JPH09298637A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile equipment in which waste of recording paper is saved without a loss of valid image data through the use of an application software by comparing a scanning line number equivalent to the length of cut paper in the subscanning direction with a total line number of received image data. SOLUTION: A CPU 3 monitors depression of a transfer condition setting key provided to an operation display section 8 and displays a message such as 'Enter a percentage of image data in excess of a length of a routine size cut-paper sheet by ten-keys and press 'Yes' key' on a display device of an operation display section 8. A ratio of the percentage divided by a value 100 entered till the 'Yes' key' is depressed is substituted to a variable P1. The variable P1 is stored in a RAM section of a memory 4. Then the CPU 3 displays a message such as 'Enter a percentage of image data in shortage of a length of a routine size cut-paper sheet by ten-keys and press 'Yes' key' on the display device of the operation display section 8. A ratio of the percentage divided by a value 100 entered till the 'Yes' key is depressed is substituted to a variable P2. The variables P1, P2 are ratio data of the width of the received image data in the main scanning direction to the length of the routine size cut-paper sheet.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile machine, and more particularly, it records image data received page by page on a cut sheet and enables data exchange with a computer connected via an interface. The present invention relates to a facsimile machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some conventional facsimile devices communicate with a computer device such as a personal computer (personal computer) through an interface such as a Centronics interface. For example, image data received from a destination facsimile machine via a communication line is transferred from the facsimile machine to a personal computer, and is printed out on the personal computer side, stored in a hard disk, or OCR (Optical Character R).
eader) processing to extract text data, or conversely, image data is transferred from an application running on a personal computer to a facsimile device, and the image data transferred from the personal computer is transferred to the destination facsimile device. To be sent to.

Further, in the facsimile apparatus, a continuous paper such as a roll paper is used as a recording paper for recording the received image data, and a standard cut paper such as A4 or B4 size is used as the recording paper. There are things.

On the other hand, when the original facsimile image is transmitted to the destination facsimile machine in the sender facsimile machine, the scanner scans the width direction of the original document in units of main scanning lines while sub-scanning in the longitudinal direction of the original document by a fixed minute width. By doing so, image data of the original is obtained, but if skew of the original occurs at that time, even if the read original is a standard cut sheet such as A4 or B4, the total sub-scanning line of the obtained image data is obtained. The number is slightly larger than the total number of sub-scanning lines, which corresponds to the length of the original document, which is an original standard cut sheet. Also,
Even when an original that is slightly longer than a standard cut sheet is read, the total number of sub-scanning lines of the obtained image data is slightly larger than the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length of the standard cut sheet. .

Therefore, when image data having more lines than the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length of a standard cut sheet is transmitted to the destination facsimile machine, the destination facsimile machine records the image data. When the standard cut sheet is used as the paper, the destination facsimile machine selects the standard cut sheet corresponding to the width of the received image data in the main scanning direction as the recording sheet. However, since the total number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data is slightly larger than the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length of the selected standard cut sheet, the received image data includes the selected standard cut sheet. Image data for the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length of
It is divided into image data for the excess number of lines and recorded on each of the two recording paper sheets, and most of the second recording paper sheet is a margin, which is wasteful.

Therefore, as in the technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 3-195266, in a facsimile apparatus using cut paper as recording paper, the excess of the number of sub-scanning lines of received image data with respect to a fixed cut paper is a predetermined value. If it is within the range, the excess amount is not recorded, and if the excess amount is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, the received image data is reduced to fit on one sheet of cut paper so that the image data for one page is obtained. There is one that prevents the divided printing on two cut sheets.

Further, as in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-283984, when the number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data for the regular cut paper is only white lines, the excess white lines By omitting the part,
There is one that prevents image data for one page from being divided and printed on two cut sheets.

[0008]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, in order to record the received data on one sheet of cut paper, the excess image data is discarded without being recorded, reduced, or whitened. There is a problem that the image data necessary for the user is lost or the quality is impaired because the line is cut without the user's intention, and there is no excess white line to be cut. Had a problem that it was not possible to prevent division printing by cutting off excess white lines.

Further, in the sender facsimile machine,
For example, when an A5 size original is set horizontally and read, the width of the obtained image data in the main scanning direction is A
When the destination facsimile machine receives and records the image data having a width of 4 sizes, it is necessary to select an A4 size cut sheet as a recording sheet according to the width of the image data in the main scanning direction. is there. However, since the length of the image data in the sub-scanning direction is only half the length of the A4 size cut sheet, nothing is recorded on the half of the A4 size cut sheet selected as the recording sheet. Therefore, although there is no loss of image data, there is a problem that a large amount of recording paper is wasted.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus capable of eliminating waste of recording paper without loss of image data meaningful to the user.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, a facsimile apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention records image data received in page units on a cut sheet, and a computer apparatus connected through an interface. In a facsimile machine that can exchange data between
The received image data total line number counting means for counting the total number of sub-scanning lines forming the received image data for one page, and the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length of the cut sheet in the sub-scanning direction, When the total number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data for one page counted by the received image data total line number counting unit is larger than the first predetermined number of lines, the page is determined to be an excessive page determination unit. And an excessive page processing means for transmitting image data for the pages determined to be excessive pages by the excessive page determination means to the computer device via the interface.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the facsimile apparatus records the image data received in page units on a cut sheet,
In a facsimile device capable of exchanging data with a computer device connected via an interface, a received image data total line number counting means for counting the total number of sub-scanning lines forming received image data for one page And the total number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data for one page counted by the received image data total line number counting means is more than the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length of the cut sheet in the sub-scanning direction. When the number of lines is less than the second predetermined number of lines, an excessively short page determination unit that determines the page as an excessively short page, and image data for pages that are determined to be excessively short pages by the excessively short page determination unit are transmitted via the interface. An excessively short page processing means for transmitting to the computer device is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the facsimile apparatus records the image data received page by page on a cut sheet,
In a facsimile device capable of exchanging data with a computer device connected via an interface, a received image data total line number counting means for counting the total number of sub-scanning lines forming received image data for one page And the total number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data for one page counted by the received image data total line number counting means is more than the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length of the cut sheet in the sub-scanning direction. If there is more than the first predetermined number of lines, the received image data is more than the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length of the cut sheet in the sub-scanning direction and the excessive page determining unit that determines the page as an excessive page. When the total number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data for one page counted by the total line number counting means is smaller than the second predetermined number of lines, the page is determined as an excessively short page. Through the interface, short page determination means, image data for pages determined to be excessive pages by the excessive page determination means, and image data for pages determined to be excessively short pages by the excessive short page determination means And an excess / short page processing means for transmitting the data to the computer device.

A facsimile machine according to a fourth aspect is the facsimile machine according to any one of the first, second and third aspects, wherein the first predetermined number of lines and / or the second predetermined number of lines.
A transfer condition setting means for setting a predetermined number of lines is provided.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a block configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a G3 (group 3) facsimile apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a CPU 3, a memory 4, an image memory 5, a scanner 6, a plotter 7, an operation display unit 8, an encoding / decoding unit 9, and a modem. 10, a network control unit 11, a Centronics I / F 12, and a data bus 13.

Here, the CPU 3 RAM of the memory 4 according to the control program written in the ROM section of the memory 4 which is composed of a RAM section and a ROM section (not shown).
The parts are used as work areas to control each part of the apparatus.

As described above, the memory 4 is composed of a ROM section in which a program for the CPU 3 to control each section of the apparatus is written and a RAM section serving as a work area of the CPU 3. The image memory 5 is for temporarily storing the received image data. The scanner 6 is for reading a document image and obtaining image data. The plotter 7 records and outputs the received image data and records and outputs the image data read by the scanner 6 (copy operation)
It is for doing.

The operation display section 8 is provided with a ten-key for designating the facsimile number of the destination, a transmission start key, and Yes.
While a key, a No key, and other various setting keys are provided, a display device such as a liquid crystal display device is provided to display the operating state of the device to be notified to the user and various messages.

The encoding / decoding unit 9 encodes and compresses the image data to be transmitted by the MH system or the MR system, and decodes and expands the received image data. The modem 10 modulates transmission data and demodulates reception data. The network control unit 11 is connected to the public line 14 and controls the line connection. Centronics I / F12
Is an interface for exchanging data between the computer apparatus 2 such as a personal computer and the facsimile apparatus 1 via the connection cable 15. The system bus 13 is for the above-mentioned respective parts to exchange data.

The processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the present invention configured as described above will be described below.

First, FIG. 2 shows a procedure of a transfer condition setting process for setting a value of a variable which is a condition for transferring the received image data to the computer device 2 which is referred to in a later-described incoming call process. Shows.

In the figure, the CPU 3 has an operation display unit 8
It is monitored whether or not a transfer condition setting key (not shown) provided in (1) is pressed (No loop of judgment 101). When the transfer condition setting key is pressed (Yes in judgment 101), a message “not shown in the figure, provided on the operation display unit 8, indicates how long it will be transferred with the numeric keypad and press the Yes key.” Message is displayed (process 102), and Y is displayed.
Monitors the es key being pressed (No in decision 103)
Loop) and the Yes key is pressed (Y in decision 103)
es), the value in%, which is input until the Yes key is pressed, is divided by 100 and the converted value is substituted into the variable P1 (process 104). This variable P1 is stored in the RAM section of the memory 4.

Then, on the liquid crystal display (not shown) provided in the operation display unit 8, a message is displayed, "Please enter what you want to transfer with the ten keys with the ten keys and press the Yes key" (process 105). , Pressing the Yes key is monitored (No loop of decision 106), and if the Yes key is pressed (Yes of decision 106), the Yes
Enter the value in%, which is input until the key is pressed, as 100
The value converted by dividing by and substituted into the value of the ratio is substituted into the variable P2 (process 107). This variable P2 is stored in the RAM section of the memory 4.

Variables P1 and P2 set by the above procedure
If the length of the received image data in the sub-scanning direction is longer or shorter than the length of the standard cut sheet corresponding to the width of the received image data in the main scanning direction, It is a value that is a condition for transferring image data to the computer device 2.

Incoming call handling processing in which the variables P1 and P2 are referred to will be described below with reference to FIGS.

In these figures, when there is an incoming call from the destination facsimile machine, the CPU 3 first sets up a call and establishes a call with the destination facsimile machine (process 201). Then, the message pre-procedure according to the transmission control procedure of the G3 facsimile is performed (process 202), the capability is exchanged with the destination facsimile machine, and the reception condition of the received image data is set. This setting includes the line density (3.85 lines / mm or 7.7 lines / mm) of the image data to be received in the sub-scanning direction.
Etc.) and the size (A4, B4, etc.) of the received image data defined by the number of pixels of the received image data in the main scanning direction.

When the message pre-procedure of the process 202 is completed, the linear density in the sub-scanning direction of the received image data notified by the message pre-procedure is substituted into the variable D (process 203).
At the same time, the number of pixels in the main scanning direction of the notified received image data and the predetermined linear density in the main scanning direction (8
The length in the sub-scanning direction of the standard paper corresponding to the width in the main scanning direction of the received image data, which is converted from the line / mm), is set to the variable L.
To (step 204). For example, if the number of pixels of the received image data in the main scanning direction is 1728, the width is 17
It can be converted to 28/8 = 216 mm, which is 210 in width.
The length of the standard paper of A4 corresponding to the standard paper (A4) of mm, that is, the length in the sub-scanning direction (the value of the variable L) is 2
It becomes 97 (mm). If it is the standard size paper of B4 (width 257 mm x length 364 mm), the value of the variable L is 354 (mm).
Becomes The values of the variables D and L are the RAM of the memory 4.
Stored in the department.

Then, the result of multiplying the variable Np by the variable D and the variable L is substituted (process 205). The variable D is the linear density of the received image data in the sub-scanning direction, and the variable L is the length in the sub-scanning direction of the standard paper corresponding to the width of the received image data. Np represents the length of the standard paper selected for recording the received image data, converted into the number of sub-scan Iran.

Next, the image data for one page is transferred to the network controller 1
1. While being stored in the image memory 5 in the encoded and compressed state as received via the modem 10, the number of sub-scanning lines of the image data is counted and substituted into the variable Nr (process 206). In the G3 facsimile, received image data for one page is encoded line by line, an EOL (End of Line) code that serves as a line delimiter is added to each line, and RTC (R
Since the Turn to Control code is added, if the number of EOL codes received until the RTC code is received is counted, the number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data for one page (value of variable Nr) Can be counted. The value of the variable Nr is stored in the RAM section of the memory 4.

Next, a value obtained by subtracting the variable Np from the variable Nr is substituted for the variable dL (process 207). The variable Nr is the number of sub-scanning lines of the image data received in the process 206, and the variable Np represents the length converted into the number of sub-scanning lines of the standard paper selected for recording the received image data. Therefore, if the image data of the page just received is recorded on the selected standard paper, the variable dL that is the difference between them is a sub-scanning line of a part of the image data of the one page. Not enough image data can be recorded (if the variable dL has a positive sign), or even if all the image data for one page is recorded, a blank space occurs on the standard paper (variable d).
L has a negative sign).

Therefore, in the next judgment 208, the variable d
Check the sign of L. Note that the value of the variable Nr and the value of the variable Np may match and the value of the variable dL may become 0. In this case, the sign of 0 is positive (+).

When the sign of the variable dL is positive (+) ((+) in the judgment 208), the variable Np and the variable P are added to the variable dl1.
The value multiplied by 1 is substituted (process 209). Variable Np
Is a length converted into the number of sub-scanning lines of the selected standard paper, and the variable P1 is a sub-scanning direction of the received image data of one page set in the transfer condition setting process shown in FIG. Is a variable that indicates whether the received image data for one page is transferred to the computer device 2 if the length is longer than the length of the standard paper selected as the recording paper in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, the value obtained by multiplying these variables Np and P1 (variable dl1) is the length in the sub-scanning direction converted into the number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data for one page, and the standard size selected as the recording paper. This means a value indicating how many lines of the received image data for one page are transferred to the computer device 2 if the number of lines is longer than the length of the paper in the sub-scanning direction converted into the number of sub-scanning lines.

Therefore, the variable dL obtained in the process 207
Is larger than the variable dl1 (Y in decision 210)
es), since the received image data for one page is image data that should be transferred to the computer device 2 and is longer than the recording paper, the transfer attribute is added to the image data for the page stored in the image memory 5. It is added (process 211).

When the sign of the variable dL is negative (-) (decision 208 (-)), the variable Np and the variable P are added to the variable dl2.
A value obtained by multiplying by 2 is substituted (process 212). Variable Np
Is a length converted into the number of sub-scanning lines of the selected standard paper, and the variable P2 is a sub-scanning direction of the received image data of one page set in the transfer condition setting process shown in FIG. Is a variable indicating whether the received image data for one page is transferred to the computer device 2 if the length is shorter than the length of the standard paper selected as the recording paper in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, the value obtained by multiplying the variables Np and P2 (variable dl2) has the length in the sub-scanning direction converted into the number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data for one page, which is selected as the fixed form as the recording paper. If the number of lines is shorter than the length of the paper in the sub-scanning direction converted into the number of sub-scanning lines, it means a value indicating how to transfer the received image data for one page to the computer device 2.

Therefore, the variable dL obtained in the process 207
Is larger than the variable dl2 (Y in judgment 213)
es), since the received image data for one page is image data that is to be transferred to the computer device 2 and is too short for the recording paper, the transfer attribute is added to the image data for the page stored in the image memory 5. Add (process 214).

Whether the value of the variable dL obtained in the process 207 is not larger than the variable dl1 (No in decision 210), or the value of the variable dL obtained in the process 207 is not larger than the variable dl2 (decision No. 213), the received 1
Since the page image data is neither too long nor too short for the standard paper to be recorded so as to be transferred to the computer device 2, the page image data is plotted on the page image data stored in the image memory 5. Out attribute is added (process 21)
4).

When there is the next page to be received (Yes in the determination 216), the process returns to the process 206 and the above process is repeated. Then, when the image data of all the pages to be received is received (No in the determination 216), the plot out of the received image data stored for each page with the transfer attribute or the plot out attribute added to the image memory 5. The page with the attribute added is plotted by the plotter 7 (process 217), and the page with the transfer attribute added is sent to the Centronics I / F 12 and the connection cable 1.
5 to the computer apparatus 2 (process 21).
8).

As a result, in the computer device 2, the received image data for too long a page that cannot be completely recorded if it is recorded on the recording paper as it is, and the recording paper is directly recorded. If the recording is performed, the received image data for too short a page that causes a too wide margin and wastes the recording paper is transferred.

As a result, the user develops the image data sent from the facsimile apparatus 1 to the computer apparatus 2 on the display by the application software and checks it with his / her own eyes. Depending on the user's judgment, if there is an area that can be cut, edit it to make it a size (the number of lines) that fits the recording paper, or if the recording paper contains more than two pages of image data, combine the image data, rotate etc Can be plotted by a printer connected to the computer device 2, or can be returned from the computer device 2 to the facsimile device 1 again and plotted by the plotter 7 of the facsimile device 1.

Although the present invention is applied to the G3 facsimile machine in the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be similarly applied to other facsimile machines such as the G4 facsimile machine.

[0042]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, one page of the received image data total line number counting means counts more than the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length of the cut sheet in the sub-scanning direction. When the total number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data is larger than the first predetermined number of lines, the image data for the page is transmitted to the computer device via the interface.
Even if image data that is slightly longer in the sub-scanning direction is received due to document skew on the source facsimile machine side, if the received image data is longer than the predetermined length,
Sent to a computer device. Therefore, the user uses the application software running on the computer device side to develop the image data transferred from the facsimile device, which is too long to record on one sheet of cut paper, on the display and check it with his / her own eyes. If there is a region that can be cut, you can edit it to make it a size (number of lines) that matches the size of the cut paper, and plot it out with a printer connected to the computer device. It is possible to reduce the waste of recording paper without any loss.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length of the cut sheet in the sub-scanning direction is
When the total number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data for one page counted by the received image data total line number counting means is smaller than the second predetermined line number, the image data for the page is transmitted to the computer device through the interface. Therefore, for example, even if an A5 landscape original or the like is received and there is an A4 portrait standard paper as a cut sheet to be recorded, the user is free to use the application software running on the computer device side to receive two pages of received image data. You can plot out the minutes all on one page. Therefore,
It is possible to eliminate waste of recording paper without loss of image data meaningful to the user.

According to the invention of claim 3, the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length of the cut sheet in the sub-scanning direction is
When the total number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data for one page counted by the received image data total line number counting means is larger than the first predetermined line number or smaller than the second predetermined line number, the image data for the page is Since the image data is sent to the computer device via the interface, even if image data that is slightly longer in the sub-scanning direction due to document skew on the source facsimile device side is received, the received image data is less than the specified length. If it is long, it will be sent to the computer device, so the user can use the application software running on the computer device to develop on the display the image data transferred from the facsimile device that is too long to record on one sheet of cut paper. Check it with your own eyes, and if there is an area that can be cut, edit it and size it according to the size of the cut paper. It can be set to (number of lines) and plotted out by a printer connected to the computer device. Further, for example, an A4 portrait paper is received as a cut sheet to be recorded when receiving an A5 landscape original or the like. Even in such a case, the user can freely plot out two pages of the received image data into one page by using the application software running on the computer side. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the waste of recording paper without loss of image data that is meaningful to the user.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the user can freely set the first predetermined number of lines and / or the second predetermined number of lines. It is possible to meet the desire of the user who wants to prioritize the reduction of the editing work of the received image data.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of transfer condition setting processing performed in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of incoming call handling processing performed in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an incoming call handling process performed in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention together with FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Facsimile device 2 Computer device 3 CPU 4 Memory 5 Image memory 6 Scanner 7 Plotter 8 Operation display unit 9 Encoding / decoding unit 10 Modem 11 Network control unit 12 Centronics I / F 13 System bus 14 Public line 15 Connection cable

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile device capable of recording image data received in page units on a cut sheet and exchanging data with a computer device connected through an interface receives one page of image data. The received image data total line number counting means for counting the total number of sub-scanning lines forming data, and the total number of received image data lines more than the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length of the cut sheet in the sub-scanning direction. When the total number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data for one page counted by the counting unit is larger than the first predetermined number of lines, the page is determined to be an excessive page, and an excessive page determining unit determines the excessive page. An excessive page processing means for transmitting image data for pages determined to be excessive pages by the means to the computer device via the interface. Facsimile apparatus according to claim. 2. A facsimile device capable of recording image data received in page units on a cut sheet and exchanging data with a computer device connected via an interface receives one page of image data. The received image data total line number counting means for counting the total number of sub-scanning lines forming data, and the total number of received image data lines more than the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length of the cut sheet in the sub-scanning direction. When the total number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data for one page counted by the counting means is less than the second predetermined number of lines, the page is determined to be an excessively short page, and an excessively short page determination is made. And an excessively short page processing means for transmitting the image data for the pages determined by the means to the computer device through the interface. Facsimile apparatus according to claim and. 3. A facsimile device capable of recording image data received in page units on a cut sheet and exchanging data with a computer device connected via an interface receives one page of image data. The received image data total line number counting means for counting the total number of sub-scanning lines forming data, and the total number of received image data lines more than the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length of the cut sheet in the sub-scanning direction. When the total number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data for one page counted by the counting unit is larger than the first predetermined number of lines, the page is determined to be an overlong page determining unit, and the cut sheet sub The total number of sub-scanning lines of the received image data for one page counted by the total number of received image data lines counting means, rather than the total number of sub-scanning lines corresponding to the length in the scanning direction. But the second
When the number of lines is less than a predetermined number of lines, the page is determined to be an excessively short page, an excessively short page determining unit, image data for the page determined to be an excessively long page by the excessively long page determining unit, and the excessively short page determining unit A facsimile apparatus comprising: an excessive / short page processing means for transmitting image data for pages determined to be excessively short pages to the computer through the interface. 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising transfer condition setting means for setting the first predetermined number of lines and / or the second predetermined number of lines. .