JP4661663B2 - COMMUNICATION CONTROL DEVICE, COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD, AND COMMUNICATION CONTROL PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to data processing for managing an order sheet using a storage of a communication control device and transmitting information created using the order sheet.

In facsimile transmission in which a transmitting terminal transmits an image to a receiving terminal, the image acquired by the transmitting terminal is converted into an audio signal and transmitted to the receiving terminal using an audio communication line. Yes. As this voice communication line, in addition to the usual telephone network that has been used conventionally,
In recent years, a telephone network (IP telephone network) using the Internet has been used. There has been proposed a facsimile transmission apparatus that performs facsimile transmission via a network using transmission of an audio signal by an IP telephone network (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-309701 A

Some of the above-described facsimile apparatuses are equipped with a communication control device and control communication by the attached communication control device. The communication control device attached here is used as a hardware key. However, it is also conceivable that a memory is provided in the communication control apparatus and data is processed via the memory. Further, an order sheet may be stored in the memory, and data transmission processing may be performed using the order sheet.

However, every time an image or the like is transmitted, printing an order sheet and inputting a destination each time is troublesome. For example, when a numeric input panel is provided, a destination can be input by inputting this panel. However, when an image is transmitted via a communication control device, such a panel is provided as a communication control device. Will be increased in size and cost. Further, even when a destination designation button is prepared as in the case of a normal facsimile, there arises a problem that an operation input unit must be provided after all.

Even when a numeric input key is prepared in the communication control device, the image data is transmitted from the facsimile device provided by, for example, a multi-function peripheral. Therefore, an operation of inputting a destination at the communication control device is not performed. There was a problem of becoming bothersome. Therefore, it is possible to input using an order sheet, but unlike the input from the panel, it is complicated to input each time. Therefore, there has been a demand for a method for reducing the trouble of inputting a destination for transmission.

The present invention provides a communication control device, a communication control method, and a communication control program that realize a transmission process to destination information while reducing the input operation of the destination information in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art. For the purpose.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a communication control apparatus according to the present invention refers to an instruction unit that instructs transmission of image data, and refers to a predetermined position of the image data when the transmission of the image data is instructed by the instruction unit. If the destination information is not included in the predetermined position, the input unit receives information on the destination and writes the destination information based on the input information in the predetermined position of the image data. A transmission unit configured to transmit image data to a destination indicated by the destination information included in the predetermined position when transmission of image data including image data including the destination information included in the predetermined position is instructed. Features.

In this case, if the destination information is included in the predetermined position, it can be transmitted to the destination indicated by the destination information, so that the image data can be transmitted to the desired destination without re-inputting the destination. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the trouble of inputting the destination again when transmitting to the same destination. In particular, a panel for inputting numbers is not prepared, and transmission can be performed more smoothly when a destination is input using an order sheet or the like.

Further, the writing means may input information relating to a destination in the form of an order sheet, and write the destination information based on the input information at the predetermined position of the image data of the order sheet.

In this case, if the destination information has already been entered, it can be sent to that destination, and even if it has not been entered, the destination can be specified from the order sheet, so a panel or switch for entering the destination is prepared. Therefore, the configuration of the communication control device can be simplified.

Further, the writing means additionally writes the destination information in a header of the image data instructed to be transmitted, and an image obtained by superimposing an image indicating the destination information on a thumbnail image for the image data. It may be written as a thumbnail image.

In this case, since the destination can be confirmed by viewing the thumbnail image, the receiving side can simultaneously confirm the destination when viewing the thumbnail image on a panel or the like. Further, since it is prepared separately from the image data, when actually printing this image, it is possible to print an image with no destination written.

In addition, when the plurality of instructed image data includes a plurality of pieces of image data including different destination information in the header, the transmission unit transmits the image data to a destination indicated by the latest destination information. Also good.

In this case, when the image data is repeatedly transmitted, it is possible to transmit the image data without having to re-specify the destination transmitted immediately before.

Further, the main image of the image data written by the writing means may be the same image data as the image data instructed to be transmitted.

The writing unit may generate image data having the destination information in a header and a thumbnail image having an image indicating the destination information.

The image data generated by the writing means may be image data that does not have a main image.

Further, the communication control method according to the present invention refers to an instruction step for instructing transmission of image data, and when transmission of image data is instructed by the instruction step, the predetermined position of the image data is referred to and the predetermined position is referred to. When the destination information is not included, the information about the destination is received, the writing process for writing the destination information based on the input information to the predetermined position of the image data, and the destination information at the predetermined position by the instruction process. A transmission step of transmitting image data to a destination indicated by the destination information included in the predetermined position when transmission of image data including the included image data is instructed.

In this case, if the destination information is included in the predetermined position, it can be transmitted to the destination indicated by the destination information, so that the image data can be transmitted to the desired destination without re-inputting the destination. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the trouble of inputting the destination again when transmitting to the same destination. In particular, a panel for inputting numbers is not prepared, and transmission can be performed more smoothly when a destination is input using an order sheet or the like.

In addition, the communication control program according to the present invention refers to an instruction step for instructing transmission of image data, and when transmission of image data is instructed by the instruction step, refers to a predetermined position of the image data, and When the destination information is not included, the destination information is received at the predetermined position by the writing step of receiving the destination information based on the input information and writing the destination information based on the input information at the predetermined position of the image data. A transmission step of transmitting image data to a destination indicated by the destination information included in the predetermined position when the transmission of the image data including the image data including the image data is instructed. To do.

In this case, if the destination information is included in the predetermined position, it can be transmitted to the destination indicated by the destination information, so that the image data can be transmitted to the desired destination without re-inputting the destination. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the trouble of inputting the destination again when transmitting to the same destination. In particular, a panel for inputting numbers is not prepared, and transmission can be performed more smoothly when a destination is input using an order sheet or the like.

Exemplary embodiments of a communication control device, a communication control method, and a communication control program according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system that constitutes a network. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the information processing system on the transmission side, the configuration of the information processing system on the reception side is the same as that of the information processing system on the transmission side.

This information processing system is configured by connecting the MFP 100 to the Internet 182 via a communication control device (dongle) 180. The transmission side transmits data via the Internet 182 in this way, and the reception side similarly configured receives data from the Internet 182 via the communication control device 180 by the multi-function device 100.

The multifunction machine 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 102, a RAM 104, a ROM 106, a print engine 110, a scan engine 120, and a USB device control unit 130.
A USB host control unit 170, a memory card interface 140, an operation panel control unit 150, and a viewer control unit 160. The ROM 106 includes the multifunction device 1
00 control software is stored. The central processing unit 102 implements various functions of the multi-function device 100 by executing control software stored in the ROM 106.

The USB device control unit 130 of the multifunction device 100 is connected to the USB connector 132. A personal computer (PC) 190 is connected to the USB connector 132. In addition to the personal computer 190, an arbitrary USB host can be connected to the USB connector 132. The USB host control unit 170 has a root hub 172, and a USB connector 174 is connected to the root hub 172. The USB connector 174 can be connected to a USB device such as a digital camera or a hard disk drive (HDD).

The memory card interface 140 has a memory card slot 14 for a memory card.
2 is connected. The operation panel control unit 150 includes an operation panel 152 as input means.
Is connected. A viewer 162 as image display means is connected to the viewer control unit 160. The user can input various instructions using the operation panel 152 while observing images and menus displayed on the viewer 162.

The print engine 110 is a printing mechanism that executes printing in accordance with given print data. The print data supplied to the print engine 110 is received by the central processing unit 102 from the US
It is generated by interpreting received data supplied from an external personal computer 190 connected via the B connector 132 and executing color conversion and halftone processing. Print data supplied to the print engine 110 is generated from image data stored in a memory card inserted into the memory card slot 142 or image data supplied from a digital still camera connected via the USB connector 174. It is also possible. Also,
Instead of the central processing unit 102, the print engine 110 may be configured to have color conversion and halftone processing functions. In this specification, executing printing with print data generated from image data is also referred to as “printing image data”.

The scan engine 120 is a mechanism that scans an image and generates scan data representing the image. The scan data generated by the scan engine 120 is stored in the central processing unit 10.
2 is converted into image data (scanned image data) in a predetermined format (for example, JPEG format). The scanned image data is transferred to the personal computer 190. The scanned image data can be stored in a memory card inserted into the memory card slot 142 or a device connected via the USB connector 174. Note that the scan engine 120 may be configured to have a function of generating image data from scan data instead of the central processing unit 102.

The communication control device 180 is connected to the multi-function device 100 via the USB connector 174. Then, fax data is transmitted from one of them via the Internet 182. Note that the communication control device 180 may be integrated with the multifunction device 100.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating each operation unit and connection unit of the communication control device. The communication control device 180 includes a connection terminal 210 and a connection terminal 220, and further includes a lamp 230 and operation units 240 to 270. The connection terminal 210 is connected to the multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG.
It is a terminal to connect to. The connection terminal 220 is a terminal for connecting to the Internet 182 shown in FIG. The lamp 230 is a lamp that is lit to prompt a copy operation when a connected file is copied to a memory card.

The operation unit 240 (A button) is an instruction button for instructing preparation for transmission. By pressing the A button, the communication control device 180 starts a process for preparing data transmission. Operation unit 2
50 (B button) is an instruction button for instructing the start of transmission. By pressing the B button, the communication control device 180 starts a data transmission start process. The operation unit 260 (C button) is an instruction button for instructing order sheet printing. By pressing the C button, the communication control device 180 starts order sheet printing processing. The operation unit 270 is
Power button. By pressing this power button, the power is turned on or off.

The dial button 280 is a button for inputting numbers. For example, when inputting the telephone number of the other party by facsimile transmission, it is accepted by inputting a numeric button on the dial button 280. The liquid crystal screen 290 is a screen display unit using liquid crystal. Using this liquid crystal screen 290, for example, a facsimile transmission / reception destination is displayed, or thumbnail images of images to be transmitted / received are displayed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the communication control apparatus. The communication control device 180
An input / output unit 300, a USB controller 310, and a storage 320 are included. The communication control device 180 is connected to the outside through a USB interface, but is not limited to this, and other interfaces may be used.

The input / output unit 300 includes a USB interface circuit and controls data transfer. That is, the input / output unit 300 receives data sent from the multi-function device 100 via the USB connector 174, sends the data to the USB controller 310, and performs control to send this data.

The USB controller 310 is composed of, for example, a CPU, and executes processing for storing data in the storage 320, processing for reading data from the storage 320, encryption and decryption of dongle data, and the like. The storage 320 is, for example, EEPRO
It consists of M and stores data.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the order sheet. The order sheet shown in FIG. 4 includes an identification unit 405, a destination input unit 410, an image selection unit 420, and a sending comment unit 430. The contents corresponding to each unit are printed, and are filled with a mark sheet. Can be filled in.

The identification unit 405 is a column in which alignment marks and identification marks are written. The alignment mark and the identification mark are not printed so as to be visually recognized. In other words, information for determining which position is black and which is checked after scanning and information for determining which order sheet is printed when a plurality of order sheets are printed and scanned with different contents are written. It is a column.

The destination input unit 410 is a field for inputting a destination. As the destination, Mr. A, Mr. B, C
The case where Mr. is registered is given as an example.
3 can be specified. It is also possible to enter a number that has not been registered in advance, and in that case, a number can be entered on the mark sheet in the “others” column prepared under the address.

The image selection unit 420 is a column for selecting an image to be transmitted to a destination. As an image, image A
, Image B and image C are prepared, and each of them can be designated to be transmitted to groups 1 to 3. Specifically, there are columns for groups 1 to 3 below image A, and the destination can be designated by selecting one or more of them.

The sending comment section 430 is a column for selecting and specifying a sending comment. A sent comment can be marked by specifying a corresponding one from a plurality of comments prepared in advance. Specifically, "Please print with L version""Please print with A4""Please print with photo paper""Please print with plain paper""Please print neatly""Promise It is possible to specify from the comment "It is my name". In this “(your name)” (your name), the name of the user registered there is entered. A free comment can also be selected. In this case, a message can be transmitted by inputting a character in the handwriting input area and sending the character.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process for printing an order sheet. When the button A shown in FIG. 2 is input, the process is started. First, a storage connection is made (step S501). That is, the communication control device 180 is connected as a storage. Next, data is received (step S502). Note that the received data includes image data, and this image data is used as the images A to C shown in the image selection unit 420 shown in FIG. Then, it waits for input of the C button shown in FIG. 2 (step S503). If the C button is not input (step S503: No), the process waits until it is input. When the C button is input (step S503: Yes), the storage connection is disconnected (step S5).
04).

Next, an order sheet is created (step S505). Next, the MFP 100 is connected as a camera (step S506). Then, order sheet printing is executed in the multifunction peripheral 100 (step S507). After executing the order sheet printing, the communication relationship between the communication control device 180 and the multifunction peripheral 100 is disconnected (step S508). Then, the data is erased (step S509), and a series of processing is terminated.

Note that the image data created to print the created order sheet is deleted.
Data about marks such as alignment for use after scanning and control data indicating what the check contents mean, which corresponds to information of the identification unit 405, are not erased. Further, the data acquired in step S502 is not deleted. The same applies to the erasing process. Since the order sheet can be read out and printed as described above, the order can be executed by filling in the printed order sheet and transmitting it.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining order sheet transmission processing. A shown in FIG.
When a button is input, the process starts. First, a storage connection is established with the multifunction peripheral 100 (step S601). Next, data is received (step S602). Thereafter, it waits for the B button shown in FIG. 2 to be input (step S603). If not input (step S603: No), wait until input, and if input (step S603: Y)
es), the communication relationship between the communication control device 180 and the multifunction peripheral 100 is disconnected (step S604).
).

Then, the destination file is searched based on the header (step S605). This header is
The destination file is searched from this header in each image to be transmitted. The destination file is obtained by analyzing the order sheet once and describing the result in a predetermined position of the image file, that is, the header 801. This destination file can be stored as a JPEG image file, for example. Next, it is determined how many objects are present (step S606).
That is, the number of destinations included in the destination file is confirmed. Specifically, the number of destination files having different destinations is counted.

When the number of objects is one (step S606: one), the process proceeds to step S608. When there are two or more objects (step S606: two or more), the latest one is selected (step S607).
). That is, among the plurality of destinations, a destination that has been registered recently is selected. Specifically, when there are destination files addressed to Mr. A and Mr. B, the new one is selected with priority. Then, the destination of the destination file is set (step S608), and other than the order sheet / destination dedicated file is transmitted (step S609). That is, substantial information such as the marked information extracted here and necessary image data is transmitted. Then, a series of processing ends.

If the number of objects is zero (step S606: zero), it is necessary to input a destination, so the order sheet search process is executed (step S610). That is, the storage 32
The order sheet information is searched and extracted from the data stored in 0. Then, order sheet analysis is executed (step S611). Here, what is marked in the entry column of the order sheet is analyzed, and the marked information is extracted. Then, a destination file is created (step S612). Then, the created destination file is stored in the memory card (step S613), and other than the order sheet is transmitted (step S614). That is, substantial information such as the marked information extracted here and necessary image data is transmitted. Then, a series of processing ends.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a memory card saving process. FIG. 7 illustrates the memory card storing process described in step S613 of FIG. 6 in more detail. First, a storage connection is made (step S701). Next, the lamp is turned on (step S702).
When this lamp is lit, writing to the memory card is notified. And the input of B button shown in FIG. 2 is received. When the B button is input (step S703: Yes)
), The process proceeds to step S706. As a result, the saving of the destination file is stopped, and the transmission process is immediately started. If the B button is not input (step S703: No), the created file is copied to the memory card (step S704).

Then, it is determined whether or not the storage process has been completed for all data (step S705),
If all the data has not been completed (step S705: No), the process returns to step S704 and the process is repeated. When all the data has been completed (step S705: Yes), the cutting is performed (step S706), and the lamp is turned off (step S707). Then, a series of processing ends.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of a destination file to be created. The created destination file includes a header 801, a thumbnail image 802, and a main image 803. The header 801 includes destination information such as a destination address and a fax number, and creation date and time. The thumbnail image 802 is obtained by reducing the main image 802 for display on a small display or the like. Furthermore, it is possible to keep the information on the destination superimposed as a thumbnail image. A main image 803 is an image to be transmitted and printed.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of a destination-only file. The destination file shown in FIG. 8 includes a header 801, a thumbnail image 802, and a main image 803. In the example of FIG. 9, these files are configured as a header 901, a block 902, and a block 903, respectively. In the header 901, the destination number and the creation date and time are written. In this case, the destination number is “0”
1-2345 ".

Note that this destination-only file is a dedicated file for designating a destination, and an image of the destination number “01-2345” is written in this block 902. Also,
The block 903 into which the main image 803 is to be stored is an empty image.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second example of the destination-only file. The destination file shown in FIG. 8 includes a header 801, a thumbnail image 802, and a main image 803.
In the example of 0, these are configured as a header 1001, a block 1002, and a block 1003, respectively. Unlike FIG. 9, the case where a plurality of destinations are written will be described with reference to FIG. In the header 1001, the destination number and the creation date and time are written. In this case, the destination numbers are “01-2345” and “02-3456”.

In block 902 of FIG. 9, the number itself is written as an image.
In 002, the address “Mr. A” of the destination number “01-2345”, the destination number “02-3456”
An image of the address “Mr. B” is written. In addition, since image data is not included, the block 1003 into which the main image 803 should enter is an empty image.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example when a transmission image is added to a copy file.
The destination file shown in FIG. 8 includes a header 801, a thumbnail image 802, and a main image 803. In the example of FIG. 11, these are the header 1101 and the thumbnail image 1, respectively.
102, configured as a main image 1103. In the header 1101, the destination number and the creation date and time are written. In this case, the destination number is “01-2345”.

In addition, unlike thumbnail images 1102 in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the thumbnail images 1102 include images in the files so that the destination images overlap the original thumbnail images of the files in which the transmission image files are copied. Rewrite to Header 1101
Add to what was originally written. The main image 1103 is, for example, J
It becomes an image itself to be printed such as PEG.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second example of adding a transmission image to a copy file.
The destination file shown in FIG. 8 includes a header 801, a thumbnail image 802, and a main image 803. In the example of FIG. 10, these are the header 1201 and the thumbnail image 1 respectively.
202, configured as a main image 1203. Unlike FIG. 11, the case where a plurality of destinations are written will be described with reference to FIG. In the header 1201, the destination number and the creation date and time are written. In this case, the destination numbers are “01-2345” and “02-3456”.

In addition, although the number itself is written as an image in the block 1102 of FIG. 11, the thumbnail image 1102 has a destination number “01-234” in which the image of the main image 1103 is reduced.
An image of the address “Mr. A” of “5” and the address “Mr. B” of the destination number “02-3456” is written. The main image 1103 is an image itself to be printed such as JPEG.

In the above description, an example in which the header portion of the image file is rewritten has been described. However, in addition to the header, the destination information may be described in any location as long as the destination file can be handled as an image file. Since the destination file has the destination image in the thumbnail portion of the image data, it can be handled in the same way as an ordinary image file on the multifunction peripheral 100, and usually the thumbnail of the image file is displayed. When viewed in the same way as a file, the user can easily know where it is destined. In addition, since the destination-only file does not have the main image data, the data capacity can be saved.

In the above description, the example in which the communication control apparatus 180 is connected as a storage or a camera has been described. However, the connection format to be applied is not limited to these. Any storage that can save data from the multifunction peripheral 100 is not limited to storage. Also, the multifunction machine 100
If an image can be printed on the camera, it is not necessarily a camera. Also connect as a camera,
This is because the connection may be based on USB Direct (registered trademark) or Pictbridge (registered trademark) standards. In addition, when the internal data can be managed by the printer, it is conceivable to connect in a manageable format.

As explained above, because destination information can be recorded as a destination file,
A file can be transmitted by referring to the destination information without inputting the destination again. In particular, when performing transmission processing using a device that does not have an operation input unit such as a dongle, it is necessary to input using an order sheet, so the operation is complicated, and the operation is simplified by eliminating the need for input. Is done. In addition, when a destination is input using an order sheet, the destination can be stored, so that not only a limited destination but also a necessary transmission destination can be held at any time.

The communication control method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is hard disk, flexible disk, CD-ROM
It is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as MO, DVD, etc., and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed through a network such as the Internet.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing system which comprises a network. Explanatory drawing explaining each operation part and connection part of a communication control apparatus. The block diagram which shows the functional structure of a communication control apparatus. Explanatory drawing explaining the outline | summary of an order sheet. The flowchart explaining the printing process which prints an order sheet | seat. The flowchart explaining the transmission process of an order sheet. The flowchart explaining the preservation | save process of a memory card. Explanatory drawing explaining the structure of the destination file to produce. Explanatory drawing which shows the 1st example of a destination exclusive file. Explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd example of a destination exclusive file. Explanatory drawing which shows the 1st example at the time of adding to the copy file of a transmission image. Explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd example at the time of adding to the copy file of a transmission image.

Explanation of symbols

100 MFP, 102 CPU, 104 RAM, 106 ROM, 180 Communication Control Device, 210 Connection Terminal, 220 Connection Terminal, 300 Input / Output Unit, 310 USB Controller, 320 Storage

Claims (7)

An acquisition means for acquiring an image data file;
And instruction means for accepting an instruction of transmission of the image data file,
A destination file including destination information, a thumbnail image in which an image indicating a destination is superimposed on a thumbnail image of the image data instructed to be transmitted, and a main image not including the image indicating the destination in the image is generated. A destination file generation means;
A transmission unit that transmits an image data file to a destination indicated by the destination information included in the destination file when the instruction unit instructs transmission of the image data file in a state where the destination file is acquired ;
A communication control apparatus comprising: The communication control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits an image data file including the destination file . Obtaining means for obtaining an image data file including a main image and a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the main image;
  An instruction means for receiving an instruction to transmit the image data file;
  Destination file generation means for generating a destination file that is an image data file that includes destination information and a thumbnail image including an image indicating the destination in the image, and does not include the main image;
  A transmission unit that transmits image data to a destination indicated by the destination information included in the destination file when the instruction unit instructs the transmission of the image data file in a state where the destination file is acquired;
  A communication control apparatus comprising: The communication control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transmission unit does not transmit the destination file . An acquisition process for acquiring an image data file;
An instruction step of accepting an instruction for transmission of image data,
A destination file including destination information, a thumbnail image in which an image indicating a destination is superimposed on a thumbnail image of the image data instructed to be transmitted, and a main image not including the image indicating the destination in the image is generated. Destination file generation process,
A transmission step of transmitting an image data file to a destination indicated by the destination information included in the destination file when an instruction to send the image data file is given by the instruction step in a state where the destination file is acquired ;
The communication control method characterized by including. An acquisition step of acquiring an image data file including a main image and a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the main image;
  An instruction process for receiving an instruction to transmit the image data file;
  A destination file generation step of generating a destination file that is an image data file that includes destination information and a thumbnail image including an image indicating the destination in the image, and does not include the main image;
  A transmission step of transmitting image data to a destination indicated by the destination information included in the destination file when transmission of the image data file is instructed by the instruction unit in a state where the destination file is acquired;
  A communication control method comprising: A communication control program for causing a computer to execute the process according to claim 5 or 6 .

Images