JP5783367B2 - Communication device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device for transmitting image data by network communication or the like.

  A facsimile apparatus and an image forming apparatus having a facsimile communication function are provided with various functions that are convenient for the user.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as an ADF (Auto Document Feeder)) having an ADF controller that predicts the number of documents. Based on the number of originals predicted by the ADF controller, the image forming apparatus determines whether post-processing such as original binding is possible before reading the original and forming an image.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a facsimile apparatus that detects the number of pages of a document loaded in an image scanner and calculates the communication time from the number of pages of the document.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a facsimile apparatus that calculates a communication time from the amount of transmission data created by reading a document, and predicts a communication fee from the communication time and the telephone number of the other party.

  In Patent Document 4, the image forming unit is used based on a predetermined priority order for various functions realized by a combination of the image reading unit, the data communication unit, the facsimile unit, and the image storage unit. An image forming apparatus is disclosed. According to this image forming apparatus, image formation and image communication can be performed during document reading, or image reading and image communication can be performed during image formation, or image reading and image formation can be performed during image communication. In addition, the image storage means can be used efficiently.

JP 2009-163139 A JP-A-2-260870 JP-A-6-217105 JP 2000-134391 A

  In recent years, communication apparatuses using a next generation network (NGN: New Generation Network) have been developed. NGN in this specification is an integrated network in which a telephone line, data communication, etc. are constructed using a communication protocol called IP (Internet Protocol) used in the Internet. In Japan, March 2008 Refers to a communication network in which commercial services have been started. In this NGN, usually, a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) server performs call control between both terminals, so that facsimile communication or a call between the two terminals is performed.

  In communication of transmission data using NGN, it is known that the communication speed of transmission data or the like is remarkably higher than communication using a conventional network such as G3 facsimile communication. In communication using a conventional network, the time for transmitting the created transmission data is often longer than the time for creating the transmission data of the document by reading the document. On the other hand, in communication using NGN, the transmission data transmission time is often shorter than the transmission data generation time.

  While reading a page of a document and creating transmission data for that page, NGN is used in the case of so-called quick memory transmission, in which transmission data for other pages created by scanning is transmitted. In communication, there is a problem that a waiting time for job generation including transmission data generation for the second page occurs between transmission completion of transmission data for the first page and transmission start of transmission data for the second page. (See FIG. 5).

  In the case of communication using NGN, the NGN usage fee is not determined by the amount of data such as transmission data to be transmitted, but by the time for securing a band for data transmission.

  Therefore, when the waiting time occurs, there is a problem that a time for securing a band for data transmission is lengthened and an NGN usage fee is increased.

  However, the patent document does not disclose specific means for reducing the waiting time.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem. In quick memory transmission, a wait that occurs between the completion of transmission of transmission data for the first page of a document and the start of transmission of transmission data for the second page. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device that shortens time.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] a reading unit that sequentially reads a plurality of pages of an original;
In parallel with the reading operation in the reading unit, a data creation unit that creates transmission data of the document from image data obtained by reading the document by the reading unit;
A storage unit for storing transmission data created by the data creation unit;
A transmission unit for transmitting transmission data stored in the storage unit;
With
The transmission unit does not start transmission of transmission data until transmission data of the original is generated for two pages until transmission data of the original is generated, and transmission data of the original is at least two pages. The communication apparatus is characterized in that transmission of the transmission data of the original document is started after generation of the transmission data and before transmission data of all pages of the original document is generated.

  In the above invention, at least after the data creation unit creates transmission data for two pages of the document, the transmission unit starts transmitting transmission data of the document.

  Therefore, in quick memory transmission when a line with a high communication speed such as NGN is used, it occurs at least between the completion of transmission of the first page of transmission data and the start of transmission of transmission data of the second page. The waiting time can be shortened.

[2] A transmission data creation time estimation unit that estimates a time until transmission data of all pages of the document is created;
A communication time estimation unit for estimating communication time required for transmission of transmission data of all pages of the document;
With
The transmission unit determines a timing for starting transmission of transmission data of the document from the communication time estimated by the communication time estimation unit and the time estimated by the transmission data creation time estimation unit. The communication device according to [1].
[3] a reading unit that sequentially reads a plurality of pages of an original;
In parallel with the reading operation in the reading unit, a data creation unit that creates transmission data of the document from image data obtained by reading the document by the reading unit;
A storage unit for storing transmission data created by the data creation unit;
A transmission unit for transmitting transmission data stored in the storage unit;
A transmission data creation time estimation unit that estimates the time until transmission data of all pages of the document is created;
A communication time estimation unit for estimating communication time required for transmission of transmission data of all pages of the document;
With
The transmission unit determines a timing for starting transmission of transmission data of the document from the communication time estimated by the communication time estimation unit and the time estimated by the transmission data creation time estimation unit.
A communication device.

[ 4 ] The data creation unit further includes a data amount estimation unit that estimates a total data amount of transmission data of all pages of the document created by the data creation unit,
The transmission data creation time estimation unit repeatedly estimates a transmission data creation time which is a remaining time until transmission data of all pages of the document is created,
The communication time estimation unit estimates a communication time required for transmission of transmission data of all pages of the document from the total data amount estimated by the data amount estimation unit,
The transmission unit starts transmission of transmission data of the document when the communication time estimated by the communication time estimation unit is equal to or more than the latest transmission data generation time estimated by the transmission data generation time estimation unit. The communication device according to [2] or [3] , wherein

  In the above invention, since the communication of the transmission data is started when the communication time is equal to or longer than the remaining transmission data creation time, the waiting time is shortened, and the completion of reading of the original and the completion of transmission of the transmission data are substantially the same. It can be time.

[ 5 ] Further, it has a document number information acquisition unit for acquiring the number information of the document.
The data amount estimation unit estimates a total data amount of transmission data of all pages of the document based on the document number information acquired by the document number information acquisition unit,
The transmission data creation time estimating unit is on the basis of the number information of the original document number information acquiring unit acquires communication apparatus according to you, wherein [4] to infer the transmission data creation time.

  In the above invention, since the information on the number of documents is acquired, the total amount of transmission data and the transmission data creation time of all pages of the document can be estimated more accurately.

[6] A document type information input unit that receives input of information related to the type of document,
The data amount estimation unit estimates a total data amount of transmission data of all pages of the document in consideration of the type of the document,
The communication apparatus according to [ 5 ], wherein the transmission data creation time estimation unit estimates the transmission data creation time in consideration of the type of the document.

  Here, the type of the document includes, for example, whether the document is color-printed or monochrome-printed, whether the document includes a photograph, the resolution of the document, the encoding method of the transmission data of the document, etc. This is the type of document that is classified according to a factor that changes the amount of document transmission data.

  In the above invention, the total data amount of transmission data and transmission data creation time are estimated by taking into account the type of document, so the total data amount of transmission data and transmission data creation time can be more accurately calculated. Can be guessed.

[7] The communication apparatus according to [ 5 ] or [ 6 ], wherein the document number information acquisition unit is an operation unit that receives an input of the document number information from an operator of the communication device.

  In the above-described invention, since the number-of-documents information is acquired from an operator such as a user, it is possible to more accurately estimate the total amount of transmission data and the transmission data creation time of the document.

  Here, the operator of the communication device includes a user of the communication device, an administrator, and the like.

[ 8 ] The document number information acquisition unit
A document height detection unit for detecting the height of the document placed on the reading unit;
A document number estimation unit that estimates the remaining number of documents that the reading unit has not yet read from the height of the document detected by the document height detection unit;
The communication device according to [ 5 ] or [ 6 ], characterized by comprising:

  In the above invention, since the remaining number of sheets is estimated from the height of the document placed on the reading unit, it is possible to more accurately estimate the total amount of transmission data and the transmission data creation time of the document. it can.

[ 9 ] The document number information acquisition unit further acquires the amount of change in the height of the document placed on the reading unit, which is generated when the reading unit reads the document.
The document number estimation unit includes a document height detected by the document height detection unit, a change amount acquired by the document number information acquisition unit, and a document read while the change amount is generated. From the number of sheets, the remaining number of documents that the reading unit has not yet read is corrected,
The data amount estimation unit includes the number of documents already read by the reading unit, the data amount of transmission data already generated by the data generation unit, and the remaining number of documents corrected by the document number estimation unit. From the number of images, correct the total data amount,
The communication apparatus according to [ 8 ], wherein the communication time estimation unit corrects the communication time from the total data amount corrected by the data amount estimation unit.

  According to the above-described invention, the document number estimation unit can correct the remaining number of documents that have not been read by the reading unit each time the reading unit reads the document. Further, the data amount estimation unit can correct the total data amount of the transmission data of all pages of the document from the remaining number of corrected documents. Furthermore, the communication time estimation unit can correct the communication time from the total data amount corrected by the data amount estimation unit.

[ 10 ] The communication apparatus according to [ 9 ], wherein the document height detection unit is provided in the reading unit.

[ 11 ] From the operator of the communication device, as the transmission start timing, the number of pages of the document for which transmission data has been created by the data creation unit, or the page of the document for which transmission data has been created for all the pages of the document It has a communication start time setting part that accepts designation of the ratio of the number,
The transmission unit transmits the transmission data of the document when the number of pages of the document for which transmission data has been created by the data creation unit or the ratio reaches the transmission start timing set by the communication start time setting unit. The communication apparatus according to any one of [1] to [ 10 ], wherein transmission is started.

[12] The communication device is an ITU-T recommendation T.30. 38. The communication apparatus according to any one of [1] to [ 11 ], wherein facsimile communication conforming to H.38 is performed.

  ITU-T recommendation The facsimile communication conforming to the standard 38 is ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector) recommendation T.37. The protocol control relating to the facsimile transmission procedure defined in 38 is executed, and transmission data is transmitted and received in facsimile communication.

[13] Even after a communication error occurs during transmission of the transmission data, the reading unit reads the original, and the data creation unit creates the transmission data and stores it in the storage unit. Done
Any one of [1] to [ 12 ], wherein the transmission unit transmits the transmission data created after the occurrence of the communication error after communication with the communication apparatus on the other side is recovered by redialing. The communication device according to item.

  According to the communication device of the present invention, in the quick memory transmission when using a line with a high communication speed such as NGN, at least the transmission data transmission of the first page of the document is completed and the transmission data of the second page is transmitted. It is possible to reduce the waiting time that occurs between the start of transmission.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the SIP session in NGN. It is a table | surface which shows the example of a charge charged when the user of an originating terminal uses the media stream in a SIP session in NGN. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the communication apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the basic procedure which sets the communication start time of transmission data. 6 is a time chart showing document reading, job generation, and communication time in quick memory transmission using NGN. It is sectional drawing of the automatic conveyance apparatus of a reading part. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a document height detection mechanism. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for automatically estimating the number of documents. It is an example of a screen for performing transmission / reception method setting. FIG. 6 is an example of a screen for performing a document number designation selection. FIG. It is an example of a screen for inputting document number information. It is an example of a screen for performing transmission / reception method setting. It is an example of a screen for performing communication start number designation selection. It is an example of a screen for designating the communication start number. It is an example of a screen for changing a function setting in an administrator menu. It is an example of a screen for performing transmission start time designation selection. It is an example of a screen for designating transmission start time. It is an example of a screen for performing transmission / reception method setting. It is an example of a screen for performing original type designation selection. It is an example of a screen for designating a document type. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which correct | amends the communication start time of transmission data. It is a flowchart which shows the redial operation | movement of the communication apparatus at the time of communication error generation.

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

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a SIP session in NGN 1. In FIG. 1, the SIP server 2 exists on the NGN 1. Via this SIP server 2, a SIP session 5 is established between the calling terminal 3 and the called terminal 4 according to a protocol called SIP. In the present embodiment, a communication device 20 described later is used as the calling terminal 3 and the called terminal 4.

  In the SIP session 5, there are a maximum of five media sessions of different types. The upper limit of the bandwidth of each media session is 1 Mbps. In the example of FIG. 1, the SIP session 5 includes an audio media stream 6, a video media stream 7, and a data media stream 8.

  When the SIP session 5 is established between the calling terminal 3 and the called terminal 4, the calling terminal 3 sets the type of media such as voice data and video data and the band used for data communication to the SIP server 2. Notice. The SIP server 2 secures the band in the media stream corresponding to the notified media type based on the notification from the calling terminal 3. In each media stream, data is transmitted from the source terminal 3 to the destination terminal 4 via the router 9 within the reserved bandwidth.

  FIG. 2 is a table showing an example of a fee charged when the user of the calling terminal 3 uses the media stream in the SIP session in the NGN 1.

  Normally, in NGN1, the fee charged when using a media stream is not determined by the amount of data to be transmitted, but by the width of the band used for data transmission and the time for securing the band. Is done. In the example of FIG. 2, when the reserved bandwidth is 512 kbps to 1 Mbps, the fee is 2 yen per 30 seconds. Considering the amount of data to be transmitted and the network usage fee, the bandwidth used for transmission of transmission data in facsimile communication is usually preferably 64 kbps to 1 Mbps.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the communication device 20 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the communication device 20 is a communication using NGN, and is an ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector) recommendation T.264. The protocol control relating to the facsimile transmission procedure defined in 38 is executed, and image data is transmitted and received in facsimile communication.

  The communication device 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 that comprehensively controls the operation of the communication device 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22 connected to the CPU 21, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 24, an input / output buffer 25, a display unit 26, an operation unit 27, a network I / F (Interface) unit 28, and a reading unit 29 are provided.

  The CPU 21 is based on an OS (Operating System) program, and executes middleware, application programs, and the like. Further, the CPU 21 creates transmission data to be transmitted to the communication apparatus 20 on the other side from the image data of the original obtained by the reading unit 29 reading, and generates a job for this transmission. Further, the CPU 21 estimates the total data amount of the transmission data of the document, which will be described later, the remaining transmission data creation time, the communication time of the transmission data, and sets the communication start time of the transmission data based on the estimated total data amount. To do.

  Various programs are stored in the ROM 22, and each function of the communication device 20 is realized by the CPU 21 executing various processes according to these programs.

  The RAM 23 is used as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 21 executes processing based on a program, an image memory that stores image data, and the like.

  The HDD 24 stores various types of stored data, and also stores various types of input data. An internal storage BOX (folder) for storing transmission data is created in the HDD 24.

  The input / output buffer 25 performs a buffer function for temporarily storing input data and output data in order to compensate for a difference in processing speed and transfer speed when data is exchanged between the units in the communication device 20. .

  The display unit 26 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) and the like, and has a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, and the like.

  The operation unit 27 includes various buttons such as a start button, a stop button, and a numeric keypad, and a touch panel that is provided on the surface of the display unit 26 and detects a pressed coordinate position. Accept various operations. The operation unit 27 also receives input of the number of originals information, input of transmission start timing of transmission data, input of information related to the type of original from a user or the like.

  The network I / F unit 28 functions as an interface when communicating with an information processing terminal, a server, or the like through a network such as NGN1.

  The reading unit 29 optically reads a document and acquires image data. The reading unit 29 sequentially moves, for example, a light source that irradiates light on a document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light for one line in the width direction, and a reading position in units of lines in the length direction of the document. An optical path composed of a lens, a mirror and the like for guiding the reflected light from the document to the line image sensor to form an image, a conversion unit for converting the analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data, etc. It is configured with. The reading unit 29 is provided with a document number detection unit 30 for detecting the number of documents.

  In addition, the communication device 20 includes an image processing unit (not shown) that performs various types of image processing on the image data, and a printer unit (not shown) that forms an image on recording paper.

  Next, a procedure for setting a timing for communicating transmission data of a document will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a basic procedure for setting the communication start time of transmission data.

  First, when the user places a document on the tray 40 (see FIG. 6) of the reading unit 29, the user inputs the number of documents to the operation unit 27, or the document number detection unit 30 provided in the reading unit 29 sets the document. By detecting the height (thickness) of the document, the communication device 20 acquires the number information of the documents (step S101).

  The CPU 21 determines whether or not the user or the administrator of the communication device 20 has set the communication start timing of the transmission data of the document in advance (step S102). The setting of the communication start timing will be described later.

  When the CPU 21 determines that the communication start timing is not set (step S102; No), the reading unit 29 starts reading the document (step S103).

  While the reading unit 29 is reading a document, the CPU 21 creates transmission data to be transmitted to the communication device 20 on the other side from the image data already read by the reading unit 29. Then, the CPU 21 calculates the data amount of the transmission data, and estimates the total data amount of the transmission data of all the pages of the document from the calculated data amount and the document number information acquired in step S101 ( Step S104). A specific method for estimating the total data amount will be described later.

  The CPU 21 estimates the communication time of transmission data of all pages of the document from the estimated total data amount (step S105).

  Further, the CPU 21 estimates the remaining transmission data creation time required to create transmission data for all pages of the document (step S106).

  When the CPU 21 determines that the estimated communication time is equal to or longer than the remaining transmission data creation time (step S107; Yes), the CPU 21 controls the apparatus to start transmission of document transmission data (step S110). On the other hand, when it is determined that the estimated communication time is shorter than the remaining transmission data creation time (step S107; No), the CPU 21 repeatedly executes steps S103 to S107.

  In step S102, when the CPU 21 determines that the communication start timing is set (step S102; Yes), the reading unit 29 starts reading the document (step S108) as in step S103.

  While the reading unit 29 is reading the document, the CPU 21 monitors whether or not the set communication start timing comes (step S109; No).

  When the CPU 21 determines that the communication start timing has arrived (step S109; Yes), the CPU 21 controls the apparatus to start transmission of document transmission data (step S110).

  FIG. 5 is a time chart showing document reading, job generation, and communication time in quick memory transmission using NGN1.

  FIG. 5 also shows the communication time in the conventional quick memory transmission for comparison with the quick memory transmission of the present embodiment.

  While the reading unit 29 reads the first page of the document, the CPU 21 starts generating a job related to transmission of the transmission data of the first page including the transmission data generation of the first page.

  In the conventional quick memory transmission, transmission of transmission data for the first page is started when the generation of a job related to transmission of transmission data for the first page is completed.

  In quick memory transmission using NGN1, the communication speed is higher than communication using a conventional network such as G3 facsimile communication. Therefore, the transmission time of transmission data is longer than the job generation time including transmission data generation. Shorter. Therefore, in the conventional quick memory transmission, a waiting time for creating transmission data for the second page occurs between the completion of transmission of the transmission data for the first page and the start of transmission of the transmission data for the second page.

  Furthermore, in the conventional quick memory transmission, the same waiting time occurs between the completion of transmission of the transmission data and the start of transmission of the transmission data of the next page in the same manner after the job generation related to transmission of the transmission data of the second page. To do.

  On the other hand, the communication device 20 of this embodiment does not transmit transmission data until it is determined that the communication time estimated by the CPU 21 is equal to or longer than the remaining transmission data creation time. Therefore, the communication device 20 can delay the transmission start time of the transmission data of the first page from the conventional quick memory transmission, and can shorten the waiting time.

  As a result, the time for securing the bandwidth in NGN 1 can be shortened, so that the usage fee for NGN 1 can be kept low as described above.

  Next, a method for obtaining document number information will be described. First, a method for automatically acquiring document number information will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic conveyance device of the reading unit 29. FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory views schematically showing a document height detection mechanism.

  The reading unit 29 includes a tray 40 on which a document is placed and a plurality of rollers 41 for automatically conveying the document to a document reading position or a document discharge position one by one. As described above, the reading unit 29 includes the document number detection unit 30. The document number detection unit 30 includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 30a and a line sensor 30b.

  The LED 30 a is provided below the tray 40. The line sensor 30b is disposed on the front end side of the tray 40 in the document conveyance direction so as to follow the document overlapping direction, and receives light from the LED 30a. The document number detection unit 30 can detect the number of documents placed on the tray 40 from the width (light reception width) by which the line sensor 30b receives light from the LED 30a and the amount of change in the light reception width.

  FIG. 7A shows the document number detection unit 30 in a state before the reading unit 29 reads the document.

  When the document is placed on the tray 40, the tray 40 moves upward so that the uppermost surface of the document reaches the regulation plate. Thereby, the light receiving width of the line sensor 30b becomes narrow as shown in FIG. The document number detection unit 30 detects the height (thickness) of the document based on the narrowed light receiving width.

  When the reading unit 29 starts reading a document, the number of documents placed on the tray 40 decreases. As the number of originals decreases, the tray 40 moves upward as shown in FIG. 7B, and the light receiving width increases. When the document number detection unit 30 detects the increase in the light reception width, the CPU 21 determines the thickness per document from the increase in the light reception width, the number of documents already read by the reading unit 29, and the reading unit 29. Guess the number of remaining originals that have not yet been read. Further, the CPU 21 estimates the total number of documents from the estimated thickness per document and the height (thickness) of the document detected by the document number detection unit 30 before reading by the reading unit 29. .

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for automatically estimating the number of documents.

  First, the document number detection unit 30 detects the height of the document before the reading unit 29 reads the document, and temporarily stores the document height in the RAM 23 or the like as an initial value (step S201).

  The CPU 21 determines whether or not the page of the document that the reading unit 29 is currently reading is the first page (step S202).

  When the CPU 21 determines that this page is the first page (step S202; Yes), the reading unit 29 starts reading the document (step S203).

  Thereafter, the CPU 21 quotes the standard paper thickness stored in advance in the ROM 22 or the like, and calculates the number of remaining originals that have not yet been read by the reading unit 29 (step S204).

  The CPU 21 determines whether or not the page of the document read by the reading unit 29 in step S203 is the last page (step S209).

  When the CPU 21 determines that this page is the last page (step S209; Yes), it ends the procedure for estimating the number of documents. On the other hand, when the CPU 21 determines that this page is not the last page (step S209; No), the CPU 21 returns to step S202.

  When the CPU 21 determines that the page of the document to be read at this time is not the first page (step S202; No), the reading unit 29 starts reading the page (step S205).

  After the reading unit 29 conveys the page from the tray 40, the document number detection unit 30 detects the current document height, and temporarily stores the document height in the RAM 23 or the like (step S206).

Further, the document number detection unit 30 detects the amount of change in the height of the document placed on the tray 40. Alternatively, the CPU 21 calculates the change amount from the initial value acquired by the document number detection unit 30 in step S201 and the current document height detected in step S206. Further, the CPU 21 calculates the paper thickness per document from the above change amount (step S207). Specifically, the CPU 21 calculates the paper thickness per document sheet from the following equation (1).
(“Initial value acquired in step S201” − “document height” detected in step S206) ÷ (number of documents already read by the reading unit 29) (1)

The CPU 21 uses the sheet thickness per document calculated by the CPU 21 in step S207 and the current document height detected by the document number detection unit 30 in step S206 to determine the remaining document that the reading unit 29 has not yet read. The number of documents is calculated (step S208). Specifically, the CPU 21 calculates the number of remaining documents from the following equation (2).
("Document height" detected in step S206) / ("paper thickness per document calculated in step S207") (2)

  Further, if necessary, the CPU 21 calculates the total number of documents as a whole from the initial value acquired by the document number detection unit 30 in step S201 and the sheet thickness per document calculated by the CPU 21 in step S207. .

  When the CPU 21 determines that this page is not the last page (step S209; No), the CPU 21 returns to step S202. On the other hand, when the CPU 21 determines that this page is the last page (step S209; Yes), the procedure for estimating the number of documents ends.

  In the above embodiment, the number of documents is obtained using the LED 30a and the line sensor 30b. However, the method for calculating the number of documents is not limited to this.

  For example, there is a method of calculating the number of documents from the number of drive pulses of a lift-up motor for raising the document feed tray. According to this, the lift-up motor raises the document feed tray until the upper surface of the document shields the upper limit sensor pressed against the document feed roller. The thickness of the document is calculated from the number of driving pulses of the lift-up motor at this time.

  Thereafter, each time a document is fed, the tray is further raised by driving the motor. When a predetermined number of originals are fed, the amount by which the tray is raised is calculated from this number and the number of drive pulses. Further, the paper thickness per document is calculated from the calculated increase amount. Then, the number of documents is calculated from the calculated sheet thickness per sheet and the thickness of the document.

  In addition, the document number information may be acquired by using a sheet with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) as a document. In addition, in the case of facsimile communication, a delivery slip is often attached to the first page of a manuscript. Therefore, the number of manuscript information can be obtained by reading the page information on this sending slip with an OCR (Optical Character Reader). May be. Further, the document number information may be acquired by reading the page number described in the document by OCR.

  Next, a method of acquiring the document number information by inputting the document number information by the user will be described.

  FIG. 9 to FIG. 11 are examples of screen transitions for inputting document number information. These screens are displayed on the display unit 26. In addition, the user uses the operation unit 27 to input document number information and settings necessary for communication.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a screen for performing transmission / reception method setting. As a transmission / reception method, the user selects the quick memory transmission by pressing the quick memory transmission button 50 and confirms the quick memory transmission by pressing the OK button 51. Thereafter, the display unit 26 displays a screen as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen for selecting and specifying the number of documents. The user presses a button 52 displayed as “YES” in order to designate the number of documents, that is, to input information on the number of documents. Then, the user presses an OK button 53 in order to confirm the specification of the number of documents. Thereafter, the display unit 26 displays a screen as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen for inputting document number information. The user inputs the number of documents to be transmitted as transmission data using a numeric keypad provided on the operation unit 27. Then, the user presses an OK button 54 to confirm the number of input documents. Thereafter, the display unit 26 displays a screen for communication setting.

  By inputting the number of originals, the communication device 20 can estimate the transmission time of transmission data of the originals. Further, the communication device 20 can display the total number of originals (for example, “page number / total number”) in the “page number” portion of the sender record when performing quick memory transmission or the like.

  Next, a communication start timing setting method will be described. First, a method for setting the communication start timing in the one-time designation by the user will be described. Here, a case will be described in which the user sets the communication apparatus 20 so that transmission of document transmission data starts when the CPU 21 creates transmission data of a specific page of the document. In this case, the user designates the specific page, that is, the communication start number as the communication start timing.

  FIG. 12 to FIG. 14 are screen transition examples for designating the communication start number as the communication start timing.

  FIG. 12 is an example of a screen for setting a transmission / reception method. FIG. 12 is substantially the same as FIG. Also, the description related to FIG. 12 is the same as that related to FIG. 9, and thus the detailed description related to FIG.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen for selecting and specifying the number of communication start sheets. The user presses the communication start number designation button 55 in order to designate the communication start number. Then, the user presses the OK button 56 in order to confirm the designation of the communication start number. Thereafter, the display unit 26 displays a screen as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a screen for designating the communication start number. The user inputs the communication start number using the numeric keypad provided on the operation unit 27. Then, the user presses an OK button 57 to confirm the input communication start number. Thereafter, the display unit 26 displays a screen for communication setting.

  As a result, in step S102 of FIG. 4, the CPU 21 determines that the communication start timing is designated. In step S109, when the CPU 21 determines that the communication start timing has arrived, that is, when the CPU 21 determines that the transmission data of the page corresponding to the number of communication start designated by the user has been generated, Controls its own device to start transmission.

  Next, a method for setting the communication start timing by the administrator of the communication device 20 will be described. Here, a case will be described in which the administrator sets the communication device 20 to start transmission of transmission data of a document when the reading unit 29 creates transmission data at a specific ratio with respect to the entire document. In this case, the manager designates the specific ratio, that is, the communication start time, as the communication start timing.

  15 to 17 are screen transition examples for designating the communication start time as the communication start timing.

  FIG. 15 is an example of a screen for changing function settings in the administrator menu. Since the administrator performs the setting related to the quick memory transmission, the quick memory transmission setting button 58 is pressed to select the quick memory transmission setting. Then, the administrator presses the OK button 59 to confirm the quick memory transmission setting. Thereafter, the display unit 26 displays a screen as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 16 is an example of a screen for performing transmission start time designation selection. The administrator presses the transmission start time designation button 60 in order to designate the transmission start time. Then, the user presses the OK button 61 to confirm the transmission start time designation. Thereafter, the display unit 26 displays a screen as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is an example of a screen for designating the transmission start time. The user inputs the transmission start time using a numeric keypad provided on the operation unit 27. Then, the user presses the OK button 62 in order to confirm the input transmission start time. Thereafter, the display unit 26 displays an administrator menu screen.

  As a result, in step S102 of FIG. 4, the CPU 21 determines that the communication start timing is designated. In step S109, if the CPU 21 determines that the communication start timing has arrived, that is, if the CPU 21 determines that the CPU 21 has created the transmission data of the document by a specific ratio that is the transmission start time designated by the administrator, The own apparatus is controlled so as to start transmission of document transmission data to the apparatus 20.

  Next, a method for specifying the type of document will be described. Here, the type of document is a type of document classified according to a factor that changes the data amount of transmission data of the document. In the present embodiment, the type of the document is designated according to whether the document is printed in color and / or monochrome, whether the document includes characters and / or photos, or the resolution of the document. From this information on the type of document, the total amount of transmission data of all pages of the document and the remaining transmission data creation time required for creating transmission data of all pages of the document can be estimated more accurately. .

  18 to 20 are examples of screen transitions for designating the type of document.

  FIG. 18 is an example of a screen for setting a transmission / reception method. FIG. 18 is substantially the same as FIG. Also, the description regarding FIG. 18 is the same as that regarding FIG. 9, so the detailed description regarding FIG. 18 will be omitted.

  FIG. 19 shows an example of a screen for performing document type designation selection. The user presses the document type designation button 63 in order to designate the document type. Then, the user presses an OK button 64 to confirm the document type designation. Thereafter, the display unit 26 displays a screen as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 20 is an example of a screen for designating the type of document. The user uses the operation unit 27 to input a document type. In the example of FIG. 20, as a default, the document type parameter for which the CPU 21 estimates the smallest total data amount of document transmission data is selected. After inputting the document type, the user presses an OK button 65 to determine the document type. Thereafter, the display unit 26 displays a screen for communication setting.

  Next, a procedure for correcting the communication start time of document transmission data will be described. Here, a description will be given of a procedure for correcting the communication start time when the user does not specify the communication start number and the administrator does not specify the communication start time.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure for correcting the communication start time of transmission data.

  First, when the user places a document on the tray 40 of the reading unit 29, the user inputs information on the number of documents to the operation unit 27, or the document number detection unit 30 provided in the reading unit 29 sets the height of the document ( By detecting the (thickness), the communication device 20 acquires information on the number of documents (step S301).

  The CPU 21 determines whether or not the page of the document that the reading unit 29 is currently reading is the first page (step S302).

  When the CPU 21 determines that this page is the first page (step S302; Yes), the reading unit 29 starts reading the document (step S303).

  Thereafter, the CPU 21 quotes the standard data amount of transmission data per sheet based on the type of document designated by the user from the screen example of FIG. 20 (step S304). In step S301, when the document number detection unit 30 detects the height (thickness) of the document and the communication device 20 acquires the number information of the document, as shown in step S204 of FIG. The CPU 21 calculates the remaining number of documents.

The CPU 21 transmits the transmission data data created from the standard transmission data amount per sheet quoted in step S304 and the image data obtained by the reading unit 29 reading the first page of the document in step S303. The total amount of transmission data of the entire document is calculated from the amount and the number of remaining documents that have not been read by the reading unit 29 (step S310). Specifically, the CPU 21 calculates the total data amount from the following equation (3).
(Data amount of transmission data already created) + (remaining number of originals not yet read by reading unit 29) × (data amount of transmission data per sheet) (3)

The CPU 21 calculates the communication time of transmission data of all pages of the document from the total data amount calculated in step S310 (step S311). Specifically, the CPU 21 calculates the communication time from the following equation (4).
(Total data amount) ÷ (Communication speed) (4)

  The CPU 21 estimates the remaining transmission data creation time required to create transmission data for all pages of the document. Specifically, the CPU 21 determines the remaining data based on the transmission data creation capability of the CPU 21, the number of remaining originals that have not yet been read by the reading unit 29, the type of original specified by the user from the screen example of FIG. Calculate the transmission data creation time. Further, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the calculated communication time is equal to or longer than the remaining transmission data creation time (step S312).

  When the CPU 21 determines that the calculated communication time is shorter than the remaining transmission data creation time (step S312; No), the CPU 21 returns to step S302.

  When the CPU 21 determines that the page of the document to be read at this time is not the first page (step S302; No), the reading unit 29 starts reading the page (step S305).

  The CPU 21 performs document number prediction processing (step S306). When the user inputs document number information in step S301, the CPU 21 acquires the remaining number of documents that have not yet been read by the reading unit 29 based on the document number information.

  On the other hand, in step S301, when the document number detection unit 30 detects the height (thickness) of the document and the communication apparatus 20 acquires the number information of the document, steps S206 to S208 shown in FIG. By performing this process, the CPU 21 estimates the number of remaining documents.

  The CPU 21 creates transmission data from the image data of the page obtained by the reading unit 29 reading in step S305, and starts generating a job related to transmission of the transmission data. Further, the CPU 21 calculates the data amount of the transmission data of the page (step S307).

  The CPU 21 calculates the data amount of the transmission data for the already created document (step S308).

The CPU 21 calculates the data amount of transmission data per sheet from the data amount calculated in step S308 (step S309). Specifically, the CPU 21 calculates the data amount of transmission data per sheet from the following equation (5).
(Data amount of transmission data of already created document) ÷ (Number of documents already read by reading unit 29) (5)

  In step S310, the CPU 21 again calculates the total amount of transmission data of the entire document using the above equation (3). At this time, as the data amount of transmission data already created, the data amount calculated by the CPU 21 in step S308 is used. As the data amount of transmission data per sheet, the amount calculated by the CPU 21 in step S309 is used. Further, as for the remaining number of originals not yet read by the reading unit 29, the number calculated by the CPU 21 in step S306 is used. Thereby, the CPU 21 corrects the total data amount of the transmission data of the entire document.

  In step S311, the CPU 21 calculates the communication time using the above equation (4). At this time, the total data amount corrected in step S310 is used for the total data amount. As a result, the CPU 21 corrects the total data amount.

  Further, the CPU 21 corrects the remaining transmission data creation time, and determines whether or not the corrected communication time is equal to or longer than the remaining transmission data creation time (step S312). At this time, the CPU 21 corrects the remaining transmission data creation time using the remaining number of documents estimated in step S306.

  When determining that the estimated communication time is shorter than the remaining transmission data creation time (step S312; No), the CPU 21 repeatedly executes steps S302 to S312. On the other hand, when the CPU 21 determines that the estimated communication time is equal to or longer than the remaining transmission data creation time (step S312; Yes), the CPU 21 instructs the communication device 20 to start transmission of document transmission data (step S312). S313). Thereafter, the CPU 21 ends the procedure for correcting the communication start time of the transmission data of the document.

  In step S309 of the procedure shown in FIG. 21, the CPU 21 calculates the data amount of transmission data per document using the above formula (5), but the document input on the screen of FIG. The data amount of the transmission data per sheet may be calculated based on the type.

  Next, the redial operation of the communication device 20 when a communication error occurs at the start of communication of document transmission data or during communication will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the redial operation of the communication device 20 when a communication error occurs.

  The CPU 21 monitors whether or not an error has occurred in communication with the counterpart communication device 20 (step S401; No). On the other hand, when the CPU 21 determines that a communication error has occurred (step S401; Yes), the CPU 21 determines whether or not there is a remaining page of the document that has not yet been read by the reading unit 29 (step S402).

  If the CPU 21 determines that there are remaining pages of the document that have not yet been read (step S402; Yes), the reading unit 29 continues to read the remaining pages and creates transmission data (step S403).

  The CPU 21 determines whether or not the number of remaining documents is N (for example, 10) or more (step S404). If the CPU 21 determines that the remaining number is N or more (step S404; Yes), after the reading unit 29 reads N documents, it instructs the communication device 20 on the other side to redial (step S405). ). N is set in the communication device 20 in advance, and an administrator or the like can change this setting.

  The CPU 21 determines whether or not the connection with the counterpart communication device 20 has been successful (step S406). When the CPU 21 determines that the connection with the communication device 20 on the other side is successful (step S406; Yes), the CPU 21 resumes transmission of the transmission data of the document via the network I / F unit 28 (step S407). ). Thereafter, the redial operation of the communication device 20 ends.

  Thus, since the remaining pages of the document are read after the communication error occurs until the communication is resumed, the waiting time until the communication of the transmission data is completed can be shortened.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 21 determines that the connection with the communication device 20 on the other side is not successful (step S406; No), the CPU 21 returns to step S402.

  If the CPU 21 determines in step S402 that there are no remaining original pages (step S402; No), or in step S404, the CPU 21 determines that the remaining number of originals is less than N. In this case, the CPU 21 gives a redial instruction to the communication device 20 on the other side after the elapse of M minutes (for example, 5 minutes) from the occurrence of the communication error or after the elapse of M minutes from the previous redial (step S408). At this time, if the remaining document pages exist, the reading unit 29 continues to read the remaining pages. M is set in the communication device 20 in advance, and an administrator or the like can change this setting.

  The CPU 21 determines whether or not the connection with the counterpart communication device 20 has been successful (step S409). When the CPU 21 determines that the connection with the communication device 20 on the other side is successful (step S409; Yes), the CPU 21 resumes transmission of the transmission data of the document via the network I / F unit 28 (step S410). ). Thereafter, the redial operation of the communication device 20 ends.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 21 determines that the connection with the communication device 20 on the other side is not successful (step S409; No), the number of redials to the communication device 20 on the other side after the occurrence of the communication error is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. Is determined (step S411).

  When the CPU 21 determines that the number of redials is less than the predetermined number (step S411; No), the CPU 21 returns to step S408. On the other hand, when the CPU 21 determines that the number of redials is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (step S411; Yes), the redial operation of the communication device 20 is forcibly terminated.

  By the above redial, transmission data created until communication is resumed can be transmitted after the communication is resumed, so that the transmission data is not wasted.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  In this embodiment, when the estimated communication time is equal to or longer than the estimated remaining transmission data creation time, the communication device 20 has started communication of transmission data, but the present invention is not limited to this. The communication device starts transmitting the transmission data of the document at least after the transmission data of the document is generated for at least two pages and before the transmission data of all pages of the document is generated. As a result, in quick memory transmission using a high-speed communication line such as NGN1, at least a wait that occurs between the completion of transmission of the first page of transmission data and the start of transmission of the second page of transmission data. Time can be shortened.

  In the present embodiment, communication using NGN 1 has been described. However, the communication device 20 is applicable to communication using a network in which the waiting time occurs in quick memory transmission.

1 ... NGN
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... SIP server 3 ... Originating terminal 4 ... Arrival terminal 5 ... SIP session 6 ... Audio media stream 7 ... Video media stream 8 ... Data media stream 9 ... Router 20 ... Communication device 21 ... CPU
22 ... ROM
23 ... RAM
24 ... HDD
25 ... I / O buffer 26 ... Display unit 27 ... Operation unit 28 ... Network I / F unit 29 ... Reading unit 30 ... Document number detection unit 30a ... LED
30b ... Line sensor 40 ... Tray 41 ... Roller 50 ... Quick memory send button 51 ... OK button 52 ... Button 53 ... OK button 54 ... OK button 55 ... Communication start number designation button 56 ... OK button 57 ... OK button 58 ... Quick memory Transmission setting button 59 ... OK button 60 ... Transmission start time designation button 61 ... OK button 62 ... OK button 63 ... Original type designation button 64 ... OK button 65 ... OK button

Claims (13)

A reading unit that sequentially reads a multi-page document;
In parallel with the reading operation in the reading unit, a data creation unit that creates transmission data of the document from image data obtained by reading the document by the reading unit;
A storage unit for storing transmission data created by the data creation unit;
A transmission unit for transmitting transmission data stored in the storage unit;
With
The transmission unit does not start transmission of transmission data until transmission data of the original is generated for two pages until transmission data of the original is generated, and transmission data of the original is at least two pages. The communication apparatus is characterized in that transmission of the transmission data of the original document is started after generation of the transmission data and before transmission data of all pages of the original document is generated. A transmission data creation time estimation unit that estimates the time until transmission data of all pages of the document is created;
A communication time estimation unit for estimating communication time required for transmission of transmission data of all pages of the document;
With
The transmission unit determines a timing for starting transmission of transmission data of the document from the communication time estimated by the communication time estimation unit and the time estimated by the transmission data creation time estimation unit. The communication device according to claim 1. A reading unit that sequentially reads a multi-page document;
In parallel with the reading operation in the reading unit, a data creation unit that creates transmission data of the document from image data obtained by reading the document by the reading unit;
A storage unit for storing transmission data created by the data creation unit;
A transmission unit for transmitting transmission data stored in the storage unit;
A transmission data creation time estimation unit that estimates the time until transmission data of all pages of the document is created;
A communication time estimation unit for estimating communication time required for transmission of transmission data of all pages of the document;
With
The transmission unit determines a timing for starting transmission of transmission data of the document from the communication time estimated by the communication time estimation unit and the time estimated by the transmission data creation time estimation unit. Communication device. A data amount estimation unit for estimating a total data amount of transmission data of all pages of the document created by the data creation unit;
The transmission data creation time estimation unit repeatedly estimates a transmission data creation time which is a remaining time until transmission data of all pages of the document is created,
The communication time estimation unit estimates a communication time required for transmission of transmission data of all pages of the document from the total data amount estimated by the data amount estimation unit,
The transmission unit starts transmission of transmission data of the document when the communication time estimated by the communication time estimation unit is equal to or more than the latest transmission data generation time estimated by the transmission data generation time estimation unit. The communication apparatus according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein And a document number information acquiring unit for acquiring the number of document information.
The data amount estimation unit estimates a total data amount of transmission data of all pages of the document based on the document number information acquired by the document number information acquisition unit,
The communication apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the transmission data creation time estimation unit estimates the transmission data creation time based on the document number information acquired by the document number information acquisition unit. And a document type information input unit for receiving input of information regarding the type of the document,
The data amount estimation unit estimates a total data amount of transmission data of all pages of the document in consideration of the type of the document,
The communication apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the transmission data creation time estimation unit estimates the transmission data creation time in consideration of a type of the document. The document number information acquisition unit, a communication device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that an operation unit for accepting input of the number information of the document from the operator of the communication device. The document number information acquisition unit
A document height detection unit for detecting the height of the document placed on the reading unit;
A document number estimation unit that estimates the remaining number of documents that the reading unit has not yet read from the height of the document detected by the document height detection unit;
The communication apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it has a. The document number information acquisition unit further acquires the amount of change in the height of the document placed on the reading unit generated by the reading unit reading the document,
The document number estimation unit includes a document height detected by the document height detection unit, a change amount acquired by the document number information acquisition unit, and a document read while the change amount is generated. From the number of sheets, the remaining number of documents that the reading unit has not yet read is corrected,
The data amount estimation unit includes the number of documents already read by the reading unit, the data amount of transmission data already generated by the data generation unit, and the remaining number of documents corrected by the document number estimation unit. From the number of images, correct the total data amount,
The communication apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the communication time estimation unit corrects the communication time from the total data amount corrected by the data amount estimation unit. The communication apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the document height detection unit is provided in the reading unit. As the transmission start timing from the operator of the communication device, the number of pages of the document for which transmission data has been created by the data creation unit, or the ratio of the number of pages of the document for which transmission data has been created to the total number of pages of the document Has a communication start time setting unit that accepts the designation of
The transmission unit transmits the transmission data of the document when the number of pages of the document for which transmission data has been created by the data creation unit or the ratio reaches the transmission start timing set by the communication start time setting unit. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein transmission is started. The communication device is ITU-T recommendation T.30. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein facsimile communication conforming to H.38 is performed. Even after a communication error occurs during transmission of the transmission data, the document is read by the reading unit, the transmission data is generated by the data generation unit, and the process of storing the data in the storage unit is continuously performed.
And the transmission unit, after the recovery communicating with the other side of the communication device by redialing, in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that transmitting the transmission data created after the occurrence of the communication error The communication device described.

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