JPH09275503A - Facsimile communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure a confidential function for a FAX that has no memory by performing the scramble/descramble operations to replace the positions of received image data with each other on the same line based on a prescribed rule. SOLUTION: When a CPU 11 receives a call set in a confidential mode, a FAX serving as a device of the receiving side reads a confidential number (k) included in the call and then reads a scramble number (m) out of a scramble number area 174 in response to the number (k) stored in a confidential number area 171 of a confidential table 17T contained in a RAM 17. Then the CPU 11 performs the factorial expansion of the number (m) to store the coefficient thus obtained in an array fac [0 to 7] and produces a scramble displacement table as an array scr [0 to 7]. The CPU 11 decodes and scrambles the received data via a codec 18 and also outputs them to a printer 23. When the images are restored, the printed data are read by a CCD 21 and then descrambled through the adverse working of the array scr [0 to 7] and printed out by the printer 23.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile communication method, and particularly to a so-called confidential function in a facsimile apparatus which does not have a memory for storing received image data, or without using such a memory. The present invention relates to a possible facsimile communication method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional facsimile communication method, one of the non-standard functions is a so-called confidential reception function. In short, this is because the image data received by the facsimile device is temporarily stored in the memory, and the personal identification number preset by the user corresponding to the designated transmission partner of the facsimile communication and the facsimile communication after receiving the facsimile communication are received. This is a function to prevent the contents of transmission from being leaked to anyone other than the other party of the facsimile communication by printing out or displaying only when the personal identification number entered by the user matches.

[0003]

However, in the confidential function of the conventional facsimile communication method as described above, it is necessary for the facsimile apparatus to have a memory for storing the received image data. Therefore, a relatively inexpensive popular type facsimile machine which does not have such a memory cannot be provided with a confidential function.
Further, even in a facsimile apparatus having a memory for storing image data, some users may store the image data in the memory due to fear of data loss due to power outage or data snooping by a third party. I was sometimes worried.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can be applied to a facsimile apparatus which does not have a memory for accumulating received image data or which does not use such a memory. An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile communication method capable of providing a confidential function.

[0005]

According to a facsimile communication method of the present invention, scrambled data is generated by exchanging positions of individual data constituting each line of received image data in the same line according to a predetermined rule, The positions of the scrambled data are interchanged in the same line in accordance with the opposite rule to the predetermined rule to generate descrambled data.

In such a facsimile communication method of the present invention, even if the facsimile device does not have a memory for accumulating the received image data, or if such a memory is not used, the facsimile device is provided with the confidential function. It will be possible.

In the facsimile communication method of the present invention, in the above method, each line is divided into a plurality of main units,
Each main unit is further divided into a plurality of sub-units, scramble data is generated by exchanging the positions of the sub-units according to a predetermined law within each main unit, and the sub-units of the scramble data are moved according to the reverse of the predetermined law To generate descrambled data.

In such a facsimile communication method of the present invention, even if the facsimile apparatus does not have a memory for storing the received image data, or even if such a memory is not used, the facsimile apparatus is provided with the confidential function. In addition, since the data is targeted for a relatively narrow range, effective scrambling / descramble can be performed with a relatively small load in terms of hardware.

Further, in the facsimile communication method of the present invention, in the above method, data representing a black line in the orthogonal direction is inserted into the scramble data at a predetermined interval, and when the descramble data is generated, each of the scramble data is inserted. Descramble data is generated based on the data representing the black line.

According to the facsimile communication method of the present invention as described above, even when scrambled data is obliquely read when descrambled, the alignment is re-executed at a plurality of positions in the middle of one line, and therefore, it is accurate. Descrambled.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a facsimile apparatus used for implementing the facsimile communication method of the present invention.

Reference numeral 11 is a CPU that functions as a control device.
An LCD (liquid crystal display device) 12 functioning as a display device via a bus 10 and its driver 13, a key matrix 14 functioning as an input device, and its interface (I
/ F) 15, a ROM in which a program for operating procedures of the facsimile apparatus is stored, and a RAM functioning as a storage unit for temporarily storing data and the like relating to a confidential box described later.
17, which is connected to a part which performs digital signal processing such as a codec (CODEC) 18 which functions as a coding / decoding device for a binary image signal.

The CPU 11 also includes a CCD (charge-coupled device) 21 for reading a document, an image processing circuit 22 for converting an analog image signal read by the CCD into a digital image signal, and a digital image signal for printing via a bus 10. It is connected to a portion for reading and printing an image, such as a printer 23 for printing. Further, the CPU 11 is also connected via the bus 10 to a network control unit (NCU) 31 for connecting the device to a communication line network 40, a modem 32, and other parts for controlling communication functions.

Note that the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is not provided with a memory for accumulating image data to be transmitted and received image data, and normally the received image data is immediately transmitted to the codec 18. Decrypt it and print it out from the printer 23 as it is. However, this facsimile apparatus is provided with a line memory 35 for several lines, which is necessary for generating a scrambled image described later.

The operation of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is controlled by the CPU 11 according to the program stored in the ROM 16, and the general operation is as follows. Facsimile communication is based on ITU-T, and various conventions for transmitting phase A (call setting) for connecting a communication line between two devices and messages (original data to be originally transmitted and received) are added to it. Phase B (pre-message procedure) for exchanging in advance, Phase C (message transmission) for exchanging messages, Phase for confirming the completion of the message
It is stipulated that the steps be performed in five phases, D (post-message procedure) and phase E (call release) for disconnecting the communication line between two devices.

When carrying out normal facsimile communication, the user operates the key matrix 14 to instruct the transmission and dial the telephone number of the other party. In response to this, the CPU 11 first sets up a call for phase A. That is, the CPU 11 gives an instruction to the NCU 31, connects to the communication line network 40, and performs a calling operation. When the line is connected to the facsimile machine of the communication partner by the call setting, the CPU 11 sets the phase B
By performing the pre-message procedure of 1., the functions required for both devices are identified and selected.

During this time, the original document to be transmitted by the user is transferred to the CCD.
When the image is read by the CCD 21, the analog image signal read from the original by the CCD 21 is converted into a digital image signal by the image processing circuit 22 and further coded (compressed) by the codec 18 according to a so-called run length coding method to set the call. With respect to the facsimile machine of the communication partner connected by the CPU 11, the CPU 11 transmits the message of phase C while synchronizing the phase and the synchronization of the signal, that is, the encoded digital image signal ( Message) via the modem 32 and the NCU 31.

When all the messages have been sent, the CPU
11 is a phase D post message procedure, that is, the end and confirmation of the message. Once this confirmation is obtained, the CP
U 11 gives an instruction to NCU 31 to disconnect the line, that is, to release the call in phase E.

The above is the basic operation on the calling side in the ordinary facsimile communication, but the basic operation when receiving on the called side is as follows.

In the called machine, when the NCU 31 is connected to the communication network 40 by the call setting from the partner device (calling machine), the CPU
In step 11, first, the pre-message procedure of phase B is performed, so that communication with the caller becomes possible. Thereafter, the CPU 11 receives, via the NCU 31 and the modem 32, the coded digital image signal of the document to be received by the phase C message transmission. This coded digital image signal is immediately sent from the modem 32 to the codec 18, sequentially decoded into the original digital image signal line by line, temporarily stored in the line memory 35, given to the printer 23 and printed on paper. Alternatively, an image is displayed from the LCD driver 13 to the LCD 12 and displayed.

When all the original signals to be received have been received, the CPU 11 exchanges the phase D post-message procedure with the calling device, and when this is confirmed, the phase E call is released. Terminate communication.

Next, the facsimile machine on the receiving side in the case of utilizing the facsimile communication method of the present invention as a confidential function which is one of the non-standard functions carried out by the facsimile machine shown in FIG. The operation procedure will be described. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the confidential table 17T set in a predetermined area in the RAM 17.

When facsimile communication is performed using the confidential function, the receiving side facsimile apparatus needs to set in advance a confidential number and a corresponding confidential name and password for each user. Also, it is necessary to create and store the data (scramble number) necessary for scrambling and descrambling, from the personal identification number. On the other hand, when the receiving-side facsimile device receives a confidential communication from the transmitting-side facsimile device, it is necessary to store the designated confidential number, sender number, and the like. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the confidential table 17T is provided with a confidential number area 171, a confidential name area 172, a personal identification number area 173, a scramble number area 174 and a sender number area 175. .

The confidential number area 171 is a confidential number in this example.
Ten areas corresponding to 0 "to confidential number" 9 "are prepared in advance, and registered in the confidential name area 172 and the personal identification number area 173 corresponding to each confidential number by the facsimile machine on the receiving side. The confidential name and the personal identification number are registered in association with each other, and when the receiving facsimile device receives confidential data, the telephone number of the facsimile device that is the sender of the confidential data is the sender number area 175. The scramble number area 174 stores a scramble number created by a process to be described later when setting the personal identification number.

Next, the operation of confidential setting by the facsimile communication method of the present invention will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

For example, when a user "Murata" wants to receive by the confidential function, he / she first inputs the confidential setting to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention by a predetermined key operation (step S10), and then selects himself. Operate the key matrix 14 to enter an arbitrary confidential number (for example, "0"), a confidential name (for example, your own name "Murata"), and a personal identification number (for example, "1234") that you arbitrarily set. To do. However, although the confidential number has four digits in this embodiment, it is not limited to this.

The CPU 11 detects the operation of the key matrix 14 and recognizes that the confidential setting is set. First, when the user inputs the confidential number (step S11), the one-digit number is input to correspond to the confidential number k. Secure the confidential number area 171 (step S12), and when the user inputs the confidential name (step S13), the character code is entered and stored in the confidential name area 172 corresponding to the confidential number k (step S13). S14) Next, when the user inputs a personal identification number (step S15), a four-digit number is input and stored as an array "dec [0123]" in the personal identification number area 173 corresponding to the confidential number k (step S16). .

The scramble number m is created as follows. The sequence "dec [0123]" of the personal identification number input in the above step S14 is converted into the binary number "n" (step
(S18), and by replacing the bit positions using the initial transposition f, a scramble number m is created (step S1).
9), and store it in the scramble number area 174 corresponding to the confidential number k (step S20).

As described above, for example, the confidential name "Murata" is stored in the confidential name area 172 corresponding to the confidential number "0" of the confidential number area 171, and the secret code "1234" is stored in the secret code area 173.
However, the scramble number is displayed in the scramble number area 174.
m ”are stored respectively.

When confidential transmission is performed to such a facsimile apparatus, the user operates the transmitting facsimile apparatus in the following procedure. The facsimile apparatus on the transmission side may be a facsimile apparatus having a configuration different from that of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG.

The user first operates the key matrix 14 to instruct the transmission, dials the telephone number of the other party, uses the confidential function, and uses the confidential number corresponding to the person to whom the message is transmitted ( After it is set by the operation of the key matrix 14 (which must be confirmed in advance with the transmission partner), the CCD 21 reads the original to be transmitted and the original data (hereinafter referred to as confidential data) is transmitted. However, the subsequent operation of the facsimile apparatus on the transmission side is the same as the operation during normal transmission, and therefore will be omitted.

An outline of the operation in the case of confidentially receiving the confidential data thus transmitted by the facsimile apparatus, that is, in the case of receiving the confidential data by the facsimile communication method of the present invention, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the facsimile apparatus which is the receiving side apparatus, the CPU 11 constantly monitors the presence or absence of call setting. When there is a call setting, the CPU 11 first performs the pre-message procedure of phase B, so that the facsimile is set. It is checked whether or not the communication is a confidential mode transmission (step S21), and if the communication is the confidential mode, the CPU 11 reads the confidential number k included therein (step S22), and accordingly, the confidential table 17T of the RAM 17 is stored. The scramble number m is read from the scramble number area 174 corresponding to the confidential number k in the confidential number area 171 (step S23).

Next, the CPU 11 expands the scramble number m into a factorial method which will be described later, and arranges the resulting coefficients into an array "
fac [01234567] "(step S24).
11 creates a scramble replacement table as an array "scr [01234567]" according to the array "fac [01234567]"
(Step S25).

Here, the expansion of the factorial method will be described below. The factorial method is represented by the following equation. However, the following expression is a case where a four-digit number is expanded into a factorial method.

[0036] _{m = f 7 · 7! +} F 6 · 6! + F 5 · 5! + F 4
・ 4! ＋ f ₃・ 3! ＋ f ₂・ 2! ＋ f ₁・ 1!

As a specific example, when m = 3937, 3937 = 0.7! +5.6! +2.5! +4.4! +0.3 *! + 0.
2! +1.1! Therefore, each coefficient is f ₇ = 0, f ₆ = 5, f ₅ =
2, f ₄ = 4, f ₃ = 0, f ₂ = 0, f ₁ = 1,
Each of these coefficients is stored as an array "fac [01234567]".

In FIG. 5, the CPU 11 has a scramble number m.
Is a flowchart for obtaining an array “fac [01234567]” from the above. First, the CPU 11 inputs the scramble number m from the confidential table 17T (step S101), and sets the variable i to “
It is initialized to 0 "(step S102), and the remainder obtained by dividing m by i + 1 is set as the i-th element of the array" fac [01234567] ".
(Step S103). First, fac [0] is obtained. Next, the CPU
11 is a quotient obtained by dividing m by i + 1 as m (step S104)
, I are incremented by "1" (step S105), and the process returns to step S103 while i does not become 8 (step S106).
.

By performing the loop processing from step S103 to step S105, the factorial expansion is performed on the four-digit number m, resulting in the array "fac [0123456].
7] ”is obtained. From this array“ fac [01234567] ”, a scramble replacement table is further arrayed as“ scr [01234567] ”.
", But the procedure will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

The unit number shown in FIG. 6, which will be described in detail later, is a unit obtained by dividing one line of the received image by a predetermined number of dots (8 dots in this embodiment), and each unit. Scrambling is performed by replacing the positions of. Therefore, in the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to uniquely scramble each of a plurality of personal identification numbers by exchanging eight units 0 to 7 based on the personal identification numbers.

When the above-mentioned scramble number m is obtained from the personal identification number and the sequence "fac [01234567]" is obtained as described above according to this scramble number m, the initial sequence in which units 0 to 7 are arbitrarily replaced is uniquely assigned. (In the example of FIG. 6, units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6,7,0 "), and the element j of the array" fac [01234567] "(where m =
In the case of 3937, it becomes 1,0,0,4,2,5,0)
And the unit number i are sequentially replaced.

For example, since i = 1 and j = 1 at the beginning, the position "2" of the unit number 1 and the position "2" of the unit number 1 are exchanged (there is no exchange actually), "1,2,3,4,5,6,7,0" is "1,"
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 0 ". Then, i = 2
Since j = 0, the "3" at the position of the unit number 2 and the "1" at the position of the unit number 0 are exchanged, and "1,2,
3,4,5,6,7,0 "becomes" 3,2,1,4,5
6,7,0 ". Similarly, if replacement is performed similarly in accordance with i and j," 0,2,6,3,5,7,
1,4 "results.

This result and the unit number before replacement "0,
By storing a table in which 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 "are associated with each other as an array" scr [01234567] ", unit-based scrambling described later is performed.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for creating a scramble table by the CPU 11. First CPU
11, after the variable i is initialized to “0” (step S201),
Each element of the above-mentioned initial array IVi is assigned to each element of the array "scr [i]" by sequentially incrementing the variable i to 7 (steps S202, S203, S204).

Next, the CPU 11 initializes the variable i to "1".
(Step S205) By replacing the contents of each element of the array "scr [i]" with the contents of the array "scr [fac [i]] (step S206), the result is shown in FIG. 6 (a). A single exchange operation is processed and the variable i is incremented by "1" (step S207) The CPU 11 sequentially executes the processing of steps S206 and S207 for each natural number for which the variable i is 1 to 7. By doing so (step S208), the scramble table as shown in FIG. 6 (b) is created.

Thereafter, the CPU 11 decodes the received data by the codec 18 and scrambles it and outputs it to the printer 23. For the first predetermined number of lines, the codec is used.
The data is decrypted at 18, that is, output to the printer 23 without being scrambled and printed out (step S2
6). This is for specifying the destination, source, etc. of the facsimile communication as described above.

After outputting a predetermined number of lines to the printer 23 as they are, data for one line is first decoded by the codec 18 (step S27), and the resulting data is paired (step S28). S25
Are scrambled according to the array "scr [01234567]" created in step (step S29), guidelines are inserted for each prescribed number of dots (step S30), and the data obtained as described above is output to the printer 23 and printed out. (Step S31). Note that these processes are performed in a state where data for one line is held in the line memory 35.

The above steps S27, S28, S29, S30, S31
Is repeated until there is no more data
(Step S32) The printer 23 prints out the received data in a scrambled state.

Here, each processing of the pairing performed in step S28, the scramble performed in step S29, and the guideline insertion performed in step S30 will be described below.

First, the pairing performed in step S28 will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. Fig. 8 (a)
As shown in (1), one line of data is basically 1728 dots in the case of A4 size. CPU 11 uses this 1728
At the center of the dot, excluding both ends, 64N (N
Is a natural number) and takes out dots and divides them into units of 8 dots. Then, the CPU 11 uses 4 units (32 dots) as a unit, and as shown in FIG.
The unit is left unchanged, and the rest is replaced with a rag.

Next, each block of data of one line (8 units, that is, after being paired as described above,
64 dots) is scrambled according to the scramble table of unit numbers before and after replacement as shown in FIG. Since the scrambling in unit is performed according to the array "scr [01234567]" created based on the password as described above, it is unique for each of the plurality of passwords.

Next, the guideline is inserted. These guidelines are inserted at predetermined intervals in the sub-scanning direction of the facsimile signal, that is, in a direction orthogonal to each line, in order to improve the accuracy in descrambling. The reasons for the necessity are as follows.

As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 9, it is assumed that one line is printed out on the paper P as a print line PL according to the received facsimile signal. Assuming that the print line PL is read rightward on the read line RL skewed by the angle θ by aligning the start point SP on the left end side of the paper P during descrambling, the length a of the print line PL is And the length of the read line RL is b (= a / cos
θ), but this length b is longer than the original length a.

Thus, the reading line RL is the printing line
When the original image is skewed with respect to the PL, the original image is stretched and read, so that the above-described units are shifted little by little, and are maximized on the right end side of the paper P. This shift becomes noise during descrambling to be described later and cannot be restored to the original image, and appears as a vertical line on the paper P.

The influence of the skew of the reading line RL on the printing line PL at the time of descrambling is an unavoidable problem to some extent not only in the facsimile apparatus, but in the case of optically reading the original. However, when an original is transmitted and received by a normal facsimile machine, a hard copy that is only slightly inclined with respect to the sheet is obtained, and there is no practical problem. However, in the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, as described above, scrambling is performed with the positions of 8 dots as one unit, and therefore, when the scrambled image is read for descramble, the scrambled image does not match in 8-bit units. And it becomes impossible to restore the original image.

Therefore, in the facsimile communication method of the present invention, when each scrambled line is printed out, vertical lines (black dots) are inserted in advance at predetermined dot intervals and printed out, and descrambled. The black dot corresponding to the vertical line is removed from the read data for alignment while performing alignment at that position to minimize the influence of the skew of the read line RL as described above. I have to.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a scrambled image in which such a guideline is inserted and printed out by the facsimile communication method of the present invention. In this example, the paper P has guide lines GL1 to GL6 inserted therein. In this case, if it is assumed that the reading line RL is skewed by the angle θ with respect to the start point SP on the left end side of the paper P with respect to the printing line PL, then the reading line RL and the reading line PL are read between the guidelines GL1 and GL2. A deviation occurs from the line RL. However, when the intersection SP1 between the guide line GL2 and the reading line RL is detected, the state is once reset, so that it is possible to perform processing again from the correct position in units of units between the guide lines GL2 and GL3.

In this way, by inserting a plurality of guide lines GL1, GL2 ... In each line and printing out the scrambled image, each guide line and GL1, G2.
Since the alignment is re-executed at each of the intersections SP1, SP2,... Of the read line RL and the read line RL,
The effect of the skew on the print line PL can be minimized.

Note that, as described above, the intervals of the guide lines inserted in each line during scrambling may be arbitrary values, but the black dots of the guide lines are inserted in the state of being added to the data generated by scrambling. ,
In the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the number of dots in one line needs to be limited in advance to the number obtained by subtracting the number of dots used for the guideline.

The image received and printed out by the facsimile communication method of the present invention as described above is
As described above, the positions of the units each consisting of 8 dots are exchanged for pairing, and in that state, 8 units are set as one block and the units are exchanged and scrambled based on the secret code in each block. It is an image with black dots inserted in the guideline,
Not easily readable. Therefore, when compared with a confidential function that is stored in a general memory, there is no risk of data loss due to a power outage or snooping of data by a third party, but it is readable by the side receiving the facsimile. Needless to say, it is necessary to restore the state.

Next, the outline of the operation of restoring the image printed out as described above to the original image, that is, the operation of the facsimile apparatus at the time of descrambling copy, will be described.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When performing this descramble copy,
The user operates the key matrix 14 to specify the descramble mode, and then causes the CCD 21 to read the document (a hard copy received and printed out by the facsimile apparatus of the present invention in the confidential mode). In this case, the CPU 11 first determines whether or not it is in the descramble mode (step
If the descramble mode is designated in S41), wait until the 4-digit personal identification number is input (step S4).
2). When the user operates the key matrix 14 to input the 4-digit personal identification number already registered by himself, the CPU 11
Is the same procedure as the above-mentioned confidential setting (steps S15, S1
The scramble number m is created in (6, S18, S19) (steps S43, S44, S45).

However, in this case, steps for confidential setting
The security code area in the confidential table 17T in the security code table 17T
The processing of storing in 3 is not performed. Also a confidential table
Neither the password already stored in the password number area 173 of 17T nor the password inputted this time is collated. Therefore, even if the password registered in the confidential setting and already stored in the password number area 173 of the confidential table 17T does not match the password input in the descrambling mode, the password in the descrambling mode is not used. The processing is executed.

Next, as in the case of confidential reception, the CPU 11
The scramble number m is developed in the factorial method described above, and the resulting coefficients are stored as an array “fac [01234567]” (step S46). Next, the CPU 11 sets the array “fac [0123456
7] Arrange the scramble replacement table according to "" s
cr [01234567] "(step S47).

Thereafter, the CPU 11 descrambles the data read from the CCD 21. First, CPU 11 CCs one line
Cause D 21 to scan (step S48). Since the data obtained as a result includes the black dots of the guideline, the CPU 11 obtains data from which the corresponding black dots have been removed as data for one line (step S49). The CPU 11 divides the data for one line obtained in this manner into units of 8 dots, restores the unit arrangement according to the arrangement "scr [01234567]" obtained in step S47, and descrambles the data. (Step S50), and the pairing of the unit is restored (Step S51). Then, finally, the CPU 11 outputs the data obtained as described above to the printer 23 and prints out the data (step S52).

Steps S48, S49, S50, S51, S52
Processing from one original (scrambled original) to CC
By repeating until the data read by D21 disappears (step S53), the password registered in the confidential setting and already stored in the password number area 173 of the confidential table 17T and input in the descrambling mode. If the password matches, the one document scrambled and printed out at the time of reception is substantially restored to the state before transmission and printed out from the printer 23.

However, when the personal identification number registered at the time of confidential setting and already stored in the personal identification number area 173 of the confidential table 17T does not match the personal identification number input when the descrambling mode is executed. , The image printed out as a result of descrambling is different from the image before transmission. In other words, the image before transmission cannot be reproduced unless a valid personal identification number is input in the descramble mode. This is a simple point, but the meaning of the confidential function of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention is significant. is there.

At the time of confidential reception, the first predetermined number of lines were output to the printer 23 without being scrambled while being decoded by the codec 18 and printed out (step S26). Therefore, even in the process of the descrambling mode, the first predetermined number of lines may be output to the printer 23 and printed out without descrambling. However, since the destination is already known at the time of confidential reception, there is no practical problem even if the part is descrambled (only the part is scrambled).

By the way, in the above embodiment,
The facsimile machine on the receiving side is configured to scramble and print out.However, the facsimile machine on the transmitting side inputs the personal identification number, scrambles it based on it, and then sends it. It is also possible to use it by descrambling by inputting the PIN code later. Such usage is based on the capability of the receiving facsimile device at the time of reception,
This is especially effective when the CPU 11 has low computing power for pairing and scrambling. However, in such a case, the secret code used at the time of transmission (scramble) in the sending facsimile machine and the secret code entered at the descramble in the receiving facsimile machine must be the same. It is necessary to make a meeting in advance between both users.

Hereinafter, with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 12, an operation in the case of transmitting after scrambled by the facsimile apparatus on the transmitting side as described above, that is, an operation of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention at the time of scramble transmission is described. explain.

In the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, which is the transmitting side, when the user inputs an instruction for scrambled transmission by operating the key matrix 14 (step S61), the CPU 11 makes 1
Enter a digit number to make it a confidential number k (step S63), and then when the user inputs a personal identification number (step S64), the CPU
11 is a four-digit number entered to make the array "dec [0123]"
(Step S65).

Next, a scramble number m is created based on the personal identification number input in step S64, and a scramble replacement table is created. The process is the descramble copy shown in FIG. 9 described above. It is similar to the case of. That is, the CPU 11 creates the scramble number m by the same procedure (steps S44, S45, S46, S47) as the above-mentioned confidential setting, and creates the replacement table for scrambling.
(Steps S66, S67, S68, S69).

Thereafter, the CPU 11 scrambles the data read from the CCD 21, but the first predetermined number of lines are not scrambled and are directly encoded by the codec 18 and transmitted (step S70).

Then, the CPU 11 scans the CCD 21 for one line (step S71), pairs the resulting data (step S72), and outputs the array "sc" created in step S69.
scramble according to r [01234567] ”(step S7
3) Insert the black dot of the guideline every predetermined number of dots.
(Step S74), the data obtained as described above is transferred to the codec 18 for encoding (step S75), and the encoded data is transferred to the modem 32 for transmission (step S77).

The above steps S71, S72, S73, S74, S75,
By repeating the process of S76 until there is no data
(Step S77), all the data read from the CCD 21 is transmitted from the modem 32 in a scrambled state.

In the facsimile machine on the receiving side, when the data transmitted after being scrambled by the facsimile machine on the transmitting side as described above is received, it is processed in the same manner as normal facsimile communication and is printed out from the printer 23. To do. The image obtained as a result is a scrambled image, so if the user on the receiving side performs the descramble copy process shown in FIG. You can reproduce the original image before.

In the above embodiment, scrambling is performed only during either reception or transmission, but both sides perform scrambling.
It goes without saying that it is possible to use the method such that the original image is reproduced by performing the descramble once.

[0078]

As described above in detail, according to the facsimile communication method of the present invention, even if the facsimile apparatus does not have a memory for storing the received image data, or even if such a memory is not used. It is possible to equip the facsimile machine with a simple but confidential function.

Further, according to the facsimile communication method of the present invention, even if the facsimile apparatus does not have a memory for storing the received image data, or if such a memory is not used, the facsimile apparatus has a confidential function. In addition, since the data is targeted for a relatively narrow range, effective scrambling / descramble can be performed with a relatively small load in terms of hardware.

Further, according to the facsimile communication method of the present invention, even when the scrambled data is obliquely read when descrambled, the alignment is re-executed at a plurality of positions in the middle of one line. Accurately descrambled.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus used for implementing a facsimile communication method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of a confidentiality table of a facsimile device used for implementing the facsimile communication method of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure at the time of confidential setting of the facsimile communication method of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure at the time of confidential reception of the facsimile communication method of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure at the time of confidential reception of the facsimile communication method of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a procedure at the time of confidential reception of the facsimile communication method of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure at the time of confidential reception of the facsimile communication method of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a procedure at the time of confidential reception of the facsimile communication method of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a procedure at the time of confidential reception of the facsimile communication method of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a procedure at the time of confidential reception of the facsimile communication method of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for descrambling the facsimile communication method of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for confidential transmission of the facsimile communication method of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 CPU 12 LCD 14 Key matrix 17 RAM 17T Confidential table 21 CCD 23 Printer PL Print line GL Guideline RL Read line

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. Scrambling data is generated by replacing positions of individual data constituting each line of received image data in the same line according to a predetermined rule,
A facsimile communication method, characterized in that the scrambled data is transposed in the same line according to a reverse rule of the predetermined rule to generate descrambled data. 2. Each line is divided into a plurality of main units, each main unit is further divided into a plurality of sub-units, and the positions of the sub-units are exchanged in each main unit according to a predetermined rule to generate scrambled data. 2. The facsimile communication method according to claim 1, wherein the sub-units of the scrambled data are transposed according to a reverse rule of the predetermined rule to generate descrambled data. 3. The scramble data is inserted with data representing a black line in an orthogonal direction at a predetermined interval, and when the descramble data is generated, the descramble is performed with reference to the data representing each black line inserted in the scramble data. The facsimile communication method according to claim 2, wherein data is generated.