JPH10155070A - Facsimile equipment and facsimile communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain the transmission whose communication time is reduced by sending image information of a head of a succeeding page without processing relating to a delimiter even when the delimiter of a transmission page is detected. SOLUTION: At first image information received from an input device 5 is copied to a line buffer provided in a memory 2 as it is. The image information is coded by a coding decoding section 4 and set to a memory area of the FIFO system provided similarly in the memory 2. The information is sent sequentially to an external line by the first-in first-out system from the memory area. In the facsimile communication system, even in the case of transmission of a plurality of pages, the image information is continuously transmitted without phase transition for each delimiter of pages. Even in the case of sending multi-pages, since a mark denoting a page change or a line is inserted just before a delimiter of a page, the user at the receiver side recognizes accurately page changes.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to ITU-T Recommendation T. The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus and other communication apparatuses using 30 facsimile communication protocols.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A facsimile communication protocol is described in ITU-T Recommendation T.30. 30 international standards are defined. First, we explain the protocol for sending one page,
Next, a protocol for transmitting a plurality of sheets will be described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a one-page transmission protocol. The left side of the figure shows a calling device (transmitting side), the right side shows a called device (receiving side), and CED indicates a called terminal identification signal, N
SF is a non-standard function identification signal, CSI is an option signal (G3 standard mode terminal identification signal), DIS is a digital identification signal, NSS is a non-standard function setting signal, TCF is a training signal, CFR is a reception ready signal, and PIX is a reception preparation signal. Image information, MPS indicates a multi-page signal, MCF indicates a message confirmation signal, DCN indicates a disconnection command signal, and EOM indicates a message end signal.

[0004] Upon detecting an incoming call from the transmitting side which is the calling apparatus, the receiving side indicates a non-standard function identification signal NSF for notifying a non-standard function and a called terminal identifier following the called terminal identification signal CED. CSI, D to notify the terminal capability of the receiving side
Send IS. On the other hand, on the transmitting side, after transmitting the non-standard function setting signal NSS as a non-standard setting function for notifying the transmitting terminal identifier, the transmitting capability, and the like, the transmitting side transmits the TCF for training. When the receiving side recognizes them, it returns a reception ready signal CFR. Thereafter, the image information (PIX) is transmitted from the transmitting side. Then, when the communication ends, a PPS-EOP is transmitted. In response, the receiving side returns a message confirmation signal MCF. When the transmitting side receives the message confirmation signal MCF, it transmits a disconnection command signal DCN and the communication ends. The above is 1
The page transmission protocol.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a protocol for transmitting a plurality of sheets. Reference numerals in the figure are the same as those in FIG. 6, and EOP indicates a procedure end signal.

[0006] Transmission of a plurality of sheets (multiple pages) shown in FIG. 7
The transmission protocol is basically the same as the one-page transmission protocol shown in FIG. The difference from the one-page transmission protocol in FIG. 6 is that after transmission of the first image information PIX, the multi-page signal MP is transmitted between the transmission side and the reception side.
S, the message confirmation signal MCF is exchanged, and the image information PIX is transmitted again. By the way, G
The facsimile communication of Group 3 of ITU-T Recommendation T.30 is classified into Phase A to Phase E. When transmitting a multi-page, phase D is performed during phase C of image information transfer. You need to pinch. More specifically, ITU-T Recommendation T. As shown in FIG. 30, since a post message (a message end signal EOM, a multi-page signal MPS) is used at a page break, a phase D is entered. That is, in FIG. 7, call disconnection from call connection to CED as phase A (the first half is omitted in FIG. 7) as phase B, from NSF to CFR as phase C, as PIX phase D, from EOP to DCN as phase E, and call disconnection (Omitted in FIG. 7), each procedure is divided and called phases A to E, respectively. Here, the purpose of the phase D is to manage pages, but communication costs are often high.

[0007]

As described in the prior art, in G3 facsimile communication, phases are classified from phase A to phase E. When transmitting a multi-page, image information transfer is performed. Phase D during Phase C
However, there is a problem that the communication cost is increased as a result. An object of the present invention is to enable transmission in a short communication time by performing transmission only in phase C without using phase D when performing multi-page transmission (the invention of claim 1). Second
However, if transmission is performed only in phase C, if the facsimile apparatus on the receiving side is a recording method using roll paper, the received image becomes difficult to see because the page break of the received document disappears.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to transmit image information that is easy for the user on the receiving side to see (invention of claim 2).

Third, when the facsimile apparatus on the receiving side uses a cut sheet recording method, the receiving side performs page division while reducing the size. Therefore, when there is no page break, it is inconsistent with the page break on the transmitting side. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to maintain consistency with the page break on the transmission side (the invention of claim 3). 4th
In addition, if transmission without page breaks is performed, the receiving facsimile apparatus receives only one page due to the protocol, which causes an inconsistency in the number of communication pages on the management report. It is an object of the present invention to maintain consistency between the management report on the transmission side and the management report on the reception side (the invention of claim 4).

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus including a scanner unit for performing facsimile transmission, an image processing unit, and an NCU control unit. However, the top image information of the next page is transmitted as it is.

[0010] In the facsimile communication system of the second aspect, in the facsimile apparatus of the first aspect, in the communication control at the time of transmission, a function for checking that the receiving side is a recording method using roll paper, and image information at the end of the transmission page. And a function of inserting a page break mark for transmission, and the other party's receiver is provided with an image processing unit and an NC.
A facsimile apparatus including a U control unit and a recording unit using roll paper, and having a function of notifying that the recording method is a recording method using roll paper in communication control. When a multi-page is transmitted after it is determined that the recording method is a recording method using roll paper, the transmission side inserts a page break mark into the image information for each break of the transmission page and sends it.

In the facsimile communication system of the third aspect, in the facsimile apparatus of the first aspect, in the communication control at the time of transmission, a function of checking that the receiving side is a recording method using cut paper, and In addition to providing a function of inserting and transmitting a line indicating a page break, the receiver on the other end includes an image processing unit,
A facsimile apparatus including an NCU control unit and a recording unit using cut paper, and having a function of notifying a recording method using cut paper in communication control. When a multi-page is transmitted after it is determined that the recording method is a recording method using cut paper, a line is inserted immediately before a page break and transmitted.

In a facsimile communication system according to a fourth aspect, in the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect, a function of notifying the number of transmitted pages is provided in communication control at the time of transmission, and the receiver on the other end is provided with an image processing unit. , NCU
A facsimile apparatus having a function of checking the number of transmitted pages in communication control, and a V.F. In the 21 protocol, the number of pages is notified.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a facsimile apparatus and a facsimile communication system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Below, the first
The second and third embodiments will be described below. Of the first to third embodiments described in the first embodiment, the first embodiment is a basic invention, and the second embodiment is described below. The invention of claim 4 described below is based on the inventions of claims 1 to 3. First, the hardware configuration common to all the embodiments, that is, the configuration of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the main part of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a CPU, 2 is a memory,
Reference numeral 3 denotes an operation display unit, 4 denotes an encoding / decoding unit, 5 denotes an input device (scanner), 6 denotes an output device (plotter), 7 denotes a modem, 8 denotes an NCU, and 9 denotes a system bus.

The facsimile apparatus shown in FIG.
The configuration is basically the same as that of the conventional apparatus, except that U1 performs control according to the flow of FIGS. 3 and 4 described later.
First, a brief description will be given focusing on the configuration and operation common to those of the related art. The CPU 1 has a function of controlling the entire system of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and has a function of performing a facsimile control similar to that of the conventional apparatus and a function of performing a control specific to the present invention described later. Have. The memory 2 stores a facsimile control program, image information, and various parameters. The operation display unit 3 includes a display LCD, LEDs, operation keys, and the like provided on a panel, and has a function of displaying an operation state of the apparatus and allowing an operator to perform various operations. And ECM / non-ECM selection. The encoding / decoding unit 4 uses the MH
/ MR / MMR encoding method to compress image information to be transmitted, and to decode received image signals according to the MH / MR / MMR encoding method to reproduce the original image information. Compress and decompress information.

The input device (scanner) 5 includes a CCD, a contact sensor, and the like, has a function of reading an image to be transmitted or copied and converting the image into image data (image information), and takes in the image information. . Output device (plotter) 6
Has a function of printing the read image information and the received image information on recording paper, outputs the image information, and
It has a function of outputting various management reports and printing them on recording paper. The modem 7 has a function of modulating and demodulating an image signal and various procedural signals for transmission, and performs data modulation and demodulation. The NCU (network control unit) 8 is a device for connecting to a line. These blocks 1 to 8 are connected to a system bus 9. The above is the outline of the configuration and functions common to the conventional one, and the facsimile apparatus of the present invention also
The basic configuration is common to conventional devices.

First Embodiment As described above, the facsimile apparatus and the facsimile communication system described in the first embodiment correspond to the first to third aspects of the present invention. According to the first aspect of the present invention, even if a break in the transmission page is detected,
The feature is that the top image information of the next page is transmitted as it is. In this transmission method, the received image is difficult to see because the page break of the received document disappears. Therefore, the transmitting side inserts the mark of the page break on the transmitting side by notifying that the recording method is the recording method using the roll paper. (Invention of claim 2). Also, by notifying that the receiving apparatus is a recording method using cut sheets, a line is added at a page break on the transmitting side.
Invention).

As shown in FIG. 7, in the transmission of a plurality of images, after transmitting the first image information PIX, the transmitting side and the receiving side exchange the multi-page signal MPS and the message confirmation signal MCF. And the image information PIX is transmitted again (transition to phase D).
In the first embodiment, the image information PIX of each page is continuously transmitted. Therefore, the receiving-side apparatus clearly indicates in the non-standard function identification signal NSF whether the recording method is a recording method using roll paper or a recording method using cut paper (the invention of claims 2 and 3), In the case of the recording method using roll paper, a page break mark is inserted into the image information in the non-standard function setting signal NSS and transmitted as a page break. A line is inserted immediately before transmission (the inventions of claims 2 and 3).

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the format of NSF and NSS according to the first embodiment of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, FCF is an area indicating the type of signal, and FIF is an area indicating the content thereof.

As shown in FIG. 2, the format of the NSS / NSF includes an FCF (facsimile control field) indicating the type of signal and an FCF indicating the content thereof.
IF (facsimile information field). In the first embodiment, the NSS shown in FIG.
In the / NSF format, information indicating whether the paper is roll paper or cut paper is added to the FCF and FIF of the non-standard function identification signal NSF from the receiving side. In addition, by the non-standard function setting signal NSS from the transmitting side,
The setting is made according to whether the paper is a roll paper or a cut paper. In the second embodiment, the non-standard function identification signal NSF and the non-standard function setting signal NS
In S, the number of pages is notified.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of image information processing at the time of transmission of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. The reference numerals in the figure are the same as those in FIG. 1, and 10 indicates an external line.

First, the image information input from the input device 5 (scanner) is directly copied to a line buffer provided in the memory 2. This image information is encoded by the encoding / decoding unit 4 and set in a FIFO memory area provided in the memory 2. Then, the data is sequentially transmitted from the memory area to the external line 10 in a first-in first-out manner.
As described above, in the facsimile apparatus and the facsimile communication system of the present invention, even when a plurality of sheets are transmitted, the image information is continuously transmitted without shifting to the phase D at each page break. In such a transmission method, in the case of a recording method using roll paper, the received image is difficult to see because there is no page break in the received document. A function to check that the recording method is used by the user and a function to insert a page break mark in the image information at the break of the transmission page and to send it. When transmitting a page, the transmitting side inserts a page break mark into the image information for each section of the transmitted page and transmits the image information so that the receiving side user can transmit image information that is easy to see. 2).

When the facsimile apparatus on the receiving side uses a cut sheet recording method, the receiving side performs page division while reducing the size.
Since there is inconsistency with the page break on the sending side, the facsimile machine on the sending side checks the recording method using cut paper on the receiving side in communication control during transmission. A function to insert and transmit a line indicating a break is provided, and when the receiver turns out to be a recording method using cut paper and transmits multi-pages, a line is inserted and sent immediately before a page break. Thus, consistency with the page break on the transmission side is maintained (the invention of claim 3).
The above operation is shown in the flow.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing when transmitting image information according to the first embodiment for the facsimile apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, #
1 to # 8 indicate steps.

In step # 1, it is determined whether or not the page is a page break. If not a page break, step # 2
Then, the data is copied from the input device 5 to the memory 2 (line buffer). Thereafter, the image information is processed in accordance with the flow shown in FIG. 3, and upon completion of the processing, the flow returns to the previous step # 1. If it is determined in step # 1 that the page is to be separated, the process proceeds to step # 3 to determine whether there is a next page.

If there is a next page, the process proceeds to step # 4, and it is determined whether or not the receiving paper of the partner machine is a roll paper. In the case of roll paper, in step # 5, a mark indicating a page break is set in the line buffer, and the flow advances to step # 7. The mark indicating the page break is, for example, written in a nonvolatile memory in advance (the invention of claim 2). If it is determined in step # 4 that the paper is not roll paper (cut paper), the flow advances to step # 6 to set a white line to be cut by the reduction function of the partner machine (to set the white line). Fill it up). After the processing of step # 6 is completed (the invention of claim 3), the process proceeds to step # 7 in the same manner as in the previous case. In step # 7, the next page is fed, and the process proceeds to step # 2.

In the first aspect of the present invention, step # 4
Steps # 6 to # 6 are omitted, and if it is determined in step # 3 whether there is a next page, if there is no next page, the process proceeds to step # 8, where a post message is transmitted to perform a normal operation. According to the processing of steps # 1 to # 8 above, even when transmitting a multi-page, a mark indicating a page break or a line is inserted immediately before the page break, so that the user on the receiving side can set the page break. It becomes possible to know exactly. In addition, it is possible to make the page division consistent between the transmitting side and the receiving side.

Second Embodiment This second embodiment corresponds to the invention of claim 4, but the invention of claims 1 to 3 described in the first embodiment. Is assumed. As described above, when transmission without page breaks is performed (the inventions of claims 1 to 3), the receiving facsimile apparatus receives only one page due to the protocol. Will be inconsistent. In the second embodiment, the video communication after the end of the image information communication is performed. In the 21 protocol, the feature is that the consistency between the management report on the transmitting side and the management report on the receiving side is maintained by notifying the number of pages.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a protocol at the end of transmission according to the second embodiment.

After transmitting the PIX (image information), the transmitting facsimile apparatus transmits an EOP (procedure end signal), waits for an MCF (message confirmation signal) from the receiving facsimile apparatus, and calculates the total number of pages. The set NSS (non-standard function setting signal) is transmitted. Thereafter, DCN (protocol end signal) is transmitted as the end of the protocol. Therefore, the facsimile machine on the receiving side receives only one page due to the protocol, but it is possible to maintain the consistency between the management report on the transmitting side and the management report on the receiving side based on information on the number of pages notified separately. Will be possible. Although this procedure shows a case where the NSS is transmitted immediately before the DCN in the normal termination procedure, it is also possible to transmit the NSS at another timing.

[0031]

According to the facsimile apparatus of the first aspect, even if a break of a transmission page is detected, the leading image information of the next page is transmitted as it is. Therefore, there is no transition to the phase D for each page, and transmission with reduced communication time can be performed.

In the facsimile communication system according to the second aspect, when a multi-page is transmitted at the time of transmission from the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect, a page break mark is inserted into image information at a page break and transmitted. I have to. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the facsimile apparatus of the first aspect, a page break mark is inserted for each break of the transmission page, and the receiving user can obtain the same easy-to-read image information as before.

In the facsimile communication system of the third aspect, when transmitting a multi-page at the time of transmission from the facsimile apparatus of the first aspect, a line indicating a page break is inserted immediately before the break of the page and transmitted. Like that. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect, it is possible to provide consistency between page breaks on the transmission side and the reception side, and it is possible for the user to obtain easy-to-view image information.

In the facsimile communication system according to the fourth aspect, at the time of transmission from the facsimile apparatus of the first aspect, the V.F. The number of pages is notified by 21 protocols. Therefore, in the facsimile communication sent by the system of the first to third aspects, in addition to the effects of the facsimile apparatus and the facsimile communication system of the first to third aspects, the number of pages can be notified to the receiving side. Thus, the management report and the like can be matched between the transmission side and the reception side.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of an embodiment of a main part configuration of a facsimile apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a format of an NSF and an NSS according to the first embodiment for the facsimile apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of image information processing at the time of transmission of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing at the time of transmitting image information according to the first embodiment for the facsimile apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a protocol at the end of transmission according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a one-page transmission protocol.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a protocol for transmitting a plurality of sheets. Reference numerals in the figure are the same as those in FIG. 6, and EOP indicates a procedure end signal.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 Memory 3 Operation display part 4 Encoding / decoding part 5 Input device (scanner) 6 Output device (plotter) 7 Modem 8 NCU 9 System bus 10 External line

Claims (4)

[Claims] In a facsimile apparatus including a scanner unit for performing facsimile transmission, an image processing unit, and an NCU control unit, even if a break of a transmission page is detected, the image information at the head of the next page remains as it is. A facsimile apparatus for transmitting 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in communication control at the time of transmission, a function for checking that the receiving side is a recording method using roll paper, and a page break mark is inserted into image information at a break of a transmission page. The receiver on the other side includes an image processing unit, an NCU control unit, and a recording unit using roll paper, and a function of notifying that a recording method using roll paper is used in communication control. A facsimile machine having the following. When the receiver controls the communication control between the two facsimile machines and finds that the receiver is a recording system using roll paper and transmits a multi-page, A facsimile communication system wherein a page break mark is inserted into image information and sent. 3. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in communication control at the time of transmission, a function for checking that the receiving side uses a cut sheet recording method, and a line indicating a page break immediately before the break of a transmission page is inserted. The receiver on the other side includes an image processing unit, an NCU control unit, and a recording unit using cut paper, and notifies the communication control that the recording method is based on cut paper. A facsimile machine having a function, and when the receiver controls the communication control between the two facsimile machines and finds that the recording method is a cut-sheet recording method and transmits a multi-page, a line is sent immediately before a page break. A facsimile communication system characterized by being inserted and sent. 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of notifying the number of transmitted pages in communication control at the time of transmission, wherein the receiver on the other side includes an image processing unit and an NCU control unit, A facsimile machine having a function of checking the number of transmitted pages in communication control, wherein the V.F. A facsimile communication system for notifying the number of pages in 21 protocol.