JPH09116667A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To deal with to the instantanity of facsimile reception as much as possible in recording material shortage conditions by individually setting criterion of recording material residual amount at the time of a copy operation and that at the time of facsimile reception and setting the recording material residual amount at the time of the copy operation so as to be more than that at the time of facsimile reception. SOLUTION: In this facsimile equipment capable of detecting the recording material residual amount in plural stages, a control circuit 20 registers the recording material residual amount for permitting the copy operation in a registering circuit 24, registers the recording material residual amount for permitting facsimile reception in the registering circuit 2w and executes a processing for individually setting criterion. At the time of setting the criterion, the recording material residual amount for permitting the copy operation is made to be more than the one for permitting facsimile reception. A password for permitting the copy operation regardless of the recording material residual amount is registered by the registering circuit 28 and the processing for permitting the copy operation regardless of the recording material residual amount is executed for a prescribed time at the time of inputting the password.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to control in a facsimile apparatus when a recording material such as toner or ink runs out.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional facsimile machine, LB
When the facsimile reception is selected in a state where the toner for the P recording and the ink for the BJ recording are exhausted, the proxy reception is performed (the reception information is stored in the memory) and the copy operation is prohibited. That is, conventionally, the determination condition of the remaining amount of the recording material that allows the transition to the actual recording operation is the same in the receiving operation and the copying operation.

[0003]

By the way, when a large-capacity recording material cartridge is used, it may be usable without being replaced for nearly a year, and no spare is prepared. Therefore, in the case where recording becomes impossible due to insufficient remaining amount of the recording material as described above, there are cases in which replenishment cannot be performed immediately.

On the other hand, in the case where recording becomes impossible due to insufficient remaining amount of recording material, there is the actual situation that the facsimile reception function is more troublesome than the copy function. That is,
The copying is performed by the user of the facsimile device based on his / her own judgment, and the immediacy is small, and there is a time margin of several days, and it is easy to handle it by another copying machine.

However, the fact that the facsimile reception is executed by the other party and cannot be recorded means that the immediacy of the facsimile apparatus cannot be ensured, and the other party cannot perform facsimile communication, which may cause frustration.
It causes confusion.

[0006] Also, since the number of proxy receptions is limited, it is possible to perform proxy reception until the memory is full.
After that, reception will not be possible.

According to the present invention, a criterion for determining a shortage of recording material can be set according to the actual conditions of facsimile reception and copying, and especially in a situation of shortage of recording material, a facsimile apparatus capable of responding to a request such as immediacy of facsimile reception as much as possible. The purpose is to provide.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems The first invention of the present application is:
Detecting means capable of detecting the remaining amount of the recording material in a plurality of stages, and the determination standard of the remaining amount of the recording material which permits the copy operation and the determination criterion of the remaining amount of the recording material which permits the facsimile reception are set separately. According to a second aspect of the present invention, the remaining amount of the recording material that permits the copy operation is larger than the remaining amount of the recording material that permits the facsimile reception.

[0009] As a result, when the recording material is running low, copying cannot be performed first, and at this point the user can recognize that the recording material is running low, and can order immediately if there is no spare recording material. Therefore, facsimile reception can be continued. As a result, the immediacy of facsimile reception can be secured.

The third aspect of the invention has means for setting a password for permitting the copy operation regardless of the remaining amount of the recording material, and when the password is input, it is independent of the remaining amount of the recording material for a predetermined time. Allow copy operation. The fourth aspect of the invention has means for setting a password that permits the copy operation regardless of the remaining amount of the recording material, and permits a series of copy operations when the password is input. By these,
When there is no spare cartridge, only facsimile reception is permitted, and copy operation is prohibited, a really important copy can be performed by inputting a password.

The fifth aspect of the invention is to use LBP as a recording material.
By adopting the toner in the case of recording and adopting the ink in the case of BJ recording as the recording material, the sixth invention can cope with these recording systems.

Further, in the seventh invention, when the remaining amount of the recording material for which the copy operation is permitted becomes less than or equal to the display amount, it is better to arrange the display for prompting the replenishment of the recording material, for example, if there is no spare recording material. It became possible to display a message. As a result, when the remaining amount of the recording material becomes small and the facsimile reception is permitted but the copy operation is prohibited, it is possible to display a message that the recording material is replenished or arranged.

Further, in the eighth aspect of the invention, when there is a spare recording material, by inputting specific code information, the remaining amount of the recording material for which the copying operation is permitted and the remaining amount of the recording material for which the facsimile reception is permitted are determined. According to the standard, if there is a spare recording material, the copy operation can be continued by inputting a specific code until the recording material runs out.

[0014]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

An NCU (network control unit) 2 connects to a terminal of the line in order to use the telephone network for data communication and the like.
It controls the connection of the telephone exchange network, switches to the data communication path, and holds the loop. If the signal level (signal line 20a) from the control circuit 20 is "0", the NCU 2 connects the telephone line 2a to the telephone side, and if the signal level is "1", the telephone line 2a.
Is connected to the facsimile machine side. In a normal state, the telephone line 2a is connected to the telephone 4 side.

The hybrid circuit 6 separates the transmission system signal and the reception system signal, sends the transmission signal from the addition circuit 12 to the telephone line 2a via the NCU 2, and receives the signal from the other side via the NCU 2. The signal is sent to the modulator / demodulator 8 via the signal line 6a.

The modulator / demodulator 8 is compliant with ITU-T Recommendation V. 8,
V. 21, V.I. 27 ter, V.I. 29, V.I. 17, V.I.
Modulation and demodulation based on 34 are performed, and each transmission mode is designated by the signal line 20c. The modulator / demodulator 8 inputs the signal output to the signal line 20b, outputs the modulated data to the signal line 8a, inputs the received signal output to the signal line 6a, and outputs the demodulated data to the signal line 8b. To do.

The ANSam transmission circuit 10 is a circuit for transmitting an ANSam signal. When an ANSam signal is output to the signal line 20d, the ANSam signal is transmitted to the signal line 10a and then to the signal line 20d. When the signal of signal level "0" is being output, nothing is output to the signal line 10a.

The adder circuit 12 inputs the information of the signal line 8a and the information of the signal line 10a, and adds the result of the addition to the signal line 12a.
Output to The reading circuit 14 sends the read data to the signal line 14
output to a. The recording circuit 16 sequentially records the information output to the signal line 20e line by line. The recording material of such a recording circuit 16 is toner for LBP recording, ink for BJ recording, or the like.

The memory circuit 18 uses the raw information of the read data,
Alternatively, it is used to store encoded information, or to store received information, decoded information, or the like.

The registration circuit 22 is a circuit for registering the remaining amount of recording material for which facsimile reception is permitted via the signal line 22. Here, 2-bit information is output to detect the remaining amount of the recording material, and (bit1, bit0) is (0, 0),
The remaining amount is the smallest (0,1), (1,0), (1,1)
The remaining amount of recording material increases in the order of. Here, (bit1, bit0) = (0, 1) is set as the default value of the remaining amount of recording material for which facsimile reception is permitted.

The registration circuit 24 is a circuit for registering the remaining amount of the recording material which permits the copying operation via the signal line 24a. Here, as the default value of the remaining amount of the recording material that permits the copy operation, (bit1, bit0) = (1,
0) is set.

The detection circuit 26 is a circuit for detecting the remaining amount of the recording material. As described above, the detection circuit 26 detects the remaining amount of the recording material.
Bit information is output, (bit1, bit0) is (0, 0), the remaining amount of recording material is the smallest (0, 1),
The remaining amount of the recording material increases in the order of (1, 0) and (1, 1), and these pieces of information are output to the signal line 26a.

The registration circuit 28 is a circuit for registering a password for permitting the copy operation via the signal line 28a when the recording material is less than the remaining amount of the recording material for which the copy operation is permitted.

The operation unit 30 includes ten keys, *,
# Key, one-touch dial key, registration circuits 22, 2
It has registration keys for 4, 28, and 34, other function keys, and the like, and the pressed key information is output to the signal line 30a.

The display circuit 32 is a circuit for indicating that the recording material should be arranged. When the signal of the signal level "0" is output to the signal line 20d, this display is not performed, and the signal is not displayed. This display is performed when the signal of the signal level "1" is output to the line 20d.

The registration circuit 34 is connected through the signal line 34a to
This is a circuit for registering a specific code for permitting the remaining amount setting circuits 22 and 24 of the recording material.

The control circuit 20 registers the remaining amount of the recording material, which permits the copy operation, in the registration circuit 24 in the facsimile apparatus capable of detecting the remaining amount of the recording material in a plurality of steps (default value is (bit1, bit0) = (1,0)),
Registration circuit 2 for the remaining amount of recording material that allows facsimile reception
Register in 2 (default values are (bit1, bit0)
= (0,1)), the process of setting the determination criteria separately is performed. At the time of this registration, the remaining amount of the recording material for which the copying operation is permitted is made larger than the remaining amount of the recording material for which the facsimile reception is permitted.

Further, when the remaining amount of the recording material for which the copying operation is permitted has become less than or equal to the remaining amount, a process for displaying on the display circuit 32 that the arrangement should be made unless there is a spare recording material is performed.

A registration circuit 28 registers a password for permitting the copy operation regardless of the remaining amount of the recording material, and when the password is input, a predetermined time (for example, 5
Min) and a process of permitting the copy operation regardless of the remaining amount of the recording material.

2 to 4 are flowcharts showing the operation of the control circuit 20 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The registration circuit 34 is not used in the first embodiment.

First, in S42, a signal of signal level "0" is input to the signal line 20a to turn off the CML. Also,
In S44, the signal of the signal level "0" is output to the signal line 20d, and the ANSam signal is not transmitted.

Then, in S46, as the remaining amount of the recording material which permits the facsimile reception via the signal line 22a,
Register (bit1, bit0) = (0, 1) in the registration circuit 22. Further, in S48, as the remaining amount of the recording material for which the copying operation is permitted via the signal line 24a, (bit1,
Bit 0) = (1, 0) is registered in the registration circuit 24.

In S50, the information of the signal line 26a is inputted, and the remaining amount of the recording material is the value of the registration circuit 24 ((bit1, bit0) = (1, if there is no change from the default value) = (1,
0)) or more, and if it is an affirmative response, S
If it is a negative response in S50, the process proceeds to 52, outputs a signal of signal level "0" to the signal line 20d, does not indicate that it is better to arrange for the recording material, and proceeds to S54. A signal of signal level "1" is output to 20d, indicating that it is better to arrange for the recording material.

In S56, the information of the signal line 30a is input, and it is determined whether or not the copy operation is selected. If selected, the process proceeds to S58, and if not selected, the process proceeds to S72.

In S58, the information of the signal line 26a is input, and the remaining amount of the recording material is the value of the registration circuit 24 ((bit1, bit0) = (1, if there is no change from the default value) = (1,
0)) or more, and if it is an affirmative response, S
In step S60, the copying operation is performed, and if a negative response is obtained in step S58, the process proceeds to step S66, where a signal having a signal level "1" is output to the signal line 20d to display that it is better to arrange for the recording material.

In S62, it is determined whether or not one copy is completed. If not completed, the process proceeds to S60, and if completed, the process proceeds to S64.

In S64, it is determined whether or not there is a next original, and if there is a next original, the process proceeds to S58, and if there is no next original, S5.
Go to 0.

In S68, the information of the signal line 30a is inputted, and it is judged whether or not the password for permitting the copying operation is inputted. When the password is inputted, the operation proceeds to S70 and the copying operation is permitted for 5 minutes and is inputted. If not, the process proceeds to S50.

In S72, the information of the signal line 30a is input, and it is determined whether or not the facsimile reception is selected. If the facsimile reception is selected, the process proceeds to S78, and if the facsimile reception is not selected, the process proceeds to S74.

In S74, the information of the signal line 30a is input, and it is judged whether or not the registration of the password for permitting the copy operation is selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to S76, and the registration circuit 28 is connected through the signal line 28a. The password for permitting the copy operation is registered in step S50, and if not selected, the process proceeds to step S50.

In S78, the information of the signal line 26a is input, and the remaining amount of the recording material is the value of the registration circuit 22 ((bit1, bit0) if there is no change from the default value = (0,
1)) It is determined whether or not the above, and if the response is negative, S
Proceed to 102.

If it is an affirmative response, the process proceeds to S80, a signal of signal level "1" is output to the signal line 20a, and CML is output.
Turn on. Then, the pre-procedure is performed in S82, and the facsimile is received and recorded in S84.

Next, in S86, the information of the signal line 26a is input, and the remaining amount of the recording material is the value of the registration circuit 22 ((bit1, bit0) = (No change from the default value) =).
It is determined whether or not (0, 1) or more, and if it is a positive response, the process proceeds to S88, and if it is a negative response, the process proceeds to S94.

In S88, it is judged whether or not the reception and recording of one communication are completed. If not completed, the process proceeds to S84, and if completed, the post-procedure is executed in S90, and the signal line 20a is connected in S92. A signal of signal level "0" is output and the CML is turned off.

Further, in S94, the page in the middle of recording is recorded, and in S96, memory reception is performed. Next, in S98, it is determined whether or not the memory for storing the memory reception information is full. If full, the process proceeds to S92, and if not full, the process proceeds to S100.

In S100, it is determined whether or not the reception of one communication is completed. If completed, the process proceeds to S90, and if not completed, the process proceeds to S96.

In S102, it is determined whether or not the memory for storing the memory reception information is full. If the memory is full, the process proceeds to S50. If no memory is received, the process proceeds to S104.

In S104, the signal of the signal level "1" is output to the signal line 20a and the CML is turned on. And
In S106, a pre-procedure is performed, and the process proceeds to S96.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the second embodiment, the copying operation is permitted regardless of the remaining amount of the recording material in the case where the remaining amount of the recording material is in the prohibition state of the copying operation and the facsimile reception is permitted in the first embodiment. A password is set, and when this password is input, a series of copy operations, for example, copy operations of the original set in the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) is permitted regardless of time.

FIG. 5 shows the first operation of the operation of this embodiment.
It is a flowchart which shows a different part from an Example (FIGS. 2-4).

In FIG. 5, S110 represents YES in S68. Then, in S112, the ADF
Allow copying of the original set in. After this,
In S114, the process proceeds to S50.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the third embodiment, in the case of the first embodiment, the remaining amount of the recording material is in the copy operation prohibited state and the facsimile reception is permitted, and it is better to arrange if there is no spare recording material. If a message indicating that there is a spare recording material is available, enter the specific code information to set the remaining amount of recording material that permits copy operation as the criterion for determining the remaining amount of recording material that allows facsimile reception. Set to match.

FIG. 6 shows the first operation of the operation of this embodiment.
It is a flowchart which shows a different part from an Example (FIGS. 2-4).

In FIG. 6, S120 is NO of S72.
Is represented. Then, in S122, the signal line 30a
Information is input, it is judged whether or not the registration of the specific code permitting the setting of the remaining amount of the recording material is selected.
Proceeding to 124, the specific code permitting the remaining amount setting of the recording material is registered in the registration circuit 34 via the signal line 34a, and if not selected, the flow proceeds to S126.

In S126, the information of the signal line 30a is input, and it is determined whether or not a specific code for permitting the setting of the remaining amount of the recording material is input. If it is input, the process proceeds to S128, where the registration circuit 22 and the registration circuit are registered. 24 settings can be changed.

As a specific example, as the remaining amount of the recording material which permits the copy operation via the signal line 24a (bit1, bi
Register t0) = (1,0) in the registration circuit 24.

If the specific code is not input in S126, the process proceeds to S130 (S74 above).

[0061]

As described above, according to the first invention of the present application, the criterion for determining the recording material shortage can be set according to the actual conditions of facsimile reception and copying. It is possible to meet the demand for immediacy of facsimile reception.

Further, according to the second aspect of the invention, when the recording material is running low, copying cannot be performed first, and at this point the user can recognize that the recording material is running low, and the spare recording material is used. If not, the order can be placed immediately, so that the facsimile reception can be continued and the immediacy of the facsimile reception can be secured.

Further, according to the third and fourth aspects of the invention, in a state where there is no spare cartridge, only facsimile reception is permitted, and copy operation is prohibited, really important copying can be performed by inputting a password. It will be possible.

According to the fifth and sixth inventions, the LBP
It can be effectively applied to recording materials such as recording and BJ recording.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, when the remaining amount of the recording material becomes small and the facsimile reception is permitted but the copying operation is prohibited, the recording material can be effectively replenished and arranged. it can.

Further, according to the eighth aspect of the invention, if there is a spare recording material, the copy operation can be continued until the recording material is exhausted by inputting the specific code, and the work can be facilitated. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 ... NCU, 4 ... Telephone, 6 ... Hybrid circuit, 8 ... Modulator / demodulator, 10 ... ANSam sending circuit, 12 ... Adder circuit, 14 ... Read circuit, 16 ... Recording circuit, 18 ... Memory circuit, 20 ... Control circuit, 22 , 24, 28, 34 ... Registration circuit, 26 ... Detection circuit, 30 ... Operation section, 32 ... Display circuit.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A detection means capable of detecting the remaining amount of recording material in a plurality of steps; a criterion for determining the remaining amount of recording material that permits a copy operation, and a criterion for determining the remaining amount of recording material that permits facsimile reception. And a setting means for separately setting. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount of the recording material which permits the copying operation is larger than the remaining amount of the recording material which permits the facsimile reception. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising means for setting a password for permitting the copy operation regardless of the remaining amount of the recording material, and the remaining amount of the recording material for a predetermined time when the password is input. Facsimile machine characterized by permitting copying regardless of 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising means for setting a password for permitting the copy operation regardless of the remaining amount of the recording material, and permitting a series of copy operations when the password is input. A facsimile machine characterized by. 5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a laser beam printer as a recording device, wherein the recording material is toner for performing LBP recording. 6. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a bubble jet printer as a recording device, wherein the recording material is ink for performing BJ recording. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, when the remaining amount of the recording material for which the copying operation is permitted is less than or equal to
A facsimile machine characterized by displaying a message prompting replenishment of recording material. 8. The recording material reserve according to claim 7, wherein when there is a spare recording material, the judgment criterion of the remaining recording material which permits the copying operation by inputting the specific code information is the remaining amount of the recording material which permits facsimile reception. A facsimile machine having means for conforming to a criterion.