JP3929062B2 - Data communication apparatus, data communication method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a data communication apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus capable of performing facsimile communication via the Internet.

  Conventionally, in a facsimile apparatus capable of performing facsimile communication via the Internet, when a destination of communication via the Internet is input, a dedicated line IP (Internet Protocol) connection is made to the destination. Thereafter, the facsimile information was converted into a TIFF (Tag Image File Format) format by the TCP-IP (Transmission Control Protocol-Internet Protocol) protocol, and the facsimile was transmitted according to MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions).

Further, when such communication via the Internet ends in error, a message to that effect is displayed.

  For this reason, when communication via the Internet is selected and the error ends in the middle, there is a drawback that the facsimile information to be transmitted remains untransmitted.

  Also, it was very troublesome to notice that the user was not transmitted and to designate the memory box storing the facsimile information again and select communication via the Internet.

  In the facsimile apparatus as described above, communication via the Internet or communication using a public communication network is selected by an operator's operation.

  Here, facsimile communication via the Internet is cheaper than facsimile communication using a public communication network, but has certain problems in terms of confidentiality, certainty, and immediacy.

  For example, when direct transmission is selected and facsimile communication via the Internet is performed, the communication speed becomes faster than the reading speed, and the reading speed is limited, and there is a disadvantage that the advantages of Internet communication cannot be utilized.

  In addition, when the amount of information to be transmitted is small, facsimile communication via the Internet has a drawback that although there is little communication cost saving, there is no immediacy and there are very few user merits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a data communication apparatus capable of performing efficient communication by effectively operating communication via the Internet and communication using a public communication network.

The present invention relates to a reading means for reading an image on a document, a first communication method for executing communication via the Internet, and a second communication method for executing communication via a public communication network without going through the Internet. A communication unit that transmits image data read by the reading unit to destinations using any one of the communication methods, and data that is transmitted using the first communication method in association with each destination Registered in the registration means for registering the first type of address used for the second type and the second type of address used when data is transmitted using the second communication method. When the image data is transmitted to the destination, the first communication mode in which transmission by the communication unit is started after the reading of the document by the reading unit is completed, and the reading of the document by the reading unit is completed. Prior to accepting from the user designation of which communication mode to use among the second communication modes in which transmission by the communication means is started, and designation that the accepting means uses the first communication mode Is received, the communication unit is controlled to transmit the image data using the first communication method, and the second receiving mode is received when the reception unit receives a designation using the second communication mode. And a control means for controlling the communication means so as to transmit the image data using the communication method.

The present invention also provides a reading means for reading an image on a document, a first communication method for executing communication via the Internet, and a second communication method for executing communication via a public communication network without going through the Internet. The communication means for transmitting the image data obtained by reading by the reading means to the destination using any one of the communication methods, and the data using the first communication method corresponding to each destination A registration unit for registering a first type of destination used when the second communication method is used and a second type of destination used when transmitting data using the second communication method, and the communication unit transmits A determination unit that determines whether the information amount of the image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold; and, as a result of the determination by the determination unit, the information amount of the image data to be transmitted is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold ,Up When the communication means is controlled to transmit the image data using the first communication method, and the information amount of the image data to be transmitted is less than the predetermined threshold, the second communication method is And a control means for controlling the communication means so as to transmit the image data using the data communication apparatus.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a first communication method for performing communication via the Internet with a reading unit that reads an image on a document, or a second method for performing communication via a public communication network without using the Internet. When transmitting data using the first communication method in correspondence with each destination, the communication means for transmitting the image data obtained by reading by the reading unit to the destination using any one of the communication methods A registration unit that registers a first type of destination used and a second type of destination used when data is transmitted using the second communication method; and the reading unit stores an image on a document. As a reading mode at the time of reading, a receiving unit that receives designation from the user as to which of the halftone mode and the character mode is used, and the receiving unit includes the halftone mode. When the designation to use is accepted, the communication means is controlled to transmit the image data using the first communication method, and when the designation means accepts the designation to use the character mode, the second A data communication apparatus comprising: control means for controlling the communication means so as to transmit the image data using a communication method.

According to the first, fourth , and seventh aspects of the present invention, when the mode for starting data transmission is selected before the image reading is completed , the transmission speed is obtained by performing communication via the public communication network. Will not wait much faster than the reading speed, so there will be no waiting for communication, and the confidentiality, certainty, and immediacy of the communication can be ensured, while data transmission is completed after image reading is complete When the mode for starting the communication is selected, it is possible to perform communication via the Internet, thereby enabling communication at a very high speed and greatly reducing communication costs.

Further, according to claim 2, 5,8 invention described, when amount of information of the image data to be transmitted, so to perform the communication via the Internet, and reduce significantly communication costs, transmits When the amount of image data information is small, communication via the public communication network is executed, so that confidentiality, certainty, and immediacy are emphasized, and the cost of communication is extremely low. .

Further, according to claim 3, according to the invention described 6,9, as a reading mode for reading the document, if the half-tone mode is specified because the amount of information increases, by performing communication via the Internet execution Therefore, when the character mode is specified, the amount of information is small, so by performing communication via the public communication network , confidentiality, certainty, In addition to emphasizing immediacy, there is an effect that the increase in communication costs is extremely reduced.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention is the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to first to third embodiments of the present invention.

  The NCU (network control unit) 2 is connected to a terminal of the line to use the telephone network (public communication network) for data communication, etc., and controls connection of the telephone exchange network or switches to a data communication path. Or holding a loop. If the signal level (signal line 20a) from the control circuit 20 is “0”, the NCU 2 connects the telephone line 2a to the telephone 4 side. If the signal level is “1”, the NCU 2 connects the telephone line 2a. It connects to the facsimile machine side. In the normal state, the telephone line 2a is connected to the telephone 4 side.

  The hybrid circuit 6 separates the transmission system signal and the reception system signal, sends the transmission signal from the adder circuit 12 to the telephone line 2a via the NCU 2, receives the signal from the other party via the NCU 2, The signal is sent to the modem 8 via the line 6a.

  The modem 8 is an ITU-T recommendation V.30. 8, V. 21, V.R. 27ter, V.I. 29, V.R. 17, V. The transmission mode is designated by the signal line 20c. The modulator / demodulator 8 inputs a signal output to the signal line 20b, outputs modulation data to the signal line 8a, receives a reception signal output to the signal line 6a, and inputs the demodulated data to the signal line 8b. Output.

  The ANSam transmission circuit 10 is a circuit for transmitting an ANSam signal. When a signal level “1” is output to the signal line 20 d, the ANSam transmission circuit 10 transmits the ANSam signal to the signal line 10 a and the signal level “d” to the signal line 20 d. When a “0” signal is output, no signal is output to the signal line 10a.

  The adder circuit 12 inputs information on the signal line 8a and information on the signal line 10a, and outputs the addition result to the signal line 12a. The reading circuit 14 reads an image of a document and outputs the read image data to a signal line 14a. The recording circuit 16 sequentially records information output to the signal line 20e for each line.

  The memory circuit 18 is used for storing raw information of read data or encoded information, and storing received information or decoded information.

  The calling circuit 22 inputs the telephone number information output to the signal line 20f when a call command pulse is generated on the signal line 20g, and outputs it to the signal line 2b.

  The operation unit 24 has a one-touch dial, abbreviated dial, numeric keypad, * / # key, set key, @ key,. Key, start key, registration key to the circuit 26, and other function keys. Key information is output to the signal line 24a.

  The call destination registration circuit 26 is a circuit for registering a destination using the Internet and a destination using the public communication network via the signal line 26b corresponding to each destination of the one-touch dial and the speed dial.

  The personal computers (PCs) 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 are connected to the LAN via the signal line 20h. The signal line 20h is connected to the Internet network.

  When the communication is selected in the first embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit 20 tries communication via the Internet for a predetermined number of times (three times), and when the communication is not established even if the predetermined number of times is exceeded, Control is performed to try communication using the public communication network a maximum of a predetermined number of times (three times). In addition, after receiving communication via the Internet, if reception confirmation is not obtained within 5 minutes, communication via the Internet is started again, and the other party is busy using the public communication network. If an error occurs, control is performed to make a call using the public communication network to the same destination after 2 minutes. Furthermore, when communication is established by the above control, it is determined that this communication is completed.

  2 to 5 are flowcharts showing the operation of the control circuit 20 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, the operation is first started at S0, and at S2, a signal level "0" is output to the signal line 20a, and the CML is turned off. In S4, a signal level “0” is output to the signal line 20d, and the ANSam signal is not transmitted.

  In S6, information on the signal line 24a is input, and it is determined whether or not one-touch dial or abbreviated dial registration is selected. If selected, the process proceeds to S8, and if not selected, the process proceeds to S10.

  In S8, the telephone number of the public communication network and the IP address of the other party of the Internet are registered in the call destination registration circuit 26 via the signal line 26a in correspondence with the one-touch dial or speed dial. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S10.

  In S10, it is determined whether or not the one-touch dial or the abbreviated dial is pressed. If not pressed, the process proceeds to S12 and other processing is performed.

  When the button is pressed, the process proceeds to S14, where 1 is set to a counter K that counts the number of communications using the Internet.

  In S16, the Internet network is used to connect to the IP address registered corresponding to the selected one-touch dial or speed dial. In S18, the TCP / IP protocol is executed. Here, the information to be transmitted is encoded in the TIFF format and transmitted by MIME.

  In S20, when the reception cannot be confirmed from the other party after completion of the communication on the Internet, 5 minutes is set as a time for trying again the communication on the Internet.

  In S22, it is determined whether or not reception confirmation information has been received from the destination POP (Post Office Protocol) server to which the connection has been made. If the response is an affirmative response, Internet communication has been established. If yes, the process proceeds to S24.

  In S24, it is determined whether or not the timer has timed out. When the time is over, the process proceeds to S26, and when the time is not over, the process proceeds to S22.

  In S26, it is determined whether or not the counter K is 3 or more. If it is not 3 or more, the process proceeds to S28, the value of the counter K is incremented by one, Internet communication is attempted again, and if it is 3 or more, Next, in order to make a call to a telephone number using a public communication network, the process proceeds to S30.

  In S30, 1 is set to a counter L that counts the number of communications using the public communication network. In S32, the calling circuit 22 is used to call the registered telephone number of the public communication network corresponding to the selected one-touch dial or speed dial.

  In S34, the signal level “1” is output to the signal line 24a, and the CML is turned on. In S36, a pre-procedure is performed. In S38, it is determined whether or not a busy tone is detected from the other party. If a busy tone is detected, the process proceeds to S50 in order to interrupt communication, and if a busy tone is not detected, the process proceeds to S40.

  In S40, it is determined whether or not the pre-procedure is finished. If the pre-procedure is not finished, the process proceeds to S36, and if the pre-procedure is finished, the process proceeds to S42.

  In S42, the image signal is transmitted. Here, a procedure for executing communication of a plurality of pages is also included. In S44, it is determined whether or not a communication error has occurred in the transmission of the image signal and in the procedure. If a communication error occurs, the process proceeds to S55 to interrupt the communication, and if a communication error has not occurred, the process proceeds to S46. .

  In S46, it is determined whether or not the transmission of the image signal is completed. If it is not completed, the process proceeds to S42. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to S48, where a post-procedure is executed. In S50, the signal level “0” is output to the signal line 20a to turn off the CML.

  In S52, it is determined whether or not the counter E is 3 or more. If it is 3 or more, the communication is given up, so the process proceeds to S2, and if it is not 3 or more, the process proceeds to S54 and the value of the counter E is incremented by one. In S56, the process waits for 2 minutes and proceeds to S32.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, after the communication via the Internet is executed in the first embodiment described above, the time until this communication is not established and the communication via the Internet is started again is one communication. The length is gradually increased.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing portions of the operation of the second embodiment different from those of the first embodiment (FIGS. 2 to 5).

  In FIG. 6, S60 represents S18. In S62, a value obtained by multiplying the value of the counter K by 3 minutes is stored in the timer. In S64, the process proceeds to S22.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, in the first embodiment described above, after the communication via the Internet is executed, if this communication is not established and the communication impossible information is received, a predetermined time (for example, immediately) is received from here. Only after a predetermined number of times (3 times in total), communication over the Internet is tried.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing portions of the operation of the third embodiment that are different from the first embodiment (FIGS. 2 to 5).

  In FIG. 7, S70 represents No in S24. In S72, it is determined whether or not it has been detected that communication of the currently connected mail is impossible. If detected, the process proceeds to S74 (S26), and if not detected, the process proceeds to S76 (S22).

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the parallel processing of a plurality of JOBs is not mentioned. However, the above-mentioned waiting time for the end of communication on the Internet and the redialing of the public communication network. Other JOBs may be executed during the waiting time.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the fourth to sixth embodiments of the present invention.

  The NCU (network control unit) 102 is connected to a terminal of the line to use the telephone network (public communication network) for data communication or the like, and controls connection of the telephone exchange network or switches to a data communication path. Or holding a loop. If the signal level (signal line 120a) from the control circuit 120 is “0”, the NCU 102 connects the telephone line 102a to the telephone 104 side. If the signal level is “1”, the NCU 102 connects the telephone line 102a. It connects to the facsimile machine side. In the normal state, the telephone line 102a is connected to the telephone 104 side.

  The hybrid circuit 106 separates the transmission system signal and the reception system signal, sends the transmission signal from the adder circuit 112 to the telephone line 102a via the NCU 102, receives the signal from the other party via the NCU 102, The signal is sent to the modem 108 via the line 106a.

  The modem 108 is an ITU-T recommendation V.30. 8, V. 21, V.R. 27ter, V.I. 29, V.R. 17, V. 34, modulation and demodulation are performed, and each transmission mode is designated by a signal line 120c. The modulator / demodulator 108 inputs a signal output to the signal line 120b, outputs modulated data to the signal line 108a, receives a reception signal output to the signal line 106a, and inputs the demodulated data to the signal line 108b. Output.

  The ANSam transmission circuit 110 is a circuit for transmitting an ANSam signal. When a signal level “1” is output to the signal line 120d, the ANSam transmission circuit 110 transmits the ANSam signal to the signal line 110a and outputs the signal level “1” to the signal line 120d. When a “0” signal is output, no signal is output to the signal line 110a.

  The adder circuit 112 inputs information on the signal line 108a and information on the signal line 110a, and outputs the addition result to the signal line 112a. The reading circuit 114 reads an image of a document and outputs the read image data to a signal line 114a. The recording circuit 116 sequentially records information output to the signal line 120e for each line.

  The memory circuit 118 is used for storing raw information of read data or encoded information, and storing received information or decoded information.

  When a call command pulse is generated on the signal line 120g, the calling circuit 122 inputs the telephone number information output to the signal line 120f and outputs a selection signal to the signal line 102b.

  The call destination registration circuit 124, corresponding to the one-touch dial and speed dial call destinations, signals a destination (telephone number) for G3 communication using PSTN and a destination (IP address) for data communication using the Internet. It is a circuit that registers via the line 124a.

  The direct transmission selection button 126 is a selection button used when selecting direct transmission. When this button 126 is pressed, a pressing pulse is generated on the signal line 126a.

  The direct transmission display circuit 128 is turned off when a clear pulse is generated in the signal line 120h, and thereafter is repeatedly turned on, turned off, and turned on every time a pressing pulse is generated on the signal line 126a. The direct transmission display circuit 128 outputs a signal level “1” to the signal line 128 a when it is lit, and outputs a signal level “0” to the signal line 128 a when it is not lit.

  The reading mode selection button 130 is a button for selecting a reading mode, and when this button 130 is pressed, a pressing pulse is generated on the signal line 130a.

  When the clear pulse is generated on the signal line 120i, the reading mode display circuit 132 displays “character mode”, and thereafter, every time a pressing pulse is generated on the signal line 130a, “halftone mode” → “character mode” → “ “Halftone tone” is displayed. The reading mode display circuit 132 outputs a signal level “0” to the signal line 132a when “character mode” is displayed, and outputs a signal to the signal line 132a when “halftone mode” is displayed. A level “1” signal is output.

  The operation unit 134 includes a one-touch dial, abbreviated dial, numeric keypad, * / # key, @ key,. Key, set key, start key, registration key to the circuit 124, and other function keys. Key information is output to the signal line 134a.

  The signal line 150 a is a LAN, and the PC 140, the PC 142, the PC 144, the PC 146, and the PC 148 are connected to the LAN, and are connected to the Internet 150 provider. Further, the signal line 102 a which is the telephone line described above is connected to a PSTN (public telephone network) 152.

  In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when the communication is selected, the control circuit 120 controls the direct transmission to be performed through the public communication network and the memory transmission to be performed through the Internet.

  9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the operation of the control circuit 120 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in FIG. 9, the operation starts in S100, and in S102, a clear pulse is generated in the signal line 120h, and the direct transmission display circuit 128 is turned off.

  In S104, a clear pulse is generated on the signal line 20i, and the reading mode display circuit 132 is displayed as the character mode. In S106, a signal level “0” is output to the signal line 124a, and the CML is turned off.

  In S108, the signal level “0” is output to the signal line 120d, and the ANSam signal is not transmitted.

  In S110, information on the signal line 134a is input, and it is determined whether or not address registration is selected. If selected, the process proceeds to S112, and the PSTN is used corresponding to the call destination via the signal line 124a. Then, the G3 communication telephone number and the IP address for data communication using the Internet are registered in the address registration circuit corresponding to the call destination, and if not selected, the process proceeds to S114.

  In S114, it is determined whether or not a call is selected. If a call is selected, the process proceeds to S118. If a call is not selected, the process proceeds to S116 and other processing is performed.

  In S118, information on the signal line 128a is input, and it is determined whether or not direct transmission is selected. If direct transmission is selected, the process proceeds to S120, and if memory transmission is selected, the process proceeds to S130.

  In S120, the calling circuit 122 calls the designated destination using the PSTN line.

  In S122, the signal level “1” is output to the signal line 120a to turn on the CML.

  In S124, V.I. 8 or V.I. 21 is performed. 27ten, V.I. 29, V.R. 17 or V.I. 34 image transmissions are performed. In S128, V.I. 34, or V.I. 21 steps are performed.

  In S130, the transmission information is read, encoded, and stored in the memory circuit 118. Here, the memory usage for this communication is counted simultaneously.

  In S132, it is determined whether or not the reading of the transmission information is completed. If not completed, the process proceeds to S130, and if completed, the process proceeds to S134. In S134, a connection is made to the designated destination via the Internet.

  In S136, the TCP-IP protocol is executed. In S138, the image data in the TIFF format is transmitted by MIMF by SMTP.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, when memory transmission is selected in the fourth embodiment, the communication is performed via the public communication network when the amount of information to be transmitted is small, and the Internet is transmitted when the amount of information to be transmitted is large. Communication via

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing portions of the operation of the fifth embodiment that are different from the fourth embodiment (FIGS. 9 and 10).

  In FIG. 11, S140 represents YES in S132. In S142, it is determined whether the information amount of the current communication stored in the memory in S130 is 4 Mbits or more. If it is 4 Mbits or more, the process proceeds to S144 (S134) and is less than 4 Mbits. The process proceeds to S146 (S120).

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, when the memory transmission is selected, when the halftone mode is selected as the reading mode at that time, communication is performed via the Internet. When the character mode is selected, the public communication network is selected. Communication.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing portions of the operation of the sixth embodiment that are different from the fourth embodiment (FIGS. 9 and 10).

  In FIG. 11, S150 represents YES in S132. In S152, it is determined whether or not the reading mode when stored in the memory is the halftone mode. If it is the halftone mode, the process proceeds to S154 (S134), and if it is the character mode, the process proceeds to S156 (S120).

  Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

  An NCU (network control unit) 202 is connected to a terminal of the line to use the telephone network for data communication or the like, and controls connection of the telephone exchange network, switches to a data communication path, or loops. Holding. If the signal level (signal line 220a) from the control circuit 220 is “0”, the NCU 202 connects the telephone line 202a to the telephone 204 side. If the signal level is “1”, the NCU 202 connects the telephone line 202a. It connects to the facsimile machine side. In the normal state, the telephone line 202a is connected to the telephone 204 side.

  The hybrid circuit 206 separates the transmission system signal and the reception system signal, sends the transmission signal from the addition circuit 212 to the telephone line 202a via the NCU 202, receives the signal from the other party via the NCU 202, The signal is sent to the modem 208 via the line 206a.

  The modem 208 is an ITU-T recommendation V.30. 8, V. 21, V.R. 27ter, V.I. 29, V.R. 17, V. 34, modulation and demodulation are performed, and each transmission mode is designated by a signal line 220c. The modem 208 receives the signal output to the signal line 220b, outputs the modulated data to the signal line 208a, receives the received signal output to the signal line 206a, and inputs the demodulated data to the signal line 208b. Output.

  The ANSam transmission circuit 210 is a circuit that transmits an ANSam signal. When a signal level “1” is output to the signal line 220d, the ANSam transmission circuit 210 transmits an ANSam signal to the signal line 210a and outputs a signal level “1” to the signal line 220d. When a “0” signal is output, no signal is output to the signal line 210a.

  The adding circuit 212 inputs information on the signal line 208a and information on the signal line 210a, and outputs the addition result to the signal line 212a. The reading circuit 214 reads an image of a document and outputs the read image data to a signal line 214a. The recording circuit 216 sequentially records information output to the signal line 220e for each line.

  The memory circuit 218 is used for storing raw information of read data or encoded information, and storing received information or decoded information.

  When a call command pulse is generated on the signal line 220g, the calling circuit 222 inputs the telephone number information output to the signal line 220f, and outputs a selection signal to the signal line 202b.

  The operation unit 224 includes a one-touch dial, an abbreviated dial, a numeric keypad, a * key, a key, a # key, a key, an @ key, a registration key to the circuits 226, 228, 230, a set key, a start key, and other function keys. And the pressed key information is output to the signal line 224a.

  The registration circuit 226 is a circuit for registering a call destination, and an address to be connected using the Internet and a telephone number using a public communication network corresponding to each one-touch dial and speed dial destination are signal lines. Register via 226b.

  The registration circuit 228 is a circuit for registering a default value of a predetermined number of times A for challenging communication via the Internet via the signal line 228a.

  The registration circuit 230 uses the default value of the predetermined number of times B in order to continue the communication for the predetermined number of times B via the public communication network when the connection cannot be established even if the communication is attempted for the predetermined number of times A via the Internet. It is a circuit that registers via the signal line 230a.

  The PC 240, PC 242, PC 244, and PC 246 are connected to the LAN via the signal line 220h and further connected to the Internet 248. A signal line 202 a that is a telephone line is connected to the public communication network 250.

  In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, when the communication is selected, the control circuit 220 tries communication over the Internet for a predetermined number of times A, and when the communication is not established even if the predetermined number of times A is tried, Control is performed to try communication using the network a maximum of a predetermined number of times B, and control is performed to change these predetermined times A and B depending on conditions.

  For example, when facsimile transmission is selected, the amount of information to be communicated is estimated. If the amount of information A is 10 Mbits or more, the predetermined number A should be 2 plus 5 Mbits or more as registered in the circuit 228. If it is 0.5 Mbit or less, it is minus 2. If it is 1 Mbit or less, it is minus 1.

  The predetermined number B is plus 2 if the amount of information is 0.5 Mbit or less, plus 1 if the amount of information is 1 Mbit or less, and minus 2 if the information amount is 10 Mbit or more. Then, if it is 5 Mbit or more, it is set to minus 1.

  14 to 19 are flowcharts showing the operation of the control circuit 220 in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in S202, a signal level “0” is output to the signal line 220a to turn off the CML. In S204, the signal level “0” is output to the signal line 220d so that the ANSam signal is not transmitted.

  In S206, information on the signal line 224a is input, and it is determined whether or not one-touch dial or abbreviated dial registration is selected. If not selected, the process proceeds to S210. If selected, the process proceeds to S208.

  In S208, the telephone number of the public communication network and the IP address of the other party of the Internet are registered in the call destination registration circuit 226 via the signal line 226a in correspondence with the one-touch dial or the speed dial.

  In S210, the information of the signal line 224a is input, and it is determined whether or not the predetermined number A of registrations is selected. If selected, the process proceeds to S212, and if not selected, the process proceeds to S214.

  In S212, the default value of the number of times of attempting communication via the Internet via the signal line 228a is registered in the registration circuit 228, for example.

  In S214, information on the signal line 224a is input, and it is determined whether or not the predetermined number of times B registration is selected. If selected, the process proceeds to S216, and if not selected, the process proceeds to S218.

  In S 216, for example, 3 is registered in the registration circuit 230 as a default value of the number of times of trying communication via the public communication network when communication via the Internet via the signal line 230 a is not possible.

  In S218, information on the signal line 224a is input, and it is determined whether or not the one-touch dial or speed dial is pressed. If yes, the process proceeds to S222, and if not, the process proceeds to S220. do.

  In S 222, the information to be transmitted is encoded into K = 8 MR and stored in the memory circuit 218. At the same time, the encoding amount is counted.

  In S224, it is determined whether or not all pages have been read. If not, the process proceeds to S222. If completed, the process proceeds to S226.

  In S226, the information of the signal line 228a is input, and the information stored in the registration circuit 228 is stored in the predetermined number A.

  In S228, the information of the signal line 230a is input, and the information stored in the registration circuit 230 is stored in the predetermined number of times B.

  In S230, S232, S234, and S236, the encoding amount of the transmission information is determined, and if it is 0.5 Mbit or less, the value of the predetermined number A is minus 2 (S238), and the value of the predetermined number B is 2 (S240). If the value exceeds 0.5 Mbit and is 1 Mbit or less, the value of the predetermined number of times A is minus 1 (S242), the value of the predetermined number of times B is plus 1 (S244), and if the value is 10 Mbit or more, the value of the predetermined number of times A Is incremented by 2 (S246), the value of the predetermined number of times B is decremented by 2 (S248), and if it is 5 Mbit or more and less than 10 Mbit, the value of the predetermined number of times A is incremented by 1 (S250). 1 (S252), otherwise, the values of the predetermined times A and B are not changed. If the minus result is less than 1, 1 is set.

  In S254, 1 is set to a counter that counts the number of calls made to the Internet. In S256, the Internet network is used to connect to the registered IP address corresponding to the selected one-touch dial or speed dial.

  In S258, the TCP-IP protocol is executed, and the transmission information is encoded in the TIFF format and transmitted by MIME. In S260, the timer is set to 3 minutes.

  In S262 and S264, it is determined whether or not reception confirmation has been received from the connected destination POP server within the time limit of the timer, and if reception confirmation is received, the process proceeds to S202, communication ends, and if time expires, the process proceeds to S266. move on.

  In S266, it is determined whether or not the counter value is greater than or equal to the predetermined number A. If it is a negative response, the process proceeds to S268, the counter value is incremented by one, and if it is an affirmative response, the process proceeds to S270.

  In S270, 1 is set to a counter that counts the number of calls made to the public communication network. In S272, the calling circuit 222 is used to call the registered telephone number corresponding to the selected one-touch dial or speed dial, and to connect to the public communication network.

  In S274, the signal level “1” is output to the signal line 220a, and the CML is turned on. In S276, a pre-procedure is performed. In S278, it is determined whether or not a busy tone is detected. If a busy tone is detected, the process proceeds to S288. If a busy tone is not detected, the process proceeds to S280.

  In S280, it is determined whether or not the pre-procedure is finished. If finished, the process proceeds to S282, and if not finished, the process proceeds to S276.

  In step S282, image signal transmission and post-procedures are performed. In step S284, it is determined whether or not communication is completed. If not completed, the process proceeds to S282, and if completed, the process proceeds to S286.

  In S286, it is determined whether or not the process is an error end. If the process ends normally, the process proceeds to S202. If the process ends in error, the process proceeds to S288. In S288, a signal level “0” is output to the signal line 220a, and the CML is turned off.

  In S290, it is determined whether or not the counter value is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times B. If the counter value is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times B, the process proceeds to S290. If it is less than the predetermined number of times B, the process proceeds to S292. Wait for 2 minutes in S294.

  In S296, it is recorded in the communication result report that communication on the Internet or public communication network has been attempted but is impossible. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S202.

  Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the eighth embodiment, when urgent communication is selected in accordance with an input from the user, communication is performed via the PSTN network to ensure real-time performance, and when non-urgent communication is selected, the Internet network The communication cost can be greatly reduced by performing communication through the network.

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the eighth to eleventh embodiments of the present invention.

  An NCU (network control unit) 302 is connected to a terminal of the line to use the telephone network for data communication or the like, and controls connection of the telephone exchange network, switches to a data communication path, or loops. Holding. If the signal level (signal line 320a) from the control circuit 320 is “0”, the NCU 302 connects the telephone line 302a to the telephone 304 side. If the signal level is “1”, the NCU 302 connects the telephone line 302a. It connects to the facsimile machine side. In the normal state, the telephone line 302a is connected to the telephone 4 side.

  The hybrid circuit 306 separates the transmission system signal and the reception system signal, sends the transmission signal from the addition circuit 312 to the telephone line 302a via the NCU 302, receives the signal from the other party via the NCU 302, The signal is sent to the modem 308 via the line 306a.

  The modem 308 is an ITU-T recommendation V.30. 8, V. 21, V.R. 27ter, V.I. 29, V.R. 17, V. 34, modulation and demodulation are performed, and each transmission mode is designated by a signal line 320c. The modem 308 inputs a signal output to the signal line 320b, outputs modulated data to the signal line 308a, receives a reception signal output to the signal line 306a, and inputs the demodulated data to the signal line 308b. Output.

  The ANSam transmission circuit 310 is a circuit for transmitting an ANSam signal. When a signal level “1” is output to the signal line 320d, the ANSam transmission circuit 310 transmits the ANSam signal to the signal line 310a and the signal level “320”. When a “0” signal is output, no signal is output to the signal line 310a.

  The adder circuit 312 inputs information on the signal line 308a and information on the signal line 310a, and outputs the addition result to the signal line 312a. The reading circuit 314 reads an image of a document and outputs the read image data to a signal line 314a. The recording circuit 316 sequentially records information output to the signal line 320e for each line.

  The memory circuit 318 is used for storing raw information of read data or encoded information, and storing received information or decoded information.

  When a call command pulse is generated on the communication line 320g, the calling circuit 322 inputs the telephone number information output to the signal line 320f and sends a selection signal (specifically, a DTMF signal) to the signal line 302b. .

  The operation unit 324 includes a one-touch dial, abbreviated dial, numeric keypad, *, #,..., @ Key, a registration key to the registration circuit 326, a start key, a set key, other function keys, and the like. The signal is output to the signal line 324a.

  The destination information registration circuit 326 is a destination information registration circuit corresponding to a destination, and corresponds to one destination, destination information (specifically, a telephone number) via the PSTN network, and destination information via the Internet network. Can be registered via the signal line 326a.

  The urgency level selection button 328 is a button for selecting the urgency level of communication to be executed from now on. When this button 328 is pressed, a pressing pulse is generated on the signal line 328a.

  The urgency level display circuit 330 is a circuit for displaying the urgency level of communication. When a clear pulse is generated on the signal line 20h, “slow” is displayed, and thereafter, every time a pressing pulse is generated on the signal line 328a, “ “Hurry” → “Slow” → “Hurry” is displayed. Here, the display circuit 330 outputs a signal level “0” to the signal line 330a when “slow” is displayed, and the signal level “1” to the signal line 330a when “rush” is displayed. The signal is output.

  Personal computers (PCs) 332, 334, 336, 338, and 340 are connected to the facsimile apparatus via a LAN (specifically, signal line 320i) and directly connected to the Internet 358.

  The PSTN 354 is connected to the facsimile apparatus via the signal line 302a, is connected to the FAXD 353 via the signal line 353b, is connected to the service provider A342 via the signal line 342a, and is connected to the service provider A342 via the signal line 344a. And is connected to the PSTN 356 via a signal line 354a.

  The PSTN 356 is connected to the FAXB 350 via the signal line 350a, connected to the FAXC 352 via the signal line 352a, connected to the service provider B346 via the signal line 346a, and connected to the FAX service provider C348 via the signal line 348a. Is done.

  The Internet 358 is connected to the service provider A 342 via the signal line 342b, connected to the FAX service provider A 342 via the signal line 344b, connected to the service provider B 346 via the signal line 346b, and via the signal line 348b. It is connected to a FAX service provider C348, connected to the facsimile apparatus via a signal line 320i, and connected to a FAXD 353 via a signal line 353a.

  In the eighth embodiment of the present invention, the control circuit 320 inputs a request for the time until the communication is completed, whereby a short time, that is, a urgent communication is required. When the facsimile communication using only the PSTN network is executed and it is requested that the time until the communication is completed is long, that is, it is not a urgent communication, the facsimile communication via the Internet is executed. .

  Specifically, the registration circuit 326 is used to correspond to a communication destination, and a destination used for urgent communication (telephone number only for PSTN) and a destination used for non-urgent communication (telephone number of PSTN to be dialed up, The other party's service provider or the other party's IP address) is registered, and if urgent communication is requested, facsimile communication using only the PSTN network is executed. If urgent communication is not requested, dial-up connection is performed. E-mail type facsimile communication is executed via the service provider.

  21 to 23 are flowcharts showing the control flow of the control circuit 320 in the eighth embodiment.

  In FIG. 21, the operation is started in S300, and all the information in the registration circuit 326 is cleared through the signal line 326a in S302.

  In S304, a clear pulse is generated in the signal line 320b, and “slow” is displayed on the communication emergency level display circuit 330 as the communication emergency level. In S306, the signal level “0” is output to the signal line 320a, and the CML is turned off. In S308, the signal level “0” is output to the signal line 320d, and the ANSam signal is not transmitted.

  In S310, information on the signal line 324a is input to determine whether registration in the circuit 326 is selected. If registration is selected, the process proceeds to S312. If registration is not selected, the process proceeds to S314.

  In S312, the PSTN telephone number as the “hurry” destination corresponding to the destination, the PSTN telephone number to be dialed up as the “slow” destination, and the destination IP address are sent to the registration circuit 326 via the signal line 326a. sign up. After this, the process proceeds to S314.

  In S314, information on the signal line 324a is input, and it is determined whether or not a call is selected. If a call is selected, the process proceeds to S318. If no call is selected, the process proceeds to S316, and other processing is performed. do.

  In S318, information on the signal line 330a is input, and the urgency level of the communication is checked. If it is “hurry”, the process proceeds to S320, and if it is “slow”, the process proceeds to S330.

  In S320, the calling circuit 322 is used to call the urgent PSTN telephone number registered in the registration circuit 326.

  In S322, a signal level “1” is output to the signal line 320a, and the CML is turned on. In S324, V.I. 21, or V.I. 8, or V.I. 34 performs the pre-procedure.

  In S326, V.I. 27ter or V. 29, or V.I. 17, or V.I. 34, the image signal is transmitted. 21, or V.I. 8, or V.I. The post-procedure according to 23 is performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S306.

  In S330, a call is made using the PSTN to the slow service provider telephone number registered in the registration circuit 326 using the calling circuit 322. In S332, a signal level “1” is output to the signal line 320a, and the CML is turned on.

  In S334, a PPP (Point to Point Protocol) protocol is executed. In S336, the facsimile information is MH-encoded, and an application based on SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is executed using the TCP / IP protocol. Here, the IP address of the other party registered in the registration circuit 326 is designated as the IP. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S306.

  Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the ninth embodiment, when urgent communication is requested, facsimile communication using only the PSTN network is executed, and when urgent communication is not requested, the facsimile service provider is connected and facsimile communication is executed.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing portions of the operation of the ninth embodiment different from those of the eighth embodiment (FIGS. 21 to 23).

  In FIG. 24, S340 represents YES in S310. Then, S342 corresponds to the destination to the registration circuit 326 via the signal line 326a, the telephone number of the PSTN as the “hurry” destination, the telephone number of the FAX service provider connected by the PSTN as the “slow” destination, and Registers unique information indicating the destination. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S314 in S344.

  S346 represents the slowness of S318. In S348, a call is made using the PSTN to the telephone number of the FAX service provider that is registered in the registration circuit 326 using the calling circuit 322 and is connected to the slow destination PSTN.

  In step S350, a signal level “1” is output to the signal line 320a, and the CML is turned on.

  In S352, V.I. 21, or V.I. 8, or V.I. 34 performs the pre-procedure. Here, the unique information that is registered in the registration circuit 326 and that represents the transmission destination corresponding to the slow destination is transmitted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S326 in S354.

  Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the tenth embodiment, when urgent communication is requested, facsimile communication using only the PSTN network is executed. When urgent communication is not requested, e-mail type facsimile communication is executed via the LAN. .

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing portions of the operation of the tenth embodiment that are different from the eighth embodiment (FIGS. 21 to 23).

  In FIG. 25, S360 represents YES in S310. In step S362, the PSTN telephone number is registered as the “hurry” destination and the other party's IP address is registered as the “slow” destination in the registration circuit 326 via the signal line 326a. In S364, the process proceeds to S314.

  S366 represents the slowness of S318, and the process proceeds directly to S336 at S368. That is, the operations of S330 to S334 are not performed here.

  Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the eleventh embodiment, when urgent communication is requested from the user, the destination input using only the PSTN network is designated to the user, and when the user requests non-intermittent communication, the destination via the Internet network is designated. To input to the user. In this case, for example, a call with a numeric keypad, @, and keys is considered.

  FIGS. 26 and 27 are flowcharts showing portions of the operation of the eleventh embodiment that are different from the eighth embodiment (FIGS. 21 to 23).

  In FIG. 26, S370 represents the rush of S318. In S372, the display unit (not shown) displays that the phone number of the transmission destination using PSTN should be input.

  In step S374, information on the signal line 324a is input, and a telephone number of a transmission destination using the PSTN is input. In S376, the calling circuit 322 is used to make a call to the designated (input) PSTN telephone number. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S322 in S378.

  S380 represents the slowness of S318. In step S382, the display unit (not shown) displays that the phone number of the service provider and the IP address of the transmission destination should be input.

  In step S384, information on the signal line 24a is input, and the telephone number of the service provider and the IP address of the transmission destination are input. In S386, the calling circuit 322 is used to make a call using the PSTN to the designated (input) telephone number of the service provider.

  In S388, a signal level “1” is output to the signal line 320a, and the CML is turned on. In S390, the PPP protocol is executed, and in S392, the facsimile information is MH-encoded and the SMTP application is executed by the TCP / IP protocol. Here, as the IP, the IP address of the input transmission destination is designated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S306 in S394.

  The operation of the control circuit as described above is performed by a CPU in the control circuit based on a program stored in a ROM, a RAM, or the like in the control circuit. However, in the present invention, such a program is stored in a floppy disk, hard disk, Alternatively, it is stored in various external storage media such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc., and is taken into a control circuit by a dedicated reading device and executed by a CPU in the control circuit. Also good.

In the above embodiment, a stand-alone type facsimile apparatus has been described as an example. It can be applied to data communication control in a typical data processing system. Further, the present invention can be similarly applied to a communication device separated from a reading circuit and a recording circuit.

It is a block diagram which shows the 1st-3rd Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 3rd Example. It is a block diagram which shows the 4th-6th Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 4th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 4th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 5th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 6th Example. It is a block diagram which shows 7th Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 7th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 7th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 7th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 7th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 7th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 7th Example. It is a block diagram which shows the 8th-11th Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 8th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 8th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 8th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 9th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 10th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 11th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the said 11th Example.

Explanation of symbols

2, 102, 202, 302 ... NCU,
4, 104, 204, 304 ... telephone,
6, 106, 206, 306 ... hybrid circuit,
8, 108, 208, 308 ... modem
10, 110, 210, 310 ... ANSam sending circuit,
12, 112, 212, 312 ... adder circuit,
14, 114, 214, 314... Reading circuit,
16, 116, 216, 316 ... recording circuit,
18, 118, 218, 318 ... memory circuit,
20, 120, 220, 320 ... control circuit,
22, 122, 222, 322 ... calling circuit,
24, 134, 224, 324 ... operation unit,
26, 226 ... Call destination registration circuit,
124: Address display circuit,
126 ... Direct transmission selection button,
128 ... direct transmission display circuit,
130 ... Reading mode selection button,
132: Reading mode display circuit,
140-148, 240-246, 332-340 ... PC,
150, 248, 358 ... Internet,
152, 154, 156 ... PSTN,
228 ... A registration circuit a predetermined number of times,
230... A predetermined number of B registration circuits,
250 ... Public network,
326... Destination information registration circuit,
328 ... Urgency selection button,
330 ... Urgency display circuit,
342, 346 ... service providers,
344, 348 ... FAX service provider,
350, 352, 353 ... FAX.

Claims (9)

Reading means for reading an image on a document;
The reading means uses any one of the first communication method for executing communication via the Internet and the second communication method for executing communication via the public communication network without going through the Internet. A communication means for transmitting image data obtained by reading to a destination;
Corresponding to each destination, the first type of destination used when transmitting data using the first communication method and the first type used when transmitting data using the second communication method. Registration means for registering two types of destinations;
When transmitting the image data to a destination registered in the registration unit, a first communication mode in which transmission by the communication unit is started after the reading of the document by the reading unit is completed, and a document by the reading unit Accepting means for accepting from the user the designation of which communication mode to use among the second communication modes for starting transmission by the communication means before reading is completed;
When the accepting means accepts designation using the first communication mode, the accepting means controls the communicating means to transmit the image data using the first communication method, and the accepting means controls the second communication mode. Control means for controlling the communication means so as to transmit the image data using the second communication method when the designation using the communication mode is received;
A data communication apparatus comprising: Reading means for reading an image on a document;
The reading means uses any one of the first communication method for executing communication via the Internet and the second communication method for executing communication via the public communication network without going through the Internet. A communication means for transmitting image data obtained by reading to a destination;
Corresponding to each destination, the first type of destination used when transmitting data using the first communication method and the first type used when transmitting data using the second communication method. Registration means for registering two types of destinations;
Determination means for determining whether the amount of information of the image data transmitted by the communication means is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
If the information amount of the image data to be transmitted is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold as a result of the determination by the determination unit, the communication unit is controlled to transmit the image data using the first communication method. And when the information amount of the image data to be transmitted is less than the predetermined threshold value, a control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the image data using the second communication method;
A data communication apparatus comprising: Reading means for reading an image on a document;
Using the first communication method for executing communication via the Internet or the second communication method for executing communication via the public communication network without going through the Internet, the reading means reads and obtains it. A communication means for transmitting the image data to the destination;
Corresponding to each destination, the first type of destination used when transmitting data using the first communication method and the first type used when transmitting data using the second communication method. Registration means for registering two types of destinations;
Accepting means for accepting designation from the user as to which of the halftone mode and the character mode is used as a reading mode when the reading means reads an image on a document;
When the accepting means accepts designation using the halftone mode, the communicating means is controlled to transmit the image data using the first communication method, and the accepting means designates using the character mode. Control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the image data using the second communication method,
A data communication apparatus comprising: A reading process for reading an image on a document;
In the reading step, any one of the first communication method for executing communication via the Internet and the second communication method for executing communication via the public communication network without going through the Internet may be used. A communication step of transmitting image data obtained by reading to a destination;
Corresponding to each destination, the first type of destination used when transmitting data using the first communication method and the first type used when transmitting data using the second communication method. A registration process for registering two types of destinations;
When the image data is transmitted to the destination registered in the registration step, the first communication mode in which transmission by the communication step is started after the reading of the document in the reading step is completed, and the document in the reading step is An accepting step of accepting from the user the designation of which communication mode to use among the second communication modes in which transmission by the communication step is started before the reading is completed;
When the designation using the first communication mode is accepted in the acceptance step, the communication step is controlled to transmit the image data using the first communication method, and the second step is performed in the acceptance step. A control step of controlling the communication step so as to transmit the image data using the second communication method when the designation using the communication mode is accepted;
A data communication method comprising: A reading process for reading an image on a document;
In the reading step, any one of the first communication method for executing communication via the Internet and the second communication method for executing communication via the public communication network without going through the Internet may be used. A communication means for transmitting image data obtained by reading to a destination;
Corresponding to each destination, the first type of destination used when transmitting data using the first communication method and the first type used when transmitting data using the second communication method. A registration process for registering two types of destinations;
A determination step of determining whether the amount of information of the image data transmitted in the communication step is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
As a result of the determination in the determination step, when the information amount of the image data to be transmitted is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the communication step is controlled to transmit the image data using the first communication method. And when the information amount of the image data to be transmitted is less than the predetermined threshold, a control step for controlling the communication step to transmit the image data using the second communication method;
A data communication method comprising: A reading process for reading an image on a document;
In the reading step, any one of the first communication method for executing communication via the Internet and the second communication method for executing communication via the public communication network without going through the Internet may be used. A communication step of transmitting image data obtained by reading to a destination;
Corresponding to each destination, the first type of destination used when transmitting data using the first communication method and the first type used when transmitting data using the second communication method. A registration process for registering two types of destinations;
An accepting step of accepting designation from the user as to which of the halftone mode and the character mode is used as a reading mode when reading an image on the document in the reading step;
When designation using the halftone mode is accepted in the acceptance step, the communication step is controlled to transmit the image data using the first communication method, and designation using the character mode in the acceptance step A control step of controlling the communication step so as to transmit the image data using the second communication method,
A data communication method comprising: A reading process for reading an image on a document;
In the reading step, any one of the first communication method for executing communication via the Internet and the second communication method for executing communication via the public communication network without going through the Internet may be used. A communication step of transmitting image data obtained by reading to a destination;
Corresponding to each destination, the first type of destination used when transmitting data using the first communication method and the first type used when transmitting data using the second communication method. A registration process for registering two types of destinations;
When the image data is transmitted to the destination registered in the registration step, the first communication mode in which transmission by the communication step is started after the reading of the document in the reading step is completed, and the document in the reading step is An accepting step of accepting from the user the designation of which communication mode to use among the second communication modes in which transmission by the communication step is started before the reading is completed;
When the designation using the first communication mode is accepted in the acceptance step, the communication step is controlled to transmit the image data using the first communication method, and the second step is performed in the acceptance step. A control step of controlling the communication step so as to transmit the image data using the second communication method when the designation using the communication mode is accepted;
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing A reading process for reading an image on a document;
In the reading step, any one of the first communication method for executing communication via the Internet and the second communication method for executing communication via the public communication network without going through the Internet may be used. A communication means for transmitting image data obtained by reading to a destination;
Corresponding to each destination, the first type of destination used when transmitting data using the first communication method and the first type used when transmitting data using the second communication method. A registration process for registering two types of destinations;
A determination step of determining whether the amount of information of the image data transmitted in the communication step is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
As a result of the determination in the determination step, when the information amount of the image data to be transmitted is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the communication step is controlled to transmit the image data using the first communication method. And when the information amount of the image data to be transmitted is less than the predetermined threshold, a control step for controlling the communication step to transmit the image data using the second communication method;
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing A reading process for reading an image on a document;
In the reading step, any one of the first communication method for executing communication via the Internet and the second communication method for executing communication via the public communication network without going through the Internet may be used. A communication step of transmitting image data obtained by reading to a destination;
Corresponding to each destination, the first type of destination used when transmitting data using the first communication method and the first type used when transmitting data using the second communication method. A registration process for registering two types of destinations;
An accepting step of accepting designation from the user as to which of the halftone mode and the character mode is used as a reading mode when reading an image on the document in the reading step;
When designation using the halftone mode is accepted in the acceptance step, the communication step is controlled to transmit the image data using the first communication method, and designation using the character mode in the acceptance step A control step of controlling the communication step so as to transmit the image data using the second communication method,
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing

Images