U.S. patent application number 09/301669 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-22 for image processing apparatus capable of connecting external information processing terminal, and including printer unit and data processing unit.
Invention is credited to HIRAI, NOBUYUKI, IKEDA, ATSUSHI, IMAI, TAKASHI, OKAMURA, KOJI, UENO, YASUHIDE.
Application Number | 20010043344 09/301669 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26553277 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010043344 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
IMAI, TAKASHI ; et
al. |
November 22, 2001 |
IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS CAPABLE OF CONNECTING EXTERNAL
INFORMATION PROCESSING TERMINAL, AND INCLUDING PRINTER UNIT AND
DATA PROCESSING UNIT
Abstract
This invention has as its object to provide an image processing
apparatus which has a printer unit and a data processing unit, and
allows an external information processing terminal to freely
operate the printer unit and the data processing unit. More
specifically, the image processing apparatus has a print emulation
command set for controlling the printer unit from the external
information processing terminal, and a command set for controlling
the data processing unit from the external information processing
terminal. The print emulation command set is used when the printer
unit is controlled, and the designated command set is used when the
data processing unit is controlled.
Inventors: |
IMAI, TAKASHI;
(YOKOHAMA-SHI, JP) ; UENO, YASUHIDE; (TOKYO,
JP) ; HIRAI, NOBUYUKI; (TOKYO, JP) ; IKEDA,
ATSUSHI; (TOKOROZAWA-SHI, JP) ; OKAMURA, KOJI;
(YOKOHAMA-SHI, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112
US
|
Family ID: |
26553277 |
Appl. No.: |
09/301669 |
Filed: |
April 28, 1999 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09301669 |
Apr 28, 1999 |
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08822616 |
Mar 20, 1997 |
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5930004 |
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08822616 |
Mar 20, 1997 |
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08557477 |
Nov 14, 1995 |
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5726769 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/32756 20130101;
H04N 2201/0086 20130101; H04N 2201/0074 20130101; H04N 1/32496
20130101; H04N 2201/0082 20130101; H04N 1/00204 20130101; H04N
1/32704 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.9 |
International
Class: |
G06K 015/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 14, 1994 |
JP |
6-279326 |
Nov 14, 1994 |
JP |
6-279499 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image processing apparatus including a printer unit and a
data processing unit, comprising: interface means for
sending/receiving information to/from an external information
processing terminal; a first command set for controlling the
printer unit from the external information processing terminal; a
second command set for controlling the data processing unit from
the external information processing terminal; and selection
instruction reception means for receiving a selection instruction
of one of the first and second command sets from the external
information processing terminal.
2. An image processing apparatus including a printer unit and a
data processing unit, comprising: interface means for
sending/receiving information to/from an external information
processing terminal; a first command set for controlling the
printer unit from the external information processing terminal; a
second command set for controlling the data processing unit from
the external information processing terminal; and instruction means
for instructing selecting of one of the first and second command
sets on the basis of an input from an operation unit of the data
processing unit.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said instruction
means comprises single key input means, and instructs to switch one
command set to the other command set upon depression of said key
input means.
4. An image processing apparatus including a printer unit and a
data processing unit, comprising: interface means for
sending/receiving information to/from an external information
processing terminal; a first command set for controlling the
printer unit from the external information processing terminal; a
second command set for controlling the data processing unit from
the external information processing terminal; state detection means
for detecting a state of the printer unit; instruction accept means
for accepting an instruction of selection of one of the first and
second command sets; setting means for setting one of the first and
second command sets on the basis of the instruction accepted by
said instruction accept means; and limiting means for limiting a
setting operation of said setting means when said instruction
accept means accepts the instruction and said state detection means
detects a predetermined state.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined
state is an in-use state of the printer unit.
6. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined
state is an abnormality of the printer unit.
7. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said instruction
accept means accepts a selection instruction of one of the first
and second command sets from the external information processing
terminal.
8. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said instruction
accept means accepts a selection instruction of one of the first
and second command sets from an operation panel of the data
processing unit.
9. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said setting means
comprises initialization means for initializing the printer unit to
set one of the first and second command sets.
10. An apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising key input
means, and means for limiting a key input by said key input means
during a setting operation of one of the first and second command
sets by said setting means.
11. An apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising notifying
means for notifying a state, wherein a key input by key input means
is limited, during a setting operation of one of the first and
second command sets by said setting means.
12. An image processing apparatus having interface means for
sending/receiving information to/from an information processing
terminal, comprising: line capture means for capturing a line;
first instruction accept means for accepting a calling instruction
from the information processing terminal to a specific destination,
and control means for, when said first instruction accept means
accepts the calling instruction, controlling to inhibit a line from
being captured for a calling operation for a destination other than
the specific destination.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the calling
operation for the destination other than the specific operation
includes a calling operation in a redialling queue, and a
time-designated send operation.
14. An apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising
notifying means for notifying a state wherein the line is inhibited
from being captured.
15. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said first
instruction accept means accepts a line release instruction.
16. An image processing apparatus having interface means for
sending/receiving information to/from an information processing
terminal, comprising: line capture means for capturing a line;
first instruction accept means for accepting a calling instruction
from the information processing terminal to a specific destination;
operation means for inputting a manual instruction; second
instruction accept means for accepting the instruction from said
operation means; and control means for, when said first instruction
accept means accepts the calling instruction, controlling to
inhibit a calling operation for a destination other than the
specific destination and acceptance of the instruction by said
second instruction accept means.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the calling
operation for the destination other than the specific operation
includes a calling operation in a redialling queue, and a
time-designated send operation.
18. An apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising
notifying means for notifying a state wherein the instruction from
said operation means is inhibited from being accepted.
19. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said control means
cancels a state, wherein the instruction from said operation means
is inhibited from being accepted, after dial information is sent to
the specific destination.
20. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said first
instruction accept means accepts a line release instruction.
21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the line release
instruction is effective for the calling operation to the specific
destination accepted by said first instruction accept means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an image processing
apparatus capable of connecting an external information processing
terminal, and including a printer unit and a data processing
unit.
[0003] 2. Related Background Art
[0004] As a conventional apparatus of this type, a facsimile
apparatus having an interface used for connecting an external
information processing terminal (computer) is known. Such a
facsimile apparatus performs a facsimile communication or prints
out image data supplied from the information processing terminal in
accordance with a request from the information processing terminal.
The conventional facsimile apparatus has a command set exclusively
used for the facsimile apparatus in interfacing with the external
information processing terminal.
[0005] When the information processing terminal prints out data
using a printer, it uses a command set exclusively used for the
printer. As the command set exclusively used for the printer,
various kinds of command sets have already been generally used.
[0006] When the external information processing terminal uses the
above-mentioned facsimile apparatus as a printer, the terminal uses
the command set exclusively used for the facsimile apparatus, but
cannot use a command set for a general printer.
[0007] The facsimile apparatus may perform dialling using its
dialling function in accordance with a request from the information
processing terminal. On the other hand, the facsimile apparatus
itself has a time designated dialling (timer transmission)
function, a re-dialling function, and the like. When the facsimile
apparatus receives a dialling request from the information
processing terminal in the waiting state of the timer transmission
function set by an operation unit of the facsimile apparatus or in
the re-dialling waiting state, the apparatus performs a dialling
operation corresponding to the received dialling request. When the
designated time of the timer transmission function has reached or
the re-dialling waiting period has elapsed during the dialling
operation corresponding to the request from the information
processing terminal, the timer transmission function or the
re-dialling function may cause an error termination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the
above-mentioned problems, and its object is to improve an image
processing apparatus.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
image processing apparatus which can use various kinds of command
sets in interfacing with an information processing terminal.
[0010] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an image processing apparatus, which comprises a printer
unit and a data processing unit, and allows an external information
processing terminal to operate the printer unit and the data
processing unit using different command sets.
[0011] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an image processing apparatus which inhibits a dialling
operation designated by an operation unit of the image processing
apparatus in response to a dialling request from an information
processing terminal.
[0012] Other objects of the present invention will become apparent
from the following detailed description of the embodiments taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1, comprising FIGS. 1A and 1B, is a block diagram
showing the arrangement of a facsimile apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an
interface control unit 108;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing signal lines between a facsimile
unit 1 and a printer unit 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic chart showing the data
transmission/reception procedure between an information processing
terminal and the facsimile apparatus in the facsimile mode;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a phase transition diagram of an IEEE P1284
standard bidirectional parallel interface;
[0018] FIG. 6, comprising FIGS. 6A and 6B, is a flow chart showing
the operation of an interface control task;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of response
sending processing;
[0020] FIG. 8, comprising FIGS. 8A and 8B, is a flow chart showing
the operation of a command processing task;
[0021] FIG. 9, comprising FIGS. 9A and 9B, is a flow chart showing
the operation of the command processing task;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation of download
file processing;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the operation of the
download file processing;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing in detail the data
transmission/reception procedure with the external information
processing terminal shown in FIGS. 10 and 11;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing in detail the post
processing of FIGS. 10, 11, and 12;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the operation of file print
processing;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the operation of the file
print processing;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing in detail the parameter
check processing shown in FIG. 14;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing in detail the recording unit
check processing shown in FIG. 14;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the post processing of FIG.
14;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing in detail the recording
processing task;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing in detail the initialization
processing when the power supply of the recording unit is turned on
in a hardware manner;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing in detail the initialization
processing when the power supply of the recording unit is turned on
in a software manner;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing in detail the recording
sheet feed processing shown in FIG. 19;
[0035] FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing in detail the ink remaining
amount detection processing of the recording unit;
[0036] FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing in detail the operation
determination processing in the ink remaining amount detection
processing and reduced recording processing;
[0037] FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the operation of print
information acquisition processing;
[0038] FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the operation of file send
processing;
[0039] FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the operation of the file
send processing;
[0040] FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing in detail the parameter
check processing shown in FIG. 26;
[0041] FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing in detail the post
processing of FIGS. 26 and 27;
[0042] FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the operation of send
information acquisition processing;
[0043] FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the operation of the send
information acquisition processing;
[0044] FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing the operation of upload file
processing;
[0045] FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the operation of the upload
file processing;
[0046] FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing the operation of the upload
file processing;
[0047] FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing in detail the processing
(FIG. 32) for determining whether file upload is available or
not;
[0048] FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing in detail the processing
(FIG. 32) for determining whether a request page information
instruction is correct or not;
[0049] FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing in detail the processing
(FIG. 33) for determining whether an image data transfer request is
correct or not;
[0050] FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing in detail the generation
processing of forward image data shown in FIG. 33;
[0051] FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing the operation of receiving
processing;
[0052] FIG. 40 is a flow chart showing the operation of receiving
mode preservation processing;
[0053] FIG. 41 is a flow chart showing the operation of processing
for monitoring a receive image ready for recording;
[0054] FIG. 42 is a flow chart showing the operation of receive
information acquisition processing;
[0055] FIG. 43 is a view showing the format of receive
information;
[0056] FIG. 44 is a view showing the format of communication
control information stored in a RAM 103;
[0057] FIG. 45 is a flow chart showing the operation of
communication control receipt number acquisition processing;
[0058] FIG. 46 is a flow chart showing the operation of
communication control information acquisition processing;
[0059] FIG. 47 is a flow chart showing the communication control
report recording processing operation by an operation of the
facsimile apparatus main body;
[0060] FIG. 48 is a view showing an example of a communication
control report;
[0061] FIG. 49 is a flow chart showing the operation of file ID
acquisition processing;
[0062] FIG. 50 is a flow chart showing in detail the generation
processing of newest file ID information shown in FIG. 49;
[0063] FIG. 51 is a flow chart showing in detail the generation
processing of file ID list information shown in FIG. 49;
[0064] FIG. 52 is a flow chart showing the operation of file
information acquisition processing;
[0065] FIG. 53 is a view showing the format of file control
information;
[0066] FIG. 54 is a flow chart showing the operation of page
information acquisition processing;
[0067] FIG. 55 is a view showing the format of page control
information;
[0068] FIG. 56 is a flow chart showing the operation of file delete
processing;
[0069] FIG. 57 is a flow chart showing the operation of facsimile
information processing;
[0070] FIG. 58 is a flow chart showing the operation of phone
dialling processing;
[0071] FIG. 59 is a flow chart showing in detail the dialling
condition check processing shown in FIG. 58;
[0072] FIG. 60 is a flow chart showing in detail the dial
information acquisition processing shown in FIG. 58;
[0073] FIG. 61 is a flow chart showing the operation of on-hook
control;
[0074] FIG. 62 is a flow chart showing the operation of the on-hook
control;
[0075] FIG. 63 is a flow chart showing the operation of the on-hook
control;
[0076] FIG. 64 is a flow chart showing the operation of release
line processing;
[0077] FIG. 65 is a flow chart showing the operation of command set
switch processing;
[0078] FIG. 66 is a flow chart showing the operation of the command
set switch processing;
[0079] FIG. 67 is a flow chart showing in detail the parameter
check processing shown in FIG. 65;
[0080] FIG. 68 is a flow chart showing in detail the recording
check processing shown in FIG. 65;
[0081] FIG. 69 is a flow chart showing the operation of the command
set switch processing;
[0082] FIG. 70 is a flow chart showing in detail the post
processing of FIG. 65;
[0083] FIG. 71, comprising FIGS. 71A and 71B, is a flow chart
showing the operation of facsimile storing scan processing;
[0084] FIG. 72 is a flow chart showing in detail the task end
confirmation processing shown in FIGS. 71A and 71B; and
[0085] FIG. 73 is a flow chart showing the operation of document
send processing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0086] The preferred embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0087] FIGS. 1A and 1B show block diagrams of an example of the
arrangement of a facsimile apparatus of this embodiment. The
facsimile apparatus of this embodiment is constituted by a
facsimile unit 1 shown in FIG. 1A, and a printer unit 2 shown in
FIG. 1B.
[0088] The facsimile unit 1 executes various functions of facsimile
operations such as a facsimile communication, image reading, image
memory control, user registration, and the like, except for a
recording operation. The printer unit 2 executes a recording
operation of image data which is sent via an internal interface
signal line 302 and stored in an image memory in a RAM 103, and
data supplied from an information processing terminal 109.
[0089] The facsimile unit 1 comprises the following arrangement.
That is, a facsimile MPU 101 controls the operation of the
facsimile unit 1.
[0090] A ROM 102 stores program codes, initial value data, table
data, and the like.
[0091] The RAM 103 is assigned to, e.g., an image memory, image
buffer, reading line buffer, recording line buffer, user
registration data area, work area, and the like. The image memory
stores, as files, image data received via a communication unit 104,
image data read by a reading unit 105, and image data supplied from
the information processing terminal 109. The image buffer
temporarily holds image data upon transmission/reception via the
communication unit 104. The image buffer is also used as a buffer
upon transmission/reception of a large volume of data (in download
file processing, upload file processing, and communication control
information acquisition processing to be described later) with the
information processing terminal. The reading line buffer has a
capacity for four lines of read raw image data (216 bytes.times.4
lines). The recording line buffer has a capacity for four lines of
raw image data including commands before recording (400
bytes.times.4 lines).
[0092] The communication unit 104 comprises a modem, an NCU
(network control unit), and the like, and is connected to a
communication line, a telephone set, and the like.
[0093] The reading unit 105 comprises an image sensor such as a CS
(contact type image sensor), an image processing controller, and
the like. The unit 105 optically reads a document image, converts
an optical image into electrical image data, performs various kinds
of image processing such as binarization processing, halftone
processing, and the like of the image data, and outputs
high-definition image data.
[0094] A converter 106 converts image data in a run-length (RL)
format, which is software-decoded by the facsimile MPU 101, into
raw image (RAW) data.
[0095] A resolution conversion 107 converts raw image data having a
main-scan resolution of 8 pel/mm on the facsimile unit 1 side into
raw image data having a main scan resolution of 360 dpi (dots per
inch) on the printer unit 2 side.
[0096] An interface control unit 108 controls an external interface
signal line 110, the internal interface signal line 302, and the
like, and will be described in detail later.
[0097] The information processing terminal 109 is externally
connected to the facsimile unit 1, and comprises, e.g., a personal
computer, a wordprocessor, or the like.
[0098] The external interface signal line 110 connects the
interface control unit 108 and the information processing terminal
109. This embodiment adopts a signal line complying with a
bidirectional parallel interface described in the IEEE P1284
standard.
[0099] A motor 111 is used for picking up a document or a recording
sheet.
[0100] An operation panel 112 comprises various keys, LCDs, LEDs,
and the like, and performs various display operations and various
input operations by an operator. A printer key for switching the
operation mode between a facsimile mode and a printer mode (both
the modes will be described later), a printer LED indicating that
the printer mode is currently selected, and an interface LED
indicating that the facsimile unit 1 is operating in accordance
with an instruction from the information processing terminal 109
and a local operation is inhibited, are arranged on the operation
panel 112.
[0101] A document detection sensor 113 detects a document.
[0102] The arrangement of the printer unit 2 will be described
below. The printer unit 2 comprises the following arrangement.
[0103] A printer MPU 201 controls the operation of the printer unit
2. A ROM 202 stores program codes, initial value data, table data,
various font data, and the like.
[0104] A RAM 203 includes a receiving buffer, raster buffer, text
buffer, printer buffer, footer buffer, work area, and the like. The
receiving buffer temporarily holds received data since data is
transferred from the interface control unit 108 of the facsimile
unit 1 at high speed. The raster buffer is used by the printer MPU
201 to analyze data in the receiving buffer in units of bytes and
to extract only print data. The text buffer is used by the printer
MPU 201 to analyze data in the receiving buffer in units of bytes
and to extract only character codes. The printer buffer is a print
data buffer used immediately before a print operation, has areas
having capacities for two scans (360 bytex.times.64 nozzlex.times.2
scans), and uses these areas alternately. The footer buffer is a
character code buffer used for printing footer characters.
[0105] A horizontal-vertical converter 204 is used for storing
print data of the raster buffer in the horizontal format in the
printer buffer in the vertical format. A printing head 205 ejects
an ink using a heater driver.
[0106] A recording sheet trailing end (PE) sensor 206 detects the
trailing end of a recording sheet.
[0107] A footer sensor 207 comprises a LED light source for
detecting a footer, and a light-receiving element for detecting
light reflected by a footer mark. The footer sensor is a sensor for
detecting the ink remaining amount in an ink cartridge, and detects
whether or not a predetermined pattern (footer mark) is printed at
a predetermined position on a recording sheet.
[0108] A motor 208 is used for feeding a recording sheet.
[0109] Interfacing between the facsimile unit 1 and the printer
unit 2 will be described below.
[0110] A signal line 301 connects the facsimile MPU 101 and the
printer MPU 201, and will be described in detail later.
[0111] The internal interface signal line 302 connects the
interface control unit 108 and the RAM 203, and this embodiment
adopts a CENTRONICS interface. The signal line 302 will be
described in detail later.
[0112] An electric power supply unit 4 is connected to the
facsimile unit 1.
[0113] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing in detail the interface control
unit 108 and its peripheral circuits. The interface control unit
108 controls the external interface signal line 110 for
transmitting/receiving data with the information processing
terminal 109, and also controls the internal interface signal line
302 for transmitting data to the printer unit 2.
[0114] The external interface signal line 110 comprises an external
data signal line 110-1, an external control signal line 110-2, and
an external response signal line 110-3. The external data signal
line 110-1 is a data bus used for transferring data between the
information processing terminal 109 and the interface control unit
108. The external control signal line 110-2 is a signal line
controlled by the information processing terminal 109 side, and
corresponds to an nSelectIn signal, nStrobe signal, nAutoFd signal,
nInit signal, and the like described in the IEEE P1284 standard.
The external response signal line 110-3 is a signal line controlled
by the interface control unit 108 side, and corresponds to a Busy
signal, nAck signal, nFault signal, PError signal, Select signal,
and the like described in the IEEE P1284 standard. The operations
of these signal lines comply with the IEEE P1284 standard, and
bidirectional data transfer can be performed between the
information processing terminal and the interface control unit
108.
[0115] On the other hand, the internal interface signal line 302
connecting the interface control unit 108 and the printer unit 2
comprises an internal data signal line 302-1, an internal control
signal line 302-2, and an internal response signal line 302-3. The
internal data signal line 302-1 is a data bus. The internal control
signal line 302-2 is a signal line controlled by the interface
control unit 108 side, and corresponds to the same signals as the
external control signal line 110-2. The internal response signal
line 302-3 is a signal line controlled by the printer unit 2 side,
and corresponds to the same signals as the external response signal
line 110-3. The operations of these signal lines comply with the
Centronics standard, and data transfer can be performed in only the
direction from the interface control unit 108 to the printer unit
2.
[0116] This facsimile apparatus has the facsimile mode in which the
printer unit 2 serves as a recording system of the facsimile unit
1, and the printer mode in which the printer unit 2 serves as a
printer of the information processing terminal 109. These modes are
switched in accordance with an instruction from the facsimile MPU
101.
[0117] The switching operation between the facsimile mode and the
printer mode is attained in response to the depression of the
printer key or a command set switching instruction command from the
information processing terminal 109. Upon depression of the printer
key, if the current mode is the printer mode, the facsimile mode is
selected, and vice versa. Upon switching, the ON/OFF switching
operation of a software power supply of the printer unit 2, the
ON/OFF switching operation of the printer LED, and the switching
operation of an interface signal line control selection SW 120 are
performed. Processing in response to the command set switching
instruction command will be described in detail later. The
interface control unit 108 comprises the interface signal line
control selection SW 120 which is switched between the facsimile
mode and the printer mode.
[0118] In the facsimile mode, the interface signal line control
selection SW 120 is connected to the A side, and the external
interface signal line 110 and the internal interface signal line
302 are under the control of the facsimile MPU 101. Therefore, the
printer unit 2 can serve as a recording system of the facsimile
unit 1 while performing bidirectional data transfer with the
information processing terminal 109 via the external interface
signal line 110. At this time, the facsimile unit 1 transfers
control commands, image data, and character code data to the
printer unit 2 in accordance with a general command set and a
facsimile command set.
[0119] On the other hand, in the printer mode, the interface signal
line control selection SW 120 is connected to the B side, and the
external interface signal line 110 is directly connected to the
internal interface signal line 302. More specifically, the signal
lines 110-1 and 302-1, 110-2 and 302-2, and 110-3 and 302-3 are
respectively directly connected to each other, and the information
processing terminal 109 can directly transfer data to the printer
unit 2. At this time, the information processing terminal 109
transfers control commands, image data, and character code to the
printer unit 2 in accordance with the general command set. The
facsimile MPU 101 cannot control the above-mentioned signal lines,
and hence, cannot use the printer unit 2 as the recording system of
the facsimile unit 1.
[0120] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing in detail the signal line 301.
The signal line 301 includes two different types of signal line
groups, i.e., a signal line group 301-1 for transferring signals
from the facsimile MPU 101 to the printer MPU 201 and a signal line
group 301-2 for transferring signals from the printer MPU 201 to
the facsimile MPU 101.
[0121] The signal line group 301-1 for transferring signals from
the facsimile MPU 101 to the printer MPU 201 includes the following
signal lines.
[0122] (1) Reset Signal Line
[0123] This signal line is used when the power supply is turned on,
and when an abnormality of the printer unit 2 is removed.
[0124] (2) Automatic Recovery Inhibition Signal Line
[0125] This signal line is used when the automatic recovery
operation of the printer unit 2 is inhibited.
[0126] (3) Facsimile Mode Signal Line
[0127] This signal line is used for informing the printer unit 2
that the apparatus is operating in the facsimile mode. The
facsimile command set (to be described later) can be used only when
the facsimile mode signal line is active. The printer MPU 201
discriminates using this facsimile mode signal line whether data or
a command supplied to the printer unit 2 via the internal interface
signal line 302 is one from the facsimile unit 1 or one from the
information processing terminal 109.
[0128] (4) Emulation Mode Signal Line
[0129] This signal line is used for informing the printer unit 2 of
the type of emulation mode in the printer mode. The emulation mode
can be changed in a user registration operation. That is, this
signal line is used for selecting a command set since a command set
to be used in the printer varies depending on the type of
information processing terminal 109.
[0130] (5) Software Power Supply Switch Signal Line
[0131] This signal line controls the ON/OFF state of the power
supply of the printer unit 2 in a software manner. The power supply
of the printer unit 2 is turned on in a software manner using this
software power supply switch signal line when the power supply is
turned on in a hardware manner, before and after a printing
operation, when a printer setting registration is changed, and when
the operation mode is switched to the printer mode.
[0132] (6) On-line Switch
[0133] This signal line controls the on-line/off-line state between
the facsimile unit 1 and the printer unit 2.
[0134] The signal line group 301-2 for transferring signals from
the printer MPU 201 to the facsimile MPU 101 will be described
below.
[0135] (7) Idle Signal Line
[0136] This signal line is used for informing the facsimile unit 1
of an idle state of the printer unit 2. The idle state means a
state wherein the printer unit 2 has processed all the received
control commands. If the printer unit 2 is not in the idle state,
the facsimile unit 1 may not perform a software power OFF operation
of the printer unit 2.
[0137] (8) Sheet Feed Request Signal Line
[0138] This signal line is used for informing the facsimile unit 1
that the printer unit 2 performs a sheet feed operation of a
recording sheet. The sheet feed request signal line is used in the
facsimile mode when the printer unit 2 receives data to be printed
from the facsimile unit 1 or when printing data exceeds one
recording sheet, i.e., in printing an elongated document. In the
printer mode as well, the sheet feed request signal line is used
when the printer unit 2 receives data to be printed from the
information processing terminal 109 or when printing data exceeds
one recording sheet, i.e., in printing an elongated document.
[0139] (9) Ink Remaining Amount Detection Output Signal Line
[0140] This signal line is used for informing the facsimile unit 1
that the ink presence/absence result can be discriminated. This
signal line achieves its function in combination with an ink
remaining amount detection result signal line in item (10) below.
The facsimile apparatus of this embodiment has an ink remaining
amount detection function as a function effective during only a
printing operation of a received image in the facsimile mode. In
consideration of the nature of the received image, the received
image must be reliably printed. Therefore, when an ink is used up,
a message indicating this is supplied to the facsimile unit 1. The
facsimile unit 1 stores the received image in the memory, and
performs, e.g., a display for prompting a user to exchange an ink
cartridge. Thereafter, the facsimile unit 1 proceeds to print the
received image again. As the detection method of the ink remaining
amount, footer printing/detection is performed. In the footer
printing/detection, an ink remaining amount detection mark (footer)
is printed at a predetermined position on the trailing end of each
page on which the received image is printed, and the mark is
detected by a photosensor. If the output from the photosensor
indicates black, the presence of an ink is determined; if the
output from the photosensor indicates white, the absence of an ink
is determined.
[0141] (10) Ink Remaining Amount Detection Result Signal Line
[0142] This signal line is used for informing the facsimile unit 1
of the ink presence/absence result. This signal line can achieve
its function in combination with the ink remaining amount detection
output signal line in item (9) above. Upon detection of the absence
of an ink, this ink remaining amount detection result is output,
and the ink remaining amount detection output signal line in item
(9) is activated. Therefore, the facsimile unit 1 can detect the
presence/absence of an ink with reference to this ink remaining
amount detection result after it confirms the status of the ink
remaining amount detection signal line in item (9).
[0143] (11) Recording Sheet Color Paper Signal Line
[0144] This signal is used for informing the facsimile unit 1 that
the recording sheet is color paper. This signal lines achieves its
function in combination with the ink remaining amount detection
output signal line in item (9). When it is detected that the
recording sheet is color paper, this recording sheet color paper
signal is output, and thereafter, the ink remaining amount
detection output signal line is activated. Therefore, the facsimile
unit 1 can detect whether or not the recording sheet is color
paper, with reference to this recording sheet color paper signal
after it confirms the status of the ink remaining amount detection
output signal line in item (9).
[0145] (12) Cartridge Presence/absence Signal Line
[0146] This signal line is used for informing the facsimile unit 1
of the presence/absence of an ink cartridge. When a cartridge
absence or presence state is consecutively detected 16 times in a
100-msec timer interrupt, the printer unit 2 changes the status of
the cartridge presence/absence signal line. When the facsimile unit
1 detects the absence of a cartridge with reference to this
cartridge presence/absence signal line, it prompts to mount a
cartridge by means of, e.g., an LCD display, and inhibits a
printing operation in the facsimile mode.
[0147] (13) Correct/wrong Cartridge Signal Line
[0148] This signal line is used for informing the facsimile unit 1
as to whether the cartridge is correct or wrong. When a wrong or
correct cartridge mount state is consecutively detected 16 times in
a 100-msec timer interrupt, the printer unit 2 changes the status
of the correct/wrong cartridge signal line. When the facsimile unit
1 detects a wrong cartridge with reference to this correct/wrong
cartridge signal line, it prompts to mount a correct cartridge by
means of, e.g., an LCD display.
[0149] (14) Software Power Supply Signal Line
[0150] This signal line indicates a software power state of the
printer unit 2. In the facsimile mode, the printer unit is set in
the ON state during a printing operation and recovery operation. On
the other hand, in the printer mode, the printer unit 2 is always
set in the ON state independently of a standby state.
[0151] (15) On-line Signal Line
[0152] This signal line indicates the on-line or off-line state of
the printer unit 2 in the facsimile mode. In the off-line state,
the printer unit 2 does not accept commands using the internal
interface signal line 302.
[0153] (16) Error Signal Line
[0154] This signal line indicates the error state of the printer
unit 2.
[0155] (17) Facsimile Mode Return Request Signal Line
[0156] This signal line is used for informing the facsimile MPU 101
that a facsimile mode return request command is received from the
information processing terminal 109 in the printer mode. The
facsimile MPU 101 which received this information controls to
switch the printer mode to the facsimile mode. The switching
control will be described in detail later.
[0157] Command sets will be described in detail below.
[0158] Command sets using the internal interface signal line 302
include a command set for a general printer (general command set),
and a facsimile command set. The command set for a general printer
is a command set (e.g., X24E, IBM; PCL, Hewlett Packard; and the
like) exclusively used for a printer, which is normally used, and
can be used in both the facsimile and printer modes. The command
set in the printer mode can be changed by user registration.
[0159] The facsimile command set is a special command set which is
prepared in association with functions that cannot be realized by
only the general command system. Due to specific functions,-this
command set is supported in only the facsimile mode. The printer
unit 2 ignores a command of this command set if it receives the
command in the printer mode.
[0160] The facsimile command set includes the following
commands.
[0161] (1) Printer Setting Command
[0162] This command is associated with initial setting of the
printer unit 2. This command is used when the power supply is
turned on, when the printer setting registration is to be changed,
when a sheet feed operation is performed in the facsimile mode,
when a recording sheet is discharged in the facsimile mode, and
when the facsimile mode results in an error termination.
[0163] (2) Bidirectional Printing Correction Command
[0164] This command is used for correcting a deviation between
forward and backward scans upon execution of bidirectional
printing. This command is used when the power supply is turned on
and when a recording sheet is fed in the facsimile mode. Since the
printer unit 2 adopts a shuttle printing system for recording an
image while moving the head with a plurality of ink ejection
orifices in the main scan direction using a carriage, a correction
value of a printing deviation between forward and backward scans is
transferred to the printer unit 2 as a value in units of printing
modes or a value in units of apparatuses. The printer unit 2
performs bidirectional printing correction based on the
bidirectional printing correction value when the power supply is
turned on in a software manner and immediately before the printing
operation is started.
[0165] (3) Bidirectional Printing Command
[0166] This command is associated with bidirectional printing and
unidirectional printing. This command is used when a recording
sheet is fed in the facsimile mode. This command transfers, to the
printer unit, the bidirectional or unidirectional mode (that can be
independently set in an image printing operation and a character
code printing operation in the facsimile mode) selected by user
registration. The printer mode ignores user registration.
[0167] (4) Footer Printing Command
[0168] This command is a group of commands including a command for
designating the ON/OFF state of a receive information footer
printing operation, a command for designating the ON/OFF state of
the ink remaining amount detection, a command for designating the
number of PE detection start scans, and footer character codes.
This command is used in a sheet feed operation in units of pages of
received images.
[0169] The receive information footer means information character
data including the date of reception of an image by its own
apparatus, receipt number, received image page, and the like. When
the receive information footer printing operation is set in the ON
state by user registration, the printer unit prints information
character data developed using font data of the printer unit on the
trailing end of a recording sheet immediately before the recording
sheet is discharged. When the ink remaining amount detection is set
in the ON state by user registration, an ink remaining amount
detection mark for the ink remaining amount detection is printed in
the same scan as the receive information footer, and the ink
remaining amount detection processing is performed.
[0170] (5) Facsimile Image Command
[0171] This command transfers the conversion ratio of resolution
conversion in the sub-scan direction together with image data for
one line. This command is used when a received image, a copy image,
and a non-transmitted image are printed. The resolution conversion
in the main scan direction is attained by a hardware circuit (8
pel-360 dpi resolution converter 107). On the other hand, the
resolution conversion in the sub-scan direction is realized in a
software manner. A software program in the facsimile unit 1
calculates the conversion ratio, and transfers the conversion ratio
of the resolution conversion together with image data for one line
in this command. On the other hand, upon receiving the image data
for one line and the conversion ratio, a software program of the
printer unit 2 expands the image data for one line based on the
conversion ratio, and prints the converted image.
[0172] (6) Facsimile Reset Command
[0173] This command is used for initializing various flags of the
printer unit used in the printer mode. This command is used when a
recording sheet is discharged in the facsimile mode.
[0174] FIG. 4 is a schematic chart of data transmission/reception
between the information processing terminal 109 and the interface
control unit 108 in the facsimile mode.
[0175] Commands, responses, and the like are transmitted/received
between the information processing terminal 109 and the facsimile
apparatus in accordance with a predetermined interface protocol in
each of various operations. First, the information processing
terminal 109 sends a command corresponding to an operation to be
executed to the facsimile apparatus. At this time, a receive
parameter may often be attached depending on the type of command.
The command stores a command code for identifying the command, the
size of a receive parameter following the command, and the like.
The receive parameter stores a setting value (file ID, resolution,
or the like) required for executing an operation corresponding to
the command, and image data. In this facsimile apparatus, the
interface control unit 108 normally stores such command and receive
parameter at a predetermined address in the work area of the RAM
103 in turn by DMA processing. In this case, the image buffer in
the RAM 103 is used for a specific receive parameter with a large
data volume.
[0176] Upon reception of the command, the facsimile apparatus
generates and sends a response to the command. The types of
response include an OK response indicating that the received
command is accepted, an NG response indicating that the received
command is not accepted due to its error, and a BUSY response
indicating that the received command is not currently accepted
since, e.g., another operation is being performed. In the case of
the OK response, a send parameter may often be attached. The send
parameter stores information such as a transmission/print result, a
file attribute, and the like, in the facsimile apparatus in
correspondence with the received command. In this facsimile
apparatus, these response and send parameter are normally
sequentially sent from the predetermined address in the work area
in the RAM 103 to the information processing terminal 109 via the
interface control unit 108 by DMA processing. In this case, the
image buffer in the RAM 103 is used for a specific send parameter
with a large data volume.
[0177] FIG. 5 is a phase transition diagram in a Nibble Mode and a
Byte Mode described in the IEEE P1284 standard.
[0178] Processing in each phase and transition from a given phase
to another phase are executed by handshake control using the
external interface signal line 110 between the information
processing terminal 109 and the interface control unit 108.
Therefore, the information processing terminal 109 and the
facsimile apparatus can always be in an identical phase. In a
Compatibility Mode in FIG. 5, data transfer is performed in a
direction from the information processing terminal 109 to the
interface control unit 108 (to be referred to as a forward
direction hereinafter). In the Nibble/Byte Mode, data transfer is
performed in a direction from the interface control unit 108 to the
information processing terminal 109 (to be referred to as a reverse
direction hereinafter).
[0179] In the facsimile mode of this facsimile apparatus, an
interrupt is generated in response to a change in signal line of
the external control signal line 110-2 during processing other than
a data transfer operation, and handshake control is attained by
changing the external response signal line 110-3 in the interrupt
processing. In the data transfer operation, the handshake control
is automatically executed in a hardware manner in combination with
DMA processing.
[0180] Since the details in the respective phases are described in
the IEEE P1284 standard, the respective phases will be briefly
described below.
[0181] (a) Forward Data Transfer Phase
[0182] In this phase, data transfer for one byte is performed in
the forward direction.
[0183] (b) Forward Idle Phase
[0184] In this phase, a transition to data transfer in the forward
direction or to a Negotiation Phase is allowed. The above-mentioned
command and receive parameter are transferred from the information
processing terminal 109 to the interface control unit 108 by
repeating (a) and (b) in units of byte.
[0185] (c) Negotiation Phase
[0186] In this phase, a mode transition from the Compatibility Mode
to the Nibble/Byte Mode is allowed.
[0187] (d) Termination Phase
[0188] In this phase, a mode transition from the Nibble/Byte Mode
to the Compatibility Mode is allowed.
[0189] (e) Reverse Data Transfer Phase
[0190] In this phase, data transfer for one byte is performed in
the reverse direction.
[0191] (f) Host Busy Data Available Phase
[0192] In this phase, there is data to be sent in the reverse
direction, but the information processing terminal 109 is busy
(cannot receive data). The above-mentioned response and send
parameter are transferred from the interface control unit 108 to
the information processing terminal 109 by repeating (e) and (f) in
units of byte.
[0193] (g) Host Busy Data Not Available Phase
[0194] In this phase, there is no data to be sent in the reverse
direction, and the information processing terminal 109 is busy.
[0195] (h) Reverse Idle Phase
[0196] In this phase, the control waits for generation of data in
the reverse direction in the facsimile apparatus.
[0197] (i) Interrupt Host Phase
[0198] In this phase, a message indicating that data to be sent to
the information processing terminal 109 (data in the reverse
direction) is generated in the facsimile apparatus is supplied from
the facsimile apparatus to the information processing terminal
109.
[0199] Of phase transitions of (a) to (i), the facsimile apparatus
can activate only the phase transition from (h) to (i), and all
other phase transitions are started by activation from the
information processing terminal 109. Therefore, even when data to
be sent is present in the facsimile apparatus, it is not always
sent immediately.
[0200] This standard allows a transition to (f) if data to be sent
(e.g., a response) is already present in the facsimile apparatus at
the time of (c). However, this facsimile apparatus does not allow a
transition from (c).fwdarw.(f), and must transit phases in the
order of (c).fwdarw.(g).fwdarw.(h). If data to be sent is generated
in the facsimile apparatus at the time of (h), the facsimile
apparatus activates a transition from (h) to (i), and then repeats
(f) and (e) to perform data transfer. A sending start possible flag
(to be described later) in the work area of the RAM 103 is a flag
indicating that the control is in the Reverse Idle Phase, and is
set in the ON state upon a transition from (g) to (h); the OFF
state upon a transition from (h) to (i) or (d).
[0201] As described above, in the printer mode, the external
interface signal line 110 and the internal interface signal line
302 are directly connected to each other, and only unidirectional
data transfer complying with the Centronics standard is allowed.
This operation corresponds to the Compatibility Mode shown in FIG.
5. Therefore, the information processing terminal 109 activates the
Negotiation Phase (c), and can identify the current mode of the
facsimile apparatus on the basis of the presence/absence of a
response to the activation. More specifically, if a response is
detected, the information processing terminal 109 can identify that
the current mode of the facsimile apparatus is the facsimile mode;
if no response is detected, the current mode is the printer
mode.
[0202] FIGS. 6A and 6B show flow charts of the operation of an
interface control task.
[0203] In step S6-1, it is checked if the facsimile apparatus is in
the printer mode. If YES in step S6-1, it is checked in step S6-2
if a return request to the facsimile mode is detected. The
presence/absence of a return request can be determined by checking
the facsimile mode return request signal line (17) in the signal
line 301 from the printer MPU 201 to the facsimile MPU 101. If YES
in step S6-2, a message indicating a command set switching
instruction command is transmitted to a command processing task,
and a value indicating a command receiving phase is stored at a
predetermined address (to be referred to as a phase control RAM
hereinafter) in the work area of the RAM 103, in step S6-3.
Thereafter, the flow returns to step S6-1. On the other hand, if NO
in step S6-2, the flow also returns step S6-1.
[0204] If it is determined in step S6-1 that the facsimile
apparatus is not in the printer mode, it is checked in step S6-5
based on the value in the phase control RAM if the command
receiving phase is set. If YES in step S6-5, it is checked in step
S6-6 if a command and a receive parameter attached thereto are
received from the information processing terminal 109. If NO in
step S6-6, the flow returns to step S6-1. However, if YES in step
S6-6, a message including information associated with the command
and receive parameter is transmitted to the command processing task
in step S6-7, and a value indicating a response generating phase is
stored in the phase control RAM in step S6-8. Thereafter, the flow
returns to step S6-1.
[0205] If it is determined in step S6-5 that the command receiving
phase is not set, it is checked in step S6-9 based on the value in
the phase control RAM if the response generating phase is set. If
YES in step S6-9, it is checked in step S6-10 if a response return
request (message) is received from the command processing task. If
NO in step S6-10, the flow returns to step S6-1. On the other hand,
if YES in step S6-10, a response send request flag in the work area
of the RAM 103 is set in the ON state in S6-11. The response send
request flag indicates that data to be sent to the information
processing terminal 109 is present in the facsimile apparatus, and
is set in the OFF state after all the data are sent. In step S6-12,
a predetermined value is stored in a response send timer in the
work area of the RAM 103. Note that the response send timer is
decremented every predetermined period of time. With this timer, a
time-out state is detected when data cannot be sent within the
predetermined period of time. In step S6-13, a value indicating a
response sending phase is stored in the phase control RAM, and the
flow returns to step S6-1.
[0206] If it is determined in step S6-9 that the response
generating phase is not set, it is checked in step S6-14 based on
the value in the phase control RAM if the response sending phase is
set. If YES in step S6-14, the flow advances to step S6-15 to
perform response sending processing; otherwise, the flow returns to
step S6-1.
[0207] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of the response
sending processing.
[0208] In step S7-1, it is checked if the response send request
flag is ON. If YES in step S7-1, this indicates that data to be
sent to the information processing terminal 109 is present in the
facsimile apparatus, and it is then checked in step S7-2 if the
sending start possible flag in the work area of the RAM 103 is ON.
As described above, the sending start possible flag is a flag
indicating that the control is in the Reverse Idle Phase. If NO in
step S7-2, the flow advances to step S7-7. On the other hand, If
YES in step S7-2, the sending operation of data is started by
activating a transition from (h) to (i) in FIG. 5 in step S7-3, and
the sending start possible flag is set in the OFF state in step
S7-4. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S7-7. On the other
hand, if it is determined in step S7-1 that the response send
request flag is OFF, this means that sending of all data to the
information processing terminal 109 is completed, and a message
indicating response send completion is transmitted to the command
processing task in step S7-5. In step S7-6, the value indicating
the command receiving phase is stored in the phase control RAM,
thus ending the response sending processing.
[0209] It is checked in step S7-7 if the response send timer has
reached a time-out state. If NO in step S7-7, the response sending
processing ends. On the other hand, if YES in step S7-7, a message
indicating the time-out state is transmitted to the command
processing task in step S7-8, and the value indicating the command
receiving phase is stored in the phase control RAM in step S7-9,
thus ending the response sending processing.
[0210] With the above-mentioned processing, since processing is
interrupted when the interface does not become ready for transfer
within a predetermined period of time, the image processing
apparatus which uses a parallel interface allowing high-speed data
transfer and allows good operability can be provided.
[0211] Since exclusive control is performed using the buffers, the
memory can be effectively used.
[0212] FIGS. 8A to 9B are flow charts showing the operation of the
command processing task.
[0213] In step S8-001, the control waits for a message associated
with a command from the interface control task. If no message
associated with a command is received, step S8-001 is repeated. On
the other hand, if a message associated with a command is received,
the flow advances to step S8-002.
[0214] It is checked in step S8-002 if the received message
indicates a file transfer instruction command. If YES (y) in step
S8-002, the flow advances to step S8-003, and download file
(DOWNLOAD FILE) processing is executed. Note that the details of
this processing will be described later. Upon completion of the
DOWNLOAD FILE processing in step S8-003, the flow returns to step
S8-001.
[0215] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-002 that
the message does not indicate a message transfer instruction
command, the flow advances to step S8-004.
[0216] It is checked in step S8-004 if the received message
indicates a file print instruction command. If YES in step S8-004,
the flow advances to step S8-005, and file print (PRINT FILE)
processing is executed. Note that the details of this processing
will be described later. Upon completion of the PRINT FILE
processing in step S8-005, the flow returns to step S8-001.
[0217] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-004 that
the message does not indicate a print file instruction command, the
flow advances to step S8-006.
[0218] It is checked in step S8-006 if the received message
indicates a print information acquisition command. If YES in step
S8-006, the flow advances to step S8-007, and print information
acquisition (GET PRINT INFO.) processing is executed. Note that the
details of this processing will be described later. Upon completion
of the GET PRINT INFO. processing in step S8-007, the flow returns
to step S8-001.
[0219] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-006 that
the message does not indicate a print information acquisition
command, the flow advances to step S8-008.
[0220] It is checked in step S8-008 if the received message
indicates a file send instruction command. If YES in step S8-008,
the flow advances to step S8-009, and file send (SEND FILE)
processing is executed. Note that the details of this processing
will be described later. Upon completion of the SEND FILE
processing in step S8-009, the flow returns to step S8-001.
[0221] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-008 that
the message does not indicate a file send instruction command, the
flow advances to step S8-010.
[0222] It is checked in step S8-010 if the received message
indicates a document send instruction command. If YES in step
S8-010, the flow advances to step S8-011, and document send (SEND
DOC) processing is executed. Note that the details of this
processing will be described later. Upon completion of the SEND DOC
processing in step S8-011, the flow returns to step S8-001.
[0223] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-010 that
the message does not indicate a document send instruction command,
the flow advances to step S8-012.
[0224] It is checked in step S8-012 if the received message
indicates a send information acquisition command. If YES in step
S8-012, the flow advances to step S8-013, and send information
acquisition (GET SEND INFO.) processing is executed. Note that the
details of this processing will be described later. Upon completion
of the GET SEND INFO. processing in step S8-013, the flow returns
to step S8-001.
[0225] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-012 that
the message does not indicate a send information acquisition
command, the flow advances to step S8-014.
[0226] It is checked in step S8-014 if the received message
indicates a file forward request command. If YES in step S8-014,
the flow advances to step S8-015, and upload file (UPLOAD FILE)
processing is executed. Note that the details of this processing
Will be described later. Upon completion of the UPLOAD FILE
processing in step S8-015, the flow returns to step S8-001.
[0227] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-014 that
the message does not indicate a file forward request command, the
flow advances to step S8-016.
[0228] It is checked in step S8-016 if the received message
indicates a storing scan instruction command. If YES in step
S8-016, the flow advances to step S8-017, and facsimile storing
scan (SCAN TO FAX) processing is executed. Note that the details of
this processing will be described later. Upon completion of the
SCAN TO FAX processing in step S8-017, the flow returns to step
S8-001.
[0229] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-016 that
the message does not indicate a storing scan instruction command,
the flow advances to step S8-018.
[0230] It is checked in step S8-018 if the received message
indicates a receiving mode change instruction command. If YES in
step S8-018, the flow advances to step S8-019, and receiving
(RECEIVE) processing is executed. Note that the details of this
processing will be described later. Upon completion of the RECEIVE
processing in step S8-019, the flow returns to step S8-001.
[0231] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-018 that
the message does not indicate a receiving mode change instruction
command, the flow advances to step S8-020.
[0232] It is checked in step S8-020 if the received message
indicates a receive information acquisition command. If YES in step
S8-020, the flow advances to step S8-021, and receive information
acquisition (GET RECEIVE INFO.) processing is executed. Note that
the details of this processing will be described later. Upon
completion of the GET RECEIVE INFO. processing in step S8-021, the
flow returns to step S8-001.
[0233] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-020 that
the message does not indicate a receive information acquisition
command, the flow advances to step S8-022.
[0234] It is checked in step S8-022 if the received message
indicates a communication control receipt number acquisition
command. If YES in step S8-022, the flow advances to step S8-023,
and communication control receipt number acquisition (GET ACTIVITY
ID) processing is executed. Note that the details of this
processing will be described later. Upon completion of the GET
ACTIVITY ID processing in step S8-023, the flow returns to step
S8-001.
[0235] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-022 that
the message does not indicate a communication control receipt
number acquisition command, the flow advances to step S8-024.
[0236] It is checked in step S8-024 if the received message
indicates a communication control information acquisition command.
If YES in step S8-024, the flow advances to step S8-025, and
communication control information acquisition (GET ACTIVITY INFO.)
processing is executed. Note that the details of this processing
will be described later. Upon completion of the GET ACTIVITY INFO.
processing in step S8-025, the flow returns to step S8-001.
[0237] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-024 that
the message does not indicate a communication control information
acquisition command, the flow advances to step S8-026.
[0238] It is checked in step S8-026 if the received message
indicates a file ID acquisition command. If YES in step S8-026, the
flow advances to step S8-027, and file ID acquisition (GET FILE ID)
processing is executed. Note that the details of this processing
will be described later. Upon completion of the GET FILE ID
processing in step S8-027, the flow returns to step S8-001.
[0239] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-026 that
the message does not indicate a file ID acquisition command, the
flow advances to step S8-028.
[0240] It is checked in step S8-028 if the received message
indicates a file information acquisition command. If YES in step
S8-028, the flow advances to step S8-029, and file information
acquisition (GET FILE INFO.) processing is executed. Note that the
details of this processing will be described later. Upon completion
of the GET FILE INFO. processing in step S8-029, the flow returns
to step S8-001.
[0241] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-028 that
the message does not indicate a file information acquisition
command, the flow advances to step S8-030.
[0242] It is checked in step S8-030 if the received message
indicates a page information acquisition command. If YES in step
S8-030, the flow advances to step S8-031, and page information
acquisition (GET PAGE INFO.) processing is executed. Note that the
details of this processing will be described later. Upon completion
of the GET PAGE INFO. processing in step S8-031, the flow returns
to step S8-001.
[0243] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-030 that
the message does not indicate a page information acquisition
command, the flow advances to step S8-032.
[0244] It is checked in step S8-032 if the received message
indicates a file delete instruction command. If YES in step S8-032,
the flow advances to step S8-033, and file delete (DELETE FILE)
processing is executed. Note that the details of this processing
will be described later. Upon completion of the DELETE FILE
processing in step S8-033, the flow returns to step S8-001.
[0245] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-032 that
the message does not indicate a file delete instruction command,
the flow advances to step S8-034.
[0246] It is checked in step S8-034 if the received message
indicates a FAX information acquisition command. If YES in step
S8-034, the flow advances to step S8-035, and facsimile information
acquisition (FAX INFO.) processing is executed. Note that the
details of this processing will be described later. Upon completion
of the FAX INFO. processing in step S8-035, the flow returns to
step S8-001.
[0247] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-034 that
the message does not indicate a FAX information acquisition
command, the flow advances to step S8-036.
[0248] It is checked in step S8-036 if the received message
indicates a phone dialling (or calling) instruction command. If YES
in step S8-036, the flow advances to step S8-037, and phone
dialling (SIMPLE DIAL) processing is executed. Note that the
details of this processing will be described later. Upon completion
of the SIMPLE DIAL processing in step S8-037, the flow returns to
step S8-001.
[0249] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-036 that
the message does not indicate a phone dialling instruction command,
the flow advances to step S8-038.
[0250] It is checked in step S8-038 if the received message
indicates a dialling interrupt command. If YES in step S8-038, the
flow advances to step S8-039, and dialling interrupt (RELEASE LINE)
processing is executed. Note that the details of this processing
will be described later. Upon completion of the RELEASE LINE
processing in step S8-039, the flow returns to step S8-001.
[0251] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-038 that
the message does not indicate a dialling interrupt command, the
flow advances to step S8-040.
[0252] It is checked in step S8-040 if the received message
indicates a command set switching instruction command. If YES in
step S8-040, the flow advances to step S8-041, and command set
switching (SWITCH COMMAND SET) processing is executed. Note that
the details of this processing will be described later. Upon
completion of the SWITCH COMMAND SET processing in step S8-041, the
flow returns to step S8-001.
[0253] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8-040 that
the message does not indicate a command set switching instruction
command, the flow advances to step S8-042.
[0254] If the received command indicates none of the
above-mentioned commands, an NG response indicating a sequence
error is sent as a message to the interface control task to request
it to send back the NG response to the external information
processing terminal in step S8-042. Thereafter, the flow returns to
step S8-001.
[0255] With the above-mentioned processing, the command processing
task receives a message associated with a command from the
interface control task, and distributes the received message to
processing corresponding to its contents.
[0256] The respective processing operations shown in FIGS. 8A to 9B
will be explained below in the following order.
[0257] 1. Download file (DOWNLOAD FILE) processing
[0258] 2. File print (PRINT FILE) processing
[0259] 3. Print information acquisition (GET PRINT INFO.)
processing
[0260] 4. File send (SEND FILE) processing
[0261] 5. Send information acquisition (GET SEND INFO.)
processing
[0262] 6. Upload file (UPLOAD FILE) processing
[0263] 7. Receiving (RECEIVE) processing
[0264] 8. Receive information acquisition (GET RECEIVE INFO.)
processing
[0265] 9. Communication control receipt number acquisition (GET
ACTIVITY ID) processing
[0266] 10. Communication control information acquisition (GET
ACTIVITY INFO.) processing
[0267] 11. File ID acquisition (GET FILE ID) processing
[0268] 12. File information acquisition (GET FILE INFO.)
processing
[0269] 13. Page information acquisition (GET FILE INFO.)
processing
[0270] 14. File delete (DELETE FILE) processing
[0271] 15. Facsimile information acquisition (FAX INFO.)
processing
[0272] 16. Phone dialling (SIMPLE DIAL) processing
[0273] 17. Dialling interrupt (RELEASE LINE) processing
[0274] 18. Command set switching (SWITCH COMMAND SET)
processing
[0275] 19. Facsimile storing scan (SCAN TO FAX) processing
[0276] 20. Document send (SEND DOC) processing
[0277] The respective processing operations will be described
below.
[0278] 1. Download File (DOWNLOAD FILE) Processing
[0279] This operation is a function of storing image data
transferred (forwarded) from the external information processing
terminal in the image memory of the RAM 103 in the facsimile
apparatus as image data.
[0280] This operation is realized by three commands, i.e., a file
forward instruction command, page information instruction command,
and image data forward instruction command. The file forward
instruction command is used for informing that image data is to be
forwarded from the external information processing terminal to the
facsimile apparatus, and actual image data forward processing is
executed in response to the image data forward instruction command.
The page information instruction command is used for instructing
attributes such as the data format, resolution, and the like of a
page from the external information processing terminal to the
facsimile apparatus in units of pages of image data. Actual image
data forward processing is executed in response to the image data
forward instruction command. The image data forward instruction
command is used for actually forwarding image data from the
external information processing terminal to the facsimile
apparatus.
[0281] The downloaded image-data is used in a recording operation
attained by the file print (PRINT FILE) function, a sending
operation attained by the file sending (SEND FILE) function, an
upload operation attained by the upload file (UPLOAD FILE)
function, and a deletion operation attained by the file delete
(DELETE FILE) function.
[0282] The detailed operation will be explained below with
reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0283] In step S10-1, a communication semaphore (communication
resource) is acquired. The communication semaphore will be
described below. The facsimile apparatus acquires the communication
semaphore when it performs an operation using the communication
unit, and releases the communication semaphore when it ends the
operation. If the apparatus fails to acquire the communication
semaphore, it cannot execute the operation (e.g., transmission,
reception, or the like). Despite this limitation, the
above-mentioned rule allows smooth simultaneous operations. If the
communication semaphore can be acquired in step S10-1, the flow
advances to step S10-2; otherwise, the flow branches to BUSY
processing (to be described in detail later). In step S10-2, the
file ID of image data to be downloaded is acquired. In the
facsimile apparatus of this embodiment, serial numbers (file IDs)
are assigned to image data stored in the image memory of the RAM
103, and the image data in the image memory of the RAM 103 are
controlled on the basis of the file IDs. The file ID assumes a
value falling within the range from 1 to 9,999, and is cyclically
used. In step S10-3, it is checked if the image memory has an empty
space. If the memory has a sufficient empty space, the flow
advances to step S10-4. On the other hand, if the memory does not
have a sufficient space, NG processing (to be described in detail
later) is performed. In step S10-4, the interface LED is turned on
to inform a user that the apparatus is in operation. During the ON
period of the interface LED, any key input of the facsimile
apparatus is inhibited. In step S10-5, the attribute of the image
data to be downloaded is set in a file designated by the external
information processing terminal. In step S10-6, data
sending/receiving processing to/from a host (to be described in
detail later) is performed so as to return, to the external
information processing terminal, a message indicating that the
facsimile apparatus can execute processing corresponding to the
file forward instruction command, and to receive the next command
from the external information processing terminal. If step S10-6
normally ends, the flow advances to step S10-7. It is checked in
step S10-7 if the next command received from the external
information processing terminal is a page information instruction
command. If YES (Y) in step S10-7, the flow advances to step S10-8;
otherwise, NG processing is performed. It is checked in step S10-8
if the image memory of the RAM 103 has an empty space. If the
memory has a sufficient empty space, the flow advances to step
S10-9. However, if the memory does not have an empty space, NG
processing is performed. In step S10-9, new page information is set
on the basis of the page information instruction command. In step
S10-10, data sending/receiving processing to/from the host is
performed to return, to the external information processing
terminal, a message indicating that the operation is normally
progressing, and to receive the next command from the external
information processing terminal. If step S10-10 normally ends, the
flow advances to step S10-11. It is checked in step S10-11 if the
next command received from the external information processing
terminal is an image data forward instruction command. If YES in
step S10-11, the flow advances to step S10-12; otherwise, NG
processing is performed. In step S10-12, data in the image buffer,
which stores image data supplied from the external information
processing terminal, is forwarded to the image memory. Since data
reception from the external information processing terminal does
not cause a transfer error unlike reception using a normal public
telephone network, an error check of image data is not normally
performed. Since compressed data received from the external
information processing terminal is directly forwarded to the image
memory without being decoded, the throughput can be improved. Since
an image file controlled by the external information processing
terminal can be forwarded to the facsimile apparatus by commonly
using the buffer used in communications between facsimile
apparatuses via a telephone line and the buffer used in data
forward processing from the external information processing
terminal, the RAM capacity required for buffering can be
reduced.
[0284] On the other hand, upon completion of forwarding of data
indicated by the forward image data length included in the image
data forward instruction command, the flow advances to step S10-13.
It is checked in step S10-13 if an error has occurred during
execution of step S10-12. If NO (N) in step S10-13, the flow
advances to step S10-14. On the other hand, if YES in step S10-13,
NG processing is performed. It is checked in step S10-14 if
forwarding of image data for one page from the external information
processing terminal is completed. In this embodiment, image data
for one page can be divisionally received on the basis of the
transfer image data length included in the image data forward
instruction command. Upon completion of forwarding of image data
for one page, the flow advances to step S10-15. If forwarding of
image data for one page is not completed yet, the flow returns to
step S10-10 to continue the processing. It is checked in step
S10-15 if forwarding of image data for all the pages from the
external information processing terminal is completed. In this
embodiment, image data for a plurality of pages can be received
using a combination of the three commands (the file forward
instruction command, page information instruction command, and
image data forward instruction command). Upon completion of
forwarding of image data for all the pages, the flow advances to
step S10-16. If forwarding of image data for all the pages is not
completed yet, the flow returns to step S10-6 to continue the
processing. In step S10-16, an OK response to the interface control
task is generated to request it to return to the external
information processing terminal a message indicating that a normal
operation is being performed. The interface control task executes
the sending processing of the message.
[0285] In steps S10-17 and S10-18, it is checked if the interface
control task has completed the return processing to the external
information processing terminal. If the return processing has been
completed, the flow advances to step S10-19. On the other hand, if
the return processing has not been completed, and a time-out state
has occurred in step S10-17, the flow branches to abnormality
processing. In this embodiment, the time-out time is fixed, but may
be changed by the registration operation by the facsimile apparatus
or that by the external information processing terminal. In step
S10-19, the communication semaphore acquired in step S10-1 is
released. In step S10-20, the interface LED is turned off to inform
the user that the DOWNLOAD FILE operation has ended. After the
interface LED is turned off, a key input of the facsimile apparatus
is permitted.
[0286] The data sending/receiving processing to/from the host
(external information processing terminal) in steps S10-6 and
S10-10 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.
12.
[0287] In step S12-1, an OK response to the interface control task
is generated to request it to return to the external information
processing terminal a message indicating that a normal operation is
being performed. The interface control task executes the sending
processing of the message.
[0288] In steps S12-2 and S12-3, it is checked if the interface
control task has completed the return processing to the external
information processing terminal. If the return processing has been
completed, the flow advances to step S12-4. If the return
processing has not been completed, and a time-out state has
occurred in step S12-2, the flow branches to abnormality
processing. In this embodiment, the time-out time is fixed, but may
be changed by the registration operation by the facsimile apparatus
or that by the external information processing terminal.
[0289] In steps S12-4 and S12-5, the next command is received from
the external information processing terminal. If the next command
is received, the flow advances to step S12-6. If a time-out state
has occurred in step S12-4 without receiving the next command, the
flow branches to abnormality processing. In this embodiment, the
time-out time is fixed, but may be changed by the registration
operation by the facsimile apparatus or that by the external
information processing terminal.
[0290] It is checked in step S12-6 if the received next command is
a stop command. If NO in step S12-6, the processing normally ends.
If YES in step S12-6, the flow branches to step S13-1.
[0291] The abnormality processing will be described in detail below
with reference to FIG. 13.
[0292] When the flow branches to step S13-1, an OK response to the
interface control task is generated to request it to return to the
external information processing terminal a message indicating that
a normal operation is being performed. The interface control task
executes the sending processing of the message. On the other hand,
when the flow branches to step S13-2, an NG response to the
interface control task is generated to request it to return to the
external information processing terminal a message indicating that
the received command is not accepted due to its error. The
interface control task executes the sending processing of the
message. Also, when the flow branches to step S13-3, a BUSY
response to the interface control task is generated to request it
to return to the external information processing terminal a message
indicating that the received command is not currently accepted
since, e.g., another operation is being performed. The interface
control task executes the sending processing of the message.
[0293] In step S13-4, the image memory to be used is released. In
step S13-5, the communication semaphore acquired in step S10-1 is
released. In step S13-6, the interface LED is turned off to inform
the user that the DOWNLOAD FILE operation has ended. After the
interface LED is turned off, a key input of the facsimile apparatus
is permitted.
[0294] 2. File Print (PRINT FILE) Processing
[0295] This operation is a function of recording a desired image,
which is designated by the external information processing terminal
and is stored in the image memory of the RAM 103 in the facsimile
apparatus, by the facsimile apparatus.
[0296] The PRINT FILE function is realized by a file print
instruction command. The file print instruction command is added
with designation parameters such as a recording paper size, a file
ID, and the like.
[0297] Normally, the PRINT FILE function is used together with the
GET PRINT INFO. function.
[0298] An image that can be recorded by the PRINT FILE function is
limited to a download image, a received image, or a scanned image
designated by the external information processing terminal.
[0299] The detailed operation will be described below with
reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0300] When the command processing task determines the file print
instruction command, the flow branches to step S14-1. In step
S14-1, it is checked whether the receive parameter added to the
file print instruction command is correct or not (to be described
in detail later). The flow branches based on the discrimination
result in step S14-2. If the discrimination result indicates that
the parameter is correct, the flow advances step S14-3; otherwise,
the flow branches to NG processing (to be described in detail
later). In step S14-3, a recording semaphore (recording resource)
is acquired. Since this functions performs a recording output
operation, the recording semaphore must be acquired. The recording
semaphore will be explained below. The facsimile apparatus acquires
the recording semaphore when it operates using the recording unit,
and releases the recording semaphore when it ends the operation. If
the apparatus cannot acquire the recording semaphore, it cannot
execute the operation (for example, recording of a received image,
recording of a copy image, and the like). Despite this limitation,
the above-mentioned rule allows smooth simultaneous operations
(e.g., memory transmission during a copying operation). If the
recording semaphore can be acquired in step S14-3, the flow
advances to step S14-4; if the recording semaphore cannot be
acquired, the flow branches to BUSY processing. In step S14-4, the
recording unit is checked for any abnormality (to be described in
detail later). The flow branches based on the discrimination result
in step S14-5. If the discrimination result is OK, the flow
advances to step S14-6; if an abnormality is found, the flow
branches to NG processing. In step S14-6, the interface LED is
turned on to inform a user that the apparatus is in operation.
During the ON period of the interface LED, any key input of the
facsimile apparatus is inhibited. In step S14-7, an OK response to
the interface control task is generated to request it to return to
the external information processing terminal a message indicating
that a normal operation is being performed. The interface control
task executes the sending processing of the message. It is checked
in steps S14-8 and S14-9 if the interface control task has
completed the return processing to the external information
processing terminal. If the return processing has been completed,
the flow advances to step S14-10. If the return processing has not
been completed, and a time-out state has occurred in step S14-8,
the flow branches to abnormality processing. In this embodiment,
the time-out time is fixed, but may be changed by the registration
operation by the facsimile apparatus or that by the external
information processing terminal. In step S14-10, "printing" is set
in the print information status. The print information status is
assured on the work area of the RAM 103 in the facsimile unit 1,
and is an information status for the GET PRINT INFO. processing. In
step S14-11, the recording task is started to start a recording
operation. The recording operation will be described later. In step
S14-12, the interface LED is turned off to inform the user that the
PRINT FILE operation has ended. After the interface LED is turned
off, a key input of the facsimile apparatus is permitted.
[0301] The receive parameter check processing in step S14-1 will be
explained below with reference to FIG. 16.
[0302] The contents of the receive parameter include the following
items having the following choices. When the contents of the
receive parameter are different from the setting contents of the
facsimile apparatus, a receive parameter error is generated.
Alternatively, when the contents of the receive parameter are
different from the setting contents of the facsimile apparatus,
processing may be continued to "preferentially process the contents
of the receive parameter" or to "preferentially process the setting
contents of the facsimile apparatus" without generating any receive
parameter error.
[0303] Recording paper cassette size: no check
[0304] Recording paper size: no check, letter, legal, A4
[0305] Recording density: standard, economy
[0306] File ID: 1 to 9999
[0307] Number of recording sheets: 1 to 99
[0308] In step S16-1, the recording paper cassette size is checked.
Since the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment has a recording
paper cassette (not shown) of only one size, if the contents of the
receive parameter include "no check", the recording paper cassette
size is not checked, and the flow advances to step S16-2.
Alternatively, a plurality of different recording paper cassettes
may be mounted, and the recording paper cassette size may be
checked. In step S16-2, the recording paper size is checked. The
contents of the receive parameter are compared with the recording
paper size registered by an operator, and if the two sizes coincide
with each other, the flow advances to step S16-3. If the two sizes
are different from each other, the processing abnormally ends. If
the contents of the receive parameter include "no check", the flow
advances to step S16-3 without any comparison. Alternatively, the
recording paper size may be automatically read using, e.g., a
mechanical sensor without requiring any registration by the
operator. In step S16-3, the recording density is checked. The
contents of the receive parameter are compared with the recording
density registered by the operator, and if the two densities
coincide with each other, the flow advances to step S16-4. If the
two densities are different from each other, the processing
abnormally ends. If the contents of the receive parameter include
"no check", the flow advances to step S16-4 without any comparison.
On the other hand, the recording density may be automatically set
on the basis of the remaining amount of a recording ink, the
density of an image, a facsimile transmission source, or the like
without requiring any registration by the operator. In step S16-4,
the file ID is checked. The file ID is one of serial numbers
assigned to images input/output to/from the facsimile apparatus,
and a desired image stored in the image memory of the RAM 103 is
accessed on the basis of the file ID. In step S16-4, it is checked
if an image corresponding to the file ID in the contents of the
receive parameter is present in the image memory. If the
corresponding image is present, the flow advances to step S16-5;
otherwise, the processing abnormally ends. In step S16-5, the file
attribute is checked. If the attribute of the image obtained in
step S16-4 indicates a file designated by the external information
processing terminal, the flow advances to step S16-6; otherwise,
the processing abnormally ends. In step S16-6, the number of
recording sheets is checked. If the contents of the receive
parameter fall within the range from 1 to 99, the receive parameter
check processing normally ends; otherwise, the processing
abnormally ends.
[0309] The recording unit check processing in step S14-4 will be
described below with reference to FIG. 17.
[0310] In step S17-1, the presence/absence of recording sheets is
checked. Recording sheets in the recording paper cassette are
detected by a recording paper sensor (not shown), and if recording
sheets are detected, the flow advances to step S17-2. If no
recording sheets are detected, the processing abnormally ends. In
step S17-2, the presence/absence of a recording ink is checked. If
the recording ink is present, the flow advances to step S17-3. If
no recording ink is present, the processing abnormally ends. In
this embodiment, the recording operation uses a recording ink.
Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to a facsimile
apparatus which uses a recording unit using, e.g., toner for laser
recording. In step S17-3, it is checked if the recording cover is
closed. If the recording cover is closed, the flow advances to step
S17-4. On the other hand, if the recording cover is open, the
processing abnormally ends. In step S17-4, the presence/absence of
a recording sheet jam is checked. If no recording sheet jam is
detected by the PE sensor 206 and the like, the recording unit
check processing normally ends. On the other hand, if a recording
sheet jam is detected by the PE sensor 206 and the like, the
recording unit check processing abnormally ends.
[0311] The abnormality processing will be described below with
reference to FIG. 18.
[0312] If an NG state has occurred, an NG response to the interface
control task is generated to request it to return to the external
information processing terminal a message indicating that the
processing has abnormally ended, in step S18-1. On the other hand,
if a BUSY state has occurred, a BUSY response to the interface
control task is generated to request it to return to the external
information processing terminal a message indicating that the
processing has abnormally ended, in step S18-3. The interface
control task executes the sending processing of the message. In
step S18-2, the recording semaphore is released, and the
abnormality processing ends. If the recording semaphore is not
acquired, the step of releasing the recording semaphore is
skipped.
[0313] The differences between the conventional recording operation
and the recording operation in this embodiment will be described
below.
[0314] On a communication image in a conventional facsimile
apparatus, so-called sending source recording is performed, i.e.,
the date of sending, the telephone number, the sender's name, and
the number of pages are additionally recorded on the header portion
of an image. Therefore, upon comparison between the sending length
on the sending side and the receiving length on the receiving side,
the sending length is normally larger than the receiving length. If
the received image is recorded without any variable magnification
processing, when the sending side sends an image having a standard
paper size, the recording side cannot record the image within the
standard paper size. In view of this problem, a technique for
reducing an image at a predetermined magnification factor on the
recording side to record the image within the standard paper size
is known. However, when the recording side performs a size
reduction, the sent image cannot be faithfully reproduced.
[0315] Also, a receiving information recording technique is known
as well as the sending source recording. In the receiving
information recording, the date of reception, the telephone number,
the sender's name, and the number of pages are additionally
recorded on the trailing end portion of an image received on the
receiving side. When this function is used, and the received image
is recorded within the standard paper size, the reduction factor
must be further lowered.
[0316] On the other hand, an image received by the facsimile
apparatus must be reliably recorded and output, not excepting a
case wherein the recording ink is used up in a facsimile apparatus
using a recording ink like in this embodiment. For this reason, a
technique for performing ink remaining amount detection processing
for discriminating if an image can be actually recorded upon
completion of recording output is known. When it is determined that
the recording ink is used up, received images are stored in the
image memory to re-record these images later, and operator's
intervention is prompted. However, in order to perform the ink
remaining amount detection processing, a recording operation must
be unnecessarily performed on a recorded image and a recording ink
must be unnecessarily wasted. Also, the ink remaining amount
detection processing lowers the throughput of the entire system. On
the contrary, when the recording operation normally ends, images
stored in the memory are forcibly deleted. In this case, if another
set of received images are to be recorded, the recording sheets
must be copied, thus deteriorating image quality.
[0317] On the other hand, in the recording operation of this
embodiment, the same recording operation as in the conventional
facsimile apparatus is performed in a conventional facsimile
reception mode, and a recording operation that can solve the
above-mentioned problems is performed upon recording of an image
having file attributes designated by the external information
processing terminal. More specifically, since extra processing
operations such as reduced recording, ink remaining amount
detection processing, recording of extra additional information,
and receiving information recording, are inhibited for a file
designated by the external information processing terminal, a sent
image can be faithfully reproduced. On the other hand, a user can
visually discriminate based only on the recording output sheet
whether an image is recorded by the conventional recording
operation or by the recording operation for a file designated by
the external information processing terminal. After the recording
operation for a file designated by the external information
processing terminal, an image is held in the image memory
independently of whether the processing ends normally or
abnormally.
[0318] The determination processing as to whether the ink remaining
amount detection processing and the reduced recording processing
are performed or not will be described below with reference to FIG.
24.
[0319] It is checked in step S24-1 if the attribute of an image
file to be recorded indicates a file designated by the external
information processing terminal. If YES (Y) in step S24-1, the flow
advances to step S24-2. If NO (N) in step S24-1, the flow advances
to step S24-4, and a mode for inhibiting the ink remaining amount
detection processing and the reduced recording processing is set,
thus ending the processing. In step S24-2, the "ON/OFF" state of
the ink remaining amount detection processing registered in the
apparatus is checked. If the ink remaining amount detection
processing is set in the "ON" state, the flow advances to step
S24-3. On the other hand, if the ink remaining amount detection
processing is set in the "OFF" state, the flow advances to step
S24-5, and a mode for inhibiting the ink remaining amount detection
processing is set. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S24-3. In
step S24-3, the "ON/OFF" state of the reduced recording processing
registered in the apparatus is checked. If the reduced recording
processing is set in the "ON" state, the determination processing
ends. On the other hand, if the reduced recording processing is set
in the "OFF" state, the flow advances to step S24-6 and a mode for
inhibiting the reduced recording processing is set, thus ending the
processing.
[0320] The recording operation of this embodiment will be described
in detail below.
[0321] The recording task started in step S14-11 performs an
operation shown in the flow chart shown in FIG. 19. In step S19-1,
software power ON processing of the printer unit 2 is performed,
and the flow advances to step S19-2. The software power ON/OFF
processing will be described in detail later. In step S19-2, it is
checked if the software power ON processing has ended normally or
abnormally. If the processing has normally ended, the flow advances
to step S19-3. On the other hand, if the processing abnormally
ends, forced software power OFF processing is performed in step
S19-14, and an error message is displayed on the display unit of
the operation panel 112 in step S19-15. In step S19-16, error
information is stored in print information status in the work area
of the RAM 103 of the facsimile unit 1, and the flow then advances
to step S19-13. In step S19-3, recording sheet feed processing (to
be described in detail later) is performed, and the flow advances
to step S19-4. In step S19-4, it is checked if the recording sheet
feed processing has ended normally or abnormally. If the processing
has normally ended, the flow advances to step S19-5. On the other
hand, if the processing has abnormally ended, forced software power
OFF processing is performed in step S19-14, and an error message is
displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 112 in step
S19-15. In step S19-16, error information is stored in print
information status in the work area of the RAM 103 of the facsimile
unit 1, and the flow then advances to step S19-13. In step S19-5,
the presence/absence of a free recording line buffer on the RAM 103
is checked. In this embodiment, recording data to the printer unit
2 is controlled in units of lines, and cannot be generated unless a
recording line buffer on the RAM 103 for generating the recording
data becomes free. Normally, a plurality of line buffers are
assured, and are cyclically used. If a free recording line buffer
on the RAM 103 is detected, decoding, RL (run length)--RAW (raw)
conversion, and resolution conversion (8 pel-360 dpi) are performed
in step S19-6, and recording data is written in the recording line
buffer on the RAM 103. The recording data is forwarded to the
printer unit 2 in practice in the interrupt processing, and upon
completion of forwarding of recording data, the recording line
buffer on the RAM 103 is cleared. It is then checked in step S19-7
if the decoding processing for the first page has ended. If YES in
step S19-7, the flow advances to step S19-8; otherwise, the flow
returns to step S19-5 to repeat the above-mentioned processing. In
step S19-8, the recorded recording sheet is discharged. In step
S19-9, it is checked if recording operations of all the pages to be
recorded have ended. If YES in step S19-9, the flow advances to
step S19-10; otherwise, the flow returns to step S19-3 to repeat
the above-mentioned processing from the recording sheet feed
processing. It is checked in step S19-10 if the recording
operations for all the number of copies to be recorded designated
in the receive parameter in step S16-6 have ended. If YES in step
S19-10, the flow advances to step S19-11; otherwise, the flow
returns to step S19-3 to repeat the above-mentioned processing from
the recording sheet feed processing. In step S19-11, the software
power OFF processing of the printer unit 2 is performed, and the
flow then advances to step S19-12. In step S19-12, normal end
information is stored in the print information status in the work
area on the RAM 103 of the facsimile unit 1, and the flow advances
to step S19-13. In step S19-13, the recording semaphore acquired in
step S14-3 is released. Thereafter, the recording task itself
normally ends.
[0322] The software power ON processing in step S19-1 and the
software power OFF processing in steps S19-11 and S19-14 will be
described in detail below.
[0323] The facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment has
three power supply states. The first state is a state wherein the
power supply is OFF in a hardware manner, and no power supply
voltage is supplied to the facsimile unit 1 and the printer unit 2
(hardware power OFF state). The second state is a state wherein the
power supply is ON in a hardware manner and the power supply
voltage is supplied to the facsimile unit 1 and the printer unit 2,
but the state of the printer unit 2 is apparently equivalent to a
power OFF state since it has just completed hardware power ON
initialization processing and LEDs (not shown) and the like are OFF
(software power OFF state). The third state is a state wherein the
power supply is turned on in a hardware manner, the power supply
voltage is supplied to the facsimile unit 1 and the printer unit 2,
and the printer unit 2 is set in an operative state (software power
ON state). The above-mentioned three states are provided for the
following reasons. First, the printer unit 2 is normally set in the
software power OFF state except for the recording operation so as
to prevent the printer unit 2 from running away. Second, if the
same initialization processing as that when the power supply is
turned on is performed each time the printer unit 2 is activated,
the throughput lowers. Third, if the LEDs of the printer unit 2 are
kept ON irrespective of the recording operation, the consumption
power is wasted. Fourth, if the LEDs of the printer unit 2 are kept
ON, a user may erroneously recognize that the printer unit 2 is in
operation. Fifth, when the processing of the printer unit 2 ends as
an error, an error state can be easily canceled by the software
power ON/OFF initialization processing.
[0324] The hardware power ON initialization operation and the
software power ON initialization operation will be described below
with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.
[0325] In the hardware power ON initialization operation, a watch
dog timer for preventing the printer MPU 201 from running away is
initialized (S20-1), and a register is then initialized to prevent
an operation error of the printer MPU 201 (S20-2). Furthermore,
peripheral devices or terminal devices such as the
horizontal-vertical converter 204, the Centronics interface 302,
and the like are initialized (S20-3). Subsequently, the work area
of the RAM 203 is initialized to prevent an operation error of the
printer MPU 201 and to set initial values of respective parameters
(S20-4). Thereafter, a timer interruption is started (S20-5). Then,
the RAM 203 is initialized to delete remaining data in the buffers
(S20-6).
[0326] In the software power ON initialization processing, only
resources used after the software power ON processing are
initialized. First, the RAM 203 is checked (S21-1). Subsequently,
initialization of the work area (S21-2), initialization of the RAM
203 (S21-3), initialization of a data analysis program sent from
the Centronics interface (S21-4), and initialization of carriage
control/sheet feed control programs (S21-5) are performed. The
printer MPU 201 initializes the position of the carriage, i.e., the
position of the printing head 205 using a home position sensor (not
shown) (S21-6). In this processing, since the carriage position is
recognized on the basis of the number of pulses applied to a pulse
motor for driving the carriage, the reference position of the
carriage is set using the home position sensor. Then, to attain
bidirectional correction, the carriage is moved from the reference
position by a predetermined amount in the forward direction and is
then moved in the reverse direction so as to sample the state of
the home position sensor (S21-7). The number of pulses required for
movement in the forward direction and that required for movement in
the reverse direction are counted, and a correction value in
bidirectional printing is calculated on the basis of these count
values. When this correction value exceeds a predetermined range,
an error is generated, and the recording operation is disabled. It
is then detected using, e.g., the PE sensor 206 if remaining sheets
are present, and if remaining sheets are present, they are
discharged (S21-8). It is checked if an automatic recovery
operation is to be performed (S21-9). The automatic recovery
operation is processing for preventing clogging of nozzles when the
printing head 205 adopts an ink-jet system. If an automatic
recovery operation is to be performed, the automatic recovery
operation is performed (S21-10), and the initialization processing
ends. If an automatic recovery operation is not performed, the
initialization processing ends.
[0327] The recording sheet feed processing in step S19-3 will be
described in detail below with reference to FIG. 22.
[0328] Assume that the recording sheet feed processing includes
processes in which the facsimile unit 1 creates a recording sheet
feed command corresponding to user registration, and forwards it to
the printer unit 2, and a recording sheet is fed to a printing
start position by pickup rollers (not shown).
[0329] It is checked if the printer unit is ready (S22-1). If NO in
step S22-1, an error message is displayed (S22-8), and the
processing ends as an error (S22-9). On the other hand, if YES in
step S22-1, a motor semaphore is acquired (S22-2). If the motor
semaphore cannot be acquired, an error message is displayed
(S22-8), and the processing ends as an error (S22-9). If the
printer unit is ready, and the motor semaphore is acquired, a
recording sheet feed command is created (S22-8). The recording
sheet feed command is a set of the following commands:
[0330] printer reset
[0331] printing mode (normal or economy)
[0332] printer setting
[0333] bidirectional printing correction
[0334] page mode
[0335] footer printing
[0336] bidirectional printing
[0337] raster skip
[0338] These commands are as follows.
[0339] More specifically, the printer unit is initialized by the
printer reset command. The printing mode command follows the
printing mode for an image printing operation in user registration.
The printer setting command follows the contents of facsimile mode
printer setting in user registration. The bidirectional printing
correction command has a value inherent to the apparatus, and is
set not by user registration but by service person registration.
The page mode command includes a choice for ignoring data exceeding
a predetermined page size or printing the data on the second or
subsequent page, and is ON when a copy image or a non-transmitted
image is printed; OFF when a received image or a normal report is
printed. The footer printing command will be described later. The
bidirectional printing command follows the bidirectional printing
mode for an image printing operation in user registration. The
raster skip command is a recording sheet feed start command.
[0340] Upon completion of the creation of the above-mentioned
recording sheet feed command in the facsimile unit 1 (S22-3), the
set of commands are simultaneously forwarded to the printer unit
via the CENTRONICS I/F 302 (S22-4). Then, the facsimile unit 1
waits for a sheet feed request sent from the printer unit 2
(S22-5). On the other hand, upon reception of the recording sheet
feed command, the printer unit 2 analyzes and executes the commands
in turn. After the printer unit 2 analyzes the raster skip command
at the end of the command, it issues a sheet feed request to the
facsimile unit l. Upon reception of the sheet feed request (S22-5),
the facsimile unit 1 starts a sheet feed operation using the motor
111 (S22-6), and ends the sheet feed operation when the recording
sheet is conveyed to the position of the PE sensor 206 (S22-7). The
subsequent sheet feed operation to the printing start position is
performed by the printer unit. The printer unit feeds the recording
sheet to the printing start position in accordance with a
predetermined feed amount.
[0341] The footer printing command will be described in detail
below.
[0342] In the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment, after an
image for one page is recorded, a footer mark used for detecting
the presence/absence of an ink is recorded on the trailing end
portion of a recording sheet and is detected by the footer sensor
207, and the presence/absence of an ink is discriminated on the
basis of the detection result.
[0343] The footer printing command includes a parameter. The
contents of the parameter are the "ON/OFF" state of the ink
remaining amount detection mode, a receive information character
string, and a footer mark character string. In the parameter for a
normal recording operation of a received image, the ink remaining
amount detection mode is set in the "ON" state. If this mode is set
in the OFF state in this case, an image received when the ink is
used up is lost since the re-recording operation cannot be
performed. On the other hand, in the parameter for the recording
operation of an image from the external information processing
terminal, the ink remaining amount detection mode is set in the
"OFF" state. In this case, even when the ink is used up upon
recording of the image, the image can be re-recorded by receiving
it from the external information processing terminal again. Since
the ink remaining amount detection processing is not performed in
the recording operation of an image from the external information
processing terminal, an ink can be prevented from being wasted, and
the throughput can be improved.
[0344] The ink remaining amount detection processing of the printer
unit 2 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to
FIG. 23.
[0345] When the "ON" state of the ink remaining amount detection
processing is designated by the footer printing command from the
facsimile unit 1, the printer unit 2 feeds a recording sheet to a
printing position of the receive information character string and
the footer mark character string after image data is recorded
(S23-1). Then, footer character codes in the footer buffer which
stores the character string of the footer printing command are
printed (S23-2). If the printed ink remaining amount detection mark
is not detected (S23-3), an NG ink remaining amount detection
result is returned to the facsimile side (S23-8). On the other
hand, if the ink remaining amount detection mark is detected
(S23-3), the recording sheet is fed (S23-4), and it is detected if
the recording sheet is color paper (S23-5). If it is determined
that the recording sheet is color paper, an NG recording sheet
detection result is returned to the facsimile side (S23-9). Upon
completion of all the detection operations, an ink remaining amount
detection output is, set in the OK state to inform the facsimile
unit of the message indicating this (S23-6). Upon completion of the
ink remaining amount detection processing, the recording sheet of
the first page is discharged (S23-7). If printing data of the next
page is received, a recording sheet of the second page is fed, and
the printing operation is continued.
[0346] As other ink detection methods, the following methods are
known.
[0347] The remaining amount of an ink in an ink tank is detected
using an optical sensor or a weight sensor to detect the
presence/absence of an ink.
[0348] The presence/absence of an ink is detected when an ejected
ink shields light emitted by an optical sensor.
[0349] An ink is ejected onto a thermistor to detect a change in
temperature, thereby detecting the presence/absence of an ink.
[0350] The total number of times of ink ejection is counted to
predict the presence/absence of an ink.
[0351] With the above-mentioned processing, an image processing
apparatus which can automatically determine and perform a recording
operation on the basis of the attribute and the like of an image
can be provided. Reductions of the running cost and improvement of
the throughput can be attained, and only a required image can be
processed. A received image can be prevented from being lost before
being recorded, and a received image for one page can be prevented
from being divisionally recorded on two pages. An image file
controlled by the external information processing terminal can be
forwarded to the image processing apparatus by commonly using the
buffer used in a communication between image processing apparatuses
via, e.g., a telephone line, and the buffer used image data to be
recorded is forwarded from the external information processing
terminal. More specifically, the RAM capacity required for
buffering can be reduced, and the file print function can be
realized with low cost.
[0352] 3. Print Information Acquisition (GET PRINT INFO.)
Processing
[0353] This operation is a function of informing the external
information processing terminal of the state of the recording
operation by the PRINT FILE function instructed by the external
information processing terminal, and is normally used in
combination with the PRINT FILE function.
[0354] This operation is realized by the file information
acquisition command.
[0355] This operation can be performed irrespective of the
execution periods of the facsimile sending/receiving operation,
copying operation, and registration operation as long as data can
be sent/received to/from the external information processing
terminal.
[0356] The detailed operation will be described below with
reference to FIG. 25.
[0357] When the command processing task determines reception of a
file information acquisition command, the flow branches to step
S25-1. In step S25-1, it is checked with reference to the print
information status (its contents have already been described in
detail in the paragraphs of the PRINT FILE function) in the work
area of the RAM 103 in the facsimile apparatus if the recording
operation by the PRINT FILE function has ended normally (during
recording) or abnormally. If the recording operation has ended
normally (during recording), the flow advances to step S25-2;
otherwise, the flow branches to step S25-3. In step S25-2, an OK
response to the interface control task is generated to request it
to return to the external information processing terminal a message
indicating that a normal operation is being performed. The
interface control task executes the sending processing of the
message. On the other hand, when the processing ends abnormally, an
NG response to the interface control task is generated to request
it to return to the external information processing terminal a
message indicating that the operation has abnormally ended, in step
S25-3. Then, the GET PRINT INFO. processing ends.
[0358] 4. File Send (SEND FILE) Processing
[0359] This operation is a function of sending a desired image
which is designated by the external information processing terminal
and is stored in the image memory in the RAM 103 in the facsimile
apparatus to a desired destination by the facsimile apparatus.
[0360] The SEND FILE function is realized by the file send
instruction command and the receipt number acquisition command. The
file send instruction command is a command supplied from the
external information processing terminal to the facsimile
apparatus, and is used for instructing a sending operation together
with a designated parameter. The receipt number acquisition command
is a command supplied from the external information processing
terminal to the facsimile apparatus, and is used for returning a
receipt number upon sending data in response to the file send
instruction command. An image that can be sent by the SEND FILE
function is limited to a download image, a received image, and a
scan image designated by the external information processing
terminal.
[0361] The detailed operation will be described in detail below
with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27.
[0362] In step S26-1, a communication semaphore (communication
resource) is acquired. The communication semaphore will be
explained below. The facsimile apparatus acquires the communication
semaphore when it performs an operation using the communication
unit, and releases the communication semaphore when it completes
the operation. If the apparatus fails to acquire the communication
semaphore, it cannot execute the operation (e.g., transmission,
reception, or the like). Despite this limitation, the
above-mentioned rule allows smooth simultaneous operations. If the
communication semaphore can be acquired in step S26-1, the flow
advances to step S26-2; otherwise, the flow branches to BUSY
processing (to be described in detail later). In step S26-2, it is
checked if a receive parameter added to the file send instruction
command is correct or not (to be described in detail later). The
flow branches depending on the discrimination result in step S26-3.
If the receive parameter is correct, the flow advances to step
S26-4; otherwise, the flow branches to NG processing (to be
described in detail later). In step S26-4, the interface LED is
turned on to inform a user that the apparatus is in operation.
During the ON period of the interface LED, any key input of the
facsimile apparatus is inhibited. In step S26-5, an OK response to
the interface control task is generated to request it to return to
the external information processing terminal a message indicating
that a normal operation is being performed. The interface control
task executes the sending processing of the message. In steps S26-6
and S26-7, it is checked if the interface control task has
completed return processing to the external information processing
terminal. If the return processing has been completed, the flow
advances to step S26-8. On the other hand, if the return processing
has not been completed, and a time-out state has occurred in step
S26-6, the flow branches to abnormality processing. In this
embodiment, the time-out time is fixed, but may be changed by the
registration operation by the facsimile apparatus or that by the
external information processing terminal. In steps S26-8 and S26-9,
the next command is received from the external information
processing terminal. If the next command is received, the flow
advances to step S26-10. On the other hand, if the next command is
not received, and a time-out state has occurred in step S26-8, the
flow branches to abnormality processing. In this embodiment, the
time-out time is fixed, but may be changed by the registration
operation by the facsimile apparatus or that by the external
information processing terminal. It is checked in step S26-10 if
the received next command is a stop command. If NO in step S26-10,
the flow advances to step S26-11. If YES in step S26-10, the flow
branches to suspension processing of the SEND FILE operation. It is
checked in step S26-11 if the next command received from the
external information processing terminal is a receipt number
acquisition instruction command. If YES in step S26-11, the flow
advances to step S26-12. On the other hand, if NO in step S26-11,
NG processing is performed. In step S26-12, the receipt number
(file ID) of image data to be sent is acquired. In the facsimile
apparatus of this embodiment, serial numbers are assigned image
data (files) stored in the image memory of the RAM 103, and image
data in the image memory of the RAM 103 are controlled on the basis
of the receipt numbers. The receipt number assumes a value ranging
from 1 to 9,999, and is cyclically used. In step S26-13, an OK
response to the interface control task and receipt number
information are generated to request the interface control task to
return to the external information processing terminal a message
indicating that a normal operation is being performed and
information concerning the receipt number acquisition instruction
command. The interface control task executes the sending processing
of the message. In steps S26-14 and S26-15, it is checked if the
interface control task has completed return processing to the
external information processing terminal. If the return processing
has been completed, the flow advances to step S26-16. On the other
hand, if the return processing has not been completed, and a
time-out state has occurred in step S26-14, the flow branches to
abnormality processing. In this embodiment, the time-out time is
fixed, but may be changed by the registration operation by the
facsimile apparatus or that by the external information processing
terminal. In step S26-16, a send queue is set in a task (send
execution task) for performing the sending operation. In step
S26-17, the communication semaphore acquired in step S26-1 is
released. When the send execution task executes the sending
operation, it acquires or releases the communication semaphore
again. In step S26-18, the interface LED is turned off to inform a
user of the end of the SEND FILE operation. After the interface LED
is turned off, a key input of the facsimile apparatus is
permitted.
[0363] The receive parameter check processing in step S26-2 will be
described in detail below with reference to FIG. 28.
[0364] The contents of the receive parameter include the following
items having the following choices. When the contents of the
receive parameter are different from the setting contents of the
facsimile apparatus, a receive parameter error is generated.
Alternatively, when the contents of the receive parameter are
different from the setting contents of the facsimile apparatus,
processing may be continued to "preferentially process the contents
of the receive parameter" or to "preferentially process the setting
contents of the facsimile apparatus" without generating any receive
parameter error.
[0365] Dial kind: ten-key, one-touch, abbreviated
[0366] One touch/shorten dialling number: 1 to 16 (one touch mode),
0 to 99 (shorten mode)
[0367] Telephone number: 32-digit or less ASCII character string
(ten-key mode)
[0368] Addressee abbreviated name: ASCII character string
[0369] Communication protocol: no cheeks G3 (PSTN)
[0370] Communication mode: no check, international line (1),
international line (2), international line (3)
[0371] Communication speed: no check, 4,800 bps, 9,600 bps
[0372] Communication kind: normal send, confidential send, relay
instruction send
[0373] Box number: 0 to 99
[0374] File ID: 0 to 9,999
[0375] In step S28-1, the dial kind is checked. If the receive
parameter includes one of the ten-key, one touch, and shorten
dialling modes, OK is determined; otherwise, NG is determined. In
step S28-2, the one touch/shorten dialling number is checked. This
step is effective only when the one touch or shorten dialling mode
is designated in step S28-1. If the receive parameter number falls
within a predetermined range, and an addressee is registered in the
designated number, OK is determined; if the designated number falls
outside the range or no addressee is registered in the designated
number, NG is determined. In step S28-3, the telephone number is
checked. This step is effective only when the ten-key dialling mode
is designated in step S28-1. If the receive parameter number
consists of only an ASCII character string and has 32 digits or
less, OK is determined; if the designated number consists of
characters other than the ASCII character string, or has 33 digits
or more, NG is determined. In step S28-4, the addressee abbreviated
name is checked. If the receive parameter abbreviated name consists
of only an ASCII character string, OK is determined; if the
designated abbreviated name includes characters other than the
ASCII character string, NG is determined. In step S28-5, the
communication protocol is checked. If the receive parameter
includes "no check" or "G3 (PSTN)", OK is determined; otherwise, NG
is determined. In step S28-6, the communication mode is checked. If
the receive parameter includes one of "no check", "international
line (1)", "international line (2)", and "international line (3)",
OK is determined; otherwise, NG is determined. In step S28-7, the
communication speed is checked. If the receive parameter includes
one of "no check", "4,800 bps", and "9,600 bps", OK is determined;
otherwise, NG is determined. In step S28-8, the communication kind
is checked. If the receive parameter includes one of "normal send",
"confidential send", and "relay instruction send", OK is
determined; otherwise, NG is determined. In step S28-9, the box
number is checked. If the contents of the receive parameter fall
within the range from 0 to 99, OK is determined; otherwise, NG is
determined. In step S28-10, the file ID is checked. The file ID is
a serial number assigned to each of images input/output to/from the
facsimile apparatus, and a desired image stored in the image memory
of the RAM 103 is accessed using the file ID. In step S28-10, it is
checked if an image corresponding to the file ID in the receive
parameter is present in the image memory. If YES in step S28-10,
the file attribute is checked. If the attribute of an image
indicates a file designated by the external information processing
terminal, the processing normally ends. On the other hand, if an
image corresponding to the file ID is not present in the image
memory, or if the attribute of an image does not indicate a file
designated by the external information processing terminal, NG is
determined.
[0376] Abnormality processing will be described in detail below
with reference to FIG. 29.
[0377] When the flow branches to step S29-1, an OK response to the
interface control task is generated to request it to return to the
external information processing terminal a message indicating that
a normal operation is being performed. The interface control task
executes the sending processing of the message. On the other hand,
when the flow branches to step S29-2, an NG response to the
interface control task is generated to request it to return to the
external information processing terminal a message indicating that
the received command is not accepted due to its error. The
interface control task executes the sending processing of the
message. Also, when the flow branches to step S29-3, a BUSY
response to the interface control task is generated to request it
to return to the external information processing terminal a message
indicating that the received command is not currently accepted
since, e.g., another operation is being performed. The interface
control task executes the sending processing of the message. In
step S29-4, the communication semaphore acquired in step S26-1 is
released. In step S29-5, the interface LED is turned off to inform
the user of the end of the SEND FILE operation. After the interface
LED is turned off, a key input of the facsimile apparatus is
permitted.
[0378] With the above-mentioned processing, since the processing is
stopped when the interface does not become ready for transfer
within a predetermined period of time, an image processing
apparatus which uses a parallel interface allowing high-speed data
transfer, and is easy to operate can be provided.
[0379] 5. Send Information Acquisition (GET SEND INFO.)
Processing
[0380] FIGS. 30 and 31 are flow charts showing the send information
notifying operation for forwarding information associated with a
sending operation of the facsimile apparatus in this embodiment to
the information processing terminal 109.
[0381] When the command processing task shown in FIG. 8 receives a
message (command) from the interface control task, and the received
command is a send information acquisition command, the GET SEND
INFO. processing is executed.
[0382] In step S30-001, it is checked if the send result of the
receipt number designated by the send information acquisition
command from the information processing terminal 109 is present in
communication control information. If a communication control
number 44-001 in the communication control information shown in
FIG. 44 coincides with the receipt number designated by the send
information acquisition command, and a communication kind 44-005
therein indicates "send", the flow advances to step S30-002.
[0383] In step S30-002, it is checked if the communication control
information found in step S30-001 is already notified or noticed as
send information. If communication control report output record
information 44-011 in the communication control information shown
in FIG. 44 does not indicate that the send information is not
notified yet, the flow advances to step S30-003.
[0384] In step S30-003, an NG response indicating the absence of a
sending phenomenon of the designated receipt number is sent to the
interface control task as a message, thus ending the GET SEND INFO.
processing.
[0385] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30-002 that
the communication control information is not notified yet as the
send information, i.e., if the communication control report output
record information 44-011 in the communication control information
shown in FIG. 44 indicates that the send information is not
notified yet, the flow advances to step S30-004.
[0386] In step S30-004, it is checked if the communication result
in the communication control information indicates an error. If a
communication result 44-010 in the communication control
information shown in FIG. 44 indicates "normal end", the flow
advances to step S30-005.
[0387] In step S30-005, send information indicating "normal end" as
a send state is generated, and the flow advances to step
S30-012.
[0388] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30-004 that
the communication result 44-010 in the communication control
information shown in FIG. 44 indicates "error end", the flow
advances to step S30-006.
[0389] In step S30-006, send information indicating "error end" as
a send state is generated, and the flow advances to step
S30-012.
[0390] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30-001 that
the communication control number 44-001 in the communication
control information shown in FIG. 44 does not coincide with the
receipt number designated by the send information acquisition
command, or the communication kind 44-005 in FIG. 44 does not
indicate "send", the flow advances to step S30-007.
[0391] In step S30-007, it is checked if a sending phenomenon
(event) of the receipt number designated by the send information
acquisition command is present in the send queue. If no sending
phenomenon of the receipt number designated by the send information
acquisition command is present in the send queue, the flow advances
to step S30-008.
[0392] In step S30-008, an NG response indicating the absence of a
sending phenomenon of the designated receipt number is sent to the
interface control task as a message, thus ending the GET SEND INFO.
processing.
[0393] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30-007 that
the sending phenomenon of the receipt number designated by the send
information acquisition command is present in the send queue, the
flow advances to step S30-009.
[0394] In step S30-009, it is checked if the sending phenomenon is
being executed. If the sending phenomenon is being executed, the
flow advances to step S30-010; otherwise, the flow advances to step
S30-011.
[0395] In step S30-010, send information indicating "sending now"
as a send state is generated, and the flow advances to step
S30-012. On the other hand, in step S30-011, send information
indicating "on stand-by of sending" as a send state is generated,
and the flow advances to step S30-012.
[0396] In step S30-012, the OK response and the send information
generated in step S30-005, S30-006, S30-010, or S30-011 are sent to
the interface control task as a message to request the interface
control task to return the OK response and the send information.
Thereafter, the flow advances to step S30-013.
[0397] If it is determined in step S30-013 that a message
indicating that the OK response and the send information are
successfully returned is received from the interface control task,
the flow advances to step S30-015; otherwise, the flow advances to
step S30-014.
[0398] If it is determined in step S30-014 that a message
indicating that the returning processing of the OK response and the
send information within a prescribed period of time is not
successful is received from the interface control task, the GET
SEND INFO. processing ends without any processing; otherwise, the
flow returns to step S30-013.
[0399] It is checked in step S30-015 if the send information which
is requested to be returned in step S30-012 is information
indicating "normal end" or "error end". If the send information
which is requested to be returned is information indicating "normal
end" or "error end", the flow advances to step S30-016; otherwise,
the GET SEND INFO. processing ends.
[0400] In step S30-016, the communication control report output
record information 44-011 in the communication control information,
which is referred to upon determination in step S30-004 as to
whether or not the send result indicates an error, is updated to
indicate that the send information has already been notified, and
the GET SEND INFO. processing ends.
[0401] With the above-mentioned processing, the facsimile apparatus
of this embodiment can inform the send information associated with
the state "normal end", "error end", "sending now", or "on stand-by
of sending" of each sending phenomenon, which is required upon
control of the sending phenomenon requested in, e.g., the SEND FILE
processing by the information processing terminal 109, without
requiring any new information having a configuration different from
the existing communication control information.
[0402] 6. Upload File (UPLOAD FILE) Processing
[0403] FIGS. 32, 33, and 34 are flow charts showing the file upload
operation for forwarding image data stored in the image memory on
the RAM 103 in the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment to the
information processing terminal 109 in units of files.
[0404] When the command processing task shown in FIG. 8 receives a
message (command) from the interface control task, and the received
command is a file forward request command, the UPLOAD FILE
processing is executed.
[0405] It is checked in step S32-001 if file upload processing is
available. This checking step is executed to prevent an operation
error since the image buffer on the RAM 103 is commonly used in a
communication and in data transfer to the information processing
terminal 109. Note that this processing will be described in detail
later (FIG. 35).
[0406] If it is determined in step S32-002 that the discrimination
result in step S32-001 indicates OK, i.e., the file upload
processing is available, the flow advances to step S32-003;
otherwise, the flow advances to step S32-028.
[0407] In step S32-003, the interface LED is turned on to inform an
operator that the command processing is being performed, and a
local operation is inhibited, and the flow advances to step
S32-004.
[0408] In step S32-004, an OK response is sent to the interface
control task as a message to request the task to return the OK
response. If it is determined in step S32-005 that a message
indicating that the OK response is successfully returned is
received from the interface control task, the flow advances to step
S32-007; otherwise, the flow advances to step S32-006.
[0409] If it is determined in step S32-006 that a message
indicating that the returning processing of the OK response is not
successfully completed within a prescribed period of time is
received from the interface control task, the flow advances to step
S32-028; otherwise, the flow returns to step S32-005.
[0410] If it is determined in step S32-007 that a message
indicating the next command from the interface control task is
received, the flow advances to step S32-009; otherwise, the flow
advances to step S32-008.
[0411] If it is determined in step S32-008 that the message
indicating the next command from the interface control task cannot
be received within a prescribed period of time, the flow advances
to step S32-028; otherwise, the flow returns to step S32-007.
[0412] In step S32-009, it is checked if the message received in
step S32-007 indicates a request page information instruction
command. If NO (n) in step S32-009, the flow advances to step
S32-010.
[0413] In step S32-010, an NG response indicating a sequence error
is sent to the interface control task as a message, and the flow
advances to step S32-028.
[0414] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32-009 that
the received message indicates the request page information
instruction command, the flow advances to step S32-011.
[0415] In step S32-011, it is checked if a request page information
instruction such as an encoding method, a resolution, and the like
is available, and the flow advances to step S32-012. Note that this
processing will be described in detail later.
[0416] If it is determined in step S32-012 that the discrimination
result in step S32-011 includes no error, i.e., if the request page
information instruction is available, the flow advances to step
S32-013; otherwise, the flow advances to step S32-028.
[0417] In step S32-013, an OK response is sent to the interface
control task as a message to request the task to return the OK
response.
[0418] If it is determined in step S32-014 that a message
indicating that the OK response is successfully returned is
received from the interface control task, the flow advances to step
S32-016; otherwise, the flow advances to step S32-015.
[0419] If it is determined in step S32-015 that a message
indicating that the returning processing of the OK response is not
successfully completed within a prescribed period of time is
received from the interface control task, the flow advances to step
S32-028; otherwise, the flow returns to step S32-014.
[0420] If it is determined in step S32-016 that a message
indicating the next command from the interface control task is
received, the flow advances to step S32-018; otherwise, the flow
advances to step S32-017.
[0421] If it is determined in step S32-017 that the message
indicating the next command from the interface control task cannot
be received within a prescribed period of time, the flow advances
to step S32-028; otherwise, the flow returns to step S32-016.
[0422] It is checked in step S32-018 if the message received in
step S32-017 indicates an image data forward request command. If NO
in step S32-018, the flow advances to step S32-019.
[0423] In step S32-019, an NG response indicating a sequence error
is sent to the interface control task as a message, and the flow
advances to step S32-028.
[0424] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32-018 that
the received message indicates an image data forward request
command, the flow advances to step S32-020.
[0425] It is checked in step S32-020 whether the image data forward
request is correct or not, and the flow then advances to step
S32-021. Note that this processing will be described in detail
later.
[0426] If it is determined in step S32-021 that the discrimination
result in step S32-020 does not include any error, i.e., if the
image data forward request is correct, the flow advances to step
S32-022; otherwise, the flow advances to step S32-028.
[0427] In step S32-022, image data to be forwarded to the host is
generated, and the flow advances to step S32-023. Note that this
processing will be described in detail later.
[0428] In step S32-023, an OK response and the image data generated
in step S32-022 are sent to the interface control task as a message
to request the task to return the OK response and the image
data.
[0429] If it is determined in step S32-024 that a message
indicating that the returning processing of the OK response and
image data is successful is received from the interface control
task, the flow advances to step S32-026; otherwise, the flow
advances to step S32-025. If it is determined in step S32-025 that
a message indicating that the returning processing of the OK
response and image data is not successfully completed within a
prescribed period of time is received from the interface control
task, the flow advances to step S32-028; otherwise, the flow
returns to step S32-024.
[0430] It is checked in step S32-026 if the image data which is
requested to be returned in step S32-023 is the final block of one
page. If YES in step S32-026, i.e., if no next page is present, the
flow advances to step S32-027; otherwise, the flow returns to step
S32-016.
[0431] It is checked in step S32-027 if the image data which is
requested to be returned in step S32-023 is the final block of the
designated file. If YES in step S32-027, i.e., if no next page is
present, the flow advances to step S32-028; otherwise, the flow
returns to step S32-007.
[0432] In step S32-028, a communication and local operation, which
have been inhibited, are permitted to allow a facsimile
communication, and the flow advances to step S32-029.
[0433] In step S32-029, the interface LED, which is turned on in
step S32-003, is turned off to inform the operator that a local
operation is permitted, thus ending the UPLOAD FILE processing.
[0434] FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing in detail the processing in
step S32-001 in FIG. 32 for determining if file upload processing
is available.
[0435] It is checked in step S35-001 if the facsimile apparatus is
now on a local operation. If YES (y) in step S35-001, the flow
advances to step S35-002.
[0436] In step S35-002, a BUSY response is sent to the interface
control task as a message, and the flow advances to step
S35-012.
[0437] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35-001 that
the facsimile apparatus is not on a local operation, the flow
advances to step S35-003.
[0438] In step S35-003, a new local operation is inhibited, and the
flow advances to step S35-004.
[0439] It is checked in step S35-004 if the facsimile apparatus is
communicating now. If YES in step S35-004, the flow advances to
step S35-005.
[0440] In step S35-005, a BUSY response is sent to the interface
control task as a message, and the flow advances to step
S35-012.
[0441] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35-004 that
the facsimile apparatus is not communicating, the flow advances to
step S35-006.
[0442] In step S35-006, a new communication is inhibited, and the
flow advances to step S35-007.
[0443] It is checked in step S35-007 if a file designated by the
file forward request command is present. If NO (n) in step S35-007,
the flow advances to step S35-008.
[0444] In step S35-008, an NG response indicating the absence of
the designated file is sent to the interface control task as a
message, and the flow advances to step S35-012.
[0445] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35-007 that
the designated file is present, the flow advances to step
S35-009.
[0446] It is checked in step S35-009 if the file designated by the
file forward request command is a confidential file. If YES in step
S35-009, the flow advances to step S35-010.
[0447] In step S35-010, an NG response indicating that the
designated file is invalid is sent to the interface control task as
a message, and the flow advances to step S35-012.
[0448] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35-009 that
the designated file is not a confidential file, the flow advances
to step S35-011.
[0449] In step S35-011, a message indicating that the file upload
processing is available is notified to the calling side processing,
thus ending the processing for determining if the file upload
processing is available.
[0450] In step S35-012, a message indicating that the file upload
processing is not available is notified to the calling side
processing, thus ending the processing for determining if the file
upload processing is available.
[0451] FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing in detail the processing in
step S32-011 in FIG. 32 for determining whether the request page
information instruction is correct or not.
[0452] It is checked in step S36-001 if the encoding system
designated by the request page information instruction command
coincides with that of an image file designated by the file forward
request command stored in the facsimile apparatus As the encoding
systems, three systems, i.e., "MH", "MR", and "MMR" described in
the ITU-T recommendations T.4 and T.30, are available. If NO (n) in
step S36-001, the flow advances to step S36-005; otherwise, the
flow advances to step S36-002.
[0453] It is checked in step S36-002 if the resolution designated
by the request page information instruction command coincides with
that of the corresponding page of the image file designated by the
file forward request command stored in the facsimile apparatus. As
the resolution modes, a "standard" mode having a main scan
resolution of 8 [dots/mm] and a sub-scan resolution of 3.75
[lines/mm] and a "fine" mode having a main scan resolution of 8
[dots/mm] and a sub-scan resolution of 7.7 [lines/mm] described in
the ITU-T recommendations T.4 and T.30 are available. If NO in step
S36-002, the flow advances to step S36-005; otherwise, the flow
advances to step S36-003.
[0454] It is checked in step S36-003 if the main scan length
designated by the request page information instruction command
coincides with that of the corresponding page of the image file
designated by the file forward request command stored in the
facsimile apparatus. The main scan length means a width when a
paper sheet is placed vertically. As the main scan lengths, three
lengths, i.e., "A4", "B4", and "A3" corresponding to main scan line
lengths described in the ITU-T recommendations T.4 and T.30 are
available. If NO in step S36-003, the flow advances to step
S36-005; otherwise, the flow advances to step S36-004.
[0455] In step S36-004, a message indicating that the request page
information instruction command has no error is notified to the
calling side processing, thus ending the processing for determining
if the request page information instruction is correct.
[0456] Step S36-005 is executed when a non-coincidence of the
encoding system, resolution, or main scan length is found in step
S36-001, S36-002, or S36-003, and an NG response indicating that
the parameter is invalid is sent to the interface control task as a
message. Then, the flow advances to step S36-006.
[0457] In step S36-006, a message indicating that the request page
information instruction command has an error is notified-to the
calling side processing, thus ending the processing for determining
if the request page information instruction is correct.
[0458] FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing in detail the processing in
step S32-020 in FIG. 33 for determining whether the image data
forward request is correct or not.
[0459] It is checked in step S37-001 if a block length designated
by the image data forward request command is valid. If the block
length is larger than a header data length (to be described later),
it is determined that the block length is valid, and the flow
advances to step S37-002; otherwise, the flow advances to step
S37-003.
[0460] In step S37-002, a message indicating that the image data
forward request command has no error is notified to the calling
side processing, thus ending the processing for determining if the
image data forward request is correct.
[0461] On the other hand, in step S37-003, an NG response
indicating that the block length is invalid is sent to the
interface control task as a message, and the flow advances to step
S37-004.
[0462] In step S37-004, a message indicating that the image data
forward request command has an error is notified to the calling
side processing, thus ending the processing for determining if the
image data forward request is correct.
[0463] FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing in detail the processing in
step S32-022 in FIG. 33 for generating forward image data.
[0464] In step S38-001, the block length, Ls, designated by the
image data forward request command is compared with a non-forwarded
page data amount (remaining page data length) Lr. Let Lh be the
data length of a header added immediately before each image data
block. The header includes a PE flag indicating the end of a page,
a DE flag indicating the end of a file, and an image data length
LEN following the header. If Ls>Lh+Lr is true, i.e., if the
block length designated by the image data forward request command
is larger than the sum of the header data length and the remaining
page data length, the flow advances to step S38-002.
[0465] In step S38-002, header data which includes PE=0 indicating
that the current position is not the end of a page, DE=0 indicating
that the current position is not the end of a file, and the image
data length LEN=Ls-Lh following the header is set in the image
buffer on the RAM 103 used for forwarding data to the information
processing terminal 109, and the flow advances to step S38-003.
[0466] In step S38-003, image data is copied from the image memory
on the RAM 103 to the image buffer on the RAM 103 used for
forwarding data to the information processing terminal 109 so as to
have the data length LEN=Ls-Lh, and the flow advances to step
S38-004.
[0467] In step S38-004, the non-forwarded page data amount Lr is
updated to Lr-LEN, thus ending the generation processing of forward
image data.
[0468] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S38-001 that
Ls>Lh+Lr is false, i.e., if the block length designated by the
image data forward request command is equal to or smaller than the
sum of the header data length and the remaining page data length,
the flow advances to step S38-005.
[0469] It is checked in step S38-005 if the next page is present.
If a new page is present next to the page currently being
forwarded, the flow advances to step S38-006.
[0470] In step S38-006, header data which includes PE=1 indicating
that the current position is the end of a page, DE=0 indicating
that the current position is not the end of a file, and the image
data length LEN=Lr following the header is set in the image buffer
on the RAM 103 used for forwarding data to the information
processing terminal 109, and the flow advances to step S38-007.
[0471] In step S38-007, remaining image data having a data length
LEN=Lr is copied from the image memory on the RAM 103 to the image
buffer on the RAM 103 used for forwarding data to the information
processing terminal 109, thus ending the generation processing of
forward image data.
[0472] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S38-005 that
a new page is not present next to the page currently being
forwarded, the flow advances to step S38-008.
[0473] In step S38-008, header data which includes PE=1 indicating
that the current position is the end of a page, DE=1 indicating
that the current position is the end of a file, and the image data
length LEN=Lr following the header is set in the image buffer on
the RAM 103 used for forwarding data to the information processing
terminal 109, and the flow advances to step S38-009.
[0474] In step S38-009, remaining image data having a data length
LEN=Lr is copied from the image memory on the RAM 103 to the image
buffer on the RAM 103 used for forwarding data to the information
processing terminal 109, thus ending the generation processing of
forward image data.
[0475] With the above-mentioned processing, the facsimile apparatus
of this embodiment forwards image data stored in the image memory
on the RAM 103 to the information processing terminal 109 in units
of files controlled by the facsimile apparatus while commonly using
the image buffer on the RAM 103 in the communication and in data
forwarding to the information processing terminal 109.
[0476] The facsimile apparatus of this embodiment divides image
data of each page into blocks each having a size designated by the
information processing terminal 109, and forwards the data in units
of blocks.
[0477] Furthermore, the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment adds
header data including information associated with the end of a
page, information associated with the end of a file, and
information of the size of actual image data following the header
to a position immediately before image data upon forwarding of
image data of each page, which is divided into blocks each having a
size designated by the information processing terminal 109. By
utilizing this header, if only non-forwarded data having a size
smaller than the block size designated by the information
processing terminal 109 is present in the facsimile apparatus, the
facsimile apparatus forwards data having a size smaller than the
block size designated by the information processing terminal 109 to
the information processing terminal 109 by appropriately setting
the information of the size of actual image data following the
header.
[0478] According to the above-mentioned processing, an image file
controlled by the facsimile apparatus can be forwarded to the
external information processing terminal by commonly using the
buffer used in a communication between facsimile apparatuses via,
e.g., a telephone line, and the buffer used in forwarding of data
to the external information processing terminal. More specifically,
the RAM capacity required for buffering can be reduced, and the
file upload function can be realized with low cost.
[0479] Since the file upload operation is inhibited during a local
operation, the program architecture can become very simple, and the
file upload function can be developed within a very short period of
time.
[0480] The external information processing terminal can designate a
block length when it requests forwarding of actual image data. More
specifically, the external information processing terminal can
state a block length that can be controlled in one request by the
external information processing terminal irrespective of the
facsimile apparatus, thus reducing the load on the external
information processing terminal.
[0481] Upon request of forwarding of actual image data, the
facsimile apparatus adds header data including information
associated with the end of a page, information associated with the
end of a file, and information of the size of actual image data
following the header. For this reason, if only non-forwarded image
data having a size smaller than the block size designated by the
external information processing terminal is present in the
facsimile apparatus, the facsimile apparatus can appropriately set
information of the size of actual image data following the header,
and can forward data having a size smaller than the block size
designated by the external information processing terminal to the
external information processing terminal. More specifically,
forwarding of redundant data can be eliminated.
[0482] 7. Receiving (RECEIVE) Processing
[0483] FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing the receiving mode change
operation for changing the receiving mode of the facsimile
apparatus of this embodiment to one of "standard receive", "memory
receive", and "memory and record receive" modes.
[0484] When the command processing task shown in FIG. 8 receives a
message (command) from the interface control task, and the received
command is a receiving mode change instruction command, the RECEIVE
processing is executed.
[0485] In step S39-001, a receiving mode "mode" designated by the
receiving mode change instruction command is copied to a temporary
receiving mode holding area temp_mode assured on the work area on
the RAM 103, and the flow advances to step S39-002.
[0486] In step S39-002, an OK response is sent to the interface
control task as a message so as to request the task to return the
OK response, and the flow advances to step S39-003.
[0487] If it is determined in step S39-003 that a message
indicating that the returning processing of the OK response is
successful is received from the interface control task, the flow
advances to step S39-005; otherwise, the flow advances to step
S39-004.
[0488] If it is determined in step S39-004 that a message
indicating that the returning processing of the OK response is not
successfully completed within a prescribed period of time is
received from the interface control task, the RECEIVE processing
ends without any processing; otherwise, the flow returns to step
S39-003.
[0489] In step S39-005, the contents of the temporary receiving
mode holding area temp_mode are copied to a next receiving mode
holding area next_mode assured on the work area on the RAM 103,
thus ending the RECEIVE processing.
[0490] FIG. 40 is a flow chart showing the receiving mode
preservation operation for preserving a received image attribute
indicating a receiving mode, in which the received image is
generated, in each received image in the facsimile apparatus of
this embodiment.
[0491] The receiving mode preservation processing is executed when
the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment closes a line upon
detection of a CI from a communication line, and starts a facsimile
reception on the basis of the facsimile transmission procedure, or
when a facsimile reception is started on the basis of a facsimile
reception request from an operator.
[0492] In step S40-001, the contents of the next receiving mode
holding area next_mode are copied to a current receiving mode
holding area cur_mode assured on the work area on the RAM 103, and
the flow advances to step S40-002.
[0493] In step S40-002, the receiving mode indicated by the current
receiving mode holding area cur_mode is determined. If the current
receiving mode is the "standard receive" mode, the flow advances to
step S40-003.
[0494] In step S40-003, a memory receive attribute mem_attr of the
received image of interest is set to be OFF to indicate that no
memory receive is performed, and the flow advances to step
S40-004.
[0495] In step S40-004, an immediate printing attribute
imm--prn--attr upon memory receive of the received image of
interest is set to be OFF to indicate that the immediate printing
upon memory receive is not performed, thus ending the receiving
mode preservation processing.
[0496] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S40-002 that
the current receiving mode is not the "standard receive" mode,
i.e., if the current receiving mode is the "memory receive" or
"memory and record receive" mode, the flow advances to step
S40-005.
[0497] In step S40-005, the memory receive attribute mem_attr of
the received image of interest is set to be ON to indicate that the
memory receive is performed, and the flow advances to step
S40-006.
[0498] It is determined in step S40-006 which one of the "memory
receive" and "memory and record receive" modes the current
receiving mode holding area cur_mode indicates. If the current
receiving mode is the "memory receive" mode, the flow advances to
step S40-003, and the immediate printing attribute imm--prn--attr
upon memory receive of the received image of interest is set to be
OFF to indicate that the immediate printing upon memory receive is
not performed, thus ending the receiving mode preservation
processing, as described above.
[0499] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S40-006 that
the current receiving mode is the "memory and record receive" mode,
the flow advances to step S40-007.
[0500] In step S40-007, the immediate printing attribute
imm--prn--attr upon memory receive of the received image of
interest is set to be ON to indicate that the immediate printing
upon memory receive is performed, thus ending the receiving mode
preservation processing.
[0501] FIG. 41 is a flow chart showing the ready-for-record
received image monitoring task for periodically monitoring a
received image ready for record in the facsimile apparatus of this
embodiment.
[0502] In step S41-001, a received image ready for record is
retrieved from a received image queue. If a received image
satisfying the memory receive attribute mem_attr=OFF or a received
image satisfying the memory receive attribute mem_attr=ON and the
immediate printing attribute imm--prn--attr=ON upon memory receive
is present, i.e., if an image received when the receiving mode is
the "standard receive" mode, or an image received when the receive
mode is the "memory and record receive" mode is present in a
received image queue, the flow advances to step S41-002; otherwise,
the flow advances to step S41-009.
[0503] In step S41-002, the record task (see FIG. 19) is started to
request the task to record the received image of interest, and the
flow advances to step S41-003.
[0504] It is checked in step S41-003 if the record task is
successfully started in step S41-002. If YES (y) in step S41-003,
the flow advances to step S41-004; otherwise, the flow advances to
step S41-009.
[0505] If the record task is successfully started, the control
waits for the end of the record task in step S41-004. Upon
detection of the end of the record task, the flow advances to step
S41-005.
[0506] It is checked in step S41-005 if the record task has
normally ended. If YES in step S41-005, the flow advances to step
S41-006; otherwise, the flow advances to step S41-009.
[0507] It is checked in step S41-006 if the memory receive
attribute mem_attr of the received image of interest indicates the
memory receive. If mem_attr=ON is false, i.e., if the received
image of interest is an image received when the receiving mode is
the "standard receive" mode, the flow advances to step S41-007; if
mem_attr=ON is true, i.e., if the received image of interest is an
image received when the receiving mode is the "memory and record
receive" mode, the flow advances to step S41-008.
[0508] In step S41-007, the received image of interest received
when the receiving mode is the "standard receive" mode is deleted
from the image memory on the RAM 103, and the flow advances to step
S41-009.
[0509] On the other hand, in step S41-008, the immediate printing
attribute imm--prn--attr upon memory receive of the received image
of interest received when the receiving mode is the "memory and
record receive" mode is set to be OFF to indicate that the
immediate printing upon memory receive is completed, and the flow
advances to step S41-009.
[0510] In step S41-009, the ready-for-record received image
monitoring task for periodically monitoring a received image ready
for record is stopped for a predetermined period of time, and
thereafter, the flow returns to step S41-001.
[0511] With this processing, the facsimile apparatus of this
embodiment can always accept the receiving mode change instruction
command from the information processing terminal 109 independently
of, in particular, whether or not a receiving operation is being
performed. Even when the receiving mode change request is detected
during reception, the receiving phenomenon of interest is subjected
to a facsimile reception on the basis of the receiving mode at the
beginning of this phenomenon, and the next receiving phenomenon is
subjected to a facsimile reception on the basis of the changed
receiving mode.
[0512] According to the above-mentioned processing, the facsimile
apparatus can select a mode in which a received image is stored in
the memory and is output to the printer unit but is held after the
printer unit completes recording, in addition to a mode in which a
received image is temporarily stored in the memory, is output to
the printer unit, and is deleted from the memory after the printer
unit completes recording, and a mode in which all received images
are stored in the memory without being recorded.
[0513] The above-mentioned modes can be changed by the information
processing terminal.
[0514] Information associated with reception is separated from
sending on the basis of an instruction from the information
processing terminal, and can be notified as a receiving state
during reception.
[0515] Information associated with the reception result, which has
already been output, is prevented from being notified repetitively
on the basis of an instruction from the information processing
terminal.
[0516] The receiving mode is changed on the basis of an instruction
from the information processing terminal only when a message
indicating that the change processing of the receiving mode can be
executed can be completely output to the information processing
terminal. On the other hand, a timer is arranged, and when a
message indicating that the change processing of the receiving mode
can be executed cannot be output within a predetermined timer time,
the change processing of the receiving mode is suspended.
[0517] When receive information is output on the basis of an
instruction from the information processing terminal, completion of
the notifying operation is stored only when the receive information
can be completely output to the information processing terminal. On
the other hand, a timer is arranged, and when the receive
information cannot be output within a predetermined timer time,
completion of the notifying operation is not stored.
[0518] 8. Receive Information Acquisition (GET RECEIVE INFO.)
Processing
[0519] FIG. 42 is a flow chart showing the receive information
acquisition (informing) operation for forwarding information
associated with reception of the facsimile apparatus of this
embodiment to the information processing terminal 109.
[0520] When the command processing task shown in FIG. 8 receives a
message (command) from the interface control task, and the received
command is a receive information acquisition command, the GET
RECEIVE INFO. processing is executed.
[0521] It is checked in step S42-001 if communication information
which is associated with memory receive and is not notified yet is
present in the information processing terminal 109. If the
communication control information (FIG. 44) in which the
communication kind 44-005 indicates "receive" and "communication
based on instruction from information processing terminal 109", and
the communication control report output record information 44-011
indicates that receive information which is not notified yet is
present, the oldest communication control information is selected,
and the flow advances to step S42-002. Note that data indicating
"communication based on instruction from information processing
terminal 109" on the communication kind 44-005 in the communication
control information is automatically set upon updating of the
communication control information in post processing of reception
when the kind of communication is reception, and the memory receive
attribute of the received image of interest indicates memory
receive.
[0522] In step S42-002, receive information indicating "received"
is generated on the basis of the communication control information
selected in step S42-001. Note that the receive information has a
format, as shown in FIG. 43. In this step, a reception state 43-001
is set to be "received", and the contents of the communication
control number 44-001 are copied to a receipt number 43-002. In the
facsimile apparatus of this embodiment, since one received image
file is generated in one reception, the communication control
number is considered as a file ID. Therefore, the contents of the
communication control number 44-001 are copied to the file ID
43-003. Furthermore, a file confirmation flag 43-004 is set to be
"confirmed", and the flow then advances to step S42-006.
[0523] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S42-001 that
no communication information which is associated with memory
receive and is not notified yet is present in the information
processing terminal 109, the flow advances to step S42-003.
[0524] It is checked in step S42-003 if a memory receive operation
is being performed. If a memory receive operation is being
performed, and the memory receive attribute of the received image
indicates memory receive, the flow advances to step S42-004.
[0525] In step S42-004, receive information indicating "receiving
now" is generated. More specifically, the reception state 43-001 is
set to be "receiving now", the communication control number of the
reception of interest is copied to the receipt number 43-002 and
the file ID 43-003, and the file confirmation flag 43-004 is set to
be "not confirmed". Then, the flow advances to step S42-006.
[0526] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S42-003 that
a memory receive operation is not performed or if the memory
receive attribute of the received image of interest does not
indicate memory receive even during a memory receive operation, the
flow advances to step S42-005.
[0527] In step S42-005, receive information indicating "not yet
receive" is generated. More specifically, the reception state
43-001 is set to be "not yet receive", a value indicating the
absence of data is copied to the receipt number 43-002 and the file
ID 43-003, and the file confirmation flag 43-004 is set to be "not
confirmed". Then, the flow advances to step S42-006.
[0528] In step S42-006, an OK response and the receive information
generated in step S42-002, S42-004, or S42-005 are sent to the
interface control task as a message so as to request the task to
return the OK response and the receive information, and the flow
then advances to step S42-007.
[0529] If it is determined in step S42-007 that a message
indicating that the returning processing of the OK response and the
receive information is successful is received from the interface
control task, the flow advances to step S42-009; otherwise, the
flow advances to step S42-008.
[0530] If it is determined in step S42-008 that a message
indicating that the returning processing of the OK response and the
receive information is not successfully completed within a
prescribed period of time is received from the interface control
task, the GET RECEIVE INFO. processing ends without any processing;
otherwise, the flow returns to step S42-007.
[0531] It is checked in step S42-009 if the receive information
which is requested to be returned in step S42-006 is information
indicating "received". If YES (y) in step S42-009, the flow
advances to step S42-010; otherwise, the GET RECEIVE INFO.
processing ends. In step S42-010, the communication control report
output record information 44-011 in the communication control
information which is referred to upon generation of the receive
information to be returned in step S42-002 is updated to indicate
that the receive information is notified, and the GET RECEIVE INFO.
processing ends.
[0532] With the above-mentioned processing, the facsimile apparatus
of this embodiment notifies receive information associated with a
receiving phenomenon in the "memory receive" or "memory and record
receive" mode as the receiving mode, which information is required
upon operation of image data by the information processing terminal
109, without requiring new information having a format different
from the existing communication control information, while
completely separating it from receive information associated with a
receiving phenomenon in the "standard receive" mode as the
receiving mode.
[0533] 9. Communication Control Receipt Number Acquisition (GET
ACTIVITY ID) Processing
[0534] The communication control receipt number acquisition (GET
ACTIVITY ID) processing will be explained below with reference to
FIGS. 44 and 45.
[0535] FIG. 44 shows the format of the communication control
information stored in the RAM (103) of the facsimile apparatus, and
FIG. 45 shows the control flow.
[0536] A group of data from the communication control number 44-1
to the communication control report output record 44-11 shown in
FIG. 44 corresponds to a unit block that records communication
control information for one communication, and an area for 20
communications is assured on the RAM 103 in the facsimile
apparatus.
[0537] This communication control information is compatible for the
newest twenty communication information, and if it becomes full,
the earliest one is overwritten by the newest the one in order.
[0538] The communication control number 44-1 is an ID number
assigned to each communication.
[0539] An addressee telephone number 44-2 is the telephone number
of a communication addressee.
[0540] An addressee name 44-3 is the name of a communication
addressee.
[0541] A communication protocol kind 44-4 is a communication
protocol used in a communication, and includes G3, ECM, and G4.
[0542] The communication kind 44-5 is a communication
classification, and consists of a combination of the following
elements:
[0543] send
[0544] receive
[0545] polling
[0546] multi-address
[0547] confidential
[0548] relay
[0549] relay instruction
[0550] relay result
[0551] memory
[0552] timer
[0553] manual
[0554] F network
[0555] telephone
[0556] communication based on instruction from
[0557] information processing terminal 109
[0558] A reservation time 44-6 is a reservation time, which is
effective for a reserved communication.
[0559] A communication time period 44-7 is a time period required
for a communication (unit: seconds).
[0560] A communication start time 44-8 is the start time of a
communication, and consists of the elements of year, month, day,
hour, minute, and second.
[0561] The number of pages 44-9 is the number of pages of a
communication.
[0562] The communication result 44-10 is a communication result,
which assumes a value of either "normal end" or "error end".
[0563] The communication control report output record information
44-11 is information indicating whether or not the communication
control information of the communication of interest was previously
output to the communication control report.
[0564] The record information 44-11 independently has two different
kinds of information, i.e., information for the communication
control report of the facsimile main body, and information
associated with sending of communication control information to the
information processing terminal 109.
[0565] In step S45-1 in FIG. 45, the communication control number
44-1 shown in FIG. 44 is read out from the communication control
information recorded in the work area in the RAM 103, and a send
parameter is generated on the image buffer in the RAM 103. In step
S45-2, the control requests the interface (I/F) control task to
send this send parameter and an OK response, thus ending the
processing.
[0566] 10. Communication Control Information Acquisition (GET
ACTIVITY INFO.) Processing
[0567] This processing sends the communication control information
to the information processing terminal 109 to realize a look-up
operation of the communication control information on the
information processing terminal 109.
[0568] In this processing, since the amount of data to be sent to
the information processing terminal 109 is large, the send
parameter is processed on the image buffer. When processing
operations that utilize a plurality of image buffers are
simultaneously executed, they may destroy each other's data. For
this reason, during the GET ACTIVITY INFO. processing, another
processing that utilizes the image buffer cannot be performed.
[0569] This processing will be described below with reference to
FIG. 44 and FIGS. 46 to 48.
[0570] FIG. 44 shows the format of the communication control
information recorded in the RAM 103 in the facsimile apparatus,
FIGS. 46 and 47 show the control flow, and FIG. 48 shows a
communication control report of the facsimile main body.
[0571] It is checked in step S46-1 in FIG. 46 if a local operation
is being performed. If YES in step S46-1, since a communication may
be started and may utilize the image buffer, the flow advances to
step S46-13 to request the I/F control task to send a BUSY
response, thus ending the processing.
[0572] On the other hand, if NO in step S46-1, a local operation is
inhibited in step S46-2, and the flow advances to step S46-3 to
check if a communication is being performed.
[0573] If YES in step S46-3, since the image buffer may be used,
the flow advances to step S46-13 to request the I/F control task to
send a BUSY response, thus ending the processing.
[0574] On the other hand, if NO in step S36-3, a communication is
inhibited in step S46-4, and the flow advances to step S46-5. In
step S46-5, it is checked if communication information having a
communication control number designated by a received send
parameter sent together with the command is present in the
communication control information recorded in the RAM 103.
[0575] If NO in step S46-5, the flow advances to step S46-12 to
request the I/F control task to send an NG response, thus ending
the processing. On the other hand, if YES in step S46-5, the flow
advances to step S46-6 to turn on the LED. Thereafter, the flow
advances to step S46-7.
[0576] In step S46-7, a send parameter to be transferred to the I/F
control task is generated on the image buffer in the RAM 103 on the
basis of the communication control information recorded in the work
area in the RAM 103, and the flow advances to step S46-8. The send
parameter to be transferred to the I/F control task includes:
[0577] addressee telephone number
[0578] addressee name
[0579] communication protocol kind (ECM, G3)
[0580] communication kind (manual--automatic, receive--send,
polling, relay, relay instruction, multi-address, timer,
confidential, memory, communication instruction source
(facsimile--information processing terminal 109), and the like)
[0581] reservation time
[0582] communication time period
[0583] communication start time (including date)
[0584] number of pages
[0585] communication result (successful-unsuccessful)
[0586] communication control report output record information
(including distinction of facsimile main body--information
processing terminal 109)
[0587] The communication instruction source in the communication
kind 44-5 distinguishes between a communication based on an
instruction from the operation panel of the facsimile main body and
a communication based on an instruction from the information
processing terminal 109.
[0588] The communication control report output record information
44-11 is record information indicating whether or not the
communication control information of the communication of interest
was previously output as a report from the facsimile main body, and
whether or not the communication control information of the
communication of interest was previously sent to the information
processing terminal 109.
[0589] With these pieces of information, an operator can adequately
recognize the use state of the facsimile apparatus.
[0590] In step S46-8, the control requests the I/F control task to
send the send parameter generated in step S46-7 and an OK
response.
[0591] In step S46-9, the control waits for a receive message which
indicates that the information processing terminal 109 normally
receives the OK response and the send parameter, and is supplied
from the I/F control task.
[0592] If this message is not returned within a predetermined
period of time, it is determined that the information processing
terminal 109 has not normally received the OK response and the send
parameter, and the flow advances to step S46-11.
[0593] If a receive message indicating that the send parameter and
the OK response are normally received is received from the I/F
control task, it is determined that the information processing
terminal 109 has normally received the send parameter and the OK
response, and the flow advances to step S46-10.
[0594] In step S46-10, for a communication whose communication
information is normally notified to the information processing
terminal 109, information indicating that the information is
notified to the information processing terminal 109 is recorded in
the communication control report output record information portion
44-11 in the communication control information recorded in the RAM
103, and the flow then advances to step S46-11.
[0595] In step S46-11, the LED is turned off, and the processing
ends. FIG. 47 is a flow chart showing the processing for outputting
a communication control report in the facsimile main body upon
operation of the facsimile main body.
[0596] In step S47-1 in FIG. 47, communication control information
is read out from the RAM 103 for each of all the communications
whose communication control information is recorded.
[0597] In step S47-2, the communication control information is
output from the printer unit 2 in the form of a report.
[0598] FIG. 48 shows the report of the communication control
information.
[0599] An output mark* 48-1 in FIG. 48 is information indicating
that the communication control information of the communication of
interest was previously output from the facsimile main body.
[0600] The communication control report output record information
is information associated with a report which was output to the
facsimile main body upon operation of the facsimile main body.
[0601] The record as to whether or not the communication control
information was sent to the information processing terminal 109 is
distinguished from that output to the facsimile main body.
[0602] For this reason, not only an operator of the facsimile main
body but also an operator of the information processing terminal
109 can recognize new information.
[0603] According to the above-mentioned processing, an operator can
distinguish between the communication control information of a
communication upon operation of the operation panel and the
communication control information of a communication based on an
instruction from the information processing terminal. Also, the
operator can recognize whether or not the communication control
information has been output to the communication control report of
the facsimile main body, and whether or not the communication
control information has been sent to the information processing
terminal.
[0604] Since the buffer for temporarily storing image data is
commonly used as the buffer for temporarily storing communication
control information, the memory can be effectively used.
[0605] 11. File ID Acquisition (GET FILE ID) Processing
[0606] FIG. 49 is a flow chart showing the file ID forward
operation for forwarding, to the information processing terminal
109, information associated with a file ID which is used for
identifying an image file stored in the image memory on the RAM 103
in the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment.
[0607] When the command processing task shown in FIGS. 8 and 9
receives a message (command) from the interface control task, and
the received command is a file ID acquisition command, the GET FILE
ID processing is executed.
[0608] It is checked in step S49-001 if the file ID acquisition
command requests acquisition of the newest file ID. If YES (y) in
step S49-001, the flow advances to step S49-002.
[0609] In step S49-002, newest file ID information of the file type
designated by the file ID acquisition command is generated, and the
flow advances to step S49-004. Note that this processing will be
described in detail later.
[0610] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S49-001 that
the command does not request acquisition of the newest file ID, the
flow advances to step S49-003.
[0611] In step S49-003, file ID list information of the file type
designated by the file ID acquisition command is generated, and the
flow advances to step S49-004. Note that this processing will be
described in detail later.
[0612] In step S49-004, an OK response and the file ID information
generated in step S49-002 or S49-003 are sent to the interface
control task as a message so as to request the task to return the
OK response and the file ID information, thus ending the GET FILE
ID processing.
[0613] FIG. 50 is a flow chart showing in detail the processing in
step S49-002 in FIG. 49 for generating the newest file ID
information.
[0614] It is determined in step S50-001 which one of "scanner read
file", "host forward file", "FAX receive file", and "local file"
the file ID acquisition command designates. These file types mean
the following files, and when corresponding processing is executed,
a value for identifying the file type is automatically set in each
area of an image queue for controlling image files stored in the
image memory in the RAM 103.
[0615] Scanner read file: a file read in accordance with a SCAN TO
FAX instruction from the information processing terminal 109
[0616] Host forward file: a file forwarded in accordance with a
DOWNLOAD instruction from the information processing terminal
109
[0617] FAX receive file: a file received when the receiving mode is
set in the "memory receive" or "memory and record receive" mode in
accordance with a RECEIVE instruction from the information
processing terminal 109
[0618] Local file: a file other than the above-mentioned files,
i.e., a file generated independently of an instruction from the
information processing terminal 109
[0619] If it is determined in step S50-001 that the designated file
type is "scanner read file", the flow advances to step S50-002; if
the designated file type is "host forward file", the flow advances
to step S50-003; if the designated file type is "FAX receive file",
the flow advances to step S50-004; or if the designated file type
is "local file", the flow advances to step S50-005.
[0620] In step S50-002, the contents of a newest scanner read file
ID area latest_scan in the work area on the RAM 103, which area is
automatically set upon execution of the SCAN TO FAX processing, are
copied to a newest file ID area file_id prepared in the work area
on the RAM 103, and the flow then advances to step S50-006.
[0621] In step S50-003, the contents of a newest host forward file
ID area latest_down in the work area on the RAM 103, which area is
automatically set upon execution of the DOWNLOAD FILE processing,
are copied to the newest file ID area file_id prepared in the work
area on the RAM 103, and the flow then advances to step
S50-006.
[0622] In step S50-004, the contents of a newest FAX receive file
ID area latest_receive in the work area on the RAM 103, which area
is automatically set upon execution of the receiving processing
when the receiving mode is set in the "memory receive" or "memory
and record receive" mode in accordance with a RECEIVE instruction,
are copied to the newest file ID area file_id prepared in the work
area on the RAM 103, and the flow then advances to step
S50-006.
[0623] In step S50-005, the contents of a newest local file ID area
latest_local in the work area on the RAM 103, which area is
automatically set upon execution of processing other than the
above-mentioned processing, i.e., processing of a local operation
independently of an instruction from the information processing
terminal 109, are copied to the newest file ID area file_id
prepared in the work area on the RAM 103, and the flow then
advances to step S50-006.
[0624] It is checked in step S50-006 if the contents of the newest
file ID area file_id copied in step S50-002, S50-003, S50-004, or
S50-005 are valid. If YES in step S50-006, i.e., if the newest file
is present, the flow advances to step S50-007. On the other hand,
if NO in step S50-006, i.e., if no newest file is present since,
for example, processing for generating an image file of the
designated file type is not executed, the flow advances to step
S50-008.
[0625] In step S50-007, header data to be added immediately before
the file ID information is generated. This header data includes the
length, LEN, of the file ID information following the header data,
and since this data is added immediately before the file ID
information, the information processing terminal 109 can easily
acquire file ID information which may have a variable length. In
this case, the header data in which the length LEN of the file ID
information following the header is set to be a length Ld of one
file ID information, is set in a file ID information area which is
prepared in advance on the RAM 103, and is used in the return
request in step S49-004 above, and thereafter, the flow advances to
step S50-009.
[0626] On the other hand, in step S50-008, in order to indicate the
absence of file ID information following the header, header data in
which the length LEN is set to be 0 is set in the file ID
information area which is prepared in advance on the RAM 103, and
is used in the return request in step S49-004 above, thus ending
the newest file ID information generation processing.
[0627] In step S50-009, the contents of the newest file ID area
file_id are set in an area immediately before the area of the
header data set in step S50-007, thus ending the newest file ID
information generation processing.
[0628] FIG. 51 is a flow chart showing in detail the file ID list
information generation processing in step S49-003 in FIG. 49.
[0629] In step S51-001, an image queue for controlling image files
stored in the image memory in the RAM 103 is searched to obtain the
number, N, of image files having the value of the designated file
type, and the flow advances to step S51-002. It is checked in step
S51-002 if the number N of image files obtained in step S51-001 is
a positive number. If N is a positive number, i.e., if image files
of the designated file type are present, the flow advances to step
S51-003; otherwise, i.e., if no image file is present since, for
example, processing for generating an image file of the designated
file type is not executed, the flow advances to step S51-004. In
step S51-003, header data to be added immediately before file ID
information is generated. The header data includes the length LEN
of the file ID information following the header, and since this
data is added immediately before the file ID information, the
information processing terminal 109 can easily acquire file ID
information which may have a variable length. In this case, the
header data in which the length LEN of the file ID information
following the header is set to be Ld.times.N indicating the
presence of N pieces of file ID information each having the length
Ld, is set in the file ID information area which is prepared in
advance on the RAM 103, and is used in the return request in step
S49-004 above, and thereafter, the flow advances to step
S51-004.
[0630] In step S51-004, the image queue is searched again in the
same manner as in step S51-001 to set a series of file IDs of image
files having the value of the designated file type in an area
immediately before the area of the header data set in step S50-007,
thus ending the file ID list information generation processing.
[0631] On the other hand, in step S51-005, in order to indicate the
absence of file ID information following the header, header data in
which the length LEN is set to be 0 is set in the file ID
information area which is prepared in advance on the RAM 103, and
is used in the return request in step S49-004 above, thus ending
the file ID list information generation processing.
[0632] With the above-mentioned processing, the facsimile apparatus
of this embodiment forwards the newest file ID information or file
ID list information designated by the information processing
terminal 109 to the information processing terminal 109 in units of
designated file types.
[0633] The facsimile apparatus of this embodiment adds header data
including the data length of the file ID information data
immediately before the file ID information so that the information
processing terminal 109 can easily acquire the file ID information
which may have a variable length, and forwards the designated
newest file ID information or file ID list information to the
information processing terminal 109 in units of designated file
types.
[0634] According to the above-mentioned processing, since the
facsimile apparatus controls a kind code indicating the generation
process of each image file in addition to an identification code
for identifying each image file, it can forward the identification
code of an image file or list information of identification codes
designated by the external information processing terminal to the
external information processing terminal in units of designated
kind codes.
[0635] Since the facsimile apparatus adds a code representing the
length of information to be output to the information when it
outputs information of the identification code on the basis of an
instruction from the external information processing terminal, the
external information processing terminal can acquire the
information of the identification code, which may have a variable
length, with a smaller load even when the terminal comprises a
high-speed interface.
[0636] 12. File Information Acquisition (GET FILE INFO.)
Processing
[0637] FIG. 52 is a flow chart showing the file information
acquisition command operation for sending information in units of
files of image data stored in the image memory on the RAM 103 in
the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment to the information
processing terminal. FIG. 53 shows the format of file
information.
[0638] When the command processing task shown in FIG. 9 receives a
message (command) from the interface control task, and the received
command is a file information acquisition command, the GET FILE
INFO. processing is executed.
[0639] It is checked in step S52-1 if a file designated by the file
information acquisition command is present. If the designated file
is not present, the flow advances to step S52-2.
[0640] In step S52-2, an NG response indicating the absence of the
designated file is sent to the interface control task as a message,
thus ending the processing.
[0641] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S52-1 that
the designated file is present, the flow advances to step
S52-3.
[0642] In step S52-3, file information having a format shown in
FIG. 53 is generated based on the control information stored on the
RAM 103 in the facsimile main body, and the flow advances to step
S52-4. The file information includes the following elements:
[0643] file type 53-1: the type of designated file (scanner read
file, host forward file, FAX receive file, or local file)
[0644] number of pages 53-2: the number of pages of the designated
file
[0645] In step S52-4, an OK response and the file information
generated in step S52-3 are sent to the interface control task as a
message so as to request the task to return the OK response and the
file information, thus ending the GET FILE INFO. processing.
[0646] 13. Page Information Acquisition (GET PAGE INFO.)
Processing
[0647] FIG. 54 is a flow chart showing the page information
acquisition command operation for sending information in units of
pages of image data stored in the image memory on the RAM 103 in
the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment to the information
processing terminal. FIG. 55 shows the format of page
information.
[0648] When the command processing task shown in FIG. 9 receives a
message (command) from the interface control task, and the received
command is a page information acquisition command, the GET PAGE
INFO. processing is executed.
[0649] It is checked in step S54-1 if a file designated by the page
information acquisition command is present. If the designated file
is not present, the flow advances to step S54-2.
[0650] In step S54-2, an NG response indicating the absence of the
designated file is sent to the interface control task as a message,
thus ending the processing.
[0651] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S54-1 that
the designated file is present, the flow advances to step
S54-3.
[0652] It is checked in step S54-3 if a page designated by the page
information acquisition command is present. If the designated page
is not present, the flow advances to step S54-4.
[0653] In step S54-4, an NG response indicating the absence of the
designated page is sent to the interface control task as a message,
thus ending the processing.
[0654] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S54-3 that
the designated page is present, the flow advances to step
S54-5.
[0655] In step S54-5, page information having a format shown in
FIG. 55 is generated based on the control information stored on the
RAM 103 in the facsimile main body, and the flow advances to step
S54-6. The page information includes the following elements:
[0656] encoding system 55-1: the encoding system of the designated
page (MH, MR, MMR)
[0657] main scan resolution 55-2: the main scan resolution of the
designated page (8 dots/mm)
[0658] sub scan resolution 55-3: the sub scan resolution of the
designated page (7.7 or 3.85 dots/mm)
[0659] main scan length 55-4: the main scan image size of the
designated page (A4)
[0660] number of sub scan lines 55-5: the number of sub scan lines
of the designated page ("0" represents indefinite)
[0661] amount of data 55-6: the amount of data which is required
for the facsimile apparatus to store the designated page and
includes a redundant portion (this amount of data does not always
coincide with the data length upon data forwarding)
[0662] In step S54-6, an OK response and the page information
generated in step S54-5 are sent to the interface control task as a
message so as to request the task to return the OK response and the
page information, thus ending the GET PAGE INFO. processing.
[0663] 14. File Delete (DELETE FILE) Processing
[0664] The DELETE FILE processing deletes an image file generated
on the RAM 103 in the facsimile apparatus in accordance with an
instruction from the information processing terminal 109. Image
files generated by the information terminal include:
[0665] scanner read file: a file read in accordance with a SCAN TO
FAX instruction from the information processing terminal 109
[0666] host forward file: a file forwarded in accordance with a
DOWNLOAD instruction from the information processing terminal
109
[0667] FAX receive file: a file received when the receiving mode is
set in the "memory receive" or "memory and record receive" mode in
accordance with a RECEIVE instruction from the information
processing terminal 109
[0668] FIG. 56 is a flow chart showing the FILE DELETE operation
for deleting image data stored in the image memory on the RAM 103
in the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment in units of files
controlled by the facsimile apparatus.
[0669] When the command processing task shown in FIG. 9 receives a
message (command) from the interface control task, and the received
command is a file delete instruction command, the DELETE FILE
processing is executed.
[0670] It is checked in step S56-1 if a file designated by the file
delete instruction command is present. If the designated file is
not present, the flow advances to step S56-2.
[0671] In step S56-2, an NG response indicating the absence of the
designated file is sent to the interface control task as a message,
thus ending the processing.
[0672] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S56-1 that
the designated file is present, the flow advances to step
S56-3.
[0673] It is checked in step S56-3 if the designated file is a
local file. If the designated file is a local file, the flow
advances to step S56-4.
[0674] In step S56-4, an NG response indicating that the designated
file is invalid is sent to the interface control task as a message,
thus ending the processing.
[0675] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S56-3 that
the designated file is not a local file, the flow advances to step
S56-5.
[0676] With the processing in steps S56-3 and S56-4, a local file
is inhibited from being deleted by the DELETE FILE processing.
Similarly, a file generated by the information processing terminal
cannot be deleted by a local operation.
[0677] It is checked in step S56-5 if the designated file is in
recording. If the designated file is in recording, the flow
advances to step S56-6.
[0678] In step S56-6, an NG response indicating that the designated
file is invalid is sent to the interface control task as a message,
thus ending the processing.
[0679] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S56-5 that
the designated file is not in recording, the flow advances to step
S56-7.
[0680] It is checked in step S56-7 if the designated file is in
communicating. If the designated file is in communicating, the flow
advances to step S56-8.
[0681] In step S56-8, an NG response indicating that the designated
file is invalid is sent to the interface control task as a message,
thus ending the processing.
[0682] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S56-7 that
the designated file is not in communicating, the flow advances to
step S56-9.
[0683] It is checked in step S56-9 if the designated file is under
a stand-by state of recording or communication. If the designated
file is under a stand-by state of recording or communication, the
flow advances to step S56-10.
[0684] In step S56-10, an NG response indicating that the
designated file is invalid is sent to the interface control task as
a message, thus ending the processing.
[0685] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S56-9 that
the designated file is not under a stand-by state of recording or
communication, the flow advances to step S56-11.
[0686] In steps S56-5 to S56-10, if a file to be deleted is being
accessed (in recording or communicating) or its access is reserved
(its recording or communication is reserved), the delete operation
is inhibited. When a file which is being accessed or whose access
is reserved is different from a file to be deleted, the delete
operation is not inhibited.
[0687] In step S56-11, an OK response is sent to the interface
control task as a message so as to request the task to return the
OK response, and the flow advances to step S56-12.
[0688] If it is determined in step S56-12 that a message indicating
that the returning processing of the OK response is successful is
received from the interface control task, the flow advances to step
S56-14; otherwise, the flow advances to step S56-13.
[0689] If it is determined in step S56-13 that a message indicating
that the returning processing of the OK response is not
successfully completed within a prescribed period of time is
received from the interface control task, the DELETE FILE
processing ends without any processing; otherwise, the flow returns
to step S56-12.
[0690] In step S56-14, the designated file is deleted from the
image memory on the RAM 103, thus ending the DELETE FILE
processing.
[0691] With the above-mentioned processing, the facsimile apparatus
of this embodiment can inhibit the information processing terminal
from deleting files which are in communicating and recording, and
under a stand-by state of recording and communication, and files
other than those generated in accordance with an instruction from
the information processing terminal.
[0692] 15. Facsimile Information Acquisition (FAX INFO.)
Processing
[0693] This processing sends the ROM version, maker name, apparatus
type, and I/F version with the information processing terminal, all
of the facsimile apparatus, to the information processing
terminal.
[0694] Since the ROM version and the I/F version with the
information processing terminal, both of the facsimile apparatus,
are independently controlled, and are sent to the information
processing terminal, the information processing terminal can detect
which I/F version with the information processing terminal the
facsimile apparatus supports, without any correspondence table
between the ROM version and the I/F version with the information
processing terminal.
[0695] With this processing, an application software program which
runs on the information processing terminal can detect based on-its
own version information and the above-mentioned I/F version
information whether or not it can use the facsimile apparatus
connected to the information processing terminal. Also, since the
application software program which runs on the information
processing terminal can detect the apparatus type, it can also
detect functions supported by the apparatus type. In view of this,
when the application software program which runs on the information
processing terminal has the functions of all the apparatus types,
the compatibility of the application software program which runs on
the information processing terminal can be attained among different
apparatus types.
[0696] This processing will be described below with reference to
FIG. 57.
[0697] In step S57-1, the ROM version, maker name, apparatus type,
and I/F version with the information processing terminal, all of
the facsimile apparatus, are read out from the ROM 102, and a send
parameter is generated.
[0698] In step S57-2, the control requests the I/F control task to
send an OK response, thus ending the processing.
[0699] 16. Phone Dialling (SIMPLE DIAL) Processing
[0700] In this processing, the facsimile apparatus performs an
on-hook dialling operation in accordance with an instruction from
the information processing terminal 109.
[0701] The on-hook dialling operation is an operation for catching
or capturing a line and performing dialling while a handset is kept
in an on-hook state. In an operation on the operation panel of the
facsimile main body, the on-hook dialling operation is executed by
depressing an on-hook button, and then performing a dialling
operation.
[0702] This processing will be described below with reference to
FIGS. 58 to 63.
[0703] FIGS. 58 to 60 are flow charts of the SIMPLE DIAL processing
which is called when the received command is a SIMPLE DIAL command,
and FIGS. 61 to 63 are flow charts of on-hook processing which is
executed parallel to the SIMPLE DIAL processing.
[0704] In step S58-1 in FIG. 58, a "dialling condition check" (to
be described in detail later) subroutine for checking whether or
not an on-hook dialling operation can be performed is called.
[0705] If it is determined in step S58-2 as a result of checking in
step S58-1 that an on-hook dialling operation cannot be performed,
the control requests the I/F control task to send a BUSY response
in step S58-8, thus ending the processing.
[0706] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S58-2 as a
result of checking that an on-hook dialling operation can be
performed, the flow advances to step S58-3 to check if the dialling
instruction phase is "idle".
[0707] If NO in step S58-3, the control requests the I/F control
task to send a BUSY response in step S58-8, thus ending the
processing. On the other hand, if YES in step S58-3, the flow
advances to step S58-4 to turn on the LED so as to inform an
operator that a local operation is inhibited. Thereafter, the flow
advances to step S58-5.
[0708] In step S58-5, a "dial information acquisition" (to be
described in detail later) subroutine for fetching dial information
from the receive parameter and recording the fetched information in
the dial buffer in the RAM 103 is called.
[0709] In step S58-6, the dialling instruction phase is changed to
"on-hook".
[0710] In step S58-7, the control requests the I/F control task to
send an OK response, thus ending the processing.
[0711] FIG. 59 is a flow chart of the "dialling condition check"
subroutine called in step S58-1.
[0712] In the dialling condition check subroutine, it is checked in
step S59-1 if a local operation is being performed. If YES in step
S59-1, the flow ends after an NG response is returned in step
S59-6; otherwise, the flow advances to step S59-2.
[0713] In step S59-2, a local operation is inhibited, and the flow
advances to step S59-3.
[0714] It is checked in step S59-3 if a line catching operation is
being performed. If YES in step S59-3, the flow ends after an NG
response is returned in step S59-6; otherwise, the flow advances to
step S59-4.
[0715] In step S59-4, arrival calling and other dialling operations
(e.g., time-designated send or send in a redialling queue) are
inhibited, and the flow advances to step S59-5. In step S59-5, an
OK response is returned, thus ending the processing.
[0716] FIG. 60 is a flow chart of the "dial information
acquisition" subroutine called in step S58-5.
[0717] In the dial information acquisition subroutine, the flow
branches depending on the dial key type in steps S60-1 and
S60-2.
[0718] If the dial key type is "ten-key dial", "ten-key dial" is
set in a dialling instruction dial type in step S60-7, the ten-key
dial number is set in the dial buffer in step S60-8, and
thereafter, the flow returns to the main routine.
[0719] If the dial key type is "one touch dial", "one touch dial"
is set in the dialling instruction dial type in step S60-5, the one
touch dial number is set in the dial buffer in step S60-6, and
thereafter, the flow returns to the main routine.
[0720] If the dial key type is "coded dial", "coded dial" is set in
the dialling instruction dial type in step S60-3, the coded dial
number is set in the dial buffer in step S60-4, and thereafter, the
flow returns to the main routine.
[0721] FIGS. 61 to 63 are flow charts of the task that realizes
on-hook control.
[0722] In this task, it is checked in step S61-1 if the on-hook key
is depressed, and it is checked in step S61-2 if the dialling
instruction phase is changed to "dialling queue" by the SIMPLE DIAL
processing. These two steps form a loop.
[0723] If the on-hook key is depressed, the flow advances from step
S61-1 to S62-1.
[0724] In step S62-1, a line is caught. In step S62-2, dial
processing is performed.
[0725] Upon completion of the processing in step S62-2, the control
enters a loop from steps S62-3 to S62-6.
[0726] It is checked in step S62-3 if the handset is set in the
off-hook state. If YES in step S62-3, the flow advances to step
S62-11; otherwise, the flow advances to step S62-4.
[0727] In step S62-11, the LED is turned off, and the flow advances
to step S62-12.
[0728] In step S62-12, the control waits until the handset is set
in the on-hook state again. If YES in step S62-12, the flow
advances to step S62-11 to release the line, and the flow returns
to the loop of steps S61-1 and S61-2.
[0729] It is checked in step S62-4 if a start key is depressed. If
YES in step S62-4, the flow advances to step S62-7; otherwise, the
flow advances to step S62-5.
[0730] In step S62-7, the LED is turned off, and the flow advances
to step S62-8.
[0731] In step S62-8, send or receive processing is performed, and
the flow advances to step S62-9.
[0732] In step S62-9, the control waits until the send or receive
processing is completed. If YES in step S62-9, the flow advances to
step S62-11.
[0733] It is checked in step S62-5 if the on-hook key is depressed.
If YES In step S62-5, the flow advances to step S62-10; otherwise,
the flow advances to step S62-6.
[0734] It is checked in step S62-6 if a stop key is depressed. If
YES In step S62-6, the flow advances to step S62-10; otherwise, the
flow returns to step S62-3.
[0735] In step S62-10, the LED is turned off, and the flow advances
to step S62-11.
[0736] In step S62-11, the line is released, and the flow returns
to the loop of steps S61-1 and S61-2.
[0737] If it is determined in step S61-2 that the dialling
instruction phase is "dialling queue", the flow advances to step
S61-3.
[0738] In step S61-3, a line is caught, and the flow advances to
step S61-4.
[0739] In steps S61-4 and S61-5, the flow branches depending on the
dialling instruction dial type. If the dialling instruction dial
type is "shortened", the shortened dialling number in the dial
buffer is dialled in step S61-6; if the dialling instruction dial
type is "one touch", the one touch dialling number in the dial
buffer is dialled in step S61-7; and if the dialling instruction
dial type is "ten-key", the ten-key dialling number in the dial
buffer is dialled in step S61-8.
[0740] Upon completion of dialling, a ringing operation is started,
and the control enters a loop of steps S63-1 to S63-5.
[0741] This loop monitors the off-hook state (S63-1), depression of
the start key (S63-2), depression of the on-hook key (S63-3),
depression of the stop key (S63-4), and whether or not the dialling
instruction phase is "stop request" (S63-5).
[0742] If the addressee answers the call, since an operator takes
up the handset and makes a speech communication, the flow advances
to step S63-8.
[0743] In step S63-8, the dialling instruction phase is changed to
"idle" to prevent the line from being released by RELEASE LINE
processing (to be described later). Thereafter, the flow advances
to step S62-12.
[0744] If the addressee does not answer the call, the operator can
release the line using the on-hook key or stop key, or the RELEASE
LINE processing (to be described later).
[0745] It is monitored in steps S63-3, S63-4, and S63-5 if the
on-hook key is depressed, if the stop key is depressed, and if the
dialling instruction phase is changed to "stop request" upon
starting of the RELEASE LINE processing (to be described
later).
[0746] If the conditions in these steps S63-3 to S63-5 are
satisfied, the LED is turned off in step S63-6, the dialling
instruction phase is changed to "idle" in step S63-7, and the line
is released in step S63-13. Thereafter, the flow returns to the
loop of steps S61-1 and S61-2.
[0747] When the addressee answers the call and thereafter, a
facsimile send or receive operation is to be performed, the
operator depresses the start key. Upon depression of the start key,
the flow advances from step S63-2 to step S63-9.
[0748] The LED is turned off in step S63-9, the dialling
instruction phase is changed to "idle" in step S63-10, the send or
receive processing is performed in step S63-11, and the control
waits in step S63-12 until the send or receive processing is
completed. Upon completion of the processing, the flow advances to
step S63-13 to release the line, and the flow then returns to step
S61-1.
[0749] With the above-mentioned processing, the phone dialling
operation from the information processing terminal can be
realized.
[0750] 17. Dialling Interrupt (RELEASE LINE) Processing
[0751] This processing cancels the dialling operation started by
the SIMPLE DIAL processing.
[0752] In this case, even when the dialling operation is started by
the SIMPLE DIAL processing, if an operator takes up the handset and
the off-hook state is set after the dialling operation, the
canceling operation by the RELEASE LINE processing is
inhibited.
[0753] This processing will be described below with reference to
FIG. 64.
[0754] FIG. 64 is a flow chart showing the RELEASE LINE processing.
It is checked in step S64-1 in FIG. 64 if the dialling instruction
phase is "idle".
[0755] If NO in step S64-1, since the facsimile apparatus is
executing the dialling processing by the SIMPLE DIAL processing or
is waiting for an answer of the addressee, the interrupt processing
of the dialling operation started by the SIMPLE DIAL processing is
performed in step S64-3 and the subsequent steps.
[0756] On the other hand, if YES in step S64-1, since the facsimile
apparatus is neither performing the dialling processing by the
SIMPLE DIAL processing nor is waiting for an answer of the
addressee, the control requests the I/F control task to send an NG
response indicating that there is no dialling to be interrupted in
step S64-2, thus ending the processing.
[0757] In step S64-3, the line is released. In step S64-4, the
dialling instruction phase is changed to "idle". In step S64-5, the
control requests the I/F control task to send an OK response, thus
ending the processing.
[0758] Upon combination of the above-mentioned processing with the
SIMPLE DIAL processing, the operator can perform a dialling
operation by operating the information processing terminal by the
SIMPLE DIAL processing, and when the addressee does not answer, the
operator can release the line by the RELEASE LINE processing.
[0759] More specifically, the operator can start and cancel a phone
dialling operation by operating the information processing terminal
while performing other operations using the information processing
terminal, thus improving convenience.
[0760] 18. Command Set Switching (SWITCH COMMAND SET)
Processing
[0761] This operation is a function of switching a command set used
by the external information processing terminal to control the
facsimile apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the
external information processing terminal.
[0762] A command set is one determined in advance between the
external processing terminal and an apparatus connected thereto.
Normally, since the external processing terminal is connected to an
apparatus to have a one-to-one correspondence therebetween, only
one type of command set is required. However, in the case of the
facsimile apparatus of this embodiment, since the external
information processing terminal is connected to another apparatus
(the printer unit in the facsimile apparatus in the printer mode),
another predetermined command set must be prepared to use the
communication function of the facsimile apparatus, the scanner, and
the memory in the facsimile unit between the external information
processing terminal and the printer unit. This function selects one
of the plurality of command sets to directly connect the external
information processing terminal and the printer unit. On the other
hand, this function can select the other one of the command sets.
By selectively using this function, the facsimile apparatus can
perform the facsimile function such as send and receive operations,
and the printer unit in the facsimile apparatus can perform
high-resolution recording beyond the facsimile resolution.
[0763] The detailed operation will be described below with
reference to FIGS. 65 and 66.
[0764] In the processing shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, when the command
processing task determines a command set switching instruction
command, the processing shown in FIG. 65 is executed.
[0765] It is checked in step S65-1 if a receive parameter (for
designating a command set) added to the command set switching
instruction command is correct (to be described in detail later).
The flow branches in step S65-2 depending on the checking result in
step S65-1. If the checking result indicates OK, the flow advances
to step S65-3; otherwise, the flow branches to NG processing (to be
described in detail later). It is checked in step S65-3 which one
of a command set designated by the external information processing
terminal or a printer emulation command set the receive parameter
designates. If the receive parameter designates the command set
designated by the external information processing terminal, the
flow branches to step S69-1 (to be described in detail later); if
the receive parameter designates the printer emulation command set,
the flow advances to step S65-4. In step S65-4, a recording
semaphore (recording resource) is acquired.
[0766] The recording semaphore will be explained below.
[0767] The facsimile apparatus acquires the recording semaphore
when it operates using the printer unit, and releases when it ends
the operation. If the apparatus cannot acquire the recording
semaphore, it cannot execute the operation (e.g., receive record,
copy record, and the like). Despite this limitation, the
above-mentioned rule allows smooth simultaneous operations.
[0768] If the recording semaphore can be acquired in step S65-4,
the flow advances to step S65-5; otherwise, the flow branches to
BUSY processing. In step S65-5, the presence/absence of an
abnormality of the printer unit is checked (to be described in
detail later). The flow branches in step S65-6 depending on the
checking result in step S65-5. If the checking result indicates OK,
the flow advances to step S65-7; if an abnormality such as the
absence of recording sheets, a sheet jam, or the like is found, the
flow branches to NG processing. In this case, if an abnormality is
found, the command set is inhibited from being switched. This is
because the printer unit normally sets the interface in an off-line
mode at the time of occurrence of an abnormality such as the
absence of recording sheets, and can no longer accept commands from
the interface. For this reason, it is nonsense to switch the
command set to the printer emulation command mode.
[0769] In step S65-7, the interface LED is turned on to inform the
operator that the apparatus is in operation. During the ON period
of the interface LED, any key input of the facsimile apparatus is
inhibited. In step S65-8, an OK response to the interface control
task is generated to request it to return to the external
information processing terminal a message indicating that a normal
operation is being performed. The interface control task executes
the sending processing of the message. In steps S65-9 and S65-10,
it is checked if the interface control task has completed the
returning processing to the external information processing
terminal. If the returning processing has been completed, the flow
advances to step S65-11. On the other hand, if the returning
processing has not been completed, and a time-out state has
occurred in step S65-9, the flow branches to abnormality
processing. In this embodiment, the time-out time is fixed, but may
be changed by the registration operation by the facsimile apparatus
or that by the external information processing terminal. In step
S65-11, a printer LED (not shown) on the operation panel 112 is
turned on to indicate that the printer emulation command set is
selected. In step S65-12, software power ON processing of the
printer unit 2 is performed. The software power ON processing is
one for coping with, e.g., the following problem. That is, when
record requests for copy record and receive record from the
facsimile MPU 101 are involved, and the printer MPU 201 runs away
or an error is generated due to data remaining on the memory in the
printer unit, error processing corresponding to an error state
rather makes the program complicated. More specifically, the
software power ON processing is one for initializing the printer
unit. In step S65-13, the interface control unit 108 is switched
from the connection state (the external information processing
terminal 109--the facsimile MPU 101) (the facsimile MPU 101--the
printer unit 2) to the connection state (the external information
processing terminal 109--the printer unit 2). With the
above-mentioned operation, data from the external information
processing terminal 109 is directly sent to the printer unit 2,
i.e., the same operation as a unidirectional Centronics interface
in a conventional apparatus is performed. In step S65-14, the
interface LED is turned off to inform the operator of the end of
PRINT FILE operation. After the interface LED is turned off, a key
input of the facsimile apparatus is permitted.
[0770] The receive parameter check routine in step S65-1 will be
explained below with reference to FIG. 67.
[0771] The contents of the receive parameter include the following
items having the following choices. When the contents of the
receive parameter are different from the setting contents of the
facsimile apparatus, a receive parameter error is generated.
Alternatively, when the contents of the receive parameter are
different from the setting contents of the facsimile apparatus,
processing may be continued to "preferentially process the contents
of the receive parameter" or to "preferentially process the setting
contents of the facsimile apparatus" without generating any receive
parameter error.
[0772] Command set: "print emulation", "designated by external
information processing terminal"
[0773] In step S67-1, the command set is checked. If the contents
of the receive parameter indicate "print emulation" or "designated
by external information processing terminal", the receive parameter
check routine normally ends. Otherwise, this routine abnormally
ends.
[0774] The printer unit check routine in step S65-5 will be
described below with reference to FIG. 68.
[0775] In step S68-1, the presence/absence of recording sheets is
checked. The presence/absence of recording sheets in a recording
paper cassette is checked using a recording paper sensor (not
shown), and if recording sheets are detected, the flow advances to
step S68-2; otherwise, the routine abnormally ends. In step S68-2,
the presence/absence of a recording ink is checked. If a recording
ink is present, the flow advances to step S68-3; otherwise, the
routine abnormally ends. In this embodiment, the recording
operation uses a recording ink. Alternatively, the present
invention may be applied to a facsimile apparatus which uses a
recording unit using, e.g., toner for laser recording. In step
S68-3, it is checked if the recording cover is closed. If YES (Y)
in step S68-3, the flow advances to step S68-4; otherwise, the
routine abnormally ends. In step S68-4, the presence/absence of a
recording paper jam is checked. If no recording paper jam is
detected by, e.g., the PE sensor 206, the printer unit check
routine normally ends. On the other hand, if a recording paper jam
is detected by, e.g., the PE sensor 206, the printer unit check
routine abnormally ends.
[0776] The operation in step S69-1 and the subsequent steps, which
operation is branched from step S65-3, will be described below with
reference to FIG. 69.
[0777] In step S69-1, the interface LED is turned on to inform the
operator that the apparatus is in operation. During the ON period
of the interface LED, any key input of the facsimile apparatus is
inhibited. In step S69-2, software power OFF processing of the
printer unit 2 is performed. In step S69-3, the interface control
unit 108 is switched from the connection state (the external
information processing terminal 109--the printer unit 2) to the
connection state (the external information processing terminal
109--the facsimile MPU 101) (the facsimile MPU 101--the printer
unit 2). In step S69-4, the presence/absence of remaining sheets in
the apparatus is checked using the PE sensor 206. If no remaining
sheets are detected, the flow advances to step S69-6. If remaining
sheets are detected, a recording paper jam display is made in step
S69-5, and the flow then advances to step S69-6. In step S69-6, the
recording semaphore acquired in step S65-4 is released. In step
S69-7, the printer LED (not shown), which indicates that the
command set designated by the external information processing
terminal is selected, on the operation panel 112 is turned off. In
step S69-8, the interface LED is turned off to inform the operator
of the end of the SWITCH COMMAND SET operation. After the interface
LED is turned off, a key input of the facsimile apparatus is
permitted.
[0778] The abnormality processing will be described below with
reference to FIG. 70.
[0779] When an NG state has occurred, an NG response to the
interface control task is generated to request it to return to the
external information processing terminal a message indicating that
the operation has abnormally ended, in step S70-1. On the other
hand, when a BUSY state has occurred, a BUSY response to the
interface control task is generated to request it to return to the
external information processing terminal a message indicating that
the operation has abnormally ended, in step S70-2. The interface
control task executes the sending processing of the message. In
step S70-3, the recording semaphore is released, and the
abnormality processing ends. If the recording semaphore is not
acquired, the step of releasing the recording semaphore is
skipped.
[0780] 19. Facsimile Storage Scan (SCAN TO FAX) Processing
[0781] FIGS. 71A, 71B and 72 are flow charts showing the facsimile
storage scan (SCAN TO FAX) processing operation for storing read
image data in the image memory area in the RAM 103.
[0782] In step S71-1, after the validity of the command is checked,
a reading semaphore and a reading motor semaphore are acquired, the
newest image file ID is acquired, an image memory area is assured,
the page counter is cleared to 0, the interface LED on the
operation panel 112 is turned on, and an OK response is sent to the
I/F control task.
[0783] At this time, if the command is not valid, the reading
semaphore or reading motor semaphore cannot be acquired, or the
image memory area cannot be assured, an error is determined in step
S71-2, and the flow advances to step S71-11 to execute error
processing.
[0784] If an OK response is normally sent to the I/F control task,
the control waits for a response send completion message from the
I/F control task in step S71-3. If an error has occurred, the flow
advances to step S71-11; otherwise, the flow advances to step
S71-4.
[0785] In step S71-4, the control waits for the next command from
the I/F control task and messages from the feed task and the
reading task.
[0786] If the next command is received from the I/F control task,
it is checked in step S71-5 if the previous page is being fed or
read. If the reading unit 105 is in operation, a BUSY response is
sent to the I/F control task in step S71-12, and the flow advances
to step S71-8.
[0787] If the reading unit is not in operation, the flow advances
to step S71-6 to check if a document to be read is present on the
reading unit 105.
[0788] If a document to be read is present on the reading unit 105,
the flow advances to step S71-7. In step S71-7, the page counter is
incremented, page information (sub scan resolution, reading mode,
reading density) from the I/F control task is set for each page,
the feed task is started to feed the document, and an OK response
is sent to the I/F control task.
[0789] After the OK response is sent to the I/F control task, the
flow advances to step S71-8, and the control waits for a response
send completion message from the I/F control task. If an error has
occurred, the flow advances to step S71-11; if the sending
processing has been completed without any error, the flow advances
to step S71-4 to wait for the next command from the I/F control
task. If the sending processing is not completed yet, the end of
the feed task or the reading task is confirmed in step S71-9.
[0790] It is confirmed in step S71-10 if an error has occurred in
the feed task or the reading task. If an error has occurred, the
flow advances to step S71-11; otherwise, the flow advances to step
S71-8.
[0791] If a message is received from the feed task or the reading
task in step S71-4, the flow advances to step S71-13 to confirm the
end of the feed task or the reading task.
[0792] It is confirmed in step S71-14 if an error has occurred in
the feed task or the reading task. If an error such as a feed
error, an image memory overflow, or the like has occurred, the flow
advances to step S71-11; otherwise, the flow returns to step
S71-4.
[0793] If it is determined in step S71-6 that a document to be read
is not present on the reading unit 105, the flow advances to step
S71-15 to confirm if the page counter is 0.
[0794] If the page counter is 0, the flow advances to step S71-11;
otherwise, the flow advances to step S71-16. In step S71-16, the
reading semaphore and the reading motor semaphore are released, the
interface LED on the operation panel 112 is turned off, and an NG
response is sent to the I/F control task, thus ending the
processing.
[0795] In step S71-11, as error processing, the feed task or the
reading task is interrupted, the image memory area is cleared, the
reading semaphore and the reading motor semaphore are released, the
interface LED on the operation panel 112 is turned off, and an NG
response is sent to the I/F control task, thus ending the
processing.
[0796] It is confirmed in step S72-1 if the reading unit 105 is
feeding a document now. If the reading unit 105 is feeding a
document now, the flow advances to step S72-2 to confirm if the
message is a message received from the feed task.
[0797] If the message is a message received from the feed task, it
is checked in step S72-3 if the message from the feed task is a
feed end message. If the message from the feed task is a feed end
message, the reading task is started to start reading of a document
present on the reading unit 105 in step S72-4.
[0798] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S72-1 that
the reading unit 105 is not feeding a document, the flow advances
to step S72-5 to check if the reading unit 105 is reading a
document now. If the reading unit 105 is reading a document now,
the flow advances to step S72-6 to check if the message is a
message received from the reading task.
[0799] If the message is a message received from the reading task,
it is checked in step S72-7 if the message from the reading task is
a reading end message. If the message from the reading task is a
reading end message, the processing ends normally.
[0800] The processing abnormally ends if it is determined in step
S72-2 that the message is not one from the feed task, if it is
determined in step S72-3 that the message from the feed task is not
a feed end message, if it is determined in step S72-5 that the
reading unit 105 is not reading a document now, if it is determined
in step S72-6 that the message is not one from the reading task, or
if it is determined in step S72-7 that the message from the reading
task is not a reading end message.
[0801] In the reading task, image RAW data read from the reading
unit 105 is converted into RL data by the RL-RAW converter 106, and
the RL data is stored in an encode buffer in the RAM 103. In
addition, MMR encoding is performed based on the RL data, and
MMR-encoded data is stored in the image memory area, assured in
step S71-1, in the image memory in the RAM 103.
[0802] At this time, the communication buffer in the RAM 103 is not
used.
[0803] With the above-mentioned processing, since processing is
interrupted when the interface does not become ready for transfer
within a predetermined period of time, an image communication
apparatus which uses a parallel interface allowing high-speed data
transfer and is easy to operate can be provided.
[0804] When a document image is stored in the memory in accordance
with an instruction from the information processing terminal, if an
error has occurred during the storage operation, the image data is
immediately deleted from the memory to effectively use the memory,
thus realizing a low-cost product.
[0805] Since combinations of the operations based on an instruction
from the external information processing terminal, operations from
the operation panel, and the operation of the apparatus itself are
limited, the entire control of the apparatus is simplified, thus
realizing a low-cost product. Since a state wherein the apparatus
cannot be used is indicated, an image communication apparatus which
is easy to use can be provided.
[0806] 20. Document Send (SEND DOC) Processing
[0807] FIG. 73 is a flow chart showing the operation of the
document send (SEND DOC) processing.
[0808] In step S73-1, after the validity of the command is checked,
a reading motor semaphore and a communication semaphore are
acquired, a document set on the reading unit 105 is fed, the newest
image file ID is acquired, an image memory area is assured,
telephone number data from the I/F control task is set, the
interface LED on the operation panel 112 is turned on, and an OK
response is sent to the I/F control task.
[0809] At this time, if the command is not valid, the reading motor
semaphore or communication semaphore cannot be acquired, or the
image memory area cannot be assured, an error is determined in step
S73-2, and the flow advances to step S73-11 to execute error
processing.
[0810] If the OK response is normally sent to the I/F control task,
the control waits for a response send completion message from the
I/F control task in step S73-3. If an error has occurred, the flow
advances to step S73-11; otherwise, the flow advances to step
S73-4.
[0811] In step S73-4, the control waits for the next command from
the I/F control task. If the command is not valid, the flow
advances to step S73-11 to execute error processing.
[0812] If the next command is received from the I/F control task,
page information (sub scan resolution, reading mode, reading
density) from the I/F control task is set in a document mode LED
and the like on the operation panel 112 as information for the
first page, and an OK response is sent to the I/F control task in
step S73-5.
[0813] After the OK response is sent to the I/F control task, the
flow advances to step S73-6 to wait for a response send completion
message from the I/F control task. If an error has occurred, the
flow advances to step S73-11; if the sending processing has been
completed without any error, the flow advances to step S73-7 to
wait for the next command from the I/F control task.
[0814] If the next command is received from the I/F control task,
file ID information with respect to the I/F control task is set,
and an OK response is sent to the I/F control task, in step
S73-8.
[0815] If the command is not valid, the flow advances to step
S73-11 to execute error processing.
[0816] If the OK response is normally sent to the I/F control task,
the control waits for a response send completion message from the
I/F control task in step S73-9. If an error has occurred, the flow
advances to step S73-11; otherwise, the flow advances to step
S73-10.
[0817] In step S73-10, the interface LED on the operation panel 112
is turned off, and the communication semaphore and the reading
motor semaphore are released, thus normally ending the
processing.
[0818] In step S73-11, as the error processing, the feed task is
interrupted, the image memory area is cleared, the interface LED on
the operation panel 112 is turned off, the communication semaphore
and the reading motor semaphore are released, and an NG response is
sent to the I/F control task, thus ending the processing.
[0819] When the interface LED on the operation panel 112 is turned
off, and the communication semaphore and the reading motor
semaphore are released, the communication task is started using the
image memory area assured in step S73-1 in a stand-by state.
[0820] After the communication task is started, the same operation
as a normal document send operation is executed on the basis of
document reading mode information such as the document mode LED and
the like on the operation panel 112.
[0821] The document reading mode for the second or subsequent page
is not changed from the information processing terminal 109 but is
changed by a user's operation on the operation panel 112 as in the
normal document send operation.
[0822] As described above, when interface control is attained
between the external information processing terminal and the
printer unit and between the external information processing
terminal and the data processing unit, a plurality of command sets
can be switched automatically or manually. In addition, the state
of the printer unit can be detected. Thus, an image processing
apparatus which can be freely operated from the external
information processing terminal can be provided.
[0823] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned
embodiment, and various changes and modifications may be made
within the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *