JPH06291879A - Fax machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Object] The present invention relates to a facsimile device, and an object thereof is to provide a facsimile device capable of shortening the waiting time of a user when a conversation reservation is made. [Structure] When a conversation reservation is made when transmitting image information, PRI-MPS (Procedure Interrupt-Multipage Sign) is executed at the timing when transmission of image information for one block is completed.
al), and the PRI-MPS in the sending unit.
And a notifying unit for notifying the receiving station of the conversation request.

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, it can be applied to a conversation reservation technique in a facsimile machine, and in particular, to shorten the waiting time of a user even when a conversation reservation is made. The present invention relates to a facsimile machine capable of performing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a telephone calling method for transmitting data to a memory has been reported, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-267853. Here, image data fetched from a memory is being transmitted via a line. , When a conversation reservation is made, the page in the middle of transmission is interrupted after the transmission is completed, a call is made by connecting to the partner station, and in response to a resend instruction after the call ends, By configuring so that the image data is taken out of the memory and the transmission is restarted, there is an advantage that a call can be easily / quickly performed during the memory transmission and the memory transmission can be easily / quickly restarted after the call ends. .

In a conventional facsimile machine, when a conversation reservation occurs during transmission or reception of a halftone, a complicated document, a conversation reservation is made only for each page (between pages) or at the end of a page (end of image information). Can be started.

[0004]

As described above, in the conventional facsimile apparatus, the conversation reservation is started only in page units or only at the end of the page, but the data amount of image information in the halftone mode is very large. When a conversation reservation occurs at that time, as described above, since the conversation reservation is started only in page units or at the end of the page, even if it is realized after the user declares the conversation reservation,
There was a problem that a very long time lag was proliferated and the time the user had to wait was significantly increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus which can shorten the time the user has to wait when making a conversation reservation.

[0006]

The invention according to claim 1 is
When a conversation reservation occurs when transmitting image information, PRI-M is executed at the timing when transmission of image information for one block is completed.
The present invention is characterized by having a sending unit for sending PS (Procedure Interrupt-Multipage Signal) and a notifying unit for sending a PRI-MPS by the sending unit to notify a receiving station of a conversation request.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when a conversation reservation occurs while receiving image information, a return unit that returns a PIP (Procedure Interrupt Positive) at the end of reception of one block of image information, and the return unit. And a notification unit for notifying the transmitting station of the conversation request by returning the PIP. According to another aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus which sets the conversation reservation for each block of image information while receiving the image information, when returning to the transmission mode of the image information when the conversation reservation is completed, And a PPS (Partial Page Sent) that is sent again from the transmitting station after the conversation reservation is made.
The image information received based on the (ignal) signal is processed as data of page continuation or page head data.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, during transmission of image information,
In a facsimile apparatus which sets conversation reservation for each block of image information, when returning to the image information transmission mode at the time of reservation of conversation, based on the image information of the block next to the previously transmitted block. It is characterized in that it has a transmitting unit for starting transmission.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a very large amount of image information such as a halftone mode is transmitted and a conversation reservation occurs, the transmission of one block of image information is completed (for example, PPS-NULL is set). At the timing of sending) PRI-
By transmitting the MPS by the transmitting unit, the conversation request can be notified to the receiving station by the notifying unit. For this reason, the conversation can be executed in block units,
The larger the number of blocks for one page, the more efficiently the time lag from the conversation request generation to the conversation execution procedure can be shortened. Therefore, when a conversation reservation is made, the time that the user has to wait can be shortened.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the conversation reservation is generated during the reception of the image information, the PIP is returned by the return unit when the image information for one block is received.
The conversation request can be notified to the transmitting station by the notification unit. Therefore, since the conversation can be executed in block units, the time lag from the generation of the conversation request to the conversation execution procedure can be efficiently reduced as the number of blocks for one page increases. Therefore, when a conversation reservation is made, the time that the user has to wait can be shortened.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in the facsimile apparatus which sets the conversation reservation for each block of image information while receiving the image information, the facsimile device returns to the image information transmission mode when the conversation reservation is completed. At this time, the image information of the previously received block is held in the holding unit, and the image information received based on the PPS signal retransmitted from the transmitting station after the conversation reservation is processed by the processing unit is the data of the page continuation or the beginning of the page. It can be processed as data. Therefore, since the conversation can be executed in block units, the time lag from the generation of the conversation request to the conversation execution procedure can be efficiently shortened as the number of blocks for one page increases. Therefore, when a conversation reservation is made, the time that the user has to wait can be shortened.

According to the invention described in claim 4, in the facsimile apparatus which sets the conversation reservation for each block of image information during transmission of the image information, when the conversation reservation ends, the facsimile apparatus returns to the image information transmission mode. At this time, the transmission unit can start the transmission based on the image information of the block next to the block transmitted previously. Therefore, since the conversation can be executed in block units, the time lag from the generation of the conversation request to the conversation execution procedure can be efficiently reduced as the number of blocks for one page increases. Therefore, when a conversation reservation is made, the time that the user has to wait can be shortened.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention (claims 1 to 4). In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a scanner for reading out image information of a predetermined resolution from a document image. Reference numeral 2 is a plotter for recording image information on recording paper, and 3 is an encoding / decoding unit for encoding image information to be transmitted and decoding received image information.
Is an image memory that temporarily stores image information to be transmitted in the case of storage transmission, and also stores and holds image information for proxy reception. Next, 5 is a network control device for performing a predetermined call-out operation and call-in operation by detecting a line supplement and a selection signal which is a destination telephone number, and the detection of an incoming call. In addition, 7 is a modem for transmitting various procedure signals in the transmission control procedure, and 7 is a communication control for controlling the network control device 5 and the modem 6 to perform facsimile transmission according to a predetermined transmission control procedure compliant with CCITT G3 standard. Reference numeral 8 denotes an operation display unit that displays operation guidance and the like, and causes the facsimile apparatus to execute various operations for executing predetermined transmission / reception processing in accordance with the guidance. 9 is a registration / transmission management information storage unit that stores registration information and a RAM area for storing job files, and 10 is a conversation reservation,
When the transmission of image information is interrupted in block units, a transmission interruption information storage unit that stores up to where the image information has been transmitted. Reference numeral 11 is composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and controls each of the above units. The system control unit is composed of a microcomputer that realizes a predetermined operation of the facsimile apparatus.

Each of these units is connected to the system bus 12, and data is exchanged between these units mainly through the system bus 12. The facsimile apparatus of this embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration. Since the method shown in this embodiment is a non-standard procedure, in order to realize the function of this embodiment according to claims 1 to 3, NSF / NSS (Non-Standard Facilities / Non-
It is desirable to pre-assign whether or not the interrupt conversation reservation function is included in the Standard Facilities Set-up). Claims 1-4
The conversation reservation function achieved in this embodiment according to the present invention is hereinafter referred to as so-called interrupt conversation reservation.

In the conversation reservation function of this embodiment, when a conversation reservation occurs when transmitting image information, the PRI is sent at the timing of ending transmission of one block of image information (transmitting PPS-NULL). -A function of notifying a receiving station of a conversation request by sending MPS, and when a conversation reservation occurs while receiving image information, when one block of image information is received (at the end of PPS-NULL reception) PIP
The function to notify the transmitting station of the conversation request by sending back the message, and when the conversation reservation is set for each block of image information while receiving the image information, the image information is transmitted when the conversation reservation is completed. When returning to the mode, the image information of the previously received block is retained, and the received image information is page continuation data or page top data based on the PPS signal sent again from the transmitting station after the conversation reservation. When the conversation reservation is set for each block of image information during the transmission of the image information (the receiving station side), when returning to the image information transmission mode when the conversation reservation is completed, It has a function (transmission station side) of starting transmission from the image information of the block next to the block transmitted previously.

Next, the flow of facsimile communication according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 are flow charts showing the communication flow of the transmitting side facsimile apparatus and the receiving side facsimile apparatus of this embodiment respectively, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are the time when a conversation reservation is made from the transmitting station facsimile and the receiving station respectively of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the communication procedure at the time of making a conversation reservation from a facsimile. Since there is a prescribed protocol for conversation reservation at the end of a page and at the end of a document, only the flow for conversation between image information blocks will be described here.

First, the basic flow will be described. First, the transmitting station facsimile having the interrupt conversation reservation function analyzes the NSS from the receiving station facsimile and determines whether or not the receiving station facsimile has the interrupt conversation reservation function at the same time when the communication mode is determined. Next, if the receiving station facsimile has the interrupt conversation reservation function, it is indicated that the following communication is performed with the interrupt conversation reservation function ON.
Notify by SS. On the other hand, when the facsimile function of the receiving station does not exist, the communication is continued in the normal transmission mode. Next, if the transmission station facsimile makes a conversation reservation during communication when the interrupt conversation reservation function is ON, the transmission station facsimile sends the PPS-NULL that should be sent next.
Instead, the PRI-MPS is transmitted and a conversation request is made. On the other hand, when the receiving station facsimile makes a conversation reservation, the PPS-NU sent from the transmitting station facsimile is transmitted.
PIP is sent as a response signal of LL to make a conversation request. Then, after the conversation ends, when returning to the facsimile procedure, if the transmitting station issues PPS-NULL, the receiving station processes the image information transmitted below as page continuation data.

In the sending side facsimile machine, specifically,
First, the facsimile of the receiving station has an interrupt conversation reservation function.
Or not (process S₁), Interrupt conversation reservation function
If there is (process S₁) Is the interrupt conversation reservation function ON
(Process S₂) On the other hand, there is no interrupt conversation reservation function.
If not (process S₁) Performs a normal transmission procedure (process S)
₁₂). Sending image information after declaring that the interrupt reservation function is ON
Start communication (process S₃), Sent one block of image information
It is determined whether or not (process S_Four), Send one block of image information
When finished (Process S_Four) Determines whether there is a conversation request
Judge (Process S _Five), If there is a request for conversation reservation (processing
S_Five) Declares a conversation reservation request (process S₆),on the other hand,
When there is no request for a conversation reservation (process S_Five) Is for sending image information.
When communication does not end (process S₁₃), Send PPS-NULL
Believe (Process S₁₄), Return to processing 4, and processing similar to the above
I do. In addition, when the transmission of the image information is completed (process S₁₃)
Ends the process. Next, after declaring the conversation reservation request,
If there is a positive response, the conversation is established (process S₇,
S₈), And sends PPS-NULL (process S₉),again
If there is a positive response, the next image information is sent.
(Process S_Ten, S₁₁), Return to processing 4, and processing similar to the above
I do. Incidentally, when there is no affirmative response reply (process S
₇, S_Ten) Performs a normal transmission procedure (process S)₁₂).

Next, in the receiving facsimile machine, specifically, first, it is determined whether or not the interrupt conversation reservation function is turned on (process S ₂₁ ), and when the interrupt conversation reservation function is turned on (process S ₂₁ ). Starts receiving image information (process S ₂₂ ), while if the interrupt conversation reservation function is not turned on (process S ₂₁ ), the normal reception procedure is performed (process S ₃₃ ).
Then, after the start of reception of image information, if the image information 1 block received ended (process S ₂₃₎ determines whether the conversation reservation request exists (processing S _24), the conversation reservation if there is a request (processing S ₂₄ ) declares a conversation reservation request (process S ₂₅ ). On the other hand, when there is no conversation reservation request (process S ₂₄ ), when reception of image information is not completed (process S ₃₁ ), PPS-NULL is set. Upon reception (process S ₃₂ ), the process returns to process S ₂₃ and the same process as above is performed. When the reception of the image information is completed (process S ₃₁ ), the process is completed. Then, after declaring the conversation reservation request, if PRI-Q is returned from the transmitting station facsimile (process S ₂₆ ), the conversation is established (process S ₂₇ ), and PP is set.
After receiving S-NULL (process S ₂₈ ), returning an affirmative response (process S ₂₉ ), receiving subsequent image information (process S ₃₀ ), returning to process S ₂₃ , and performing the same process as above. To do. In the case where from the transmission station facsimile not return the PRI-Q (process S ₂₆₎ performs a normal reception procedure (process S _33).

As described above, in this embodiment, the conversation reservation function terminates the transmission of one block of image information when a conversation reservation occurs when transmitting a very large amount of image information in the halftone mode or the like. The conversation request is notified to the receiving station by transmitting the PRI-MPS at the timing of transmitting PPS-NULL). For this reason,
As shown in FIG. 6B, the conversation may be executed in block units. Therefore, as the number of blocks for one page becomes larger than that in the conventional case of FIG. It is possible to efficiently reduce the time lag until the execution procedure. Therefore, when a conversation reservation is made, the time that the user has to wait can be shortened.

Further, in the present embodiment, the conversation reservation function is configured to return the PIP at the end of reception of the image information for one block when the conversation reservation occurs while receiving the image information.
It is configured to notify the transmitting station of the conversation request. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6B, the conversation can be executed in block units. Therefore, as the number of blocks for one page becomes larger than that in the conventional case of FIG. 6A, the conversation request is made. It is possible to efficiently reduce the time lag from the occurrence to the conversation execution procedure. Therefore, when a conversation reservation is made, the time that the user has to wait can be shortened.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the conversation reservation function is set in the unit of image information for one block while receiving the image information, the conversation information reservation mode is set to the transmission mode of the image information when the conversation reservation is completed. When returning, the image information of the previously received block is retained, and the image information received based on the PPS signal retransmitted from the transmitting station after the conversation reservation is processed as page continuation data or page top data. (Reception station side) Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6B, the conversation can be executed in block units. Therefore, as the number of blocks for one page is larger than that in the conventional case of FIG. 6A, the conversation request is made. It is possible to efficiently reduce the time lag from the occurrence to the conversation execution procedure. Therefore, when a conversation reservation is made, the time that the user has to wait can be shortened.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the conversation reservation function is set in the unit of image information for one block during transmission of the image information, the image information transmission mode is set at the end of the conversation reservation. When returning, the transmission is started from the image information of the block next to the previously transmitted block (transmitting station side). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6B, the conversation can be executed in block units.
The larger the number of blocks for one page than in the conventional case of (a), the more efficiently the time lag from the conversation request generation to the conversation execution procedure can be shortened. Therefore,
When making a conversation reservation, the time the user has to wait can be shortened.

In the above embodiment, as described above, the present invention can be preferably applied when transmitting a very large amount of image information in the halftone mode or the like, but the present invention is not limited to this and is not limited to this. It can also be applied to the case of transmitting a text original of. In this case, the effect is less than in the case of communication in which the number of blocks for one page is extremely large like the halftone mode, but the time from the occurrence of conversation reservation to the execution of conversation is always greater than in the conventional case. It can be shortened.

[0025]

[Effects of the Invention] According to this embodiment, there is an effect that it is possible to shorten the time the user waits when making a conversation reservation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a communication flow of a transmitting side facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a communication flow of the receiving side facsimile device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a communication procedure when making a conversation reservation from a transmitting station facsimile according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a communication procedure when a conversation reservation is made from a facsimile of a receiving station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an effect of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Scanner 2 Plotter 3 Encoding / Decoding Unit 4 Image Memory 5 Network Control Device 6 Modem 7 Communication Control Unit 8 Operation Display Unit 9 Registration / Transmission Management Information Storage Unit 10 Transmission Interruption Information Storage Unit 11 System Control Unit 12 System Bus

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. When a conversation reservation occurs when transmitting image information, PRI-MPS (Procedure Interrupt-Multipage Si) is executed at the timing when transmission of one block of image information ends.
gnal), and the PRI-MP
A facsimile apparatus comprising: a notification unit that notifies a receiving station of a conversation request by sending S. 2. When a conversation reservation occurs while receiving image information, PIP (Proc
A facsimile apparatus having a returning unit for returning an EDure Interrupt Positive) and a notifying unit for notifying the transmitting station of a conversation request by returning the PIP by the returning unit. 3. A facsimile apparatus for setting conversation reservation in units of image information for one block while receiving image information,
When returning to the image information transmission mode at the end of the conversation reservation, the holding unit that holds the image information of the previously received block and the PPS sent again from the transmitting station after the conversation reservation
A facsimile apparatus, comprising: a processing unit that processes image information received based on a (Partial Page Signal) signal as page continuation data or page head data. 4. A facsimile apparatus for setting conversation reservation in units of image information for one block during transmission of image information,
A facsimile apparatus comprising: a transmission unit that starts transmission based on image information of a block next to a block transmitted previously when returning to a transmission mode of image information at the time when conversation reservation ends.