JP3062372B2 - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having a function of recognizing a receivable number.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional facsimile machine, when a received image is recorded and output, the presence or absence of recording paper is checked.
When the recording paper runs out, the process shifts to the memory substitute reception during the communication, and the fact is displayed.

[0003]

Conventionally, however, the capacity of the memory that can be alternately received is about several tens of originals. Therefore, for example, when the number of remaining recording papers becomes several on the day before the break, etc. Alternate reception is performed after the recording paper has run out, but if this memory also stores reception information in all areas, there is a drawback that subsequent reception is not possible.

[0004] Conventionally, even when one communication cannot be entirely recorded, only a part is recorded and information from the middle is stored in a memory, so that received information is separated.
There was the disadvantage of causing confusion.

According to the present invention, a facsimile machine capable of performing a replenishment of a recording sheet or a selection operation between a recording operation and a memory substitute reception operation in accordance with the number of remaining recording sheets, and performing an optimal receiving operation. It is intended to provide a device.

According to the present invention, in a facsimile apparatus capable of recording on a cut sheet, a sheet number recognizing means for recognizing a recordable number corresponding to each cut sheet size, and when the recordable number becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined number, and notification means for notifying,
It has a calendar function and the number of received
Counting, find the average number of pages used, and then
Estimate whether the recording paper will run out by the day
If it is determined that there is no more paper, it notifies that fact .

[0007]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

An NCU (network control unit) 2 connects to a terminal of the line in order to use the telephone network for data communication and the like.
It controls connection of a telephone exchange network, switches to a data communication path, and holds a loop. The NCU 2 connects the telephone line 2a to the telephone 4 when the signal level (signal line 52a) from the control circuit 52 is “0”, and connects the telephone line 2a when the signal level is “1”. It is connected to the facsimile machine side.
In a normal state, the telephone line 2a is connected to the telephone 4 side.

The hybrid circuit 6 separates a transmission system signal and a reception system signal, sends a transmission signal from the addition circuit 16 to the telephone line 2a via the NCU 2, and receives a signal from the other party via the NCU 2. , To the V29 demodulator 20 and the V21 demodulator 18 via the signal line 6a.

The V21 modulator 8 is a modulator that performs modulation based on the known CCITT recommendation V21, modulates a procedural signal (signal line 52b) from the control circuit 52, and sends it to the addition circuit 16 through the signal line 8a. Is what you do.

A reading circuit 10 sequentially reads image signals for one line in the main scanning direction from a transmission original, creates a signal sequence representing white and black binary values, and sends this data from a signal line 10 a to an encoding circuit 12. It is composed of an image pickup device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and an optical system.

The encoding circuit 12 receives the read data output to the signal line 10a, performs encoding (MH encoding or MR encoding), and outputs the encoded data from the signal line 12a.

A V27ter or V29 modulator 14 receives coded data from the signal line 12a and receives a known CCI signal.
The modulation based on the TT recommendation V27ter (differential phase modulation) or V29 (quadrature modulation) is performed, and this modulation data is output to the addition circuit 16 through the signal line 14a.

The addition circuit 16 is a circuit for adding the outputs of the modulators 8 and 14. The output of the adding circuit 16 is sent to the hybrid circuit 6.

The V21 demodulator 18 performs demodulation based on the well-known CCITT recommendation V21. The demodulator 18 receives the procedure signal from the hybrid circuit 6 via the signal line 6a, performs V21 demodulation, and sends the demodulated data to the control circuit 52 via the signal line 18a.

The V27ter or V29 demodulator 20 performs demodulation based on the known CCITT recommendation V27ter or V29. The demodulator 20 receives the modulated image signal from the hybrid circuit 6, performs demodulation, and sends out demodulated data to the memory circuit 22 and the decoding circuit 30 via the signal line 20a.

The memory circuit 22 stores the demodulated data output to the signal line 20a under the control of the signal line 52c from the control circuit 52, and transmits the stored data to the decoding circuit 24 from the signal line 22a. To be sent.

The decoding circuit 24 is a circuit for decoding data (MH decoding or MR decoding) from the signal line 22a, and converts the decoded data to an A4 cut paper recording circuit via the signal line 24a. 26 and a B4 cut sheet recording circuit 28.

The A4 cut sheet recording circuit 26 includes a control circuit 5
2 is a recording circuit for inputting the data output to the signal line 24a when the signal of the signal level "1" is being output to the signal line 52d, and for sequentially recording one line at a time on A4 cut paper. . The recording circuit 26 includes a signal line 52
No operation is performed when a signal of signal level “0” is output to d. Further, the recording circuit 26 stores all A
The control circuit 5 determines the total thickness of the four cut sheets from the signal line 26a.
Output to 2.

The B4 cut sheet recording circuit 28 includes a control circuit 5
2 is a recording circuit for inputting the data output to the signal line 24a when the signal of the signal level "1" is output to the signal line 52e from the signal line 52e, and sequentially recording one line at a time on B4 cut paper. . The recording circuit 28 includes a signal line 52
No operation is performed when a signal of signal level “0” is output to e. Further, this recording circuit 28 stores all B4
The control circuit 52 determines the total thickness of the cut sheet from the signal line 28a.
Output to

The decoding circuit 30 is a circuit which receives a signal output on the signal line 22a and outputs MH-decoded or MR-decoded data to the signal line 30a.

The display circuit 32 is a circuit for displaying that the recording paper is to be replenished. When a signal of the signal level "1" is output to the signal line 52f, the display circuit 32 displays that fact.
If a signal of signal level “0” is output to f, this is not displayed. The display circuit 32 includes a signal line 52g.
When a signal of signal level “1” is output to A4
It is displayed as a cut sheet, and is not displayed when the signal of the signal level "0" is output to the signal line 52g. When the signal of the signal level “1” is output to the signal line 52h, the display circuit 32 displays B4 paper, and displays the signal line 52h.
Is not displayed when the signal of the signal level "0" is being output to the CPU.

The alarm generating circuit 34 outputs an alarm when a signal of signal level "1" is output to the signal line 52i.
This is a circuit that generates a system. The alarm generating circuit 34 does not generate an alarm when a signal of signal level "0" is output to the signal line 52i.

The A4 cut paper thickness registration circuit 36 is a circuit for registering the paper thickness of the currently set A4 cut paper. When registering the currently set A4 paper thickness in the registration circuit 36, a write pulse is generated on the signal line 52j after outputting the paper thickness on the signal line 36a. On the other hand, when reading out the paper thickness registered in the registration circuit 36, when a read pulse is generated on the signal line 52k, the registered paper thickness is output to the signal line 36a.

The B4 cut paper thickness registration circuit 38 is
This is a circuit for registering the thickness of the set B4 paper.
When registering the sheet thickness of the currently set B4 cut sheet in the registration circuit 38, a write pulse is generated on the signal line 52l after outputting the sheet thickness on the signal line 38a. on the other hand,
When reading the paper thickness registered in the registration circuit 38, when a read pulse is generated on the signal line 52m, the registered paper thickness is output to the signal line 38a.

The paper thickness registration circuit 40 sets a predetermined number of cut sheets, presses a paper thickness registration button, and sets. Upon inputting the number of sheets to be recorded from the numeric keypad, the control circuit 52 determines the thickness of the recording sheet to be set from now on.
The sheet thickness registration button is registered in the circuits 36 and 38. When the paper thickness registration button 40 is pressed, the signal line 40a is pressed.
Then, a pressing pulse is generated.

In this embodiment, the numeric keypad 42 is used for designating A4 or B4 cut paper or inputting the number of sheets set. The pressed numeric key information is transmitted to the signal line 42a. Is output.

The display circuit 44 inputs and outputs information output from the control circuit 52 to the signal line 52n.

The holiday / weekday registration circuit 46 is a circuit for registering company holidays and weekdays in accordance with an annual calendar.
When registering company holidays and weekdays in the registration circuit 46, the date (for example, 920930),
Then, after outputting information on holidays or weekdays (0 on weekdays, 1 on holidays, for example, 0), a write pulse is generated on the signal line 52o. When reading information registered in the registration circuit 46, the date (for example, 92
When the read pulse is generated on the signal line 52p after the output of the signal line 0930), information as to whether or not it is a weekday corresponding to the designated date is output to the signal line 46a.

When the calendar output circuit 48 outputs the date (eg, 921001) to the signal line 52q, the calendar output circuit 48 responds to the day of the week (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat) corresponding to the date. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) are connected to the signal line 48.
output to a.

The average used number registration circuit 50 is a circuit for registering the average used number corresponding to each day of the week. When registering the average number of sheets used for each day of the week in this registration circuit 50, the day of the week (corresponding to day, month, fire, water, tree, gold, and soil, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, , 5, 6, for example, 1), the space, and the average number of sheets used (for example, 70), and then a write pulse is generated on the signal line 52r. When reading the average number of sheets used for each day of the week registered in the registration circuit 50, the signal line 50 is used.
After outputting the day of the week (for example, 1 on Monday) to a, the signal line 52
When a read pulse is generated on the signal line 50, the average number of sheets (for example, 70 sheets) registered corresponding to Monday becomes the signal line 50.
output to a.

The control circuit 52 mainly performs the following control in this embodiment. The number of printable sheets is recognized in accordance with the size of each of the cut sheets A4 and B4. When the number of cut sheets becomes less than a predetermined number, the fact is displayed on the display circuit 32, and an alarm is generated at predetermined time intervals. And notifies the operator. Here, the recording paper thickness can be registered for each cut sheet every time a new type of cut sheet is set. In response to this, the set number of cut sheets can be recognized, so that the recordable number of cut sheets can be recognized.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the control of this embodiment.

First, in S62, a signal of signal level "0" is output to the signal line 52a to turn off the CML,
At 64, the signal of the signal level "0" is output to the signal line 52d so that the A4 paper recording circuit 26 does not operate.

In S66, a signal of signal level "0" is output to the signal line 52e, and the B4 paper recording circuit 28
Does not operate, and in S70, the signal line 52
A signal having a signal level "0" is output to i so that the alarm generation circuit 34 is set not to generate an alarm.

Next, in S72, it is determined whether or not the registration of the recording paper thickness is selected. If the registration of the recording paper thickness is selected, the process proceeds to S74, where the registration of the recording paper thickness is performed. If registration has not been selected, the process proceeds to S76.

In S74, by inputting the key information of the signal line 42a, first, it is input whether A4 cut paper or B4 cut paper, and then the number of sheets set is input. Then, the total sheet thickness of the designated cut sheet is indicated by a signal line 26a.
Alternatively, the determination is made by inputting the signal line 28a, the sheet thickness per recording sheet is obtained, and registered in the registration circuit 36 or the registration circuit 38.

In S76, the total of the thickness of the A4 cut sheet on which the signal line 26a is set and the registration circuit 36
, The remaining number of A4 cut sheets is a predetermined number (for example, 70
It is determined whether the number is equal to or less than the predetermined number. If the number is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S78. If the number exceeds the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S82.

In S78, the signal lines 52f, 52g
The signal of the signal level "1" is output to indicate that the replenishment of the A4 cut paper is urged. Next, in S80, a signal of the signal level "1" is output to the signal line 52i for 10 seconds, and an alarm is generated for 10 seconds. After this, S80
, An alarm is generated once every 30 minutes for 10 seconds.

In S82, the signal lines 52f,
A signal of signal level "0" is output to 52g, and no message to prompt replenishment of A4 cut paper is displayed. Here, the signal line 52h
Is not "1", that is, indicates that B4 cut paper is replenished, the signal of signal level "0" is not output to the signal line 52f.

Next, in S84, based on the total thickness of the B4 cut paper on which the signal line 28a is set and the thickness of each B4 cut paper registered in the registration circuit 38, It is determined whether the remaining number of B4 cut sheets is equal to or less than a predetermined number (for example, 70 sheets). If the remaining number is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S86.
Go to 90.

In S86, the signal lines 52f, 52h
A signal of signal level "1" is output to indicate that the replenishment of the B4 cut paper is urged, and in S88, a signal of signal level "1" is output to the signal line 52i for 10 seconds, and the alarm is output. Occurs for seconds. Thereafter, when passing through S88, an alarm is generated once every 30 minutes for 10 seconds.

In S90, the signal lines 52f,
A signal of signal level "0" is output at 52h, and no message to prompt replenishment of B4 cut paper is displayed. Here, the signal line 52g
When the signal level of "1" is displayed, that is, the replenishment of the A4 cut sheet is displayed, the signal of the signal level "0" is not output to the signal line 52f.

Next, in S92, it is determined whether or not reception has been selected. If reception has been selected, the flow proceeds to S96. If reception has not been selected, the flow proceeds to S94. In S94, other processing is executed. I do.

In S96, a signal of signal level "1" is output to the signal line 52a, CML is turned on, and S96 is turned on.
At 98, the pre-procedure is performed. Then, in S100, the received information is stored in the memory circuit 22 via the signal line 52c,
Thereafter, in S102, a post-procedure is performed, and further in S104
, A signal of signal level “0” is output to the signal line 52a to turn off the CML.

Next, in S106, the received information is A
It is determined whether or not the size is 4 size. If the size is A4, the process proceeds to S108. If the size is B4, S1 is set.
Proceed to 14.

In S108, a signal of signal level "1" is output to the signal line 52d, and the A4 cut sheet recording circuit 2
6 is set to operate, and in S110, the received information stored in the memory circuit 22 is recorded via the signal line 52c. In S112, a signal of signal level "0" is output to the signal line 52d, and the setting is made so that the A4 cut sheet recording circuit 26 does not operate.

On the other hand, in S114, the signal line 52e
The signal of the signal level "1" is output to the B4 cut sheet recording circuit 28 so that the signal line 5 is set to operate.
The received information stored in the memory circuit 22 is recorded via 2c. Then, in S118, the signal line 52
The signal of the signal level "0" is output to e, and the setting is made so that the B4 cut sheet recording circuit 28 does not operate.

In the above-described first embodiment, the same number of sheets (for example, 70 sheets) of the A4 cut sheet and the B4 sheet is considered to indicate that the recording sheet is replenished. But, for example,
These numbers may be changed in consideration of the frequency of use and the like.
For example, 70 sheets of A4 cut paper and 30 sheets of B4 cut paper are used.

Further, in the first embodiment, it is considered that an alarm is generated for each cut sheet at intervals of 30 minutes after the notification that the recording paper is replenished. But A
If both the 4-cut paper and the B4-cut paper have notified that the recording paper has been replenished, one of S80 and S88 is used.
Only the other alarm may be generated.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the second embodiment, the calendar function
The number of received papers is counted for each day of the week to determine the average number of used papers. Next, it is estimated whether or not the recording paper will be exhausted by the day when the recording paper can be set. Until is set, this is notified at predetermined time intervals.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing portions of the control of the second embodiment different from those of the first embodiment (FIGS. 2 and 3).

In FIG. 4, S120 is the same as S in FIG.
70 is shown. Next, in S122, a communication number counter (not shown) for counting the number of communication numbers per day.
Clear Then, in S124, S72 in FIG.
Proceed to the following.

S126 is the same as S112 and S112 in FIG.
Reference numeral 128 denotes S118 in FIG. Then, after these processes, in S130, the number of received data is added to the communication number counter. Then, in S132, the process proceeds to S72 and subsequent steps in FIG.

S134 represents NO in S92 of FIG. Then, in S136,
It is determined whether it is 24:00, that is, whether or not the day has ended. If the day has ended, the process proceeds to S138 and 1
If the day has not ended, the process proceeds to S140.

In S138, the weekday / holiday registration circuit 46 determines yesterday's day of the week, and counts the total number of days for which the total number of communications is counted and the total number of communications corresponding to the yesterday's day of the week. Circuit for registering the average number of used sheets 5
0, and the average number of received sheets corresponding to the day of the week is stored.

Next, in S140, the communication number counter is cleared. Then, in S142, the number of recording sheets to be used by the day when the next recording sheet can be set is estimated. That is, the current day of the week and the current time are input from the calendar output circuit 48. And
{24:00-(current time [time in 24-hour system])} is 2
Divide by 4 hours, multiply by the average number of pages used today, and estimate the number of pages to be used today.
And

Then, the weekday / holiday registration circuit 46
Next, find the day that will be a weekday. If there is a holiday in the meantime, the sum of the average number of sheets used on the day of the holiday is calculated, and this number is set as b.

Next, a value obtained by multiplying (8: 00/24: 00) by the average number of sheets used on the day of the week on a weekday is calculated. This considers the case where the company starts at 8 o'clock. Then, this number is set to c. The number of sheets obtained by adding a, b, and c is an estimated value of the number of recording sheets to be used by the day when the next recording sheet can be set.

Next, in S144, the recording circuit 26
Alternatively, the total thickness of the A4 cut paper and the B4 cut paper is obtained from the recording circuit 28. From the paper thickness registered in the registration circuit 36 or the registration circuit 38, A
The remaining number of 4 cut sheets and B4 cut sheets is obtained.

Then, in S146, a, b, c
Is determined to be equal to or greater than the number of sheets (the smaller of the remaining number of A4 cut sheets or B4 cut sheets), and the process proceeds to S152 when affirmative, and to S148 when negative.
Proceed to.

At S148, the process at S82 is executed, and at S150, the process at S90 is executed. As a result, the display of the recording paper replenishment instruction display circuit is completely erased.

In S152, it is determined whether or not the remaining number of A4 cut sheets is smaller than that of B4 cut sheets.
If the number of 4-cut sheets is smaller, the process proceeds to S154. If the number of B4-cut sheets is smaller, the process proceeds to S156.

Step S154 represents steps S78 and S80, and instructs replenishment of A4 cut paper. Also, S15
Reference numeral 6 denotes S86 and S88, and instructs replenishment of B4 cut paper.

The control from S76 in FIG. 2 to S90 in FIG. 3 is deleted.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the third embodiment, when the information stored in the memory circuit 22 is recorded on a cut sheet after the reception is completed by using the memory circuit 22 for storing the received information for one communication, the number of received data is reduced. When the number of cut sheets larger than the set number of sheets coincides with the information size, the process is not shifted to the recording operation, and the fact is notified.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing a part of the control of the third embodiment which is different from that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 2 and 3).

First, S160 is YES in S106.
Is represented. In step S162, the information of the A4 cut sheet recording circuit 26 and the A4 cut sheet thickness registration circuit 36 is input, the remaining number of A4 cut sheets is obtained, and whether the number of received sheets is larger than the number of A4 size cut sheets is determined. Judge,
If the number is large, the process proceeds to S164. If the number is not large, the process proceeds to S108 in S170.

At S164, a message indicating that the memory has been received is displayed. Next, step S166 represents the above steps S78 and S80, and issues an instruction to prompt replenishment of A4 cut paper. Then, in S168, the process proceeds to S72 and subsequent steps.

S172 represents NO in S106. In S174, the information of the B4 cut paper recording circuit 28 and the B4 cut paper thickness registration circuit 38 is input, the remaining number of B4 cut papers is obtained,
It is determined whether the number is larger than the number of cut sheets of four sizes. If the number is larger, the process proceeds to step S176.
Proceed to 108.

At S176, a message indicating that the memory has been received is displayed. Next, step S178 represents the above steps S86 and S88, and gives an instruction to prompt replenishment of B4 cut paper. Then, in S180, the process proceeds to S72 and subsequent steps.

S184 represents NO in S74, and S186 represents NO in S72. Then, after these processes, in S188, the information of the signal lines 26a and 28a and the information of the registration circuits 36 and 38 is input, and the number of sheets received in memory for each cut sheet is equal to the number of cut sheets of the same size. It is determined whether the number is larger or not.
The process proceeds to 00, and if not, the process proceeds to S190.

At S190, the process at S82 is executed, and
In S192, the process of S90 is executed. As a result, the display of the recording paper replenishment instruction display circuit 32 is entirely erased.

In S194, it is determined whether or not the output of the memory reception information is selected. If the selection is made, the process proceeds to S196 (S106 to S118) to record the information received in the memory. Thereafter, in S198, the above S9
Proceed to 2 and later.

In S200, 1 every 30 minutes
An alarm is generated for 0 seconds, and thereafter, the flow proceeds to S198.

In the above embodiment, the alarm for 10 seconds every 30 minutes does not have to be executed since there is no operator at night.

[0079]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When the number of recordable images becomes equal to or less than the predetermined number, the fact is notified and the replenishment is encouraged, whereby the possibility of switching to the memory substitute reception during one communication can be reduced, and the received information is separated. since the probability can be reduced, Yu - that it is possible to provide an easy-to-use devices for the
Effect, and the calendar function
By estimating the number, it is possible to record
And it will exceed the memory capacity of the interception
This has the effect of preventing a swell from occurring .

Further, by registering the thickness of the recording paper and recognizing the number of recording papers corresponding to the thickness, it is possible to manage the number of recordable recording papers of any thickness. is there.

Further, the recording operation is not performed after all the reception information of one communication can be recorded, so that the reception information does not shift from the middle of one communication to the alternate reception, and the reception information is separated. It is possible to provide an apparatus which is easy for the user to use.

[0082]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 ... NCU, 4 ... telephone, 6 ... hybrid circuit, 8, 14 ... modulator, 10 ... reading circuit, 12 ... encoding circuit, 16 ... addition circuit, 18, 20 ... demodulator, 22 ... memory circuit, 24, Reference numeral 30: decoding circuit, 26, 28: recording circuit, 32, 44: display circuit, 34: alarm generation circuit, 36, 38: registration circuit, 40: paper thickness registration button, 42: numeric keypad, 46: holiday / weekday registration Circuits, 48: calendar output circuit, 50: average used number register circuit, 52: control circuit.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00 108 H04N 1/00 106

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus capable of recording on a cut sheet, a number recognizing means for recognizing a recordable number corresponding to each cut sheet size, and notifying that the recordable number becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number. Notification means and calendar
Function and counts the number of received messages for each day of the week
The average number of sheets to be used, and the next
By the time, estimate whether or not the recording paper is
A facsimile apparatus for notifying the user of the fact that the facsimile apparatus has become ineffective. 2. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the number of cut sheets of any one of the set cut sheets becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number, the fact is notified. 3. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a registration unit for registering a sheet thickness of the recording sheet, wherein said number recognizing unit recognizes the number of recording sheets in accordance with the sheet thickness. . 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a registration unit for registering a sheet thickness of the recording sheet corresponding to each type of cut sheet. 5. The storage device according to claim 1 , further comprising a storage unit for storing the reception information, wherein, when the information stored in the storage unit is recorded on a cut sheet after the reception is completed, the number of receptions is set to the reception information size. A facsimile apparatus which does not shift to the recording operation when the number of cut sheets is larger than the number of cut sheets, and notifies the user of the fact.