCD 36
It is also used to move the upper cursor 38 in the lower digit direction, that is, to the right. The mode key 42 is a key for switching a fax mode, a telephone mode, or an answering machine mode. The image quality selection key 44 selects one of the normal transmission mode, the fine transmission mode and the halftone transmission mode.

The document type key 46 is used for switching the lightness and darkness of the document or selecting a halftone. The dial bank key 48 is used to read out destination information stored in the SRAM 68 (described later). That is, for example, when the destination information is manually input using the ten keys 16, the destination information is registered in the SRAM 68 each time. By operating the dial bank key 48, it is possible to read out the destination information of the first to twentieth places in the past transmission frequency ranking. In this way, by reading the past destination information with the dial bank key 46, it can be used for one-touch dial registration or speed dial registration. Also, dial bank key 4
By reading the destination information dialed in the past by 8, the function as a so-called auto dialer can be realized. The paper save key 50 is used to save facsimile paper when receiving a facsimile,
When the paper save key 50 is pressed, the receiving paper feed pitch is halved.

The stop / clear key 52 has a function of stopping all operations and putting it in a standby state, a function of clearing the number input in the registration mode (one-touch registration or own number registration), and the registration mode itself. Fulfill the function of releasing. The stop / clear key 52 is also operated in the destination information recognition operation described later. For example, if the stop / clear key 52 is operated before the operation of recognizing the destination information is started after the document is inserted as shown in FIG. 1, the document is forcibly ejected. When the stop / clear key 52 is operated while recognizing the destination information of the inserted document as shown in FIG. 1 (displayed on the LCD 36 as "BANGGOYOMITRICHU"), the destination information The recognition operation is interrupted and the recognition result is discarded. However, even in this case, in the line buffer 68 (described later),
The image data read by CIS100 (described later) is held. Further, when the stop / clear key 52 is operated once in the correction mode or the error correction mode, all the information after the position indicated by the cursor 38 on the LCD 36 is cleared. When the stop / clear key 52 is continuously operated twice in the correction mode or the error correction mode, the standby state is forcibly returned.

The start key 54 is operated when starting the operation. For example, the handset 56 shown in FIG.
When the start key 54 is operated while the is in the off-hook state or the hands-free key 32 is turned on, the transmission operation is started in response to the insertion of the original as shown in FIG. When is not inserted, the receiving operation is started. When the destination information is manually input while the handset 56 is in the on-hook state, the dial operation is started in response to the operation of the start key 54. Further, when recognizing the destination information written on the transmission original, when the start key 54 is turned on after the original is inserted, the reading of the handwritten destination information written on the transmission original is started. Further, when the start key 54 is operated after recognizing such destination information, the dial operation according to the recognized destination information is started. However, if there is an error in recognizing the destination information, the above error correction mode is entered.

The copy key 58 is operated when the copy operation of the original (FIG. 1) is executed. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 1 including a single-chip facsimile processor such as "TC35167F" manufactured by Toshiba. A bus 62 between the CPU 60 and other components
Combined by As shown in FIG. 4, the ROM 64 includes a control program area 64a, a recognition dictionary area 64b, and a message data area 64c for storing data for a message (audible message or visible message), that is, message data. The control program area 64a includes a control program according to a flow chart described later. The recognition dictionary area 64b is a dictionary for recognizing handwritten destination information, includes a pattern matching vector and a plurality of neural networks, and selects a neural network in accordance with the pattern matching vector, so that Recognize the written destination information. This recognition dictionary area 64b is further divided into 2
56 tables (bit number detection table) are included. This bit number detection table is a table showing the number of black bits in one byte, and is referred to when detecting the bit number when creating a histogram.

As shown in FIG. 5, the VRAM 66 is, for example, a 256-byte (= 128 × 2048) bit map type line buffer 6 (accessed in bit units).
Including 8. On the other hand, the SRAM 76 is a byte-mapped (accessed in byte unit) memory and includes a memory switch area 76a, a flag area 76b, and a counter, a pointer and variable area 76c as shown in FIG. One character data table (TBL1) 72 and second character data table (TBL2) 74
including.

The calling mode switch RMODE in the memory switch area 76a is used for automatically calling after recognizing handwritten address information (automatic calling mode) and for calling after manually inputting the address information (manual This is a switch for selecting the (calling mode), and this calling mode switch RMODE is "0" to set the automatic calling mode and "1".
Set the manual transmission mode with.

The reading standby time switch RTS is a switch for setting the time until the reading operation of the handwritten address information is started after the document is set in the automatic transmission mode, and this switch RTS is set to "0". Then, when the start key 54 (FIG. 2) is pressed after the document is set, the reading of the handwritten address information is started immediately. Also,
When a variable number of "1" to "10" is set to this switch RTS, after the original is set, the handwriting address is automatically set after the number of seconds (RTS seconds) represented by the set variable number has elapsed. Start reading information.

The error processing mode switch EMODE is a switch for selecting processing when a reject character occurs while recognizing handwritten address information. When this switch EMODE is set to "0", when a reject character (unrecognizable character) occurs while recognizing handwritten address information, the recognition is interrupted and the recognition result obtained up to that point is discarded. . When the error processing mode switch EMODE is set to "1", the recognition operation is interrupted every time a reject character occurs, and the error correction mode is entered. If the switch EMODE is set to "2", the mode is shifted to the error correction mode when the recognition operation for all the handwritten address information is completed.

The recognition confirmation time switch CT is a switch for setting the time for confirming the recognition result after the recognition of the handwritten address information is completed. Ie this switch
When CT is set to “0”, the recognition result of the handwritten address information is displayed on the LCD 36 (FIG. 2), and then the start key 54 is pressed.
In response to the operation (FIG. 2), the automatic dial operation is immediately started. However, this switch CT has "1" to "1"
If a variable number of "0" is set, after displaying the recognition result,
After the number of seconds (CT seconds) indicated by the variable number has elapsed, automatically,
Perform a dial operation.

The number transmission mode switch NSMODE is a switch for selecting whether or not to transmit the image data read by the CIS 100 for recognizing the handwriting destination information as a part of the transmission data. This switch NSMODE
Is set to "0", the image data read for recognizing the destination information is not transmitted as a part of the transmission data. When the switch NSMODE is set to "1", the image data is transmitted as a part of the transmission data.

The read transmission mode switch SMODE is a switch for setting the transmission mode desired by the operator. SMODE = "0" indicates the normal mode, and SMODE
= “1” indicates the fine mode, and SMODE = “2” indicates the halftone mode. The flag area 76b is a prefetch flag.
Includes SF, valid image area flag AF, valid character flag MF and error flag EF. The prefetch flag SF is a flag indicating whether or not the data of the already-recognized destination information exists in the dial buffer 70. SF = “0” indicates that there is no data, and SF = “1” indicates that the data does not exist. Indicates that there is. The valid image area flag AF is a flag indicating whether or not the area of the document currently being read by the CIS is an area in which destination information to be recognized is described, and AF = “0” is the destination information area. Areas other than, AF
= “1” indicates the destination information area. The valid character flag MF is
This is a flag indicating whether or not the area of the destination information to be recognized is being scanned in the main scanning direction. MF = "0" indicates outside the area, and MF = "1" indicates inside the area. Further, the error flag EF is a flag indicating that a reject character has occurred while recognizing the destination information or an instruction to interrupt the recognition has occurred, and EF = “0” indicates that the reject character has occurred and is recognized. EF = "1" indicates that a reject character or a recognition interruption instruction has occurred.

A document feed counter PCNT is provided in the counter, pointer and variable area 76c of the SRAM 76. The document feed counter PCNT is a counter for counting the number of lines in the sub-scanning direction of the document read by the CIS 100 to recognize the destination information.
The write line counter LCNT is a write pointer for writing the image data read by the CIS 100 in order to recognize the destination information in the line buffer 68. The valid line counter BCNT is a counter that counts the number of consecutive lines (valid lines) in which two or more black dots are continuous in the main scanning direction. All white line counter WC
The NT is a counter for counting the number of consecutive lines (all white lines) in which two or more black dots are not continuous in the main scanning direction.

The first to 2048th column counters are counters for counting the number of black dots for each column of the line buffer 68 shown in detail in FIG. 7, and include a first column counter 1CCNT, a second column counter 2CCNT,
The third column counter 3CCNT, ..., 2048th column counter 2048CCNT are included. The character number counter MCNT is a counter for counting the number of characters included in the image data stored in the line buffer 68. The column pointer CPNT is a pointer that addresses each column of the line buffer 68. The first data counter DCNT1 is the first
The second data counter DCNT2 is a read pointer for reading the data in the character data table 72 (FIG. 6).
Is a write pointer for writing data in the second character data table 74 (FIG. 6).

The dial buffer write pointer DLBW is
A write pointer for writing the character code of the destination information to the dial buffer 70. The second table read pointer TRPT is a read pointer for reading the data of the second character data table 74. The white transmission counter WLSC is a counter indicating the number of all white lines to be transmitted. The line buffer read pointer LBRP is a read pointer for reading the image data stored in the line buffer 68 for each line. The space counter SCNT is a counter for counting the number of consecutive spaces included in the handwriting destination information. The stop key counter SKC has a stop / clear key 52
It is a counter for counting the number of operations (FIG. 2). The timer counter TM is a counter for counting time. The average distance register AL is the line buffer 6
Average distance A between characters of the image data stored in 8
The space width register SP is a register for writing data indicating L, and the space width register SP is a register for storing data representing the width SPC of the space between characters of the image data of the line buffer 68.

The dial buffer 70 stores a character code for generating a dial pulse or a DTMF signal from the NCU 114 based on the recognition result of the destination information written on the manuscript or the manually input destination information. It is a buffer memory. As shown in FIG. 8, each of the first character table 72 and the second character table 74 has a start point X region, a start point Y region, an X width region, and a Y width region.
It is a character data table which has 33 storage parts of the 1st storage part-the 32nd storage part for every width area. The character data tables 72 and 74 store data representing one character by the above-mentioned four areas. Character data table 72
And 74 are used to cut out each character or space in the destination information.

The SRAM 76 further includes an image buffer and a histogram buffer necessary for recognizing handwritten destination information. The image buffer stores the image data from the line buffer 68 in the byte map format and is formed as an area of 256 bytes × 16 lines, and the histogram buffer is formed of an area of 1 × 512 bytes. The histogram buffer is used to create a histogram necessary for recognizing handwritten destination information.

The clock circuit 78 is a clock signal (not shown).
Is a circuit for receiving the current time and counting the current time.
A backup battery 80 backs up the RAM 66 and the SRAM 76. Recording control circuit 8
Reference numeral 2 denotes a circuit for printing data on facsimile paper in the destination information correction operation, facsimile reception operation or copy operation, and includes a thermal head driver for the thermal head 84.

The DMA circuit 86 is a circuit for controlling a DMA (Direct Memory Access) operation for reading data from the line buffer 68 or writing data in the line buffer 68 without intervention of the CPU 60. The motor control circuit 88 controls the transmission motor 90 and the reception motor 92. Both the transmission motor 90 and the reception motor 92 are stepping motors. The transmission motor 90 drives the document feed roller 94 and the pressure contact roller 96 shown in FIG. The reception motor 92 sends out a facsimile paper or recording paper (not shown).

The image processing circuit 98 includes a halftone processing circuit that receives bit image data output as "1" or "0" from the CIS 100. In this halftone processing, the slice level of the CIS 100 is changed according to the dither method, for example. The encoding circuit 102 is a CIS.
MH (Modified Haff) data for 1 line from 100
mann) code and gives it to the SRAM 76.
Therefore, the SRAM 76 stores the MH code of the data for one line from the CIS 100 for each line. Then, this MH code is added with a fill code by the CPU 60, and then, in the FIFO system,
Provided to the modem 104.

Note that the first original sensor 106 and 108.
Are arranged at positions sandwiching the document feeding roller 94, as shown in FIG. The first document sensor 106 detects that the document has been fed to the position of the document feed roller, that is, the presence of the document. Further, the second document sensor 108 is the CIS 100.
It is detected that the original has been sent to the position of, that is, the original has reached the reading position. These sensors 106 and 108 are connected to the sensor I / O port 140.

Modem 104 includes a DTMF generating circuit and outputs a DTMF signal in a mode in accordance with an instruction from CPU 60. The modem 104 further includes a voice response circuit 112, and the voice response circuit 112 includes the NCU 11
The voice data such as "please wait" returned to the calling side when the telephone line is captured by 4 is returned according to the data in the message data area 64c (FIG. 4). The modem 104 naturally includes a modulation / demodulation circuit.

Details of NCU 114 are shown in FIG.
Referring to FIG. 10, telephone lines L1 and L2 are CML.
It is connected to the transformer 116 via a switch. Therefore, the CML switch connects the telephone lines L1 and L2 to
The connection is switched between the modem 104 via the transformer 116 and the handset 56 via the speech network 118.

In the standby state, the CML switch is switched to the handset 56 side, and the ringer signal (16H
When z) is output from the line L1L2, the ringer signal is given to the transformer 116 via the capacitor and the resistor. Therefore, the incoming call detection circuit 120 detects the ringer signal and notifies the CPU 60 (FIG. 3) of the incoming call. CPU60
When the incoming signal from the incoming detection circuit 120 is given, switches the CML switch to the transformer 116 side via the relay drive circuit 122. Depending on the modem 10
The line of 4-transformer 116-MCL switch-L1L2 is formed and the above-mentioned "voice response" is performed, or the fax identification signal from the calling side, that is, the CNG signal (1100 Hz, 0.5 second on, 3 (Second off). Therefore, the NCU 114 returns a fax signal (for example, NSF, CSI, DIS) to the calling side. Then, when the calling side receives such a fax signal, for example, an NSS (or TSI, GCS) signal is sent to confirm the function between the two faxes. After that, the training mode is executed and the modem 1
The 04 function is confirmed. That is, first 9600
Data transmitted on baud, then 7200 baud, 480
Data is transmitted sequentially at 0 baud and 2400 baud,
Set the communication speed at which data can be sent and received between two faxes. Then, the CCU signal is returned from the NCU 114 to the calling side, and accordingly, the fax image signal is sent from the calling side via the lines L1 and L2.

Each signal (NSF, CSI, DIS,
, CFR, etc.) configures the signal by the CPU 60 and then instructs the modem 104 to transmit the signal. When sending a fax, for example, the numeric keypad 16 (Fig. 2)
When the destination information is input by and the start key 54 is operated, the CPU 60 switches the CML switch to the transformer 116 side, that is, the modem 104 side. Then, confirm the line capture for 3 seconds. And the CPU 60
After confirming the establishment of the line, gives a signal to the DP control circuit 124. In response, DP control circuit 124 turns on or off the DP switch according to the character code stored in dial buffer 70 (FIG. 6) to give a call signal to lines L1 and L2. Next, CP
In response to the command from U60, modem 104 outputs the CNG signal via transformer 116 and lines L1 and L2. After that, the operation is the reverse of the facsimile receiving operation described above.

In the case of making a telephone call, the handset 56
Is picked up and hook switch HS is turned on (make)
To be done. Therefore, tone signals from lines L1 and L2 are heard at the handset 56 via the CML switch.
On the other hand, the hook switch detection circuit 126 detects the on-hook state. This on-hook signal is given to the CPU 60. Therefore, the CPU 60 switches the CML switch to the transformer 116 side on condition that the destination information is input and the hook switch HS is turned on. Therefore, the DP control circuit 124 controls ON / OFF of the DP switch to make a call. After that, on condition that no key is pressed for a certain period of time,
The CML switch is switched to the hook switch HS side to enable a call with the handset 56.

The detailed structure and operation of the NCU 116 are well known and are not important, and therefore will be omitted. However, the speaker 128 shown in FIG. 10 is provided on the side surface of the housing 12 as shown in FIG. 1, and the speaker drive circuit 132 turns on the switch 134 in response to a signal from the NCU control I / O port 130 (FIG. 3). When turned on, a voice message can be output from the speaker 128.

Next, referring to the flow charts of FIG.
The operation of the above embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the outline of the operation. In the first step S1, the CPU 60 (FIG. 3) executes initialization and checks the operation of each key on the operation panel 14. In the next step S2, the CPU 60 checks whether or not the destination information handwritten on the document is automatically recognized. Therefore, if it is determined in this step S2 that the destination information should be recognized, the next step S2
In 3, the presence or absence of destination information on the transmitted manuscript is checked, and if the destination information is entered,
The image data of the destination information is fetched in the line buffer 68. Then, in step S4, while cutting out the pattern data of each character of the handwritten destination information,
In step S5, the cut out character is recognized.
In step S6, the transmission process is performed according to the destination information recognized in step S5.

The first step S1 of FIG. 11 is shown in detail in FIG. In the first step S100 of FIG. 12,
CPU 60 determines whether or not a document has been inserted.
That is, in this step S100, the CPU 60 determines whether or not there is a detection signal from the first document sensor 106 (FIG. 9). The document insertion detection signal is the first document sensor 1
When not obtained from 06, in step S101,
The CPU 60 clears the prefetch flag SF and the error flag EF, respectively. Then, in the next step S102, the operation of each key on the operation panel 14 is checked,
Performs processing according to the operated key. For example, when the handset 56 is put into the off-hook state, the polling reception operation is performed when a fax signal is received. Also,
Each memory switch in the memory switch area 76a shown in FIG. 6 is set. Furthermore, processing such as one-touch dial registration and speed dial registration is performed. That is, the document is in a standby state until it is inserted.

Then, in step S100, the CP
When U60 receives the document detection signal from the first document sensor 106, the process proceeds to step S103, and the document is CIS10.
It is determined whether or not the reading position is 0. That is, in this step S103, the CPU 60 determines whether or not there is a document detection signal from the second document sensor 108. When there is no detection signal from the second document sensor 108, the CPU 60 sends a command signal for driving the transmission motor 90 to the motor control circuit 88 in step S104. Accordingly, the transmission motor 90 is driven. That is, in step S104, the CPU 6
In response to a command from 0, the motor control circuit 88 excites the transmission motor 90. Therefore, the document is fed by the document feed roller 94. Then, step S104 is executed until the second document sensor 108 detects the document in step S103.

When the document is sent to the document reading position, the CPU 60 gives a command signal to the motor control circuit 88 in step S105, and in response to the command signal, the CPU 60 gives a command signal.
The motor control circuit 88 stops the transmission motor 90. Then, in the next step S106, the CPU 60 causes the NCU
Based on the signal from the control I / O port 130, it is determined whether the handset 56 is off-hook. That is, when the original is sent to the reading position of the CIS 100 and if it goes into the off-hook state, the above-described call processing is performed. That is, being in the off-hook state in the state of step S105 means that the operator uses the telephone, and in this case, step S1.
In 07, the call processing is performed.

If it is determined in step S106 that the off-hook state is not established, it means that the facsimile transmission should be processed. Therefore, in this case, FIG.
1 to step S2, that is, step S200 of FIG. In the first step S200 in FIG. 13, the CPU 6
0 refers to the flag area 76b of the SRAM 76 and determines whether or not the prefetch flag SF is set.
If "YES" is determined in this step S200, it means that the original has already been set, the destination information written on the original is correctly recognized, and each character of the destination information is stored in the dial buffer 70 (FIG. 6). Means that the character code of is set. Therefore,
In this case, the process directly proceeds to the transmission process (step S6).

Then, if the prefetch flag SF is not set, in the next step S201, the CPU
60 controls the display I / O port 136 (FIG. 3) to set L
The message is displayed on the CD 36. That is, in this step S201, the CPU 60 takes out the message data of "soushin, copy dekimas" from the message data area 64c of the ROM 64 and displays it.
Port 132. Therefore, this message is displayed on the LCD 36. However, in this step S201, the message may be audibly displayed using the speaker 128 together with the visual display on the LCD 36.

In the next step S202, the CPU 60 refers to the memory switch area 76a of the SRAM 76,
Judge whether the setting of the transmission mode switch RMODE is "0". That is, in this step S202,
The CPU 60 recognizes the destination information written in the manuscript,
According to the recognition result, it is determined whether or not the automatic transmission mode for automatically executing the calling process is set. Therefore, if "NO" is determined in this step S202, since it is the manual transmission mode, the step S800
Proceed to (Fig. 27).

When the automatic transmission mode is set, in the next step S203, referring to the memory switch area 76a, whether "00" is set as the reading standby time switch RTS or "01" to "10"
Judge whether the variable numerical value of is set. If "YES" is determined in step S203, the process immediately proceeds to step S205, but if "NO" is determined, the timer counter TM (FIG. 6) is triggered in step S204, and then the process proceeds to step S205. Step S20
In step 5, as in step S106 (FIG. 12), it is determined whether the handset 56 is in the off-hook state. "YES" in this step S205.
If it is determined that the step S107,
Call processing is executed.

When "NO" is determined in the step S205, that is, when the handset 56 is not in the off-hook state, in the next step S206,
The CPU 60 refers to a signal from the operation panel 14 given through the input I / O port 138 (FIG. 3) to determine whether the ten key 16 (FIG. 2) has been operated.
If the numeric keypad 16 is operated at this stage, it means that the destination information is manually input. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to step S800 (FIG. 27).

When the ten key 16 is not operated, it is determined in the next step S207 whether the start key 54 (FIG. 2) is operated. That is, if the start key 54 is operated before the timer counter TM triggered in step S204 times out, the process proceeds to step S3 of FIG. 11, that is, step S300 of FIG. 14, regardless of the count time of the timer counter TM.

When it is determined in step S207 that the start key 54 has not been operated, the following steps S208 and S209 are executed, and the process corresponding to the key operated at that time is executed. When neither the start key 54 nor the other keys are operated, the CPU 60 determines in step S210 whether or not the time corresponding to the variable value RTS set in the timer counter TM has elapsed. That is, step S204
From S to S210, the start of the recognition operation of the destination information is waited for the time corresponding to the variable value set in the waiting time switch RTS of the memory switch area 76a. Therefore, in the meantime, it becomes possible to manually input the destination information, process the call, and the like.

In the first step S300 of FIG. 14, C
The PU 60 performs the same process as in step S201 described above, and displays the message “Bangou Yomitorichu” on the LCD 36. Then, in the next step S301, the CPU 60 initializes each variable in the counter, pointer and variable area 76c of the VRAM 66. That is, the original feeding counter PCNT is set to the initial value "1". This document feed counter PCNT is incremented every time the document is fed by the transmission motor 90 by one line in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, by referring to the document feed counter PCNT, the handwriting destination information is entered. The position or number of the last line of the area can be determined. The write line counter LCNT is set to the initial value "2". This write line counter LCNT
Is incremented every time one line of data is written in the line buffer 68 (FIG. 17). However,
As shown in FIG. 7, the write line counter LCNT is set to "2" in this step S301 so that the image data obtained by reading the handwritten destination information is not written in the first line of the line buffer 68. By referring to the write line counter LCNT, the position of the last line when the image data of the destination information is written in the line buffer 68 can be known.

In step S301, all column counters CCNT are set to "0". As described above, the column counters 1CCNT to 2048 for the first column to the 2048th column of the line buffer 68, respectively.
CCNT is provided individually and its column counter 1CCN
Create a histogram in the X direction for each column with T to 2048 CCNT. That is, column counter 1CCNT ~ 2048
Since CCNT counts the number of black dots in each column of the line buffer 68, all of these column counters CCNT are set to "0" in step S301.

Then, in step S301,
Set the initial value of "0" to the valid line counter BCNT.
The effective line counter BCNT is used for noise processing. That is, if there are two or more continuous black dots in one line, it is determined that the line is an effective line in which handwritten destination information is written. On the other hand, if there is no continuous black dot in one line, it is recognized that the black dot of only one dot is output due to dirt or dust on the document, and the line is not considered as an effective line. . The effective line counter BCNT counts the number of continuous such effective lines. That is, if the effective line does not reach 15 lines continuously (this is a length of 2 mm on the document), it is determined that the effective destination information is not entered. The effective line counter BCNT is used for such determination.
That is, unless the count value of the valid line counter BCNT exceeds "15", the handwriting destination information is not recognized. In other words, the characters of the destination information having a size of 2 mm or less on the original are excluded from the recognition target.

In step S301, the all-white line counter WCNT is further initialized to "0". The all-white line counter WCNT is used to detect the last three all-white lines of the line buffer 68 shown in FIG. That is, when three all-white lines are continuously stored in the line buffer 68 (FIG. 7), the end of the handwriting destination information entry area is determined. That is, the all-white line counter WCNT is used to detect the last line of the handwritten destination information, that is, the end line.

In step S301, the effective image area flag AF of the flag area 76a (FIG. 6) is further reset. This flag AF is a flag indicating whether or not the area in which the CIS 100 has written the handwritten address information is being read, and is "1" when the area is being read.
Is set to 0, and is reset to "0" otherwise.

At the next step S302 in FIG.
U60 sets up the reading system including CIS 100 and transmit motor 90. That is, this step S3
In 02, the CPU 60 gives a command signal to the motor control circuit 88 to drive the transmission motor 90, and at the same time, the CIS
100 and the image processing circuit 98 are set to the fine mode. That is, when recognizing the handwritten destination information, the fine mode is forcibly set in step S302 regardless of the mode set by the operator using the image quality selection key 44.

Then, in the next step S303,
Image data from CIS100 is line buffer 6
Write to the line designated by the write line counter LCNT of 8. If it is the first line, the image data from the CIS 100 will be written to the second line of the line buffer 68. Note that this step S303
Since the writing of the image data to the line buffer 68 in the is actually executed according to the DMA, the CP
The U 60 need only instruct each address of the line buffer 68 and the data length of the image data to the DMA circuit 86 (FIG. 3). As a result, one line of image data from the CIS 100 is written in the line buffer 68.

Then, in the next step S304,
The CPU 60 refers to the signal from the input I / O port 134 to determine whether the stop / clear key 52 (FIG. 2) has been operated. The operation of the stop / clear key 52 at this stage means that, for example, (1) the operator was trying to copy a document but entered the address information reading operation, or (2) the document was sent normally. In response to the operation of the stop / clear key 52,
Eject the original. Therefore, when "YES" is determined in this step S304, the process proceeds to step S315 in FIG. 15, and the document is ejected.

In the next step S305, the CPU 60
Drives the transmission motor 90 to feed the original by one line (about 0.13 mm) in the fine mode. Then, in the next step S306, the document feed counter PCNT is incremented. In the next step S307, in the image data for one line stored in the line buffer 68 in the previous step S303, there are two or more consecutive black dots, that is, whether the one line previously read is an effective line. Determine whether In particular,
The CPU 60 removes the first 5 bytes (5 mm in the manuscript) of the 2048 columns of the line buffer 68 from the image data of 200 bytes (200 mm in the manuscript) from the 40th column to the 2048th column of the line buffer 68. Read from the line buffer 68. In addition,
The reason why the first 5 bytes of image data in the line buffer 68 is not read is that there is a possibility that the edge of the document is detected in that range, and that possibility is eliminated.

Then, the CPU 60 makes the line buffer 6
The image data of 200 bytes read out from No. 8 is taken into the accumulator. At this time, first, one byte is read out, and the continuity of black dots is determined by a total of 9 bits of the 1-byte image data and the most significant bit of the image data of the next byte. In other words, if the continuity of black dots is judged independently for each byte, even if the least significant bit of the preceding byte and the most significant bit of the following byte are consecutive black dots, the consecutive black dots continue. It may not be possible to determine that Therefore, the continuity of black dots is determined by a total of 9 bits including the most significant bit of the image data of the next byte. Specifically, the CPU
The 60 checks the contents of the accumulator to determine whether there are consecutive "1s" in 2 or more bits.
In this way, in step S307, the CPU 60 determines whether the image data previously read into the line buffer 68 is of an effective line.

In step S307, "NO"
If it is determined that the CP
U60 determines whether the valid image area flag AF is set. If the flag AF has already been set, the all-white line counter WCNT is incremented in the next step S309. Then, in the next step S310, it is determined whether or not the count value of the all-white line counter WCNT becomes "3" or more. As described above, when all white lines appear continuously in the line buffer 68 as shown in FIG. 7, the end line of the handwritten address information entry area is determined. Therefore, when "YES" is determined in this step S310, it means that the end line of the writing area of the handwriting destination information is detected. In this case,
After stopping the reading system in the next step S311, step S4 in FIG. 11, that is, the first step S400 in FIG.
Proceed to.

"YES" in the previous step S307.
If it is determined that the image data of one line stored in the line buffer 68 in step S303 is a valid line, step S31
In 2, the CPU 60 clears the all-white line counter WCNT. The all-white line counter WCNT is a counter for detecting whether or not three or more all-white lines continuously appear, so that it is cleared every time an effective line is detected. Then, in the previous step S310, "N
Similar to the case where it is determined to be "O", the process proceeds to the next step S313 shown in FIG.

In step S313, the CPU 60
Increments the column counter of the column corresponding to the position of the black dot of the line indicated by the write line counter LCNT of the line buffer 68. That is, in this step S313, the column counter of the column where the black dot of the line buffer 68 exists is incremented.
Then, in the next step S314, the CPU 60
Increments the write line counter LCNT and also increments the valid line counter BCNT.

Then, in the next step S315,
The CPU 60 determines whether or not the count value of the write line counter LCNT exceeds “128”. That is, in this step S315, the line buffer 68 shown in FIG.
It is determined whether the image data has been written in all of the 128 lines. Therefore, the line buffer 68
Is full in step S315 until "N
Since it is determined to be "O", the process proceeds to the next step S316.

In step S316, it is determined whether the effective image area flag AF is set.
That is, when the valid line is detected in the previous step S307, it means that it is a valid image area (destination information entry area), and therefore this step S316.
At, it is determined whether or not this flag AF is set. If "NO" is determined in this step S316, C is determined in the next step S317.
The PU 60 determines whether or not the count value of the activated line counter BCNT has reached “15”. That is, in step S317, the CPU 60 determines whether or not there are 15 or more effective lines in a row. The valid image area flag AF is set only when "YES" is determined in this step S317 (step S318). As described above, the characters of the destination information having a size of 2 mm or less on the original are not recognized, so the effective image area flag AF is set only when the number of effective lines exceeds 15.

If "NO" is determined in the previous step S308 (FIG. 14), step S319 is performed.
Proceed to. In step S319, the CPU 60 sets the write line counter LCNT to the initial value "2", clears the valid line counter BCNT, and clears all the column counters 1CCNT to 2048CCNT. After that, as in the case of determining “NO” in step S317, the process proceeds to the next step S320. In step S320, the CPU 60 causes the document feed counter PCNT
It is determined whether or not the count value of has exceeded “231”. That is, in this step S320, the original is 30
Judge whether or not the data is sent in mm (= 231 / 7.7) or more. This is because the characters in the handwritten address information are 3 from the top of the document.
It stands on the premise that it will exist within 0 mm. Therefore, by changing "231" in step S320, the recognition area of the handwritten address information can be expanded or reduced. And this step S
The determination of “YES” at 320 means that
It means that the characters of the destination information are not written within the range of 30 mm from the upper end of the manuscript. Therefore, in this case, in the next step S321, the CPU 60 causes the L
On the CD 36, a message such as "Bangou Arimasen" is displayed. Then, the next step S3
At 22, the transmission motor 90 is driven to eject the original, and at the next step S323, the reading system is stopped as at the previous step S311.

The reason why the write line counter LCNT, the effective line counter BCNT, and the column counter CCNT are returned to the initial state in step S319 is step S30.
No effective line is detected in step 7, and step S30
This is because the effective image area flag AF is not set in 8. That is, when all white lines appear before the effective line becomes "15", these counters LCNT, BCNT and CCNT are returned to the initial state.

Furthermore, in the previous step S315,
When it detects that the line buffer 68 is full,
In the next step S324, the CPU 60 stops the reading system. That is, in step S315, "YE
The determination of S "is made when the image data of the handwriting destination information is written in the line buffer 68 but the end of the handwriting destination information is not detected. For example, the characters of the handwriting destination information are too large or This means that another character or character that cannot be recognized as the handwritten address information is entered in the area, and therefore "YE" is entered in step S315.
The determination of S ″ means that the state is unrecognizable in the subsequent processing, and therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to step S324. Then, after stopping the reading system in step S324, the step S324 is performed. S3
25, the LCD 36 is displayed as in step S321.
After the message is displayed by step S326, the error flag EF is set in step S326 and step S800 is performed.
Proceed to (Fig. 27).

Note that after the previous step S323, the process proceeds to step S100. That is, in this case, the standby state is entered. When the previous step S311 is processed, it means that the image data of the handwritten destination information is stored in the line buffer 68 in a recognizable state. In this case, the process proceeds to step S4 of FIG. Cut out each character entered as handwritten address information. That is, in this step S4, the area of each character surrounded by the dotted line and the area of the space surrounded by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 18 are detected. Therefore, in this step S4, as shown in FIG.
The starting point X, the starting point Y, the X width, and the Y width of each character shown in are written in the character data tables 72 and 74 (FIG. 6) as data A, B, C, and D, respectively.

In the first step S400 in FIG. 16, initialization for cutting out characters is performed. That is, in this step S400, an initial value of "0" is set in the character number counter MCNT. The character number counter MCNT counts the number of characters including the space portion in the line buffer 68. Here, the space portion is also counted because the space is used as pause data in the subsequent transmission process (step S6). Then, in step S400, the column pointer CP
Set the initial value of "1" to NT. This column pointer CP
NT indicates the read pointer of the line buffer 68 and indicates any of the 2048 columns shown in FIG. Then, in step S400, the valid character flag MF is reset. This valid character flag MF is the read pointer CP
It is a flag indicating whether NT is within the dotted area of FIG. 18, and when this flag MF is set, it indicates that it is a valid character. Further, step S40
At 0, the first to 32nd storages of the first character data table 72 and the second character data table 74 (FIG. 6) are all cleared.

Then, in the next step S401,
The CPU 60 determines whether the count value of the column counter CCNT of the column indicated by the column pointer CPNT is “3” or more. That is, in this step S401, it is determined whether or not there are three or more black dots in the column designated by the column pointer CPNT. By determining whether or not there are three or more black dots in one column, it is determined whether or not that column is within the valid character area. Therefore, this step S40
If "YES" is determined in step 1, the next step S
Execute 402 and S403 to set the valid character flag MF. Then, in step S403, the CPU
60 increments the character number counter MCNT.

In the next step S405, the CPU 60
Is the character number counter MCNT of the first character data table TBL1.
The value of the column pointer CPNT is written as the data A at the starting point X in FIG. That is, in step S405, the data A at the starting point X of the character designated by the character number counter MCNT is written in the first character data table 72.

After writing the data A of the starting point X in step S405, or after determining "NO" in the previous step S402, the CPU 60 executes the step S40.
At 406, the column pointer CPNT is incremented. Then, in step S407, it is determined whether the value of the column pointer CPNT exceeds "2048". That is, in this step S407, it is determined whether or not the determination in step S401 is completed for all the columns of the line buffer 68. Therefore, if it has not been determined whether or not there are three or more black dots in all the columns of the line buffer 68, steps S401 to S406 are repeated.

Then, for example, when the column pointer CPNT indicates the space portion between the first character and the second character, it is determined to be "NO" in step S401,
It proceeds to step S408. And this step S40
At 8, it is determined whether the valid character flag MF is set. If the first character is detected first, this flag MF has been set, so "YES" is determined in this step S408 and the valid character flag MF is reset in the next step S409.

Then, steps S410 to S413 are executed to write the remaining three pieces of data B, C and D in each storage section of the first character data table 72. Step S
At 410, the X-width data C of FIG. 18 is stored in the X-width area of the storage unit designated by the valid character number counter MCNT of the first character data table 72. This X width data C is the difference between the value of the column pointer CPNT and the value (data A) previously set in the starting point X area of the storage unit designated by the character number counter MCNT of the first character data table in step S405. is there.

Then, in the next step S411,
The CPU 60 selects the column of the line buffer 68 (this is the column pointer CP from the column represented by the data A at the start point X).
In the range up to the column indicated by NT, the uppermost line and the lowermost line where the black dot is located are detected. That is, in this step S411, the uppermost line Y1 and the lowermost line Y2 of the character area shown by the dotted line in FIG.
To detect. Then, in step S412, the number of the uppermost line Y1 detected in step S411 is set as the data B in the starting point Y area of the storage unit designated by the character number counter MCNT of the first character data table 72.

Then, in step S413, the CP
The U 60 sets the data D in the Y width area of the storage portion designated by the character number counter MCNT of the first character data table 72. This data D can be obtained by "the lowest line-the highest line + 1" by the lowest line Y2 and the highest line Y1 detected in step S411.

In this way, the first character data table 7
When all the four data A, B, C and D are stored in the storage section designated by the character number counter MCNT of 2, the CPU 60 causes the character number counter MC to be stored in the next step S414.
It is judged whether or not the count value of NT has reached "32". That is, in step S414, the data A at the starting point X, the data B at the starting point Y, the data C at the X width, and the data D at the Y width are stored in all of the first to the 32nd storage units of the first character data table 72. Judge whether all are stored. Therefore, if "NO" is determined in this step S414, the previous steps S406 to S406 are executed.
413 is repeatedly executed.

In order to detect the uppermost line Y1 and the lowermost line Y2 of the character area in the previous step S411, the CPU 60 reads the 1-byte image data of the line buffer 68 to the accumulator, and reads it. The number of "1" is detected while shifting. As a result, the line number of the highest line Y1 can be detected.

In the next step S415 of FIG. 17, CP
U60 determines whether or not the count value of the character number counter MCNT is "0". That is, in this step S415, it is determined whether or not one or more valid characters exist in the handwriting destination information entry area. Therefore, if "YES" is determined in this step S415, there is no valid character to be recognized in the handwritten address information entry area, and the process returns to the previous step S325 (FIG. 15).

However, if "NO" is determined in step S415, the CPU 60 calculates the length L of the handwriting destination information entry area shown in FIG. 18 in the next step S416. Specifically, this step S4
16, the value A1 (FIG. 19) set in the starting point X area of the first storage section of the first character data table and the starting point X area and X of the storage section designated by the character number counter MCNT of the first character data table Value A set in the width area
The length L is calculated based on (MCNT) and C (MCNT). That is, in this step S416, the length L in the main scanning direction in which the character of the handwriting destination information is written is detected. Next, in step S417, the CPU 60 causes the
Calculate the average inter-character distance AL. That is, step S
In 417, the character area length L obtained in step S416
Is divided by the number of characters represented by the character number counter MCNT to calculate the average inter-character distance AL. Then, in the next step S418, the CPU 60 sets initial values of "1" to the read pointer DCNT1 of the first character data table and the write pointer DCNT2 of the second character data table, respectively.

By executing the following steps S419 to S425, the CPU 60 rewrites the data in the first character data table 72 into the second character data table 74. However, at this time, data indicating a space is also written in the second character data table 74. That is, in step S419, each data A in the storage unit designated by the read pointer DCNT1 of the first character data table 72,
B, C and D are set in the storage section designated by the write pointer DCNT2 of the second data table 74 as shown in FIG. Then, in the next step S420, whether or not the read pointer DCNT1 of the first character data table 72 has reached the number of characters counted by the character number counter MCNT, that is, all the data stored in the first character data table 72 is set as the second character data. It is determined whether the data is stored in the table 74. Therefore, if "YES" is determined in this step S420, the next step S5 (FIG. 11), that is, step S500 in FIG. 20.
Proceed to.

However, the first character data table 7
If all the data of No. 2 are not written in the second character data table 74, “N
Therefore, the CPU 60 calculates the width SPC of the space between the characters written in the handwritten address information writing area in the next step S421.
Specifically, in this step S421, the values A (DCNT1) and C (DCNT1) set in the starting point X area and the X width area of the storage section specified by the read pointer DCNT1 of the first character data table 72 are set, respectively. , The (DCNT1) th character stored in the line buffer 68 and the ((DCNT1) th character stored in the line buffer 68 based on the value A (DCNT1 + 1) set in the starting point X area of the next storage section of the first character data table 72. Calculate the space width SPC between the DCNT1 + 1) th character. And
The calculated space width SPC is stored in the space width register SP and the average distance register AL of the VRAM 66 together with the average distance AL calculated in step S417.

Then, in step S422, the CP
U60 refers to the average distance register AL and the space width register SP, and determines that the space width SPC is the average inter-character distance A.
It is determined whether it is larger than L. If "YES" is determined in this step S422, in the next step S423, the CPU 60 increments the write pointer DCNT2 of the second character data table,
The next step S424 is executed.

"YES" in the previous step S422.
Means that a space equal to or greater than the average inter-character distance AL exists between the (DCNT1) th character and the (DCNT1 + 1) th character, and therefore,
In this case, in step S424, "-1" which means a space is set in that portion of the second character data table 74, as shown in FIG. That is, in step S424, "-1" is set in the area of the starting point X of the storage section designated by the write pointer DCNT2 of the second character data table 74. Then, in step S425, the read pointer DCNT1 and the write pointer DCNT
Increment 2 respectively.

In this way, in the state in which the characters or spaces for all the characters stored in the first character data table 72 are entered in the second character data table 74,
It is determined "YES" in step S420, and the process proceeds to the next step S500. First step S5 in FIG.
At 00, the CPU 60 performs initialization for executing recognition of each character of the handwritten address information cut out as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19. That is, in this step S500, the prefetch flag SF is set and the error flag EF is reset. Further, in this step S500, the initial value of “0” is set in the space counter SCNT (FIG. 6) and the dial buffer write pointer DL is set.
BW and 2nd character data table read pointer TRPT
The initial value of "1" is set to each of the. At the same time, in step S500, the dial buffer 70 (FIG. 6) is cleared.

The dial buffer write pointer DL
BW is a pointer for designating the write digit position of the dial buffer 70 in which the 32-digit destination information can be written, and the read pointer TRPT is a pointer for designating the storage portion of the second character data table 74. . Then, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the read pointer TRPT of the second character data table 74 exceeds the write pointer DCNT2, that is, for all the storage units from the first storage unit to the 32nd storage unit of the second character data table 74. Determine whether or not the data has been read.

If "NO" is determined in the step S501, the CPU 60 in the next step S502,
The cut-out character is recognized by referring to the recognition dictionary area 64b (FIG. 4) of the ROM 64 and the like. That is, the second
The image data of each character area of the line buffer 68 is read according to the data stored in each storage unit of the data table 74, the image data is normalized, and the characteristic parameter of the image data is extracted. Then, the extracted features and the dictionary 64 are extracted according to a known pattern matching method.
The feature in b is compared to recognize whether the character is any of the numbers "0" to "9", "*", "#", "-", or the like. Then, the character code CC corresponding to the recognized character is output.

In step S503, the CPU 60 determines whether the character code CC output in step S502 is a character code representing a space. If it is determined to be "YES" in this step S503, the process proceeds to the next step S504. In step S504, it is determined whether the dial buffer write pointer DLBW is "1". If the dial buffer write pointer DLBW is "1",
In order to ignore the character code of the space at this time, after incrementing the space counter SCNT in step S505, the process proceeds to step S520.

On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step S503, the steps S506 to S506 are executed.
509 is executed to write a space character code in the dial buffer 70. That is, step S50
At 6, it is determined whether the space counter SCNT has reached "0". The fact that the space counter SCNT is not "0" means that there are some spaces (data of "-1") in the second character data table 74, and at this time, the next step S507.
Then, the space character code is written in the dial buffer 70 according to the dial buffer write pointer DLBW. Then, in the next step S508, the dial buffer write pointer DLBW is incremented, and in step S509, the space counter SCNT is decremented.

Then, in step S506, "Y
When "ES" is determined, that is, the space counter SC
If it is determined that NT is "0", the next step S51.
At 0, the CPU 60 determines whether the previously output character code is an error code. If it is an error code, the character code is replaced with the character code of the alphabet "X" in the next step S511. Then, in step S512, either the character code output in step S502 or the character code replaced in step S511 is written in the dial buffer 70 according to the dial buffer write pointer DLBW.

Then, in the next step S513, the CP
The U 60 displays the recognized character of the handwritten destination information on the LCD 36 according to the character code set in the dial buffer 70. This is for the operator to confirm the destination information. In step S514 subsequent to step S513, CPU 60 determines whether stop / clear key 52 (FIG. 2) has been operated. Here, when the stop / clear key 52 is operated,
This means that the recognition process of the character of the destination information is stopped. Therefore, in the next step S515, the error flag EF is set, and the process proceeds to step S800 (FIG. 27).

If the operation of the stop / clear key 52 is not detected in step S514, the next step S51.
At 6, it is determined whether the character code is a character code representing the alphabet "X". That is, in this step S516, it is determined whether or not there is a character (reject character) that could not be recognized in the previous recognition step S502. That is, the character that could not be recognized in step S502 is set in step S51.
1 is replaced with the character code of “X”. Therefore, by detecting the character code of "X" in step S516, it is possible to determine whether there is any unrecognized character.

If there is any unrecognized character (rejected character), the contents of the error processing mode switch EMODE are checked in steps S517 and S518. If “YES” is determined in the step S517, the error processing mode switch EMODE is set to
Since "0" is set, the recognition of the handwritten address information is interrupted and the recognition result up to that point is discarded. for that reason,
After setting the error flag EF in step S515, the process proceeds to step S800. In step S517, "NO" is determined, and in step S518 "Y".
If it is judged as "ES", since "1" is set as the error processing mode switch EMODE, it is determined that a reject character has occurred during character recognition, the recognition processing is interrupted, and the processing shifts to the correction processing mode. (S519). However, the correction 1 routine of step S519 will be described later in detail. In step S518, "N
If "O" is judged, the error processing mode switch EMODE
Is set to "2", the next step S5
20, after incrementing the read pointer TRPT of the second character data table 74, the previous step S5
Returning to 01, the recognition process is continued. Then, when it is determined in step S501 that the recognition of all the characters in the second character data table is completed, the process proceeds to the next transmission step S6 (FIG. 11), that is, step S600 in FIG.

In step S600 of FIG. 22, the CPU 6
0 determines whether the dial buffer 70 has a character code of the alphabet "X". "YES" is determined in step S600 when the error processing mode switch EMODE is set to "2". Therefore, in this case, step S
The correction 2 routine indicated by 601 is entered.

Further, in this step S600,
When "NO" is determined, the CPU 60 determines whether "0" is set as the recognition confirmation time switch CT or a variable value of "0" to "10" is set. When the switch CT is set to "0", the calling operation is executed in response to the operation of the start key 54. However, when a value other than “0” is set as the switch CT, the timer counter TM (FIG. 6) is triggered in the next step S603.

Then, in the next step S604,
The CPU 60 determines whether the copy key 58 (FIG. 2) has been operated. When the operation of the copy key 58 is detected in step S604, step S605.
After the copy process is executed in, the process returns to the standby state.
Further, in step S605, CPU 60 detects whether stop / clear key 52 has been operated. If “YES” is determined in this step S606, the previous step S322 is executed in step S607.
The document is ejected in the same manner as in. In this way, even after the characters in the handwriting destination information are correctly recognized, the stop / stop
When the clear key 52 is operated, the transmission operation is not performed and the original document is ejected as it is.

If "NO" is determined in the step S606, the CPU 60 is determined in the next step S607.
Determines whether the menu key 34 or the set key 40 (both in FIG. 2) has been operated. Set key 40
Alternatively, when any of the menu keys 34 is operated, the correction 3 routine is executed in the next step S608. That is, when the set key 40 or the menu key 34 is operated after correctly recognizing each character of the handwritten address information, this is a case where the operator wants to correct the character of the address information, and therefore the next step S608.
Therefore, the correction is allowed.

When "NO" is determined in the step S607, it is determined whether or not the start key 54 is operated in the next step S609. When the start key 54 is operated, the same as it is, or even when the start key 54 is not operated, the previous step S6 is performed.
When the timer counter TM triggered in 03 counts the elapse of the time corresponding to the variable value set as the memory switch CT, the process proceeds to the next step S611 via step S610.

In step S611, the character code indicating the space stored in the dial buffer 70 is replaced with the code indicating ";(semicolon)" and displayed on the LCD 36. That is, this step S61
At 1, the space code stored in the dial buffer 70 is replaced with the pause code “;”. Then, in step S612, the DTMF generating circuit 110 is controlled according to the character code stored in the dial buffer 70 to execute the dial operation.

After that, in step S613, the CPU 60 determines whether or not there is a response signal from the destination specified by the destination information, based on the signal from the NCU 114. If there is no response, the redial operation shown in step S614 is executed. When the response is detected in step S613, "phase B" is executed in step S615, and the capability or function is confirmed with the destination facsimile machine. Then, in the next step S616, the CPU 60 sets up the reading system. Specifically, the transmission motor 90 is driven and the transmission mode designated by the operator by operating the image quality selection key 44 (FIG. 2), for example, the fine mode, the halftone mode or the normal mode is set. That is, when recognizing the handwritten address information, the fine mode is forcibly selected regardless of the mode set by the operator. Then, when the transmission data written in the transmission original is transmitted after recognizing the destination information, the transmission mode initially set by the operator is executed. Then, in step S617, the text portion described in the original is read by the CIS 100 and sent from the modem 104 to the telephone line via the NCU 114.

In step S618, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the prefetch flag SF is set, that is,
It is determined whether or not there is a character code of the destination information already read in the line buffer 70. And
When "YES" is determined in this step S618, in the next step S619, the CPU 60 calculates the white transmission counter WLSC (FIG. 6) according to the count values of the document feed counter PCNT and the write line counter LCNT. That is, the document feed counter PCNT indicates the number of lines of the document read by the CIS 100 for recognizing the handwriting destination information, and the write line counter LCNT indicates the number of lines at which the image data is written in the line buffer 68. Therefore, the number of blank lines formed at the upper end of the document can be calculated by subtracting the number of lines in the writing area of the handwriting destination information, that is, the count value of the writing line counter LCNT from the count value of the document feed counter PCNT. However, as shown in FIG. 7, since no data is written in the first line of the line buffer 68, the line is also a white line, and therefore "-1" is calculated in step S619. In this way, in step S619, the number of blank lines of the document above the area where the handwritten address information is written is calculated. Therefore, in step S620, the all-white line transmission routine is executed according to the calculated count value of the white transmission counter WLSC.

In the next step S621, the CPU 6
0 determines whether the error flag EF is reset. If the error flag EF is reset, it is necessary to transmit the characters written in the handwriting destination information entry area as the transmission data, so step S622.
In addition, it is further determined whether or not the transmission setting mode switch NSMODE is set to "0", that is, whether or not the image data of the handwritten address information read for recognition is transmitted as a part of the transmission data. Therefore, if "YES" is determined in this step S622, the second step of the image data stored in the line buffer 68 is determined in the next step S623.
The image data from the line to the (LCNT) th line is transmitted according to the transmission mode determined in step S616.

When the switch NSMODE is set to "1", the white line transmission counter WLSC is determined based on the count value of the write line counter LCNT in step S624. Then, the next step S625
At, in the same manner as in step S620 above, the number of all white lines indicated by the white line transmission counter WLSC is transmitted. After executing step S623 or S625, in steps S626 to S629 shown in FIG. 24, the transmission data of the document is transmitted according to the transmission mode determined in step S616, similarly to the normal facsimile transmission. Then, in step S630, the reading system is stopped.

In this way, each character of the destination information handwritten on the transmission original is recognized, and the dial operation is executed in response to the operation of the start key 54 or automatically based on the recognized result. The transmission data of the original can be transmitted to the destination facsimile machine. Here, FIG.
Referring to FIG. 5, the correction 1 routine executed in the previous step S519 (FIG. 21) will be described. In the first step S700 of FIG. 25, the CPU 60 notifies the operator that an error has occurred, using the speaker 128 or the LCD 36, for example. Along with that, step S
In 701, the CPU 60 gives the character indicated by the character code stored in the line buffer 70 to the recording control circuit 82, and the thermal head 84 prints or outputs it on a facsimile paper (not shown).
Therefore, the operator can determine whether to stop the recognition of the handwritten address information at this point.
Then, when the operation of the stop / clear key 54 is detected in step S702, in the next step S703, C
After setting the error flag EF, the PU 60 proceeds to step S800. If the stop / clear key 54 has not been operated, it is detected in step S704 whether the operator has operated the ten keys 16. If the numeric keypad 16 is operated, the character code representing the operated numeric key on the numeric keypad is replaced with the character code of "X" in the dial buffer 70 in step S705. That is, in step S705, the operator operates the ten-key pad 16 to correct the error-displayed character "X".

FIG. 26 shows steps S601 and S608.
2 shows a correction 2 routine and a correction 3 routine executed by the above. Since the correction 2 routine and the correction 3 routine have almost the same operation, they will be described here together with reference to FIG. In step S711 of the correction 3 routine, the CPU 60
Determines whether the set key 40 has been operated.
If the set key 40 is operated, the next step S7
At 10, the cursor 38 (FIG. 2) is displayed at the head position of the recognition result (step S513) displayed on the LCD 36. On the contrary, when the set key 40 is not pressed, that is, when the menu key 34 is pressed, in the next step S712, the cursor 38 is displayed at the end position of the recognition result displayed on the LCD 36. That is, the correction 2 routine and the correction 3 routine differ only in where the initial display position of the cursor 38 is determined depending on whether the menu key 34 or the set key 40 is operated, and the operations after step S713 are the same. Is.

In step S713, the previous step S7
Similarly to 01 (FIG. 25), the data stored in the line buffer 70 is printed or output. Then, in the next step S714, the CPU 60 clears the stop key counter SKC (FIG. 6). Then, in the next step S715, it is determined whether or not any key of the operation panel 14 is operated. If there is a key operation, it is determined in step S716 whether the stop / clear key 54 has been operated. This step S716
If "YES" is determined in step S717
In step S718, the stop key counter SKC is incremented, and in the next step S718, it is determined whether or not the count value of the stop key counter SKC becomes "2". The determination of "YES" in step S718 means that the stop / clear key 54 has been operated twice consecutively. In this case, the stop / clear key 54 is manually operated regardless of the recognition result of the destination information. The transmission operation is executed according to the input destination information. So in this case,
The process proceeds to step S807 (described later). If "NO" is determined in the step S718, the following step S719 is executed.
Then, the CPU 60 executes the previous step S710 or S7.
The data in the dial buffer 70 after the cursor 38 displayed at 12 is cleared.

Then, in step S716, "N
If "O" is determined, in the next step S720,
The CPU 60 determines whether the start key 54 has been operated. If the start key 54 has been operated, it is determined in step S721 whether the character code of "X" exists in the dial buffer 70. The correction routine is exited only when the character code of the alphabet "X" does not exist.
Therefore, if there is a character code of "X", the process returns to step S715.

When the stop / clear key 52 or the start key 54 is not operated, the next step S72
At 2, the CPU 60 determines whether the ten key 16 has been operated. If the numeric keypad 16 has been operated, in the next step S723, the character code at the position indicated by the cursor 38 of the dial buffer 70 is replaced with the numeric character code input by the numeric keypad.

If "NO" is determined in the step S722, the menu key 34 is pressed in a step S724.
To determine if was operated. If the menu key 34 has been operated, the cursor 38 (FIG. 2) is moved to the left (step S725). Then, if "NO" is determined in the step S724, it is determined whether or not the set key 40 is operated. This step S
If “YES” is determined in 726, the CPU 60
Moves the cursor 38 (FIG. 2) to the right (step S727). After executing step S723, S725 or S727, in step S721, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the character code of the alphabet "X" remains in the dial buffer 70. In this way, the correction 2 routine (sequential correction) or the correction 3 routine (collective correction) is executed for the rejected characters generated when recognizing the handwritten destination information.

FIG. 27 shows the operation for manually inputting the destination information. The first step S8 in FIG. 27
At 00, the CPU 60 clears the dial buffer 70. Then, in the next step S801, the CPU 6
For example, 0 displays a message such as “Bangou Wan Wrong” on the LCD 36, and waits for the operator to manually operate the ten keys 16 or the like to input the destination information. Then, in step S802, C
The PU 60 determines whether the copy key 58 has been operated. If the copy key 58 has been operated, after executing the copy routine in step S803, the process returns to step S100, that is, the standby state. In step S804, it is determined whether the stop / clear key 52 has been operated. If "YES" is determined in this step S804, the document is discharged in step S805, and then the process returns to the standby state.

At the next step S806, the CPU 6
0 determines whether the ten key 16 (FIG. 2) has been operated. If the numeric keypad 16 has not been operated, it is determined in step S807 whether or not it is another key, and in the next step S808, processing corresponding to the other key is executed. If the numeric keypad 16 is operated, step S8
At 09, the numerical character code of the destination information input by the ten key 16 is set in the dial buffer 70. Then, in step S810, the operation waits for the start key 54 to be operated. When the start key 54 is operated in step S810, the CPU 60
Proceeds to step S611 (FIG. 22).

The copy routine executed in step S605 or step S803 is shown in FIG.
In the first step S900 of the copy routine, the CPU
Reference numeral 60 sets up the reading system. That is, the transmission motor 90 is driven, and the CIS 100 and the image processing circuit 98 are set according to the transmission mode determined in step S616. Then, the next step S9
In 01, the print system is set up. That is, in this step S901, the CPU 60 gives a command signal to the motor control circuit 88 to drive the receiving motor 92 (FIG. 3). Then, in the next step S902,
The CPU 60 determines whether or not the prefetch flag SF is set. If the prefetch flag SF is set, it is necessary to print the image data read by the CIS 100 from the handwriting destination information entry area as a copy image, so steps S903 to S905 are executed. That is, in step S903,
619 (Fig. 23), white line transmission counter
WLSC is the original feed counter PCNT and write line counter
Determined based on the count value of LCNT. Then, in the next step S904, the reception motor 92 sends the facsimile paper (recording paper) by the number of lines according to the count value of the white line transmission counter WLSC determined in step S903. At this time, in step S905, the thermal head 84 prints the image data of the second line to the (LCNT) line of the line buffer 70 on the facsimile paper (recording paper).

Thereafter, steps S906 to S909 are executed in the same manner as when the prefetch flag SF is not set. That is, in steps S906 to S909, the body portion of the document is copied. When the end of copying is detected in step S909, the CPU 60 stops the reading system and the printing system in step S910.

FIG. 29 shows steps S620 and S62.
5 is a flowchart showing an all-white line transmission routine executed in 5. In the first step S920 in FIG. 29, C
The PU 60 sets the white line transmission counter WLSC to step S.
Change according to the transmission mode determined in 616. For example, when the transmission mode set by the operator is the normal mode, the count value of the white line transmission counter WLSC is halved. Because white line transmission counter WL
This is because the SC counts the number of lines in fine mode. Then, in the next step S921,
The image data of the first line (image data of all white lines) in the line buffer 68 is read out and transmitted according to the determined transmission mode. Then, step S922
Then, the white line transmission counter WLSC is incremented, and in step S923, the white line transmission counter WLSC is incremented.
It is determined whether or not the count value of 0 has become "0", that is, all of the all white lines to be transmitted have been transmitted.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the operation panel of FIG. 1 embodiment in detail.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing a storage area of a ROM shown in FIG.

5 is an illustrative view showing a storage area of the VRAM shown in FIG. 3. FIG.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing a storage area of the VRAM shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing the line buffer shown in FIG. 5 in detail.

8 is an illustrative view showing a first character data table (second character data table) shown in FIG. 6. FIG.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing that a document is read by CIS in the embodiment of FIG.

10 is a block diagram showing in detail the NCU shown in FIG. 3. FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart showing the overall operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing operations of initialization and operation check.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of automatic recognition availability check.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation of checking presence / absence of destination information and an operation of fetching image data of the destination information.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation following FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation of a step of cutting out each character of destination information.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation following FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an illustrative view showing each data set in a first character data table (second character data table).

FIG. 19 is an illustrative view showing a state in which data in the first character data table is written in the second character data table.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the recognition step.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation following FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an operation of a transmitting step.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an operation following FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an operation following FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a correction 1 routine.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a correction 2 routine and a correction 3 routine.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an operation when manually inputting destination information.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a copy routine.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an all-white line transmission routine.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Facsimile device 14 ... Operation panel 16… Numeric keypad 34 ... Menu key 36 ... LCD 38 ... Cursor 40… Set key 44 ... Image quality selection key 52 ... Stop / Clear key 54 ... Start key 58 ... Copy key 60 ... CPU 64 ... ROM 66 ... VRAM 68 ... Line buffer 70 ... Dial buffer 72 ... First character data table 74 ... Second character data table 76 ... SRAM 84 ... Thermal head 90 ... Transmission motor 92 ... Receiving motor 100 ... CIS 104 ... Modem 114 ... NCU

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-1-175363 (JP, A) JP-A-62-43959 (JP, A) JP-A-1-170260 (JP, A) JP-A-2- 20168 (JP, A) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/32-1/36 H04N 1/42-1/44 H04N 1/00-1/00 108

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A destination information reading means (100) for reading destination information written on a transmission document, and destination information recognition means (60, S4, S5) for recognizing the destination information based on an output of the destination information reading means. ), Calling means for executing a calling procedure according to the destination information recognized by the destination information recognizing means (S6, S612) , the calling means calling after recognizing the destination information by the destination information recognizing means interrupting interruption means the process until the (S602-S610), variably sets the time to interrupt by the interrupt means
Interruption time setting means (CT, S603, S610) , manually operable manual operation key (54) , and the first
Set either suspend mode or the second suspend mode
The interruption mode setting means (CT) is provided, and the interruption means responds to the setting of the interruption mode setting means.
The time set by the interruption time setting means
In the first interruption mode to interrupt or the manual operation key is
In the second interruption mode in which it is suspended until it is operated, the above processing is performed.
A fax machine that suspends . Wherein further comprising a destination information output means for outputting the address information read by the destination information reading unit during the interruption by said interrupt means (S513, S608, S713), according to claim 1
The described facsimile machine. 3. A line buffer for storing image data of destination information read by the destination information reading means.
(68) comprises, the destination information output means includes a printing means for printing the image data of the line buffer (84, S713), according to claim 2
The described facsimile machine. 4. A includes a dial buffer (70) for storing the character data of each character in the destination information recognized by the destination information recognition means, the destination information output means before according to the character data of said dial buffer Stories The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising display means (36, S513) for displaying destination information.