JPH11187189A - Facsimile equipment and computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow the computer placed at a remote place from the facsimile equipment to set a recording form of received image information by recording the received image information according to the recording form depending on setting contents to be informed with a recording form setting content notice instruction received via a network. SOLUTION: The facsimile equipment 100 conducts setting content notice instruction reception processing corresponding to a processing procedure by the computer 200. A system control section of the facsimile equipment 100 receives information by a LAN interface 10 to monitor the reception of a setting content notice instruction from the computer. Upon the receipt of the setting content notice instruction, a recording form external setting table stored in a RAM is rewritten and updated, based on the received setting content notice instruction. Thus, the computer 200 placed at a place apart from the facsimile equipment 100 sets a variety of recording forms of received image information and records information according to the set form.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus and a computer apparatus, and more particularly, to a facsimile apparatus and a computer apparatus connected to the computer apparatus via a network and capable of exchanging information with the computer apparatus via the interface. The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus and a computer apparatus which is connected to the facsimile apparatus via a network and which can exchange information with the facsimile apparatus via the interface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a facsimile apparatus which is provided with a paper feed cassette for recording paper of a fixed size such as A4, B4, A3, etc., and which is compatible with a plurality of recording papers, a recording paper having a size suitable for the size of received image information. It is already known that the received image information is recorded on paper, or that the received image information is divided and recorded on a plurality of recording sheets when there is no recording paper having a size matching the size of the received image information. As a method of division recording, there are various methods such as a technique described in JP-A-9-65025.

In a facsimile apparatus, a method of selecting a size of a recording paper for recording received image information is as follows.
A method of inputting data from a facsimile apparatus main body as in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-219296 is already known.

In the case of a printer, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
There is also a method of selecting, via a network, a printer device capable of recording output data on a recording sheet having an optimum size for the output data, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 274098 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-295768. .

[0005]

However, conventionally, in a facsimile apparatus, the setting of the recording form of the received image information, such as the size of the recording paper for recording the received image information, is performed from a place distant from the main body of the facsimile apparatus. Could not do.

For this reason, in a facsimile apparatus which is generally installed at a place away from the user's seat and is in operation, it is necessary to move to the installation place of the facsimile apparatus only for setting the recording form of the received image information. ,
There was a problem that it was troublesome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a facsimile apparatus and a computer apparatus capable of setting a recording form of received image information in a facsimile apparatus from a place remote from the facsimile apparatus. Aim.

[0008]

To achieve the above object, a facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 is connected to a computer via a network, and exchanges information with the computer via the interface. A facsimile apparatus having a configuration capable of performing the following: a recording mode external setting table; a setting content notification command receiving means for receiving a recording mode setting content notification command transmitted from the computer via the interface; and a setting content notification. A recording mode external setting unit that updates the recording mode external setting table based on the recording mode setting content notification command received by the command receiving unit, and received image information in a recording mode corresponding to the setting content of the recording mode external setting table. And an image recording means for recording on a recording paper.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect, the recording mode setting content notification instruction transmitted from the computer includes recording sheet size setting information, while the image recording is performed. The means records the received image information on a recording sheet of a size corresponding to the setting contents of the recording form external setting table.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the second aspect, the recording mode setting content notification command transmitted from the computer device includes a recording paper size adaptation command in addition to the recording paper size setting information. On the other hand, the image recording means also includes scaling information, and the image recording means performs recording paper size adaptive scaling on recording paper of a size corresponding to the setting contents of the recording form external setting table in accordance with the setting contents. Or recording received image information without performing it.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the second aspect, the recording mode setting content notification command transmitted from the computer device includes an instruction for determining whether or not arbitrary scaling can be performed in addition to the recording sheet size setting information. Information and magnification information, the image recording means arbitrarily changes the magnification on the recording paper of a size corresponding to the setting contents of the recording form external setting table according to the setting contents. The received image information is recorded with or without doubling.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect, the recording mode setting content notification command transmitted from the computer device includes information on whether double-sided recording is possible or not. Is characterized in that received image information is recorded on one side or both sides of a recording sheet in accordance with the setting contents of the recording form external setting table.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, an externally set effective destination registration table and a predetermined recording form are stored in advance. The storage mode internal setting table, the destination identification information receiving means for receiving the destination identification information notified from the transmission source device when the image information is received, and the transmission from the computer device via the interface. A destination notification command receiving unit that receives the external setting valid destination notification command, and the external setting valid destination registration table is updated based on the external setting valid destination notification command received by the destination notification command receiving unit. External setting effective destination registering means, wherein the image recording means stores the destination identification information received by the destination identification information receiving means, When registered in the external setting valid destination registration table, the received image information is recorded on recording paper in a recording form corresponding to the setting contents of the recording form external setting table, while when not registered, The received image information is recorded on recording paper in a recording form according to the setting contents of the recording form internal setting table.

A facsimile apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, wherein an externally set effective time zone registration table and a predetermined recording form are stored in advance. The stored recording form internal setting table, the time zone notification command receiving means for receiving the external setting effective time zone notification command transmitted from the computer device via the interface, and the time zone notification command receiving means External setting effective time zone registration means for updating the external setting effective time zone registration table based on the external setting effective time zone notification instruction, wherein the image recording means sets the time when the image information is received to the external setting effective time zone registration table. If the time is within the time zone registered in the setting effective time zone registration table, the recording format according to the setting contents of the recording mode external setting table is used. If the received image information is recorded on the recording paper at the time, and the time is not within the time zone, the received image information is recorded on the recording paper in a recording form according to the setting contents of the recording form internal setting table. Features.

The computer apparatus according to the present invention is connected to a facsimile apparatus via a network, and can exchange information with the facsimile apparatus via the interface. And a setting content notification command transmitting means for transmitting a recording mode setting content notification command based on the recording mode set by the recording mode setting means to the facsimile apparatus via the interface.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the computer device of the eighth aspect, a valid destination setting means and an externally set valid destination notification based on the valid destination set by the valid destination setting means are provided. And a destination notification command transmitting means for transmitting a command to the facsimile apparatus via the interface.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the computer device of the eighth aspect, an effective time zone setting means and an externally set effective time zone notification based on the effective time zone set by the effective time zone setting means. A time zone notification command transmitting means for transmitting a command to the facsimile apparatus via the interface.

[0018]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

First, FIG. 1 shows a facsimile apparatus 100 and a computer apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows a configuration of a network system including (200a, 200b). In the figure, while connected to a public network 80 to perform facsimile communication, a LAN interface 1
0, a facsimile apparatus 100 connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 70, and computer apparatuses 200a and 200b connected to the LAN 70 by the LAN interface 24, each having the same configuration.
Can transmit and receive data via the LAN 70.

It should be noted that the computer devices 200a and 200b having the same configuration (hereinafter, simply referred to as the computer device 200 unless each computer device is particularly distinguished) are L
A computer device connected to the AN 70 is shown as a representative example.
It is connected to AN70.

Each of the computer apparatuses 200 is located far from the facsimile apparatus 100, and is a user of each of the computer apparatuses 200 and the facsimile apparatus 1
Each user who is also a user of the facsimile apparatus 10 is located at the side of his / her own computer apparatus 200.
The recording mode of the received image information at 0 cannot be set as it is.

FIG. 2 shows a block configuration of the facsimile apparatus 100.

In FIG. 1, a facsimile apparatus 100
A plotter 5 including a system control unit 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a scanner 4, an image recording unit 6, a paper feeding unit 7, and a recording paper reversing unit 8, a clock circuit 9, a LAN interface 1
0, instruction analysis unit 11, image processing unit 12, page memory 1
3, an image storage unit 14, an encoding / decoding unit 15, an operation display unit 16, a modem 17, a network control unit 18, and a system bus 19.

The system control unit 1 is a microcomputer that controls each unit of the apparatus according to the control program written in the ROM 2 while using the RAM 3 as a work area. As described above, the ROM 2 is a read-only memory in which a control program for the system control unit 1 to control each unit of the device is stored. RAM3
Is a random access memory used as a work area of the system control unit 1 as described above. Note that RA
M3 is backed up by a backup circuit (not shown), and the stored contents are retained even when the power of the apparatus is cut off.

The scanner 4 has 3.85 lines / mm, 7.7
This is for obtaining image information by reading a document image at a predetermined reading line density such as book / mm and 15.4 book / mm. The plotter 5 is for recording and outputting the received image information according to the line density, and for recording and outputting (copying operation) the image information read by the scanner 4 according to the line density. The plotter 5 includes an image recording unit 6, a paper feeding unit 7, and a recording paper reversing unit 8. The image recording section 6 conveys a recording sheet and records image information on the recording sheet. The paper supply unit 7 corresponds to standard-size recording paper of A4, B4, and A3, and includes a paper supply cassette group 7a that stores recording paper of each size, and image-records recording paper of a selected size. The sheet is fed to the unit 6. When double-sided recording of image information is selected, the recording paper reversing unit 8 reverses the recording paper on which an image has been recorded on one side by the image recording unit 6 and returns the recording paper to the image recording unit 6. This is for causing the unit 6 to perform double-sided image recording.

The clock circuit 9 is for clocking the current date and time and performing a timer operation. The LAN interface 10 is for controlling data communication with another network terminal via the LAN 70, and can exchange data with a computer device 200 connected to the LAN 70 as a network terminal by the LAN interface 24. The command analysis unit 11 analyzes various commands received by the LAN interface 10 and transmitted from the computer device 200 to the own device via the LAN 7 and notifies the system control unit 1 of the contents of the analyzed commands. belongs to.

The image processing unit 12 converts the resolution of image information,
Image processing such as enlargement or reduction magnification change processing is performed. The page memory 13 is used as a work area of the image processing unit 12, and is for processing the image information to be processed for one page and processing the image information by the image processing unit 12. The image storage unit 14 temporarily stores the image information read by the scanner 5 as a file to be transmitted to the memory, or temporarily stores the received image information as a file until the image information is recorded by the plotter 6. It is for.

The encoding / decoding unit 15 converts the transmission image information into G
While encoding and compressing by a predetermined coding method such as MH coding method, MR coding method, MMR coding method, etc., which conforms to 3 facsimile, the received image information is MH coding method, MR coding method, MMR code Decoding and decompression using a predetermined decoding method corresponding to the decoding method. Although not shown, the operation display unit 16 is provided with a numeric keypad, a transmission start key, a one-touch dial key, and other various keys for designating a destination facsimile number, and a display such as a liquid crystal display device. And displays the operating state of the device to be notified to the user and various messages.

The modem 17 is a G3 facsimile modem, which modulates data to be transmitted to the public network 80 via the network control unit 11 and demodulates a communication signal received from the public network 80 via the network control unit 11. Things. Also, the modem 17 responds to the input dial number by DTMF.
It also sends out signals. The network control unit 18 is connected to the public network 80, and closes / releases a DC loop of a line, detects line polarity inversion, detects line release, detects a dial tone, and generates a tone such as a busy tone (busy). It performs connection control such as detection of a signal and detection of a call signal, and generation of a dial pulse. The system bus 19 is a signal line through which the above components exchange data.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a block configuration of a computer device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG.
Is composed of a keyboard control unit 21, an MPU 22, a mouse interface 23, a LAN interface 24, a display control unit 25, a ROM 26, a RAM 27, a hard disk device 28, and a system bus 29. A monitor 50 and a mouse device 60 as a pointing device are provided.

The keyboard control unit 21 includes a keyboard 40
The control is performed to decode the key operation input from the MPU 22 and notify the MPU 22 of the key operation. The MPU 22 is a microprocessor that controls each unit of the device. The mouse interface 23 receives the information on the moving direction and the moving amount output according to the movement from the connected mouse device 60 and the information on whether or not the button is pressed, and
2 is to be notified.

The LAN interface 24 is connected to the LAN 7
0 for controlling data communication with other network terminals via the LAN interface 10, and can also exchange data with the facsimile apparatus 100 connected to the LAN 70 as a network terminal by the LAN interface 10.

The LAN on the facsimile apparatus 100 side
Interface and LA of the computer device 200 side
The N interface may be another interface such as an RS-232C interface, an RS422 interface, a Centronics interface, and a SCSI interface as long as the interface can exchange information with each other. However, LAN
In the form of connection to the LAN 70 by an interface, transmission of various commands to be described later from the plurality of computer devices 200 to the facsimile device 100 can be realized without the facsimile device 100 having interfaces for the number of the computer devices 200. There are advantages.

The display control unit 25 generates an image signal to the display monitor 50 in accordance with an instruction from the MPU 22. The display monitor 50 visually displays an image signal from the display control unit 25. The ROM 26 is a read-only memory in which a program describing a control procedure of the MPU 22 is stored. The RAM 27 is a random access memory serving as a work area of the MPU 22. The hard disk device 28
Various data such as a program in which a control procedure of the MPU 22 is described, an operating system, and an application program are stored as files.
The system bus 29 is a signal line through which the above components exchange data.

Next, the facsimile apparatus 10 described above
0 and the processing procedure performed in the computer device 200 will be described separately for the first, second, and third embodiments.

First, a first embodiment will be described.

In the first embodiment, the computer device 20
0, the facsimile apparatus 100 stores an application program of a recording mode setting menu for setting the recording mode when the received image information is recorded on the recording paper by the plotter 5 in the hard disk device 28, and the keyboard 40 Alternatively, it can be activated via an operating system by operating the mouse device 60.

FIG. 4 shows a processing procedure in the application program of the recording mode setting menu activated in the computer 200.

In FIG. 5, when the application program for the recording mode setting menu is started, the MPU 22 first displays the facsimile recording mode setting menu shown in FIG. 5 on the display monitor 50 (processing 100).
1), setting processing according to an input operation using the keyboard 40 or a click operation using the mouse device 60 (processing 100
2) is performed until the “Send to facsimile” button B1 on the menu screen of FIG. 5 is clicked (decision 100)
No. 3 loop).

Here, the facsimile recording mode setting menu shown in FIG. 5 will be described.

In the drawing, the setting menu is roughly divided into an item K for designating the recording paper size and an item R for setting whether or not to perform double-sided recording.

In the item K of recording paper size designation, there is a round check box for setting either "not" or "yes" for designation of the recording paper size. When a selection is made by a click operation of 60, a black dot is displayed in the check box on the selected side, indicating the current selection state.
In the figure, “Yes” is selected.

If "YES" is specified for the recording size in item K, the specific recording paper size is further selected from A4, B4 or A3 in item K1. In the figure, “A4” is selected.

In the item K1, it is further possible to set either "no" or "do" for scaling. In the figure, “Yes” is selected. If "Yes" is selected in the item K2, the item K
In 3, one of “recording sheet size adaptive scaling” or “magnification scaling” is selected. In the figure, “Recording paper size adaptive scaling” is selected.

If "magnification / magnification / magnification" is selected in item K3, a specific magnification is entered in item K4. In the figure, "90"% is input.

In the item R, there are round check boxes for setting either “do not” or “do” for double-sided recording, and one of the check boxes is selected by a click operation of the mouse device 60. , A black dot is displayed in the selected check box to indicate the current selection state. In the figure, “Yes” is selected.

As described above, if the "cancel" button B2 is clicked at an arbitrary timing during which each setting in the facsimile recording mode setting menu is performed, the setting menu is closed and the setting process is interrupted. When the “Send to Facsimile” button B1 is clicked, FIG.
The determination 1003 becomes Yes, and a setting content notification instruction is sent to the facsimile machine (FAX) 100 in processing 1004.
Transmit via AN70.

The setting content notification command is based on the setting state in the facsimile recording mode setting menu shown in FIG. 5, and is used to specify whether the recording paper size is "not" or "do" and to specify the recording paper size. In the case of "Yes", the specific recording paper size to be specified and whether the scaling is "No" or "Yes", and in the case of "Yes", the "Recording paper size adaptive scaling" or " In the case of "magnification / magnification / magnification" and the "magnification / magnification / magnification", the specific magnification is included as a content, and whether "Do not" or "do" for double-sided recording is notified. Instructions included as content.

In correspondence with the processing procedure of FIG. 4 on the computer device 200 side, the facsimile device 100 side
The setting content notification command reception processing of FIG. 6 is performed.

In FIG. 6, the system control unit 1 of the facsimile apparatus 100 monitors from the computer (PC) a setting content notification command received by the LAN interface 10 and analyzed by the command analysis unit 11. (Decision 2001). Then, upon receiving the setting content notification command (Yes in decision 2001), R
The recording mode external setting table 3a shown in FIG. 7 stored in the AM 3 is rewritten and updated based on the received setting content notification command (process 2002).

Each item of the recording mode external setting table 3a in FIG. 7 corresponds to the facsimile recording mode setting menu in FIG. 5, and is composed of a "setting item" field and a "setting state" field. I have. The setting items are divided into “recording paper size designation”, “magnification”, and “double-sided recording”. In addition, the item of “zoom”
This is effective only when “Yes” is selected in the item “designation of recording paper size”.

The current setting state in the recording form external setting table 3a can be confirmed by the flag value of the "setting state" field. In the figure, "recording paper size designation" is currently set to "Yes". The specific recording paper size is set to “A4”. Further, “magnification” is set to “do”, and specifically, “recording paper size adaptive magnification” is set. "Double-sided recording" is "Yes"
Is set to

Next, a reception processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, the system control unit 1 monitors whether there is an incoming call by monitoring the state of the network control unit 18 (No loop in decision 3001), and when there is an incoming call (Yes in decision 3001). Perform facsimile reception processing based on the G3 facsimile protocol, and receive image information (processing 3002).

Then, the current setting state is checked with reference to the storage form external setting table 3a in FIG.
3) The plotter 5 is controlled to record the received image information on the recording paper in a recording form according to the setting contents (step 300).
4).

Specifically, when the setting state in the storage form external setting table 3a in FIG. 7 is "not specified (automatic)" for "designation of recording paper size", the size corresponding to the size of the received image information is set. Is selectively fed from the paper feed cassette group 7a to record the received image information.

When the "designate recording paper size" is "Yes", recording paper of a specifically set size is selectively fed from the paper feed cassette group 7a and received image information is recorded. If "Specify Recording Paper Size" is "Yes",
If the setting item of “magnification” is valid and “magnification” is “no”, the received image information is recorded on a recording paper of the set size at the same magnification. Thus, for example, even if the size of the received image information is B4, it is possible to record on A4 recording paper excluding the left and right margins of B4. In this case, the removal of the blank is performed by the image processing unit 12.

If the "magnification" is set to "Yes", and if the "recording paper size adaptive magnification" is set, the received image information is processed so that it fits on the recording paper of the set size. The image is recorded after the magnification change processing in the section 12. Specifically, for example, even if the received image information is B4, it can be reduced and recorded on A4 recording paper for filing reasons. Conversely, even if the received image information is A4, it can be enlarged and recorded on the recording paper of B4 for filing reasons.

When the "magnification" is set to "Yes" and the "magnification / magnification" is set, the received image information is processed by the image processing unit 12 at the set magnification. Then, recording is performed on recording paper of the set size.
In this case, the portion of the received image information after the scaling process that does not fit on the recording paper of the set size is removed by the image processing unit 12. More specifically, for example, even if the received image information is B4, if it is desired to record the image on A4 recording paper for filing reasons, the magnification ratio of the received image information is suppressed to about 90%, and the margin portion outside the A4 size is set. By recording after removing, the recording can be performed with the minimum reduction ratio.

If the “double-sided recording” is “ON”, the recording paper on which the received image information has been recorded on one side is reversed by the recording paper reversing section 8 and the other side is replaced with the next page. Record the received image information.

As described above, in the first embodiment, various recording modes of the received image information in the facsimile apparatus 100 can be set from the computer apparatus 200 located at a location remote from the facsimile apparatus 100, and the received image information can be set according to the setting. Information can be recorded.

Next, a second embodiment, which is a modification of the above-described first embodiment, will be described. In the second embodiment, since a new processing procedure is added to the processing procedure according to the first embodiment, only the additional processing procedure will be described below.

In the second embodiment, the computer 20
At 0, when the received image information is recorded on the recording paper by the plotter 5 on the facsimile apparatus 100 side, a destination (external setting valid destination) for which the setting contents of the recording mode external setting table of FIG. For this purpose, an application program for the external setting valid destination registration menu is stored in the hard disk device 28 and can be started via the operating system by operating the keyboard 40 or the mouse device 60.

FIG. 9 shows a processing procedure in the application program of the external setting effective destination registration menu activated in the computer device 200. In FIG. 10, when the application program of the external setting valid destination registration menu is activated, the MPU 22 first displays the external setting valid destination registration menu shown in FIG. The setting process (process 4002) according to the input operation by the user or the click operation by the mouse device 60 (process 4002) is performed until the “send to facsimile” button B1 in the menu screen of FIG. 10 is clicked (No loop of the judgment 4003).

Here, the external setting effective destination registration menu of FIG. 10 will be described.

In the figure, the registration menu is composed of a column A for inputting a valid external setting destination.

Column A is composed of a plurality of pages, one page of which is displayed at the same time, and the first page (the state shown in the figure) displays the destination name corresponding to destinations 1 to 6. There is an input field of. In the second page, there is an input field for the name of the destination corresponding to the destinations 7 to 12, and the same applies to the third and subsequent pages.

In the destination name input field corresponding to each destination, a character string of the destination name and a destination telephone number as the destination name are input by the keyboard 40.

As described above, if the "cancel" button B2 is clicked at any time during the registration in the external setting effective destination registration menu, the setting menu is closed and the registration processing is interrupted. However, when the “Send to facsimile” button B1 is clicked, FIG.
Is determined to be Yes in step 4003, and in step 4004 the external setting effective destination notification instruction is sent to the facsimile machine (FAX).
100 via the LAN 70).

The external setting effective destination notification command is shown in FIG.
This is a command based on the registration status in the external setting valid destination registration menu of 0, and includes each input recording external setting valid destination as a notification content.

In correspondence with the processing procedure of FIG. 9 on the computer device 200 side, the facsimile device 100 side
The external setting effective destination notification instruction receiving process of FIG. 11 is performed.

In FIG. 11, the facsimile apparatus 100
The system control unit 1 receives the external setting effective destination notification instruction received by the LAN interface 10 and analyzed by the instruction analysis unit 11, and outputs the instruction to the computer (P
C) is monitored (decision 5001).
Then, when the external setting effective destination notification command is received (Yes in determination 5001), FIG.
The external setting valid destination registration table 3b shown in FIG. 2 is rewritten and updated based on the received external setting valid destination notification command (process 5002).

The external setting valid destination registration table 3b of FIG. 12 corresponds to the external setting valid destination registration menu of FIG. 10, and is configured as a list of destinations for which the external setting is valid.

Next, a reception processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, the system control unit 1 monitors the state of the network control unit 18 to monitor whether there is an incoming call (No loop of the judgment 601).
01 (Yes), a facsimile reception process based on the G3 facsimile protocol is performed, and image information is received (process 602).

Then, in the pre-transmission procedure in the G3 facsimile protocol, the transmission terminal identification signal TSI,
As the information content of the non-standard function setting signal NSS and the like, the destination identification information such as the destination telephone number and destination name notified from the transmission source facsimile apparatus is compared with the externally set effective destination registration table 3b of FIG. (Step 603). Then, as a result of the collation, if the notified destination is registered in the external setting valid destination registration table 3b (Yes in decision 604), the recording form external setting table 3 in FIG.
a (step 605), and when the notified destination is not registered in the external setting valid destination registration table 3b (No in the determination 604), the recording mode internal setting table 3c in FIG. 14 is referred to. (Process 606). This allows
The current setting state of the storage mode external setting table 3a in FIG. 7 or the recording mode internal setting table 3c in FIG. 14 is confirmed. The recording mode internal setting table 3c in FIG.
Although the same setting items as those in the storage mode external setting table 3a in FIG. 7 are provided, the difference is that in the facsimile apparatus 100, the setting is internally set in advance from the operation display unit 16 or the like.

Then, the plotter 5 is controlled to record the received image information on the recording paper in a recording mode according to the setting contents (step 607).

As described above, in the second embodiment, the destination for which the storage mode external setting table 3a shown in FIG. 7 is valid can be registered from the computer 200 located at a place remote from the facsimile apparatus 100, and the registered destination can be registered. Only when the image information received from the other party is recorded on the recording paper, recording can be performed in a recording form corresponding to the setting contents of the storage form external setting table 3a in FIG. Further, it is possible for a plurality of users to specify different destinations, or to set a plurality of destinations with different settings.

Next, a third embodiment, which is a modification of the above-described first embodiment, will be described. Note that this third
In the embodiment, a new processing procedure is added to the processing procedure according to the first embodiment, and only the additional processing procedure will be described below.

In the third embodiment, when the received image information is recorded on the recording paper by the plotter 5 on the facsimile apparatus 100 side, the setting contents of the recording form external setting table of FIG. An application program of an external setting effective time zone registration menu for registering a new time zone (external setting effective time zone) is stored in the hard disk device 28, and is operated via the operating system by operating the keyboard 40 or the mouse device 60. It can be activated.

FIG. 15 shows a processing procedure in the application program of the externally set effective time zone registration menu activated in the computer device 200.

In the figure, when the application program of the externally set effective time zone registration menu is started, the MPU 22 first displays the externally set effective time zone registration menu shown in FIG. 16 on the display monitor 50 (process 701). A setting process according to an input operation by the keyboard 40 or a click operation by the mouse device 60 (processing 7
02) until the “Send to Facsimile” button B1 on the menu screen in FIG. 16 is clicked (decision 70).
No. 3 loop).

Here, the external setting effective time zone registration menu of FIG. 16 will be described.

In the figure, the registration menu is constituted by a column J for inputting an externally set effective time zone.

Column J has an input column for inputting the time zone start time and end time.

In each of these fields, the start time and the end time of the time zone are input by the keyboard 40.

As described above, if the "cancel" button B2 is clicked at any time during the registration in the externally set effective time zone registration menu, the registration menu is closed and the registration processing is interrupted. When the “Send to Facsimile” button B1 is clicked,
The determination 703 of No. 5 becomes Yes, and the external setting valid time zone notification instruction is sent to the facsimile machine (FAX) 1
00 via the LAN 70.

The external setting effective time zone notification instruction is shown in FIG.
The command is based on the registration status in the external setting effective time zone registration menu of No. 6 and includes a start time and an end time of each input recording external setting effective time zone as notification contents.

FIG. 15 on the side of the computer device 200
17, the facsimile apparatus 100 performs the externally set valid time zone notification command receiving process of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 17, facsimile apparatus 100
The system control unit 1 receives the external setting effective time zone notification instruction received by the LAN interface 10 and analyzed by the instruction analysis unit 11, and outputs the instruction to the computer (P
C) is monitored (decision 801). When the external setting valid time zone notification command is received (Yes in decision 801), the external setting valid time zone registration table 3d shown in FIG. And rewrite it (step 802).

The external setting effective time zone registration table 3d in FIG. 18 corresponds to the external setting effective time zone registration menu in FIG. 16, and is configured by a start time and an end time of a time zone in which the external setting is effective. ing.

Next, a reception processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, the system control unit 1 monitors the state of the network control unit 18 to monitor whether there is an incoming call (No loop in decision 901), and if there is an incoming call (decision 9).
01 (Yes), a facsimile reception process based on the G3 facsimile protocol is performed, and image information is received (process 902).

Then, the current time read from the clock circuit 9 is compared with the externally set effective time zone registration table 3d of FIG. 18 (process 903). Then, as a result of the comparison, the current time when the image information is received is set between the start time and the end time registered in the externally set effective time zone registration table 3d.
If it is within the valid time zone (Yes in decision 904),
Referring to the recording form external setting table 3a in FIG.
05), if it is out of the valid time zone (N in decision 904)
o), referring to the recording mode internal setting table 3c of FIG. 14 (process 906). Thus, the current setting state of the storage mode external setting table 3a of FIG. 7 or the recording mode internal setting table 3c of FIG. 14 is confirmed. Although the recording mode internal setting table 3c in FIG. 14 has the same setting items as the storage mode external setting table 3a in FIG. 7, the facsimile apparatus 100 internally stores the information in advance from the operation display unit 16 or the like. The difference is that they are set.

Then, the plotter 5 is controlled to record the received image information on the recording paper in a recording form according to the set contents (step 907).

As described above, in the third embodiment, the time zone in which the storage mode external setting table 3a shown in FIG. 7 is valid can be registered from the computer 200 located at a place away from the facsimile apparatus 100, and the registered time zone can be registered. Only when the image information received within the time zone is recorded on the recording paper, recording can be performed in a recording form according to the setting contents of the external form setting table 3a in FIG.

In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the G3 facsimile, but the ISDN
The present invention can be similarly applied to a G4 facsimile apparatus connected to and used for facsimile and a facsimile apparatus of another standard.

[0099]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the received image information is recorded in a recording mode corresponding to the setting content notified by the recording mode setting content notification instruction received from the computer device via the network. Therefore, the recording form of the received image information in the facsimile apparatus can be set from a place remote from the facsimile apparatus.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the recording form setting content notification command transmitted from the computer device includes the recording paper size setting information, while the image recording means performs the recording paper size setting Since the received image information is recorded on a recording sheet of a size corresponding to the setting contents of the recording form external setting table including the information, the size of the recording sheet for recording the received image information in the facsimile apparatus is changed to the facsimile apparatus. The effect that it becomes possible to set from a place away from is obtained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the recording mode setting content notification command transmitted from the computer device includes the recording paper size adaptive scaling information in addition to the recording paper size setting information. On the other hand, the image recording means includes a recording sheet having a size corresponding to the setting content of the recording form external setting table including the recording sheet size setting information and the recording sheet size adaptive scaling possibility information. Accordingly, the received image information is recorded with or without performing the recording paper size adaptive scaling.
In addition to the effect that the size of the recording paper for recording the received image information in the facsimile apparatus can be set from a place distant from the facsimile apparatus, the size of the recording paper within which the received image information size is set can be obtained. If it does not fit into the facsimile machine, it is possible to automatically scale the received image information and record it so that it fits within the set recording paper or not. A possible effect is obtained.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the recording mode setting content notification command transmitted from the computer device includes not only the recording paper size setting information but also information on whether or not arbitrary scaling is possible and information on the scaling ratio. On the other hand, the image recording means, on the recording paper of the size according to the setting contents of the recording form external setting table including the recording paper size setting information, the information on the possibility of scaling, and the scaling information, Depending on, perform arbitrary magnification at the set magnification,
Alternatively, since the received image information is recorded without performing, the effect that the size of the recording paper for recording the received image information in the facsimile apparatus can be set from a place remote from the facsimile apparatus can be obtained. In addition, it is possible to obtain whether or not to record the received image information at the set scaling factor or not, and to set the scaling factor from a place remote from the facsimile apparatus.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the recording mode setting content notification command transmitted from the computer device includes double-sided recording enable / disable information, while the image recording unit transmits the double-sided record availability information. According to the setting contents of the recording form external setting table including, since the received image information is recorded on one side or both sides of the recording paper, the received image information is recorded on both sides of the recording paper in the facsimile machine, Alternatively, it is possible to set whether to record on only one side from a place remote from the facsimile apparatus.

[0104] According to the invention of claim 6, the image recording means is provided when the destination identification information received by the destination identification information receiving means is registered in the externally set valid destination registration table. Records the received image information on a recording sheet in a recording form according to the setting contents of the recording form external setting table, or, if not registered, the recording form according to the setting contents of the recording form internal setting table Since the received image information is recorded on the recording paper, only the image information received from a specific destination can be recorded on the recording paper in a recording form externally set from the computer device, and the specific The effect that the setting of the destination can be performed from a place remote from the facsimile machine is obtained.

[0105] According to the invention according to claim 7, the image recording means, if the time at the time of receiving the image information is within the time zone registered in the externally set effective time zone registration table, While the received image information is recorded on the recording paper in a recording form corresponding to the setting contents of the recording form external setting table, when the received image information is not within the time zone, the received image information is received in a recording form corresponding to the setting contents of the recording form internal setting table. Since the image information is recorded on the recording paper, not only the image information received in a specific time zone can be recorded on the recording paper in a recording form externally set from the computer device, but also a specific time zone for that purpose. Can be set from a place remote from the facsimile apparatus.

According to the invention of claim 8, a setting content notification command transmission for transmitting a recording format setting content notification command based on the recording format set by the recording format setting means to the facsimile apparatus via the interface. Means, the recording form of the received image information can be set from a place remote from the facsimile apparatus with respect to the facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 as the facsimile apparatus. Is obtained.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a destination that transmits an externally set valid destination notification command based on the valid destination set by the valid destination setting means to the facsimile apparatus via the interface. Since the notification command transmitting means is provided, the facsimile apparatus as the facsimile apparatus according to claim 6, wherein only the image information received from a specific destination is externally set from the computer apparatus according to the present invention. In addition to recording on the recording paper in the form, it is possible to set a specific destination for that purpose from a place remote from the facsimile apparatus.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, a time zone for transmitting an externally set effective time zone notification command based on the effective time zone set by the effective time zone setting means to the facsimile apparatus via the interface. Since the notification command transmitting means is provided, the facsimile apparatus as the facsimile apparatus according to claim 7, wherein only the image information received in a specific time zone is externally set from the computer apparatus according to the present invention. In addition to the recording on the recording paper, it is possible to set a specific time zone for that purpose from a place remote from the facsimile machine.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network system including a facsimile apparatus and a computer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a computer device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in an application program of a recording mode setting menu activated in the computer device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a facsimile recording mode setting menu.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a setting content notification command receiving processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a recording mode external setting table.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a reception processing procedure according to the first embodiment in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in an application program of an externally set effective destination registration menu activated in the computer device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an externally set effective destination registration menu.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an externally set effective destination notification instruction receiving process in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an external part setting effective partner registration table.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a reception processing procedure according to the second embodiment in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a recording mode internal setting table.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in an application program of an externally set valid time zone registration menu started in the computer device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an external setting effective time zone registration menu.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an externally set effective time zone notification command receiving processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an external part setting effective time zone registration table.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a reception processing procedure according to the third embodiment in the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 System control part 2 ROM 3 RAM 3a Recording form external setting table 3b External setting valid destination registration table 3c Recording form internal setting table 3d External setting valid time zone registration table 4 Scanner 5 Plotter 6 Image recording part 7 Paper supply part 7a Feeding Paper cassette group 8 Recording paper inversion unit 9 Clock circuit 10 LAN interface 11 Command analysis unit 12 Image processing unit 13 Page memory 14 Image storage unit 15 Encoding / decoding unit 16 Operation display unit 17 Modem 18 Network control unit 19 System bus 21 Keyboard Control unit 22 MPU 23 Mouse interface 24 LAN interface 25 Display control unit 26 ROM 27 RAM 28 Hard disk device 29 System bus 40 Keyboard 50 Display monitor 50a Display screen 60 Mouse device 70 LAN 80 public network 100 facsimile device 200a, 200b computer device

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus connected to a computer device via a network and capable of exchanging information with the computer device via the interface, comprising: a recording mode external setting table; A setting content notification command receiving means for receiving a recording format setting content notification command transmitted from the computer device, and the recording format setting content notification command received by the setting content notification command receiving means. A facsimile apparatus comprising: a recording mode external setting unit for updating a setting table; and an image recording unit for recording received image information on a recording sheet in a recording mode according to the setting contents of the recording mode external setting table. . 2. The recording mode setting content notification command transmitted from the computer device includes recording sheet size setting information, while the image recording unit sets a size corresponding to the setting content of the recording mode external setting table. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the received image information is recorded on a recording sheet. 3. The recording mode setting content notification command transmitted from the computer device includes, in addition to the recording sheet size setting information, recording sheet size adaptive scaling enable / disable information. The received image information is recorded on recording paper of a size corresponding to the setting contents of the recording form external setting table, with or without performing the recording paper size adaptive scaling according to the setting contents. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: 4. The recording mode setting content notification command transmitted from the computer device includes, in addition to the recording sheet size setting information, information on whether or not arbitrary scaling is possible and information on the scaling ratio. The received image information is recorded on recording paper of a size corresponding to the setting contents of the recording form external setting table, with or without performing any scaling at a set scaling ratio according to the setting contents. 3. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein 5. The recording mode setting content notification command transmitted from the computer device includes double-sided recording enable / disable information, and the image recording unit performs recording in accordance with the setting content of the recording mode external setting table. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein received image information is recorded on one side or both sides of paper. 6. An external setting valid destination registration table, a recording mode internal setting table storing a predetermined recording mode in advance, and a destination receiving the destination identification information notified from the transmission source device when receiving the image information. Destination identification information receiving means, destination notification instruction receiving means for receiving an external setting valid destination notification command transmitted from the computer device via the interface, and external setting received by the destination notification instruction receiving means External setting valid destination registering means for updating the external setting valid destination registration table based on the valid destination notification command, wherein the image recording means includes a destination received by the destination identification information receiving means. When the identification information is registered in the external setting valid destination registration table, the recording format according to the setting contents of the recording mode external setting table is used. While the received image information is recorded on the recording paper in the state, if it is not registered, the received image information is recorded on the recording paper in a recording form according to the setting contents of the recording form internal setting table. A facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. 7. An external setting valid time zone registration table, a recording mode internal setting table storing a predetermined recording mode in advance, and an external setting valid time zone notification command transmitted from the computer device through the interface. A time zone notification command receiving means for receiving, and an external setting valid time zone registration means for updating the external setting valid time zone registration table based on the external setting valid time zone notification command received by the time zone notification command receiving means. The image recording means may further include, when the time at the time of receiving the image information is within the time zone registered in the external setting effective time zone registration table, the setting content of the recording mode external setting table. While the received image information is recorded on the recording paper in a recording mode corresponding to the recording mode, if the received image information is not within the time zone, the recording mode according to the setting contents of the recording mode internal setting table is used. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the received image information is recorded on recording paper in a recording mode.
The facsimile apparatus according to any one of items 4 and 5. 8. A computer apparatus connected to a facsimile apparatus via a network and capable of exchanging information with the facsimile apparatus via the interface, comprising: a recording mode setting unit; And a setting content notification command transmitting means for transmitting a recording format setting content notification command based on the printing format set by the facsimile apparatus via the interface to the facsimile apparatus. 9. An effective destination setting means, and a destination notification for transmitting an externally set effective destination notification command based on the effective destination set by the effective destination setting means to the facsimile apparatus via the interface. 9. The computer device according to claim 8, further comprising: a command transmission unit. 10. A valid time zone setting means, and a time zone notification for transmitting an externally set valid time zone notification command based on the valid time zone set by the valid time zone setting means to the facsimile apparatus via the interface. 9. The computer device according to claim 8, further comprising: a command transmission unit.