JP3632261B2 - Color facsimile machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a color facsimile apparatus capable of color printing color image data received by facsimile communication on a predetermined recording sheet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As is well known, when image data communication is executed by facsimile communication, data of the transmission function of the transmission side facsimile apparatus and the reception function of the reception side facsimile apparatus at the time of mutual transmission of protocol signals executed prior to the communication. Are transmitted to each other. Then, transmission / reception of image data is subsequently executed in accordance with the content of the communication function that is the same between the transmission side and the reception side.
[0003]
For this reason, in the conventional color facsimile apparatus, when this color facsimile apparatus becomes the receiving side, the color facsimile apparatus on the receiving side always has a color receiving function with respect to the other facsimile apparatuses on the transmitting side. It is configured to transmit a protocol signal indicating that it has.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the conventional color facsimile apparatus is configured to always transmit data indicating that its own facsimile apparatus has a color reception function to the other facsimile apparatus when it becomes the receiving side. In addition, when the other party's facsimile machine on the transmission side is a color facsimile machine and the image data to be transmitted is color image data, this color image data is always received. For this reason, conventionally, the following difficulties may occur.
[0005]
[0006]
That is , a color facsimile apparatus may incorporate an ink-jet color printer of a type that prints out received color image data on recording paper using color ink. When nozzle clogging is detected, color printing cannot be performed naturally. However, the conventional color facsimile apparatus receives color image data regardless of the situation where color printing is difficult. Therefore, conventionally, the received color image data cannot be properly printed out on a recording sheet, and the content of the received image data may not be confirmed.
[0007]
[0008]
The present invention, which was proposed in view of the above, and due to receiving a color image data, and so as not to cause inconvenience print output of the image data it receives is difficult and its object is to provide a color facsimile apparatus capable of and Turkey.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the color facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention has an ink jet recording unit, and color image data received by facsimile communication can be color-printed on a predetermined recording sheet by the recording unit. a such color facsimile apparatus, when the facsimile reception is performed, a determination means for determining whether or not nozzle clogging occurs in the recording unit, nozzle clogging in the recording section that has occurred by the judging means If it is determined, control means for controlling the transmission of the protocol signal indicating that the reception function of the color facsimile apparatus is a monochrome image data reception function to the transmission-side facsimile apparatus is provided.
[0010]
[0011]
[0012]
[0013]
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing an example of a color facsimile apparatus F according to the present invention. The color facsimile apparatus F includes a CPU 1, an NCU 2, a RAM 3, a modem 4, a ROM 5, a gate array 6, a reading unit 7, a display unit 8, a recording unit 9, an operation unit 10, and the like. The CPU 1, NCU 2, RAM 3, modem 4, ROM 5, and gate array 6 are connected to each other via a bus line. The gate array 6 includes a reading unit 7, a display unit 8, a recording unit 9, and an operation unit 10. It is connected.
[0016]
The CPU 1 controls the entire color facsimile apparatus F. The CPU 1 corresponds to an example of a control unit according to the present invention, and performs transmission control of a protocol signal described later. The NCU 2 is connected to the telephone line 21 and performs network control. The RAM 3 stores various data and the like, but also serves as an image memory for storing image data received by facsimile, image data obtained by reading and scanning a document by the reading unit 7, and the like. The modem 4 performs modulation of transmission data, demodulation of reception data, and the like. The ROM 5 stores various programs.
[0017]
The gate array 6 functions as an input / output interface of the CPU 1 and converts RGB data sent from the reading unit 7 into CMY data. The reading unit 7 includes a CCD, a three-color color separation filter, a document feed motor, and the like, reads a document, and outputs R, G, and B color signals. The display unit 8 includes an LCD and the like, and is controlled by the CPU 1 to perform various displays.
[0018]
The recording unit 9 is composed of, for example, an ink-jet color printer, and performs color printing on a predetermined recording sheet with a total of three color inks of cyan, magenta, and yellow, or a total of four color inks obtained by adding black to these. Is possible. The recording unit 9 is provided with a color ink remaining amount detection sensor 9a for detecting the remaining amount of color ink, and the remaining amount of any one type of color ink is greater than a predetermined remaining amount. When the number decreases, a signal to that effect is output to the CPU 1.
[0019]
As an example of the color ink remaining amount detection sensor 9a, for example, a pair of electrodes are arranged at a predetermined height in an ink tank or an ink cartridge for storing color ink, and the ink liquid level is lower than the pair of electrodes. It is possible to employ a type of sensor that detects the remaining amount of ink based on a change in the electrical resistance value between the electrodes. However, the present invention can employ other types of detection means such as a sensor that optically detects the remaining amount of color ink, instead of such a sensor. In the present invention, as will be described later, a detection unit that detects only whether or not there is a remaining amount of ink may be employed.
[0020]
The operation unit 10 includes a group of key switches and the like, and outputs a signal corresponding to a user operation. The operation unit 10 is provided with a monochrome image data reception selection switch 10a. When the monochrome image data reception selection switch 10a is turned on, a signal to that effect is output to the CPU 1, and the CPU 1 The monochrome image data reception mode is set.
[0021]
Specifically, in the normal mode in which the monochrome image data reception selection switch 10a is not set to ON, the CPU 1 basically performs this transmission at the time of mutual transmission of protocol signals when starting facsimile reception. The color facsimile apparatus F is configured to control to transmit a protocol signal indicating that it has a function of receiving color image data to another facsimile apparatus on the transmission side. On the other hand, when the monochrome image data reception selection switch 10a is set to ON and the monochrome image data reception mode is set, the CPU 1 determines that the color facsimile apparatus F is a monochrome image unlike the above case. It is configured to control to transmit a protocol signal indicating that it has a data receiving function to another facsimile machine on the transmission side.
[0022]
Further, even when the monochrome image data reception mode is not set by the operation of the monochrome image data reception selection switch 10a, the CPU 1 determines the remaining amount of ink from the color ink remaining amount detection sensor 9a of the recording unit 9. When a signal indicating that the amount is less than or equal to the predetermined amount is received, the color facsimile apparatus F transmits a protocol signal indicating that it has a monochrome image data reception function during the mutual transmission of the protocol signal for facsimile communication. It is configured to control.
[0023]
Further, the CPU 1 accesses the RAM 3 at the start of facsimile reception, thereby calculating the remaining memory capacity (free memory capacity) of the RAM 3 capable of storing image data. When it is determined that the remaining amount of memory is smaller than a predetermined remaining amount, the CPU 1 determines that the color facsimile apparatus F is black and white during mutual transmission of protocol signals for facsimile communication, as described above. It is configured to control to transmit a protocol signal indicating that it has a function of receiving image data.
[0024]
Next, a processing procedure when facsimile reception is performed will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
[0025]
First, when there is a call to this color facsimile machine F (S1: YES) and an incoming call is made (S2), the CPU 1 then transmits a protocol signal between the other facsimile machines on the transmission side (calling side). Start mutual transmission. At the time of mutual transmission of the protocol signals, the CPU 1 outputs a signal indicating that the monochrome image data reception selection switch 10a is not turned on (S3: NO) and the remaining amount of ink from the color ink remaining amount detection sensor 9a is low. Is not received (S4: NO), and if the remaining amount of memory in the RAM 3 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (S5: NO), the CPU 1 has a color image data reception function. Control is performed so as to transmit the protocol signal indicating that the transmission is being performed to the other facsimile apparatus on the transmission side (S6).
[0026]
Therefore, when the other facsimile apparatus on the transmission side is a color facsimile apparatus that transmits color image data, the color facsimile apparatus F on the reception side appropriately receives the color image data when receiving the image data in S7. It will be. The color image data received in this way is then decoded by the CPU 1 and stored in the RAM 3. Alternatively, after being decoded, it is transferred to the recording unit 9 and printed out on a recording sheet. When the reception of the entire amount of image data is finished (S9: YES), the line is then shut off (S10), and the facsimile communication is finished.
[0027]
The reception of color image data as described above is based on the premise that the remaining amount of memory in the RAM 3 is a certain amount or more. Therefore, even when the color image data is received by substitution (memory reception), the memory capacity of the RAM 3 does not immediately become insufficient, and appropriate substitution reception can be performed.
[0028]
The reception of the color image data is performed on the assumption that the ink remaining amount of the ink jet color printer constituting the recording unit 9 is sufficient. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately perform color printing on recording paper while receiving color image data, and there is no possibility that ink runs out easily during facsimile reception.
[0029]
On the other hand, unlike the above case, when the color facsimile apparatus F receives an incoming call and the monochrome image data reception selection switch 10a is turned on and the reception mode of monochrome image data is selected (S3: YES), The CPU 1 sends a protocol signal indicating that the color facsimile apparatus F has a monochrome image data reception function to another facsimile apparatus on the transmission side (S8).
[0030]
Even if the monochrome image data reception selection switch 10a is not turned on (S3: NO), the CPU 1 indicates that the remaining amount of color ink from the color ink remaining amount detection sensor 9a is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. When the signal is received (S4: YES), or when the remaining amount of memory in the RAM 3 is equal to or less than the predetermined amount (S5: YES), the CPU 1 also uses the monochrome image data reception function for the color facsimile apparatus F. A protocol signal to that effect is sent to the transmitting facsimile machine (S8).
[0031]
Therefore, in this case, even if the transmitting facsimile apparatus is a color facsimile apparatus, the receiving color facsimile apparatus F is recognized as a monochrome facsimile apparatus. As a result, the other facsimile apparatus on the transmission side converts the color image data to monochrome image data and then transmits this monochrome image data to the color facsimile apparatus F. When the image data is received in S7. The color facsimile apparatus F receives monochrome image data.
[0032]
Since monochrome image data is much smaller than color image data, the amount of data in RAM 3 is insufficient when performing alternate reception, thereby reducing the possibility of communication errors. Is possible. Even if color ink runs out and color printing in the recording unit 9 is difficult, if the monochrome image data is received as described above, the recording unit 9 prints this as a monochrome image. This makes it possible to perform appropriate facsimile reception.
[0033]
Furthermore, if the monochrome image data reception selection switch 10a is turned on, monochrome image data can be received regardless of the remaining amount of color ink and the remaining amount of memory in the RAM 3, so that color ink can be saved. It is convenient for the user when it is desired to plan or when it is desired to secure the remaining memory capacity of the RAM 3. In addition, the time required for communication of black and white image data with a small amount of data can be shorter than the communication time of color image data. Therefore, it is useful for improving the operating efficiency of the color facsimile apparatus by shortening the communication time or saving communication charges.
[0034]
In the above embodiment, monochrome image data is received when the remaining amount of color ink in a recording unit configured with a color inkjet printer is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. It is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, only the presence or absence of the remaining amount of color ink can be detected by the sensor, and if there is remaining amount of color ink of all colors, the color ink is not affected regardless of the remaining amount. While the protocol signal indicating that the image data is being received is transmitted, if the remaining amount of color ink is zero for any one color, the protocol signal indicating that the image data is being received is transmitted. You may comprise as follows.
[0035]
In the present invention, a specific example of the case where the recording unit for performing color printing on a recording sheet is in a state where color printing is not possible is not limited to the case where the above-described color ink has run out. For example, in the case where a printer of a type using a color developing thermal recording paper is used as the recording unit, the thermal recording paper is not set at a predetermined position of the recording unit, or the paper is cut out. In this case, it may be configured such that a color signal cannot be printed and a protocol signal indicating that the function is a monochrome image data reception function is transmitted when such a situation occurs. In addition, when an ink jet printer is used, if a means for detecting that a predetermined number or more of ink nozzles of a predetermined color ink are clogged is provided, the clogging of the predetermined color ink nozzle is detected by the detecting means. In this case, a protocol signal indicating that the monochrome image data reception function is received may be transmitted.
[0036]
Furthermore, in the present invention, the monochrome image data reception selection switch 10a does not need to be provided as a dedicated operation switch, and the monochrome image data reception mode can be selected by a combination operation of a plurality of switches such as a numeric keypad. It may be configured as follows.
[0037]
In addition, the configuration of each part of the color facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the specific configuration of each part can be variously modified.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the color facsimile apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, when nozzle clogging occurs in the ink jet recording unit, monochrome image data can be received instead of color image data. For this reason, there is an advantage that it is possible to eliminate the situation in which it is difficult to print and record the received color image data due to nozzle clogging of a predetermined color ink and the content of the received image data cannot be confirmed.
[0039]
[0040]
[0041]
[0042]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing an example of a color facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a reception processing procedure of the color facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 CPU (control means)
3 RAM (memory)
9 Recording unit 10 Operation unit

Claims (1)

A color facsimile apparatus having an inkjet recording unit and capable of color printing color image data received by facsimile communication on a predetermined recording sheet by the recording unit,
A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not nozzle clogging has occurred in the recording section when facsimile reception is performed;
If it is determined by the determination means that the recording unit is clogged with nozzles, a protocol signal indicating that the reception function of the color facsimile apparatus is a reception function for monochrome image data is transmitted to the transmission-side facsimile apparatus. And a color facsimile apparatus.

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