JP3750657B2 - Internet facsimile machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an Internet facsimile apparatus capable of selectively executing a G3 mode in which an image is transmitted by facsimile through a public network and an IFAX mode in which an image is transmitted through the Internet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, an apparatus as shown in Patent Document 1 below has been widely used.
[0003]
This type of device has a G3 mode for facsimile transmission of images via the public network and an IFAX mode for transmission of images via the Internet. The transmission conditions are specified, and both the facsimile number and the communication address are registered. When the other party is designated, based on the designated transmission condition, it is automatically determined for the other party whether the transmission is performed in the G3 mode or the IFAX mode.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-205573
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above-described conventional apparatus, the automatic mode determination is based on the condition that both the facsimile number and the communication address are registered corresponding to the transmission destination, and the operation for specifying the transmission condition is performed. This is necessary and unusable, and if the transmission condition is specified incorrectly, image transmission is performed in a mode contrary to the user's will.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and can perform the IFAX mode preferentially for a partner that can transmit an image in the IFAX mode, that is, a partner whose communication address is registered. Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide an Internet facsimile machine capable of reducing transmission costs.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, claim 1 of the present invention proposes the first aspect of the present invention, and means for registering a destination facsimile number and a destination communication address in association with each destination. When either the G3 mode or the IFAX mode is selected and the destination to which the image is to be transmitted is specified, the presence / absence in the registration means of the destination communication address corresponding to the destination is determined, and the corresponding destination communication If there is an address, a control means for executing the IFAX mode is provided.
[0008]
Claim 2 proposes the second aspect of the present invention, wherein for each destination, a destination facsimile number and a destination communication address are registered in association with each other, a notification means, and a G3 mode are selected. When the destination to which the image is to be sent is specified, if the destination communication address corresponding to the destination is in the registration means, the notification means is activated to prompt the user to select the IFAX mode within a predetermined time. And a control means for switching to the IFAX mode when the selection operation is performed.
[0009]
The third aspect of the present invention proposes the third aspect of the present invention, a means for registering a destination facsimile number, a destination communication address, and a priority mode in association with each destination, and any one of the G3 mode and the IFAX mode. Is selected and the other party is specified, the priority mode corresponding to the other party is determined, and if it matches the selected mode, the selected mode is executed, but it must match. Control means for switching to and executing the priority mode.
[0010]
Claim 4 proposes another example of the third aspect of the present invention, and means for registering the destination facsimile number, destination communication address, priority mode, priority mode release valid / invalid for each destination. When either the G3 mode or the IFAX mode is selected and the other party is designated, if the designated mode does not match the corresponding priority mode, the priority mode release valid is correspondingly registered. If there is, control means for receiving a predetermined release operation and executing the designated mode is provided.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0012]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration using the first to third aspects of the present invention. In this apparatus, an Internet facsimile machine F, a mail server M, and a router R according to the present invention are connected to a LAN such as an office.
[0013]
A public line network N1 is connected to the Internet facsimile machine F through a telephone line L so that facsimile transmission / reception can be performed (hereinafter referred to as G3 mode). The router R is connected to the Internet N2, and various servers can be accessed from the Internet facsimile machine F through the Internet N2. In addition, by communicating with the mail server M in the IFAX mode, e-mail through the Internet N2 can be transmitted. You can send and receive.
[0014]
In the present embodiment, the Internet facsimile machine F is connected to the LAN. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and may be connected to the WAN or may be connected to the Internet N2 via a dedicated line. There are no restrictions on the target communication network.
[0015]
The Internet facsimile machine F has an internal configuration as shown in FIG.
[0016]
That is, a timer function for counting a predetermined time, a CPU 1 as a control means for controlling the following units, an NCU 2 for controlling connection to the telephone line L, a modem 3 for modulating / demodulating various signals necessary for facsimile communication, RAM 4 for storing speed dials, ROM 5 for storing programs necessary for the operation of the facsimile apparatus F, and image memory for temporarily storing image data received by facsimile, image data scheduled to be transmitted by facsimile, and the like 6, a scanner 7 that reads a set document and generates image data, a display unit 8 that includes a liquid crystal screen, an operation unit 9 that includes various operation keys, a printer 10, and an image data A codec 11 for encoding and decoding is provided for communicating with devices on the LAN. According mail server M to a predetermined protocol between the (POP, SMTP, etc.), and a LAN interface 12 for communication for e-mail transmission and reception.
[0017]
The operation unit 9 includes a G3 / IFAX selection key 9A and a speed dial key 9B. The functions of these keys 9A and 9B will be described later.
[0018]
The RAM 4 includes a shortening table T (which constitutes registration means) as shown in FIG. In this shortening table T, a shortened NO, a partner name, a facsimile number, and an e-mail address are registered according to the partner. The e-mail address is an aspect of the destination communication address, and may be the destination IP address, and the type is not limited.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute a copy function, a printer function, and a scanner function in addition to a function for accessing various servers through the G3 mode, IFAX mode, and the Internet N2 as described above. It has a function.
That is, in the copy function, the color image data or monochrome image data read by the scanner 7 is printed out from the printer 12.
[0019]
In the printer function, an image received from a device on the LAN is stored in the image memory 6 through the interface 12 and is printed out by the printer 10.
[0020]
In the scanner function, the image data read by the scanner 7 is sent to a device on the LAN through the interface 12.
[0021]
A characteristic operation of the present invention having such a basic operation will be described below. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first and second present inventions.
[0022]
When transmitting an image, the Internet facsimile machine F selects the G3 mode or IFAX mode by operating the selection key 9A, and if the destination key is specified by operating the shortening key 9B (100), the mode selection state is changed. It is determined whether the mode is the G3 mode (101).
[0023]
As a result, if it is determined that the G3 mode is selected (101, Y), it is determined whether an e-mail address is registered in the shortening table T corresponding to the destination (102). If not (102, N), the image is transmitted in the selected G3 mode (107), but if registered (102, Y), a predetermined notification, for example, “IFAX transmission to the display unit 8 can be performed. The message “Do you want to change the mode?” Is displayed to prompt the user to switch to the IFAX mode (103).
[0024]
Then, the timer is started to start measuring a predetermined time (104). If the operation for selecting the IFAX mode is performed before the time is up (105, Y), the image is attached to the e-mail and the IFAX mode is selected. To store the electronic mail in the mail server M by designating the mail address (109). Then, mail transmission from the mail server M through the Internet N2 is performed.
[0025]
When e-mail address registration is determined in step 102, the notification may be automatically switched to the IFAX mode in step 109 as indicated by a dotted line without notification in step 103.
[0026]
On the other hand, if the operation for switching to the IFAX mode is not performed until the time is up (106, Y), the process starts to execute the initially selected mode, that is, the G3 mode. The registration of the FAX number is checked (107), and if registered, the image is transmitted by facsimile to the FAX number (110). If not registered, the processing is stopped (111).
[0027]
If the mode selection state is not the G3 mode but the IFAX mode (101, N), and if a mail address is registered corresponding to the other party (108, Y), the image is transmitted in the IFAX mode ( 109). On the other hand, if the mail address is not registered (108, N), it is switched to the G3 mode and transmitted (107).
[0028]
Next, the third aspect of the present invention will be described below. In the third aspect of the present invention, the shortening table of the RAM 4 is configured as shown in FIG.
[0029]
This shortening table T ′ is further registered with the shortening table T (see FIG. 3) in accordance with the other party, the priority mode, the priority cancellation valid / invalid, and the priority cancellation means (priority cancellation method). It differs in that it was made possible.
[0030]
Whether the priority mode is the G3 mode or the IFAX mode can be registered by operating the G3 / IFAX selection key 9A. It is also possible to leave the priority mode unregistered.
The priority canceling operation valid / invalid is for setting whether to accept the priority mode canceling operation. When the release operation is accepted, “OK” is registered, while when it is not accepted, “NG” is registered.
[0031]
The priority canceling means defines a canceling method when the priority canceling operation is set to be valid. For example, there is a rule that a password (for example, “aa12111111”) is input and set.
Such a third present invention can operate as shown in FIG. At the time of image transmission, if the selection of the G3 mode or IFAX mode is selected by operating the selection key 9A, and the destination key is specified by operating the shortening key 9B (200), the mode selection state selected in step 200 Is determined to be in the G3 mode (201).
[0032]
As a result, if it is determined that the G3 mode is selected (201, Y), the process proceeds to step 203 as it is, but if it is determined that the IFAX mode is selected instead of the G3 mode (201, N). The IFAX mode is executed (202).
[0033]
Then, it is determined whether the selected mode matches the priority mode corresponding to the destination (203). If they match (203, Y), image transmission is performed in that mode (212). That is, if the G3 mode is selected and the priority mode is also the G3 mode, the G3 mode is executed and image transmission is performed. If the IFAX mode is selected and the priority mode is also the IFAX mode, the IFAX mode is executed and image transmission is performed.
[0034]
On the other hand, if the selected mode and the priority mode do not match (203, N), the following operation is started.
[0035]
The facsimile machine F has an automatic mode switching function in its CPU 1, and if the function is enabled in advance (204, Y), the facsimile apparatus F automatically switches from the selected mode to the priority mode, and the image is displayed in that mode. Transmit (213). That is, if the priority mode is the G3 mode, the G3 mode is forcibly executed, and if the priority mode is the IFAX mode, the IFAX mode is forcibly executed.
[0036]
On the other hand, if the automatic switching function is previously disabled (204, N), a predetermined notification is given. For example, a message such as “Priority mode is IFAX mode. Please switch” is displayed on the display unit 8 to prompt a switching operation to the mode set as the priority mode (205). That is, if the G3 mode is selected and the priority mode is the IFAX mode, switching to the IFAX mode is prompted, and if the IFAX mode is selected and the priority mode is the G3 mode, switching to the G3 mode is prompted.
[0037]
Then, the CPU 1 starts a predetermined time by starting a built-in timer (206), and if a switching operation to the priority mode is performed before the time is up (207, Y), the CPU 1 enters the priority mode. The image is switched and transmitted (213).
On the other hand, if the operation for switching to the priority mode is not performed until the time is up (208, Y), it is determined whether the priority canceling operation is valid / invalid. If it is invalid (209, N), a predetermined error notification is issued. On the other hand (214), if valid (209, Y), the release operation by the method defined in the setting is validated.
For example, in this example, a method based on password discrimination is adopted. When a password is entered (210) and matches a pre-registered password (211, Y), image transmission is performed according to the mode selected by the user in step 200. Yes (212). In other words, once the password is entered and verified, the image can be transmitted in the mode selected when the destination is designated, regardless of the priority mode setting. If the passwords do not match (211, N), a predetermined error notification is issued (214).
Although not shown, when the priority mode is not registered for the designated destination, the mode selected in step 200 is executed without determining the priority mode in step 203. It goes without saying that images are transmitted.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in claim 1 of the present invention, even if any of the G3 mode and the IFAX mode is selected and image transmission is instructed, as long as the mail address of the other party is registered, the IFAX Since the mode is executed, image transmission for the purpose of reducing the transmission cost can be performed without requiring any special operation such as designation of the transmission condition.
[0039]
In claim 2, when the G3 mode is selected, if the other party communication address corresponding to the other party is in the registration unit, the notification unit is activated to prompt the user to select the IFAX mode within a predetermined time. When the selection operation is performed, the mode is switched to the IFAX mode, so even if the user wants to select the IFAX mode to reduce the transmission cost and selects the G3 mode by mistake, the selection error can be easily confirmed. Then, it is possible to switch to a desired IFAX mode and transmit an image, which is convenient.
[0040]
In claim 3, when either the G3 mode or the IFAX mode is selected and the other party is designated, the priority mode corresponding to the other party is determined, and if it matches the selected mode, While the selected mode is executed, if it does not match, it is switched to the priority mode and executed. Therefore, if the G3 mode or IFAX mode is set in advance as the priority mode for each destination, it is used at the time of image transmission. Regardless of the mode selected by the user, the mode as set is executed, which is convenient.
[0041]
In claim 4, when either the G3 mode or the IFAX mode is selected and the other party is specified, if the specified mode does not match the corresponding priority mode, the priority mode release enable is supported. If it is registered, a predetermined release operation is accepted and the designated mode is executed, so that some people who are authorized to perform the release operation are allowed to perform image processing in a mode in accordance with the intention of the person. Can be convenient.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration configured using the first to third aspects of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the first to third aspects of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the first and second inventions. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the shortening table. FIG. 6 is an example of the operation of the third invention. Flowchart showing explanation
F ... Internet facsimile machine 1 ... CPU
4 ... RAM
T, T '... shortening table

Claims (4)

For each destination, when the destination facsimile number and the destination communication address are registered in association with each other, and either the G3 mode or IFAX mode is selected and the destination to which the image is to be transmitted is specified, An internet facsimile apparatus comprising: a control means for determining whether or not the destination communication address corresponding to the destination is in the registration means, and if there is a corresponding destination communication address, executing the IFAX mode. For each destination, when the destination facsimile number and the destination communication address are registered in association with each other, the notification means, and the G3 mode are selected, and the destination to which the image is to be transmitted is specified. If the destination communication address corresponding to the destination is in the registration means, the notification means is activated to prompt the selection operation to the IFAX mode, and when the selection operation is performed within a predetermined time, the control means to switch to the IFAX mode; Internet facsimile machine equipped with. When a destination facsimile number, a destination communication address, a priority mode are registered in association with each destination, and either the G3 mode or IFAX mode is selected and the destination is designated, An Internet facsimile machine that includes a control unit that determines a priority mode that corresponds to the previous mode and executes the selected mode if it matches the selected mode, and switches to the priority mode if it does not match. apparatus. For each destination, a destination facsimile number, destination communication address, priority mode, priority mode release valid / invalid means, and either G3 mode or IFAX mode are selected, and the destination is designated. When the specified mode does not match the corresponding priority mode, if the priority mode release enabled is registered correspondingly, the predetermined release operation is accepted and the specified mode is executed. And an internet facsimile apparatus.

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