JP3633896B2 - Communication terminal device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication terminal device having an Internet connection function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, for example, a communication terminal device such as a multifunction machine having a copy function, a facsimile communication function, and the like further has an Internet connection function, and information such as images can be transmitted and received by e-mail or the like. By using e-mail, for example, when an image or the like is transmitted to a remote party, a communication fee can be reduced.
[0003]
However, in the conventional communication terminal device, only one account for using the Internet can be registered. When using it at home or in a small group, it is sufficient to share one account. However, when it is shared by many users, it is inconvenient to use only one account. It was desired. In addition, when the Internet is used, department management relating to the usage status cannot be performed, and department management is desired from the viewpoint of device management.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances. When sending or receiving information by e-mail using the Internet connection function, an account for each department can be used, and e-mail can be sent. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication terminal device that can be used and managed for each department when used.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to a communication means capable of communicating via the Internet in a communication terminal device, a table capable of registering an account for using the Internet for each department, an input means for inputting information indicating a department, and the input Control means for realizing a function of transmitting information by e-mail from the communication means using the account registered in the table corresponding to the department input in the means, and the control means includes e-mail It is characterized in that use management such as communication time and communication charge at the time of the transmission function is performed for each department. As described above, since an account can be registered for each department, information can be transmitted using an account set for each department even in an environment shared by many users. For example, usage management such as communication time and communication charge is performed for each department in conjunction with the above account.
[0006]
Note that it is possible to set whether or not to use an account for each department and to use it by switching.
[0007]
In the communication terminal device, the communication means capable of communicating via the Internet, a table capable of registering an account for using the Internet for each department, and receiving information by e-mail via the communication means The information is addressed to the account, the table is referred to, the control means for managing the information received based on the information indicating the corresponding department, the control means at the time of receiving function by e-mail Use management such as communication time and communication charge is performed for each department. With such a configuration, even when receiving information using the Internet, it becomes possible to perform management for each department. For example, the usage management such as communication time and communication fee is linked with the above account to manage the department. Do it every time.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an Internet facsimile apparatus including an embodiment of a communication terminal apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, 11 is a main control unit, 12 is an operation unit, 13 is a reading unit, 14 is a recording unit, 15 is a LAN interface, 16 is a facsimile communication unit, 17 is an image memory, 18 is a RAM, 19 is a department management table, 20 is a ROM, 21 is a bus, 31 is a LAN, and 32 is the Internet.
[0009]
The main control unit 11 controls the entire apparatus and operates each unit to realize an image transmission / reception function by facsimile or electronic mail, a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and the like. In particular, in the e-mail transmission function, an account for using the Internet is obtained for each department by referring to the department management table 19 from the department code input from the operation unit 12. Then, using the account, information is sent by e-mail to the destination designated from the operation unit 12 via the LAN interface 15. In addition, whether or not to use such a function for using an account for each department can be set in advance. If the account for each department is not used, for example, a default account may be used.
[0010]
The main control unit 11 can receive an e-mail via the LAN interface 15 using an account registered with reference to the department management table 19 in the e-mail receiving function. Also in this case, it is possible to manage the received e-mail for each department corresponding to the account used at the time of e-mail acquisition.
[0011]
Furthermore, the main control unit 11 can manage such transmission and reception by e-mail for each department. For example, it is possible to manage, for each department, the communication time and communication fee for the e-mail transmission function, and the number of sheets when the e-mail is received and recorded and output by the recording unit 14.
[0012]
Furthermore, the main control unit 11 also has a management function for the department management table 19. For example, in accordance with instructions from the administrator from the operation unit 12 such as registration of departments or accounts in the department management table, modification, deletion, etc. Do.
[0013]
The operation unit 12 includes a display unit and an input unit. The display unit displays various information such as a message for the user, a message indicating the state of the apparatus, and operation guidance. Settings and instructions can be performed. As the display unit, a display device such as an LCD or a blinking display unit such as an LED is provided. As the input unit, various keys and switches, a touch panel provided on the display device, a pointing device used together with the display device, and the like can be provided. Using such a display unit and input unit, registration in the department management table 19, correction change, deletion, and the like can be performed. In addition, when using the apparatus, setting instructions for various functions can be given together with the input of the user's department. In particular, when transmitting by e-mail, it is possible to switch to a transmission mode, input a department code, input a destination, input various settings such as image quality, and start an operation.
[0014]
The reading unit 13 reads an image on a document at the time of image transmission by facsimile or electronic mail, a copy function, or a scanner function. The reading unit 13 can be composed of various image input devices such as an image scanner and a digital camera. The recording unit 14 receives an image received by facsimile or e-mail using the image receiving function, an image read by the reading unit 13 in the copy function, or recording information sent from an external device via the LAN interface 15 in the printer function. An image is formed on a recording sheet. As a recording method, various methods such as an electrophotographic method, an ink jet method, a heat sensitive method, or a thermal transfer method can be adopted.
[0015]
The LAN interface 15 is connected to the LAN 31 and performs communication using the Internet 32 through an external device (not shown) connected to the LAN 31 or a gateway (not shown) connected to the LAN 31. For example, during the scanner function, the image read by the reading unit 13 is transferred to an external device on the LAN 31 according to the control of the main control unit 11. In addition, recording information to be recorded by the recording unit 14 from an external device, transmission information to be transmitted to another device via the facsimile communication unit 16, and reception information received from the other device on the LAN 31 are received. Can be transferred to external devices. Further, when sending by e-mail, the e-mail is sent to a mail server on the LAN 31 or a mail server connected via a gateway on the LAN 31, and an e-mail is received from the mail server.
[0016]
The facsimile communication unit 16 performs facsimile communication with other facsimile apparatuses using a public line or a dedicated line.
[0017]
The image memory 17 stores image data to be transmitted, received image data, image data read by the reading unit 13, image data to be recorded by the recording unit 14, and other image data being processed. In addition, when storing an image in the image memory 17, it can be compressed and stored. The image memory 17 may be provided with a memory box for holding at least received image data for each department. Using this memory box, for example, images received by e-mail or facsimile can be managed for each department.
[0018]
The RAM 18 is used when it is necessary to save data in the processing of the main control unit 11 and other units. In particular, the department management table 19 is stored here. The department management table 19 is a table for registering an account for using the Internet 32 for each department. The department management table 19 is preferably stored in an area in the RAM 18 where the contents are not erased even when the power is turned off.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a department management table. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the department management table 19 includes a department code, an account, and a password field. The department code is a code representing the department. Departments are not limited to departments in actual work, but are a group of users or groups classified by work, not by user, or register multiple departments even for one user. May be. In this way, the department may be set according to the usage mode of the apparatus.
[0020]
The account field stores various information when using the Internet, such as a connection ID, an e-mail address, and an HTTP address when a connection request is made to the provider. The example shown in FIG. 2 shows an example in which the connection ID with the provider is stored. In this case, a password necessary for connecting to the provider is registered in the password field. If the same connection ID is used and a plurality of e-mail addresses are used, an e-mail address for each department may be set in the account field. Of course, the department management table 19 can be configured so that different providers can be used for each department.
[0021]
The configuration of the department management table 19 shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and various other information can be registered in the department management table 19. For example, a password code input from the operation unit 12 can be registered corresponding to each department code. Further, for example, a field such as a usage status for each department may be added.
[0022]
Returning to FIG. 1, the ROM 20 stores a program that defines the operation of the main control unit 11, fixed data, and the like. The department management table 19 may be stored in a rewritable area in the ROM 20.
[0023]
The bus 21 interconnects the main control unit 11, the operation unit 12, the reading unit 13, the recording unit 14, the LAN interface 15, the facsimile communication unit 16, the image memory 17, the RAM 18, the ROM 20, and the like. Data transfer is possible. Of course, in addition to these, various devices such as an external storage device and various interfaces may be connected to the bus 21.
[0024]
Next, an example of the operation in the Internet facsimile apparatus including one embodiment of the communication terminal apparatus of the present invention will be described. Here, the operation at the time of transmission by e-mail will be described in particular. It is preferable to register the department management table 19 in advance before transmitting information using electronic mail. Registration in the department management table 19 can be performed by a user (or a specific administrator) using the operation unit 12, for example. In addition, the department management table 19 is used to set to perform management for each department.
[0025]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an e-mail transmission operation in the Internet facsimile apparatus including one embodiment of the communication terminal apparatus of the present invention. First, in S <b> 41, a document on which an image to be transmitted is drawn is set in the reading unit 13. Subsequently, in S42, the destination e-mail address is input from the operation unit 12. For example, when a one-touch key or an abbreviated key is arranged on the operation unit 12, the destination e-mail address can be input by operating these keys by registering in advance.
[0026]
When the input of the destination e-mail address is completed, it is determined in S43 whether or not the department management is set. When the department management is set to be performed, the account information registered for each department can be used by using the department management table 19. In S44, the user is requested to input a department code from the operation unit 12. In S45, the department management table 19 is searched using the input department code, and an account and password corresponding to the input department code are acquired.
[0027]
At this time, the input department code may not exist in the department management table 19 or the department code may be registered but the corresponding account may not be registered. In S46, it is determined whether or not there is an account corresponding to the department code. If there is an account corresponding to the input department code, the account and password are acquired, and the document by the reading unit 13 is acquired in S48. Start reading an image. At the same time, an e-mail including the read image is generated. And after connecting a line with a provider from a LAN interface via a gateway etc., it authenticates by the acquired account and password, and transmits the produced | generated e-mail after that. In this way, the document image can be transmitted by e-mail using the account corresponding to the input department code.
[0028]
If the department code does not exist in S46 or the corresponding account does not exist, the user receives an account and password input from the operation unit 12 in S47. Thereafter, reading of the document image is started in S48, and an e-mail including the read image is generated. In S49, after connecting the line with the provider from the LAN interface, for example, via a gateway, etc., authentication is performed using the account and password input in S47, and the generated electronic mail is transmitted.
[0029]
If the setting is made so that department management is not performed, in this example, the process proceeds from S43 to S47, and the user receives an account and password input from the operation unit 12 as described above. Then, the document image is read in S48 and an e-mail is transmitted using the account and password input in S49. In addition, for example, a default account and password may be set and the default account and password may be shared when department management is not performed.
[0030]
As described above, whether or not to perform department management is switched according to the setting. Therefore, the setting can be arbitrarily performed in consideration of the use environment of the user, and a communication terminal device that is easier to use can be provided.
[0031]
In the above description of the operation, when the department code is not registered or the account corresponding to the department code is not registered, the account and password can be input from the operation unit 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it can be processed as an error. Alternatively, a default account and password may be used when not registered. Or you may comprise so that the input of an unregistered department code may not be accepted. In this case, when it is determined in S46 that the department code input to the department management table 19 does not exist, the process may return to S44.
[0032]
In addition to selecting an account to be used for each department as described above, for example, communication time, communication charge, and the like can be aggregated for each department, and usage management for each department can be performed.
[0033]
The above department management table 19 can also be used when receiving an e-mail. For example, when a POP is used at the time of receiving an e-mail, it is possible to automatically connect to a provider for each account registered in the department management table 19 and perform an e-mail receiving operation. In this case, it is necessary to register the POP server name, POP account, password, and the like in the department management table 19 as well. The e-mail acquired for each department in this way can be recorded and output from, for example, the recording unit 14 or stored in a memory box corresponding to the department in the image memory 17 according to the setting.
[0034]
For example, when SMTP is used when receiving an e-mail, the destination department can be identified by referring to the destination of the received e-mail and checking the account information in the department management table 19. When sharing with a large number of users, the department may be specified by the domain name of the destination. The received e-mail can be recorded and output from the recording unit 14, for example, or stored in a memory box corresponding to the department in the image memory 17.
[0035]
In this way, it is possible to perform management for each department by using the department management table 19 at the time of reception. In addition, since department management is possible at the time of reception as described above, for example, when the received e-mail is recorded and output from the recording unit 14, the number of used sheets is counted for each department. It is possible to manage usage for each department.
[0036]
In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the communication terminal apparatus of the present invention is applied to an Internet facsimile apparatus having a facsimile transmission / reception function, an electronic mail transmission / reception function, a copy function, a scanner function, a printer function, and the like. However, the communication terminal device of the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another example including an embodiment of a communication terminal apparatus of the present invention. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, for example, a configuration without the facsimile communication unit 16 without the facsimile transmission / reception function may be used. Alternatively, the reading unit 13 may be omitted, and an apparatus that receives information to be transmitted from an interface (not shown) or the LAN interface 15 and transmits the information by e-mail may be used. Similarly, the recording unit 14 may not be provided, and the received information may be transferred from an interface (not shown) or the LAN interface 15 to an external device. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the facsimile communication unit 16, the reading unit 13, and the recording unit 14 are not provided as described above. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, information to be transmitted or received information is exchanged with an external device via the LAN interface 15, and is transmitted / received to / from the other party by e-mail. A device that functions as a server can be configured. Of course, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and can be applied to various devices.
[0037]
In the above description, the communication using the Internet is performed via the LAN interface 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the configuration illustrated in FIG. It is also possible to use a communication function using a line, connect to a provider by dial-up, and send and receive electronic mail. At this time, the telephone number at the time of dial-up can be changed, and the provider can be changed according to the department.
[0038]
Furthermore, in the above description, when information is transmitted / received using the Internet, it is assumed to be transmitted / received in the form of an e-mail. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, an account can be registered for each department. Therefore, even in an environment shared by many users, an account set for each department can be registered. Can be used to send information. As a result, even when communication is performed using the Internet, there is an effect that management for each department can be performed. In addition, it is possible to set whether or not to use an account for each department, and it can be configured to be used by switching, and the user can arbitrarily set according to the user's usage environment. Furthermore, it is also possible to perform management for each department at the time of reception.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an Internet facsimile machine including an embodiment of a communication terminal device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a department management table.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an e-mail transmission operation in an Internet facsimile machine including an embodiment of a communication terminal apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another example including an embodiment of a communication terminal apparatus of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Main control part, 12 ... Operation part, 13 ... Reading part, 14 ... Recording part, 15 ... LAN interface, 16 ... Facsimile communication part, 17 ... Image memory, 18 ... RAM, 19 ... Department management table, 20 ... ROM , 21 ... bus, 31 ... LAN, 32 ... internet.

Claims (3)

Corresponding to the communication means capable of communicating via the Internet, a table capable of registering an account for using the Internet for each department, an input means for inputting information indicating the department, and the department input by the input means Control means for realizing the function of transmitting information from the communication means by e-mail using the account registered in the table, and the control means includes communication time and communication during the e-mail transmission function. A communication terminal apparatus that performs usage management such as a charge for each department. The communication terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches whether to use an account for each department according to the setting. Communication means communicable via the Internet, a table capable of registering an account for using the Internet for each department, and when receiving information by e-mail via the communication means, the destination of the information is the account Control means for managing the received information based on the information indicating the corresponding department with reference to the table, and the control means manages the use of the communication time and the communication fee at the time of the reception function by e-mail. The communication terminal device is performed for each department.

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