KR19990012544A - Fax machine with out-of-office data reception - Google Patents

Abstract

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus interfaced with a computer, and more particularly to a facsimile apparatus with an out-of-office received data processing function capable of transmitting data contents to a specific recipient designated by a user when data is received from the outside and the user is absent. A data storage unit for storing received data, a DTMF generator for generating a DTMF signal, and a display unit for indicating that there is received data, and are connected to a plurality of computers through a local area network (LAN). In the facsimile apparatus for transmitting and receiving data, a key input unit for registering a specific reception fax number to input or retransmit a command of data output, a registration data storage unit for storing the number data registered through the key input unit, Time counting unit for counting a predetermined time, the number of data If there is a scene, the data storage unit stores the data received through the display unit, and controls the display and counts a predetermined time. If there is no key input related to data output, the data stored in the data storage unit is read and stored. And a control unit for controlling retransmission to the registered fax number in the registration data storage unit.

Description

Fax machine with out-of-office data reception

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus interfaced with a computer, and more particularly to a facsimile apparatus with an out-of-office received data processing function capable of transmitting data contents to a specific recipient designated by a user when data is received from the outside and the user is absent. will be.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a general facsimile apparatus. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a reading unit that reads a content recorded in an original and converts it into an electrical signal, and 2 denotes a received image data. A printing portion for printing onto a recording sheet, which comprises a motor 201 for moving a roll (not shown) on which recording sheets are wound and a motor driving portion 202 for driving the motor 201.

Reference numeral 3 is a pulse generator that generates pulses each time the motor 201 rotates one step, and 4 is a counter for counting the number of generated pulses. Therefore, the central processing unit 5 to be described later detects the remaining amount of the recording paper through the count value input from the counter 4.

In addition, reference numeral 5 is a central processing unit (CPU) that controls and adjusts each block of the system to control the overall operation of the system, and 6 is a headline for sending and receiving data, such as the sender, the transmission time, etc. A data storage unit stores state of various parameters or various processing data of a facsimile apparatus.

In addition, reference numeral 7 is a program storage unit for storing a program for controlling the various functions and operations of reading, writing, transmitting, receiving or facsimile data by the central processing unit 5, 8 is transmitting and receiving data In order to modulate or demodulate, a modulation demodulation section MODEM is provided.

And, reference numeral 9 is a network control unit (NCU: Network Control Unit) for controlling the connection between the public switched telephone network and the communication network for transmitting or receiving data, 10 is a display unit for displaying the operation status and operation status of the facsimile apparatus to be.

1B is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus connected to a computer, which is filed on May 13, 1997 by the present applicant, and is described in detail in Patent Application No. 18564 of 1997. FIG.

In Fig. 1B, the same components as in Fig. 1A are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In Fig. 1A, reference numeral A denotes a facsimile apparatus, and B (B _{1 to} Bn) denotes a computer connected thereto.

First, in the facsimile apparatus A, reference numeral 20 denotes a function button 20a for storing the received data into the memory of the computer B when there is insufficient recording paper or insufficient memory capacity, and a numeric button for designating a computer to be stored. 21 is a key input unit composed of a backing paper, and the like is 21, if the remaining amount of recording paper is detected to be less than the amount of data received by the counting value of the recording paper inputted through the counter 4, or if the memory capacity of the data storage unit 6 is determined to be insufficient. It is a central processing unit that generates a ring signal through the ring generating unit 22 to be described later and transmits the ring signal to the designated computer B, and transmits and receives the received data when the selected computer B comes online. .

In addition, reference numeral 22 is a ring generating unit for generating a ring signal in accordance with a predetermined control signal of the central processing unit 21, 23 is a rapid interchange and sharing of information required by providing an information communication service in a limited area It is a local area network (LAN) as a local area network that enables the network.

The LAN 23 ₁ includes a modem for modulating or demodulating data transmitted / received therein. When the frequency signal is input through the LAN 23, for example, a frequency signal of 20 Hz may be used. For a frequency signal of R, 1100 Hz, for example, an American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) code corresponding to N is stored in its own memory.

Thereafter, the CPU 28 of the computer B device, which will be described later, checks the data stored in the modem by a predetermined time unit to recognize that the ring signal from the facsimile device A has been received.

On the other hand, in the computer B device, reference numeral 24 denotes a ring signal detection unit for detecting a ring signal, and 25 is operated by the ring signal detected by the ring signal detection unit 24 to supply power to the computer B device. The power supply unit 26 to supply is an interface circuit for the LAN 23 and an interface function.

27 is a CPU for controlling the overall operation of the computer B device, and 28 is a data storage unit as a hard disk for storing processing data.

That is, in the device having the above-described configuration, when the recording paper of the facsimile device A is insufficient, the user sets a function for storing the data received through the key input unit 20 into the memory of the computer B. When the function key 20a of the key input unit 20 is input, the central processing unit 21 switches its mode to a mode for controlling the computer when the recording paper or the memory is insufficient.

Then, on the communication connection port with the computer B established through the LAN 23 network, a message is displayed for selecting which computer B is connected to and which one of the connected computers to store the received data. Thereafter, a communication network is established with the connection LAN 23 of the computer B selected by the user.

On the other hand, in the state where the one computer (B) and the LAN (23) network is established, the central processing unit 21 to store the received data in the data storage unit 6 when the data is received through the telephone line do.

Then, the data received from the data storage unit 6 is read and applied to the printing unit 2, the central processing unit 21 counting the pulse generated by the operation of the motor 201 of the printing unit 2 21 ) Compares the applied count value with the reference value stored in the program storage unit 7 to determine whether or not the recording paper is sufficient.

In the above, if the recording paper is sufficient, the normal control process of printing the data received through the printing unit 2 is performed, and if the recording paper is not sufficient, the memory capacity of the data storage unit 6 is returned. It will be determined that if it is sufficient, it stores the data received in the data storage (6).

However, if the memory capacity of the data storage unit 6 is not sufficient, the central processing unit 21 generates a predetermined ring signal, for example, a frequency signal of 20 Hz through the ring generating unit 22 for a predetermined time (the designated computer ( To B).

When the communication network is set on the computer (B) device side for such a ring signal, the ring signal input is interrupted and the frequency signal (CNG Tone), for example, 1100 Hz, is input from the facsimile apparatus A at a predetermined interval. do.

On the other hand, when the computer B which is in the off state is inputted with a ring signal through the LAN 23 network, the SMPS (not shown) is operated so that the computer B executes a booting operation.

On the other hand, when the booting operation of the computer is finished, the CPU 27 of the computer B transmits a predetermined signal to the central processing unit 21 of the facsimile apparatus A to indicate that the state of on-line has been brought.

Therefore, when the central processing unit 21 of the facsimile apparatus A confirms that it is in an online state with the designated computer B, the data read out from the data storage unit 6 is connected to the online state through the LAN 23. Transfer to computer B.

Thereafter, when data transmission is completed, the data storage to the computer B device connected to the facsimile device A is terminated by returning to the standby state where the first data can be received.

Thereafter, the CPU 27 of the computer B device checks the data stored in the modem of the LAN 23 ₁ by a predetermined time unit.

The data stored in the data storage unit 28 by the above process is then displayed to the user through the monitor or speaker when the computer B is turned on by the mechanical switch SW1 or the remote control device.

In addition, the CPU 27 of the computer B device detects the data input and turns off the computer B device when there is no data input for a predetermined time.

On the other hand, the user checks the facsimile apparatus of the above-described configuration from time to time to check whether there is received data, and if there is content of the received data, the user is operated to output through the printing unit (2).

However, when the user is absent or out of the office, the received data is printed on the recording paper through the printing unit 2 and output or otherwise stored. If the received data contents are urgently processed, there is no user relationship. Will not be processed.

Therefore, in the case of data contents that require business urgency, there is a possibility that a considerable amount of damage will be incurred if it cannot be processed due to absence.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in the case of receiving data from a facsimile device connected to a computer, when the user is absent, the data can be retransmitted to a specific recipient designated by the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile apparatus with an out-of-office received data processing function that can actively cope with a user's absence.

Figure 1a is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a typical facsimile apparatus.

1B is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus connected to a computer.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus with a missed reception data processing function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the device of the configuration of FIG.

* Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

1 reading unit 2 printing unit

201: motor 202: motor driving part

3: pulse generator 4: counter

5, 35: central processing unit 6, 28: data storage unit

7: Program storage unit 8: Modulation and demodulation unit

9: network control device 10: display unit

20: key input unit 20a: function keys

22: ring generator 23 (23a, 23 _{1 to} 23n): LAN (local area network)

24: ring signal detection unit 25: power supply unit

26: interface circuit 27: CPU

31a: Function Key 31b: Output Key

31c: 10-key 32: Registration data storage

33: timer 35: DTMF generator

A: Fax device B: Computer

In order to achieve the above object, a facsimile apparatus having an out-of-office data reception function according to the present invention includes a data storage unit for storing received data, a DTMF generator for generating a DTMF signal, and indicating that there is received data. In the facsimile apparatus having a display unit for connecting to a plurality of computers via a local area network (LAN) to perform data transmission and reception, a key input unit for registering a specific reception fax number to input or retransmit a command of the data output, A registration data storage unit for storing the registered number data through the key input unit, a time counting unit for counting a predetermined time, and if data is received, stored in the data storage unit and indicating that there is data received through the display unit If there is no key input related to data output by counting a predetermined time, And a control unit which controls to read the data stored in the data storage unit and retransmit the data to the fax number registered in the registration data storage unit.

According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the data received from the facsimile apparatus connected to the computer is stored and counted for a predetermined time, when there is no command for outputting data, that is, when the user is absent, the received and stored data at the registered fax number It will process the content to be sent.

Therefore, it is possible to realize a facsimile apparatus that can cope actively with data reception while the user is absent.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus with an out-of-office received data processing function according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.

In Fig. 2, reference numeral 31 denotes a key input unit for inputting a command of data output or registering a specific reception fax number to be retransmitted, and outputs a function key 31a for performing a function according to the present invention and received and stored data. And an output key 31b for inputting a number and a 10-key 31c for inputting a number.

Further, reference numeral 32 is a registration data storage unit for storing the number data registered through the key input unit 31, 33 is a timer for counting a predetermined time, 35 is a DTMF generator for generating a DTMF signal. .

Reference numeral 34 indicates that the data is sent to a predetermined computer B when the data is received, and stored in the data storage unit 28 of the computer B, and that there is data received through the display unit 10. In addition, by counting a predetermined time through the timer 33, if there is no key input of the output key 31b related to data output, the data received and stored in the data storage unit 28 of the computer B is read out. It is a central processing unit as a control unit for controlling retransmission to the registered fax number in the registration data storage unit 32.

Next, the operation of the device having the above configuration will be described with reference to the operation flowchart shown in FIG. 3.

First, the user sets a function to transmit the received data to a designated facsimile number when the user is absent through the key input unit 31, thereby inputting a function key 31a of the key input unit 31. When the central processing unit 34 receives the received data, the central processing unit 34 stores the data in the data storage unit 28 of the computer B. If there is no command for outputting the data for a predetermined time, the central processing unit 34 switches to the control mode for transmitting the registered number. .

Then, on the communication connection port with the computer B established through the LAN 23 network, a message is displayed for selecting which computer B is connected to and which one of the connected computers to store the received data. Thereafter, a communication network is established with the connection LAN 23 of the computer B selected by the user.

On the other hand, in the state where the computer B and the LAN 23 network are established, when there is data reception through the telephone line (step ST1), the central processing unit 21 transmits the received data to the LAN 23. The computer B is sent to the connected computer B (step ST2).

Therefore, the computer B, which has received data from the facsimile apparatus A, stores the data in the data storage unit 28. Then, the display unit 10 indicates that the received data is stored (step ST3).

After the reception of the data, the central processing unit 34 switches the line when the reception of the data ends (steps ST4 to ST5).

The timer 33 determines whether there is a key input related to the data output from the key input unit 31 while counting a predetermined time, for example, 30 minutes (step ST6). When the input of 31b is received, a control signal for reading and transmitting the received data from the data storage unit 28 of the computer B is transmitted to the computer B to receive the received and stored data from the computer B. (ST7 stage).

Subsequently, the central processing unit 34 performs a normal control process of printing out the data transmitted from the computer B through the printing unit 2 (step ST8).

On the other hand, if there is no input of the output key 31b for outputting the received and stored data even after a predetermined time, for example, 30 minutes in step ST6 (step ST9), the central processing unit 34 registers the registration data storage unit 32. The number data stored in the readout is read out, and a corresponding DTMF signal is generated through the DTMF generating unit 35 and transmitted to the trunk line (step ST10).

Then, when the connection with the facsimile number corresponding to the transmitted DTMF signal (step ST11), the central processing unit 34 transmits a control signal for transmitting the received and stored data to the computer (B) to the computer (B). When data is transmitted from the data storage unit 28 of the computer B, the modulation and demodulation unit 8 modulates the analog signal and transmits the analog signal to the facsimile apparatus connected through the trunk line (ST12).

Then, when the transmission of the received and stored data is completed (step ST13), the central processing unit 34 changes the line and returns to the standby state capable of receiving data, thereby terminating the functional operation according to the present invention. (ST14 step).

That is, according to the above embodiment, the received data is stored in the facsimile apparatus when the user is absent, and when the predetermined time elapses, the facsimile apparatus which can retransmit the received data to the facsimile number designated by the user can be realized.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, It can variously deform and implement within the range which does not deviate from the technical summary of this invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, when a user has missed data reception, the user can retransmit to a specific person designated by the user, thereby realizing a facsimile apparatus having a missed data processing function capable of actively coping with data reception.

Claims (1)

It has a data storage unit for storing the received data, a DTMF generator for generating a DTMF signal, a display unit for indicating that there is received data, and is connected to a plurality of computers through a local area network (LAN) In the facsimile apparatus to be transmitted and received, A key input unit for inputting a command of data output or registering a specific reception fax number to be resent, A registration data storage unit for storing the number data registered through the key input unit; A time counting unit for counting a predetermined time, If data is received, the data is stored in the data storage unit. If the data is received through the display unit, the display is controlled, and a predetermined time is counted. If there is no key input for data output, the data stored in the data storage unit is stored. And a control unit configured to control reading and retransmission to a registered fax number in the registered data storage unit.