JPH0282756A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve usability and convenience by automatically transmitting a telegram to a transfer destination designated beforehand when the telegram is accumulated in a picture memory for a prescribed time at the time of the abnormality of a recording function. CONSTITUTION:When the recording function of facsimile equipment 1 is abnormal, a picture memory 13 receives information for the equipment, when the abnormal condition of the recording function continues for the prescribed time, the telegram received for the function 1 is transferred to the prescribed destination. Consequently, the telegram received for the function 1 can be prevented from being erased due to the turning off, etc., of a power source, and the irrationality that the telegram cannot be fetched until the restoration of the function of a plotter 15 can be cancelled. Thus, the usability and the convenience of the facsimile equipment 1 can be improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a facsimile machine, and more particularly to a facsimile machine equipped with an image memory.

(Prior Art) Conventionally, in a facsimile machine, it has been common to immediately demodulate and decode a received message and record it on recording paper in a recording section of the facsimile machine.

However, recently, facsimile machines have become more sophisticated,
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Facsimile machines equipped with image memories for storing telegrams have appeared.

In such a facsimile machine, the message read by the reading section of the facsimile device is stored in the image memory and automatically sent at the specified transmission time, or when the recording section is unable to record due to an abnormality such as the recording paper running out. When possible, proxy reception is performed in which received messages are temporarily stored in image memory. Therefore, even when the recording function is abnormal, important messages can be received by storing the received messages in the image memory. Thereafter, when the recording unit returns to normal, the facsimile device outputs the message in the image memory to the recording unit and records it on recording paper.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, in such a conventional facsimile device, when the recording function is abnormal, the received message is stored in the image memory, and the recording paper is stored after the recording function is restored. Depending on the type of abnormality in the recording function, it may be necessary to turn off the power to the facsimile machine, and turning off the power to the facsimile machine will erase the telegrams in the image memory. There was a problem.

That is, the image memory is generally DRAM (Dyn-a
mic Random Access Memory
) or CMO3 (Con+plementary
Metal-Oxide Sem1c-onduct
or), etc., and when the power is turned off, the stored message will be erased.

On the other hand, there are various causes of abnormalities in the recording section, such as paper outage, paper jams, and failure of the heater in the fixing section, and depending on the cause of the abnormality, it may be necessary to turn off the power of the facsimile machine. Furthermore, some messages received are urgent and cannot wait until the recording function of the facsimile device is restored. In such cases, the message may be erased by turning off the power of the facsimile machine, or
There was the inconvenience that urgent messages could not be retrieved until the recording function was restored.

(Purpose of the Invention) Therefore, the present invention provides a system that, when the recording function is abnormal and a message is received on behalf of the image memory, the message is stored in the image memory without being retrieved for a predetermined period of time. By automatically sending the message in the image memory to the transfer destination, and also by simultaneously sending a communication management report, it is possible to prevent situations in which the message in the image memory is erased without being retrieved or cannot be retrieved until the recording function is restored. The purpose of the present invention is to improve the usability and convenience of facsimile machines by preventing such problems and making it easier to manage received messages at a destination where the messages are transferred.

(Structure of the Invention) In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with an image memory for storing received messages, and receives the messages on behalf of the image memory when the recording function on recording paper is abnormal. In the facsimile machine, when the recording function is abnormal, if the received message is stored in the image memory for a predetermined period of time,
It is characterized by automatic transmission to a pre-specified forwarding destination.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that a communication management report is also transmitted when transferring the received message stored in the image memory.

Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given based on examples.

1 to 5 are diagrams showing one embodiment of the invention of the present application.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a facsimile machine, and the facsimile machine 1 includes a main body 2, a document table 3 provided above the main body 2 and on which a document is placed, an operating section 4, and a handset 5. The operation unit 4 includes a numeric keypad 4a, a one-touch key 4b, a start key 4c, an operation key 4d for inputting other commands, and a display unit 4 for displaying input commands and information transmitted from the facsimile machine 1 to the operator.
6, etc., and the handset 5 is mounted on an installation stand 5a provided on the main body 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the facsimile machine 1 includes a system control section 11, a communication control section 12, an image memory 13, a scanner section 14, a plotter section 15, a scaling section 16, an encoding/decoding section 17, and an operation section. It is equipped with section 4 etc.

The system control unit 11 is a CPU (Central Pr
ROM (Read
0nly Memory), etc., and ROM
The basic program for the facsimile device 1 and the proxy reception and transfer processing program of the present invention are stored therein. A work area is formed in the RAM, and in the case of the present invention,
The telephone number of the forwarding destination of the message received by proxy, the waiting time from receiving the message until forwarding processing, etc. are stored.

The system control unit 11 controls each part of the facsimile machine 1 according to the program in the ROM, and
At the same time, the interception and transfer processing of the present invention is executed.

The communication control unit 12 exchanges facsimile control signals with the other party's facsimile machine and executes control procedures.

The image memo January 3 is read by the scanner unit 14, encoded and
The transmission message encoded by the decoding unit 17 is temporarily stored, and the received message is temporarily stored.

The message stored in the image memory 13 is sent to the system control unit 11
File management is performed for each message, and the management data is stored in the RAM of the system control unit 11.

As the scanner section 14, for example, COD (Cha-n
A line image sensor using a GE Coupled Device is used to read the image information of the document every line and output it as a telegram.

As the plotter section 15, for example, an electrophotographic recording device is used, and although not shown, the plotter section 15 includes:
Sensors that detect an abnormality in the block section 15, such as a recording paper sensor that detects the presence or absence of recording paper, a jam sensor that detects a paper jam in the recording paper, and a heater sensor that detects a heater down in the fixing section of the plotter section 15. is provided. The detection signals from each sensor of the plotter section 15 are input to the system control section 11, and the system control section 11 uses the detection signals from these sensors to perform proxy reception or transfer processing as described later. Decide whether to do it or not.

The scaling unit 16 mainly performs processing to reduce the message for transmission and the message for copying, and reduces the size of the message read by the scanner unit 14 to A3 size, for example, before the message is encoded by the encoding/decoding unit 17. Reduction processing is performed to B4 size, and B4 size to A4 size. This reduction process is performed in accordance with the recording size of the destination facsimile machine.

The encoding/decoding unit 17 encodes and decodes the message in order to shorten and improve the transmission time of the message and improve the storage efficiency in the image memory 13. is encoded (compressed), and during recording, the encoded message is reproduced into the original data.

Next, the action will be explained.

At the time of transmission or storage, the facsimile machine 1 scans the document set on the document table 3 from the first page using the scanner unit 21, reads the message, sends it to the encoder/decoder 17, and sends it to the encoder/decoder 17. 17. In the storage mode, the encoded message is stored in the image memory 13 and then transmitted at a predetermined time; in the immediate mode, the encoded message is sent as it is to a modem (not shown) via the communication control unit 12. After being modulated, it is sent out on the line.

On the other hand, at the time of reception, the facsimile machine l demodulates the message (modulated signal) input from the line using the modem, decodes it in the encoding/decoding section 17, sends it to the profter section 15, and sends it to the profter section 15. Record on recording paper.

However, when receiving data, if the plotter section 15 has an abnormality in its recording function due to blockage or heater down, etc.
Even if a message is received, it cannot be recorded. However, the facsimile apparatus l of the present invention is equipped with an image memory 13, and allows the image memory 13 to receive data on behalf of the user.
The abnormality in the blocking unit 15 continues for a predetermined period of time, and the blocking unit 15
When the message in the plotter section 15 is not retrieved, the message from the plotter section 15 is automatically transmitted to a facsimile device designated in advance as a transfer destination. The proxy reception and transfer processing will be explained below based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

The system control unit 11 checks whether there is an incoming call request, a calling request, a copying request, or other various requests (step S+, St, S,), when there is a calling request. performs the transmission process according to the normal procedure, and when there is a copy request, executes the copy process according to the normal procedure (steps S, , SS>).

In step S1, when there is an incoming call request, the detection signals from the sensors from the plotter section 15 are used to detect abnormalities in the recording function, such as the presence or absence of recording paper, the occurrence of heater down in the fixing section, and the occurrence of jams. Check for the presence of (
ShSSl,S,).

If there is recording paper, there is no heater down, paper jam, etc., and there is no abnormality in the plotter section 15, the message is received by the above-mentioned normal reception procedure and directly recorded on the recording paper by the plotter section 15 (step sq). This flow ends.

That is, so-called immediate recording reception is performed.

On the other hand, if there is an abnormality in the plotter unit 15, such as when there is no recording paper, the heater is down, or a paper jam occurs, so-called proxy reception is performed (step Sl.). That is, the facsimile device 1 demodulates the transmitted message using a modem (not shown), decodes it as is, or in some cases, decodes it once, and then encodes it using a predetermined encoding method in the encoding/decoding section 17. It is stored in the image memory 13. When the substitute reception is completed, a timer in the system control unit 11 is started (step S1). This timer is plotter section 15
This is used to set the waiting time until the abnormality is resolved, and is set in advance to, for example, 30 minutes.

When the system control unit 11 starts the timer, the system control unit 11 determines whether the recording function of the block unit 15 has been recovered (step S+z) based on the presence or absence of the recording system, whether the heater is down or a blockage has occurred, and whether the timer will time out. Please check' (step 513)
, if the recording function of the profiler section 15 is restored within the waiting time,
The process moves to step S, where the plotter section 15 performs recording. That is, the message in the image memory 13 is read out, the encoding/decoding unit 17 decodes it into original data, and the profiler unit 1
Record it on the recording paper in step 5.

On the other hand, if the waiting time elapses without the recording function of the block unit 15 being recovered (step S1□, Sl), the message in the image memory 13 that has been received by proxy is automatically transmitted to a pre-specified destination (step 514).

This destination is input in advance from the operation unit 4 by the operator as described later, and is stored in the RAM in the system control unit 11.
is stored in. When the message in the image memory 13 is sent up to the last page, the communication management report that was received on behalf of the original sender, sending time, etc. is converted into image information, added to the next page after the last page of the message, and sent. . Therefore, by viewing the communication management report recorded on recording paper at the destination facsimile machine, received messages can be appropriately managed. When the transfer is completed, the transferred message in the image memory 13 is erased (step S1), and this flow ends. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the image memory 13 from being occupied forever by the transferred message.
The image memory 13 can be used effectively.

In this way, even when there is an abnormality in the recording function of the facsimile device 1, the image memory 13 can perform proxy reception, and if a predetermined period of time has elapsed while the recording function is abnormal, the received message can be transferred to a predetermined destination. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the received message from being deleted due to turning off the power, etc., and it is possible to eliminate the unreasonableness of not being able to retrieve the message until the function of the plotter section 15 is restored. The usability, convenience, and performance of the device 1 can be further improved.

In particular, in companies that own multiple facsimile machines, transferring the received messages to other facsimile machines can reduce the number of recording units that have many mechanically moving parts and are prone to failure. The burden of loss due to failure can be distributed, and the reliability of the facsimile machine 1 can be improved. Furthermore, the communication management report can be checked on the destination facsimile machine, and the received messages can be appropriately managed.

Incidentally, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the clogging, the heating down of the fixing section, etc. are used to determine the abnormality of the recording function, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these.

Further, although the automatically transmitted message was used to transfer the message received on behalf of the user, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, the transmission may be performed by the operator inputting a predetermined proxy reception message transmission instruction from the operation unit 4. In this case, the operating procedure is performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

First, the user selects the "substitute reception message transmission" menu using the one-touch key 4d of the operation unit 4 (step P), and inputs the forwarding destination telephone number using the numeric keypad 4a or the like (step pg). Next, the start key 40 is pressed (step P3). By pressing the start key 4C, the transmission process of the proxy reception message is started, and the message in the image memory 13 is transmitted to the specified destination (step P4).

Furthermore, the data may be transferred to another facsimile device by polling communication. That is, as shown in the time chart of the control procedure in FIG. 5, the facsimile device 1 uses the message received and stored in the image memory 13 as a polling waiting message, and when there is a call from the destination facsimile device, the message is sent to the image memory 13. The message in the memory 13 is transmitted to the facsimile machine. First, when a facsimile machine receives a call from a forwarding destination facsimile machine during polling standby, it responds by sending out a CHD signal (called terminal identification signal) and a DNS signal (digital identification signal), and sends a call to the other party. In response, it sends a DTC signal (digital transmission command signal) and transfers the transmission right to facsimile machine l. When the facsimile machine receives the DTC signal, it receives the DO5 signal (
digital command signal), sends a training check,
When the other party's facsimile device sends a CFR signal (reception preparation confirmation signal), the message (DI
Send X). When the transmission of all messages is completed, the facsimile machine 1 sends an EOP signal (procedure end signal), and when the other party sends an MCF signal (message confirmation signal), it sends a DCN signal (disconnect command signal). to end polling transmission. Therefore, when the recording function of the facsimile device 1 is abnormal, the message in the image memory 13 can be freely retrieved by the desired facsimile device, improving the usability and convenience of the facsimile device 1. At this time, the polling ID (Ide-ntif)
ier), it is possible to limit the facsimile devices that can retrieve the message, and it is possible to maintain confidentiality. Furthermore, by providing a lamp on the facsimile machine 1 that indicates "A waiting message for polling for proxy reception exists," or by displaying "A waiting message for polling for proxy reception exists" on the display unit 4e, it is possible to inform the operator that there is a message. I can let you know.

(Effect) According to the present invention, when the recording function is abnormal and a message is received on behalf of the image memory, if the message is stored in the image memory without being retrieved for a predetermined period of time, the transfer destination designated in advance will be sent. By automatically transmitting the message in the image memory and simultaneously sending a communication management report, it is possible to prevent the situation where the message in the image memory is erased without being able to be retrieved or cannot be retrieved until the recording function is restored. Furthermore, the received message can be easily managed at the destination where the message is transferred, and the usability and convenience of the facsimile device can be improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 5 are diagrams showing one embodiment of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the facsimile apparatus, FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram thereof, and FIG. 3 is a substitute reception FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operating procedure for manually transmitting the proxy reception message, and FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the control procedure for polling transmission of the proxy reception message. 1...Facsimile machine, 4...Operation unit, 11...System control unit, 12...Communication control unit, 13...Image Memory, 14... Scanner section, 15... Plotter section, 16... Magnification variable section, 17... Encoding/decoding section. Agent Patent Attorney Ugagun Part 1 Diagram

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In a facsimile machine that is equipped with an image memory for storing received telegrams and receives the telegrams on behalf of the image memory when the recording function on recording paper is abnormal, when the recording function is abnormal, the received telegrams are not stored for a predetermined period of time. A facsimile device that automatically sends images stored in its memory to a pre-specified destination. (2) The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a communication management report is also transmitted when transferring the received message stored in the image memory.