JPH0993383A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relieve the load on an updating job for printer driver data by a personal computer by connecting the personal computer to the facsimile equipment. SOLUTION: A personal computer 11 is connected to the facsimile equipment via a 2-way parallel port 8, and when a control section 2 receives a data update instruction from the personal computer 11, a network control section 1 makes automatic dialing to a data processing unit of a predetermined specific destination via a public line, binary data of a printer driver sent from a data processing unit of a destination making automatic dialing are received and stored in a data storage section 4 and the binary data are sent to the personal computer 11 via the 2-way parallel port 8.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus for transmitting / receiving facsimile data of images such as documents via a public line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a message command from an external host computer is directly transmitted to a processing unit via a host interface unit so that image information on a facsimile machine is processed according to the command from the host computer. There is a facsimile machine (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 64-22166).

Further, in a device capable of printing data received from a computer and data received from a facsimile, when the data from the facsimile is received by facsimile while the data received from the computer is being printed,
There is an apparatus (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-292233) that temporarily stops the printing and then accepts a facsimile reception.

[0004]

When an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer is connected to the conventional facsimile apparatus as described above and used, when a printer is connected to the personal computer to print out data, It is necessary to install the driver software for operating the printer on the personal computer. The driver software is usually attached to the printer, and is installed on the personal computer when the printer is used for the first time.

The driver software is often updated to a new version at a later date, and when updating the driver software, the updated driver software is separately obtained and the updated driver software is again installed on the personal computer. Must be installed on. The same applies when another device such as a scanner connected to the personal computer is connected.

As described above, in the conventional facsimile apparatus, it is very troublesome to update the program data for using the apparatus such as the printer connected to the information processing apparatus such as the connected personal computer. There was a problem of this.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and enables a personal computer to be connected and the work of updating driver data of a device such as a printer connected to the personal computer to be reduced. The purpose is to

[0008]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a facsimile apparatus provided with a facsimile transmitting means for transmitting facsimile data through a public line and a facsimile receiving means for receiving facsimile data through the public line. , When a personal computer is connected through the bidirectional parallel port and a data update command is received from the personal computer,
Automatic calling means for automatically calling a data processing device of a predetermined specific destination via a public line, and binary data for receiving binary data transmitted from the data processing device of the destination automatically called by the means The receiving means and the binary data transmitting means for transmitting the binary data received by the means to the personal computer through the bidirectional parallel port are provided.

Further, in a facsimile apparatus provided with a facsimile transmitting means for transmitting facsimile data via a public line and a facsimile receiving means for receiving facsimile data via the public line, a personal computer is connected via a bidirectional parallel port, When a data update command and destination information of the data processing device are received from a personal computer, an automatic calling means for automatically calling the destination data processing device based on the destination information via a public line, and an automatic calling by the means. It is preferable to provide binary data receiving means for receiving the binary data transmitted from the destination data processing device and binary data transmitting means for transmitting the binary data received by the means to the personal computer through the bidirectional parallel port. .

Further, in a facsimile apparatus equipped with a facsimile transmitting means for transmitting facsimile data via a public line and a facsimile receiving means for receiving facsimile data via a public line, a rewritable program storage means for storing program data, and both. A personal computer is connected via a parallel port and when a data update command is received from the personal computer, an automatic calling means for automatically calling a data processing device of a predetermined specific destination through a public line. , Binary data receiving means for receiving binary data transmitted from the data processing device of the destination automatically called by the means, and transmitting the binary data received by the means to the personal computer through the bidirectional parallel port A binary data transmission means that the program data stored in said program storage means may be provided with program rewriting means for rewriting the binary data received above.

Furthermore, in a facsimile apparatus provided with a facsimile transmitting means for transmitting facsimile data via a public line and a facsimile receiving means for receiving facsimile data via the public line, a rewritable program storage means for storing program data, When a personal computer is connected through the bidirectional parallel port and a data update command and destination information of the data processing device are received from the personal computer,
Automatic calling means for automatically calling a destination data processing device based on the destination information via a public line, and binary data reception for receiving binary data transmitted from the destination data processing device automatically called by the means Means, binary data transmission means for transmitting the binary data received by the means to the personal computer through the bidirectional parallel port, and program rewriting means for rewriting the program data stored in the program storage means to the received binary data. Should be provided.

In the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, a personal computer is connected through a bidirectional parallel port, and when a data update command is received from the personal computer, data processing of a predetermined specific destination is performed through a public line. The personal computer automatically sends a call to the device, receives the binary data transmitted from the data processing device of the destination to which the automatic call is made, and transmits the received binary data to the personal computer through the bidirectional parallel port. It is possible to issue an instruction to the device and obtain the binary data of the driver software from a specific destination through a public line such as a telephone line using the communication means of the facsimile device and automatically update the driver software.

Therefore, in an environment where a public line can be used, the latest printer driver can be obtained and transmitted at any time based on an instruction from the personal computer, and the personal computer can be automatically updated.

Further, when a personal computer is connected through the bidirectional parallel port and a data update command and destination information of the data processing device are received from the personal computer, data processing of the destination based on the destination information is performed via the public line. A personal computer can be provided by automatically calling the device, receiving the binary data transmitted from the data processing device of the destination to which the automatic calling is made, and transmitting the received binary data to the personal computer through the bidirectional parallel port. Can arbitrarily specify the driver software acquisition source for the facsimile apparatus.

Therefore, it is possible to select the destination of the driver of the personal computer according to the convenience of the user. By selecting the destination which is easily available or a nearby destination, it is easy to obtain when updating the driver of the personal computer. And the economic efficiency at the time of acquisition can be improved.

Further, a rewritable program storage means for storing program data is provided, a personal computer is connected via a bidirectional parallel port, and when a data update command is received from the personal computer, it is previously sent via a public line. An automatic call is made to a data processing device of a specified specific destination, and binary data transmitted from the data processing device of the automatically called destination is received,
By transmitting the received binary data to the personal computer through the bidirectional parallel port and rewriting the program data stored in the program storage means into the received binary data, the facsimile machine, together with the driver software of the personal computer, The binary data of the updated program of the own device can be obtained, and the program of the own device can be automatically updated with the updated program.

Therefore, the driver of the personal computer can be updated to the latest version, and the program of the facsimile itself can be updated.

Furthermore, a rewritable program storage means for storing program data is provided, and a personal computer is connected through a bidirectional parallel port,
When the data update command and the destination information of the data processing device are received from the personal computer, the data processing device of the destination based on the destination information is automatically called via the public line, and the data processing device of the destination which is automatically called By receiving the binary data to be transmitted, transmitting the received binary data to the personal computer through the bidirectional parallel port, and rewriting the program data stored in the program storage means into the received binary data, the personal computer Can arbitrarily specify the driver software for the facsimile machine and the source of the program for the facsimile machine.

Therefore, the driver of the personal computer and the destination of the program of the facsimile apparatus can be selected according to the convenience of the user. By selecting an easily accessible destination or a nearby destination, the driver of the personal computer and the destination can be selected. It is possible to improve the easiness of acquisition at the time of updating the program of the facsimile device and the economic efficiency at the time of acquisition.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This facsimile apparatus comprises a network control unit 1, a control unit 2, a program storage device 3, a data holding unit 4, an operation unit 5, a scanner device 6, a plotter device 7, a bidirectional parallel port 8 and a bus 9.

Further, it is connected to a personal computer 11 via a bidirectional parallel port 8 and a parallel cable 10. Furthermore, the personal computer 1
A printer 12 is connected to the printer 1.

In this facsimile device, while transmitting and receiving normal facsimile data via a public line, a personal computer 11 connected via a bidirectional parallel port 8 is provided with driver data of a printer 12 connected to the personal computer 11. It has a driver data acquisition function for automatic updating. Further, it has a function of acquiring the program data for updating the program of the facsimile itself as well as the driver data.

The network control unit 1 is for connecting this facsimile apparatus to a public line such as a telephone line, and although not shown in the drawing, for closing a telephone circuit for automatic call origination and a circuit. Relay, a transformer for insulating the line on the primary side from the control unit 2 on the secondary side, and a modem for modulating / demodulating transmitted / received data. That is, a line is connected to a data processing device that acquires driver data and program data by this network control unit 1,
The data is received and obtained from the data processing device.

The control unit 2 controls the entire facsimile apparatus, controls the processing related to the acquisition of driver data and program data according to the present invention, and controls the CPU and apparatus controlling the control. It is composed of a read-only memory ROM that stores a part of the program, and a RAM that is a readable / writable memory for holding parameters and data required for the facsimile apparatus to operate.

The program storage device 3 is a readable / writable storage device such as a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, and an optical disk device, and stores a part of a program for controlling the facsimile device and other data. That is, the control unit 2 automatically updates the program data stored in the program storage device 3 based on an instruction from the personal computer 11.

The data holding unit 4 is a readable / writable memory such as a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, and an optical disk device, and is a personal computer 11
This is for holding the data of the driver software of the printer 12 received through the public line in accordance with the instruction from the user until it is transmitted to the personal computer 11 via the bidirectional parallel port 8 at a necessary timing.

The operation unit 5 is an input device such as a keyboard having various keys for receiving various inputs from the operator, and is used for displaying and notifying the operator of information necessary for work such as facsimile transmission / reception. It is composed of a display device such as an LCD. The scanner device 6 is an image reading device that reads the image information of the information from the original document in which the information to be facsimile-transmitted or copied is described by a photoelectric conversion element and takes in the information at the time of facsimile transmission or copying.

The plotter device 7 is a laser printer, an ink jet printer, a dot printer or the like for printing the image information taken in from the scanner device 6, the facsimile data received via the public line, and the print data received from the personal computer 11 on paper. It is a printing device.

The bidirectional parallel port 8 is connected to the facsimile machine by the parallel cable 10, and various data including binary data of driver software and data indicating a driver software acquisition command are connected between the facsimile machine and the personal computer 11. It is a port for transmitting and receiving various commands including update commands. The bus 9 is a communication line for exchanging information such as addresses and data between the above-mentioned units.

The personal computer 11 is connected to the bidirectional parallel port 8 of the facsimile machine by a parallel cable 10 via a parallel port (not shown),
The printer 12 is connected via the interface.

The personal computer 11
Includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and the like, and a data processing unit realized by the microcomputer executes a process of printing various data by the printer 12 or the plotter device 7 of the facsimile device. .

Further, a printer which transmits a data update command for obtaining and transmitting updated driver data from a specific destination or a designated destination to the facsimile device through a public line, and the printer transmitted from the facsimile device The process of updating the driver version by the binary data of the 12 driver software is also executed.

That is, the network control unit 1 has a facsimile transmitting means for transmitting facsimile data through a public line, a facsimile receiving means for receiving facsimile data through the public line, and a personal computer 1.
When a data update command is received from the device 1, an automatic call means for automatically calling a data processing device of a predetermined specific destination via a public line, and a data processing device of the destination of automatic calling are transmitted. Each function of the binary data receiving means for receiving the binary data of the driver data of the personal computer 11 is fulfilled.

Further, when a data update command and the destination information of the data processing device are received from the personal computer 11, an automatic calling means for automatically calling the destination data processing device based on the destination information via the public line; Each function of the binary data receiving means for receiving the binary data of the driver data of the personal computer 11 transmitted from the data processing device of the called destination is also fulfilled.

Further, when a data update command is received from the personal computer 11, an automatic calling means for automatically calling a data processing device of a predetermined specific destination via a public line, and a destination of the automatic calling. Each function of the binary data receiving means for receiving the binary data of the driver data to the personal computer 11 and the program data to the facsimile machine transmitted from the data processing device is also fulfilled.

Furthermore, the personal computer 11
When a data update command and destination information of the data processing device are received from the device, an automatic calling means for automatically calling the destination data processing device based on the destination information via the public line, and a data processing device of the automatically called destination It also functions as a binary data receiving means for receiving the binary data of the driver data to the personal computer 11 and the program data to the facsimile machine transmitted from the computer.

The control section 2 also functions as a binary data transmission means for transmitting the binary data of the driver data of the personal computer 11 received by the network control section 1 to the personal computer 11 through the bidirectional parallel port 8.

Further, binary data transmitting means for transmitting the binary data of the driver data of the personal computer 11 received by the network control unit 1 to the personal computer 11 through the bidirectional parallel port 8, and the program stored in the program storage device 3. Each function of program rewriting means for rewriting data into binary data of a program received by the network control unit 1 is fulfilled.

Next, the process of acquiring the driver and program data in this facsimile will be described. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the data acquisition processing of the driver and the program in this facsimile apparatus. In this process, as shown in FIG. 2, it is determined in step (indicated by “S” in the figure) 1 whether or not there is received data from the personal computer, and if there is, the process proceeds to step 2 to print the received data. Determine if it is data.

If the print data is judged in step 2,
The process proceeds to step 11 and the received data is printed out by the plotter device and the process returns to the first process. If it is not the print data, the process proceeds to step 3 to determine whether the received data is a driver update request.

If it is determined in step 3 that the driver update request has not been issued, the process returns to the first step. If the driver update request has been issued, the process proceeds to step 4 and the call destination such as the telephone number of the data processing device from which the driver data is obtained is received. It is judged whether or not there is information, and if there is information, the procedure proceeds to step 5, where the call is made to the data processing device of the other party based on the received call destination information, and the procedure proceeds to step 6, and if not, the procedure proceeds to step 12. A call is made to the data processing device of the other party stored in advance, and the process proceeds to step 6.

In step 6, the binary data of the driver data and the program data is received from the data processing device of the called party and stored in the data holding section, and the process proceeds to step 7 to determine whether reception of all the binary data is completed. If it is not completed, the process of step 6 is repeated. If completed, the process proceeds to step 8 of FIG.

Steps shown in FIG. 3 (indicated by "S" in the figure)
In 8, the line disconnection processing with the data processing device of the other party is performed, the process proceeds to step 9, and the binary data of the driver data received and stored in the data holding unit is transmitted to the personal computer through the bidirectional parallel port, and in step 10 The binary data of the program data received and stored in the data holding unit is stored in the program storage device and updated, and the process ends.

Further, this processing will be described. The control unit 2 of the facsimile machine monitors the bidirectional parallel port 8 in the standby state (S1), and the personal computer 1
When the data from 1 is received, if the received data is neither print data nor driver update request data, it is ignored and the standby state is continued.

When the received data is print data (S2), the control section 2 prints out the print data by the plotter device 7 (S1).
1) If the received data is a driver update request (command) (S3), the driver update operation for acquiring driver data is started.

When the control unit 2 starts the driver update operation, if the received data includes the information of the destination to call, that is, the call destination information indicating the data processing device from which the driver data is acquired (( In step S4, the network control unit 1 makes a call to the destination (destination) based on the call destination information through the public line (S5).

If the call destination information indicating the data processing device from which the driver data is acquired is not included, it is stored in the program storage device 3 or the data holding unit 4 by the network control unit 1 through the public line in advance. A call is made to the other party based on the call destination information indicating the data processing device from which the driver data is acquired (S12).

After the call is made, the controller 2 controls the network controller 1
The binary data of the driver data and the program data transmitted from the data processing device of the other party is received and the received binary data is stored in the data holding unit 4 (S6). After that, when the reception of the binary data is completed (S7), the control unit 2 disconnects the line with the data processing device of the partner connected through the public line by the network control unit 1 (S8).

After disconnecting the line, the control unit 2 reads the binary data of the driver data stored in the data holding unit 4 and sends it to the personal computer 11 through the parallel cable 10 by the bidirectional parallel port 8 (S9). . Then, the personal computer 11
Executes the process of updating the driver software with the binary data of the driver data transmitted from the facsimile machine.

When transmitting the binary data of the driver data to the personal computer 11, the control unit 2 of the facsimile apparatus stores the binary data of the program data stored in the data holding unit 4 in the program storage device 3 and executes the program update process. Run.

Next, the updating process of the driver data in the personal computer connected to this facsimile apparatus will be explained. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the updating process of the driver data. In this process, it is determined in step (indicated by "S" in the figure) 21 whether or not the printer driver is updated. If not, the process waits. If it is performed, the process proceeds to step 22 to update the driver command (update request). ) Is sent to the facsimile machine.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 23, the process of receiving the binary data of the driver data transmitted from the facsimile apparatus is executed, it is judged whether or not the reception of the driver data is completed, and when it is completed, the process proceeds to step 24. The printer driver on the personal computer is updated with the driver data received from the facsimile machine, and this processing is ended.

Further, this processing will be described. When updating the printer driver of the printer 12 (S21), the data processing unit of the personal computer 11 transmits a driver update command from the parallel port to the facsimile apparatus through the parallel cable 10 (S22).

At this time, the data processing unit transmits only the driver update instruction contents instructing the driver update when the data processing unit obtains it from the predetermined data processing device, and when the data processing device is designated, Call destination information such as the telephone number of the data processing device of the other party input by the user is added to the driver update command and transmitted.

Then, the data processing unit receives the binary data of the latest version of the driver data transmitted from the facsimile apparatus, stores it in the memory, waits until the reception of the driver data is completed (S23), and after the reception is completed, The printer driver on the personal computer 11 is updated to the latest version with the driver data stored in the memory (S24).

The facsimile apparatus of this embodiment obtains driver software from a data processing apparatus of a predetermined destination through a public line such as a telephone line according to an instruction from the personal computer, and transmits it to the personal computer. The driver software on the personal computer can be automatically updated. Therefore, the personal computer can update the printer driver to the latest version at any time if the environment of the line of the facsimile machine is available.

Further, since the driver software is acquired from the data processing device of the destination specified by the personal computer and is transmitted to the personal computer, the user can freely specify the acquisition destination of the driver software from the personal computer side. it can.

Therefore, the driver data acquisition source can be selected according to the user's convenience, and the driver data acquisition at the time of updating the driver can be performed by selecting an easily accessible destination data processing device or a nearby destination data processing device. It is possible to improve the economy by increasing the ease of use and obtaining the driver data at a low communication cost.

Further, the updated program data of the facsimile itself is obtained together with the driver data to the personal computer, and the program data stored in the rewritable storage device is updated by the program data. The program data of can be updated automatically.

Furthermore, the personal computer obtains the program data of the facsimile device together with the driver software from the data processing device of the designated destination, and transmits the driver software to the personal computer.
Since the program of the device itself is updated with the program data, the user can freely specify the driver software and the source of the program data from the personal computer side. Therefore, it is possible to improve the easiness of obtaining the program data of the facsimile device and the economical efficiency at the time of obtaining the program data.

[0061]

As described above, according to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the work of updating the driver data of the printer or the like on the personal computer connected to the facsimile apparatus can be reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a driver and program data acquisition process in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the processing of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing driver data update processing in a personal computer connected to the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Network control unit 2: Control unit 3: Program storage device 4: Data storage unit 5: Operation unit 6: Scanner device 7: Plotter device 8: Bidirectional parallel port 9: Bus 10: Parallel cable 11: Personal computer 12: Printer

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus comprising facsimile transmission means for transmitting facsimile data via a public line and facsimile receiving means for receiving facsimile data via a public line, wherein a personal computer is connected via a bidirectional parallel port, When receiving a data update command from the personal computer, automatic calling means for automatically calling to a data processing device of a predetermined specific destination via a public line, and data processing of the destination automatically called by the means. Facsimile apparatus provided with binary data receiving means for receiving binary data transmitted from the apparatus, and binary data transmitting means for transmitting the binary data received by the means to the personal computer through the bidirectional parallel port. . 2. A facsimile apparatus comprising a facsimile transmitting means for transmitting facsimile data via a public line and a facsimile receiving means for receiving facsimile data via a public line, wherein a personal computer is connected via a bidirectional parallel port, When a data update command and destination information of the data processing device are received from the personal computer, an automatic calling means for automatically calling to the data processing device of the destination based on the destination information via a public line, and an automatic calling means by the means. Binary data receiving means for receiving binary data transmitted from the data processing device of the called destination, and binary data transmitting means for transmitting the binary data received by the means to the personal computer through the bidirectional parallel port are provided. Features Facsimile device that. 3. A rewritable program storage means for storing program data, in a facsimile apparatus comprising a facsimile transmission means for transmitting facsimile data via a public line and a facsimile receiving means for receiving facsimile data via the public line, Automatic calling means for automatically calling a data processing device of a predetermined specific destination via a public line when a personal computer is connected via a bidirectional parallel port and a data update command is received from the personal computer A binary data receiving means for receiving the binary data transmitted from the destination data processing device automatically called by the means, and a binar for transmitting the binary data received by the means to the personal computer through the bidirectional parallel port. And a data transmitting unit, a facsimile apparatus, characterized in that the program data stored in said program storage means provided with program rewriting means for rewriting the binary data to the received. 4. A rewritable program storage means for storing program data in a facsimile apparatus comprising a facsimile transmission means for transmitting facsimile data via a public line and a facsimile receiving means for receiving facsimile data via the public line, When a personal computer is connected through the bidirectional parallel port and a data update command and the destination information of the data processing device are received from the personal computer, it is automatically issued to the destination data processing device based on the destination information via the public line. Automatic calling means for calling, binary data receiving means for receiving binary data transmitted from the data processing device of the destination automatically called by the means, and binary data received by the means through the bidirectional parallel port for personal use Ko And binary data transmitting means for transmitting to the computer, a facsimile apparatus, characterized in that the program data stored in said program storage means provided with program rewriting means for rewriting the binary data to the received.