JPH10243156A - Image processing system and its remote control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system that control a multi-function digital copying machine or the like without using a computer and to provide the remote control method. SOLUTION: A multi-function digital copying machine 3 is provided with a fax function section 4, a voice response function section 5, a DTMF(dual tone multi-frequency) signal recognition function section 6, a copy function section 7, a file server function section 8, a rasterizer function section 9 that expands a page description language(PDL) in terms of bit map, a communication function section 10, an OCR function section 11 and a control function section 12, and recognizes a DTMF signal from a telephone set 1 with FAX function and sends a sheet drawing an image of a prescribed format as a facsimile signal. The multi-function digital copying machine 3 recognizes the described contents by describing required items on the sheet received by the telephone set 1 with fax function and returning the described sheet to the multi-function digital copying machine 3 as a facsimile image and according to the recognized result, a file stored in the file server function section 8 is printed out, facsimile- transmitted or transferred.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for controlling an image processing system such as a multifunction digital copier at a remote place by using a telephone with a facsimile function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when remotely controlling a multi-function digital copying machine having a facsimile function, a file server function, a rasterizer function, a communication function, and the like, there is a method using a computer via a LAN. However, although portable computers have become widespread in recent years, their use is still far from the spread of telephones and faxes.

[0003]

Therefore, there is a need for a method of effectively remotely controlling an image processing system especially when there is no computer at hand, such as when going out.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system capable of controlling a multi-function digital copying machine or the like without using a computer, and a remote control method therefor.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a voice response means for responding to an incoming call from an external communication terminal in response to an audible signal transmitted from the external communication terminal in response to the voice response. Creation means for creating a remote operation manual in a predetermined format, facsimile transmission means for facsimile transmitting the remote operation manual to a designated external communication terminal, and thereafter, the remote operation manual returned by facsimile from the external communication terminal And a processing means for judging the entry status of a predetermined entry column of the received remote operation manual and performing a predetermined process in accordance with the judgment result.

Further, the present invention provides a voice response means for responding to a voice in response to an incoming call from an external communication terminal, and performs a predetermined operation in response to an audible signal sent from the external communication terminal in response to the voice response. And a processing means for executing.

With the above configuration, a multi-function digital copying machine or the like can be controlled from a remote place without using a computer. In addition, since the operation method is as close as possible to the menus and methods that can be performed by the control panel attached to the copying machine portion of the image processing system, it can be generally used without knowing the control method from a computer.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This image processing system is configured as a multi-function digital copying machine 3 which is remotely controlled from an external telephone 1 with a facsimile function via a telephone line 2. In addition,
The telephone line 2 may be another ISDN line or the like.

The multifunctional digital copying machine 3 includes a facsimile function unit 4 for performing image communication, a voice response function unit 5 for performing voice response,
An audible sound recognition function unit 6 for recognizing an audible sound (DTMF signal), a copy function unit 7 for copying, a file server function unit 8 for storing a data file in a page description language (PDL) or the like, and a PDL file data bit. A rasterizer function unit 9 for developing a map image and a transport layer / network layer protocol (TCP / I
P), a communication function unit 10 for transferring a file according to a file transfer protocol (FTP), an OCR function unit 11 for character recognition, and a composite function corresponding to a DTMF signal received from the telephone 1 with a FAX function. And a control function unit 12.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing an example of a format sheet sent from the multi-function digital copying machine 3 to the telephone 1 with the FAX function in the first embodiment of the present invention. PDL file stored in file server function unit 8 of multi-function digital copying machine 3 and its ID
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a list.

Next, as a first embodiment of the present invention, an operation example when printing by remote control will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure in this case.

First, in step S11, the multi-function digital copying machine 3 is called from the telephone 1 with the FAX function at a remote place.

In S12, the multi-function digital copier 3
Provides a voice response to calls from remote locations. The voice response at this time is an inquiry as to whether to request a list of the PDL files stored in the file server function unit 8 of the multi-function digital copying machine 3 and their ID numbers.

In S13, the telephone 1 with the FAX function
The dial number (DTMF) is transmitted in response to the response from the multi-function digital copying machine 3. Here, when requesting a list of the PDL files stored in the file server function unit 8 and their ID numbers, dial 1 is dialed. In addition, necessary P
0 if the DL file and its ID number are known
Dial.

Next, in S14, the multi-function digital copying machine 3 requests the number of the facsimile transmission destination, so that the telephone 1 with the FAX function dials its own FAX number in S15. Then, in S16, the call is disconnected from the telephone 1 with the FAX function.

Thereafter, in S17, there is an incoming call from the multi-function digital copying machine 3 to the telephone 1 with the FAX function. In S18, based on the request in S13, necessary documents are sent from the multi-function digital copying machine 3 to the FAX.
The fax is transmitted to the function-equipped telephone 1.

Here, if 0 is dialed in S13, only the format sheet shown in FIG. 2 is transmitted,
When 1 is dialed in S13, the format sheet shown in FIG. 2 and the file name and ID list shown in FIG. 3 are transmitted.

Therefore, on the side of the telephone 1 with the FAX function,
In S19, the necessary items (decimal number and alphabet for the document ID, decimal number for the number of copies, decimal number for the print date and time, check each check box for other items) are entered in the format sheet of FIG. Fax transmission to the machine 3.

In S20, the multi-function digital copier 3
Analyzes the entries on the format sheet received by fax from the telephone 1 with a fax function at a remote location, searches for a file in the file server function unit 8, and develops it into a bitmap image by the rasterizer function unit 9. After setting the enlargement / reduction, size, and density, print the required number of copies.

In FIG. 2, when the number of copies is set to 00, the multi-function digital copying machine 3 does not perform printing, but transmits a preview to the telephone 1 with the FAX function at a remote location.

In FIG. 2, if the print date and time are not entered, the remote telephone 1 with the FAX function
When X is received, it is immediately rasterized and the fax
Send to destination.

Further, in FIG. 2, when the box of the print result is checked, the multi-function digital copying machine transmits the print result to the remote telephone 1 with the FAX function.
FAX.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, an example in which a fax is performed by remote control will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an F in a remote place from the image processing system.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a format sheet sent to the AX, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a FAX number list. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the second embodiment.

First, in S31, the multi-function digital copying machine 3 is called from the telephone 1 with the FAX function at a remote place.
In S32, the multi-function digital copying machine 3 makes a voice response to a call from a remote place. The voice response at this time is an inquiry as to whether to request a list of the PDL files stored in the file server function unit 8 of the multi-function digital copying machine 3, their ID numbers, and a list of FAX numbers.

In S33, the telephone 1 with the FAX function
The dial number (DTMF) is transmitted in response to the response from the multi-function digital copying machine 3.

Here, a list of PDL files and their ID numbers stored in the file server
To request a list of numbers, dial 11. To request a list of PDL files stored in the file server function unit 8 and their ID numbers, dial 01.

To request a list of FAX numbers stored in the file server function unit 8, dial "10". Also, the required PDL file and its ID number, F
If the list of AX numbers is known, dial 00.

Next, in S34, the multi-function digital copying machine 3 requests the number of the facsimile destination, so that the telephone 1 with the FAX function dials the FAX number in S35. Then, in S36, the call is disconnected from the telephone 1 with the FAX function.

Thereafter, in S37, there is an incoming call from the multi-function digital copying machine 3 to the telephone 1 with the FAX function. Then, in S38, based on the request in S33, necessary documents are sent from the multi-function digital copying machine 3 to the FAX.
The fax is transmitted to the function-equipped telephone 1.

That is, when 00 is dialed in S33, the format sheet shown in FIG. 5 is transmitted.
When 01 is dialed in S33, the format sheet shown in FIG. 5 and the file name and ID list shown in FIG. 3 are transmitted.

When the number 10 is dialed in S33, a format sheet shown in FIG. 5 and a list of FAX numbers stored in the file server function unit 8 shown in FIG. 6 are transmitted. When the dial 11 is dialed in S33, the format sheet shown in FIG.
The number list and the file name and ID list shown in FIG. 3 are transmitted.

In step S39, the telephone 1 with the FAX function fills in the format sheet shown in FIG. 5 with all necessary information (the document ID, the destination FAX number, and the FAX transmission date and time are all entered in decimal). Multifunctional digital copier 3
FAX.

In S40, the multi-function digital copier 3
Analyzes the entries on the format sheet received by fax from the telephone 1 with a fax function at a remote location, searches for a file in the file server function unit 8, and develops it into a bitmap image by the rasterizer function unit 9. And then
The data is transmitted to the designated FAX number at the designated transmission date and time.

In FIG. 5, when the destination FAX number is not entered, an image rasterized on the FAX-equipped telephone 1 is faxed as a preview.

In FIG. 5, if the transmission date and time portion is not entered, the telephone 1 with the FAX function
When the AX is received, it is rasterized immediately and a predetermined FAX
Send to destination.

Further, in FIG. 5, if the box of the transmission result portion is checked, the multi-function digital copying machine returns the fax result (OK / NG) to the telephone 1 with the fax function by fax.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, an example in which a file is transferred by remote control will be described.

FIG. 8 shows an image processing system that is remote from the image processing system.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a format sheet sent to the AX. FIG.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a list of P addresses. FIG.
0 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the third embodiment.

In S51, the multifunctional digital copying machine 3 is called from the telephone 1 with the FAX function at a remote place. S52
Then, the multi-function digital copying machine 3 makes a voice response to a call from a remote place. The voice response at this time is
This is an inquiry as to whether to request a list of PDL files stored in the file server function unit 8 of the multi-function digital copying machine 3, their ID numbers, and a list of domain names and IP addresses.

In S53, the telephone 1 with the FAX function at the remote place transmits a dial number (DTMF) in response to the response of the multi-function digital copying machine.

Here, when requesting a list of PDL files stored in the file server function unit 8 and their ID numbers, and a list of domain names and IP addresses, 11
Dial. To request a list of PDL files stored in the file server function unit 8 and their ID numbers, dial 01.

To request a list of domain names and IP addresses stored in the file server function unit 8, dial "10". If a list of necessary PDL files and their ID numbers, domain names and IP addresses is known, dial 00.

Next, in S54, the multi-function digital copying machine 3 requests the number of the facsimile transmission destination.
Dial the fax number of the telephone 1 with the AX function. Then, in S56, the call is cut off from the telephone 1 with the FAX function.

Thereafter, in S57, there is an incoming call from the multi-function digital copying machine 3 to the telephone 1 with the FAX function. Then, in S58, based on the request in S53, the necessary document is sent from the multi-function digital copying machine 3 to the FAX.
The fax is transmitted to the function-equipped telephone 1.

That is, when 00 is dialed in S53, the format sheet shown in FIG. 8 is transmitted.
When 01 is dialed in S53, the format sheet shown in FIG. 8 and the file name and ID list shown in FIG. 3 are transmitted.

When the number 10 is dialed in S53, a format sheet shown in FIG. 8 and a list of domain names and IP addresses shown in FIG. 9 are transmitted. Also, S5
When 11 is dialed in 3, the format sheet shown in FIG. 8 and the file name and ID list shown in FIG. 9 are transmitted.

In step S59, the telephone 1 with the FAX function uses the format sheet shown in FIG. 8 to fill in the necessary information (the document ID, domain name / IP address, user ID, password, and file transmission date and time in decimal or alphabetic characters). Is filled in, and the multifunction digital copier 3 is faxed.

At S60, the multi-function digital copier 3
Analyzes the entries in the format received from the telephone 1 with the FAX function, searches the file in the file server function unit 8, and transmits the file to the designated FTP server at the designated transmission date and time.

In FIG. 8, if the destination is not entered, the image rasterized on the telephone 1 with the FAX function is faxed as a preview.

In FIG. 8, if the transmission date and time portion is not set, the telephone 1 with the FAX function
Upon receiving X, the file is immediately transmitted to a predetermined FTP server.

In FIG. 8, when the box of the transmission result portion is checked, the multi-function digital copying machine 3
Sends back the file transmission result (OK / NG) to the telephone 1 with the FAX function.

In the above embodiment, the case where the file stored in the PDL format is handled in the file server function unit 8 has been described. However, the file format that can be stored in the file server function unit 8 is not limited to the PDL. However, other vector image and raster image file formats are also possible. In particular, in the case of a raster image file format, there is no need to perform rasterization at the time of printout or facsimile transmission, and the processing time can be reduced.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the multifunction digital copier 3 is remotely controlled by the telephone 1 with the FAX function has been described. You can do it.

[0057]

As described above, according to the present invention,
FA without using a computer even from a remote location
An image processing system such as a multifunctional digital copier can be controlled by a widely used communication terminal such as a telephone with an X.

As a remote control method, a menu and a method which can be performed by a control panel attached to a copying machine portion of an image processing system can be used as much as possible. Even a person can easily use it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a format sheet used in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a PDL file stored in a file server and an ID list thereof in the first embodiment.

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

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a format sheet used in a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a FAX number list in the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a format sheet used in a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a list of domain names and IP addresses of file transfer destinations in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the third embodiment.

[Description of Signs] 1 ... Telephone with FAX function, 2 ... Telephone line, 3 ... Multifunctional digital copier, 4 ... Fax function section, 5 ... Voice response function section, 6 ... Audible sound recognition function section, 7 ... Copy function 8: File server function unit, 9: Rasterizer function unit, 10: Communication function unit, 11: OCR function unit, 12: Control function unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 1/21 H04N 1/21 1/32 1/32 Z H04Q 9/00 301 H04Q 9/00 301E

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A voice response means for voice response to an incoming call from an external communication terminal, and a remote operation manual in a predetermined format in response to an audible signal sent from the external communication terminal in response to the voice response. A facsimile transmitting means for facsimile transmitting the remote operation manual to a designated external communication terminal; a receiving means for receiving the remote operation manual returned by facsimile from the external communication terminal; An image processing system comprising: processing means for judging an entry state of a predetermined entry field of a received remote operation manual and performing a predetermined process according to the judgment result. 2. Voice response means for responding to an incoming call from an external communication terminal, and processing means for executing a predetermined operation in response to an audible signal sent from the external communication terminal in response to the voice response. An image processing system comprising: 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a facsimile function, an audible signal recognition function, a file server function,
An image processing system comprising a digital copying machine having a rasterizer function and a communication function. 4. The image according to claim 3, wherein the file server function has means for storing an arbitrary data file, and means for reading, writing, and changing the stored file. Processing system. 5. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein the arbitrary file is a PDL file. 6. The image processing system according to claim 5, wherein the PDL file is generated from an arbitrary general-purpose application and a general-purpose printer driver. Things. 7. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein the rasterizer expands a data file stored in the file server into a bitmap image. 8. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein the communication function has a function of responding to an incoming call from outside and transmitting a call to the outside. 9. The audible signal recognition function according to claim 3, wherein the audible signal recognition function recognizes an audible signal transmitted following the response when the image processing system responds to a call received from outside. Image processing system. 10. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined processing by the processing means is copy, print, facsimile transmission, and file transfer. 11. An image processing system according to claim 1, wherein a result of the processing by said processing means can be received by a remote FAX. 12. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the audible signal is a DTMF signal. 13. A remote control method for an image processing system having a facsimile function, an audible signal recognition function, a file server function, a rasterizer function, and a communication function, wherein a call is made from an external communication terminal to the image processing system. A remote control method for an image processing system, wherein a predetermined audible signal is transmitted after receiving a voice response to cause the image processing system to execute predetermined processing. 14. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined audible signal causes the image processing system to perform facsimile.
The image processing system analyzes the received remote operation book by instructing a transmission operation, filling out the required items in the remote control book of a predetermined format transmitted by fax from the image processing system, and sending it back to the image processing system. A remote control method for an image processing system which performs a predetermined process. 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined processing includes copying, printing, fax transmission,
A remote control method for an image processing system, which is a file transfer. 16. The remote control method for an image processing system according to claim 13, wherein a result of the processing can be received by a facsimile machine at a remote place. 17. The remote control method for an image processing system according to claim 13, wherein the audible signal is a DTMF signal.