JP3574731B2 - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a G3 facsimile apparatus provided with an automatic document feeder, and more particularly to a facsimile apparatus provided with a communication unit when transmission is interrupted.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a document is conveyed to an image reading device by an ADF in a facsimile, a printer, a copy, or the like having an automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as an ADF), a document jam occurs in the ADF, and May not be able to be conveyed to the image reader, and it may not be possible to cause the image reading device to read accurate image data. In particular, when this document jam occurs in a facsimile machine, unlike a copying machine such as a copy or a printer, a read result is often output immediately and transmitted to a transmission destination without confirmation. Even if the wrong image data is transmitted to the receiving side, the transmitting side often does not notice.
[0003]
As a general conventional example 1 for solving the above-mentioned problem, a detecting device for detecting whether or not there is image information which has been received but not recorded at the receiving station is provided. A facsimile apparatus has been proposed in which, when image information recorded and output by means is detected, image information having a defect is detected and recorded as an additional message so as to clarify the lack of document information.
[0004]
Further, as a second conventional example having a technical field similar to that of the present invention, there is a "facsimile apparatus" disclosed in JP-A-6-244996. The purpose of this conventional example is to provide a facsimile apparatus that can easily notify the receiving operator of the reason why the received image has been cut off. Normally, when a stop is pressed during transmission, transmission is performed on that page. Since the transmission is completed, the transmitting side transmits an EOP and receives a response thereto, and then transmits a DCN to disconnect the line. However, the transmitting side returns to the phase B once by transmitting the EOM, and a “stop” is transmitted to the RTI in the NSS. When a character is input and transmitted when "" is pressed, the fact is displayed on the LCD of the operation unit on the receiving side, and it can be confirmed that there is no transmission error.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the facsimile apparatuses of the first and second conventional examples, after clearing the jam in the ADF at the time of direct transmission, the communication circuit is cut off on the transmitting side, so that the destination number is input again. Various settings are required. In addition, it is no longer one document file unit.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile apparatus capable of continuously transmitting even after a jam is cleared without interrupting communication even if a jam occurs in the ADF during direct transmission.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve this object, a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes an automatic document feeder having a detection unit capable of detecting a document jam, an operation input unit for inputting operation settings from an operator, and another facsimile machine. A facsimile device having control means for controlling communication with the apparatus and capable of performing direct transmission and communication in a unique mode, and detecting that a document jam has occurred in the automatic document feeder during direct transmission. When is detected, the control means continues to transmit predetermined data notified in advance before starting the direct transmission to the transmission partner until the document jam is released, and further, the operation setting means for inputting the operation setting for resuming the direct transmission is input. Then, the transmission is restarted from the page where the document jam has occurred.
[0008]
The facsimile apparatus includes a time counting unit that measures an elapsed time from the time when the document jam occurs, and a communication continuation time set by the operator, which is set from when the document jam occurs until the communication line is disconnected. The control means measures the elapsed time by the timing means, and disconnects the communication with the transmission partner if the document jam is not cleared even after the communication continuation time has elapsed. It is better to control.
[0009]
The control means sets the communication continuation time before the transmission of the image information to the transmission partner and the setting of the predetermined data to be transmitted when a document jam occurs by NSS (non-standard setting signal). You may want to be notified.
[0010]
When the data is sent, the control means checks whether the sent data is image data with image information or predetermined data, and recognizes that the data is the predetermined data. Then, control is preferably performed so that page counting is not performed until image data carrying image information is sent.
[0011]
The facsimile apparatus further includes display means for displaying a communication state with another facsimile apparatus, and when the control means recognizes that predetermined data has been transmitted, the communication continuation set in advance by the NSS is continued. The time may be controlled to be displayed on the display means.
[0012]
Further, the predetermined data may be white mask data obtained by subjecting image data to white mask processing by the control means.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of a facsimile apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 to 5 show an embodiment of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a conceptual configuration of an embodiment of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an operation flow, and FIG. 4 is a table displayed on an operation unit on the transmitter side. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example displayed on the operation unit on the receiver side.
[0014]
First, the configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an FCU (FAX Control Unit) that controls the entire apparatus, 2 denotes an SAF (Store and Forward) that stores normal image data sent from a transmitter, 3 denotes various devices when a jam occurs, and A storage unit for storing FCU setting information, a scanner unit 4 for reading image information of a transmission original conveyed by an ADF (not shown), an operation unit 5 for inputting various operation processes, a station number of a transmission destination, and the like 6 An ADF control unit (not shown) controls the ADF, 7 is a paper feed control unit that controls the feeding of recording paper for recording image data sent from the transmission side, and 8 is an image data sent from the transmission side on recording paper. The output means 9 for printing and outputting the input image when a document jam or the like occurs on the transmission side and the order in which the documents are sent is different from the correct order. A sorter control unit 10 for rearranging data in a correct order is an NCU (Network Control Unit) for controlling a network between the apparatus connected to the telephone line and the transmission partner apparatus.
[0015]
Next, an operation example of the above configuration will be described with reference to timing charts of FIGS. First, an example of an operation when a normal transmission operation is performed without causing a problem such as a document jam will be described with reference to FIG. When the FAX number of the receiver is input from the transmitter, the transmitter and the receiver are connected to a telephone line. The receiver outputs a called station identification signal (hereinafter, referred to as a CED signal) indicating that the called station is a non-voice signal terminal a few seconds after being connected to the line. Further, after the CED signal ends, the receiver outputs a non-standard function signal (hereinafter, referred to as an NSF signal) for identifying the request of the transmitter following the CED signal.
[0016]
The transmitter inputs an NSF signal and analyzes information included in the NSF signal. Then, it outputs a non-standard setting signal (hereinafter, referred to as NSS) indicating a digital command response to the information sent by the NSF signal. When the output of the NSS signal is completed, a TCF signal, which is a training check signal for indicating that the channel can be used at a predetermined data rate, is output.
[0017]
Upon receiving the TCF signal, the receiver outputs a reception preparation confirmation signal (hereinafter referred to as a CFR signal) for confirming that all the pre-messaging procedures have been completed and transmission of image information may be started. The transmitter confirms that the CFR signal has been transmitted, and transmits the first image information.
[0018]
When the transmission of the first image information is completed, the transmitter transmits a multi-page signal (hereinafter, referred to as an MPS signal) indicating that the transmission of the first image information is completed. The receiver receives the complete message satisfactorily and outputs a message acknowledgment signal (hereinafter referred to as an MCF signal) to the transmitting station, which is an acknowledgment to the MPS signal indicating that the message may continue. The transmission of the minute image information is completed.
[0019]
When the MCF signal from the receiver reaches the transmitter, the transmitter outputs the second image information. When the image information of all pages is output by repeating the above operation, the transmitter indicates that transmission of all image information has been completed, and furthermore, a procedure end signal (hereinafter, referred to as "not send document"). , EOP). When the EOP signal reaches the receiver, the receiver outputs an MCF signal. When the transmitting station receives the MCF signal, it transmits a disconnection command signal (hereinafter, DCN) indicating the start of call disconnection, and the transmission of a series of image information ends.
[0020]
Next, the initial setting in the facsimile apparatus of the present invention will be described. First, in the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the jam release setting mode is designated by the NSS signal before the image data is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver. Jam release setting mode is to notify the receiver in advance of data to be sent instead of image information when a document jam occurs in the transmitter, and to send the data sent from the receiver to the image information. In this mode, it is set to always check whether the image data is correct. When a document jam occurs due to this setting, the transmitter transmits predetermined data set in advance to the receiver, so that the occurrence of a document jam in the transmitter can be notified.
[0021]
In this embodiment, when a document jam occurs in the transmitter, the transmitter is set to transmit white mask data obtained by subjecting image data to white mask processing by the FCU unit 20 to the receiver. When the jam release setting mode is set by the NSS signal, the receiver monitors whether the received data is correct image data with image information or white mask data subjected to white mask processing. . Then, when recognizing that the transmitted data is white mask data, it is determined that a jam has occurred on the transmitting side at that page. Further, until the image data is sent without counting the page, the comparison of whether the data is image data or white mask data is repeatedly performed.
[0022]
Further, the NSS signal carries information on a set time (hereinafter, a jam clearing time) until the transmitting side clears the document jam when the document jam occurs. The jam clearing time is a time for closing the line if the document jam is not cleared even after the jam clearing time has elapsed on the transmission side. In the case of this apparatus, if the document jam clearing key of the transmitter is not pressed, the telephone line is permanently used exclusively. Therefore, the above problem can be solved by setting the time for closing the line in advance.
[0023]
In the present embodiment, the setting of the jam release time is set so that the operator can arbitrarily set the jam release time by using the operation unit.
[0024]
Further, by notifying the setting of the time for closing the line to the receiver as the jam clearing time by the NSS signal, the receiver can know the maximum time required for clearing the jam. Further, it is possible to recognize how long the image data with the white mask continues.
[0025]
Next, a release flow when a document jam occurs in the ADF, which is a feature of this apparatus, will be described with reference to FIG. Although the image information of the first sheet could be transmitted normally as shown in FIG. 3, a document jam occurred in the ADF when the second document was conveyed to the scanner by the ADF. Shall be. Further, the initial setting for transmitting the image information and the operation up to the transmission of the first document are the same as those described above with reference to FIG.
[0026]
If a document jam occurs while the transmitter is transporting the second document to the scanner unit by the ADF 6, the apparatus detects this document jam by the ADF control unit 6. Then, the fact that a document jam has occurred in the ADF 6 and the number of pages successfully transmitted are displayed on the operation unit 5. Further, a preset jam release set time is displayed, and a transmission operation start method when the document jam is released is presented. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a display displayed on the operation unit 5. The operator can display the message "ADF has jammed. The normal transmission has been completed up to the first sheet. The jam release setting time is 1 minute. If the jam has been cleared, press OK." The ADF recognizes that a document jam has occurred and is in a transmission-disabled state, and furthermore, an operation method for canceling the document jam is presented, so that the processing can be performed promptly.
[0027]
When a document jam occurs on the second page, the FCU unit 1 converts dummy white mask data in which all bits of the image data are set to “0” from the second page to the image data on the second page. Send as The dummy white mask data is continuously transmitted until the operator clears the document jam.
[0028]
In the receiver, the image data transmitted from the transmitter confirms whether the image data transmitted according to the jam release setting mode set by the NSS signal is white mask data or image data with correct image information. We go every time we come. If the second image data sent from the transmitter is white mask data, it is determined that the page has a jam in the transmitter. The comparison operation is repeated until the image data carrying the image information is transmitted without performing the page count of the image data of the second page.
[0029]
Further, the receiver performs a display as shown in FIG. Also clear the jam on the receiver by displaying the message "Jam has occurred on the transmitter. Normal reception has been completed up to the first sheet. The jam release setting time on the transmitter is 1 minute." It is possible to grasp the time required until the operation, and it is possible to prevent the work on the receiver side from stagnating.
[0030]
It should be noted that the data for performing the comparison operation may be either compressed data or raw image data. Further, in the present embodiment, white mask data is taken as an example, but image data in which a part of the image data is replaced with an appropriate arrangement can be easily applied to the present apparatus.
[0031]
When the document jam is eliminated by the operator on the transmitting side and the release key provided on the operation unit 5 is pressed, the transmitter starts transmitting image data from the second sheet that could not be transmitted. When the image data of all pages is output, the transmitter transmits an EOP signal to notify that the transmission of all image data has been completed. When the EOP signal reaches the receiver, the receiver outputs an MCF signal. When the transmitting station receives the MCF signal, it transmits a DCN signal indicating the start of call disconnection, and the transmission of a series of image information ends.
[0032]
If the image data has not been transmitted even after the jam release time notified by the transmitting side operator in advance, the communication line is closed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem that the communication line is monopolized forever.
[0033]
In this embodiment, the document jam on the ADF 6 is described. However, by providing a temporary stop key on the operation unit 5, the same processing as that when a document jam occurs can be performed.
[0034]
If a document jam occurs in the ADF during the direct transmission by the above operation, it is not necessary to disconnect the line, so that the transmission can be restarted without resetting the destination number or the like. Also, by setting the jam clearing time in advance, even if the operator does not know this function well, the line is closed when the set time comes, so that the telephone charge is not wasted.
[0035]
Further, by setting the time required for clearing the document jam and notifying the receiver side in advance, it is possible to prevent the work on the receiver side from stagnating.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an automatic document feeder having a detection unit capable of detecting a document jam, and an operation input for inputting operation settings from an operator. Means and a facsimile apparatus capable of direct transmission and communication in a unique mode having control means for controlling communication with another facsimile apparatus, and a document jam occurs in the automatic document feeder during direct transmission. When the detecting means detects that the original jam has been cleared, the control means continues to transmit predetermined data notified in advance before starting the direct transmission to the transmission partner, and further resumes the direct transmission by the operation input means. When the operation settings are input, transmission is resumed from the page where the document jam has occurred, and if a document jam occurs inside the automatic document feeder during direct transmission. But since it is not necessary to cut the communication line, it is possible to resume the transmission without re-setting the destination number or the like.
[0037]
According to the facsimile apparatus of the second aspect, in addition to the above-described effects, the time counting means for counting the time elapsed from the time when the document jam occurs, and the time when the document jam arbitrarily set by the operator occurs. Storage means for storing the communication continuation time until the communication line is cut off, wherein the control means measures the elapsed time by the timer means, and the document jam is not cleared even if the communication continuation time elapses Then, by cutting off the communication with the transmission partner, it is possible to prevent a problem that the communication line is exclusively used permanently.
[0038]
According to the facsimile apparatus of the third aspect, in addition to the above effects, the control means sets the communication continuation time before the transmission of the image information to the transmission destination starts and transmits when the document jam occurs. By notifying the setting of predetermined data to be performed by NSS (non-standard setting signal), the receiving side recognizes that a document jam has occurred on the transmitting side when predetermined data is transmitted from the transmitting side, Since it is not necessary to disconnect the communication line, transmission can be resumed without resetting the destination number or the like. Further, it is possible to solve the problem that the communication line is monopolized by setting the communication duration time in advance.
[0039]
Also, by setting the time required to clear the document jam in advance, even if the operator is not familiar with the function of the facsimile machine, the telephone line is closed when the communication continuation time is reached, so that unnecessary telephone charges are paid. You don't have to.
[0040]
According to the facsimile apparatus of the fourth aspect, in addition to the above effects, when the control means receives data, the transmitted data is image data with image information or predetermined data. If it is confirmed that the data is predetermined data, by controlling not to perform page counting until image data carrying image information is sent, printing meaningless data The printing paper is not lost and waste of printing paper can be eliminated.
[0041]
According to the facsimile apparatus of the fifth aspect, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, the facsimile apparatus further includes a display unit for displaying a communication state with another facsimile apparatus, and the control unit recognizes that predetermined data has been transmitted. Then, by controlling the NSS to display the communication duration set in advance on the display means, it is possible to notify the operator on the receiving side of the maximum time required for the transmitting side to clear the jam. In addition, the operation of the receiver can be prevented from stagnating.
[0042]
According to the facsimile apparatus of the sixth aspect, in addition to the above effects, the predetermined data is white mask data obtained by subjecting the image data to white mask processing by the control means, so that another special apparatus can be used. It is possible to notify the receiving side of the occurrence of the document jam on the transmitting side without the provision.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a facsimile apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a timing chart at the time of normal operation.
FIG. 3 is a timing chart when an ADF jam occurs.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display displayed on an operation unit on a transmitter side.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display displayed on an operation unit on the receiver side.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 FCU
2 SAF
Reference Signs List 3 Storage device 4 Scanner control unit 5 Operation unit 6 ADF control unit 7 Feed control unit 8 Output unit 9 Sorter control unit 10 NCU
11 Various sensors

Claims (6)

Automatic document feeding means having a detecting means capable of detecting a document jam,
Operation input means for inputting operation settings from an operator;
In a facsimile machine capable of direct transmission and communication in a unique mode having control means for controlling communication with another facsimile machine,
When the detection unit detects that the document jam has occurred in the automatic document conveyance unit during the direct transmission, the control unit performs a process before starting the direct transmission to a transmission partner until the document jam is released. Control to resume transmission from the page where the document jam has occurred when the operation input unit inputs the operation setting for resuming the direct transmission. Facsimile machine characterized by the above-mentioned. Time-measuring means for measuring the time elapsed since the document jam occurred;
Further comprising a storage unit arbitrarily set by the operator, for storing a setting of a communication continuation time from when the document jam occurs until a communication line is disconnected,
The control means measures the elapsed time by the timing means, and controls the communication with the transmission partner to be cut off when the original jam is not cleared even after the set communication continuation time has elapsed. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control means sets the communication duration time before the transmission of the image information to the transmission destination and the setting of the predetermined data to be transmitted when the document jam occurs by an NSS (non-standard setting signal). The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification is made by (1). Upon receiving the data, the control unit confirms whether the received data is image data with image information or the predetermined data, and recognizes that the data is the predetermined data. 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so that page counting is not performed until image data carrying the image information is sent. Further comprising a display means for displaying a communication state with the other facsimile machine,
The control means, when recognizing that the predetermined data has been transmitted, controls to display the communication continuation time preset by the NSS on the display means. The facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined data is white mask data obtained by performing white mask processing on image data by the control unit.

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