JP6572071B2 - Image communication device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus such as a facsimile (FAX) or a multifunction machine (multifunction printer).

  In FAX, it is known that image data to be printed can be selected from received image data instead of automatically printing received image data (for example, Patent Document 1). The FAX of Patent Document 1 stores image data without performing automatic printing even when image data is received, and updates a list of information such as a reception date and time and a transmission source regarding the received image data. Then, the user browses a list of image data stored in the FAX via the FAX touch panel, selects image data to be printed, and causes the FAX to print.

JP 2002-27161 A

  The above technique causes various inconveniences. For example, the advantage of FAX is that automatic printing is performed. Specifically, for example, by performing automatic printing, the user can easily grasp the presence or absence of an incoming call, and can easily grasp the received content. Such convenience is lost in the above technique. For example, in the above technique, image data to be printed is selected via the touch panel, but it is not always easy to determine whether printing is necessary based on the reception date and time, the transmission source, or the like. In addition, it is necessary to become familiar with the operation of the touch panel.

  Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an image communication apparatus that is highly convenient for selecting whether printing is necessary.

  An image communication apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a receiving unit capable of receiving image data, a storage unit capable of storing image data, a printing unit capable of printing an image, and a reading unit capable of reading an image of a document. And a control unit that controls the storage unit and the printing unit based on signals from the receiving unit and the reading unit, and the control unit includes image data that the receiving unit covers a plurality of sheets. When receiving the image data, the printing unit prints an image based on the image data for a certain number of sheets, and stores the image data in the storage unit for at least the remaining number of sheets, and the reading unit includes When the image of the original is read, the image data for the remaining number of sheets stored in the storage unit is identified as the image for the partial number of the read image, and the identified image An image based on the over motor has a processing unit when reading is printed on the printing unit.

  Preferably, the reception processing unit also stores the image data for the part of the number of sheets in the storage unit, and the reading processing unit stores the image read by the reading unit and the storage unit. It is determined whether or not the image based on the image data for the partial number of images matches, and the image for the remaining number of images corresponding to the image determined to match is printed on the printing unit.

  Preferably, the reception time processing unit adds a mark assigned for each reception to the image for the partial number of sheets, causes the printing unit to print, and associates the image with the image data for the remaining number of sheets. The information of the mark is stored in the storage unit, and the reading processing unit checks whether the mark included in the image read from the document by the reading unit matches the mark stored in the storage unit It is determined whether or not, and an image based on the image data for the remaining number of sheets associated with the mark determined to match is printed on the printing unit.

  Preferably, the reading time processing unit adds a mark associated with image data of the image to the remaining number of images and causes the printing unit to print the image.

  Preferably, the reception processing unit stores a predetermined time in the storage unit in association with the image data for the remaining number of sheets, and the control unit stores the predetermined unit stored in the storage unit Timed data erasure that determines whether or not the time satisfies a predetermined condition with respect to the current time, and deletes image data for the remaining number of sheets associated with the predetermined time determined to be satisfied from the storage unit Has a part.

  Preferably, the image communication apparatus includes an operation unit that receives a user's operation, and the control unit includes the operation unit regardless of whether or not an image is printed based on image data for the remaining number of sheets. An operation data erasing unit that erases the remaining number of image data from the storage unit in response to a predetermined operation.

  Preferably, the image communication apparatus includes an operation unit that receives a user operation, and the reception-time processing unit associates the remaining number of pieces of image data with information on a transmission source of the image data. Is stored in the storage unit, and the processing unit at the time of reading includes a transmission source associated with the remaining number of pieces of image data in which the image read by the reading unit is an image for the partial number of sheets, It is determined whether or not the transmission source associated with the image data for the other remaining number matches, and an image based on the image data for the other remaining number determined to match is sent to the printing unit. Let it print.

  Preferably, the partial number of images is a single image defined by the image data over the plurality of sheets as the first printed image.

  Preferably, the reception time processing unit causes the printing unit to perform the allocation printing of the remaining number of sheets together with the printing of the part of the number of sheets.

  According to said structure, the convenience is high regarding selection of the necessity of printing.

FIG. 1A to FIG. 1D are schematic diagrams for explaining the outline of the operation of the image communication apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the signal processing system of the communication system containing the image communication apparatus of FIG. The figure which shows notionally the data content of the memory | storage part of FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main processing executed by the image communication apparatus in FIG. 1. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the process at the time of reception among the main processes of FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a reading process in the main process of FIG. 4. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the same transmission source process among the processes at the time of the reading of FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of timed data erasure processing in the main processing of FIG. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9D are schematic diagrams for explaining the outline of the operation of the image communication apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10A and 10B conceptually show data contents in the storage unit of the image communication apparatus shown in FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of a procedure of reception processing executed by the image communication apparatus of FIG. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the outline | summary of operation | movement of the image communication apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

<First Embodiment>
(Overview of operation)
FIG. 1A to FIG. 1D are schematic diagrams for explaining the outline of the operation of the image communication apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the image communication apparatus 1 is, for example, a FAX or a multi-function peripheral, and receives image data GD via wired or wireless.

  The image data GD is transmitted as a set of data from a single transmission source, and covers a plurality of sheets (four in the illustrated example) if printing is performed normally without performing layout printing or the like. Is. For example, if the transmission source is FAX, the image data GD is formed by continuously reading a plurality of documents by one operation.

  In the following description, for the sake of convenience, reference numerals P1 to P4 are assigned to each of the plurality of sheets regardless of whether they are image data or media (for example, paper). For convenience, image data, images, originals, media, and the like may be referred to without particular distinction.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, when the image communication device 1 receives the image data GD, the image communication device 1 determines a predetermined number (a part of the number of image data GD among the plurality of image data GD. In the illustrated example, 1). Sheet) is automatically printed, and the received image data GD is stored in the storage unit 3. A part (one sheet) of image data P1 to be printed is printed first when, for example, a plurality of sheets of image data GD are normally printed. From another point of view, if the transmission source is FAX, the original is generally read first. Although not particularly illustrated, if other image data GD is received as described above, a part of the image data GD is also printed and stored in the storage unit 3.

  The user determines whether or not it is necessary to print the remaining image data P2 to P4 by looking at the printed image P1 of some media. Then, when it is determined that it is necessary, as shown in FIG. 1C, the reading unit 5 of the image communication apparatus 1 reads the medium P1 as a document.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1D, the image communication apparatus 1 that has read the image P <b> 1 of the medium extracts the image data GD including the image data P <b> 1 that matches the image P <b> 1 from the storage unit 3. Then, the remaining image data P2 to P4 are printed. At this time, the printed image data GD is preferably erased from the storage unit 3.

  As described above, in the image communication apparatus 1, when a plurality of sheets of image data are received, printing is performed on a part of the number of sheets. When the part of the printed matter is read by the image communication apparatus 1 as a document, the remaining number of image data corresponding to the document is printed. As a result, the image data to be printed is selected.

  Details of the configuration of the image communication apparatus 1 and the like for realizing the above operation will be described below.

(Communication system including image communication device)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal processing system of the communication system 51 including the image communication apparatus 1.

  The communication system 51 includes a network 7, one or a plurality of image communication apparatuses 1 (only one is shown in FIG. 2) and a plurality of communication terminals 9 (only one is shown in FIG. 2) connected to the network 7. doing. The communication terminal 9 transmits image data, and the image data is received by the image communication apparatus 1 via the network 7.

  For example, the communication terminal 9 has at least an image transmission function for transmitting image data. The communication terminal 9 is, for example, a FAX or a multifunction machine, reads a document, generates image data, and transmits the image data. The communication terminal 9 may be, for example, a personal computer (PC) or a mobile phone capable of transmitting image data. In this case, for example, the communication terminal 9 generates image data by reading a document with a scanner connected to the communication terminal 9, or image data according to a user input operation using document creation software or image creation software installed in the communication terminal 9. Or receiving image data from another communication terminal and transmitting the image data. In the following, description will be given mainly assuming a FAX or a multifunction peripheral.

  For example, the image communication apparatus 1 has at least an image receiving function for receiving image data, an image printing function for printing an image based on the received image data, and an image reading function for reading an image from a document. The image communication apparatus 1 is, for example, a FAX, a multifunction peripheral, a PC in which a scanner and a printer are connected, or a network printer in which a scanner is connected. The communication terminal 9 may be the image communication device 1 of the present embodiment. In the following, description will be given mainly assuming a FAX or a multifunction peripheral.

  The network 7 transmits a signal based on image data between the image communication apparatus 1 and the communication terminal 9. As understood from the illustrations of the image communication apparatus 1 and the communication terminal 9 described above, the network 7 is configured by, for example, a telephone line, an Internet line, or a combination thereof, and, for example, a wired line, a wireless line, or these It consists of a combination.

  The transmission method of the image data from the communication terminal 9 to the image communication apparatus 1 may be the same as various known methods.

  For example, the communication terminal 9 selectively establishes communication with any one of the plurality of image communication apparatuses 1 via a telephone line based on the FAX number of the image communication apparatus 1 and transmits image data.

  For example, the communication terminal 9 selectively establishes communication with any of the plurality of image communication apparatuses 1 via the Internet line based on the IP address of the image communication apparatus 1 and transmits the image data. The IP address is, for example, a fixed and global IP address. In addition, a fixed and global IP address plus a protocol and a port number (information used for static IP masquerade) is assumed to be an IP address here.

  Further, for example, the communication terminal 9 transmits a mail including mail address information and image data to a mail server. The mail server holds a table in which mail address information is associated with FAX number or IP address information, and the FAX number or IP address information corresponding to the mail address information included in the received mail is stored. get. Then, similarly to the transmission method based on the FAX number or IP address described above, the received image data (including the mail text) is transmitted based on the acquired FAX number or IP address. At this time, the mail server may convert the format of the image data as necessary.

(Configuration of image communication device)
In addition to the storage unit 3 and the reading unit 5 illustrated in FIG. 1, the image communication apparatus 1 includes a receiving unit 11 that receives image data via a network 7, a printing unit 13 that prints an image, a receiving unit 11, A control unit 15 that controls the printing unit 13 and the storage unit 3 based on a signal from the reading unit 5 is provided. In addition, the image communication apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 17 and a display unit 19 as a user interface. The image communication apparatus 1 may have a function of transmitting an image read by the reading unit 5, but illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  The configuration of each unit described above may be the same as the configuration of each unit of a known image communication apparatus, except for the storage content of the storage unit 3 and the control content of the control unit 15. Descriptions of configurations that may be similar to known configurations may be omitted as appropriate.

  The storage unit 3 is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile storage device. For example, the storage unit 3 is configured by an external storage device (hard disk) of a computer included in the image communication apparatus 1. It may be configured by a storage medium (removable medium) attached to and detached from the main body of the image communication apparatus 1 such as a USB memory or a CD.

  For example, the reading unit 5 converts an image of a document into image data. Specifically, for example, the reading unit 5 moves the document with respect to an image sensor (not shown) or moves the image sensor along the document table on which the document is placed. Image data is generated by scanning an image. That is, the reading unit 5 generates image data by photoelectric conversion. The reading unit 5 may be capable of continuously reading a plurality of documents, or may be capable of reading only one document. Note that the reading unit 5 may not be a scanner, but may be an imaging device connected to a PC.

  For example, the reception unit 11 receives a signal related to image data via the network 7 and performs detection (demodulation) on the received signal to convert it into image data.

  The printing unit 13 is configured by an appropriate type of printer such as an ink jet printer or a laser printer, and prints an image on a medium (for example, paper) based on a control signal from the control unit 15.

  The control unit 15 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an external storage device, although not particularly illustrated, and when the CPU executes a program stored in the ROM and / or the external storage device, It is constructed as a control unit that executes various control operations.

  Specifically, for example, the control unit 15 includes a reception-time processing unit 21 for performing the processing described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIG. 1C and FIG. A processing unit 23 for reading for performing the processing described with reference to d), a timed data erasing unit 25 for erasing image data in the storage unit 3 at an appropriate time, and a memory corresponding to a user operation on the operation unit 17 An operation data erasure unit 27 for erasing the image data of the unit 3 is constructed.

  The operation unit 17 includes, for example, a plurality of push-type or contact-type switches (may be configured by a touch panel), receives a user operation, and sends a signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 15. Output.

  The display unit 19 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device, and displays an appropriate image based on a control signal from the control unit 15. Note that the display unit 19 is configured by a touch panel and may also be used as the operation unit 17.

(Data content)
FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing the contents of the database 29 stored in the storage unit 3.

  The database 29 can hold a plurality of received data 31, for example. The reception data 31 is generated every time image data is received and stored in the database 29. The received data 31 includes, for example, image data received via the network 7, information on the reception date and time of the image data, information on the transmission source of the image data, and the image data shown in FIG. It includes information on the printing date and time when the number of copies was printed.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram to the last, and it is not necessary to actually configure the table as shown in FIG. For example, in practice, the address of the storage area where the transmission source information is stored may be associated with the address of the storage area where the image data GD is stored. Further, for example, a table in which other information and image data are associated with each other may be configured.

  The image data GD is obtained by demodulating the image signal from the communication terminal 9. The data format of the image data GD is, for example, information specifying the page break and page order, such as TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) or PDF (Portable Document Format) format (information that can be regarded as corresponding to the information). Included). Note that the format of the image data transmitted by the communication terminal 9 and the format of the image data stored in the database 29 may be different. That is, the control unit 15 may convert the received image data into a different format and store it in the database 29. In the image communication apparatus 1, printing is basically performed according to the page breaks and page order included in the image data GD.

  The reception date / time information is the date / time when the image communication apparatus 1 receives the image data GD. Further, the information of the transmission source may be appropriate according to the communication method between the image communication apparatus 1 and the communication terminal 9, for example. For example, the transmission source information is a FAX number, a mail address, or an IP address, as illustrated in FIG. Acquisition of the reception date and information of the transmission source may be performed in the same manner as the known image communication apparatus 1.

  As the printing date and time, for example, the time counted by the control unit 15 when printing is performed for a part of the number of sheets in FIG. Note that, when image data is received, the printing of FIG. 1B is automatically performed, so the printing date and time is basically the same as the receiving date and time. However, depending on the operation mode of the image communication apparatus 1, the print date may be different from the reception date.

  For example, the image communication apparatus 1 temporarily stores the image data GD when the printing of a part of the number of sheets in FIG. Then, when the reason why printing cannot be performed, such as when paper is replenished later, part of the printing shown in FIG. 1B is performed. In this case, the printing date / time is shifted from the reception date / time.

  When the image communication apparatus 1 cannot print a part of the number of sheets shown in FIG. 1B due to a lack of paper or the like, the image communication apparatus 1 notifies the transmission source of an error and performs the processes after FIG. It may operate so that there is no. In such an aspect, the fact that printing can be performed at the time of reception is a condition for generating the reception data 31, and therefore the printing date and time is always approximately the same as the reception date and time. In this aspect, one of the reception date and time and the print date and time may be omitted and may be identified with the other. Even when both are recorded, they may be identified.

(Operation procedure of image communication device)
Hereinafter, an operation procedure of the image communication apparatus (an example of a process procedure executed by the control unit 15) will be described.

(Main process)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of main processing executed by the control unit 15. This process is continuously executed, for example, from when the image communication apparatus 1 is turned on until the power is turned off.

  First, in step S <b> 1, the control unit 15 determines whether a reception request for image data GD is received from the network 7. Then, when it is determined that the reception request has been received, the control unit 15 proceeds to step S2, and when it is determined that the reception request has not been received, step S2 is skipped.

  In step S2, the control unit 15 performs the reception process described with reference to FIG. This process will be described later.

  In step S <b> 3, the control unit 15 determines whether the reading unit 5 has performed reading for performing the remaining printing described with reference to FIG. When it is determined that reading has been performed, the control unit 15 proceeds to step S4, and when it is determined that reading has not been performed, step S4 is skipped.

  Note that when the image communication apparatus 1 has a function of reading and transmitting an image, the image communication apparatus 1 uses, for example, an operation method different from the operation method at the time of reading for transmitting an image, and the remaining Reading of a document for printing may be accepted. The operation is, for example, an operation of pressing a switch for starting reading without designating a destination, or pressing a switch different from the switch for starting reading at the time of transmission. Then, the control unit 15 proceeds to step S4 when accepting an operation of reading the remaining document for printing and making an affirmative determination in step S3.

In step S4, the control unit 15 performs the reading process described with reference to FIG. This process will be described later.

  In step S <b> 5, the control unit 15 determines whether it is time to organize the database 29 in the storage unit 3. Then, the control unit 15 proceeds to step S6 when it is determined that the time has come, and skips step S6 when it is determined that the time has not come.

  The time when the database 29 is organized may be set by the manufacturer of the image communication apparatus 1 or may be set by the user of the image communication apparatus 1. Further, the time when the database 29 is organized may be a predetermined time, or may be when a certain time has elapsed from the time when the predetermined event occurs (the time when it fluctuates).

  In step S6, the control unit 15 performs timed data erasure processing. This process will be described later.

  In step S <b> 7, the control unit 15 determines whether an operation for deleting the reception data 31 stored in the database 29 has been performed on the operation unit 17. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the control unit 15 proceeds to step S8, and when it is determined that the operation has not been performed, step S8 is skipped.

  In step S <b> 8, the control unit 15 deletes the reception data 31 according to the operation content for the operation unit 17. For example, the control unit 15 deletes all the reception data 31 when an operation for instructing the batch deletion of all the reception data 31 is performed. For example, when an operation for selectively erasing the received data 31 is performed, the control unit 15 erases the selected received data 31. Note that the image communication apparatus 1 may be configured to be capable of only one of batch erasure and selective erasure.

(Processing when receiving)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the reception process executed by the control unit 15 in step S2 of the main process of FIG.

  In step S11, the control unit 15 establishes communication with the transmission source communication terminal 9 (or a server on the network 7) and receives the image data GD. This image data GD is held in a RAM, for example.

  In step S12, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the number of sheets (the number of received sheets) when the received image data is normally printed exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If the control unit 15 determines that the threshold value is exceeded, the process proceeds to step S13. If the control unit 15 determines that the threshold value is not exceeded, the control unit 15 proceeds to step S15.

  For example, the number of received sheets is specified based on information included in the image data. For example, the control unit 15 specifies the number of received sheets by counting page break information included in the image data. Note that the number of pieces of information itself may be included in the image data.

  The threshold value is appropriately set with a number equal to or greater than a partial number in the printing of FIG. The threshold value may be set by the manufacturer of the image communication apparatus 1 or may be set by the user of the image communication apparatus 1. Further, the threshold value may be the same as a part of the number in FIG. 1B or may be larger than that. In addition, the threshold value may be automatically changed in conjunction with the change in the number of sheets when the number of sheets in FIG. It may be irrelevant to the change in the number of sheets.

  In step S <b> 13, as described with reference to FIG. 1B, the control unit 15 prints a part of the image data among the received image data GD over a plurality of sheets. Note that the partial number may be set by the manufacturer of the image communication apparatus 1 or may be set by the user of the image communication apparatus 1.

  In step S14, the control unit 15 generates the reception data 31 including the reception date and time, the transmission source, the print date and time, and the image data GD as described with reference to FIGS. Store (update the database 29). In the present embodiment, the control unit 15 causes the database 29 to store not only the image data for the remaining number of sheets not printed in step S13 but also the image data for a part of the number printed in step S13.

  In step S15, the control unit 15 prints the image data GD for all sheets. The number of sheets at this time is equal to or less than the threshold value in step S12. Note that if the threshold value in step S12 is greater than the partial number of prints in step S13, convenience for some users is improved. For example, when the number of received sheets is one more than a part of the number printed in step S13, the effect of saving paper due to the suspension of the remaining number of sheets is low, while the remaining number of sheets is printed. It is troublesome to give separate instructions. Therefore, such inconvenience is solved by setting the threshold value a little larger than a part of the number of sheets.

  Although not particularly illustrated, the control unit 15 determines whether printing is possible (whether there is a sheet, etc.) each time printing is performed in steps S13 and S15. When the control unit 15 determines that printing is not possible, for example, the control unit 15 may notify the transmission source and return to the main process by exiting the reception process, or temporarily suspend the printing. Then, another executable process is performed, and when it becomes possible to print, the continuation may be printed.

(Processing when reading)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the reading process executed by the control unit 15 in step S4 of the main process of FIG.

  In step S <b> 21, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the received data 31 exists in the database 29. The control unit 15 proceeds to step S22 when it is determined that the received data 31 is present, and proceeds to step S27 when it is determined that there is no received data 31.

  In step S22, the control unit 15 extracts one reception data 31 from the database 29, and among the image data GD included in the reception data 31, the image data that should have been printed in step S13, and the reading unit It is determined whether or not the image data obtained in step 5 matches. Then, the control unit 15 proceeds to step S23 when determining that they match, and proceeds to step S26 when determining that they do not match.

  The image matching here means that the similarity between both images is high beyond a certain standard, and does not mean that the images match completely in a strict sense. Various known methods may be applied to determine whether images match. For example, the determination of coincidence may be made by comparing the images themselves or by comparing feature amounts. The threshold for determining that they match may be set as appropriate. Although both images should be basically the same size and offset, the relative position of the image data is shifted little by little (for example, one pixel at a time) in consideration of the shift that occurs during printing or reading. A determination of whether or not they match may be made.

  If the number of copies printed in step S13 is two or more, this coincidence is determined by, for example, reading the document image of the same number as the number of copies by the reading unit 5 and the number of copies. An affirmative determination may be made when all of the images match, or the number of sheets (for example, two sheets) less than a part (for example, two sheets) may be read by the reading unit 5. Alternatively, an affirmative determination may be made when an image that matches the image of the document is included in a partial number of images of the reception data 31.

  In step S23, the control unit 15 determines the remaining unprinted image data GD of the received data 31 determined to include image data that matches the image data obtained by the reading unit 5 in FIG. The number of image data is printed.

  In step S24, the control unit 15 deletes the received data 31 on which the remaining number of sheets have been printed in step S23 from the database 29 (updates the database 29).

  In step S25, the control unit 15 executes the same transmission source process that is a process related to the reception data 31 of the same transmission source as the reception data 31 that has been subjected to the remaining printing in step S23. This process will be described later.

  In step S <b> 26, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the matching of images in step S <b> 22 has been determined for all received data 31. If the control unit 15 determines that all the received data 31 has not been determined, the control unit 15 returns to step S22, determines the received data 31 that has not been determined, and determines that all the received data 31 has been determined. If so, go to Step S27. In other words, by repeating steps S22 and S26, the database 29 is searched using the image read by the reading unit 5 as a key.

  In step S27, the control unit 15 causes the notification unit such as the display unit 19 to perform error notification, and ends the reading process. That is, if the received data 31 does not exist even if the reading unit 5 scans the original to print the remaining number of sheets (No determination in step S21), and the image data that matches the read image is displayed. If the received data 31 does not exist (Yes determination in step S26), the remaining number of sheets is not printed.

(Same source processing)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the same transmission source process executed by the control unit 15 in step S25 of the reading process shown in FIG.

  In step S31, the control unit 15 acquires transmission source information from the reception data 31 extracted by repeating steps S22 and S26, and searches the database 29 using the transmission source information as a key. That is, the control unit 15 searches for image data of the same transmission source as the image data instructed to print the remaining number of sheets. Then, if one or more image data of the same transmission source is found, the control unit 15 proceeds to step S32, and if not found, skips the subsequent steps and ends the processing of FIG.

  In step S <b> 32, the control unit 15 causes the display unit 19 to display an image for inquiring the user whether or not to print an image of the same transmission source image data. This image may be, for example, a simple one indicating whether or not there is image data from the same transmission source and asking whether or not the remaining printing is necessary, and in addition to this, the reception date and time of the image data It may also indicate information such as the remaining number of sheets.

  In step S <b> 33, the control unit 15 determines whether an affirmative operation or a negative operation has been performed on the operation unit 17. When it is determined that an affirmative operation has been performed, the control unit 15 proceeds to step S34. When it is determined that a negative operation has been performed, the control unit 15 skips the subsequent steps and ends the process of FIG.

  In steps S34 and S35, the control unit 15 causes the printing unit 13 to print the remaining number of sheets of the received data 31 obtained in step S31, as in steps S23 and S24. The received data 31 that has been printed is deleted from the database 29.

  Note that when a plurality of received data 31 from the same transmission source is found in step S31, steps S32 and S33, for example, instruct printing of the remaining number of the received data 31 at once, The received data 31 may be selected and the remaining printing may be instructed, or only one of them may be possible. For example, the selection of the plurality of received data 31 is performed at once in steps S32 and S33, and printing and the like for all the selected received data 31 are performed in steps S34 and S35. By sequentially performing steps S32 to S35 for the plurality of reception data 31, the plurality of reception data 31 may be selected and printed.

(Timed data deletion process)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the timed data erasure process executed by the control unit 15 in step S6 of the main process of FIG.

  In step S <b> 41, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the received data 31 is 1 or more in the database 29. When it is determined that the control unit 15 is present, the process proceeds to step S42. When it is determined that the control unit 15 is not present, the subsequent steps are skipped and the process of FIG.

  In step S42, the control unit 15 extracts one piece of reception data 31 from the database 29, and self counts whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the reception date and time or the printing date and time of the extracted reception data 31. Determine based on the current time. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 15 proceeds to step S43. When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control unit 15 skips step S43 and proceeds to step S44.

  In step S43, the control unit 15 deletes the received data 31 determined to have passed the predetermined time in step S42 from the database 29 (updates the database 29). As a result, the received data 31 is erased regardless of whether or not printing is performed for the remaining number of sheets (even if printing is not performed from another viewpoint).

  When the print date and time is used as a reference instead of the reception date and time, for example, when there is no paper at the time of receiving image data, printing for a certain number of sheets is suspended and when the paper is replenished, In a configuration in which printing is performed, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the remaining number of image data is erased immediately after the printing of a part of the number of sheets is performed.

  For example, the manufacturer may set a predetermined time from the reference time (in this embodiment, the reception date / time or the print date / time) until the received data is erased (erasure is allowed), It may be settable by the user. In addition, the control unit 15 does not store the reference time in association with the image data GD in the reception process (step S2), but stores the time to be erased by adding a predetermined time to the reference time. It may be stored in association with the data GD, and the time to be deleted may be compared with the current time in step S42.

  In step S44, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the determination in step S42 has been performed for all reception data 31. The control unit 15 returns to step S42 when determining that all the received data 31 has not been determined, and ends the process of FIG. 8 when determining that it has been determined. That is, in steps S44 and S42, it is determined whether or not the time to be erased has arrived for all received data 31.

  As can be understood from the description of FIG. 8, step S5 of FIG. 4 can be omitted. However, the predetermined time until erasure (step S42) is generally considered not to be set to a very short time, and the image communication apparatus 1 generally does not constantly receive image data. Therefore, even if step S5 is inserted, if the data organization time of step S5 is set appropriately, the storage area of the storage unit 3 will not be relieved so much, rather, the burden on the control unit 15 is reduced, which is preferable. .

  As described above, in this embodiment, the image communication apparatus 1 includes the receiving unit 11 that can receive image data, the storage unit 3 that can store image data, the printing unit 13 that can print an image, and an image of a document. And a control unit 15 that controls the storage unit 3 and the printing unit 13 based on signals from the receiving unit 11 and the reading unit 5. The control unit 15 includes a reception processing unit 21 and a reading processing unit 23. When the reception unit 11 receives a plurality of pieces of image data GD, the reception processing unit 21 causes the printing unit 13 to print an image based on the image data GD for a certain number of sheets (step S13), and at least the remaining The image data GD for the number of sheets is stored in the storage unit 3 (step S14). When the reading unit 5 reads an image of a document, the reading time processing unit 23 sets the read image as a partial number of images from the image data of the remaining number stored in the storage unit 3. An object is specified, and an image based on the specified image data is printed on the printing unit 13 (steps S22 and S23).

  Therefore, the convenience for selecting whether printing is necessary is improved. For example, for some sheets, printing is automatically performed at the time of reception, so that the user can easily grasp the presence or absence of reception. Further, for example, since the user can see a part of the printed number of images, it is easy to examine whether or not the remaining number of prints are necessary. Further, for example, by causing the reading unit 5 to read a part of the printed number of images, the remaining number of images can be obtained from a plurality of types of image data GD (a plurality of reception data 31) stored in the storage unit 3. Therefore, it is not necessary to become familiar with the operation of the operation unit 17.

  Here, the “time” received by the receiving unit 11 or the “time” read by the reading unit 5 may be simultaneous with the progress of reception or reading, or there may be a slight time lag from reception or reading. There may be.

  In the present embodiment, the reception processing unit 21 also stores image data for a part of the number in the storage unit 3 (step S14). The reading processing unit 23 determines whether the image read by the reading unit 5 matches the image based on the image data for a part of the number of sheets stored in the storage unit 3 (Step S22). Then, the printing unit 13 prints the remaining number of images corresponding to the determined image.

  Accordingly, for example, the remaining number of image data is selected and printed based on the printed number of images themselves, so that a partial number of images is formed as in the second embodiment to be described later. A process for adding an identification mark is unnecessary. As a result, for example, when it is desired to use the printed image as it is for viewing, there is no inconvenience that an unnecessary mark is lost in the image.

  In the present embodiment, the reception processing unit 21 stores a predetermined time (reception date / time or printing date / time) in the storage unit 3 in association with the image data for the remaining number of sheets (step S14). The control unit 15 includes a timed data erasing unit 25. The timed data erasing unit 25 determines whether or not a predetermined time stored in the storage unit 3 satisfies a predetermined condition with respect to the current time (for example, It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the predetermined time (step S42), and the image data for the remaining number of sheets associated with the predetermined time determined to be satisfied is deleted from the storage unit 3 (step S43). ).

  Therefore, for example, the user does not have to perform an operation on the operation unit 17 to delete the remaining number of image data that does not need to be printed from the storage unit 3. That is, when the remaining printing is unnecessary, a part of the printed matter may be left without being read by the reading unit 5 as a document. As a result, convenience is improved.

  In the present embodiment, the image communication apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 17 that receives a user operation. The control unit 15 includes an operation data erasure unit 27. The operation data erasure unit 27 responds to a predetermined operation on the operation unit 17 regardless of whether or not an image is printed based on image data for the remaining number of sheets. Then, the remaining number of image data is deleted from the storage unit 3 (step S8).

  Therefore, for example, when a large amount of image data that does not require printing is received, the image data can be deleted from the storage unit 3 and the storage area of the storage unit 3 can be released. For example, even if printing is unnecessary, information that is not preferable to be stored in the storage unit 3 for a long time can be deleted at any time.

In the present embodiment, the reception processing unit 21 stores information on the transmission source of the image data (FIG. 3) in the storage unit 3 in association with the remaining number of image data (step S14).
The reading time processing unit 23 converts the image read by the reading unit 5 into an image for a part of the number of image data corresponding to the remaining number of image data and the image data for the remaining number of sheets. It is determined whether or not the corresponding transmission source matches (step S31), and the printing unit 13 prints an image based on the image data for the remaining number of remaining sheets determined to match (step S34).

  Therefore, for example, when the necessity of printing is determined for the remaining number of sheets depending on the transmission source, not the content of the image data, a part of the reception for each reception from the transmission source that requires printing is performed for each reception. The trouble of having the reading unit 5 read the number of images is saved.

  In this embodiment, a part of the number of images (step S13) is a single image defined by the image data GD over a plurality of sheets as the first printed image.

  Usually, the first printed image often includes information that can be predicted for the remaining number of contents, such as the transmission source and the transmission contents. By printing only one sheet as described above, unnecessary information can be avoided as much as possible, and information necessary for the remaining printing can be provided to the user as much as possible.

<Second Embodiment>
(Overview of operation)
FIG. 9A to FIG. 9D are schematic diagrams for explaining the outline of the operation of the image communication apparatus 201 of the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when the image communication apparatus 201 receives the image data GD for a plurality of sheets (P1 to P4), as in the first embodiment, the image communication apparatus 201 prints a part of the number (P1). The image data is stored in the storage unit 3.

  However, unlike the first embodiment, the image communication apparatus 201 adds the mark 107 to the image P1 when printing a part of the number of sheets. In addition, the image communication apparatus 201 does not hold the image data GD for the entire number in the storage unit 3 but holds the image data for the remaining number in the storage unit 3 only. Note that the image communication apparatus 201 may hold the image data GD for all the numbers in the storage unit 3.

  FIG. 9B shows an image 103 printed on a part of the number of media P1. The image 103 includes a main image 105 and a mark 107. The main image 105 is an image based on the image data GD received by the image communication apparatus 201, and the mark 107 is an image added by the image communication apparatus 201 in FIG. For example, different types (designs) of the mark 107 are assigned for each reception (for each image data GD). The position of the mark 107 may be set as appropriate, for example, at any one of the four corners such as the lower right of the medium P1.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, in the image communication apparatus 201, as in the first embodiment, a part of the number of media P1 printed in FIG. 9A is supplied to the reading unit 5 as a document. . As a result, the image data P2 to P4 to be printed for the remaining number of sheets are designated, and the printing of the image based on the image data is instructed.

  However, unlike the first embodiment, the image communication apparatus 201 is not based on the main image 105 but based on the mark 107, the image data P2 to P4 for the remaining number of sheets corresponding to the medium P1 read by the reading unit 5. Identify and extract.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9D, images P2 to P4 based on the extracted image data are printed. At this time, the image communication apparatus 201 adds the mark 107 added to the image P1 in the printing of a part of the number of sheets to the images P2 to P4. Thereby, the correspondence between the image P1 and the images P2 to P4 becomes clear. However, the mark 107 may not be added to the images P2 to P4.

(Configuration of image communication device)
The image communication apparatus 201 according to the second embodiment and the communication system including the image communication apparatus 201 have the same structure as that of the first embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. In the following, reference numerals in FIG. 2 and the like may be referred to as those of the second embodiment. The image communication apparatus 201 is different from the first embodiment in the control of the control unit 15 and the storage contents of the storage unit 3. Specifically, for example, it is as follows.

(Data content)
FIG. 10A is a diagram conceptually showing the contents of the database 229 stored in the storage unit 3.

  The database 229 corresponds to the database 29 of the first embodiment, and can hold a plurality of received data 231. The reception data 231 is obtained by adding the information of the mark 107 to the reception data 31 of the first embodiment. Note that, in FIG. 10A, illustration of information related to the reception date and print date of the reception data 31 is omitted.

  As in FIG. 3, FIG. 10 (a) is a conceptual diagram. Therefore, actually, for example, the image data itself of the mark 107 may not be associated, but the address of the storage area in which the image data of the mark 107 is stored may be associated.

  The image data of the mark 107 may be in a raster format or a vector format. A specific design of the mark 107 may be appropriately set. For example, the mark 107 may be configured only by a figure, or may include a symbol or a character.

  In the example of FIG. 10A, the mark 107 is configured such that different graphics are assigned to each transmission source, and different numbers are assigned to the same transmission source for each reception. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the first to third lines are different from each other in the transmission source, so that the graphic of the mark 107 is different from each other. In the second line, since the transmission sources are the same, the graphics of the marks 107 are the same, and the numbers of the marks 107 are different.

  FIG. 10A is merely an example. Therefore, for example, the mark 107 may be configured only by a graphic, and may be configured by assigning a different graphic to each reception regardless of whether or not the transmission source is the same. For example, the mark 107 may be configured by a combination of a graphic common to all receptions and a number assigned for each reception regardless of whether the transmission source is the same. Instead of numbers, letters or symbols such as alphabets may be used.

  FIG. 10B is a conceptual diagram showing the contents of the allocation table 233 stored in the storage unit 3 for the allocation of the mark 107 to the reception data 231 by the control unit 15.

  The allocation table 233 can hold a plurality of allocation data 235. The allocation data 235 holds, for example, the graphic portion 109 of the mark 107, the information of the transmission source to which the graphic portion 109 is allocated, and the information related to the number that constitutes the mark 107 together with the graphic portion 109. Yes.

  In the graphic portion 109 that is not assigned to the transmission source, the information of the transmission source is “NULL”. For example, the control unit 15 automatically assigns the graphic portion 109 to the transmission source as described later. However, the user may update the allocation table 233 and allocate an arbitrary graphic portion 109 to the transmission source. Further, the image data of the graphic portion 109 is prepared by the manufacturer, but may be added by the user. The number is, for example, the number added in the previous printing or the number to be added in the next printing for the graphic portion 109.

(Operation procedure of image communication device)
The image communication apparatus 201 (control unit 15) executes the main process (FIG. 4) as in the first embodiment. The processing at each step of the main processing is also substantially the same as in the first embodiment. Below, a different part is described.

(Processing when receiving)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a part of the reception process executed by the control unit 15 (differing part from FIG. 5). The illustrated steps are inserted, for example, between steps S12 and S13 in FIG. 5 (before printing for some sheets).

  In step S51, the control unit 15 searches for information on the transmission source in the allocation table 233 using the information on the transmission source of the image data received in step S11 as a key. It is determined whether 109 is assigned. Then, the control unit 15 proceeds to step S52 when determining that it is not allocated, and skips step S52 and proceeds to step S53 when determining that it is allocated.

  In step S52, the control unit 15 associates the information of the transmission source of the image data received in step S11 with the graphic portion 109 to which the transmission source is not assigned (the transmission source is “NULL”). Are stored in the allocation table 233 (the allocation table 233 is updated). That is, the control unit 15 assigns the graphic portion 109 (assignment data 235) to the transmission source. Further, the control unit 15 sets the information related to the assigned allocation data 235 number to an initial value.

  In steps S53 and S54, the control unit 15 acquires information related to the image data and the number of the graphic portion 109 from the allocation data 235 specified in step S51 or the allocation data 235 to which the transmission source is allocated in step S52. After acquisition, the control unit 15 updates the allocation table 233 so that the number of the allocation data 235 increases by one. Note that when the number exceeds a predetermined threshold, the information related to the number may be updated so that the number is returned to the initial value.

  In step S55, the control unit 15 causes the mark 107 to be included in a part of the number of images printed in step S13 based on the image data and number information of the graphic portion 109 acquired in steps S53 and S54. The image data received in step S11 is corrected.

  In step S13, an image including the mark 107 is printed. In step S14, similarly to the first embodiment, reception data 231 including image data for at least the remaining number is generated and stored in the database 229. However, in the present embodiment, the image data of the mark 107 added to the image for a part of the number is also stored in the database 229 as a part of the reception data 231 when storing in step S14.

(Processing when reading)
The procedure of the reading process in the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

  However, unlike the first embodiment, the image matching determination in step S22 determines whether or not the mark 107 included in the read image matches the mark 107 stored in the database 229. Is done.

  For example, the control unit 15 reads the mark 107 from the database 229, and uses the read mark 107 as a template to determine whether or not the positions match the image read by the reading unit 5 while slightly shifting (for example, one pixel at a time). Judgment (template matching) is performed. Since the control unit 15 attaches the mark 107, the control unit 15 knows the position where the mark 107 is attached. Therefore, the template matching does not need to be performed on the entire image read by the reading unit 5, and may be performed only in a partial region (such as one of the corners). Note that, in the same way as in the first embodiment, it does not mean that image matching is completely consistent in a strict sense, and that various known methods may be applied to determine image matching.

  Further, in the second embodiment, in the printing of the remaining number of sheets in step S23, the image data modified so that the mark 107 is added in the same manner as the printing for a part of the number of sheets in step S13 via step S55. Printing is performed based on the above. Note that the correction of the image data may be performed immediately before step S23, or may be performed together with the correction of the image data for a part of the number of sheets in step S55.

  Although not particularly illustrated, in the second embodiment, in addition to the above, the control unit 15 also cancels allocation to the graphic portion 109 of the allocation table 233. For example, when the predetermined time (which may be the same as the time of step S5) has arrived, the control unit 15 sequentially reads the information of the transmission source from the allocation table 233, and stores the database 229 using the read information of the transmission source as a key. Search for. As a result, for the allocation data 235 in which the corresponding received data 231 did not hit, the transmission source information is set to NULL.

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, when the reception unit 11 receives a plurality of pieces of image data GD, the reception-time processing unit 21 outputs images based on the image data GD to the printing unit 13 for a part of the number of sheets. Printing is performed (step S13), and at least the remaining number of image data GD is stored in the storage unit 3 (step S14). When the reading unit 5 reads an image of a document, the reading time processing unit 23 sets the read image as a partial number of images from the image data of the remaining number stored in the storage unit 3. An object is specified, and an image based on the specified image data is printed on the printing unit 13 (steps S22 and S23). Therefore, as in the first embodiment, convenience related to selection of whether printing is necessary is improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the reception processing unit 21 adds a mark 107 assigned for each reception to an image for a part of the number of sheets and causes the printing unit to print (steps S55 and S13, FIG. 9B). The information of the mark 107 is stored in the storage unit 3 in association with the image data for the remaining number of sheets (step S14). The reading processing unit 23 determines whether the mark 107 included in the image read from the original by the reading unit 5 matches the mark 107 associated with the image data for the remaining number of sheets in the storage unit 3. (Step S22, FIG. 9C), and the printing unit 13 prints image data for the remaining number of sheets associated with the mark 107 determined to match.

  Therefore, for example, compared to the first embodiment in which received images themselves are compared, the image data used for determining whether or not they match can be simple and / or small in data amount. As a result, for example, the burden on the control unit 15 is reduced, and the risk of erroneous recognition is also reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the reading processing unit 23 adds the mark 107 associated with the image data of the image to the remaining number of images and causes the printing unit 13 to print the image (Step S23, FIG. 9 (d)).

  Therefore, for example, the correspondence between some images and the remaining images is clarified and convenient. In addition, for example, even when a part of the number of images are continuously read by the reading unit 5 for a plurality of sets and the remaining number of images are collectively printed for the plurality of sets, a part of the number of images is also obtained. And the correspondence relationship with the remaining number of images can be grasped later.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the image communication apparatus 301 according to the third embodiment.

  In the first and second embodiments, when receiving the image data GD, the image communication apparatus performs printing for only a part of the number of sheets. On the other hand, the image communication apparatus 301 performs allocation printing of the remaining number of sheets (P2 to P5) as well as the printing of a part of the number (P1). The number and arrangement of allocation may be set by the manufacturer or may be set by the user. In addition, either the printing of a part of the number of sheets or the printing of the remaining number of sheets may be performed first. Preferably, the latter is done after the former.

  The image communication apparatus 301 is the same as that in the first or second embodiment except for the above-described allocation printing for the remaining number of sheets. For example, image data for at least the remaining number is stored in the storage unit 3. Then, the medium P1 on which a part of the number of images is printed is supplied to the reading unit 5 as a document, so that the corresponding remaining number of images P2 to P5 are selected from the storage unit 3 and printed. .

  In this way, the reception processing unit 21 causes the printing unit 13 to perform allocation printing for the remaining number of sheets as well as printing for a part of the number of sheets, thereby saving the medium (paper) and the remaining printing. It is possible to provide a user with more information necessary for examining necessity.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented in various aspects.

  The number of images is not limited to one image that is defined by image data to be printed first. For example, the number of some images may be two or more, and the image of some images may be an image printed halfway or last.

  The number printed at the time of reception may not be the same as the number used to specify the remaining number of image data. For example, for an image covering a plurality of (t) sheets, when the number of sheets (a) used for specifying the remaining number of image data is defined as “partial number”, the number of sheets printed at the time of reception ( (b sheets) may be more than this (b> a). In this case, the “remaining number of sheets” printed by the reading unit processing unit does not mean “the remaining“ all ”number of sheets” (ta) except for a part of the number (a). It may be the remaining “number of other parts” (for example, t−b).

  Based on the read image, the method for specifying the image data corresponding to the read image from the image data for the remaining number stored in the storage unit is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. For example, instead of the mark of the second embodiment, a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode may be added and printed. In this case, the bar code may include information serving as a key for searching a database storing received image data. The information is, for example, a combination of the reception date and time and the transmission source, or an arbitrary number stored in association with the received image data. Further, instead of the mark, information as a key as described above may be added as characters, and the characters may be read by OCR (optical character recognition).

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image communication apparatus, 3 ... Memory | storage part, 5 ... Reading part, 11 ... Reception part, 13 ... Printing part, 15 ... Control part, 21 ... Reception time process part, 23 ... Reading time process part

Claims (7)

A receiving unit capable of receiving image data;
A storage unit capable of storing image data;
A print section capable of printing an image;
A reading unit capable of reading an image of a document;
A control unit for controlling the storage unit and the printing unit based on signals from the receiving unit and the reading unit ;
A has,
The controller is
When the receiving unit receives a plurality of pieces of image data, the printing unit prints a part of the number of images included in the image data, and the remaining number of images included in the image data A reception time processing unit that associates and stores in the storage unit images about the partial number of sheets;
When the reading unit reads the image of the document, it is determined whether the image read by the reading unit matches the image for the partial number stored in the storage unit. A reading time processing unit that causes the printing unit to print an image of the remaining number of images corresponding to the image of the determined partial number of images,
The reception time processing unit stores information on the transmission source of the image data in the storage unit in association with the remaining number of images included in the image data,
The reading-time processing unit includes a transmission source associated with the remaining number of images corresponding to the image read by the reading unit, and a transmission source associated with the other remaining number of images. An image communication apparatus that causes the printing unit to print images for the remaining remaining number of sheets that are determined to match. A receiving unit capable of receiving image data;
A storage unit capable of storing image data;
A print section capable of printing an image;
A reading unit capable of reading an image of a document;
A control unit for controlling the storage unit and the printing unit based on signals from the receiving unit and the reading unit ;
A has,
The controller is
When the receiving unit receives a plurality of pieces of image data, a mark assigned for each reception is added to an image of a part of the number included in the image data, and the printing unit prints the image data. An image corresponding to an image of the number of copies, an image of the remaining number included in the image data, and information on the mark that is stored in the storage unit in association with each other;
When the reading unit reads an image of a document, it is determined whether or not the mark included in the image read from the document by the reading unit matches the mark stored in the storage unit. Then, a reading time processing unit that causes the printing unit to print an image of the remaining number of sheets associated with the determined mark,
The reception time processing unit stores information on the transmission source of the image data in the storage unit in association with the remaining number of images included in the image data,
The reading time processing unit is associated with the remaining number of images corresponding to the mark stored in the storage unit, which is determined to match the mark included in the image read by the reading unit. A transmission source corresponding to the other remaining number of images and the transmission source associated with the other remaining number of images match the other remaining number of images to the printing unit. Image communication device to be printed. The image communication device according to claim 2, wherein the reading time processing unit adds a mark associated with the image to the remaining number of images and causes the printing unit to print the image. The reception time processing unit stores a predetermined time in the storage unit in association with the image about the remaining number of sheets,
The control unit determines whether or not the predetermined time stored in the storage unit satisfies a predetermined condition with respect to a current time, and the remaining time associated with the predetermined time determined to satisfy The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a timed data erasing unit that erases images for the number of sheets from the storage unit. It further has an operation unit that accepts user operations,
The control unit includes an operation data erasing unit that erases the remaining number of images from the storage unit in accordance with a predetermined operation on the operation unit regardless of whether or not the remaining number of images is printed. The image communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the part of the number of images is one image defined by image data over the plurality of sheets as a first print. . The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reception processing unit causes the printing unit to perform the printing of the remaining number of sheets together with the printing of the partial number of sheets.

Images