JPH04346560A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the operability of the multi-transmission by transmitting the next page after checking whether a book type original is surely set on an original stage or not and also increasing the page turn-over time. CONSTITUTION:When the originals which are exchanged in a prescribed original exchange period are successively transmitted, the multi-transmission is set and then an original 102 is set. The set original 102 is confirmed by an original sensor 22 and the picture information is read by a scanner 101. A message is shown on a display device 20 serving as an informing means so that the next page original is set within an exchange period after the original 102 is read by the scanner 101. Furthermore the necessary number of fill bits are added to the transmission date on the final line by a CPU 11 serving as a transmission time control. means so that the signal transmission time of the final scan line of the original 102 read by the scanner 101. is equal to the maximum transmission time allowed in regard of a CCITTG 3, etc.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile machine that successively transmits each page of, for example, a book-type document to the same destination, and more particularly to a facsimile machine that can extend the time allowed for page turning.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a scanner that is often installed in conventional facsimile machines.
1A shows a document conveyance type scanner, and FIG. 1B shows a document fixed type scanner. Conventionally, facsimile machines often use a fixed scanner 101 to read a transported document 102, as shown in FIG. 4(a). The document 102 is conveyed to a position where the scanner 101 is disposed by a conveyance roller 103, and the image information is read while being conveyed closely to the scanner 101 by a reading position roller 104. With this configuration, by adding an ADF (automatic document feeder) mechanism, it is possible to transmit a plurality of pages of a sheet document, and it is possible to transmit regardless of the length of the document.

[0003] However, so-called book-type originals such as notebooks and books are difficult to transport using rollers, so they must be made into sheets using a copying machine or the like before being sent, which is inconvenient. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 4(b), facsimile machines using fixed original scanners, which are often found in copying machines, are also frequently used. In the fixed original scanner shown in FIG. 4(b), the scanner 1 is placed under the glass plate 201.
A document 102 is placed on the glass plate 201, and a pressure plate 202 presses the document 102 from above. After that, a glass plate 201 and a pressure plate (so-called original platen) 20
2 or scanner 1 under the glass plate 201.
01 to read the image information of the original. In addition,
What is shown in FIG. 4(b) is a configuration example in which the scanner 101 is moved.
3 to move on the guide 204.

[0004] According to this method, it is possible to read and scan the original 102 with the scanner 101 while it is fixed on the glass plate 201, so image information can be read regardless of the type of original, such as a book-type original. be able to. Note that in this configuration example as well, it is possible to add an ADF mechanism to the pressure plate 202, and if it is a sheet original, it is possible to send a plurality of pages.

[0005]

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, if you want to continuously send multiple pages of a book-type document to the same recipient using such a conventional facsimile machine, it is necessary to use multiple sending (continuous sending)/single sending (single sending). It is necessary to set the selection of "only transmission" to multi-transmission, raise the pressure plate 202 to turn the page every time one page is transmitted, and press the start button each time. However, if it takes a long time to turn a page and the next page cannot be set within the specified time, the transmission will automatically end and the telephone line will be disconnected, so the transmission will have to be restarted and the transmission will be interrupted. There was a drawback that operability deteriorated.

[0006] Accordingly, the invention as claimed in claim 1 detects whether the book-type original is securely set on the original table before transmitting the next page, and extends the time allowed for page turning. The present invention aims to provide a facsimile device that improves the operability of multi-transmission. Further, the invention according to claim 2 provides a facsimile machine that determines that the next page for continuous transmission is being set by detecting that a pressure plate for pressing a book-type original is raised. The purpose is to

[0007]Furthermore, the invention as claimed in claim 3 provides a facsimile machine that prevents transmission of unnecessary originals and improves reliability by confirming the setting of originals when the pressure plate is raised and then closed. It is an object. Further, the invention as set forth in claim 4 provides a facsimile device that improves reliability by notifying an operator when the next page is not reliably set within the time allowed for page turning. The purpose is to

[0008]

[Means for solving the problem] The invention according to claim 1 includes:
In order to achieve the above object, in a facsimile machine that has a document exchange period of a predetermined length and sequentially and continuously transmits documents exchanged within the exchange period, a document sensor detects a document set at a predetermined position; a scanner for reading a document detected by a document sensor; a notification means for notifying an external device to set the next page of the document from the time the scanner finishes reading the document until the exchange period has elapsed; The present invention is characterized by comprising a final line transmission time adjusting means for adding a necessary number of fill bits so that the signal transmission time of the final scanning line of the original document becomes the maximum transmission time allowed by the standard.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention as set forth in claim 2 further includes a pressure plate for pressing the original against the scanner;
an opening/closing detector for detecting opening/closing of the pressure plate; and a determining means for determining that the next page document is being set when the opening/closing detector detects that the pressure plate has been opened during the notification period by the notification means. It is characterized by having the following. Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 has the following features in order to achieve the above object:
a setting completion detection means for detecting that setting of the next page original is completed when the opening/closing of the pressure plate is detected by the opening/closing detector and the setting of the original is detected by the original sensor after the opening/closing; The present invention is characterized by comprising continuous transmission control means for permitting continuous transmission of the next page of originals after detecting completion of setting.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 4 notifies the end of continuous transmission to the outside when completion of setting of the next page document is not detected during the notification period by the notification means. It is characterized by being equipped with a notification means.

[0011]

[Operation] In the invention as set forth in claim 1 having the above configuration, the document detected by the document sensor is read by the scanner, and the period from the time when the scanner finishes reading the document until the document exchange period elapses. , a request message to set the next page of original is notified to the outside by the notification means. In addition, the necessary number of fill bits are added to the transmission data of the last line so that the signal transmission time of the last scanning line of the original read by the scanner is the maximum transmission time allowed by the standard, and The time allowed for this will be extended.

Further, in the invention according to claim 2 having the above-mentioned configuration, when the opening and closing of the pressure plate is detected and the notification means detects that the pressure plate has been opened during the notification period, the next page original is set. It is determined that it is inside. Also,
In the invention according to claim 3 having the above configuration, the setting of the next page original is detected on condition that the pressure plate is opened/closed and the setting of the original is detected after the opening/closing, and the completion of setting of the next page original is detected. Allows continuous transmission of the next page of originals.

Furthermore, in the invention having the above-mentioned configuration, when the next page document is not set during the notification period by the notification means, the end of continuous transmission is notified to the outside.

[0014]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be explained below based on examples. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the conventional example described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

First, the configuration will be explained. In Figure 1, C
PU (Central Processing Unit)
) 11 controls this entire system, and the firmware that determines its control operations is a ROM (Read
OnlyMemory) 12. In addition, the work area and temporary storage area necessary for the CPU 11 to perform control are RAM (Random Acc
ess Memory) 13.

The scanner section 14 reads an image of a document to be transmitted, and outputs binarized image data. Note that the scanner section 14 of this embodiment is a fixed document scanner shown in FIG. 4(b). The plotter 15 receives the binarized image data and prints it on recording paper. The DCR 16 is a code decoding device, which compresses the code and transfers the data to the modem (modem/demodulator) 17 when transmitting, and regenerates and decodes the compressed code data sent from the modem 17 when receiving, and transfers the data to the plotter 15. It is something.

The modem 17 converts the encoded digital data sent from the DCR 16 into analog data at the time of transmission and transfers it to the NCU (network control unit) 18, and at the time of reception, the modem 17 converts the encoded digital data sent from the DCR 16 into analog data and transmits it to the NCU (network control unit) 18. is converted into digital data and transferred to the DCR 16. The NCU 18 is an analog interface that connects the line L and the modem 17, and also has the function of making a call.

The input device 19 is a key input device composed of switches. The display device 20 visually displays the status of the system to the operator. The position detector 21 serves as an opening/closing detector and detects opening/closing of the pressure plate 202. The document sensor 22 detects a document set at a predetermined position. In this embodiment, when the originals exchanged during the original exchange period of a predetermined length are sequentially transmitted, as described above,
First, multi-transmission is set and the original 102 is set. The set original 102 is detected by a reflective original sensor 2, for example.
2, the setting is confirmed, and the image information is read by the scanner 101. The original 10 is scanned by the scanner 101.
A message is displayed on the display device 20 serving as a notification means, instructing the user to set the next page of the document from the time when the reading of the document 2 is completed until the exchange period has elapsed.

Further, the signal transmission time of the final scanning line of the original 102 read by the scanner 101 is, for example, CC
The necessary number of fill bits are added to the transmission data of the last line by the CPU 11 as a transmission time adjustment means so that the maximum transmission time allowed by standards such as ITT G3 is achieved. Figure 2(a) shows the state with fill bit added.
The necessary number of fill bits (for example, 0 bits) are added immediately before the line end signal EOL so that the maximum transmission time is 5 seconds according to the G3 standard. Note that the line end signal EOL is added before and after the transmission data of each scanning line to indicate the separation of the scanning lines and to enable resynchronization after error detection.

In this way, in this embodiment, the original 1
Since the document sensor 22 detects that the document No. 02 is securely set, and the document that is not detected is not transmitted, a document that is improperly set will not be transmitted. In addition, in this embodiment, the transmission time of the final line can be set to the maximum time allowed by the standard by adding a fill bit, so the time allowed for document exchange can be extended, and book-type documents, etc. There is plenty of time to turn the pages. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the degree to which communication is cut off during continuous transmission due to clumsy page turning, and it is possible to improve operability.

Next, when the position detector 21 detects that the pressure plate 202 is opened while the next page set request message is being displayed on the display device 20, the CPU 11 as a determining means determines whether the next page is set. It determines that the document is being set, and controls the communication flow to continue continuous transmission. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the pressure plate 202 that presses the original 102 is lifted, it is determined that the next page original is being set, and the communication protocol is controlled to extend the original exchange time assuming continuous transmission. This makes it possible to reduce interruptions in continuous transmission that are contrary to the operator's intention.

Further, the opening and closing of the pressure plate is detected by the position detector 21, and after the opening and closing of the pressure plate, the document sensor 22 detects the opening and closing of the document 102.
When the setting of the next page document is detected, the CPU 11 serving as a setting completion detection means detects that setting of the next page original is completed. Then, the CPU 11, as a continuous transmission control means, confirms that the next page original has been set and then sends an NC
Permits continuous transmission of next page manuscripts by U18.

In this way, in this embodiment, the pressure plate 2
Since the document set is detected along with the opening/closing operation of 02, it is possible to detect whether the next page document has been set during multi-page transmission, or whether the pressure plate 202 has only been opened and then closed. Accurate judgment can be made and reliability is improved. Furthermore, display device 2
If the completion of setting the next page original is not detected during the notification period of 0, the display device 20 serves as a notification means to notify the outside of the end of continuous transmission and disconnects the line.

In this way, in this embodiment, when the next page document setting fails, the operator is notified of this failure, so it is easy to understand the operating state of the apparatus, and reliability is improved. By the way, in this embodiment, the position detector 2
When it is detected that the pressure plate 202 is opened by 1,
The CPU 11 is used as a determining means to determine that the next page original is being set, but even if the pressure plate 202 is lowered, the original 10
When 2 is not set, it is necessary to control the transmission so that it is not transmitted. For this reason, the presence or absence of the original 102 is confirmed by the original sensor 22.

First, regarding the position detector 21, it may be configured to detect whether the pressure plate 202 is open or closed using a microswitch or the like. Further, by using a photo sensor as the position detector 21 and detecting how far the book is opened, it is possible to use a thick book as a document. Next, regarding the document sensor 22, the pressure plate 202 is normally white, and the outside of the document 102 is generally transmitted as white data. However, with this, manuscript 10
Since the background of the document 102 is often white, a normal reflective sensor may not be able to detect that the document 102 is placed. Therefore, the pressure plate 202 may be made of a material having better reflection characteristics than white (it may be made of a mirror surface) to improve the recognition of the original 102 due to the difference in reflection characteristics.

Furthermore, by installing a plurality of document sensors 22 or attaching them to the scanner 101 to recognize the document size, it is possible to transmit only the necessary area. In this way, it is possible to prevent the size of the transmitted original from becoming constant regardless of the size of the original 102, and when the original to be transmitted is small, it can be transmitted in a size as close to that original as possible, which reduces the transmission time of unnecessary parts. can be saved and economical efficiency can be improved.

Next, a protocol for extending the set time for the next page will be explained with reference to FIG. 2(b). (1) If there is a next document, that is, if you want to send it continuously, when one page has been scanned, the system internal
A fill bit is added to the transmission data remaining in the AM 13 to create time for raising the pressure plate 202. This data format is as described in the CCITT regulations, as shown in FIG. 2(b). After this, actually press plate 20
2 is raised, an end-of-message signal EOM (End o
fMessage) and see how it goes. That is,
The receiving side, which has received the message end signal EOM, sends a message confirmation signal MCF (Message Confirm).
ation) and a digital identification signal DIS (Digit
(Identification Signal)
We will monitor the situation during the approximately 6 seconds it takes for the reply to be sent to us as a period for exchanging manuscripts. In this way, the two methods of adding fill bits and replying from the receiving side allow approximately 10 seconds of time for document replacement, and the transmission time for adding fill bits is extended during the conventional document exchange period. That will happen.

After that, when the start button is pressed, a digital command signal DCS (Digital C
omma and Signal) and a training check TCF (Training Check) are sent. Upon receiving this, the reception side sends a reception preparation confirmation signal CF.
R (Confirmation to Receive
) is returned, the image information for the next page is sent. (
2) If there is no next document, that is, if you want to end continuous transmission,
A disconnect command signal DCN (Disconnect) is sent from the transmitting side, and the line is disconnected.

Next, FIG. 3 shows an example of the processing flow of this embodiment.
The operation will be explained according to the following. When transmitting, first set the original 102, make a call, and turn on the start button (step S1).The position detection sensor 21 detects the pressure plate 2.
02 is lowered and that the original 102 is set using the original sensor 22 (step S2), the protocol is started.

As the scanner 101 moves, the image information changes.
It is scanned and read one line at a time, and for example, a first-in, first-out FIFO (First
-in First-out) is stored in the memory (step S3). When one line of scanning is completed, it is determined whether one page of the document has been scanned (step S).
4) If the data has not been completed yet, one line of data stored in the FIFO memory is transmitted (step S5), and the next line is scanned. In this way, scanning is repeated line by line, and the entire surface of one page of the document is scanned.

If it is determined in step S4 that the entire document has been scanned, a message requesting the next page set is displayed on the display device 20 to notify the operator (
In step S6), a fill bit is added so that the transmission time of the final line is 5 seconds as shown in FIG. 2(a) (step S7). Note that the G3 standard allows a transmission time of 5 seconds, and in other standards, a fill bit is added so that the transmission time is the maximum according to the standard. The data to which this fill bit has been added is sent out as the final line of transmission data (step S8).

Next, it is determined whether or not the pressure plate 202 has been raised within the document exchange period extended by adding the fill bit (step S9). If the pressure plate has not been raised, a procedure end signal EOP (End of Proc
edures) and terminates the communication (step S
10). On the other hand, if the pressure plate 202 is raised as determined in step S9, the raised pressure plate 202 is lowered, and it is determined whether the document 102 is detected by the document set sensor 22 in the lowered state (step S11); NO
If so, that is, if the original to be transmitted is only removed and the next page original is not set, the message end signal EOM shown in FIG. 2(b) is transmitted (step S1
2). After the message end signal EOM is sent, it is determined whether the next page document is set until the digital identification signal DIS is returned from the receiving side (step S13).
), if not set, sends a disconnection command signal DCN and terminates communication. If it is set, the process returns to step S3 and the next page transmission is started.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S11 is YES, that is, if the next page is set, after transmitting the multi-page signal MPS (step S14),
Returning to step S3, next page transmission is started. That is, the protocol after the digital command signal DCS shown in FIG. 2(b) is started. In the above process, the criteria for determining whether a document is present is that the pressure plate 202 is lowered and the document sensor 22 is lowered.
is ON.

[0034]

As described above, according to the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the document detected by the document sensor is read by the scanner;
From the time the scanner finishes reading the original to the end of the original exchange period, the notification means will notify the external device of a request message to set the next page of the original, so make sure that the original is set securely. is detected by the document sensor, and documents that are not detected are not sent, so documents that are improperly set will not be sent.

[0035] Furthermore, the necessary number of fill bits are added to the transmission data of the last line so that the signal transmission time of the last scanning line of the original read by the scanner becomes the maximum transmission time allowed by the standard. , the time allowed for exchanging originals can be extended, and more time can be afforded for turning the pages of book-type originals. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the degree to which communication is cut off during continuous transmission due to clumsy page turning, and it is possible to improve operability.

Further, according to the facsimile apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, when the opening and closing of the pressure plate is detected and the notification means detects that the pressure plate has been opened during the notification period, the next page of the document is Since it determines that the document is being set and controls the communication flow to continue continuous transmission, it is possible to extend the document exchange time assuming continuous transmission, reducing interruptions in continuous transmission contrary to the operator's intention. be able to.

Further, according to the facsimile apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, the setting of the next page document is detected on the condition that the pressure plate is opened and closed and the document set is detected after the opening and closing, and the next page document is detected. Continuous transmission of the next page original is permitted after detecting completion of setting of , so it is possible to detect whether the next page original has been set during multi-page transmission, or whether the pressure plate 202 has only been opened and then closed. It is possible to accurately determine the document exchange set for continuous transmission, improving reliability.

Further, according to the facsimile apparatus according to the invention as set forth in claim 4, if the next page document is not set during the notification period by the notification means, the end of continuous transmission is notified to the outside, so that the operator can It is easy to understand the operating status of the device, and reliability can be improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 4.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a communication protocol; FIG. 2(a) shows a state in which a fill bit is added to transmission data, and FIG. 2(b) shows a post message according to the communication protocol.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a scanner that is often installed in a conventional facsimile machine; FIG. 4(a) shows a document conveyance type scanner, and FIG. 4(b) shows a document fixed type scanner.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 CPU (transmission time adjustment means) 20
Display device (notification means) 22 Original sensor 101 Scanner

Claims (4)

[Claims] Claim 1: A facsimile machine having a document exchange period of a predetermined length and continuously transmitting documents exchanged within the exchange period, comprising: a document sensor that detects a document set at a predetermined position; and a document sensor. a scanner for reading the detected original, a notification means for notifying an external device to set the next page of the original from the time when the scanner finishes reading the original until the expiration of the exchange period; A facsimile machine comprising a final line transmission time adjusting means for adding a necessary number of fill bits so that the signal transmission time of the final scanning line becomes the maximum transmission time allowed by the standard. 2. A pressure plate for pressing a document against a scanner, an opening/closing detector for detecting opening/closing of this pressure plate, and when the opening/closing detector detects that the pressure plate is opened during a notification period by a notification means, 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising determining means for determining that the next page original is being set. Claim 3: Opening/closing of the pressure plate is detected by an opening/closing detector,
A setting completion detection means detects that setting of the next page original is completed when the setting of the original is detected by the original sensor after the opening/closing. Claim 2, further comprising continuous transmission control means for permitting continuous transmission.
Facsimile machine as described. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a notification means for notifying the end of continuous transmission to the outside if completion of setting the next page document is not detected during the notification period by the notification means.
Facsimile machine as described.