JPH11341247A - Facsimile equipment and picture data transmission system consisting of the same and of data terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable picture data to be directly transmitted from facsimile equipment to another data terminal on a network to which this data terminal is connected by way of the data terminal. SOLUTION: Even when a communication mode is set by a communication mode setting switch 52, it is made possible at an operation part 5 to accept transmission destination information (an ID number) of a data terminal 15 other than a personal computer 14 on a LAN 16. After the transmission destination information is accepted and document data are read by a picture reading part 2, there document data and the transmission destination information are transmitted to the personal computer 14 by way of an interface part 9. In the personal computer 14, the document data are transferred to the data terminal 15 corresponding to the transmission destination information by way of the LAN 16. By enabling the transmission destination information together with the document data to be transmitted to the personal computer 14, the document data are easily transmitted to the data terminal 5 on the LAN 16.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data terminal device such as a computer which is externally connected so as to be able to communicate, and in a communication mode (mode for communicating with the data terminal device), the image data read by the image reading section is transferred to the data terminal. The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus for transmitting data to an apparatus and an image data transmission system including the facsimile apparatus and a data terminal apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a facsimile apparatus having an RS-232C interface through which a data terminal device such as a computer can be communicably connected via the interface.

In such a facsimile apparatus, in addition to facsimile communication processing and copy processing performed independently by the apparatus main body,
A predetermined process (hereinafter, this process is referred to as a PC communication process) can be performed by communication with an externally connected data terminal device. The PC communication process is normally enabled when a mode for performing the PC communication process (hereinafter, this mode is referred to as a communication mode) is set, and the setting / cancellation of the communication mode is performed by facsimile. The setting is performed by a predetermined mode setting switch provided on the operation panel of the apparatus.

When the communication mode is set, the facsimile apparatus exhibits its own functions (functions such as facsimile communication function and image forming function (copy function and image reading function (scanner function)) with the data terminal apparatus. However, when viewed from the data terminal device side, it operates as a peripheral device supporting the data terminal device.For example, in the communication mode, when the scanner function of the facsimile device is used, the document is placed on the document table. Thereafter, when a document reading instruction is given (for example, when a start key is operated), the document is automatically fed to the image reading unit, and the image data of the document read by the image reading unit is transmitted to an externally connected data terminal device. Is done.

[0005]

In recent years, data terminal apparatuses are often connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and original data transmitted from a facsimile apparatus to the data terminal apparatus is often used. The data is often transferred to other data terminals and servers via the data terminal and the LAN. From the viewpoint of the facsimile apparatus, this means not only transmission of image data to another facsimile apparatus or data terminal apparatus using a conventional telephone line, but also the data terminal apparatus connected to the facsimile apparatus and the data terminal apparatus. This enables transmission of image data to another data terminal device, server, facsimile device, or the like using a network connected to the device.

However, in the PC communication processing in the conventional facsimile apparatus, the original data read by the image reading unit is not transmitted to the externally connected data terminal apparatus by designating the transmission destination, so that other data terminal apparatuses or In order to transmit the data from the server or the like, the data terminal device must input the transmission destination again and perform the transmission processing of the original data.

That is, the processing procedure in the communication mode of the conventional facsimile apparatus is not provided with the idea that image data is directly transmitted to the designated data terminal apparatus as in normal facsimile communication. It is provided to transmit manuscript data only to the data terminal device based on the idea of a peripheral device under the control of the externally connected data terminal device.

On the other hand, the data terminal device connected to the facsimile device also has only PC communication processing software for receiving only the image data from the facsimile device, and the destination information and the image data are transmitted from the facsimile device. Even if it is performed, it is necessary to perform a process of transmitting the image data again to the data terminal device corresponding to the information of the transmission destination on the network.

Therefore, while the facsimile apparatus has a configuration capable of transmitting manuscript data to an arbitrary data terminal apparatus or the like on a network such as a LAN via an externally connected data terminal apparatus, the facsimile apparatus can effectively use the network. Therefore, there is a disadvantage that image data cannot be transmitted in the same manner as in normal facsimile communication.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and uses an externally connected data terminal device and a network to which the data terminal device is connected, and directly transmits an image to a data terminal device on the network. A facsimile apparatus capable of transmitting data and an image data transmission system including the facsimile apparatus and a data terminal apparatus.

[0011]

According to the present invention, when a data terminal device is communicably connected and a communication mode is set by a communication mode setting means, image data read by an image reading section is transmitted to the data terminal. In a facsimile apparatus to be transmitted to an apparatus, input means for inputting information of a destination to which the image data is to be transmitted, and when the image data read by the image reading unit is transmitted to the data terminal apparatus, the input means Transmission destination information transmitting means for transmitting the information of the transmission destination inputted in the step (b) to the data terminal device (claim 1).

[0012] According to the above configuration, in a state where the communication mode is set, when information of a transmission destination such as an ID (identification) number is input from the input means, and an instruction to read a document is issued, the image reading section is operated. The document is read, and the read data (document data) and information on the destination are transmitted to the data terminal device. Accordingly, when the data terminal device is connected to a network such as a LAN, the received document data is transferred to the designated data terminal device via the network based on the information of the transmission destination, so that the facsimile device is equivalently provided. Can directly transmit document data to a data terminal device on a network.

Further, in the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus, the communication protocol with the data terminal apparatus is ITU
-T Recommendation T. 30 communication protocols,
The transmission destination information transmitting means is provided in the ITU-T Recommendation T. The transmission destination information is transmitted to the data terminal device using the SUB signal in the communication protocol of No. 30 (claim 2).

According to the above configuration, the facsimile apparatus has the I
TU-T (International Telecommunication Union-Te
lecommunication) Recommendation T. It communicates with the data terminal device according to the 30 communication protocols. The facsimile apparatus receives a DIS (Digital Identificatio) from the data terminal apparatus.
n signal) (digital identification signal), the SUB (Su) containing the destination information input from the input means.
The transmission destination information is transmitted to the data terminal device by transmitting a (baddress) signal (sub-address signal) to the data terminal device.

Further, the present invention is an image data transmission system comprising the facsimile apparatus and a data terminal apparatus connected to the facsimile apparatus and connected to a network, wherein the data terminal apparatus includes the facsimile apparatus. And receiving image information of the destination and the image data from the terminal, and transfers the image data to a data terminal device corresponding to the information of the destination on the network. .

According to the above configuration, in the facsimile apparatus, when the communication mode is set, the I
When the reading of the document is instructed after the information of the destination such as the D number is input, the document is read by the image reading unit, and the read data (document data) and the information of the destination are transmitted to the data terminal device. Is done. On the other hand, in the data terminal device, when receiving the destination information and the image data from the facsimile device, the image data is transferred to the data terminal device corresponding to the destination information via a network such as a LAN. As a result, the image data from the facsimile device is directly transmitted to the designated data terminal device on the network.

[0017]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image data transmission system comprising a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention and a personal computer connected to the facsimile apparatus.

In the facsimile apparatus 1, a personal computer 14 (hereinafter, abbreviated as a personal computer 14) is externally connectable, and performs a predetermined process by communicating with the connected personal computer 14 in addition to a normal facsimile function. It has a communication function. This communication function is provided by the PC 14
When the communication mode is set, the facsimile apparatus 1 sends the personal computer 14 a peripheral device such as a scanner, a printer, and a modem. Function as That is, when the communication mode is set,
The facsimile apparatus 1 outputs image data transmitted from the personal computer 14 to a recording sheet in accordance with a command from the personal computer 14 (printer function), or another facsimile apparatus 13 (hereinafter abbreviated as FAX 13) via the telephone line 12. .) (Modem function).

When the communication mode is set, image data (hereinafter referred to as "document data") of the document read by the image reading section of the facsimile machine 1 is transmitted to the externally connected personal computer 14, and is transmitted to the facsimile. The device 1 functions as a scanner for the personal computer 14. As will be described later, the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, even in the communication mode as in the normal facsimile function, transmits destination information of original data (other data on the LAN 16 to which the personal computer 14 is connected). It is possible to input destination information to the terminal device 15, and the destination information is transmitted to the personal computer 14 together with the document data. On the other hand, the personal computer 14 has a function of transferring the received document data to the data terminal device 15 corresponding to the destination information on the LAN 16.
Therefore, in the image data system according to the present embodiment,
Original data can be directly transmitted from the facsimile device 1 to the data terminal device 15 of the transmission destination via the personal computer 14 as well as the externally connected personal computer 14.

As shown in FIG. 1, a facsimile machine 1
Are image reading unit 2, image recording unit 3, image memory 4, operation unit 5, display unit 6, ROM (Read Only Memory) 7, RA
An M (Random Access Memory) 8, an interface unit 9, a communication processing unit 10, and a control unit 11 are provided.

The image reading section 2 reads a document to be transmitted to another FAX 13 or a personal computer 14 connected to the outside. The image reading unit 2 includes an automatic document feeding unit that automatically feeds a set document, a charge coupled device (CCD).
e) It has an imaging unit and an image processing unit consisting of a line image sensor, automatically feeds the original so that the imaging unit relatively scans the original surface, converts the original into image signals for each line, and captures it. The image signal is subjected to predetermined signal processing (level correction, γ correction, A / D conversion, etc.) and sequentially output to the control unit 11.

The image recording section 3 records, on paper, original data read by the image reading section 2 and image data transmitted from another FAX 13 or an externally connected personal computer 14 (hereinafter referred to as received image data). Things. The image recording unit 3 includes, for example, a laser printer, irradiates a laser beam modulated with image data to a photoreceptor to form a latent image of an image composed of the image data, and applies toner to the latent image electrostatically. Then, the visualized image is transferred to paper to form an image.

The image memory 4 is a memory for storing document data and received image data, and is a large-capacity memory capable of storing, for example, approximately 100 A4 size standard documents.

The operation unit 5 performs various input operations (transmission information of image data (F (F)) for performing transmission processing of the original data by the facsimile machine 1 and communication processing with the personal computer 14.
AXNo. Etc.), an instruction to start / stop facsimile transmission, a one-touch key or a shortcut No. Registration and setting of various modes and conditions such as a communication mode). The operation unit 5 includes various key switches such as a numeric keypad and a one-touch key, and includes a start key 51 for instructing a start of a process such as a facsimile transmission process and a communication mode setting switch 52 for setting a communication mode. .

The communication mode setting switch 52 comprises a push switch. Each time the switch is pressed, the communication mode is set and released alternately. Whether or not the communication mode is set is displayed on the display unit 6. In the communication mode, as described above, the facsimile machine 1 functions as a scanner for the personal computer 14, and the original data read by the facsimile machine 1 is transmitted to the personal computer 14, but the original data is transmitted to the personal computer 14. In this case, the information of the transmission destination can be input from the operation unit 5.

The information of the transmission destination is, for example, an identification number (ID number) assigned to the data terminal device 15.
It is input by the ten keys of the operation unit 5. In addition, the information of the transmission destination can be registered in advance with a one-touch key or registered with an abbreviated number. In place of the identification number, for example, an e-mail address number or TCP / IP (Transmis
A network address number (IP address number) unique to the computer in the sion control protocol / internet protocol) may be input as the destination information.

The display unit 6 is a liquid crystal display (LCD).
play) and an LED (Light Emitted Diode), and various information such as a line connection state, a transmission state, a communication state with the personal computer 14, and information on a destination of document data (ID number or FAX No.) are represented by character information. In addition to the LCD display, the presence / absence of a communication error, the setting mode (including the communication mode), the received image quality, the necessity of memory reception and the necessity of maintenance, and the like are displayed by LEDs.

The ROM 7 stores a processing procedure for transmitting and receiving image data by the facsimile apparatus 1, a communication program for performing communication processing with the personal computer 14, and various processing data (for example, a light source of the image reading unit 2). The RAM 8 is a memory in which data relating to driving conditions such as the amount of light emission and the development density of the image recording unit 3 and data relating to messages such as warnings and operation procedures are recorded. Memory.

The interface unit 9 is for externally connecting the personal computer 14 to the facsimile machine 1, and is composed of, for example, an RS-232C interface. Note that the interface unit 9 is not limited to the RS-232C standard interface as long as the personal computer 14 can be communicably connected. For example, a parallel interface may be used.

The communication processing unit 10 performs a process of transmitting and receiving image data by facsimile. Communication processing unit 1
0 has an encoding / decoding unit 101, a modulation / demodulation unit 102, and a network control unit 103. Encoding / decoding unit 101
Performs compression and encoding of data (image data) to be transmitted by facsimile, and decompresses and decodes data (image data) received by facsimile. The modulation / demodulation unit 102 modulates the compressed / encoded image data into an audio signal and demodulates a facsimile-received signal (audio signal) into image data. The network control unit 103 is a network control unit (NCU).
This corresponds to t), and controls connection of the telephone line with the FAX 13 as the transmission / reception partner.

The control section 11 is composed of a microcomputer and controls the operation of each member of the image reading section 2 to the communication processing section 10 to centrally control each function of the facsimile apparatus 1, such as a facsimile function, a copying function and a scanner function. Is what you do. Further, when the communication mode is set, the control unit 11 transmits the ITU-T Recommendation T. A predetermined communication is performed with the personal computer 14 according to the 30 communication protocols to transmit and receive image data. The personal computer 14 is connected to a LAN 16, and other data terminal devices 1 are connected via the LAN 16.
5 can be communicated with.

On the other hand, the personal computer 14 is connected to the LAN 16 and can perform data communication with the data terminal device 15 on the LAN 16. The personal computer 14 has a function of transferring the original data transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 1 with the information of the destination added thereto to the data terminal device 15 corresponding to the information of the destination on the LAN 16 and achieves this function. And a document data transfer unit 141 for the user.
When document data transfer section 141 receives document data from facsimile machine 1 together with destination information (ID number), it converts the ID number into a destination address,
16 and the data terminal device 1 corresponding to this address.
5 and the original data is transferred.

Next, a description will be given of transmission processing of original data in the communication mode of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention with reference to FIG.
And the communication procedure of FIG.

FIG. 2 shows that in the communication mode, the original data is transmitted to the personal computer 14 or the LAN 1 through the personal computer 14.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission process when transmitting to another data terminal device 15 on the sixth embodiment. The process according to this flowchart is executed when the communication mode is set by the communication mode setting switch 52.

In the communication mode, when the operator places a document on a document table (not shown) of the facsimile machine 1 and operates the start key 51 (YES in step S1),
It is determined by a document sensor (not shown) whether a document is set on the document table (step S2), and it is determined that there is no document because the document is not placed or the document is not placed normally. (N at step S2)
O), a predetermined error process such as displaying a message indicating that there is no original on the display unit 6 is performed (step S3).

If the original is placed on the original placing table (YES in switch S2), the original is sequentially fed to the image reading section 2 to capture the image data of the original, and the image data is stored in the image memory 4. (Step S4). When the reading of the document data is completed, a RING signal (call signal) is sent from the control unit 11 to the personal computer 14, and the transmission of the document data to the personal computer 14 is started according to the communication procedure shown in FIG. 3 (step S5).

Subsequently, a DIS signal (digital identification signal) is transmitted from the personal computer 14 in response to the RING signal,
When this DIS signal is received (step S6), this D signal
Based on the IS signal, it is determined whether or not the personal computer 14 can process the SUB signal (sub address signal) (step S7). Further, it is determined whether or not predetermined transmission destination information (for example, an ID number) has been input by the operator (step S8). The facsimile machine 1
Is in a document data transmission standby state regardless of whether the communication mode is set, and transmission destination information can be input. Therefore, the operator can input the destination information at any time before the start key 51 is operated. When the transmission destination information is input by the operator, if the communication mode is released, the transmission destination information is transmitted to the FAX No. of the FAX 13 of the transmission destination. When the communication mode is set, the ID is accepted as the ID number of the data terminal device 15 of the transmission destination.

The personal computer 14 can respond to the SUB signal.
If the ID number of the destination has been input (YES in steps S7 and S8), a SUB signal containing the ID number of the destination is transmitted from the control unit 11 to the personal computer 14 (step S9). Transmission processing of the original data to the personal computer 14 is performed (step S10). That is, SU
Following the B signal, a DCS (Digital command signal) signal (digital command signal) and a TCF (Training check) signal (training check signal) are transmitted in this order, and in response to this, the CFR (Conf) transmitted from the personal computer 14 is transmitted.
When an irmation to recieve (reception preparation signal) signal is received, the original data is read out from the image memory 4 and a FAX MSG (Facsimile mass) containing the original data as contents.
sage) signal (fax message signal)
4 (see the transmission procedure in FIG. 3). When all the manuscript data has been transmitted, the EOP
When an (End of procedure) signal (procedure end signal) is transmitted and an MCF (Message confirmation) signal (message confirmation signal) transmitted in response to the EOP signal is received from the personal computer 14, the DCN is further transmitted to the personal computer 14.
A (Disconnect) signal (disconnect command signal) is transmitted, and the communication process ends.

On the other hand, if the personal computer 14 cannot respond to the SUB signal (NO in step S7), or if the ID number of the transmission destination is not input (N in step S8)
O), the processing of step S9 (transmission of the SUB signal) is skipped, and the transmission processing of only the document data is performed in step S10.

In the above-described processing procedure, the case where the original data is transmitted to the memory has been described.
4 may be transmitted. In this case, in the flowchart of FIG. 2, step S4 is deleted, and in step S10, the process of transmitting the document data to the personal computer 14 is performed while the document data is read by the image reading unit 2.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process of transferring original data from the facsimile machine 1 in the personal computer 14. This flowchart is processed by the personal computer 14 when original data from the facsimile machine 1 is received.

When the communication with the facsimile apparatus 1 is completed, the personal computer 14 determines whether or not the information (ID number) of the destination is received by the SUB signal (step S11), and the ID number of the destination is received. If it has been performed (YES in step S11), it is further determined whether or not the ID number is appropriate information (step S12).
That is, it is determined whether or not the ID number is registered in advance, and if the ID number is registered (that is, the ID number can be converted to an address such as an e-mail address or an IP address of a transmission destination) (in step S12). YES), and the received document data is transferred to the I
The data is transferred to the data terminal device 15 corresponding to the D number (step S13). For example, if an e-mail address is registered corresponding to the ID number, the original data is transmitted to the mailbox of the e-mail address using the e-mail function. If an IP address is registered corresponding to the ID number, the document data is transferred to the data terminal device 15 having the IP address. On the other hand, destination ID
If no ID number has been received or the received ID number is not registered (steps S11, S12
NO), the document data transfer process cannot be performed, and the process ends.

As described above, even in the communication mode, it is possible to input information on the transmission destination of the original data read by the facsimile apparatus 1 from the operation unit 5, and in the communication mode,
When the operation of reading the original data is instructed after the input of the destination information, the destination information and the original data are transmitted to the personal computer 14 while the original data is transmitted to the personal computer 1.
4, the data is transferred to the data terminal device 15 corresponding to the information of the transmission destination via the network such as the LAN 16, so that the desired data can be directly transmitted from the facsimile device 1 directly to the facsimile device 1 without the need for the personal computer 14 to transmit the original data again. Original data can be transmitted to the transmission destination.

In the above embodiment, the communication protocol between the facsimile machine 1 and the personal computer 14 is ITU-T.
Recommendation T. 30 according to the Recommendation T.30. Although the information of the transmission destination was transmitted to the personal computer 14 using the SUB signal in the 30 communication protocol,
In the case where another communication protocol is adopted, the same effect can be obtained by transmitting the destination information together with the document data according to the communication protocol.

[0045]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When the data terminal device is communicably connected and the communication mode is set by the communication mode setting means, the image data read by the image reading unit is transmitted to the facsimile device which is transmitted to the data terminal device. Since the destination information to be input can be input, and when the image data is transmitted to the data terminal device in the communication mode, the destination information is transmitted to the data terminal device.
In the data terminal device connected to the facsimile device, the received image data is transferred based on the received destination information, so that the facsimile device can transmit the received image data from the facsimile device without performing the image data distribution process again. It is possible to transmit image data to a data terminal device other than the data terminal device connected to the terminal.

An image data transmission system comprising a facsimile apparatus and a data terminal apparatus connected to the facsimile apparatus and connected to a network, wherein the facsimile apparatus has a transmission destination to which image data is to be transmitted. While allowing information to be input, the information of the destination can be transmitted to the data terminal device when the image data is transmitted to the data terminal device in the communication mode,
In the data terminal device, when receiving the destination information and the image data from the facsimile device, the image data is transferred to the data terminal device corresponding to the destination information on the network, so that the data terminal device is connected to the facsimile device. The image data can be easily transmitted directly from the facsimile device to the data terminal device on the network without performing the image data distribution process in the data terminal device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image data transmission system including a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention and a personal computer connected to the facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a document data transmission process in a communication mode.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a procedure for transmitting manuscript data in a communication mode.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process of transferring document data from a facsimile apparatus in a personal computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 facsimile device 2 image reading unit 3 image recording unit 4 image memory 5 operation unit (input means) 51 start key 52 communication mode setting switch (communication mode setting means) 6 display unit 7 ROM 8 RAM 9 interface unit 10 control unit (transmission) Destination information transmitting unit) 11 communication processing unit 12 telephone line 13 destination facsimile machine 14 personal computer 141 original data transfer unit (image data transfer unit) 15 data terminal device 16 LAN

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masato Fujii 1-2-2, Tamazo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City Mita Corporation

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A data terminal device is communicably connected,
When the communication mode is set by the communication mode setting unit, information of a transmission destination to which the image data is to be transmitted is input in a facsimile apparatus in which image data read by the image reading unit is transmitted to the data terminal device. Input means, and destination information transmitting means for transmitting, when the image data read by the image reading unit is transmitted to the data terminal apparatus, information on the destination input by the input means to the data terminal apparatus; A facsimile machine comprising: 2. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication protocol with the data terminal apparatus is ITU-T.
Recommendation T. 30 according to the communication protocol of ITU-T Recommendation T.30. A facsimile apparatus for transmitting destination information to a data terminal device using a SUB signal in a communication protocol of No. 30. 3. An image data transmission system comprising the facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 and a data terminal apparatus connected to the facsimile apparatus and connected to a network, wherein the data terminal apparatus comprises: A facsimile device comprising: an image data transfer unit that, when receiving the destination information and the image data from the facsimile device, transfers the image data to a data terminal device corresponding to the destination information on the network. An image data transmission system comprising a device and a data terminal device.