JP3417890B2 - 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 machine, and more particularly to a facsimile machine which does not record an all-white line at the final stage of a received image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a received image is recorded on a recording paper in a facsimile machine, the length of one page of the received image in the sub-scanning direction and the length of the recording paper set in the facsimile machine in the sub-scanning direction are measured. In comparison, if the length of the received image is longer than the length of the recording paper, the technique of dividing and recording the received image of one page on two recording papers or reducing the recording on one recording paper is not available. Proposed. For example, JP-A-61-1
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 242168, when the length of the received image in the sub-scanning direction is longer than the length of the recording paper, reduction recording is performed at a reduction ratio corresponding to the length of the received image and the length of the recording paper. There has been proposed a facsimile apparatus configured to record a received image in a divided manner when the length is longer than a predetermined value.

Among such facsimile machines, one is
If the received image information of the line is all white pixels (hereinafter,
This is called an all-white line.) In order to save the consumption of recording paper and ribbon, it is possible to omit recording of all-white lines, and the length of the receiving pixel in the sub-scanning direction is shorter than the length of the recording paper. In some cases, when the excess exceeding the length of the recording paper is all white lines, the excess is excluded from the recording target. Further, some facsimile machines have been put to practical use, which are configured to record on cut recording paper by using a ribbon having a width substantially the same as that of the recording paper.

[0004]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, CCI
TT Recommendation T. According to No. 4, it is necessary to read only 216 mm (1728 pixels) per line as the reading width of the received image reading means, and the area that can be used as image information is 205 mm at the minimum. By the way, CC
ITT Recommendation T. Since the reproducible area to be guaranteed defined by the appendix of No. 4 is only 196.6 mm in the main scanning direction, there is a received image that cannot be actually recorded even if it is received as image information.

Therefore, the length of the received image in the sub-scanning direction is longer than the length of the recording paper in the sub-scanning direction, and in the region where the length of the received image exceeds the reproducible region in the main scanning direction, there is a line in which image information exists. If so, the line cannot be discriminated as an all-white line even though there is no image information actually recorded. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, unnecessary reduction of the received image information is performed. Alternatively, there are problems that the characters are divided and recorded, and the characters become small, or the recording paper without the image information is divided and output. In particular, in a facsimile machine of a type that records with an ink ribbon having almost the same width as the recording paper, the ink ribbon is consumed even when the recording paper without image information is output. Will increase.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and when there is a line in which image information exists only outside the effective recording range in the main scanning direction, it is determined to be a white line. Therefore, when the information amount of the received image information of one page is larger than a predetermined value, if all the excess lines exceeding the predetermined value are white lines, the process of omitting the excess recording is more effectively performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile machine capable of performing the above.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a facsimile apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a facsimile apparatus having recording means for recording received image information on recording paper line by line. Extraction means for extracting pixels in the effective recording range that are actually used for recording in the main scanning direction of the recording means from the received image information for one line,
Black pixels are extracted from the pixels extracted by the extraction means.
An identifying means for identifying whether or not there is the
If there is no pixel that is identified as a black line pixel, the line is determined as a white line, and the length of one page of the received image information in the sub-scanning direction is set to a first preset value. The length of the one page in the sub-scanning direction is determined by the comparison means for comparing with a predetermined value and the comparison result of the comparison means.
When it is longer than a predetermined value, the first of the received image information
When all the lines of the portion exceeding the predetermined value are determined to be white lines by the white line determining means, control means for controlling not to record the received image information of the excess portion is provided. ing.

[0008] According to this configuration, the received image information for one line, the extraction means extracts the pixels in the effective recording range, its
Is the identification means a black pixel for the extracted pixel of
Whether or not the white line is determined by the identification means.
If there is no pixel identified as a black pixel, the line is determined as a white line. The comparison means compares the length of one page in the sub-scanning direction with a preset first predetermined value, and
When the length of the page in the sub-scanning direction is longer than the first predetermined value, each line of the excess portion of the received image information that exceeds the first predetermined value is determined to be a white line by the white line determination means. In this case, the control means controls so as not to execute the recording of the received image information of the excess portion.
The unnecessary received image information line that was the target of recording without being determined as a white line due to the pixels existing outside the effective recording range is determined as a white line, and based on this, the received image information of one page is When all the excess lines exceeding the first predetermined value are white lines when the information amount is larger than the first predetermined value, the process of omitting the recording of the excess can be performed more effectively.

Further, in the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, the comparing means sets the length of one page of the received image information in the sub-scanning direction to be longer than the first predetermined value and the first predetermined value. After comparing with a second predetermined value, the control means receives the comparison result of the comparison means, and the length of the one page in the sub-scanning direction is
When the length is longer than the first predetermined value and shorter than the second predetermined value, each line of the portion of the received image information that exceeds the first predetermined value is determined to be a white line by the white line determination means. In the case of the above, the control is performed so that the recording of the received image information of the excess portion is not executed.

According to this structure, when the length of one page in the sub-scanning direction is longer than the first predetermined value and shorter than the second predetermined value, the first predetermined value of the received image information is exceeded. When all the white lines are judged by the white line judgment means, the control means controls so as not to record the received image information of the excess part. The recording paper can be saved by preventing the recording paper that is not recorded from being output. Further, in the case of a facsimile apparatus of the type that uses an ink ribbon for recording, the ink ribbon can be saved.

Further, for example, by appropriately setting the second predetermined value, when the length of one page of the received image information in the sub-scanning direction becomes longer than the second predetermined value, the excess portion is entirely white line. Even if it is, it is possible to record the excess portion as white line data on the recording paper, so that 1
By stopping the recording of the received image information and waiting until the length of the page in the sub-scanning direction becomes equal to or larger than the second predetermined value, it is possible to prevent the reception buffer from overflowing and a reception error occurring. Further, the fax according to claim 3
Simili equipment records received image information line by line on recording paper.
In a facsimile machine having recording means for recording
For one line of received image information,
Extracts the effective recording range used for recording in the main scanning direction of columns
Extraction means to be used, and effective notes extracted by the extraction means
If the image information in the recording range is all white pixels,
White line discrimination means for discriminating a white line, and the received image
The length of one page of information in the sub-scanning direction is set to a predetermined first
The predetermined value and a second predetermined value that is longer than the first predetermined value are compared.
The comparison means and the comparison result of the comparison means ,
The length of the page in the sub-scanning direction is longer than the first predetermined value and
When it is shorter than the second predetermined value, the received image information
Each line of the portion exceeding the first predetermined value is the white line
When all of the white lines are discriminated by the in discrimination means
Does not let the recording of the received image information of the excess part be executed.
A control means for controlling the above is provided. With this configuration
For example, the extraction means is effective for the received image information for one line
The recording range is extracted, and the white line determination means determines the effective recording range.
Check whether all the pixel information inside is white pixels,
In that case, the line is determined to be a white line. Comparison means
Is the length of one page in the sub-scanning direction
Compared to a constant value and a second predetermined value that is longer than the first predetermined value,
The length of one page in the sub-scanning direction is longer than the first predetermined value and
When shorter than the second predetermined value, the first of the received image information
All the parts that exceed the specified value are judged by the white line discriminating means.
If it is judged as a white line, the control means
Controls not to record the received image information of the part.
Therefore, a recording paper that does not record anything as the second recording paper
You can prevent printing and save the chart paper.
It In addition, a fax type recording method using an ink ribbon
If it is a Simili device, you can also save the ink ribbon.
You can In addition , for example, the second predetermined value is appropriately set.
As a result, the length of one page of the received image information in the sub-scanning direction becomes the second
When it exceeds the specified value, even if the excess is
Even if it is a white line,
1 page
Until the length in the sub-scanning direction becomes equal to or greater than the second predetermined value.
By interrupting the recording of image information and waiting,
To prevent receiving errors from overflowing
You can stop. Furthermore, conventionally, it is outside the effective recording range.
The recorded pair is not distinguished as a white line because of the existing pixels.
The unnecessary received image information line that had been the elephant is a white line
It is determined that the information amount of the received image information for one page is based on this
Is greater than the first predetermined value, it exceeds the first predetermined value
If all excess lines are white lines, record excess
The omitted processing can be performed more effectively.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view of the facsimile machine, and FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view of the same machine. The main body 10 of the facsimile apparatus includes a container-shaped lower cover 12, an upper cover 14 that covers the lower cover 12, and a frame (not shown) disposed inside them. A handset 16 is attached to the lower cover 12. In the lower cover 12, a recording paper cassette 20 capable of accommodating a large number of recording papers 18 made of standard cut paper is set.

The recording paper 18 is fed one by one from the recording paper set 20 by the paper feed roller 22, and then the recording paper feeding device 28 composed of a paper guide 24, a pair of feeding rollers 26, etc. Sent to the letter,
Images such as figures are recorded. The feed roller 26 is rotationally driven by the drive of a drive device (not shown). The leading edge of the recording paper 18 delivered from the recording paper cassette 20 is detected by the recording paper leading edge sensor 32, and the recording start timing of the recording device 30 is determined based on the detection signal. The recording paper size detection sensor 21 detects the type of the recording paper cassette 20 installed in the facsimile apparatus among the recording paper cassettes 20 prepared for various recording papers 18 of different sizes, and based on the detection result. The system controller 1 (see FIG. 4) controls the recording.

The recording device 30 is provided in the upper cover 14, and the recording device 30 is rotatable at a position facing the recording head 34 controlled by the recording head control device 33 shown in FIG. Platen 3 provided
6 and an ink ribbon device 38. The recording head 34 is a thermal head, has a large number of heating elements arranged in a line in a direction orthogonal to the feeding direction of the recording paper 18, and has a position determined based on a signal supplied to the recording head controller 33. The heating element is heated. Platen 3
A drive device (not shown) 6 is driven to rotate about the center line 6 to feed the recording paper 18. The ink ribbon device 38 has a thermal ink ribbon 40 having a width corresponding to the recording range of the recording head 34, and an ink ribbon feeding device 42 for feeding the thermal ink ribbon 40. The thermal ink ribbon 40 is fed in synchronization with the recording paper 18, and the recording paper 18 is fed by feeding the thermal ink ribbon 40 and the recording paper 18 and pressing the thermal ink ribbon 40 onto the recording paper 18 by the recording head 34.
The image is recorded on.

The recording paper 18 on which an image has been recorded is guided by the paper guide 52, is sent to the paper discharge tray 54, and is discharged to the outside of the apparatus. The recording paper discharge sensor 56 detects the discharge of the recording paper 18, and when a plurality of recordings are continuously performed, the recording paper discharge sensor 56 detects that the recording paper 18 on which the image is recorded is completely discharged. After that, the system controller 1 controls the conveyance of the recording paper 18 so that the next recording paper 18 starts to be fed from the recording paper cassette 20 to avoid the paper jam.

An image reading device 62 for reading an image recorded on a document 60 is provided in the upper cover 14. The document 60 is placed on a document receiver 64 which is detachably attached to the upper cover 14, and is set between a pair of document guides 66 shown in FIG. The leading edge of the set document 60 is detected by a document sensor 68 provided in the upper cover 14, and the document 60 is scanned by a document feeding device 74 including a feed roller 70, a paper guide 72, a feed roller 73, and the like. It is sent to the document reading position 62. The feed rollers 70 and 73 are each composed of a pair of rollers, and are driven by motors 78 and 80 (see FIG. 4), respectively. The motors 78, 80 are connected to the system control device 1 via drive circuits 84, 86 (see FIG. 4), respectively, and are controlled so that the rotation speeds of the motors 78, 80 are always the same.

The image reading device 62 includes a light source 88 as a light emitter, a lens 89, mirrors 90 and 92, and a plurality of charge coupled devices as light receivers.
(Hereinafter, abbreviated as CCD) 94 and the like, the original 60 is irradiated with light by the light source 88,
After collecting the reflected light from the lens 89 by the lens 89,
The image is read by the CCD 94 and received by the CCD 94, and the image on the original 60 is read line by line. A pixel is a minimum unit that constitutes an image, and is an area (area) on the document 60 read by one CCD 94.

The size of one pixel is the size of the CCD 94,
Although it is determined by various factors such as the positions and angles of the mirrors 90 and 92, the position of the lens 89 and the focal length, the size in the main scanning direction is set to 0.13 mm in the present facsimile machine, and the size in the sub scanning direction is set. The size is determined by the feed amount of the document 60 while the image reading device 62 reads one line. In this facsimile apparatus, the feeding amount of the original 60 is 0.26 mm, 0.13
mm and 0.065 mm can be selected, and the size (area) of one pixel when these feed amounts are selected
Are 0.13 mm × 0.26 mm and 0.13 mm, respectively.
mm × 0.13 mm and 0.13 mm × 0.065 mm. As the feed amount becomes smaller, the area of one pixel becomes smaller and the resolution becomes higher.

The CCD 94 is a photoelectric conversion element that outputs a voltage according to the intensity of the received reflected light. Image data obtained by converting a signal representing the magnitude of the output voltage into digital data is supplied to the system controller 1. Then, the binarized image data is created from the image data. In this facsimile, which can read A4 size documents, CC
At least 1728 D94s are arranged in a line. The document leading edge sensor 96 detects the leading edge of the document 60, and the reading is started based on the detection of the leading edge of the document 60 by the document leading edge sensor 96. After reading, the document 60 is discharged to the outside through the opening 98.

FIG. 3 shows an operation panel 99 provided on the upper cover 14. Liquid crystal display 1 on the rear of the operation panel 99
00, and a keyboard 1 on the front and center
06 is provided. A numeric keypad 108 is provided on the left side of the keyboard 106, a copy key 110 and a start key 114 are provided on the right side, and various keys such as a memory key 116, a function key 118, a set key 120, and cursor keys 122 and 124 are provided at the center. Is provided. The copy key 110 is a key for instructing copying of a document and also for initiating copying, and the start key 114 is a key for instructing the start of various processing operations. The function key 118 is a key for instructing display disclosure of various functions that can be executed in the facsimile apparatus, and the selection of the function is performed by operating the ten keys 108 or the cursor keys 122 and 124. The set key 120 is a key for instructing selection confirmation, and the memory key 116 is a key for instructing selection of memory transmission.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the control system of the present facsimile machine. The facsimile machine is controlled by the system controller 1. The main body of the system controller 1 is a CPU 2a, a ROM 2b storing a plurality of control programs for controlling the facsimile machine, and a RAM.
2c is a system control unit 2. RAM2c
Is a reading buffer for storing the image data read and binarized by the image reading device 62, a transmission buffer for temporarily storing the compression encoded image data to be transmitted, a reception buffer for temporarily storing the received compression encoded image data, and It has an area such as a recording buffer for temporarily storing image data obtained by decoding compression-coded image data.

The system control unit 2 is connected via the bus 3 to
A binarization circuit 4, a threshold value circuit 5, a parallel / serial conversion circuit 6, a coding / decoding control circuit 7 for compressing and decoding image data, and a transmission / reception for transmitting / receiving compression-coded image data. The control circuit 8 and the like are connected.
Further, an image reading device 62, an operation panel 99, a recording head control device 33, a recording paper size detection sensor 21, a line 9a, drive circuits 84 and 86, etc. are connected to the system control device 1. Further, although not shown in FIG. 4, various devices necessary for the operation of the present facsimile machine are connected, such as the recording paper leading edge sensor 32, the recording paper ejection sensor 56, the document sensor 68, and the document leading edge sensor 96.

The binarization circuit 4 converts the image data read by the image reading device 62 and converted into digital data into binary image data. Image data read by the image reading device 62 is supplied to the binarization circuit 4, while threshold data is supplied from the threshold circuit 5 to compare the image data with the threshold data. Binarized image data is created by. Binary image data is created by setting 0 (white) when the image data is larger than the threshold data and 1 (black) when the image data is smaller than the threshold data. 2 for 1 line
When the binarized image data is created, it is stored in a read buffer (not shown) of the RAM 2c. The threshold circuit 5 stores threshold data and supplies the data to the binarization circuit 4 based on a command.

The parallel / serial conversion circuit 6 converts a parallel signal into a serial signal. System control unit 2
In parallel, the signals processed in parallel are converted into serial signals and supplied to the printhead controller 33. The encoding / decoding control circuit 7 compresses and encodes the binarized image data, decodes the compression-encoded image data input from the outside, and supplies it to the RAM 2c. The transmission / reception control circuit 8 is connected to the partner device 9b when the line 9a between the sender facsimile device (own device or partner device 9b) and the recipient facsimile device (partner device 9b or partner device) is connected. To communicate with.

Next, the received image information for one page is recorded. An outline of recording processing control will be described. In the present facsimile apparatus, recording is performed using the thermal ink ribbon 40 having substantially the same width as that of the recording paper 18, and therefore the ink ribbon 40 is consumed even when the recording paper 18 is fed without recording anything in the recording operation. In order to save the ink ribbon 40 and to prevent the occurrence of the reception error due to the overflow of the reception buffer as described in the section of the above-mentioned problem, the following recording processing is performed. is there.

As shown in FIG. 8, the number of lines of the received image information for one page in the sub-scanning direction corresponds to the length in the sub-scanning direction of the recording paper 18 of A4 size, for example. When the value is Ra or less, which is the value obtained by removing the upper and lower margin amounts from the recording paper, the received image information for one page is recorded on one recording paper 18 at the same size. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the number of lines of the received image information for one page in the sub-scanning direction is the first predetermined value Ra.
If it is larger and less than the second predetermined value Rc, for example, if it corresponds to the length of the recording paper of legal size, when the number of lines up to the first predetermined value Ra is counted, the first line to the Ra-th line are counted. When the image data up to the line is recorded on one sheet of recording paper 18 at the same size and all the lines after (Ra + 1) th line are white lines that do not include black pixels in the effective recording range in the main scanning direction, , (Ra + 1) th and subsequent lines of image data are not recorded.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, when the number of lines of the received image information for one page in the sub-scanning direction is larger than the first predetermined value Ra and not less than the second predetermined value Rc, for example, the legal size is set. If the length is larger than the length of the recording paper, when the number of lines up to the first predetermined value Ra is detected, the image data from the first line to the Ra-th line is recorded on one recording paper 18 at the same size. , (Ra + 1) th and subsequent lines are all white lines and include lines other than white lines, the (Ra + 1) th and subsequent lines are counted when the number of lines having the second predetermined value Rc is counted. Recording of the image data of the line is started. As a result, it is possible to prevent the reception buffer from overflowing and a reception error from occurring. However, when the (Ra + 1) th and subsequent lines are all white lines, the recording operation is started as described above, but since it is a white line, the recording paper 18 on which nothing is recorded is output as the second sheet.

Here, a counter R for counting the number of lines of the received image information for one page in the sub-scanning direction (the count value is R) and a continuous count for the number of white lines continuous in the sub-scanning direction. The white line number counter W (whose count value is W) and various counters described later are provided with the R
It is provided in AM2c. Incidentally, in these counters and pointers, the reference value indicates the count value and the point value. Further, the second predetermined value Rc is
The predetermined value is larger than the first predetermined value Ra, and (Rc-
Even if recording is interrupted for the number of lines within Ra) and waiting,
It is set to an appropriate value so that the receive buffer will not overflow.

Next, a routine of the recording processing control in the facsimile apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the figure, the symbol Si (i = 1, 2, ...) Indicates each step. The partner device 9b on the transmitting side and the facsimile device on the receiving side are connected by a line 9a, and the partner device 9b sends a transmission command to transmit compression-coded image data for one page,
When the facsimile device receives the transmission command, this recording process control is started, and first, the reception line number counter R and the continuous white line number counter W provided in the RAM 2c are cleared (S1), and then the RAM 2c. A decoding process of converting the reception data stored in the reception buffer of 1 into pixel data for each line is executed (S2).

Here, regarding the decoding processing of one line,
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown in FIG.
The number of pixels for one line of the image information transmitted from the partner device 9b is 1728 pixels, and the effective recording range in the main scanning direction that can actually be recorded on the recording paper 18 is the range from the pointer P1 to the pointer P2. is there. Further, the reception data is composed of a set of codes corresponding to the black-and-white pattern of the pixel group of the reception image read by the partner device 9b, and each of these codes includes the black-and-white pattern of the pixel group and its pixel group. The number of pixels is different.

First, the color information flag LC of one line provided in the RAM 2c is all white, and the bit expansion pointer PN is 0.
Is set (S100). Next, one code of the received data is decoded (S101), and the color of the pixel and the number of pixels are set in BC and RL based on the output result (S101).
102). Next, it is checked whether or not the bit expansion pointer PN is within the range of the valid recording range pointers P1 and P2 (S103, S104), and if it is within the valid recording range in the main scanning direction (Yes in S103, Ye in S104
s), if the pixel color BC is black (Yes in S105)
s) Black is set in the color information flag LC of one line (S106), and the process proceeds to S107.

On the other hand, if the bit expansion pointer PN is not within the effective recording range in the main scanning direction (No in S103,
Alternatively, No in S104), or even if the bit expansion pointer PN is within the effective recording range in the main scanning direction, the pixel color B
If C is not black (No in S105), the above S106
The processing in step S10 is skipped and the processing proceeds to step S107. At S107, the address [P
N] is set to the color BC of the pixel. Next, the bit expansion pointer PN is incremented by 1 and the pixel number RL is set to 1
The PN and RL are updated by decrementing only (S108), and it is determined whether the pixel number RL is 0 or less (S109). In this case, since the pixel number RL is not 0, the process returns to S103, and from S103 to until the pixel number RL becomes 0, that is, until the decoding process of one code is completed.
S109 is repeated. When the decoding process for one code of the received data is completed (Yes in S109), it is determined whether or not the bit expansion pointer PN is equal to 1728, that is, whether the decoding process for one line of the received data is completed. It is determined (S110).

In this case, since the decoding process for one line has not been completed yet (No in S110), the processing from S101 to S101 is completed until the decoding process for one line of the received data is completed.
The process of S110 is repeatedly executed. As a result, if it is determined that the decoding processing for one line is completed (S
If Yes at 110), this process ends and the process moves to S3 in FIG. When one line of recording data is obtained by the above decoding process, the reception line number counter R is incremented (S3), and it is then determined whether or not the decoded one line color information flag LC is all white ( S4), if the color information flag LC is all white (Yes in S4), the continuous white line number counter W is incremented (S5), and if the color information flag LC is not all white (No in S4), The continuous white line number counter W is cleared (S6).

Next, it is determined whether or not the flag F set in S13, which will be described later, is 1 (S7), and the flag F is initially set.
Is not 1 (No in S7), the process proceeds to S10 and S1
At 0, it is determined whether or not the reception line number counter R has reached the first predetermined value Ra corresponding to the length of the recording paper 18 in the sub-scanning direction. Since the determination is No at the beginning, S1
4, the process determines whether or not one page of recording data (that is, one page of received data) has been completed. It should be noted that this determination is made based on whether or not the RTC command indicating the page end is included in the recording data. Initially, the judgment is N
Therefore, the process proceeds from S14 to S2, and S2 to S1.
4 is repeatedly executed, and when the reception line number counter R becomes Ra during that time, the determination in S10 becomes Yes and the process proceeds to S11. In S11, the print data from the first line to the Ra line is changed to the first recording paper 18
The divided recording process for recording is performed, then the reception line number counter R and the continuous white line number counter W are cleared to 0 (S12), and then the flag F is set to 1 (S13).

Then, in S14, it is determined whether or not the recording process for one page of the recording data is completed, as described above.
If the recording process for one page is completed (S1
If Yes, the reception line number counter R is equal to the continuous white line number counter W (S15).
Since it is not = W, the process proceeds to S16, and if there is remaining data in the recording data for one page, the recording process of the remaining data is executed, and then the recording process control is ended. On the other hand, S1
When the determination of No. 4 is No, that is, when the recording process for one page is not completed, the process returns to S2 and S2 to S1.
4 is repeatedly executed, but in this case, since the flag F is set to 1, the process proceeds from S7 to S8, and S
8, the reception line number counter R indicates (Rc-R
Processing for determining whether or not a) is executed.

As shown in FIG. 9, the number of lines for one page is
If less than the second predetermined value Rc, S2 to S8, S1
While repeating 0 and S14, the reception line number counter R reaches the maximum value (end value) and the determination in S14 is Yes.
Then, the process proceeds to S15. In that case, the first predetermined value Ra
If all the subsequent lines are white lines, the reception line number counter R and the continuous white line number counter W are equal, so the determination in S15 is Yes, and the steps from S15 to S15.
This recording processing control ends with skipping 16. Therefore, in this case, since the second recording paper 18 on which nothing is recorded is not output, the recording paper 18 and the ink ribbon 4 are not printed.
You can save 0 and.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the number of lines for one page is not less than the second predetermined value Rc, S2 to S8,
While S10 and S14 are repeated, the determination in S8 is Y.
It becomes es. In that case, in S9, a recording start process for starting recording of the recording data on and after the (Ra + 1) th line is executed. As described above, even if the (Ra + 1) th line to the Rcth line are all white lines or include lines other than the white line, after waiting without recording up to the Rcth line, Since the recording on the recording paper 18 is started, it is possible to reliably prevent the reception buffer from overflowing and a reception error from occurring.

After that, since the determination in S10 is No,
After shifting from S10 to S14, repeating S2 to S14,
When the recording process for one page of recording data is completed, the process proceeds from S14 to S15. Then, the reception line number counter R
When it is determined that the continuous white line number counter W is equal (Yes in S15), that is, when it is determined that all of the (Ra + 1) th line to the Rcth line are white lines, S9 is performed. Since it is not necessary to continue the started recording, S16 is skipped and the recording processing control ends. In this case, although recording is started on the second recording paper 18, nothing is actually recorded on the recording paper 18 and the output is made. In this case, it is possible to reliably prevent the reception buffer from overflowing and a reception error from occurring.

On the other hand, if the determination in S15 is No, the lines from the (Ra + 1) th line to the Rcth line include lines other than the white line. A residual data recording process of recording the residual data of the recording data from the (Ra + 1) th line to the Rcth line is executed, and then the recording process control is ended.

The operation of the recording processing control in the above-described facsimile apparatus will be briefly described. When the number of lines of the received image information for one page is larger than the first predetermined value Ra and less than the second predetermined value Rc, That is (Ra + 1)
When all the lines after the th are white lines, R
The lines up to the a-th line are recorded and output on the first recording paper 18, but recording on the second recording paper 18 is omitted, so that the recording paper 18 and the ink ribbon 40 can be wastefully consumed. Absent.

When the number of lines of the received image information for one page becomes equal to or larger than the second predetermined value Rc, even if the (Ra + 1) th and subsequent lines are all white lines, lines other than the white line are included. Even when the number of lines is counted up to the second predetermined value Rc, recording is started on the second recording paper 18 for the (Ra + 1) th and subsequent lines, and the image received from the reception buffer is received. Since the output of the information is promoted, it is possible to reliably prevent the reception buffer from overflowing and the reception error from occurring by continuing the recording on the second recording paper 18.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first predetermined value Ra
And a second predetermined value Rc, a third predetermined value Rb is set to 1
From the third line to the line of the third predetermined value Rb,
When it is assumed that reduction recording can be performed on one sheet of recording paper 18,
When the number of lines of the received image information for one page is larger than the first predetermined value Ra and is equal to or smaller than the third predetermined value Rb, (Ra
When lines other than the white line are included in the lines after the +1) th line, the recording may be performed by reducing recording on one recording sheet 18.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the example in which the thermal transfer system is adopted as the recording means has been described, but it goes without saying that a page printer such as a laser printer may be adopted. That is, when a laser printer is used, it is generally considered that outputting blank (non-printed) recording paper wastes the recording paper. It is designed not to operate. Specifically, the recording data transmitted from the partner device 9b is temporarily stored in the receiving buffer, expanded into dot image data in the image buffer via the intermediate buffer or the like, and the recording process is performed based on the dot image data. If there is at least one data to be printed on the recording paper in the expanded dot image data area for one page of the recording paper, if the data for one page of the recording paper is expanded, the recording operation is started. After the recording operation, the data will be erased from the image buffer,
The next recording data is read from the reception buffer and expanded in the image buffer. However, if the data expanded in the image buffer is all-white data (data that is not actually printed on the recording paper), the recording operation is not started even if the data for one page of the recording paper is expanded. Therefore, even if the all-white data is continuously sent and developed in the image buffer, the recording operation is not executed, so the developed all-white data is not erased from the image buffer and is stored in the reception buffer. Since the print data cannot be expanded in the image buffer, the print data sent from the partner device 9b one after another cannot be stored in the receive buffer. That is, the receive buffer overflows and a receive error occurs. In particular, it frequently occurs when the recording capacity of the image buffer is not very large. Therefore, when the length of one page of the received image information in the sub-scanning direction becomes longer than the second predetermined value, all the excess portions of the received image information that exceed the first predetermined value are white lines. Even if it is determined that, the recording operation is started, the excess portion is set as white line data, and the recording paper is sent out. As a result, the recorded white line data is erased from the image buffer, the next recording data can be expanded, and the reception buffer does not overflow.

[0044]

As described in detail above, according to the facsimile apparatus of claim 1, from the received image information for one line,
The extraction means extracts the pixels in the effective recording range and
The black pixels are identified by identifying whether they are black pixels or not.
When there is no pixel identified as a prime, the line is determined to be a white line, and when the length of one page in the sub-scanning direction is longer than the first predetermined value, the first of the received image information is received. When all the lines of the excess portion exceeding the predetermined value are determined as white lines by the white line determination means, the control means,
Since control is performed so as not to execute recording of the received image information of the excess portion, unnecessary received image information that has been a recording target without being discriminated as a white line because of pixels existing outside the effective recording range in the past. Is determined to be a white line, and based on this, if all the excess lines exceeding the first predetermined value are white lines when the information amount of the received image information of one page is larger than the first predetermined value. The process of omitting the recording of the excess amount can be performed more effectively.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the second aspect, when the length of one page in the sub-scanning direction is longer than the first predetermined value and shorter than the second predetermined value, among the received image information. When it is determined that all the portions exceeding the first predetermined value of are white lines, the control is performed so as not to execute the recording of the received image information of the excess portion, so that nothing is recorded as the second recording sheet. The recording paper can be saved by preventing the recording paper from being output. Also, in the case of a facsimile apparatus of the type that uses an ink ribbon for recording,
Ink ribbons can also be saved.

Further, for example, by appropriately setting the second predetermined value, when the length of one page of the received image information in the sub-scanning direction becomes longer than the second predetermined value, the excess portion is entirely a white line. Even if it is, it is possible to record the excess portion as white line data on the recording paper, so that 1
By stopping the recording of the received image information and waiting until the length of the page in the sub-scanning direction becomes equal to or larger than the second predetermined value, it is possible to prevent the reception buffer from overflowing and a reception error occurring. Further, according to the facsimile apparatus of the third aspect, the received image information for one line can be processed.
Pixel information within the effective recording range is extracted.
If all are white pixels, the line is determined to be a white line,
The length of one page in the sub-scanning direction is longer than the first predetermined value and
When shorter than the second predetermined value, the first of the received image information
All the parts that exceed the specified value are judged by the white line discriminating means.
If it is judged as a white line, the control means
Controls not to record the received image information of the part.
Therefore, a recording paper that does not record anything as the second recording paper
You can prevent printing and save the chart paper.
It In addition, a fax type recording method using an ink ribbon
If it is a Simili device, you can also save the ink ribbon.
You can In addition , for example, the second predetermined value is appropriately set.
As a result, the length of one page of the received image information in the sub-scanning direction becomes the second
When it exceeds the specified value, even if the excess is
Even if it is a white line,
1 page
Until the length in the sub-scanning direction becomes equal to or greater than the second predetermined value.
By interrupting the recording of image information and waiting,
To prevent receiving errors from overflowing
You can stop. Furthermore, conventionally, it is outside the effective recording range.
The recorded pair is not distinguished as a white line because of the existing pixels .
The unnecessary received image information line that had been the elephant is a white line
It is determined that the information amount of the received image information for one page is based on this
Is greater than the first predetermined value, it exceeds the first predetermined value
If all excess lines are white lines, record excess
The omitted processing can be performed more effectively.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view of the facsimile device.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an operation panel of the facsimile device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control system of the facsimile device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main routine of recording processing control.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a one-line decoding process associated with recording process control.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an effective recording range in one line of read image information.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating received image information and a recording state of the received image information on recording paper.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating received image information and a recording state of the received image information on a recording sheet.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating received image information and its recording state.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating received image information and a recording state thereof in a modified example.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating received image information and a recording state thereof in the related art.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating received image information and a recording state thereof in the related art.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 system controller 2 System control unit 2a CPU 2b ROM 2c RAM 33 recording head controller 62 image reading device

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus having a recording means for recording received image information on recording paper line by line, from the received image information for one line, effective recording actually used for recording in the main scanning direction of the recording means. Extraction means for extracting pixels in the range and black pixels for the pixels extracted by the extraction means
There is no discrimination means for discriminating whether or not there is a pixel and a pixel discriminated as a black pixel by the discrimination means.
If there is no line, the white line discriminating means for discriminating the line as a white line, and a comparing means for comparing the length of one page of the received image information in the sub-scanning direction with a preset first predetermined value, When the length of the page 1 in the sub-scanning direction is longer than the first predetermined value in response to the comparison result of the means, each line of the portion of the received image information that exceeds the first predetermined value is A facsimile apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls so as not to record the received image information of an excess portion when all the white lines are determined by the white line determination unit. 2. The comparing means sets 1 of the received image information.
The length of the page in the sub-scanning direction is compared with the first predetermined value and a second predetermined value longer than the first predetermined value, and the control means
When the length of the one page in the sub-scanning direction is longer than the first predetermined value and shorter than the second predetermined value in response to the comparison result of the comparison means, the first predetermined value of the received image information is received. 2. When all the lines of the excess portion are judged to be white lines by the white line discriminating means, control is performed so as not to record the received image information of the excess portion. Facsimile apparatus described in 1. 3. The recording paper for the received image information line by line
In a facsimile machine having recording means for recording
hand, The received image information for one line is actually recorded by the recording means.
Extract the effective print range used for printing in the main scanning direction
Extraction means, Image information of the effective recording range extracted by the extraction means
If all are white pixels, the line is determined to be a white line.
White line determination means, Predetermine the length of one page of the received image information in the sub-scanning direction in advance.
The first predetermined value and the second place that is longer than the first predetermined value
Comparison means to compare with a fixed value, Receiving the comparison result of the comparison means, the sub-scanning direction of the one page
Is longer than the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value
When it is shorter than the value, the first predetermined value of the received image information
Each line of the part that exceeds the
If all lines are judged to be white lines, the excess part
Control to prevent the recording of the received image information of
A facsimile machine having a control means.