JP7384030B2 - Facsimile transmission systems and facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Description

The technical field disclosed herein relates to a facsimile transmission system and a facsimile device that perform facsimile transmission from a facsimile device based on instructions from an information processing device.

When controlling a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as "FAX") device from an information processing device to perform FAX communication, the user must enter the telephone number of the destination of the FAX transmission (hereinafter referred to as "FAX number"). . If the FAX number is entered incorrectly, image data will be sent to an unintended FAX number, so techniques for reducing such erroneous transmissions are known. For example, in Patent Document 1, address book information of a specified destination given to FAX job data is compared with address book information of a specified destination held by a FAX transmission device, and if there is a difference between the two address book information, discloses a configuration for canceling FAX transmission of image data based on FAX job data.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-175229

Even in the case of Patent Document 1, the user needs to input the destination FAX number. When a user is required to enter a fax number, input errors are likely to occur. Furthermore, when inputting a FAX number, the user needs to memorize the FAX number, and erroneous input may occur due to incorrect memory. As described above, there is room for improvement in the method of inputting the destination when performing FAX transmission.

This specification discloses a technique for improving a destination input method in a FAX transmission system that performs FAX transmission from a FAX device based on an instruction from an information processing device.

A facsimile transmission system developed for the purpose of solving this problem includes: an information processing device incorporating a driver program corresponding to a facsimile device and a host program for inputting jobs to the driver program; and the facsimile device. In the facsimile transmission system, the facsimile device stores a first database in which first destination information, which is a character string indicating a destination, and a facsimile number are registered in association with each other, and the information processing device stores an image. A transmission instruction is input to the higher-level program, a job based on the image transmission instruction is input from the higher-level program to the driver program, and the driver program is a character string containing characters or symbols that are not used in facsimile numbers. a destination transmission process of transmitting the second destination information included in the image transmission instruction to the facsimile machine when second destination information is specified; and a process of transmitting image data to the facsimile machine based on the job. The facsimile apparatus executes a generation process of generating an image transmission command to perform facsimile transmission, and a command transmission process of transmitting the image transmission command generated in the generation process to the facsimile apparatus. If the first destination information that matches the character string of the second destination information can be extracted from the first destination information database, the facsimile number associated with the extracted first destination information is the destination, and the information processing device The present invention is characterized in that a facsimile transmission process for performing facsimile transmission is executed based on the received image transmission command.

In the facsimile transmission system disclosed herein, the FAX device stores a first database in which first destination information, which is a character string, and FAX numbers are registered in association with each other, and the information processing device transmits images. The second destination information specified in the job based on the instruction is sent to the FAX device, and the FAX device can extract the first destination information that matches the second destination information received from the information processing device from the first database. If so, FAX transmission is performed using the FAX number associated with the first destination information as the destination. Therefore, in the information processing device, a destination can be specified using a character string. This improves the method of inputting destinations because input errors are less likely to occur and the user can easily remember them compared to directly inputting the FAX number.

Also new and useful are control methods, computer programs, and computer-readable storage media storing the computer programs for implementing the functions of the systems described above.

According to the technology disclosed in this specification, a technology for improving a destination input method is realized in a FAX transmission system that performs FAX transmission from a FAX device based on an instruction from an information processing device.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a FAX transmission system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of FAX transmission processing. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a list of destination information. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of FAX number acquisition processing. It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of destination information DB. It is a sequence diagram which shows the procedure of a number synchronization process.

Hereinafter, embodiments embodying a FAX transmission system will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment discloses a system including a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as "MFP") having a FAX transmission function and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") connected to the MFP.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the FAX transmission system 100 of this embodiment includes a PC 1 and an MFP 2, which are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other. The PC 1 is a device that can execute various application programs (hereinafter referred to as "apps") for causing the MFP 2 to perform various functions. PC1 is an example of an information processing device. Instead of the PC 1, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer may be used.

The MFP 2 is a device that has at least a printing function and a FAX transmission function. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 2 is a device that can send a FAX to another FAX device 3 via a telephone line network 200. MFP2 is an example of a facsimile device. Instead of the MFP 2, a FAX-only device may be used.

As shown in FIG. 1, the PC 1 includes a control board 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12. Furthermore, the PC 1 includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13 and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, which are electrically connected to the control board 10. There is.

As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 2 includes a control board 20 including a CPU 21 and a memory 22. Furthermore, the MFP 2 includes a user IF 23 , a communication IF 24 , a modem 25 , and a printing unit 26 , which are electrically connected to the control board 20 . CPU21 is an example of a computer.

The CPU 11 and the CPU 21 execute various processes according to programs read from the memory 12 or the memory 22, respectively, and based on user operations. The memory 12 and the memory 22 each include a ROM and a RAM, and further include nonvolatile memories such as an HDD and flash memory, and store various programs and data. Note that the control board 10 and control board 20 in FIG. 1 are generic terms that collectively refer to hardware and software used to control the PC 1 and MFP 2, and refer to a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the PC 1 and MFP 2. It does not necessarily represent.

Memory 12 and memory 22 may be computer readable storage media. A computer readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the above-mentioned examples, non-transitory media also include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Furthermore, non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals that carry programs downloaded from servers on the Internet are a type of computer-readable signal medium, but non-transitory computer-readable storage Not included in media.

The user IF 13 and the user IF 23 each include hardware such as a keyboard, a mouse, input buttons, etc. that accept input operations by the user, and a display that displays information. The user IF 13 and the user IF 23 may include a touch panel or the like having both an operation reception function and a display function.

Communication IF 14 and communication IF 24 each include hardware for communicating with an external device. PC1 and MFP2 can communicate with each other via communication IF14 and communication IF24. The communication method between the communication IF 14 and the communication IF 24 may be wireless or wired, and may be any standard method such as LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or USB.

Furthermore, the modem 25 of the MFP 2 includes hardware for communicating via the telephone line network 200. The MFP 2 has a FAX transmission function via the modem 25. The printing unit 26 of the MFP 2 includes a configuration for printing images. The printing method of the printing unit 26 is, for example, an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. Note that the printing unit 26 may have a configuration capable of color printing or a configuration that performs only monochrome printing.

As shown in FIG. 1, the memory 12 of the PC 1 of this embodiment includes an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 41, a content application 42, a print management program 43, a FAX transmission driver 44, and a number synchronization system. A program 46 is incorporated. The print management program 43 includes setting information 431 that stores various information.

The content application 42 is a group of programs for creating and editing images to be printed or sent by FAX. The content application 42 creates and edits content such as document content, diagram content, and presentation content based on user instructions. Further, when the content application 42 receives an instruction to print various types of content or an instruction to send a FAX from a user, the content application 42 generates a command based on the received instruction and inputs it to the print management program 43 . The content application 42 is an example of an application program.

The print management program 43 generates image data for printing or fax transmission based on commands input from an application such as the content application 42, and transmits the generated image data and information indicating instructions to the MFP 2. This is a group of programs. Note that the print management program 43 may directly receive input of print instructions and FAX transmission instructions through user operations such as command line input. The print management program 43 is an example of a higher-level program. A FAX transmission instruction input from an application such as the content application 42 is an example of an image transmission instruction.

The setting information 431 stores information about each device connected to the PC 1, such as the MFP 2. The setting information 431 of this embodiment includes information specific to the MFP 2, and stores, for example, information regarding the capabilities of the MFP 2 and information indicating the destination of FAX transmission. The print management program 43 and the content application 42 perform processing suitable for the MFP 2 by referring to the setting information 431. Note that the PC 1 can connect a plurality of devices, and in that case, the setting information 431 stores unique information for each target device in association with device information.

In the setting information 431 of this embodiment, when causing the MFP 2 to perform FAX transmission, it is possible to store a plurality of options that can be selected as destination information that is information indicating the destination of FAX transmission. Setting information 431 is an example of the second database. The destination information is a FAX number or a character string indicating a FAX number. The destination information does not have to be the FAX number itself, and may be a character string such as a person's name, company name, department name, etc. indicating the destination, for example.

The content application 42 and print management program 43 can be used depending on the type of OS 41. For example, in a PC 1 that uses Linux (registered trademark) as the OS 41, ORCA (registered trademark) (abbreviation for Japanese medical standard receipt software) can be used as the content application 42, and as the print management program 43, for example, , CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) (registered trademark) can be used. CUPS is incorporated as part of the OS41. The CUPS includes a file format PPD (abbreviation for PostScript Printer Description) as setting information 431.

Note that the OS 41 is not limited to Linux, and may be, for example, Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), or Android (registered trademark). In that case, the content application 42 may be Microsoft Office (registered trademark), for example. Further, the setting information 431 does not need to be in a file format, and may be any information that can be referenced from the content application 42 or print management program 43.

There are various methods for specifying a printer for printing in the content application 42. For example, a general word processor application cooperates with the OS 41 and the print management program 43 to receive designation of a printer to be printed from a list of currently available printers. Furthermore, in ORCA, a plurality of sets of printing parameters (hereinafter referred to as "presets") such as paper size can be registered in advance, and a printer can be registered in association with each of the registered presets. In that case, each preset may be associated with a different printer, or the same printer may be associated with multiple presets. Then, upon receiving a print instruction in which a preset is selected, ORCA selects a printer registered in association with the selected preset as a printer to be printed.

The print management program 43 creates a job based on an instruction input from the content application 42 or the like, and stores it in a job queue, for example. Then, the print management program 43 processes the jobs stored in the job queue in the order of storage based on the status of the MFP 2 and the like. The content application 42 of this embodiment generates an "lpr" command consisting of a character string in the following format, for example, and inputs it to the print management program 43. The "lpr" command is an example of a command line.
lpr -P MFPFAX -o fax-number=0123456789 File name

"lpr" is information indicating that the command is an instruction to send a command to a device such as the MFP 2 that can execute printing or FAX transmission. The character string following "-P" is device information that specifies the device to execute the process instructed by this command. "-o" and the character string following it are optional information and can be omitted. “File name” is information indicating image data to be printed or sent by FAX.

If the job that has started processing includes an "lpr" command, the print management program 43 executes a processing program prepared for the designated device. In this embodiment, even with one MFP 2, different device information can be registered in the OS 41 when printing is executed and when executing FAX transmission, and the processing program corresponding to each device information can be registered. As such, a printing program and a FAX transmission program are stored in the memory 12.

The FAX transmission driver 44 is a program for causing the MFP 2 to perform FAX transmission. In this embodiment, the "lpr" command whose device information is "MFPFAX" is a command that instructs the MFP2 to execute FAX transmission, and the OS 41 associates the device information "MFPFAX" with the identification information of the MFP2. remembered. The print management program 43 executes the FAX transmission driver 44 and inputs job information to the FAX transmission driver 44 when the job that has started processing includes an "lpr" command whose device information is "MFPFAX". . The FAX transmission driver 44 is an example of a driver program.

The FAX transmission driver 44 generates a FAX transmission command, which is a command for causing the MFP 2 to perform FAX transmission, based on the job input from the print management program 43, and transmits the generated FAX transmission command to the MFP 2. The FAX transmission command is an example of an image transmission command. Note that the FAX sending command may be sent directly to the MFP 2 by the FAX sending driver 44, or may be sent by the print management program 43 or the OS 41. Further, the process of generating image data for FAX transmission may be performed by the print management program 43 or may be performed by the FAX transmission driver 44.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the destination information DB 45 is stored in the memory 22 of the MFP 2 of this embodiment. The destination information DB 45 is a database that stores registered names and FAX numbers in association with each other. The registered name is a character string indicating the destination, such as a person's name, company name, or department name of the destination. The destination information DB 45 is an example of a first database. The registered name is an example of first destination information.

The number synchronization program 46 stored in the memory 12 of the PC 1 of this embodiment is a program that synchronizes the information stored in the setting information 431 and the information stored in the destination information DB 45 of the MFP 2. Note that instead of the number synchronization program 46, the FAX transmission driver 44 or the print management program 43 may have a function of synchronizing information.

Next, processing by the FAX transmission system 100 of this embodiment will be explained. Note that the following processing and each processing step in the sequence diagram basically indicate processing of the CPU 11 or CPU 21 according to instructions written in each program. That is, the processes such as "judgment", "extraction", "selection", "calculation", "determination", "identification", "acquisition", "reception", and "control" in the following explanation are performed by the CPUs 11 and 21. Represents processing. The processing by the CPU 11 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS 41 of the PC 1. In this specification, the operation of each program will be explained without describing the OS 41. That is, in the following description, a statement to the effect that "program B controls hardware C" may also refer to "program B controls hardware C using the API of the OS 41." Further, the processing of the CPU 11 in accordance with instructions written in a program may be described in abbreviated terms. For example, it may be described as "performed by the CPU 11" or "performed by the program."

Note that "acquisition" is used as a concept that does not require a request. That is, the process in which the CPUs 11 and 21 receive data without requesting it is also included in the concept of "the CPU 11 (21) acquires data." Furthermore, "data" in this specification is represented by a computer-readable bit string. Furthermore, data having substantially the same meaning and content but different formats shall be treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Furthermore, "request" and "instruction" are concepts that indicate outputting information indicating a request or information indicating an instruction to the other party. Further, information indicating that a request is being made or information indicating that an instruction is being given is simply referred to as a "request" or "instruction."

In addition, the process of determining whether information A indicates matter B by the CPUs 11 and 21 is conceptually described as "determine whether information A is matter B." There are things to do. The process of determining whether information A indicates matter B or matter C by the CPUs 11 and 21 is carried out by "determining whether information A is matter B or matter C." It is sometimes described conceptually, such as "to judge."

The steps of each process related to FAX transmission by the FAX transmission system 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to sequence diagrams and flowcharts. First, based on the sequence diagram of FIG. 2, the overall operation when receiving a user's instruction to send a FAX will be described.

The user starts the content application 42 and inputs an instruction to the content application 42 to select a destination for FAX transmission (A1). The content application 42 reads destination information from the setting information 431 (A2), and displays the read destination information in a list on the user IF 13 (A3).

FIG. 3 shows an example of a list of destination information. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the destination information list 432 displays FAX numbers and character strings indicating FAX numbers as options that can be selected as destination information. The information displayed in the destination information list 432 is information read from the setting information 431. That is, the setting information 431 may contain a mixture of FAX numbers and character strings indicating FAX numbers as destination information.

The content application 42 acquires destination information for FAX transmission by accepting the user's selection from the option group displayed in the destination information list 432 (A4). Since the content application 42 allows selection from destination information stored in the setting information 431, input errors in destination information are less likely to occur.

The destination information selected in (A4) may be a FAX number or a character string indicating a FAX number. The destination information acquired in (A4) is an example of second destination information.

Furthermore, the content application 42 accepts an instruction to send a FAX by a user operation (A5). In this embodiment, the instruction received at (A5) is an instruction to cause the MFP 2 to send a fax, and the content application 42 uses an API provided by the print management program 43 to instruct the print management program 43 to send a fax. (A6). In this case, the content application 42 can send destination information using an API for selecting a print function. The content application 42 can also use the "lpr" command to send an existing file to the print management program 43 without using the API.

In this embodiment, when the "lpr" command is used as a command indicating an instruction to send a FAX, the option information can include destination information indicating the destination of the FAX transmission. In the command generated by the content application 42 and passed to the print management program 43 in (A6), "MFPFAX" is specified as device information, and the destination information obtained in (A4) is included as optional information. ing.

The print management program 43 acquires the device information specified in the received command (A7) and starts the corresponding processing program. In this embodiment, since "MFPFAX" is specified as the device information, the print management program 43 starts the FAX transmission driver 44, which is a processing program for causing the MFP 2 to perform FAX transmission, and generates a FAX transmission job. and passes it to the FAX transmission driver 44 (A8). Destination information included in the option information of the "lpr" command is added to the FAX transmission job as information indicating the destination of the FAX transmission.

The FAX transmission driver 44 acquires destination information included in the received FAX transmission job (A9), and transmits information including the acquired destination information to the MFP 2 via the communication IF 14 (A10). (A10) is an example of destination transmission processing.

The MFP 2 acquires destination information from the received information (A11). (A11) is an example of the first reception process. The destination information that the MFP 2 acquires in (A11) is the information specified by the user in (A4), and may be a FAX number or a character string indicating a FAX number. After acquiring the destination information, the MFP 2 executes a FAX number acquisition process (A12). The FAX number acquisition process is a process of acquiring a FAX number based on the acquired destination information. Details of the FAX number acquisition process will be described later.

After transmitting the destination information at A10, the FAX transmission driver 44 generates a FAX transmission command (A13), and transmits the generated FAX transmission command to the MFP 2 (A14). (A13) is an example of a generation process, and (A14) is an example of a command transmission process. The information transmitted by the FAX transmission driver 44 in (A14) may be only the portion of the FAX transmission command other than the destination information, for example, information related to FAX transmission settings and image data. This completes the processing of the FAX transmission driver 44.

The MFP 2 receives the FAX transmission command transmitted from the PC 1 at (A14). (A14) is also an example of the second reception process. Based on the received FAX transmission command, the MFP 2 performs FAX transmission to the FAX number acquired in the FAX number acquisition process (A12) (A15). (A15) is an example of facsimile transmission processing. For example, if the destination information is information indicating the FAX number of the FAX machine 3 shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 2 sends a FAX to the FAX machine 3.

Next, the procedure of the FAX number acquisition process will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4. This FAX number acquisition process is executed by the CPU 21 of the MFP 2 upon acquiring the destination information from the information received from the PC 1.

In the FAX number acquisition process, the CPU 21 first determines whether the acquired destination information indicates a FAX number (B1). The CPU 21 determines whether the received destination information is a FAX number based on whether the destination information consists only of characters that can be used as a FAX number. Characters that can be used as a FAX number are the numbers "0" to "9", "#", and "*". If the destination information is made up of only characters that can be used in a FAX number, the CPU 21 determines that the destination information is a FAX number. On the other hand, if the destination information includes at least one character or symbol that cannot be used in a FAX number, the CPU 21 determines that the destination information is not a FAX number.

For example, in (A4) of FIG. 2, when "023456789" in the destination information list 432 shown in FIG. 3 is selected, the destination information is "023456789." In this case, since the destination information includes only numbers, the CPU 21 determines that the received destination information indicates a FAX number.

If it is determined that the destination information indicates a FAX number (B1: YES), the CPU 21 acquires the FAX number indicated by the destination information (B2), and ends the FAX number acquisition process. (B2) is an example of facsimile number acquisition processing. In this case, the MFP 2 performs FAX transmission in (A15) of FIG. 2 to the FAX number acquired in (B2).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the destination information does not indicate a FAX number (B1: NO), the CPU 21 searches the destination information DB 45 stored in the memory 22 of its own device (B3) and uses the received destination information and Attempt to extract matching registered names. Since the destination information stored in the setting information 431 also includes a character string indicating a FAX number, a character string may be selected in (A4) of FIG. For example, when "○△2 section" is selected in the destination information list 432 shown in FIG. 3, the destination information is a character string. In this case, the CPU 21 determines that the received destination information does not indicate a FAX number, and searches the destination information DB 45.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the destination information DB 45 stores registered names and FAX numbers in association with each other. In this embodiment, a plurality of different registered names may be stored in association with the same FAX number. For example, in the example shown in Figure 5, the official name (``○△ Commercial Sales Section 2'') and the abbreviation (``○△2 Section'') or alternative name (``○△ Sales 2'') are both the same fax number (``○△Sales Department 2''). 102345678''). Since a plurality of registered names can be registered for one FAX number, it is possible to register aliases that are used on a daily basis, increasing convenience for the user.

Then, the CPU 21 determines whether a registered name that matches the character string of the destination information is stored in the destination information DB 45 (B4). In (B4), the CPU 21 uses a predetermined determination rule. For example, the CPU 21 determines that alphanumeric and kana characters are the same character without distinguishing between uppercase and lowercase letters, half-width and full-width characters. Further, the CPU 21 determines that a plurality of consecutive spaces or tabs is the same character as one space.

Then, when the CPU 21 determines that a registered name that matches the destination information can be extracted from the destination information DB 45 (B4: YES), the CPU 21 determines whether a FAX number is stored in association with the registered name. (B5). In the destination information DB 45, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, only a registered name may be registered and a FAX number may not be stored. If it is determined that the FAX number is stored (B5: YES), the CPU 21 obtains the FAX number stored in association with the destination information (B2), and ends the FAX number obtaining process. In this case as well, (B2) is an example of the facsimile number acquisition process. The MFP 2 performs FAX transmission at (A15) in FIG. 2 to the FAX number acquired at (B2).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the FAX number associated with the registered name is not stored (B5: NO), the CPU 21 issues a notification prompting the user to input the FAX number (B6). (B6) is an example of notification processing. For example, if the MFP 2 stores the contact information of the administrator of its own device, the CPU 21 sends a notification to the contact information. For example, if the administrator's email address is registered in the memory 22, the MFP 2 sends an email to that address.

In (B6), the CPU 21 may transmit notification information to the PC 1 and cause the PC 1 to perform the notification. For example, if the print management program 43 supports bidirectional communication, the PC 1 may send an email to the administrator.

Further, the CPU 21 transmits a standby state signal, which is information indicating that the PC 1 is in a state of waiting for input of a FAX number, to the PC 1 (B7). (B7) is an example of standby state transmission processing. For example, the CPU 21 transmits a standby state signal to the FAX transmission driver 44, and the FAX transmission driver 44 notifies via the user IF 13 of the PC 1 that it is waiting for input of a FAX number. As a result, not only the administrator but also the sender who instructed the FAX transmission is notified that input is being waited for. After the administrator has completed inputting the FAX number, the sender can instruct FAX transmission again.

The CPU 21 enters a state in which it accepts an input operation of a FAX number via the user IF 23, and determines whether or not the input operation is accepted (B8). (B8) is an example of facsimile number input processing. If the CPU 21 determines that the FAX number input operation has been accepted (B8: YES), it requests the input of authentication information, performs user authentication based on the input information, and determines whether or not the authentication was successful. (B9).

The MFP 2 receives authentication information, for example, by inputting a user name and password, touching an IC card, inputting a fingerprint or palm print, or the like. Based on the received authentication information, the CPU 21 determines whether the user who is attempting to input the FAX number is a user who is permitted to register the FAX number, for example, a user with administrator authority. to decide. Note that instead of performing the authentication (B9) on its own device, the MFP 2 may transmit authentication information to the PC 1, a server, or the like to perform the authentication.

If the CPU 21 determines that the user authentication has been successful (B9: YES), the CPU 21 accepts the input of the FAX number, and acquires the FAX number based on the user's input (B10). Further, the CPU 21 associates the acquired FAX number with the registered name acquired in (B4), registers it in the destination information DB 45 (B11), and ends the FAX number acquisition process. (B11) is an example of registration processing. By registering the input FAX number in the destination information DB 45, the registered name can be extracted from the next time, increasing convenience. Note that the MFP 2 may confirm with the user whether or not registration is necessary before registration.

In this case, the MFP 2 performs FAX transmission in (A15) of FIG. 2 to the FAX number acquired in (B10). (A15) in the case of performing FAX transmission to the FAX number acquired in (B10) is an example of the post-input facsimile transmission process.

Note that if the registered name matching the destination information received from the PC 1 is not registered in the destination information DB 45, the MFP 2 accepts registration of the registered name. For example, if it is determined that the registered name could not be extracted from the destination information DB 45 (B4: NO), the CPU 21 notifies the administrator that the registered name is not registered (B12). Then, the CPU 21 registers the registered name in the destination information DB 45 (B13), and then proceeds to (B6) to accept the input of the FAX number corresponding to the registered name. Alternatively, the CPU 21 may inquire of the administrator whether or not to register after the notification in (B12) and before the registration of the registered name in (B13).

For example, if it is determined that the FAX number input operation has not been accepted even after a predetermined period of time has passed since the notification (B8: NO), or if it is determined that the user authentication has not been successful (B9: NO), the CPU 21 sends the error status to PC1 (B14). The error status transmitted in (B14) is an example of an error signal, and (B14) is an example of error transmission processing. If the FAX number cannot be acquired in the FAX number acquisition process, the MFP 2 cannot perform the FAX transmission (A15) in FIG. 2.

In the PC 1, for example, a status monitor is operating to monitor the operation of the MFP 2, and receives and stores an error status transmitted from the MFP 2 when an error occurs. Specifically, the PC 1 stores in the memory 12 an error log that is information indicating that the FAX transmission was not performed in accordance with the current FAX transmission instruction. The process of storing the error log in the memory 12 is an example of log storage process.

The error status transmitted by the MFP 2 in (B14) may be, for example, the error status of the communication protocol. For example, if the communication method between the communication IF 14 of the PC 1 and the communication IF 24 of the MFP 2 is USB communication, the MFP 2 may return a printer class device error. Further, when the communication method between the communication IF 14 of the PC 1 and the communication IF 24 of the MFP 2 is IPP communication, the MFP 2 may return an http error status. In this way, the communication load is smaller than when data is sent back.

Note that the FAX transmission driver 44 or the print management program 43 may have a function of receiving error status. For example, when the FAX transmission driver 44 receives the error status, it may stop generating and transmitting the FAX transmission command. If the FAX transmission driver 44 cannot obtain the FAX number corresponding to the destination information, it does not transmit the remaining information related to FAX transmission, such as image data, thereby eliminating wasteful communication.

Next, the procedure of number synchronization processing by the number synchronization program 46 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 6. The number synchronization program 46 is a program that synchronizes information between the setting information 431 stored in the PC 1 and the destination information DB 45 stored in the MFP 2. For example, as described above, if the FAX number is not stored in the destination information DB 45, the MFP 2 accepts the input of the FAX number by the user. Further, the MFP 2 may receive an instruction to register a new destination, and the destination information DB 45 may be updated.

When the number synchronization program 46 receives a synchronization instruction from a user (C1), it acquires information about the user who issued the instruction (C2). For example, the number synchronization program 46 acquires the user name of the user who is currently logging into the PC 1. The number synchronization program 46 transmits information requesting synchronization and the acquired user information to the MFP 2 (C3). The request transmitted in (C3) is an example of a transmission request.

MFP2 receives the information transmitted from PC1 at (C3). (C3) is also an example of the third reception process. Then, the MFP 2 determines the user's attributes based on the received user information (C4).

User attributes are divided into, for example, administrator, group, and others. The group is an attribute indicating each user who is permitted to send a fax using the information stored in the destination information DB 45 of the MFP2, and the administrator has the authority to manage the group and the MFP2. This is an attribute indicating a user who has. The MFP 2 includes, for example, a database that stores the relationship between user information and user attributes, and acquires the user attributes associated with the received user information. Alternatively, the number synchronization program 46 or the print management program 43 may acquire the user's attributes and transmit the user's attribute information to the MFP 2.

If the MFP 2 determines that the user's attribute is an administrator ([Administrator]), the MFP 2 sends the registered name stored in the destination information DB 45 and the FAX number stored in association with the registered name to the PC 1. (C5). (C5) is an example of character string transmission processing. The MFP 2 may send all information stored in the destination information DB 45, may send only information updated since the previous synchronization, or may accept a date and time specification and send information after that date and time. Updated information may also be sent. The MFP 2 may store information on whether synchronization has been completed and information on update date and time in association with each registered name.

The number synchronization program 46 updates the configuration information 431 based on the information received from the MFP 2 (C6), and reloads the configuration information 431 (C7). The process of receiving information transmitted from the MFP 2 in (C5) is an example of a destination acquisition process, and (C6) is an example of a destination registration process.

As a result, the information on the FAX number input on the MFP 2 is also reflected in the setting information 431. Since the fax number is also stored in the setting information 431 in association with the registered name, the number synchronization program 46 stores information on the fax number corresponding to the destination information included in the fax transmission instruction received from the content application 42 in the setting information. 431.

When the MFP 2 determines that the user's attribute is a group ([group]), the MFP 2 transmits the registered name stored in the destination information DB 45 to the PC 1 (C8). (C8) is an example of character string transmission processing. In this case, the MFP 2 does not transmit information about the FAX number stored in association with the registered name.

The number synchronization program 46 updates the configuration information 431 based on the information received from the MFP 2 (C9), and reloads the configuration information 431 (C10). The process of receiving information transmitted from the MFP 2 in (C8) is an example of a destination acquisition process, and the process (C9) is an example of a destination registration process. As a result, the information on the registered name input on the MFP 2 is also reflected in the setting information 431.

When the MFP 2 determines that the user's attribute is neither an administrator nor a group ([other than group]), the MFP 2 transmits information indicating rejection of transmission of information in the destination information DB 45 to the PC 1 (C11). The MFP 2 does not respond to a synchronization instruction from a user who is not permitted to send a FAX using the MFP 2.

The number synchronization program 46 of this embodiment changes the range of information to be transmitted depending on whether the user who issued the synchronization instruction is an administrator, a group, or someone else. This makes it possible, for example, to prevent members other than the administrator from seeing the fax number, which is highly personal information. Furthermore, if you are a user of the group, only your registered name is sent and you can send a fax using that registered name, so you can send a fax even if you do not know the fax number.

As described above in detail, according to the FAX transmission system 100 of the present embodiment, the destination information DB 45 stores a registered character string name and the FAX number associated with the registered name, and the MFP 2 receives information from the destination information DB 45. By acquiring , the PC 1 can specify the destination using a character string. This makes input errors less likely to occur and easier for the user to remember than when directly inputting the FAX number.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the MFP 2 is unable to acquire a FAX number from the destination information DB 45, the input of the FAX number is accepted, increasing the possibility that the FAX transmission can be completed. Furthermore, since input of authentication information is requested when accepting input, it is possible to prevent a third party from inputting the FAX number, thereby increasing security. Further, if the acquisition of the FAX number corresponding to the destination information fails, an error log is stored in the PC 1, so that the user can easily notice an error in the destination.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the MFP 2 has the destination information DB 45, a common registered name can be used as destination information in a plurality of PCs connected to the MFP 2, increasing convenience. Note that the destination information DB 45 only needs to be stored in a location that can be referenced from the MFP 2, and is not limited to the memory 22, but may be stored in a server that can be accessed from the MFP 2, for example.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, since information can be synchronized between the destination information DB 45 of the MFP 2 and the setting information 431 of the PC 1, destination information not stored in the destination information DB 45 is selected. The possibility that there is destination information that is stored but not displayed as an option in the destination information list 432 is reduced. Furthermore, if user information is requested during synchronization and the attribute indicated by the user information is administrator, the registered name and FAX number will be obtained, so the association between destination information and FAX number will be made on the administrator's PC1. management of destination information is easy.

Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention is naturally capable of various improvements and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, there may be two or more PC1 and MFP2.

Further, in this embodiment, the PC 1 first transmits only the destination information to the MFP 2 and generates a FAX transmission command upon receiving a request from the MFP 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The PC 1 may generate a FAX transmission command without waiting for a request. Further, the PC 1 may transmit the destination information and the FAX transmission command at the same time. In this case, when the PC 1 receives the error status, it is preferable to cancel the transmission of the image data if it is in the middle of transmitting the image data. Furthermore, if the MFP 2 receives image data before transmitting the error status, it may discard the received image data and not perform FAX transmission. Furthermore, it is not necessary to store the error log.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the alphanumeric kana and space judgment rules are exemplified as character string judgment rules, but the rules are not limited thereto. For example, uppercase and lowercase alphanumeric characters may be distinguished, and spaces and tabs may be distinguished.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the FAX number corresponding to the received destination information is not stored, the MFP 2 accepts the input of the FAX number and enters a standby state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an error response may be made without accepting input of a FAX number. In addition, when MFP2 is in a waiting state for inputting a FAX number, it is assumed that a waiting state signal is sent to PC1 and PC1 notifies that it is on standby, but it is not necessary to perform this transmission or notification. good. Further, the MFP 2 may also notify the information. For example, the MFP 2 may emit a warning sound.

Further, in this embodiment, only a user with administrator authority inputs a FAX number, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, input from a sender who has instructed FAX transmission may also be accepted. Alternatively, it may be possible for members of a group using the MFP 2 to input the information. Further, user authentication may not be performed when inputting a FAX number.

Further, in this embodiment, synchronization is performed based on the user's instructions, but it may be performed periodically or when the PC 1 is started, for example. In this case, for example, only the registered names may be synchronized. Furthermore, it is not necessary to confirm user attributes when performing synchronization.

Further, in the destination information DB 45 or the setting information 431, a plurality of FAX numbers may be registered for one destination information. In this case, by selecting one piece of destination information, it becomes possible to instruct fax transmission to multiple destinations.

Moreover, although the content application 42 acquires destination information by selecting from the destination information list 432, the destination information is not limited to selection from options, and may acquire destination information by direct input by the user, for example. Alternatively, the "lpr" command may be input directly to the print management program 43 without going through the content application 42.

Further, for example, it is preferable that the setting information 431 stores not only information on the FAX number but also various types of information used in the print management program 43. The setting information 431 preferably stores, for example, information regarding the FAX transmission capability of the MFP 2, such as the resolution and communication speed at the time of FAX transmission, and information regarding the printing capability that can be set as print settings.

Furthermore, in any flowchart disclosed in each embodiment, the execution order of multiple processes in any multiple steps can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel as long as there is no inconsistency in the processing contents. .

Furthermore, the processing disclosed in each embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processes disclosed in the embodiments can be realized in various forms such as a recording medium recording a program for executing the processes, or a method.

1 PC
2 MFP
11, 21 CPU
13 User IF
43 Print management program 44 FAX transmission driver

Claims (15)

A facsimile transmission system comprising: an information processing device incorporating a driver program corresponding to a facsimile device; and a higher-level program for inputting jobs to the driver program; and the facsimile device.
The facsimile device includes:
A first database is stored in which first destination information, which is a character string indicating a destination, and a facsimile number are registered in association with each other;
The information processing device includes:
An image transmission instruction is input to the higher-level program, a job based on the image transmission instruction is input from the higher-level program to the driver program, and a character string containing characters or symbols not used in facsimile numbers is input to the driver program. When certain secondary destination information is specified,
a destination transmission process of transmitting the second destination information included in the image transmission instruction to the facsimile device;
a generation process that generates an image transmission command that causes the facsimile device to transmit image data by facsimile based on the job;
executing a command transmission process of transmitting the image transmission command generated in the generation process to the facsimile machine;
The facsimile device includes:
If the first destination information matching the character string of the second destination information can be extracted from the first database, the information processing is performed using the facsimile number associated with the extracted first destination information as the destination. executing a facsimile transmission process to perform facsimile transmission based on the image transmission command received from the device;
A facsimile transmission system characterized by: An information processing device incorporating a driver program corresponding to a facsimile device, a host program for inputting jobs to the driver program, the facsimile device, first destination information that is a character string indicating a destination, and a facsimile number. A facsimile transmission system comprising: a first database for registering in association with each other;
The information processing device includes:
An image transmission instruction is input to the higher-level program, a job based on the image transmission instruction is input from the higher-level program to the driver program, and a facsimile number and characters or symbols not used in facsimile numbers are input to the driver program. If the second destination information is specified as one of the character string containing
a destination transmission process of transmitting the second destination information included in the image transmission instruction to the facsimile device;
a generation process that generates an image transmission command that causes the facsimile device to transmit image data by facsimile based on the job;
executing a command transmission process of transmitting the image transmission command generated in the generation process to the facsimile machine;
The facsimile device includes:
If the second destination information received from the information processing device is a character string and the first destination information that matches the character string of the second destination information can be extracted from the first database, If the second destination information received from the information processing device is a facsimile number, the facsimile number associated with the first destination information is the destination, and the information processing is performed using the facsimile number of the second destination information as the destination. executing a facsimile transmission process to perform facsimile transmission based on the image transmission command received from the device;
A facsimile transmission system characterized by: The facsimile transmission system according to claim 2,
The facsimile device includes:
When the second destination information received from the information processing device is a character string, an attempt is made to extract the first destination information that matches the character string of the second destination information from the first database; executing facsimile number acquisition processing for acquiring a facsimile number associated with the first destination information extracted from the first database when destination information can be extracted;
In the facsimile transmission process,
If a facsimile number is acquired in the facsimile number acquisition process, the acquired facsimile number is used as the destination, and if the second destination information received from the information processing device is a facsimile number, the facsimile number of the second destination information is performing facsimile transmission based on the image transmission command received from the information processing device, with
A facsimile transmission system characterized by: The facsimile transmission system according to claim 3,
The facsimile device includes:
If the facsimile number is not acquired in the facsimile number acquisition process, executing an error transmission process of transmitting an error signal indicating that the facsimile number could not be acquired to the information processing device;
The information processing device includes:
executing a log storage process for storing an error log when the error signal is received from the facsimile device;
A facsimile transmission system characterized by: The facsimile transmission system according to claim 4,
The information processing device includes:
If the error signal is received from the facsimile machine after the job based on the image transmission instruction is input and before the transmission of the image transmission command based on the job is completed, the image transmission command stop sending the
A facsimile transmission system characterized by: The facsimile transmission system according to claim 3,
The facsimile device includes:
facsimile number input processing that accepts input of a facsimile number via a user interface of the facsimile device if the facsimile number is not acquired in the facsimile number acquisition process;
post-input facsimile transmission processing for performing facsimile transmission based on the image transmission command received from the information processing device, with the facsimile number input in the facsimile number input processing as the destination;
execute,
A facsimile transmission system characterized by: The facsimile transmission system according to claim 6,
In the facsimile number input process,
Requests input of authentication information before accepting input of facsimile number, accepts input of facsimile number if authentication based on inputted authentication information is successful, and input of facsimile number if authentication fails. do not accept,
A facsimile transmission system characterized by: In the facsimile transmission system according to claim 6 or claim 7,
The facsimile device includes:
When a facsimile number is input in the facsimile number input process, registering the character string of the second destination information received from the information processing device and the input facsimile number in association with each other in the first database; execute the process,
A facsimile transmission system characterized by: The facsimile transmission system according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
The facsimile device includes:
When receiving a facsimile number input through the facsimile number input process, executing a standby state transmission process of transmitting a standby state signal indicating a facsimile number input waiting state to the information processing device;
The information processing device includes:
executing a notification process for notifying that the facsimile device is waiting for input of a facsimile number when the standby state signal is received from the facsimile device;
A facsimile transmission system characterized by: The facsimile transmission system according to any one of claims 2 to 9,
The information processing device includes:
receiving the image transmission instruction via a command line, and further accepting the second destination information as a command line option of the image transmission instruction;
A facsimile transmission system characterized by: The facsimile transmission system according to any one of claims 2 to 10,
The information processing device includes:
A second database is stored in which a plurality of destination information can be registered,
The second database is referenced by an application program installed in the information processing device, and the application program receives a selection of any one of the plurality of destination information registered in the second database, and selects the destination information. inputting the image transmission instruction including the destination information sent as the second destination information into the higher-level program;
A facsimile transmission system characterized by: The facsimile transmission system according to claim 11,
The information processing device includes:
A destination that transmits a request to send the first destination information registered in the first database to the facsimile device and obtains at least one piece of the first destination information registered in the first database from the facsimile device. Acquisition processing and
a destination registration process of registering the first destination information acquired in the destination acquisition process in the second database;
execute,
A facsimile transmission system characterized by: The facsimile transmission system according to claim 12,
The information processing device includes:
When transmitting the transmission request in the destination acquisition process, also transmitting user information to the facsimile machine;
The facsimile device includes:
If the user attribute indicated by the received user information is an administrator, transmitting a facsimile number associated with the first destination information in addition to the first destination information to the information processing device;
A facsimile transmission system characterized by: The facsimile transmission system according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The first database is capable of registering a plurality of pieces of first destination information for one facsimile number.
A facsimile transmission system characterized by: a communication interface;
memory and
computer and
Equipped with
The memory includes:
A first database is stored in which first destination information, which is a character string indicating a destination, and a facsimile number are registered in association with each other;
The computer includes:
A first reception process is executed to receive second destination information indicating a destination from the information processing device via the communication interface, and the second destination information includes a facsimile number and characters or symbols that are not used in facsimile numbers. It is possible to specify either the string containing the
Furthermore, the computer
a second reception process of receiving an image transmission command instructing facsimile transmission of an image from the information processing device via the communication interface;
If the second destination information received in the first reception process is a character string and the first destination information that matches the character string of the second destination information can be extracted from the first database, If the second destination information received in the first reception process is a facsimile number, the facsimile number associated with the second destination information is the destination. , executing a facsimile transmission process of performing facsimile transmission based on the image transmission command received in the second reception process;
Furthermore, the computer
a third reception process of receiving a transmission request requesting transmission of the first destination information registered in the first database from the information processing device via the communication interface;
When the transmission request is received in the third reception process, a character string transmission process of transmitting the first destination information registered in the first database to the information processing apparatus is executed, and the information processing The device stores a second database in which a plurality of destination information can be registered, the information processing device registers the received first destination information in the second database, and the second database further includes: Referenced by an application program incorporated in the information processing device, the application program receives a selection of any of the destination information registered in the second database, and generates an image containing the selected destination information. Enter sending instructions,
A facsimile device characterized by:

Images