JP2016051951A - Facsimile apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide, in a facsimile apparatus which receives a reply from a facsimile apparatus of a transmission destination, a technique enabling a user to easily confirm the reply.SOLUTION: A facsimile apparatus 100 stores identification information, which identifies a first image file included in first facsimile data which is a facsimile transmission target, and destination information in an associative manner. Also, when the facsimile apparatus 100 receives second facsimile data, if identification information included in the second facsimile data is coincident with the identification information of a first image file, the facsimile apparatus 100 transmits at least one of a second image file, which is included in the second facsimile data, and acquisition information, which is information to acquire the second image file, to a notification destination based on the destination information associated with the identification information of the first image file.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus that performs facsimile communication. More specifically, the technique relates to a reply of facsimile communication.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique is known in which a facsimile apparatus that receives an image file by facsimile communication sends a reply to the facsimile apparatus that has transmitted the image file using facsimile communication.

  As a document disclosing the reply technology of the facsimile apparatus, for example, there is Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, an identification number is assigned to an image file received by facsimile communication, the identification number and dial information of the transmission source of the image file are stored in association with each other, and an identification number is added to the image file. And a configuration for receiving selection of a reply target using an identification number and making a call based on dial information associated with the selected identification number.

JP-A-9-163115

  However, the conventional technique described above has the following problems. For example, when a facsimile apparatus is remotely operated from an external apparatus such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) or a smartphone to input a file transmission instruction, the user is not likely to be in front of the facsimile apparatus. Even when the facsimile apparatus is operated, the user is in front of the facsimile apparatus when inputting a facsimile transmission instruction, but then leaves. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to confirm the reply from the destination facsimile machine.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that is a facsimile apparatus that accepts a reply from a destination facsimile apparatus and that allows the user to easily confirm the reply.

  A facsimile apparatus for solving this problem includes a first communication unit that performs facsimile communication, a second communication unit that performs communication using a method different from the facsimile communication, and a control unit. The control unit includes: a first image acquisition process for acquiring a first image file; identification information for identifying the first image file; a notification destination when receiving a reply to the transmission of the first image file; The first facsimile data including the first storage processing to be stored in the first memory in association with the destination information, and the first image file and the identification information of the first image file. A first transmission process for facsimile transmission to a destination apparatus, which is a destination facsimile apparatus, using the first communication unit, and a second transmission process after transmitting the first facsimile data by facsimile. When receiving the second facsimile data including the image file and the identification information from the transmission destination apparatus by facsimile using the first communication unit, and receiving the second facsimile data by facsimile. And a determination process for determining whether or not the identification information stored in the first memory and the identification information included in the second facsimile data match, and stored in the first memory. An identification stored in the first memory that matches the identification information included in the second facsimile data when it is determined that the identification information and the identification information included in the second facsimile data match The destination information associated with the information is used as the notification destination, and the second communication unit is used to send the second image file included in the second facsimile data and the second Of at least one of the acquired information which is information for acquiring the image file, and wherein performing a a first notification processing to be sent.

  That is, the facsimile apparatus disclosed in the present specification associates the identification information of the first image file included in the first facsimile data with the destination information for the first facsimile data targeted for facsimile transmission. I remember it. Therefore, when the second facsimile data is received by facsimile, it corresponds to the first facsimile data depending on whether or not the identification information included in the second facsimile data matches the identification information of the first image file. You can distinguish whether it is a reply. Further, by determining whether the identification information matches, it is possible to determine which first facsimile data corresponds to the reply. Then, when the second facsimile data is a reply corresponding to the first facsimile data, the facsimile apparatus at least one of the second image file included in the second facsimile data and the acquisition information thereof. By transmitting the destination information associated with the identification information of the first image file as the notification destination, the user can recognize that there was a reply via the notification destination and confirm the reply contents. it can.

  The present specification further includes a first communication unit that performs facsimile communication, a second communication unit that performs communication using a method different from the facsimile communication, and a control unit. A first image acquisition process for acquiring one image file, identification information for identifying the first image file, destination information as a notification destination when receiving a reply to the transmission of the first image file, And first facsimile data including the first image processing and the first image file and the identification information of the first image file are stored in the first memory. And a second transmission process including a first transmission process for facsimile transmission to a transmission destination apparatus that is a transmission destination facsimile apparatus, a second image file and identification information after the first facsimile data is transmitted by facsimile. The facsimile data is stored in the first memory when receiving the facsimile data from the destination apparatus using the first communication unit, and when receiving the second facsimile data by facsimile. A determination process for determining whether the identification information and the identification information included in the second facsimile data match, the identification information stored in the first memory, and the second facsimile data; When it is determined that the included identification information matches, at least one of the second image file included in the second facsimile data and acquisition information that is information for acquiring the second image file. Destination information associated with the identification information stored in the first memory that matches the identification information included in the second facsimile data; , By using the second communication unit, facsimile apparatus and executes a second notification processing of transmitting the predetermined information processing apparatus is disclosed.

  That is, in the facsimile apparatus having the above-described configuration, the first memory that matches at least one of the second image file included in the second facsimile data and the acquired information and the identification information included in the second facsimile data. The destination information associated with the identification information stored in is transmitted to a predetermined information processing apparatus. Thus, the information processing unit can acquire the information by transmitting at least one of the second image file and the acquisition information to the notification destination specified by the destination information. As a result, the user can recognize that there is a reply via the notification destination, and can confirm the reply content.

  Further, the present specification includes a first communication unit that performs facsimile communication, and a control unit, and the control unit includes a first image file and identification information for identifying the first image file. A second reception process for receiving the first facsimile data including the first facsimile data from the transmission source device, which is a transmission source facsimile device, using the first communication unit; and when the first facsimile data is received by facsimile. , A third storage process for storing the identification information included in the first facsimile data and the facsimile number of the transmission source device in association with each other and storing the second image file in the third memory. When an image acquisition process and a reply condition for the first facsimile data are satisfied, the information contained in the second image file and the first facsimile data is included. And a second transmission process of transmitting the second facsimile data including the information to the transmission source apparatus using the first communication unit and the facsimile number as a transmission destination. A facsimile machine is disclosed.

  That is, when the first facsimile data is received by facsimile, the facsimile apparatus having the above-described configuration stores the identification information included in the first facsimile data and the facsimile number of the transmission source apparatus in association with each other. When the reply condition for the first facsimile data is satisfied, the second facsimile data including the identification information included in the first facsimile data is transmitted by facsimile using the facsimile number of the transmission source device as the transmission destination. As a result, the facsimile apparatus can make the transmission facsimile apparatus recognize that it is a reply to specific facsimile data.

  A control method for realizing the functions of the image forming apparatus, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful.

  According to the present invention, a technique is realized that is a facsimile apparatus that accepts a reply from a destination facsimile apparatus and that allows the user to easily confirm the reply.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the facsimile communication system of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the sequence of the data of facsimile transmission and a reply. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the facsimile transmission and reply by remote communication in the 1st form. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the transmission process which a facsimile apparatus performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the reception process which a facsimile apparatus performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the reply process which a facsimile apparatus performs. It is a figure which shows the structure of a preview screen. It is a figure which shows the structure of a facsimile data list screen. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the facsimile transmission and reply function by remote communication in a 2nd form. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the facsimile transmission and reply function by a remote communication in a 3rd form.

  Hereinafter, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a facsimile communication system in which facsimile transmission is instructed from a mobile device to a facsimile device.

[Overall configuration of facsimile communication system]
As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile communication system 900 of this embodiment includes facsimile apparatuses (described as “FAX apparatus” in the drawing) 100 and 150, a mobile apparatus 200, and a file server 300. Any number of devices communicating with the facsimile machine 100 may be connected in addition to the illustrated facsimile machine 150 and the like.

  As the mobile device 200, for example, a smartphone or a tablet PC is applicable. The mobile device 200 is an example of an external device. The file server 300 is an example of an information processing apparatus.

  In the facsimile communication system 900 of this embodiment, data can be transferred between the facsimile apparatus 100 and the facsimile apparatus 150 by facsimile communication via a telephone line. In addition, data can be transferred between the facsimile apparatus 100, the mobile apparatus 200, and the file server 300 via the Internet. Data exchange via the Internet may be wired or wireless. In addition, data may be transferred without going through the Internet.

[Configuration of facsimile machine]
Next, a schematic configuration of the facsimile apparatus 100 will be described as a configuration of the facsimile apparatus included in the facsimile communication system 900 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the configuration of the facsimile machine 150 is omitted, but the facsimile machine 150 has the same configuration as the facsimile machine 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile machine 100 includes a controller 30 that includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an NVRAM (abbreviation of non-volatile RAM) 34. Note that the controller 30 in FIG. 1 is a collective term for hardware used for controlling the facsimile apparatus 100 such as the CPU 31, and is not necessarily represented as a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the facsimile apparatus 100. Absent.

  The ROM 32 stores firmware, which is a control program for controlling the facsimile machine 100, various settings, initial values, and the like. The RAM 33 and the NVRAM 34 are used as work areas from which various control programs are read or as storage areas for temporarily storing data.

  The CPU 31 controls each component of the facsimile apparatus 100 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34 according to the control program read from the ROM 32 and signals sent from various sensors. The CPU 31 is an example of a control unit. The controller 30 may be an example of a control unit.

  The facsimile apparatus 100 includes a printing unit 10 that prints an image on a sheet, a reading unit 20 that reads an image of a document, an operation panel 40 that serves both as a display function and an input function, and a wired LAN interface (in the drawing, “wired” A LAN interface (described as “wireless LAN IF” in the drawing) 37 and a facsimile interface (described as “FAX IF” in the drawing) 38. Is controlled by the CPU 31.

  The printing unit 10 may be capable of color printing or monochrome printing only. Also, the printing method may be an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method. Further, the reading unit 20 may be capable of color scanning or only monochrome scanning. Also, the reading mechanism may be a CCD or a CIS.

  The wired LAN interface 36 is hardware that enables Ethernet (registered trademark) wired communication based on the IEEE 802.3 standard and standards conforming thereto. The wireless LAN interface 37 is hardware that enables WiFi wireless communication based on the IEEE 802.11 standard and standards conforming thereto. The facsimile apparatus 100 receives data transmitted from the mobile apparatus 200 or the file server 300 via the wired LAN interface 36 or the wireless LAN interface 37. Further, the facsimile machine 100 transmits data to the mobile device 200 or the file server 300 via the wired LAN interface 36 or the wireless LAN interface. The wired LAN interface 36 and the wireless LAN interface 37 are examples of the second communication unit.

  The facsimile interface 38 is hardware for performing communication using a telephone line, including an NCU that controls telephone line connection and a modem that modulates a voice signal and a digital signal. The facsimile apparatus 100 performs facsimile communication with other facsimile apparatuses via the facsimile interface 38. The facsimile interface 38 is an example of a first communication unit.

  The operation panel 40 is provided on the exterior of the facsimile machine 100, and has various button groups for receiving user input, and a touch panel for displaying messages and various settings. Examples of the various buttons include a numeric keypad, an arrow key, an OK button, and a cancel button. The touch panel can also be input by a user performing a touch operation. For example, various settings and user information are input from the touch panel. The operation panel 40 is an example of a display unit.

[First embodiment]
[Outline of operation of facsimile communication system]
Next, the operation of the first mode in the facsimile communication system 900 will be described. More specifically, an operation for instructing facsimile transmission from the mobile device 200 to the facsimile device 100 and an operation for performing facsimile transmission from the facsimile device 100 to the facsimile device 150 (referred to as “FAX transmission” in the drawing). The operation of sending a reply from the facsimile machine 150 to the facsimile machine 100 after the facsimile transmission is performed will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 2 and the block diagram of FIG.

  First, when the mobile apparatus 200 instructs the facsimile apparatus 100 to perform facsimile transmission, remote communication by wireless communication is established between the mobile apparatus 200 and the facsimile apparatus 100.

  In order for the mobile device 200 to establish remote communication with the facsimile device 100, first, the mobile device 200 starts an application program for controlling the facsimile device 100. The mobile device 200 includes an OS, a browser for browsing files on the Internet, a device driver that controls various devices, and an application program that accepts jobs that cause the facsimile device 100 to execute printing, reading, facsimile transmission, and the like. (Hereinafter referred to as “app”) is stored. The mobile device 200 receives a request to start using the facsimile device 100 via the application. When receiving the request, the mobile device 200 transmits a remote communication connection request to the facsimile device 100.

  When the facsimile apparatus 100 receives a connection request from the mobile device 200 using the wireless LAN interface 37, the facsimile apparatus 100 determines whether or not a condition for permitting remote communication with the mobile apparatus 200 is satisfied. , A session that is in a state of permitting remote communication is established with the mobile device 200. The facsimile apparatus 100 determines that the condition is satisfied, for example, when a session is not established with another apparatus. Further, for example, when user information is added to the connection request and the use of the user corresponding to the user information is permitted, that is, when login is permitted, it may be determined that the condition is satisfied. . Hereinafter, it is assumed that a session has been established.

  While the session is established with the facsimile apparatus 100, the mobile apparatus 200 accepts various processing execution requests to the facsimile apparatus 100 via an application. The mobile device 200 selects a process to be used and accepts an execution request.

  Specifically, when receiving an execution request for facsimile transmission, the mobile device 200 receives selection of an image file to be transmitted and setting of a transmission destination of the image file. When the facsimile transmission execution instruction is received, the facsimile transmission instruction is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 100 ((1) in FIG. 3). The facsimile transmission instruction includes the selected image file, the destination facsimile number, and destination information that is an e-mail address that can be received by the mobile device 200. Hereinafter, it is assumed that an instruction to execute facsimile transmission with the facsimile apparatus 150 as a transmission destination is received. When the facsimile apparatus 100 reads a document and transmits the read image, no image file is selected. Therefore, the facsimile transmission instruction does not include an image file.

  When the facsimile apparatus 100 receives a facsimile transmission instruction, the facsimile apparatus 100 generates image data obtained by converting an image file into facsimile data. When the facsimile transmission instruction does not include an image file, the facsimile apparatus 100 starts reading a document and generates image data based on the read image. For example, in each of the above-described configurations, image data converted into a TIFF (abbreviation of Tagged Image File Format) format is generated from an image file compressed in the JPEG (abbreviation of Joint Photographic Experts Groupn) format. An image file included in the facsimile transmission instruction or an image obtained by reading a document is an example of a first image file.

  Further, the facsimile machine 100 generates an image ID for identifying the image data. The facsimile apparatus 100 then transmits transmission data information in which the generated image ID is associated with the destination information included in the facsimile transmission instruction, that is, the e-mail address that can be received by the mobile apparatus 200, in a transmission data database (hereinafter referred to as “transmission data database”). Registered in 110 (referred to as “transmission DB”) ((2) in FIG. 3). The transmission DB 110 is stored in the NVRAM 34. The transmission DB 110 may be stored in another device such as the file server 300. The transmission DB 110 and the NVRAM 34 are an example of a first memory.

  In addition, the facsimile machine 100 includes a facsimile number of the facsimile machine 150 as a transmission destination, a facsimile number of the facsimile machine 100 as a transmission source, image data to be transmitted, and facsimile data including an image ID ("FAX" in the drawing). Data ”). For example, the image ID is stored in the extension field of the facsimile transmission protocol. Then, the generated facsimile data is transmitted by facsimile to the facsimile apparatus 150 designated as the transmission destination ((3) in FIG. 3). The facsimile data is an example of first facsimile data.

  Although not shown, when the facsimile apparatus 100 performs facsimile transmission to the facsimile apparatus 150, a completion notification indicating that the facsimile transmission is completed is transmitted to the mobile apparatus 200. Further, thereafter, the mobile device 200 disconnects the session with the facsimile device 100 in response to receiving the completion notification, and ends the remote communication. In a modified example, after the mobile device 200 transmits a facsimile transmission instruction to the facsimile device 100, the session with the facsimile device 100 may be disconnected to complete the remote communication.

  When the facsimile apparatus 150 receives the facsimile data by facsimile, the facsimile apparatus 150 performs printing based on the image data as necessary. The received facsimile data is an example of the first facsimile data, but is also an example of the third facsimile data. The image data included in the received facsimile data is an example of a first image file, but is also an example of a third image file.

  The facsimile machine 150 does not print the received image data, but stores it in its own RAM 33 or NVRAM 34, and prints the received image data immediately, with a preview function for displaying the image data on the operation panel 40 in accordance with a user instruction. It has a direct printing function and a setting as to whether to enable the preview function is stored. In the preview function, printing is performed on condition that the user inputs a print instruction at an arbitrary timing. In a modification, the preview function may be configured such that the user cannot input a print instruction and cannot execute printing. When the preview function is enabled, the direct printing function is disabled. When the preview function is disabled, the direct printing function is enabled. The facsimile machine 150 determines whether to perform printing according to the setting.

  When the facsimile apparatus 150 receives the facsimile data by facsimile, the facsimile apparatus 150 receives the facsimile number of the facsimile apparatus 100 as the transmission source, the image data included in the facsimile data, and the image ID included in the facsimile data in association with each other. Data information is registered in a received data database (hereinafter referred to as “received DB”) 160 ((4) in FIG. 3). The reception DB 160 is stored in the NVRAM 34 of the facsimile machine 150. The reception DB 160 may be stored in another device such as the file server 300. The reception DB 160 and the NVRAM 34 are an example of a third memory.

  Thereafter, the facsimile apparatus 150 accepts a reply execution request for the received facsimile data. The facsimile apparatus 150 can accept an instruction to shift to the reply mode via the operation panel 40, and by selecting the facsimile data to be replied through the operation panel 40 by shifting to the reply mode. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the facsimile data from the facsimile apparatus 100 is selected as the facsimile data to be returned.

  When reply target facsimile data is selected, selection of a reply image file is accepted, and reply facsimile data is generated. If the image file to be returned is not selected, the facsimile apparatus 150 starts reading the document and generates image data for reply based on the read image. The image obtained by reading the selected image file or document is an example of a fourth image file.

  The facsimile machine 150 was included in the facsimile data to be transmitted in addition to the facsimile number of the facsimile apparatus 100 to be transmitted, the facsimile number of the facsimile apparatus 150 to be transmitted, and the image data to be transmitted. Facsimile data including an image ID is generated. The image ID is information included in the reception data information stored in the reception DB 160. Also in this case, the image ID is stored in the extension field of the facsimile transmission protocol, as in the case of facsimile transmission from the facsimile apparatus 100. Then, the generated facsimile data is transmitted by facsimile to the facsimile apparatus 100 as a reply destination ((5) in FIG. 3). The generated facsimile data is an example of fourth facsimile data.

  When the facsimile apparatus 100 receives the facsimile data by facsimile, the facsimile apparatus 100 performs printing based on the image data included in the facsimile data as necessary. The received facsimile data is an example of the fourth facsimile data, but is also an example of the second facsimile data. The image data included in the facsimile data is an example of the fourth image file, but is also an example of the second image file. Further, the facsimile apparatus 100 collates the image ID included in the facsimile data with the image ID stored in the transmission DB 110, and reads out transmission data information with the matching image ID.

  When the facsimile apparatus 100 reads the transmission data information, it converts the image data included in the received facsimile data into a display image file, and transmits the image file to the file server 300 for storage ((6 in FIG. 3). )). For example, image data in TIFF format is converted into an image file compressed in JPEG format for display. The file server 300 is an example of a second memory. Note that the storage destination is not limited to an external device such as the file server 300 but may be the NVRAM 34 of its own device. In this case, the NVRAM 34 is an example of a second memory.

  After saving the image file, the facsimile apparatus 100 acquires destination information, that is, an e-mail address that can be received by the mobile apparatus 200 from the transmission data information. Then, an e-mail describing the reference information of the storage destination of the image file is transmitted to the acquired e-mail address using the wired LAN interface 36 ((7) in FIG. 3). For example, a URL corresponds to the reference information. If authentication information is necessary to access the file server 300, the authentication information is also described in the e-mail. The reference information and authentication information of the image file storage destination are examples of acquired information. Note that the transmission of the image file and the transmission of the e-mail may be in reverse order or at the same time.

  When the mobile device 200 receives the e-mail transmitted from the facsimile device 100, the mobile device 200 displays a message indicating that there is a reply to the facsimile transmission on the display unit of the mobile device 200, and further stores the return destination of the returned image file. Display reference information. Furthermore, when the mobile device 200 receives an access instruction to the file server 300 that is the storage destination, the mobile device 200 accesses the file server 300 based on the reference information of the storage destination. Furthermore, when an image file acquisition instruction stored in the file server 300 is received, the image file is acquired from the file server 300 ((8) in FIG. 3).

  By such a procedure, the user of the mobile device 200 can immediately recognize that there is a reply when there is a reply to the facsimile data transmitted from the mobile device 200, and can quickly confirm the reply content. . Note that the mobile device 200 may display only the image file without acquiring the image file.

[Control of facsimile machine]
Subsequently, the control of the facsimile apparatus 100 in the first embodiment will be described. In the above description, the facsimile transmission side is described as the facsimile machine 100 and the reply execution side is the facsimile apparatus 150. However, the facsimile transmission side and the reply execution side are opposite. It may be. That is, the facsimile machine 100 has both a facsimile transmission function and a reply function. Therefore, the facsimile machine 100 has a reception DB 160 in addition to the transmission DB 110.

[Transmission process]
First, transmission processing for performing facsimile transmission will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The transmission process is executed by the CPU 31 when a facsimile transmission instruction is received from an external device.

  In the transmission process, the facsimile apparatus 100 first determines whether there is an image file in the facsimile transmission instruction (S101). When there is an image file in the facsimile transmission instruction (S101: YES), the facsimile apparatus 100 acquires the image file (S102). On the other hand, when there is no image file in the facsimile transmission instruction (S101: NO), the facsimile apparatus 100 causes the reading unit 20 to read the image of the document (S111). S102 and S111 are examples of the first image acquisition process.

  After S102 or S111, the facsimile apparatus 100 determines whether destination information is included in the facsimile transmission instruction (S121). If there is no destination information (S121: NO), the reply function of this embodiment cannot be used, so the facsimile apparatus 100 generates normal facsimile data, that is, facsimile data that does not include an image ID (S131). Then, the facsimile interface 38 is used to transmit the facsimile data to the facsimile apparatus specified by the facsimile number included in the facsimile transmission instruction (S132).

  On the other hand, when there is destination information (S121: YES), the facsimile apparatus 100 acquires the destination information (S122). Then, the facsimile machine 100 generates an image ID for identifying the acquired image file (S123). Further, the facsimile machine 100 generates facsimile data in which the image ID is written in the extension field of the facsimile transmission protocol (S124). Then, the facsimile interface 38 is used to send the facsimile data to the facsimile machine specified by the facsimile number included in the facsimile transmission instruction (S125). S125 is an example of a first transmission process.

  After S125, the facsimile apparatus 100 registers the transmission data information in which the image ID and the destination information are associated with each other in the transmission DB 110 (S126). S126 is an example of a first storage process. After S126 or S132, the transmission process is terminated.

[Receive processing]
Next, reception processing that is processing on the reception side will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The reception process is executed by the CPU 31 when facsimile data is received from another facsimile apparatus.

  In the reception process, the facsimile apparatus 100 first determines whether or not there is an image ID in the extension field of the facsimile data received by facsimile (S201). As described above, in the facsimile transmission according to the present embodiment, the facsimile data includes the image ID regardless of whether the facsimile data corresponds to the reception of the facsimile transmission instruction or the reply facsimile data. In other words, facsimile data that does not include an image ID is not facsimile data relating to facsimile transmission of this embodiment.

  Therefore, if the facsimile data has an image ID (S201: YES), it can be determined that the facsimile data relating to the facsimile transmission of this embodiment has been received. In this case, the process of receiving the facsimile data by facsimile when starting the execution of the reception process is an example of the first reception process and the second reception process. If the facsimile data relating to the facsimile transmission of this embodiment is received by facsimile, the facsimile apparatus 100 acquires the image ID (S202). Then, the facsimile apparatus 100 collates the acquired image ID with the image ID stored in the transmission DB 110, and determines whether or not the acquired image ID matches the image ID stored in the transmission DB 110. (S203).

  If there is no matching image ID (S203: NO), the facsimile data received by facsimile can be determined as newly received facsimile data by facsimile transmission of this embodiment. Therefore, the facsimile machine 100 acquires the facsimile number of the transmission source facsimile machine (described as “FAX number” in the drawing) included in the facsimile data (S211). Then, the facsimile apparatus 100 registers received data information in which the image ID acquired in S202 is associated with the facsimile number of the transmission source facsimile apparatus acquired in S211 in the reception DB 160 (S212). S212 is an example of a third storage process.

  On the other hand, if there is a matching image ID (S203: YES), the facsimile data received by facsimile can be determined as facsimile data returned by facsimile transmission of this embodiment. Therefore, the facsimile apparatus 100 converts the facsimile data included in the facsimile data into a display image file (S204), and transmits the image file to the file server 300 using the wired LAN interface 36 or the wireless LAN interface 37. (S205). At this time, the facsimile machine 100 receives a URL as reference information from the file server 300. S205 is an example of a second storage process. The file server 300 as the transmission destination is set in the facsimile apparatus 100 in advance, and the destination of the file server 300 is also stored in the NVRAM 34 of the facsimile apparatus 100.

  Further, the facsimile machine 100 reads destination information associated with the image ID acquired in S202 from the transmission DB 110 (S206). Then, the facsimile machine 100 generates an electronic mail that describes the URL that is the reference information of the image file transmitted in S205, and uses the wired LAN interface 36 or the wireless LAN interface 37 to specify the electronic mail specified by the destination information. The generated electronic mail is transmitted to the mail address (S207). S207 is an example of a first notification process. Note that the transmission of the image file in S205 and the transmission of the e-mail in S206 and S207 may be in reverse order or at the same time.

  If there is no image ID in S207, S212, or facsimile data (S201: NO), the facsimile apparatus 100 determines whether the preview function is valid (S221). If the preview function is valid (S221: YES), the facsimile apparatus 100 stores the image file converted in S204 in the NVRAM 34 (S222). On the other hand, if the preview function is invalid, that is, if the direct printing function is valid (S221: NO), the facsimile apparatus 100 causes the printing unit 10 to perform printing based on the image file (S231). The facsimile machine 100 deletes the printed image file. After S231 or S222, the reception process is terminated.

[Reply processing]
Next, a reply process for replying to facsimile data received by facsimile will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The reply process is executed by the CPU 31 when an instruction to shift to the reply mode is received by operating the operation panel 40.

  In the reply process, the facsimile apparatus 100 first displays on the operation panel 40 a selection screen for selecting facsimile data to be returned (S301). In S301, the facsimile apparatus 100 refers to the reception DB 160 and selects a reply target from the registered facsimile data.

  The selection screen displayed in S301 differs depending on whether the preview function is valid. When the preview function is valid, an image file is stored. For this reason, a preview screen 50 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. The preview screen 50 includes an image section 51 that displays an image corresponding to the image file, a print button 52 that instructs printing, a cancel button 53 that cancels reply, a reply button 54 that instructs reply, and a reception DB 160. Switching buttons 55 and 56 for switching the display to other registered facsimile data are displayed. The facsimile machine 100 accepts a reply instruction for the facsimile data being displayed when the reply button 54 is pressed. The preview screen 50 is an example of a reply instruction screen.

  If the direct printing function is valid, no image file is stored. From this, the facsimile data list screen 60 as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. The facsimile data list screen 60 includes a list display unit 61 for displaying a list of facsimile data registered in the reception DB 160, an input unit 62 for inputting a registration number of facsimile data to be returned, and a cancel for canceling a reply. A button 63 and a reply button 64 for instructing a reply are displayed. The list display unit 61 displays the image ID and the registration number assigned to the image ID in association with each other. The input unit 62 receives an input of a registration number. Note that when the facsimile data is printed, the facsimile apparatus 100 prints an image obtained by combining the image ID with the image data included in the facsimile data if the facsimile data includes the image ID. Therefore, the user can grasp the image ID by confirming the printed matter. The facsimile data list screen 60 is an example of a reply instruction screen. In the modified example, the reception date and time of facsimile data is registered in the reception DB 160 in association with the image ID or the like, and when the facsimile data is printed, the image ID is not combined with the image data and the image with the reception date and time combined is used. You may print.

  After S301, the facsimile apparatus 100 determines whether a reply is instructed (S302). If a reply is not instructed (S302: NO), it is determined whether a reply mode cancellation is instructed (S303). If cancellation of the reply mode is not instructed (S303: NO), the process returns to S302 and waits for an instruction to reply or cancel.

  When a reply is instructed, that is, when the reply button 54 or 64 is pressed (S302: YES), the facsimile apparatus 100 determines whether a reply image is designated (S312). When a reply image is selected (S312: YES), the facsimile apparatus 100 acquires an image file of the designated image (S313). On the other hand, when the reply image is not selected (S312: NO), the facsimile apparatus 100 causes the reading unit 20 to start reading the image of the document (S321). S313 and S321 are examples of the second image acquisition process.

  After S313 or S321, the facsimile apparatus 100 reads the image ID of the facsimile data for which a reply is instructed from the reception DB 160 (S314). Further, the facsimile number associated with the image ID is read (S315). The facsimile number associated with the image ID is the facsimile number of the facsimile machine that has transmitted the image file corresponding to the image ID. The facsimile apparatus 100 generates facsimile data in which the image ID acquired in S314 is written in the extension field of the facsimile transmission protocol (S316), and the facsimile interface 38 is used to determine the facsimile data by the facsimile number acquired in S315. Facsimile transmission is performed to the specified facsimile machine (S317). S317 is an example of a second transmission process.

  After S317 or when cancellation of the reply mode is instructed, that is, when the cancel button 53 or 63 is pressed (S303: YES), the mode is returned to the mode before the transition to the reply mode (S331), and reply processing is performed. Exit.

  As described above in detail, the facsimile apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, for the facsimile data targeted for facsimile transmission, the image ID of the image file included in the facsimile data, the notification destination when the reply is received. Is stored in association with the destination information which is Therefore, when the facsimile apparatus 100 receives facsimile data by facsimile, the facsimile apparatus 100 responds to the transmitted facsimile data depending on whether or not the image ID included in the facsimile data matches the image ID stored in the transmission DB 110. It is possible to distinguish whether or not a reply is to be made. Further, by comparing the image ID, it is possible to determine which facsimile data is to be returned. Then, when the received facsimile data is a reply corresponding to the transmitted specific facsimile data, the facsimile apparatus 100 associates the image file reference information included in the received facsimile data with the image ID. By transmitting to the notification destination based on the destination information, the user can recognize that there has been a reply via the notification destination, and can further confirm the content of the reply.

[Second form]
Next, the operation of the second mode in the facsimile communication system 900 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In the second embodiment, the mobile device 200 acquires an image file based on the facsimile data returned from the facsimile device 150 directly from the facsimile device 100. This is different from the first embodiment in which an image file is acquired via the file server 300.

  In the second embodiment, after the mobile device 200 establishes remote communication with the facsimile device 100 and the mobile device 200 transmits a facsimile transmission instruction to the facsimile device 100 ((1) in FIG. 9), the facsimile device The procedure until 150 transmits the reply facsimile data to the facsimile apparatus 100 by facsimile ((5) in FIG. 9), and the facsimile apparatus 100 performs printing based on the image data included in the reply facsimile data. The procedure to be performed, and the procedure in which the facsimile machine 100 collates the image ID included in the reply facsimile data with the image ID stored in the transmission DB 110 and reads out the transmission data information with the matching image ID is the first procedure. It is the same as the form.

  When the facsimile apparatus 100 reads the transmission data information, the facsimile apparatus 100 converts the image data included in the received facsimile data into a display image file. Further, destination information, that is, an e-mail address that can be received by the mobile device 200 is acquired from the transmission data information, and an e-mail attached with the converted image file is transmitted to the acquired e-mail address ((( 11)).

  In other words, in the second embodiment, the facsimile apparatus 100 that has received the reply facsimile data transmits the image file included in the reply facsimile data directly to the mobile apparatus 200 that is the reply notification destination. As a result, compared with the first embodiment in which the reply image file is delivered via the file server 300, the reply image file delivery procedure is simplified. In the second embodiment, a reply can be notified even in a system that does not have the file server 300. Also, it is not necessary to save a reply image file, and the load on the memory can be reduced.

  On the other hand, in the first embodiment, a reply image file is temporarily stored in the file server 300, and the mobile device 200 acquires the image file at any timing of the user. The amount of data to be received is small. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the communication load of the mobile device 200 increases at a timing not intended by the user due to the transmission of the image file.

[Third embodiment]
Next, the operation of the third mode in the facsimile communication system 900 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In the third mode, the mobile device 200 is notified from the file server 300 that there is returned facsimile data. In this respect, the mobile device 200 is different from the first embodiment notified from the facsimile device 100.

  In the third embodiment as well, as in the second embodiment, the mobile device 200 establishes remote communication with the facsimile device 100 and the mobile device 200 transmits a facsimile transmission instruction to the facsimile device 100 (FIG. 10). (1)), the facsimile apparatus 150 transmits the reply facsimile data to the facsimile apparatus 100 by facsimile transmission ((5) in FIG. 10), and the facsimile apparatus 100 further converts the reply facsimile data into the reply facsimile data. The procedure for performing printing based on the included image data, and further, the facsimile apparatus 100 collates the image ID included in the reply facsimile data with the image ID stored in the transmission DB 110, and the transmission data with the matching image ID. The procedure for reading information is the same as in the first embodiment.

  When the facsimile apparatus 100 reads out the transmission data information, the facsimile apparatus 100 converts the image data included in the received facsimile data into a display image file, and further, from the transmission data information, destination information, that is, an e-mail that can be received by the mobile device 200 The address is acquired, and the image file and destination information are transmitted to the file server 300 ((21) in FIG. 10). The transmission of the image file and the destination information to the file server 300 is an example of a second notification process. Note that the storage destination of the image file may be stored in a device different from the file server 300, and in this case, reference information of the storage destination of the image file is transmitted to the file server 300 instead of the image file.

  When the file server 300 acquires the image file and the destination information, the file server 300 transmits an e-mail in which the reference information of the storage destination of the image file file server 300 itself is described based on the destination information ((22) in FIG. 10). That is, the file server 300 transmits the above e-mail to the e-mail address indicated by the acquired destination information.

  Upon receiving the electronic mail transmitted from the file server 300, the mobile device 200 displays a message indicating that there has been a reply to facsimile transmission on the display unit of the mobile device 200, as in the first embodiment, and further returns a reply. The reference information of the storage destination of the selected image file is displayed. Furthermore, when the mobile device 200 receives an image file acquisition instruction stored in the file server 300, the mobile device 200 acquires the image file from the file server 300 ((23) in FIG. 10).

  That is, in the third embodiment, the notification from the facsimile apparatus 100 to the mobile apparatus 200 is not performed, and the file server 300 performs the notification to the mobile apparatus 200. As a result, even when the facsimile apparatus 100 does not have an electronic mail function, a reply to the mobile apparatus 200 can be notified.

  Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the facsimile apparatus only needs to have a facsimile communication function, and may be, for example, a multifunction machine or a PC having a facsimile communication function in addition to the facsimile apparatus.

  In the embodiment, either the image file or the reference information of the storage destination of the image file is transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 100 to the mobile apparatus 200. However, both the image file and the reference information are transmitted. May be configured to transmit. For example, the image file may be attached to an e-mail, and the URL of the storage destination of the image file may be described in the body of the e-mail.

  In the embodiment, the image ID is generated as the identification information included in the facsimile data. However, the information specifying the facsimile data is not limited to this. For example, a job ID for identifying a job may be used instead of the image ID.

  Further, in the embodiment, the facsimile apparatus 100 acquires the destination information, which is the notification destination information when the reply is received, in the facsimile transmission instruction from the mobile apparatus 200. The method is not limited to this. For example, when the facsimile apparatus stores the login user and the destination information in association with each other, even if the destination information is acquired from the information of the logged-in user who is logged in to the facsimile apparatus when the facsimile transmission instruction is received. Good.

  Further, the present invention can be applied even when the user operates the facsimile apparatus 100 via the operation panel 40 to perform facsimile transmission. In this case, the facsimile apparatus 100 may have the user input destination information via the operation panel 40. According to this configuration, for example, an e-mail address that can be received by a user's mobile phone that has input a facsimile transmission instruction is used as a reply notification destination. The mobile phone is notified of the reply, and the user can quickly confirm the reply.

  In the embodiment, the destination information is an e-mail address, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the notification destination is in the same network as the facsimile apparatus 100, the destination information may be an IP address. Further, if SMS communication is possible between the mobile device 200 and the facsimile device 100, the destination information may be a telephone number.

  In the embodiment, the reply of facsimile data is performed by shifting to the reply mode by the user operation, but the reply timing is not limited to this. For example, a reply screen may be prepared in advance, and the reply screen may be automatically responded upon reception of facsimile transmission facsimile data. It should be noted that, as in the embodiment, it is possible to switch to the reply mode, display the preview screen 50 or the facsimile data list screen 60 as a reply instruction screen, and accept any reply image by the user. The user can reply to any image at the timing.

  In the embodiment, the preview screen 50 or the facsimile data list screen 60 as a reply instruction screen is displayed on the operation panel 40 of the facsimile apparatus 150. However, the display means is not limited to this. For example, it may be displayed on an external device such as a PC connected to the facsimile machine 150.

  In the embodiment, the reply instruction screen is switched depending on whether the preview function is valid or the direct print function is valid. However, the form of the reply instruction screen is not limited to this. For example, the reply instruction screen may be displayed only when the preview function in which the image file is stored is valid. In the embodiment, the image file is erased after printing with the direct printing function, but it is not necessary to erase the image file. In this case, even in the direct printing function, the preview screen 50 may be displayed in the reply mode. In other words, the image may be displayed on the reply instruction screen without fail.

  In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the reply button 54 is displayed on the preview screen 50 that is displayed when the preview function is valid, but the facsimile data to be previewed is the embodiment. The reply button 54 may not be displayed when the facsimile data is not the target facsimile data, that is, the facsimile data does not include the image ID. By not displaying, it is possible to avoid pressing the reply button for facsimile data that cannot be replied.

  The processing disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processing disclosed in the embodiment can be realized in various modes such as a recording medium or a method recording a program for executing the processing.

36: wired LAN interface, 37: wireless LAN interface, 38: facsimile interface, 40: operation panel, 100 and 150: facsimile apparatus, 200: mobile apparatus, 300: file server, 900: facsimile communication system

Claims (10)

A first communication unit for performing facsimile communication;
A second communication unit for performing communication by a method different from the facsimile communication;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
A first image acquisition process for acquiring a first image file;
First memory for storing in the first memory the identification information for identifying the first image file and the destination information as the notification destination when receiving a reply to the transmission of the first image file in association with each other. Processing,
Facsimile transmission of the first facsimile data including the first image file and the identification information of the first image file to the transmission destination apparatus, which is a transmission destination facsimile apparatus, using the first communication unit. A first transmission process;
After the first facsimile data is transmitted by facsimile, a second facsimile data including a second image file and identification information is received from the transmission destination apparatus by facsimile using the first communication unit. Receive processing,
A determination process for determining whether or not the identification information stored in the first memory matches the identification information included in the second facsimile data when the second facsimile data is received by facsimile. When,
When it is determined that the identification information stored in the first memory and the identification information included in the second facsimile data match, the identification information included in the second facsimile data matches. The destination information associated with the identification information stored in the first memory is used as the notification destination, and the second image file included in the second facsimile data and the second information using the second communication unit. A first notification process for transmitting at least one of acquisition information, which is information for acquiring the image file,
A facsimile machine characterized by executing In the facsimile apparatus according to claim 1,
The controller is
Executing a second storage process for storing a second image file included in the second facsimile data in a second memory;
In the first notification process, the acquired information including access information to the second memory is transmitted to the notification destination. A first communication unit for performing facsimile communication;
A second communication unit for performing communication by a method different from the facsimile communication;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
A first image acquisition process for acquiring a first image file;
First memory for storing in the first memory the identification information for identifying the first image file and the destination information as the notification destination when receiving a reply to the transmission of the first image file in association with each other. Processing,
Facsimile transmission of the first facsimile data including the first image file and the identification information of the first image file to the transmission destination apparatus, which is a transmission destination facsimile apparatus, using the first communication unit. A first transmission process;
After the first facsimile data is transmitted by facsimile, a second facsimile data including a second image file and identification information is received from the transmission destination apparatus by facsimile using the first communication unit. Receive processing,
A determination process for determining whether or not the identification information stored in the first memory matches the identification information included in the second facsimile data when the second facsimile data is received by facsimile. When,
A second image file included in the second facsimile data when it is determined that the identification information stored in the first memory matches the identification information included in the second facsimile data; The identification information stored in the first memory coincides with at least one of the acquisition information, which is information for acquiring the second image file, and the identification information included in the second facsimile data. Second notification processing for transmitting the destination information to a predetermined information processing apparatus using the second communication unit;
A facsimile machine characterized by executing In the facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The controller is
In the first image acquisition process, the facsimile apparatus is a first transmission instruction that is an instruction to facsimile-transmit the first image file to the transmission destination apparatus using the first communication unit. A facsimile apparatus, wherein the first transmission instruction including one image file and the destination information is received from an external apparatus. In the facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The controller is
In the first transmission process, the first facsimile data including the identification information in an extension field is transmitted to the transmission destination apparatus by facsimile using the first communication unit. In the facsimile machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The controller is
Facsimile reception of third facsimile data including a third image file and identification information for identifying the third image file from the transmission source apparatus which is a transmission source facsimile apparatus, using the first communication unit. Second reception processing to
A third storage process for storing the identification information included in the third facsimile data and the facsimile number of the transmission source device in association with each other when the third facsimile data is received by facsimile. When,
A second image acquisition process for acquiring a fourth image file;
When the reply condition for the third facsimile data is satisfied, fourth facsimile data including the fourth image file and identification information included in the third facsimile data is transferred to the first communication unit. Using the facsimile number as a transmission destination, a second transmission process for facsimile transmission to the transmission source device;
A facsimile machine characterized by executing A first communication unit for performing facsimile communication;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
Facsimile reception of first facsimile data including a first image file and identification information for identifying the first image file from a transmission source apparatus, which is a transmission source facsimile apparatus, using the first communication unit. Second reception processing to
Third storage processing for storing the identification information included in the first facsimile data and the facsimile number of the transmission source device in association with each other when the first facsimile data is received by facsimile. When,
A second image acquisition process for acquiring a second image file;
When the reply condition for the first facsimile data is satisfied, second facsimile data including the second image file and the identification information included in the first facsimile data is transferred to the first communication unit. Using the facsimile number as a transmission destination, a second transmission process for facsimile transmission to the transmission source device;
A facsimile machine characterized by executing The facsimile apparatus according to claim 7,
The controller is
Based on the identification information stored in the third memory, a display process for displaying a reply instruction screen, which is a screen for accepting a reply instruction for the first facsimile data, on the display unit,
A facsimile apparatus, wherein when a reply instruction is received via the reply instruction screen, it is determined that a reply condition for the first facsimile data is satisfied. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
Comprising the display unit,
The controller is
In the third storage process, the first image file included in the first facsimile data is further stored in the third memory in association with the identification information and the facsimile number,
In the display process, the reply instruction screen including an image indicated by the first image file and a button for inputting a reply instruction is displayed on the display unit. In the facsimile apparatus according to claim 9,
The controller is
A setting process for setting whether or not to display the image indicated by the first image file on the display unit when the first facsimile data is received;
When it is set not to display the image indicated by the first image file on the display unit, the display process does not include the image indicated by the first image file, and the button A facsimile apparatus that displays the reply instruction screen including the message on the display unit.

Images