JPH0654107A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To realize a FAX compensating the faults of a FAX with PCi/F. CONSTITUTION:When a PC 40 and a printer 41 are connected, an output to the printer 41 from the PC 40, a FAX communication between the PC 40 and a remote terminal unit, an input to the PC 40 from incorporated scanners, an output to the printer 41 from the incorporated scanners (local copy) and an output to the printer 41 of a FAX reception original, etc., are available. Since a signal path is prepared between the PC and the printer when a power source 25 is turned off, data output to the printer 41 from the PC 40 can be carried out.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a special facsimile apparatus capable of cooperating with an external device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a scanner and a printer are provided so that a normal facsimile operation (reading of a document and transmission of a document, reception and recording of a document of a document) can be carried out by itself. A facsimile machine (FAX with PC interface) that can be connected to an interface port is known.

When the FAX with a PC interface is connected to the external interface port of the PC, the PC
Can perform facsimile communication with a remote terminal, output data to a printer equipped with a FAX, and input document data from a scanner equipped with a FAX.

[0004]

The FAX with a PC interface described above has the following problems.

(A) At present, almost all PCs have printers already installed, so a FAX with a PC interface equipped with a printer is not economical because it requires double investment in the printer.

(A) If the PC printer is not installed,
The waste of the above (a) can be avoided, but when the power of the FAX is turned off, the PC cannot print out the data. Further, as a result, when the print output from the PC is required, it is necessary to always turn on the power of the FAX, and the power consumption is large.

(C) Since the FAX-equipped printer is usually a heat-sensitive type printer, there is an inconvenience that data created by a PC cannot be recorded on plain paper.

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel facsimile apparatus which can solve the above problems.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a facsimile apparatus provided by the present invention is provided for controlling an interface between an external computer and a connection portion with the external computer. Means, a connection section with an external printer, a means for interface control with an external printer connected to this connection section, a means for controlling facsimile communication with a remote terminal via a communication line, and It has a unit for encoding and decoding, a unit for controlling each of the units and the data flow, and a power supply for supplying an operating voltage to each unit, and further, the supply of the operating voltage by the power source. When disconnected, a signal path separate from each of the above means is formed between the connection part with the external computer and the connection part with the external printer. Having a step, in which a structure called.

[0010]

When the computer is connected, the facsimile apparatus of the present invention can perform facsimile transmission from the computer to the remote terminal and facsimile reception from the remote terminal to the computer.

When the printer is connected, the data received by the facsimile from the remote terminal can be output to the printer. A plain paper facsimile system can be easily realized by connecting a printer capable of recording on plain paper.

When an external computer and an external printer are connected, facsimile communication between the computer and the remote terminal, facsimile reception with the remote terminal and printout of received data, and printout from the computer are possible. Of particular note is that even when the power of the facsimile machine is turned off, an independent signal path is created between the computer connection section and the printer connection section, so that the computer can perform print output. it can. Further, when the print output from the computer is required but the facsimile function is unnecessary, the power of the facsimile device can be turned off.

[0013]

1 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and the connection with external equipment.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a facsimile machine (hereinafter referred to as this apparatus), which is a line connection unit 30.
A communication line (Line) 39 to the PC connection section 31 via a parallel interface cable 40b.
A printer (for example, a laser beam printer) can be connected to the printer connection section 32 via a parallel interface cable, and a telephone set 43 can be connected to the telephone connection section 34, if necessary.

The internal structure of the apparatus 100 will be described. Reference numeral 1 is a CPU including a microprocessor for controlling the entire apparatus, 2 is a ROM storing a program of the CPU 1, and 3 is a RAM for storing data.
Reference numeral 4 denotes a CODEC for encoding and encoding image information, which includes an encoder for encoding and a decoder for decoding. Reference numeral 5 denotes a communication control unit (CCU) for performing facsimile communication through a communication line, including a modem (MODEM) for modulating / demodulating line signals, and switching the connection with the communication line 39 to the facsimile side or the telephone side. It also includes circuits for

Reference numeral 6 is a scaler for performing linear density conversion of image information at an arbitrary ratio. Reference numeral 8 is a CCD image sensor for photoelectric conversion of an original, and 7 is a CCD image sensor 7.
Is a reading control circuit for converting the converted output of (1) into an image information signal of a format suitable for facsimile transmission, and these constitute a scanner together with a document conveying mechanism (not shown). That is, the apparatus 100 has a built-in scanner for reading a document. Reference numeral 9 denotes a panel for operating the apparatus 10 and displaying a status, which includes a key input section and a display section.

Reference numeral 14 is a PC interface (I / F) unit for interface control with the PC 40, and 15 is a printer interface (I / F) unit for interface control with the printer 41. The printer connecting unit 32 and the printer interface unit 15 are connected to the PC 40.
Since it is the same as the printer interface of
An existing printer connected to the PC 40 can be connected as the existing printer 41.

Reference numeral 20 is an interface through circuit, and 25.
Is a power supply for supplying the operating voltage (VCC) of each part of the device. The interface through circuit 20 has a relay 21.
And a transistor 22 for driving it and resistors 23, 24 for base bias of the transistor 22.

When the power supply 25 is turned on and the predetermined operating voltage VCC is supplied, the transistor 22 is turned on to drive the relay 21. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
One contact point c1, a1 and one contact point c2, a2 are connected. Therefore, the PC connection unit 31 and the PC interface unit 14 are connected, and the printer connection unit 32 and the printer interface unit 15 are connected.

When the power supply 25 is turned off and the operating voltage VCC is not supplied, the relay 21 is not driven, so that its contacts c1, b1 and c2, b2 are connected. Therefore, the PC connection unit 31 and the printer connection unit 32 are separated from the PC interface unit 14 and the printer interface unit 15, respectively, and are directly interconnected by the signal line 26, and are independent from each other between the connection units 31 and 32. You can make a signal path. Even when the power supply 25 is turned off, the PC 40 and the printer 4 are connected via this signal path.
Data can be output to 1.

The apparatus 100 has a print mode (1),
Same (2), PC-FAX transmission mode (1), same (2),
Same (3), original-FAX transmission mode, local copy mode, scanner mode (1), same (2), FAX reception-
Recording mode, FAX reception-storage mode (1), same (2)
Is possible. 2 to 13 show the data flow in each mode. The operation of each mode will be described below, but the power supply 25 is on unless otherwise specified.

Print mode (1) The data input from the PC 40 is directly transferred to the printer 41.
The data flow shown in FIG. 2 is used. The CPU 1 starts this mode when this mode is specified by the PC 40.

Created by PC40 or PC4
Data (raster data or ASCII data) stored in the built-in or external file device 40a (FIG. 2) of 0 is input to the PC interface unit 14. C
PU1 is connected to PC4 via PC interface unit 14.
It controls the interface with 0, transfers the input data to the printer interface section 15, controls the interface with the printer 41 via the printer interface section 15, and outputs the input data to the printer 41.

Even when the power supply 25 is turned off and the operating voltage VCC is not supplied, since the PC connection section 31 and the printer 32 are directly connected, the PC 40 can output data to the printer 41 in the same manner. Therefore, PC40
When it is necessary to output data from the printer to the printer 41, but does not require other facsimile functions or the like, power consumption can be saved by turning off the power supply 25.

Print mode (2) A mode in which encoded data (MH data, MR data, MMR data, etc .; the same applies hereinafter) of image information input from the PC 40 is restored to raster data and output to the printer 41, as shown in FIG. The data flow is shown in. CPU1 is a PC
When this mode is designated by 40, this mode is started.

The encoded data created by the PC 40 or the encoded data stored in the file device 40a of the PC 40 is input to the PC interface unit 14. C
The PU 1 is connected to the PC 40 via the PC interface unit 14.
It controls the interface with and stores the input coded data in the MEM area 3a of the RAM 3. C
The PU1 takes out the encoded data in the MEM area 3a and transfers it to the CODEC4, and the decoder 4a of the CODEC4.
Raster data (image information before encoding) according to (Fig. 3)
, And the raster data is transferred to the scaler 6 for linear density conversion if necessary. CP
U1 stores the raster data after the linear density conversion in RAM3.
Of the printer 4 after being temporarily stored in the LM area 3b (FIG. 3) of the printer 4.
Interface control with 1 is performed, and the data is output to the printer 41.

Even when the power supply 25 is turned off, the PC 40
Can output data to the printer 41, but normal printing of encoded data cannot be expected.

PC-FAX transmission mode (1) This is a mode for performing facsimile transmission of raster data input from the PC 40, and has the data flow shown in FIG. The CPU 1 starts this mode when this mode is specified by the PC 40.

The raster data created by the PC 40 or the raster data stored in the file device 40a of the PC 40 is input to the PC interface unit 41. The CPU 1 controls the interface with the PC 40 via the PC interface unit 14, stores the input raster data in the MEM area 3a of the RAM 3, and then transfers the raster data in the MEM area 3a to the scaler 6 as necessary. Linear density conversion is performed and then temporarily stored in the LM area 3b of the RAM 3. Then L
The raster data in the M area 3b is transferred to the CODEC 4, encoded by the encoder 4b, and the encoded data is stored in the DB area 3c (FIG. 4) of the RAM 3. Then, the communication control unit 5 is caused to execute a facsimile procedure to send the encoded data in the DB area 3c to the communication line 39.

It should be noted that the PC 4 is previously set by the communication control unit 5.
0 or dialing is performed to the other terminal based on the dial information provided from the panel 9 or the telephone 4
Direct dialing is carried out by 3. The communication control unit 5 includes a dialer.

PC-FAX transmission mode (2) In this mode, the encoded data input from the PC 40 is transmitted by facsimile, and the data flow is as shown in FIG. The CPU 1 starts this mode when specified by the PC 40.

The encoded data created by the PC 40 or the encoded data stored in the file device 40a of the PC 40 is input to the PC interface unit 14.
The CPU 1 is connected to the PC 4 via the PC interface unit 14.
The interface with 0 is controlled and the input coded data is stored in the MEM area 3a of the RAM 3. The subsequent data flow differs depending on whether or not the linear density of the encoded data is the same as the communicable linear density of the partner terminal (the communication control unit 5 obtains by communicating with the partner terminal and notifies the CPU 1). .

When the linear densities match, the CPU 1 uses the MEM.
The encoded data in the area 3a is transferred to the DB area 3c of the RAM 3, and the encoded data in the DM area 3c is sent to the communication line 39 as facsimile data by the communication control unit 5.

If the linear densities do not match, the CPU 1
Transfer the encoded data in the M area 3a to the CODEC 4,
The decoder 4a converts the raster data into raster data, and then the scaler 6 converts the raster density into a communicable linear density of the partner terminal, and the linear density converted raster data is temporarily stored in the LM area 3b of the RAM 3. And LM
Transfer the raster data in area 3b to CODEC4,
The encoded data is converted by the encoder 4b and stored in the DB area 3c, which is sent to the communication line 39 under the control of the communication control unit 5.

PC-FAX transmission mode (3) This is a mode for performing facsimile transmission of ASCII data input from the PC 40, and has the data flow shown in FIG. The CPU 1 starts this mode when specified by the PC 40.

The ASCII data created by the PC 41 or the ASCII data stored in the file device 40a of the PC 40 is the PC interface unit 1.
Enter in 4. CPU1 is a PC interface unit 1
It controls the interface with the PC 40 via 4 and stores the inputted ASCII data in the MEM area 3a of the RAM 3. Next, the CPU 1 performs a software process on the ASCII data in the MEM area 3a (process 5 in FIG. 6).
0) converts the raster data into raster data, and temporarily stores the raster data in the LM area 3b of the RAM 3. Then L
The raster data in the M area 3b is transferred to the CODEC 4, converted into encoded data by the encoder 4b, the obtained encoded data is transferred to the DB area 3c of the RAM 3, and the communication line 39 is controlled by the communication control unit 5. To send to.

Original-FAX transmission mode This is a mode in which an original is read by a scanner (CCD image sensor 8, reading control circuit 7, etc.) with a built-in scanner and facsimile transmission is performed, and the data flow shown in FIG. 7 is obtained. The CPU 1 switches this mode to the panel 9 or the PC 40.
Starts this mode at a more specified time.

The CPU 1 activates the built-in scanner to read the transmission original, converts the linear density of the raster data input from the reading control circuit 7 by the scaler 6 if necessary, and then the LM of the RAM 3 is read. Store in area 3b. Next, the raster data in the LM area 3b is converted to C
The data is transferred to the ODEC4, converted into encoded data by the encoder 4b, and then transferred to the DB area 3c of the RAM3,
It is transmitted to the communication line 39 under the control of the communication control unit 5.
In this case, dialing to the partner terminal is performed in advance by the communication control unit 5 or the telephone 43 based on dial information input from the panel 9 or the PC 40.

As described above, since this apparatus has the built-in scanner, it can be used alone as a facsimile transmitter, and in this case, the operation on the PC 40 side is not required.

Local copy mode In this mode , the original is read by the built-in scanner and the hard copy is output by the printer 41.
The data flow is shown in. The CPU 1 starts this mode when this mode is designated by the panel 9 or the PC 40.

The CPU 1 activates the built-in scanner to read an original, and the raster data of the original input from the reading control circuit 7 is converted by the scaler 6 into a linear density if necessary, and then the LM area of the RAM 3 is processed. Store in 3b. Next, the interface with the printer 41 is controlled via the printer interface unit 15 and the raster data in the LM area 3b is transferred to the printer 41.

Since the local copy operation is possible in this way, when a printer capable of recording high-quality plain paper such as a laser beam printer (LBP) is already installed, it is connected as the printer 41 so that the plain paper can be connected. A copy system can be realized at a minimum cost.

Scanner Mode (1) A manuscript is read by the built-in scanner and the image is read by the PC 4
This is a mode for inputting to 0, and the data flow is as shown in FIG. The CPU 1 switches this mode to the panel 9 or the PC 4
When specified from 0, this mode is started.

The CPU 1 activates the built-in scanner to read the original, and the raster data of the original input from the reading control circuit 7 is converted by the scaler 6 into a linear density if necessary, and then the area LM3b of the RAM 3 is read. To store. Next, the PC 4 is connected via the PC interface unit 14.
It controls the interface with 0 and transfers the raster data in the LM3b area to the PC 40.

The PC 40 can store the input raster data in the internal memory or the file device 40a and process it with various application software.

Scanner Mode (2) This is a mode in which an original is read by the built-in scanner, converted into encoded data, and then input to the PC 40, and the data flow shown in FIG. 10 is obtained. The CPU 1 starts this mode when this mode is designated by the panel 9 or the PC 40.

The CPU 1 activates the built-in scanner to read the original, and the raster data of the original input from the reading control circuit 7 is converted by the scaler 6 into a linear density if necessary, and then the LM area of the RAM 3 is read. Store in 3b. Next, the raster data in the LM area 3b is coded.
The data is transferred to C4, encoded by the encoder 4b, and the encoded data is temporarily stored in the LM area 3b of the RAM 3. Then, the CPU 1 controls the interface with the PC 40 via the PC interface unit 14 and transfers the encoded data in the MEM area 3b to the PC 40.

In the PC 40, the coded data can be stored in the internal memory or the file device 40a and processed by various application software.

FAX reception-recording mode In this mode , a document is received from the communication line 39 and a hard copy thereof is obtained by the printer 41, and the data flow shown in FIG. 11 is obtained. When this mode is designated by the panel 9 or the PC 40, the CPU 1 starts the mode when the communication control unit 5 notifies the incoming call.

The CPU 1 stores the facsimile data (encoded data) received by the line controller 5 in the MEM area 3a of the RAM 3. Next, the encoded data in the MEM area 3a is transferred to the CODEC 4, and the decoder 4
The raster data decoded by a and converted by the scaler 6 is stored in the LM area 3b of the RAM 3 after being subjected to linear density conversion by the scaler 6 as needed. And CPU1
The printer 4 via the printer interface unit 15.
1 and the raster data in the LM area are transferred to the printer 41.

Therefore, the laser beam printer (L
In the case where a printer capable of recording on plain paper such as BP) is already installed, by connecting this as the printer 41,
A plain paper facsimile system can be realized at a minimum cost. Further, it is possible to receive a facsimile without operating the PC 40.

FAX reception-storage mode (1) This is a mode for inputting a document received from the communication line 39 to the PC 40 as raster data, and has a data flow shown in FIG. When this mode is designated by the panel 9 or the PC 40, the CPU 1 starts this mode when the communication control unit 5 notifies the incoming call.

The CPU 1 stores the facsimile data (encoded data) received by the line controller 5 in the MEM area 3a of the RAM 3. Next, the encoded data in the MEM area 3a is transferred to the CODEC 4, and the decoder 4
The raster data decoded by a and converted by the scaler 6 is stored in the LM area 3b of the RAM 3 after being subjected to linear density conversion by the scaler 6 as needed. And CPU1
Controls the interface with the PC 40 via the PC interface unit 14 and transfers the raster data in the LM area 3b to the PC 40.

In the PC 40, the input raster data can be stored in the internal memory or the file device 40a and processed by various application software.

FAX reception-storage mode ( 2 ) The original received from the communication line 39 is coded as P
This is the mode for inputting to C40, and the data flow shown in FIG. 13 is obtained. When this mode is designated by the panel 9 or the PC 40, the CPU 1 starts this mode when the communication control unit 5 notifies the incoming call.

The CPU 1 stores the facsimile data (encoded data) received by the line controller 5 in the MEM area 3a of the RAM 3. Next, the interface with the PC 40 is controlled via the PC interface unit 14 and the encoded data in the MEM area 3a is transferred to the PC.
Transfer to 40. The PC 40 stores the input coded data in the internal memory or the file device 40a and can process it with various application software.

Up to this point, the description has been made on the assumption that the necessary external device (PC 40 or printer 41) is connected and is in a usable state. However, in reality,
As shown in simplified form, when receiving an instruction or notification to start a certain mode, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the command involves data transfer to an external device (PC 40 or printer 41). (S1). Note that C
The PU 1 monitors the state of the external device and displays the state on the panel 9
To be always displayed.

Then, in the case of the mode which does not involve the data transfer to the external device, the operation of the mode is immediately executed (S3).

On the other hand, in the case of the mode involving data transfer to the external device, it is checked whether the required external device is available (S2). When it is available, that is, when the external device is connected and the power is turned on and is not in the busy state, the operation in that mode is executed including the data transfer to the external device (S).
3). That is, the operation in that mode is completed.

However, when a necessary external device is not connected, or when it is connected but the power is turned off or in a busy state, that mode is executed, but the data to be transferred to the external device is stored in the RAM 3 Save it to
No transfer to an external device is performed (S4). That is, the operation in that mode is not completed. Then, a warning display to that effect is output to the panel 9 (S5). In addition, in RAM3,
The management information is also stored together with the saved data.

When data is stored in the RAM 3, FIG.
As shown in, the CPU 1 periodically and when instructed by the panel 9 checks whether or not a necessary external device is in an available state (S11), and when it detects that the external device is in an available state, The data stored in the RAM 3 is executed as it is, or after the necessary processing is performed, the control for transferring to the external device is executed to complete the operation in the corresponding mode (S1).
2) Then, a completion display is displayed on the panel 9 (S13). CP
By referring to the management information stored in the RAM 3 together with the data, the U1 determines the transfer destination of the data, the necessity of necessary data processing (linear density conversion, etc.) and the content (linear density conversion rate, etc.). When the necessary external device is not usable, only a panel display to that effect is displayed (S13).

As described above, this apparatus can receive a document from a remote terminal or input a document from a built-in scanner unit or an external scanner even when the PC 40 and the printer 41 are in an unusable state. Or when the printer 41 becomes available,
Since the received original document or the input original document can be transferred to the computer 40 or the printer 41, it is not necessary to operate the external device at all times, so that the power consumption of the system can be reduced and the special use management of the external device is unnecessary. become.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a facsimile and the connection of external devices according to another embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 101 does not have a built-in scanner, but instead has a connection section 33 with an external scanner 42 and a scanner interface section 16 for interface control.
The CPU 1 can control the external scanner 42 via the scanner interface unit 16 to capture the raster data of the original. The other configurations and operation modes are the same as those in the above-described embodiment. However, regarding the operation, in the scanner-related mode, the external scanner 42 is used instead of the built-in scanner, and the CPU 1
The control for the external scanner 42 is added to the control of.

Since the apparatus 101 and the built-in scanner are not provided, the price can be reduced, which is advantageous in cost for users who already have an appropriate scanner or who do not need a scanner.

[0065]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has an effect of solving the problems of the conventional FAX with a PC interface and realizing a facsimile apparatus having the following advantages.

(1) The facsimile apparatus of the present invention can be used as a facsimile receiver by connecting a printer. If a computer printer is already installed, the printer can be used as it is to provide a duplex printer. You can avoid the waste of investment. In addition, a plain paper facsimile receiver can be easily realized by using a printer capable of recording on plain paper.

(2) The facsimile apparatus of the present invention enables facsimile transmission and reception between the computer and the remote terminal by connecting the computer.
When a computer and a printer are connected, data can be output from the computer to the printer.

(3) There is no inconvenience that the data output from the computer to the printer connected to the facsimile becomes impossible when the power of the facsimile is turned off. Further, as a result, when the print output from the computer is required but the facsimile function is not required, the power of the facsimile apparatus can be turned off to save the power consumption.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a facsimile apparatus and a connection with an external device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a data flow diagram of print mode (1).

FIG. 3 is a data flow diagram of print mode (2).

FIG. 4 is a data flow diagram of PC-FAX transmission mode (1).

FIG. 5 is a data flow diagram of PC-FAX transmission mode (2).

FIG. 6 is a data flow diagram of PC-FAX transmission mode (3).

FIG. 7 is a data flow diagram of original-FAX transmission mode.

FIG. 8 is a data flow diagram of local copy mode.

FIG. 9 is a data flow diagram of scanner mode (1).

FIG. 10 is a data flow diagram of scanner mode (2).

FIG. 11 is a data flow diagram of FAX reception-recording mode.

FIG. 12 is a data flow diagram of FAX reception-storage mode (1).

FIG. 13 is a data flow diagram of FAX reception-storage mode (2).

FIG. 14 is a control flowchart of the CPU when there is a start instruction or notification of each mode.

FIG. 15 is a control flowchart of the CPU regarding external transfer of data stored in the internal memory.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a facsimile apparatus and a connection with an external device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 ROM 3 RAM 4 CODEC 4a decoder 4b encoder 5 communication control unit 6 scaler 7 reading control unit 8 CCD image sensor 9 panel 14 PC interface unit 15 printer interface unit 16 scanner interface unit 20 interface through circuit 21 relay 22 transistor 25 power supply 31 PC Connection Section 32 Printer Connection Section 33 Scanner Connection Section 34 Telephone Connection Section 39 Communication Line 40 PC (Personal Computer) 40a File Device 41 Printer 42 Scanner 43 Phone

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A connection section for connecting to an external computer, means for interface control with the external computer connected to this connection section, a connection section for connecting to an external printer, and an external printer connected to this connection section. Interface control means, facsimile communication control with a remote terminal via a communication line, data encoding and decoding means, each means and data flow control means. Means, a power supply for supplying an operating voltage to each of the means, and a connection part between the external computer and the external printer when the supply of the operating voltage by the power supply is cut off. A facsimile machine having means for forming a signal path separated from each means.