JPH0354967A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent an operator from waiting operation by executing an image reading or printing request with priority. CONSTITUTION:A CPU 10a temporarily stores image data sent from an opposite terminal in an image memory 4 in accordance with a request. When the request being copying is decided, the original reading of a scanner 1 and the image printing-out of a printer 7 are executed. When the request being normal transmission is decided, transmission is executed by the input of a destination, the reading of an original to be transmitted and resolution corresponding to the machine sort of the destination. Thus, the image reading or printing request is executed with priority.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a facsimile machine, and relates to a facsimile machine that complies with Group 3 and Group 4 (hereinafter referred to as rG3J and rG3J) of the CCITT recommendations.
The present invention relates to facsimile machines that perform communication between different models such as 4J (referred to as 4J).

[Prior Art] In recent years, many so-called store-and-forward type facsimile machines have been developed, which have a large capacity image memory and transmit image data after storing it in the image memory. ．． In this type of device, even if the line is in use, the operator does not have to wait for transmission if the image data to be transmitted is stored in the image memory based on a transmission reservation. Also, the transmitted image data is stored in the image memory, and the stored image data is
Various communication processing services can be realized by using a broadcast transmission function that sends messages to multiple destinations, a time-specific transmission that sends messages at specified times, and the like. Furthermore, this type of device is
G3, G4
It is possible to realize services such as a mixed relay communication function and a relay function between G3 and 64.

The above-mentioned functions linking 63 and 64 are currently mainstream, and in the future, millions of G3 facsimile machines will be produced each year. This is very important and effective in terms of needs as we transition to G4 facsimile machines.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the conventional example described above, generally, in order to use the image memory efficiently, image data encoded into a compressed code is stored in the memory. Therefore, when performing image conversion between G3 and 04, it was necessary to perform the following steps: decoding the compressed code → converting the resolution and paper size → re-encoding the compressed code. Conventionally, conversion of encoding method, resolution, and paper size between G3 and 04, between G3 and 63, or between G4 and G4 depends on the reception capability (paper size, encoding method, resolution) of the recipient. This process starts from the point determined at the setting stage, and is executed during communication.

In this way, image conversion requires re-encoding processing of compressed codes. For this reason, if the encoding device is occupied, image reading processing→compression encoding processing→image memory read/write processing will be in a waiting state. That is, there is a drawback that the transmission reservation, which is an important characteristic of a facsimile machine having an image memory, does not function, and the operator is therefore forced to wait until the transmission reservation operation becomes functional.

In addition, in order to avoid the above-mentioned drawbacks, it is possible to divide the encoding device into one for reading images and one for image conversion, and make each one an independent encoding device, but in this case, the encoding device Having two types increases the cost.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the conventional example, and its purpose is to perform both encoding processing during reading and encoding processing during image conversion using one encoding device. The object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile machine that can always reserve transmission.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the purpose, a facsimile device according to the present invention has a function of once storing transmission image data and then transmitting it, In a facsimile machine that performs communication between different models based on CCITT recommendations, a storage means for storing image conversion information between different models, a storage means for storing transmitted image data based on a transmission request, and the storage means a determination means for determining the presence or absence of another request after the storage in the storage means; comprising an image conversion means for performing image conversion of the transmission image data, and a transmission means for transmitting the transmission image data image-converted by the image conversion means,
When the determining means determines that there is another request, processing corresponding to the other request is executed first.

[Function] According to this configuration, the storage means stores image conversion information between different models, the storage means stores transmission image data based on a transmission request, and the determination means stores image conversion information between different models. If the determination means determines that there is no other request, the image conversion means performs image conversion of the transmitted image data stored in the storage means based on the image conversion information stored in the storage means. The transmitting means transmits the transmission image data that has been image-converted by the image converting means, and when the determining means determines that there is another request, it first executes the process corresponding to the other request.

[Embodiments] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

This embodiment will be explained using facsimile machines compatible with G3 and G4 models as an example.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, l indicates a scanner that optically reads an original image for transmission or copying. This scanner 1 photoelectrically converts scanned original image data using a COD (not shown), etc., and outputs binary image data through an analog/digital (A/D) converter (not shown). . 2 indicates a multiplexer (hereinafter referred to as rMUXJ), and this MUX
2, one of the two data, binary image data output from the scanner 1 and binary image data output from the image processing section 6, which will be described later, is selected by the CPU 10a, which will be described later. 3 indicates an encoding circuit, in which the binary image data output from MUX 2 is encoded into a C code based on the destination model.
MMR recommended by CITT (International Telegraph and Telephone Advisory Committee)
A process of compressing and encoding the data into code (G4) and MR, MH (G3) is performed.

Reference numeral 4 indicates an image memory that stores encoded data from the encoding circuit 3. Reference numeral 5 denotes a decoding circuit, in which processing for decoding encoded data stored in the image memory 4 is performed. There are two output destinations for the image data decoded by this decoding circuit 5: a printer 7, which will be described later, and an image processing section 6, which will be described later. Reference numeral 6 denotes an image processing section, in which image conversion (resolution conversion or paper size conversion) is performed based on the image data from the decoding circuit 5. Reference numeral 7 indicates a printer that forms a visible image based on the image data from the decoding circuit 5.

8 and 9 are the G3CCU (communication control unit) and G
It shows 4CCU. Reference numeral 10 indicates a control unit that controls the entire device, which includes a ROM 10b that stores various control programs, a RAM 10c that is used as a work area for various programs, and a CPU such as a microcomputer.
It is composed of U 1 0 a. ROM10c contains C
A control program for the PUIOa to operate according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later, is stored, and the RA
M4c is provided with an area for registering an image conversion table containing image conversion information for performing image conversion (resolution conversion, paper size conversion) according to the partner model (G3, G4) described later. There is. Reference numeral 1l indicates an operation panel for receiving instructions directly from the operator, and this operation panel 11 is provided with a keyboard for instructing the destination and various transmission modes (fine, etc.), and a display section for displaying the operation status of transmission and reception, etc. ing.

Here, a method of registering image conversion information according to this embodiment will be explained.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining the image conversion table of this embodiment.

In this embodiment, parameters for image conversion corresponding to each destination are registered in the RAM 10c. 100 in FIG. 3 indicates an image conversion table.

The image conversion parameters registered in the image conversion table 10 include three types of information: encoding method, resolution, and paper size. The encoding method is MM depending on the destination model.
R (G4 compatible), MR (G3 compatible). MH (
There are three types (G3 compatible). In terms of resolution, in the case of 64 machines, 200 x 200 pel/inch
There are two types: (p pi ) and high resolution 400X400ppi, and in the case of 63 aircraft, 8X3.85 pel
/mm and high resolution 8 x 7. 7 pel/mm
Or 16×1 5. There are 4 pel/mm. Also,
There are three types of paper sizes for transmission documents: A3, A4, and B4.

Further, in this embodiment, parameters for image conversion corresponding to a destination model that is not registered in this apparatus are registered.

101 in FIG. 4 also shows an example of an image conversion table. If the destination is aircraft 03, transmission image parameters 63 in FIG. 4 are used, and if the destination is aircraft 04, transmission image parameters 64 in FIG. 4 are used. In this example, each transmission of G3 and G4 is a case where an A4 size original image is transmitted.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the image conversion operation of this embodiment.

First, if there is a transmission request from the operator or a communication request from the other party's terminal while this device is running, the type is determined and processing is performed according to each request (step Sl, S2). For example, there is a communication request from the other party's terminal to this device, and the G3CCU 8 or G4CCU 9 that receives the request makes a reception request to the CPU 10a.

In response to this request, the CPUIOa temporarily stores the image data sent from the other party's terminal in the image memory 4. If the request from the other party's terminal is relay transmission, data is not output from the image memory 4 to the printer 7 and the process returns to step S.
1, the process proceeds to step S7 via step S2.

In this step S7, the destination for relay transmission is confirmed, and then processing showing the characteristics of this embodiment is performed.

If it is determined in step S2 that the request is a copy, the scanner 1 reads the document and the printer 7 outputs the image in step S9. Furthermore, if it is determined in step S2 that the request is a normal transmission,
In step S8, input the destination, read the transmitted document,
Transmission is then performed at a resolution appropriate to the destination model.

When a broadcast transmission, time-specified transmission, or relay transmission other than the normal transmission request, copy request, or reception request described above is requested, the following processing is performed.

First, in the case of a broadcast transmission request, the operator inputs the destination (a code indicating a plurality of destinations to which the broadcast transmission is to be made) from the operation panel 11 (step S3). Then, the transmitted original image is read, and the process returns to step S1 (step S4). Similarly, in the case of a time-specified transmission request, the operator inputs the destination and transmission time from the operation panel 11 (step S5), reads the original image to be transmitted, and in this case also returns to step S1 ( Step S6). Further, in the case of a relay transmission request, after the destination is confirmed as in step S7 described above, the process returns to step S1. In this way, when the storage of the transmission image data in response to the transmission request is completed, the process returns to step S1 again to check whether there is a request. If the request is not confirmed in step S1, a search is made to see if the processing corresponding to each of the above-mentioned transmission requests has been completed (step Sll). In this search, if transmission request completed is not detected, the process returns to step S1 again. Further, if a transmission request completed is detected, the type is determined, and in the case of broadcast transmission, relay transmission, or time specified transmission when the transmission time has been reached (step S12).
, step S19), first, image conversion parameters are set according to the destination based on the image conversion tables 100, 101 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (step S19).
13, step 316, or step S20), and then image conversion for one page of the transmitted image data is performed (step S14, step S17, or step S21). Next, it is checked whether or not the image conversion images for all pages of the transmission image data have been completed. If there are still remaining pages, the process returns to step S1, and as described above, when there are no more requests, the transmission request is processed. Remaining processing according to (
image conversion for the remaining pages) is repeated (step S
15 or step 818 or step S22).

In this manner, when it is confirmed that the image conversion images for all pages of the transmitted image data have been completed, a call is made to the destination terminal and normal transmission is performed. Note that in the case of circular transmission, transmission is performed to multiple destinations, so when transmission to one destination is completed, this process returns to step Sl (not shown) and transmission to all destinations is completed. The same process as described above is repeated until completion. Therefore, in this process, the image conversion of the transmitted image data according to the reception capability of the other party's terminal is completed before the call is made.

Now, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned step S4, step S
6, the read image data is stored in a compressed and encoded state, and in this case, as an example, as shown in FIG. 3, it is stored in an image state compatible with 63 machines. (It may also be compatible with G4 machines).

As described above, according to this embodiment, by giving priority to requests for reading and printing images, it is possible to obtain the effect that there is no need to give the operator waiting time for operations.

Furthermore, since the operator can arbitrarily set image conversion information according to the reception capabilities of other models, it is possible to prevent image quality from deteriorating due to image conversion.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, by giving priority to requests for image reading and printing, it is possible to obtain the effect that the operator does not have to wait for an operation.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flowchart explaining the image conversion operation of this embodiment, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are image conversion according to this embodiment. It is a figure explaining a table. In the figure, 1... Scanner, 2... MUX, 3... Encoding circuit, 4... Image memory, 5... Decoding circuit,
6... Image processing section, 7... Printer, 8... G3
CCU, 9...G4CCU. LO...control unit, 10
a...CPU, 10b...ROM, 10c...R
A.M. Zoo. 101: Image conversion table.

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) In a facsimile machine that has a function of once storing image data to be sent and then transmitting it, and that communicates between different models based on CCITT recommendations, a storage means for storing image conversion information between different models; , an accumulation means for accumulating transmission image data based on a transmission request; a determination means for determining the presence or absence of another request after the accumulation in the accumulation means; and when the determination means determines that there is no other request, the an image conversion means for performing image conversion on the transmission image data stored in the storage means based on image conversion information stored in the storage means; and a transmission means for transmitting the transmission image data image-converted by the image conversion means; A facsimile apparatus, characterized in that, when the determining means determines that there is another request, processing corresponding to the other request is executed first. (2) The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the different models are group 3 machines and group 4 machines. (3) The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image conversion information includes resolution and encoding method. (4) The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage means includes a registration means for registering unique image conversion information.