JP4438838B2 - Information transmitter - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information transmission apparatus that transmits information.

  As one of information transmission apparatuses, for example, there is an MFP (multifunction peripheral). In addition to providing a so-called facsimile communication function as an information transmission function, the MFP also has a function of transferring a scanned image obtained by reading a document to a predetermined personal computer or the like via a communication network (such as a LAN or the Internet). ing.

  As a facsimile communication technique, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes that a facsimile apparatus having a time designation transmission function transmits a document at a time with the lowest charge between the current time and the transmission time.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-130360

  By the way, for example, it is assumed that a certain user operates an MFP placed at a business trip destination and FTP-transmits a scanned image by the MFP to his / her personal computer that is usually used in the company.

  When the user is on a business trip, the personal computer that should function as an FTP server is often turned off. For this reason, if the MFP immediately transmits a scan image in such a case, the transmission ends in failure. Although it is possible to use the retransmission function of the MFP, a load on the MFP is generated every time a retransmission operation is performed. In particular, when a considerable amount of time is required to return from the business trip destination to the company, an unnecessary load is generated very frequently.

  Such a problem may occur not only in FTP transmission but also in data transmission using various communication networks and facsimile communication.

  Further, in the technique of Patent Document 1, although the fee is considered but the above situation is not considered, when the transmission is started immediately from the current time, the same problem as the above is caused. Can occur.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an information transmission apparatus capable of performing an efficient transmission operation while suppressing an unnecessary transmission operation.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1, an information transmission apparatus, an input means for receiving a designation input regarding the start permission time information transmission, based on the start permission time inputted by said input means a determining means for determining a start time of the previous SL information transmission, and a determining means for determining the time of the start permission time or later as the start time of the information transmission, wherein the input means, the end of the information transmission A designation input relating to a desired time is also received, and the determining means determines the current time as the start time when the start permission time has already arrived and the current resource operating state of the information transmitting apparatus is lower than a predetermined level. It is determined as the even, determining the current time as the start time when the desired completion time inputted by said input means has already arrived And butterflies.

A second aspect of the present invention, in the information transmitting apparatus according to the invention of claim 1, wherein the determining means may determine the start time on the basis of the past of the resource operating status of the information transmission device.

The invention according to claim 3, in the information transmitting apparatus according to the invention of claim 2, storing means for partitioning and storing history information on the resource utilization state of the information transmission apparatus in a time zone, further comprising a pre-Symbol determining means Is based on the history information, the time within the time zone with the smallest load among the plurality of time zones from the start permission time to the desired end time, and the time after the start permission time is set to the start time It is determined as follows.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information transmitting apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the determining means fails to complete the information transmission at the determined start time, it further requests the end from the current time. A time within a time zone with the smallest load among a plurality of new time zones up to the time is re-determined as the start time.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information transmitting apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, the determining means has already determined the start time, and the current resource operating state of the information transmitting apparatus is When lower than a predetermined level, the present time is determined again as the start time.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information transmitting apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, the determining means sets the current time when the index values related to the load in the plurality of time zones exceed a predetermined threshold. It is determined as a start time.

According to the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, a designation input related to the start permission time and the desired end time of information transmission is accepted, and the “start time” of information transmission is determined based on the start permission time. . Therefore, it is possible to avoid a transmission operation when the current time has not yet reached the start permission time, so that an unnecessary transmission operation is suppressed and an efficient transmission operation is performed by reflecting the circumstances that the operator can know. Is possible. Further, since the current time is determined as the start time even when the desired end time has already arrived, it is possible to execute information transmission with a minimum delay from the desired end time.

In particular, according to the third aspect of the invention, the time is within the time zone with the smallest load among the plurality of time zones from the start permission time to the desired end time based on the history information, and after the start permission time. Is determined as the information transmission start time, so that information transmission can be executed more efficiently with a small number of retries.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. First Embodiment>
<1-1. Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an information communication system 100 (100A) according to the first embodiment. Here, the information communication system 100 includes a multi-function peripheral (abbreviated as MFP) 1 (1A). The MFP 1 also functions as an information transmission device by executing predetermined information transmission processing using the communication unit 5 or the like.

  In the information communication system 100, information to be transmitted is transmitted from the MFP 1 to a destination information receiving apparatus (for example, a personal computer). For example, the MFP 1 transmits an image (also referred to as a scanned image) obtained by optically reading a document (paper document or the like) to the transmission destination computer 90. The information to be transmitted is not limited to the scanned image, and may be various data files stored in the MFP 1.

  The MFP 1 is a device (also referred to as a multi function device) having a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like. Specifically, the MFP 1 includes an image reading unit 2, an image processing unit 3, a print output unit 4, a communication unit 5, an input / output unit 6, a storage unit 8, and a controller 9. The above functions are realized by operating these units in a composite manner.

  The image reading unit 2 is a processing unit that optically reads a document placed at a predetermined position of the MFP 1 and generates an image (also referred to as a document image) of the document. The image reading unit 2 is also referred to as a scanner unit.

  The image processing unit 3 is a processing unit that performs various types of image processing on the scanned image generated by the image reading unit 2.

  The print output unit 4 is an output unit that prints an image on various media such as paper based on image data related to the target image.

  The communication unit 5 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line or the like. The communication unit 5 can also perform network communication via the communication network NW. By using this network communication, the MFP 1 can exchange various data with a desired destination. Specifically, the MFP 1 can transmit information to be transmitted to a remote destination computer 90 or the like via the Internet using a predetermined protocol (FTP: File Transfer Protocol, etc.). Alternatively, the MFP 1 can transmit information to be transmitted to the transmission destination computer 90 in the LAN using various protocols. The MFP 1 can also send and receive electronic mail.

  The input / output unit 6 includes an operation input unit 61 that receives input to the MFP 1 and a display unit 62 that displays and outputs various types of information. The MFP 1 is provided with an operation panel 63 (see FIG. 4). The operation panel 63 is configured by embedding a piezoelectric sensor or the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and functions as a part of the display unit 62 and also functions as a part of the operation input unit 61.

  The storage unit 8 includes a storage device such as a nonvolatile memory and a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 8 stores a document image generated by the image reading unit 2 or the like, or various data files.

  The controller 9 is a control device that controls the MFP 1 in an integrated manner, and includes a CPU and various semiconductor memories (such as a RAM and a ROM). Various functions of the MFP 1 are realized by operating various processing units under the control of the controller 9. For example, by scanning the target document optically using the image reading unit 2 under the control of the controller 9, a scanned image (document image) obtained by scanning the document is acquired, and the scanner function is realized. In addition, a transmission function of the scanned image to a predetermined transmission destination is realized using the communication unit 5 under the control of the controller 9.

  The controller 9 also realizes a function of determining the “start time” of information transmission based on the “start permission time” input by the operator. This will be described in detail later.

<1-2. Operation>
2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the operation of the MFP 1. FIG. 2 shows an operation when a scan instruction operation is performed by the operator, and FIG. 3 shows a “waiting job processing routine” executed thereafter. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration near the operation panel 63. 4 exemplifies a case where the function selection buttons (specifically, the fax button 21, the scan button 22, and the copy button 23) of the MFP 1 and the start button 25 are provided in the vicinity of the operation panel 63. ing.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the MFP 1 will be described with reference to these drawings and the like. More specifically, a case where a scan image is transmitted by FTP, that is, a case where a transmission operation of “scan to FTP” is executed is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when a scan image is attached to an e-mail (e-mail) and transmitted, that is, when a “scan to e-mail” transmission operation is performed, the same operation is performed. Also good.

  When the operator of the MFP 1 presses the scan button 22 among the function selection buttons 21, 22, and 23 provided on the operation input unit 61, a screen G 11 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the operation panel 63. The screen G11 is a screen for setting a transmission destination (also referred to as a destination), and includes buttons 31, 32, and 33, a direct input field 34, and a detailed setting button 35.

  In steps S11 to S14 (FIG. 2), destination input processing using this screen G11 is executed.

  For example, when the operator presses the button 31 on the screen G11 in step S11, the MFP 1 uses a destination D1 registered in advance in association with the button 31 (for example, a personal computer placed in its own seat in the company). Determine as the destination. When the operator presses the button 32, the MFP 1 determines the destination D2 as the transmission destination. Similarly, when the operator presses the button 33, the MFP 1 determines the destination D3 as the transmission destination.

  It is also possible to determine an unregistered destination as a transmission destination using the direct input field 34. Specifically, when the operator depresses the direct input field 34, the MFP 1 displays a direct input screen (not shown) on which an alphabet or the like can be input on the operation panel 63, and direct input from the operator is performed. Accept. When the operator operates the direct input screen and designates a transmission destination, the MFP 1 acquires the designated content as transmission destination information, and displays the screen G11 on the operation panel 63 again.

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not the detail setting button 35 is pressed. If the detailed setting button 35 is pressed, a detailed setting process regarding the transmission process (specifically, a transmission time zone designation process (step S13 (described later)) is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S14. If the detail setting button 35 is not pressed, the process proceeds from step S12 to step S14.

  In step S14, it is determined whether or not the start button 25 is pressed. If the start button 25 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S11 again, and reception processing such as destination input is continued. If the start button 25 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15 and subsequent steps, different transmission processes are executed depending on whether or not the detailed setting button 35 is pressed, in other words, depending on whether or not the transmission time zone designation process (step S13) is executed.

  For example, when the operator presses the start button 25 without pressing the detail setting button 35, a so-called normal transmission operation relating to the scanned image is executed. Specifically, the MFP 1 executes a scan operation to acquire a scan image (step S15), confirms that the start permission time is not specified (step S16), and immediately executes the scan image transmission operation. (Step S17).

  In this embodiment, the operator can also press the start button 25 after pressing the detail setting button 35 to execute the transmission time zone designation process. Hereinafter, such a case will be exemplified.

  When the operator presses the detail setting button 35 in the screen G11, the process proceeds from step S12 to step S13. In step S13, the MFP 1 displays a detailed item setting screen G12 (FIG. 5) on the operation panel 63, and accepts a designation input relating to the information transmission start permission time and the information transmission end desired time.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the screen G12 is provided with a date designation column 41 and a time designation column 42 relating to the “start permitted time” of information transmission, and a date designation column relating to the “desired end time” of information transmission. 43 and a time designation field 44 are provided. The operator can input an appropriate date and time into each column using numeric keys and cursor keys (not shown) provided in the vicinity of the operation panel 63 of the MFP 1.

  Here, the “start permission time” of information transmission is the time at which the operator permits the start of information transmission. The “desired end time” of information transmission is the end time desired by the operator (end time of information transmission). The “desired end time” is also referred to as “delivery time”.

  The operator, for example, specifies the time when he / she is expected to return to the office and start up his / her personal computer as the “permitted start time”, and also wishes to obtain the deadline (delivery date) of the transmitted information The time to perform can be designated as “desired end time”. As a detailed example, the current time is 10 am on May 18th, I would like to get the information by 5:30 pm on the same day, and I plan to return to work after 11 am on the same day. Assume a certain case. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the operator sets 11:30 am (11:30) on May 18 as the “start permitted time” in the date designation field 41 and the time designation field 42. In addition to the designation, the date designation field 43 and the time designation field 44 may designate 5:30 pm (17:30) on May 18 as the “desired end time”.

  When the operator presses the enter button 45, the MFP 1 confirms the designated content of the transmission time zone and displays the screen G11 on the operation panel 63 again. If the cancel button 46 is pressed, the designation of the transmission time zone is canceled and the screen G11 is displayed on the operation panel 63 again.

  After the determination button 45 is pressed, when the operator presses the start button 25 and gives a scan start instruction to the MFP 1, the process proceeds from step S14 to step S15, and the following processing is executed.

  First, the MFP 1 executes a scanning operation and acquires a scanned image (step S15). When it is confirmed that the start permission time designation exists (step S16), the standby job setting process (step S18) is executed.

  In step S18, processing for setting a reserved job (also referred to as a standby job) for performing a scan image transmission operation between the start permission time and the desired end time is executed. Specifically, a standby job having such start permission time and desired end time is registered in the standby job list LT in the storage unit 8. In the above example, a standby job is registered in which “11:30” is set as “start permission time” and “17:30” is set as “desired end time” instead of the current time (10:00). .

  In step S18, the “start time” of information transmission is also provisionally determined and set. This “start time” is also stored in the standby job list LT in association with the standby job.

  Here, the “start time” of information transmission is a time set inside MFP 1 as a time at which MFP 1 should actually start transmitting information. For example, in the above-described case, “start permission time” (11:30) is provisionally set as “start time” instead of the current time (10:00).

  In the following, for the sake of simplicity, a case where a single standby job is registered in the standby job list LT is illustrated, but a plurality of standby jobs may be registered in the standby job list LT. In that case, the same processing may be repeated for a plurality of standby jobs.

  Thereafter, the standby job processing routine (FIG. 3, step S20) is repeatedly started at an appropriate timing such as a fixed period (for example, about several seconds to several tens of seconds). In this standby job processing routine, processing as shown in FIG. 3 is executed.

  Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not the “start time” set provisionally has arrived (step S21). When the start permission time is set to the start time, it is determined whether or not the “start permission time” has arrived.

  If the “start time” has not yet arrived, this standby job processing routine is once terminated.

  On the other hand, if the “start time” has already arrived, it is further determined whether or not the “desired end time” has arrived (step S22).

  If the desired end time has already arrived, the transmission process (step S27) is immediately executed, and then this standby job is deleted from the standby job list LT, and this standby job processing routine is ended. In other words, if the information transmission has not yet started even after the desired end time (for example, 17:30) has elapsed, the current time (for example, 17:31) is determined (determined) as the “start time” of the information transmission. ) And the transmission operation is executed. According to this, it is possible to execute information transmission while minimizing a delay from the “desired end time” desired by the operator.

  On the other hand, if the “desired end time” has not yet arrived, the process proceeds to step S23.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the condition that the tentatively set “start time” has arrived, the information is also based on the state of the MFP 1 (specifically, the current resource operating state of the MFP 1). The case where the “start time” of transmission is determined (specifically determined) will be exemplified.

  Specifically, in step S23, when the current resource operating state of the MFP 1 is lower than a predetermined level, the MFP 1 determines that the provisionally set “start time” (initially the same as the start permission time) has arrived. Is determined (determined) as the “start time” of information transmission. Specifically, when the index value N indicating the operating state (usage state) of resources such as the CPU and memory is smaller than the predetermined value TH1 (for example, less than 20% with respect to 100% during full operation), the MFP 1 Then, it is determined that there is a margin in resources, and the current time after “start time” is determined (determined) as the start time of information transmission. The state in which the index value indicating the resource operating state is equal to or less than the predetermined value includes a state in which no other operation (copy operation, transmission operation, etc.) is being executed in the MFP 1. Further, when the index value N is equal to the predetermined value TH1 in comparison with the predetermined value TH1, that is, when the index value N is the same as the predetermined value TH1, it may be determined that there is a margin in resources, or if there is no margin in resources. You may judge.

  In this embodiment, in addition to satisfying the condition that the “start time” has arrived and the current resource operation state of the MFP 1 is lower than a predetermined level, the history information of the resource operation state of the MFP 1 is further included. The case of determining (determining) the “start time” of information transmission based on the above will also be exemplified. The history information of the resource operating state of the MFP 1 is also expressed as indicating the state of the MFP 1, more specifically, the past state of the MFP 1.

  Specifically, the MFP 1 stores the history information in the MFP 1 divided into time zones. Such history information is stored as history data DH in the storage unit 8. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of such history data DH.

  In the history data DH of FIG. 6, an index value N (CPU usage rate or memory usage rate, etc.) indicating the operating state of resources of the MFP 1 is stored separately for each hour. Specifically, index values N in 24 time zones Z00 to Z23 obtained by dividing one day into 24 hours are stored. For example, in the time zone Z11 from 11:00 to 11:59, the index value is 80%, in the time zone Z12 from 12: 0 to 12:59, the index value is 30%, and from 13: 0 In the time zone Z13 of 13:59, it is 70%. Further, the index value is 80% in the time zone Z14 of 14: 0 to 14:59, and the index value is 70% in the time zone Z15 of 15: 0 to 15:59. Further, the index value is 60% in the time zone Z16 from 16: 0 to 16:59, and the index value is 40% in the time zone Z17 from 17:00 to 17:59.

  The index value N indicating the operating state of the resource of the MFP 1 is not limited to this, and the number of transmissions or the total transmission time (total value of time (minutes) required for transmission) in each time zone is adopted. May be.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, if it is determined in step S23 that there are no resources, the process proceeds to steps S24 to S26, and processing based on the history data DH is executed. In practice, the check operations in steps S24 and S25 are executed prior to step S26. For convenience of explanation, the operation of step S26 will be described first, and then the operations of steps S24 and S25 will be described. .

  Now, in step S26, the MFP 1 is the time within the time zone with the smallest load (processing load) among the plurality of time zones from the start permission time to the desired end time based on the history information, and after the start permission time. The time is determined (re-determined) as the “start time” of information transmission. Here, a plurality of time zones from the start permission time “11:30” to the desired end time “17:30” include a time zone Z11 corresponding to the start permission time and a time zone Z17 corresponding to the desired end time. , And the time zones Z12 to Z16 between both Z11 and Z17 are included.

  For example, based on the history information of FIG. 6, the time zone with the smallest load (minimum load time zone) among the plurality of time zones Z11 to Z17 from the start permission time (11:30) to the desired end time (17:30). The time after Z12 and after the start permission time is determined again as “start time”. Specifically, the start time (12:00) of the time zone Z12 is redetermined as the “start time”.

  Although the case where the start time is determined as the “start time” when determining the start time based on the “start permission time” is illustrated here, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another time belonging to the time zone (for example, any time such as 12:15 or 12:30) may be determined as the “start time”. Further, when the start permission time is in the middle of the minimum load time zone, the time within the minimum load time zone and the time after the start permission time may be determined again as the “start time”. For example, when the time zone Z11 is the minimum load time zone, the time after the initial “start permission time” 11:30 (for example, 11:30 or 11:45) of the minimum load time zone Z11. What is necessary is just to determine again as "start time."

  When the start time is determined (set) again in step S25, this standby job processing routine is once ended. Then, when the standby job processing routine is repeatedly re-executed and the “start time” after resetting comes, the transmission processing of step S27 is executed through steps S21, S22, and S23.

  When the transmission processing in step S27 is completed, the standby job is deleted from the standby job list LT, and the standby job processing routine ends.

  On the other hand, if the transmission process in step S27 fails, the standby job is not deleted from the standby job list LT, the standby job processing routine is once ended, and then the standby job processing routine is executed again. Then, a similar operation is executed.

  Depending on the operating status of the MFP 1, it is assumed that information transmission cannot be completed in the time zone Z12 determined as described above. For example, in the time zone Z12 of the day, it is assumed that the resource operating state is higher than normal and the transmission process cannot be executed and the current time is 13:00.

  In such a case, the following operation is executed in the time resetting process in step S26 of the standby job processing routine.

  The time (for example, 17:00) in the time zone Z17 having the smallest load among the plurality of new time zones Z13 to Z17 from the current time (13:00) to the desired end time (17:30) As redevelopment. Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the start time after re-determination (17:00) has arrived and that the current resources of the MFP 1 have room, a transmission operation (step S27) is performed. When the transmission processing in step S27 is completed, the standby job is deleted from the standby job list LT, and the standby job processing routine ends.

  Next, step S24 and step S25 will be described.

  In step S24, it is determined whether or not a predetermined amount of history information exists. If there is no history information or if there is history information but the amount of data is less than or equal to the threshold, the standby job processing routine is terminated without executing the time resetting operation in step S26. As a result, when there is not enough data, the start time changing operation based on the history information can be prevented from being performed. On the other hand, if a predetermined amount of history information exists, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, it is confirmed whether or not a margin time zone exists. As shown in FIG. 7, when the index values related to loads in the plurality of time zones Z11 to Z17 from the start permission time to the desired end time all exceed a predetermined threshold, it is determined that there is no margin time zone. . Then, the current time is redetermined as the “start time” of information transmission, and the transmission operation in step S27 is executed. Specifically, when the index value Nc related to the CPU usage rate in a plurality of time zones Z11 to Z17 from the start permission time to the desired end time exceeds a predetermined threshold value TH2 (for example, 50%), the current time is It is determined as the “start time” of information transmission, and the transmission operation of step S27 is immediately executed. That is, when the load on the MFP 1 is always high in the transmission time zone designated by the operator, transmission is started as early as possible. Therefore, if it is determined that good results cannot be obtained even when waiting, the transmission operation can be executed without waiting.

  On the other hand, if the index value N (Nc) related to the load is lower than the predetermined threshold value TH2 in any of a plurality of time zones from the start permission time to the desired end time, the time of step S26 as described above is reset. Setting processing is executed.

  According to the operation as described above, the MFP 1 receives a designation input related to the “start permission time” and “end base time” of information transmission using the operation panel 63 or the like, and the designation input (particularly “start permission time”). Based on the above, the “start time” of information transmission is determined. Therefore, the scan image is not always executed immediately, but the scan image transmission operation can be executed at a time convenient for the operator. In other words, since the transmission operation when the current time has not yet reached the start permission time can be avoided, the situation that the operator can know is reflected, the unnecessary transmission operation is suppressed, and the efficient transmission operation is performed. Is possible. Moreover, it is possible to transmit information more reliably by reflecting the circumstances that the operator can know. In particular, since the start time of information transmission is determined in consideration of the designated desired end time, it is possible to more reliably execute information transmission by further reflecting the circumstances that the operator can know.

  Further, when the current time has passed the start permission time and the current resource operating state of the MFP 1 is lower than a predetermined level, the current time is determined as the “start time” of information transmission, and thus more efficiently. Information transmission can be performed.

  Furthermore, based on the history information, the time within the time zone with the smallest load among the plurality of time zones from the start permission time to the desired end time and the time after the start permission time is determined as the information transmission start time. Therefore, information transmission can be executed more efficiently with a small number of retries. Also, load leveling can be achieved.

<2. Second Embodiment>
The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 1st Embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the “start time” of information transmission is determined based on history information is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the “start time” of information transmission may be determined based on the “start permission time” input by the operator and the current resource operating state of the MFP 1 without considering history information.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing such a modification.

  Steps S21, S22, and S23 are the same as those in FIG. Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the “start permitted time” is provisionally determined as the “start time” of information transmission in step S18 (FIG. 2).

  If it is determined in step S23 that the current resource operating state of the MFP 1 is lower than the predetermined level, the MFP 1 executes the transmission process of step S27.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the current resource operating state of the MFP 1 is lower than the predetermined level, the standby job processing routine is terminated without performing an immediate transmission operation. Then, in the standby job processing routine that is executed again, the same operation is repeated until the transmission processing in step S27 is executed. As a result, the confirmation operation of the resource operating state is repeatedly executed at the timing when the standby job processing routine is started, such as at a fixed period, and the transmission operation is executed when it is determined that there is a margin in the resource operating state.

  Even with such an operation, the scan image is not always executed immediately, but the scan image transmission operation can be executed at a time convenient for the operator.

<3. Other>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

  For example, in the first embodiment, the case where one day is divided into 24 time zones is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. One day is divided into other time zones (12 hours every 2 hours). Or may be divided into 8 time zones every 3 hours).

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the standby job processing routine (step S20) is exemplified as being started at a constant cycle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the standby job processing routine is started at irregular timing. May be.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, a case where the “start time” of information transmission is determined based on the current resource operating state of the MFP 1 in addition to the condition that the start permission time has arrived is exemplified. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the transmission process of step S27 may be executed whenever the condition that the start permission time (start time) has arrived without passing through the determination process of step S23. In other words, when the start permission time arrives, the start permission time may always be determined as the “start time”.

  In each of the above embodiments, data transmission by FTP or the like has been exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the above idea may be applied to facsimile communication using a public line. For example, when it is known that the power of the destination facsimile communication device (reception device) is currently off and the time when the power of the reception device is turned on (also referred to as scheduled power-on time) The scheduled power-on time may be set to “start permission time”, and a reservation transmission operation with standby job registration may be performed as described above.

  In addition, regarding the reservation transmission of the standby job including the “start permission time” in each of the above embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of standby jobs can be reserved for each user of the MFP 1. Further, it may be configured such that a plurality of standby jobs can be reserved for each transmission destination. Further, it may be configured such that a plurality of standby jobs can be reserved for each transmission type (for example, scan to FTP, scan to E-mail, facsimile communication).

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of an information communication system. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the MFP (during a scan instruction operation). 6 is a flowchart illustrating a standby job processing routine. It is a figure which shows the structure of an operation panel vicinity. It is a figure which shows the screen for a detailed item setting. It is a figure which shows an example of log | history information. It is a figure which shows another example of log | history information. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which concerns on a modification.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP
22 Scan button 25 Start button 34 Direct input field 35 Detailed setting button 41, 43 Date specification field 42, 44 Time specification field 45 Enter button 63 Operation panel 90 Computer (destination)

Claims (6)

An information transmission device,
An input means for accepting a designation input related to an information transmission start permission time;
A determining means for determining a start time of the previous SL information transmission based on the start permission time inputted by said input means, determining means for determining a time of the start permission time or later as the start time of the information transmission ,
Equipped with a,
The input means also accepts a designation input related to a desired end time of the information transmission,
The determining means includes
When the start permission time has already arrived and the current resource operating state of the information transmitting apparatus is lower than a predetermined level, the current time is determined as the start time,
An information transmitting apparatus characterized by determining a current time as the start time even when the desired end time input by the input means has already arrived .   The information transmission device according to claim 1,
  The information transmitting apparatus, wherein the determining unit determines the start time based on a past resource operating state of the information transmitting apparatus.   The information transmission device according to claim 2,
  Storage means for storing history information related to the resource operating state of the information transmitting device by dividing it into time zones,
Further comprising
  The determining means is based on the history information, and is a time within a time zone having the smallest load among a plurality of time zones from the start permission time to the desired end time, and a time after the start permission time, An information transmitting apparatus, wherein the information transmitting apparatus determines the start time.   The information transmission device according to claim 3,
  In the case where the information transmission at the determined start time cannot be completed, the determination unit further includes a time zone with the smallest load among a plurality of new time zones from the current time to the desired end time. An information transmitting apparatus, wherein time is re-determined as the start time.   The information transmission device according to claim 3,
  The determining means re-determines the current time as the start time when the determined start time has already arrived and the current resource operating state of the information transmitting apparatus is lower than a predetermined level. Information transmitting device.   The information transmission device according to claim 3,
  The information transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines a current time as the start time when any of index values related to loads in the plurality of time zones exceeds a predetermined threshold.

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