JP3625358B2 - Facsimile device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having a plurality of communication modes for transmitting images of a plurality of different resolutions.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the G3 facsimile machine, the resolution (standard) of 8 dots / mm for main scanning and 3.85 lines / mm for sub-scanning is defined as the standard resolution. However, according to the demand for higher functionality, the resolution (fine) of main scanning 8 dots / mm and sub scanning 7.7 lines / mm, and the resolution of main scanning 8 dots / mm and sub scanning 15.4 lines / mm ( It generally has a function of transmitting a semi-super fine image. Further, some high-end models have a function of transmitting an image with a resolution (super fine) of 16 dots / mm for main scanning and 15.4 lines / mm for sub-scanning.
[0003]
However, even a facsimile machine that supports each of these resolutions generally uses standard or fine, and even when high resolution is required, semi-super fine is often sufficient.
[0004]
By the way, since the resolution used at the time of communication is selected by the transmission side, even if the reception side may be a standard resolution, when the transmission side selects a high resolution, a high resolution communication mode is used. However, the higher the resolution, the longer the communication time, so communicating in a higher-resolution mode than required by the receiver will cause the line to run longer than necessary, contrary to the intention of the receiver. This is not preferable because it will be occupied. Therefore, it is conceivable that the resolution can be limited by the intention of the receiving side by arbitrarily prohibiting the use of a communication mode at a high resolution, that is, for example, the super fine mode.
[0005]
On the other hand, when a page printer such as a laser printer is used to print a received image in a facsimile machine, a page buffer capable of storing print data (unencoded image data) for one page is required. It becomes. The capacity of the page buffer is a capacity capable of storing print data relating to the highest resolution image that can be handled by the facsimile apparatus.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, it is possible to arbitrarily prohibit the use of the communication mode at a high resolution, and in the case of a facsimile machine using a page printer for printing a received image, the page buffer can handle the highest. A capacity capable of storing print data relating to the resolution image is secured.
[0007]
For this reason, when the use of the high-resolution communication mode is prohibited, the amount of print data stored in the page buffer is significantly smaller than the page buffer capacity, and the page buffer has a large storage area. Is not used. As a result, the use of the memory is wasted when the use of the communication mode at the high resolution is prohibited.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to always use memory efficiently regardless of whether or not use of a communication mode at high resolution is prohibited. It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile machine that can do this.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention stores, for example, a printing means such as a printer having a function of printing an image at each of a plurality of resolutions, and print data used for image printing by this printing means for one page. For example, having a capacity for storing one page of print data having the highest resolution among the plurality of types of resolutions, for example, a memory means including a region A and a region B in the RAM, and the plurality of communication modes. A communication mode excluding a communication mode for which a predetermined prohibition is designated is set as a use candidate communication mode, for example, a use communication mode restriction unit such as a use candidate mode setting unit, and the use communication among the storage areas of the memory unit The image data of the highest resolution among the resolutions of the images transmitted in each of the use candidate communication modes determined by the mode restriction means. Other data storage for storing data other than the print data in a storage area other than the print data storage area in the storage area of the memory means, while allocating a storage area having a capacity for storing pages to the print data storage area And a memory division control means assigned to the area.
[0010]
By taking such means, the memory means stores one page of image data of the highest resolution among the resolutions of the images transmitted in each of the use candidate communication modes determined by the use communication mode limiting means. A storage area having a capacity is assigned to a print data storage area, and a storage area other than the print data storage area in the storage area of the memory means is assigned to another data storage area for storing data other than the print data. . As a result, the free space in the memory means is effectively used.
[0011]
Further, the present invention is instructed to cancel the prohibition designation with respect to a communication mode that targets a higher resolution than the communication mode that has been set as the use candidate communication mode, and the image data of the resolution of the image transmitted in the communication mode is transmitted. Other data to be changed to the print data storage area when it becomes necessary to change at least a part of the other data storage area to the print data storage area in order to allocate a storage area having a capacity for storing one page to the print data storage area If data is stored in the storage area, it is provided with warning means such as a data loss warning means for issuing a warning that the data will be lost, and the memory division control means is provided after the warning means issues a warning. In response to the confirmation instruction for canceling the prohibition designation, at least a part of the other data storage area is stored in the print data storage area. It was to be changed to pass.
[0012]
By taking such measures, when it becomes necessary to change at least a part of the other data storage area to the print data storage area, the data is stored in the other data storage area to be changed to the print data storage area. If this is the case, a warning that the data will be lost is issued, and in response to the confirmation instruction to cancel the prohibition designation, at least a part of the other data storage area stores the print data Changed to area. Therefore, when data is stored in the other data storage area to be changed to the print data storage area, the prohibition designation for the communication mode targeting a higher resolution than the communication mode which has been the use candidate communication mode until now is specified. Even if the release is instructed by mistake, the data is prevented from being erased without the user's knowledge.
[0013]
Further, the present invention is instructed to cancel the prohibition designation with respect to a communication mode that targets a higher resolution than the communication mode that has been set as the use candidate communication mode, and the image data of the resolution of the image transmitted in the communication mode is transmitted. Other data to be changed to the print data storage area when it becomes necessary to change at least a part of the other data storage area to the print data storage area in order to allocate a storage area having a capacity for storing one page to the print data storage area If data is stored in the storage area and the data can be output from the area, the memory division control means includes an output control means such as a data movement control means for outputting the data from the area. Then, after the data is output by the output control means, the area is changed to a print data storage area.
[0014]
By taking such measures, when it becomes necessary to change at least a part of the other data storage area to the print data storage area, the data is stored in the other data storage area to be changed to the print data storage area. If the data can be output from the area, the data is output from the area, and then the area is changed to a print data storage area. Therefore, data stored in the other data storage area to be changed to the print data storage area is protected as much as possible.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a main configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0017]
As shown in this figure, the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment includes a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, an encoding / decoding unit 4, an operation unit 5, a display unit 6, a scanner 7, a printer 8, a modem 9, and an NCU (network control circuit). ) 10, and these components are connected to each other via a system bus 11.
[0018]
The CPU 1 realizes an operation as a facsimile apparatus by performing control processing for overall control of each part of the facsimile apparatus based on a control program stored in the ROM 2.
[0019]
The ROM 2 stores a control program for the CPU 1 and the like.
[0020]
The RAM 3 is for storing various information necessary for the CPU 1 to perform various processes. A partial area of the RAM 3 is used for temporarily storing received image data and image data waiting to be transmitted, and temporarily storing print data to be printed by the printer 8. Used as a page buffer.
[0021]
The encoding / decoding unit 4 performs encoding processing for redundancy compression on image data and also decodes image data that has been encoded for redundancy compression.
[0022]
The operation unit 5 includes a group of key switches, for example, and is used for receiving various instruction inputs to the CPU 1 by the user.
[0023]
The display unit 6 uses a liquid crystal display, for example, and visually displays various types of information to be notified to the user under the control of the CPU 1.
[0024]
The scanner 7 includes a line image sensor, an image processing circuit, a document transport mechanism, and the like, reads a transmission document, and generates image data indicating the transmission document. This scanner 7 has a resolution of main scanning 8 dots / mm, sub-scanning 3.85 lines / mm, main scanning 8 dots / mm, sub-scanning 7.7 lines / mm, main scanning 8 dots / mm, sub-scanning. It has the ability to generate an image having a resolution of 15.4 lines / mm, or a resolution of 16 dots / mm for main scanning and 15.4 lines / mm for sub scanning.
[0025]
The printer 8 uses a page printer such as a laser printer, for example, and prints an image indicated by print data for one page stored in the RAM 3 on a recording sheet. This printer 8 has a resolution of main scanning 8 dots / mm, sub scanning 3.85 lines / mm, main scanning 8 dots / mm, sub scanning 7.7 lines / mm, main scanning 8 dots / mm, sub scanning. It has the ability to print an image having a resolution of 15.4 lines / mm, or a resolution of 16 dots / mm for main scanning and 15.4 lines / mm for sub scanning.
[0026]
The modem 9 demodulates the facsimile transmission data that has arrived via the communication line C and reproduces the image data, and outputs the reproduced image data to the system bus 11 under the control of the CPU 1. The modem 9 generates facsimile transmission data by modulating image data given from the RAM 3 under the control of the CPU 1, and sends the generated facsimile transmission data to the communication line C via the NCU 10.
[0027]
The NCU 10 takes out a signal that has arrived via the communication line C, gives it to the modem 9, and sends out a signal given from the modem 9 to the communication line C. The NCU 10 performs known network control processing such as closing of a DC loop.
[0028]
By the way, as control means realized by the CPU 1 operating based on the control program stored in the ROM 2, in addition to the well-known general one in the facsimile apparatus, use candidate mode setting means 1a, memory division control means 1b, data movement control means 1c and data loss warning means 1d.
[0029]
Among these, the use candidate mode setting unit 1a sets a mode candidate that is actually used for communication among available communication modes (standard, fine, semi-super fine, and super fine) based on the designation of the user. . The memory division control unit 1b allocates areas to be used as an image storage memory and a page buffer in the RAM 3 according to the setting by the use candidate mode setting unit 1a. When the memory division control unit 1b performs the change allocation using a part of the image storage memory as a page buffer, the data movement control unit 1c can store other data in the storage memory if possible. The process for moving to this area is performed. The data loss warning means 1d performs a process of issuing a warning to the user that the data will be lost when the data movement control means 1c cannot move the data.
[0030]
Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus configured as described above will be described. Since the basic operation of this facsimile apparatus, such as the operation related to facsimile communication, is the same as that of a known general facsimile apparatus, the description thereof will be omitted. Here, the resolution restriction is changed by a predetermined instruction operation on the operation unit 5. The process performed in response to the designation is described in detail.
[0031]
First, an area A dedicated as a page buffer, an area B shared as a page buffer and an image storage memory, and an area C dedicated as an image storage memory are set in the RAM 3 respectively, and the super fine mode is prohibited. In normal times, areas A and B are set in the page buffer and area C is set in the image storage memory. Area A and area B have the same capacity as the data size of the print data when the image of the maximum size handled by the facsimile apparatus is shown in the resolution in the semi-super fine mode. That is, for example, when the maximum size of an image is A4 (210 mm × 297 mm), the area A and the area B each have a capacity of 960498 bytes.
[0032]
When the resolution restriction change designation is made, the CPU 1 first determines the contents of the designation (step ST1 in FIG. 2). If the designated content is prohibited to use the super fine mode, the CPU 1 excludes the super fine mode from the use candidate mode (step ST2).
[0033]
Here, in the normal state in which the super fine mode is set to the use candidate mode, as shown in FIG. 3, the areas A and B are set in the page buffer, and only the area C is set in the image storage memory. . Thus, the page buffer has a capacity of 1920996 bytes (960498 × 2 bytes), and has the same capacity as the data size of the print data as shown by the resolution in the super fine mode. Then, if prohibition of use of the super fine mode is designated from this state as described above, and the super fine mode is excluded from the use candidate mode accordingly, the CPU 1 stores the area B in the image storage memory as shown in FIG. Only the area A is set in the page buffer (step ST3).
[0034]
On the other hand, when the resolution restriction change designation is made to release the prohibition of the use of the super fine mode from the state in which the use of the super fine mode is prohibited as described above, the CPU 1 determines whether or not data is stored in the area B. Is checked (step ST4). When data is stored in the area B, the CPU 1 subsequently determines whether or not there is a space in the area C that can store the data (step ST5). If there is, the data stored in area B is moved to this empty area (step ST6).
[0035]
On the other hand, if data is stored in the area B, but there is no free area in the area C where the data can be stored, the data is lost when the CPU 1 cancels the prohibition of using the super fine mode. For example, a warning display as shown in FIG. In this state, the CPU 1 accepts a confirmation designation as to whether or not to cancel the prohibition of use of the super fine mode (step ST8), and determines the contents of the designation (step ST9). If the cancellation is designated, the CPU 1 ends the process as it is and keeps the super fine mode disabled.
[0036]
Now,
(1) When data is not stored in area B in step ST4.
[0037]
(2) When data movement in step ST6 is completed.
[0038]
(3) When it is determined in step ST9 that continuation is designated.
[0039]
The CPU 1 sets the super fine mode to the use candidate mode (step ST10), and as shown in FIG. 3, the area A and the area B are used as page buffers, and only the area C is displayed as an image. Each is set in the storage memory (step ST11).
[0040]
Of the processes of the CPU 1 described above, the processes of step ST1, step ST2 and step ST10 are performed by the use candidate mode setting means 1a. The processing of step ST3, step ST8, step ST9 and step ST11 is performed by the memory partition control means 1b. The processing from step ST4 to step ST6 is performed by the data movement control means 1c. The process of step ST7 is performed by the data loss warning means 1d.
[0041]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, prohibition of use of the super fine mode is designated, and if the super fine mode is excluded from the use candidate mode accordingly, the area B is changed to the image storage memory, and the area A Set only to page buffer. When the super fine mode is excluded from the use candidate mode, the mode with the highest resolution among the use candidate modes is the fine mode, and the amount of print data of the image handled in that mode is the same as that in the super fine mode. 1/2 (960498 bytes). Accordingly, the amount of print data to be stored in the page buffer in this state does not exceed the capacity of the area A, and all of the print data can be reliably stored. As the image storage memory, a large capacity obtained by adding the region B to the region C can be secured, and more image data to be transmitted and received can be stored. As a result, the RAM 3 can be used without waste.
[0042]
Further, according to the present embodiment, when the page buffer is expanded to the area B in order to release the prohibition of use of the super fine mode, the data is stored in the area B and the data can only be stored. If there is an empty area in area C, the data stored in area B is moved to the empty area in area C. When the area A and the area B are set as page buffers, if the print data needs to be stored, the data stored in the area B will be lost, but the corresponding data will be stored in the empty area of the area C. By moving the data, it is possible to prevent the loss of data as described above.
[0043]
Further, according to the present embodiment, when there is no free area in the area C that can move the data stored in the area B and the data cannot be protected, a warning to that effect is given to the user. To confirm whether or not to continue the process. Then, the process is continued or stopped according to the user's designation as to whether or not to continue the process. As a result, it is possible to let the user select whether to give priority to canceling the prohibition of use of the super fine mode or to prioritize protection of data after knowing that data will be lost. It is possible to prevent data from being lost.
[0044]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, when data is stored in the area B when the page buffer is expanded to the area B, the data is moved to an empty area in the area C or a warning is displayed. However, only one of these treatments may be performed, or neither of them may be performed.
[0045]
In the above embodiment, when the page buffer is expanded to the area B, the data stored in the area B is output from the area B by moving to the empty area of the area C. 8 may be output from the area B by another method such as print output by 8 or transmission output to another terminal via the communication line C.
[0046]
In the above-described embodiment, the warning that data is lost is performed by visual display of a text message on the display unit 6, but lighting or blinking of a lamp such as an LED or an audible buzzer sound or voice message is possible. A method such as output may be used, or a combination thereof may be used.
[0047]
The print data for one page is not limited to data indicating an actual image portion, and may include, for example, a TTI (Transmit Terminal Identification) data editing area indicating transmission station information.
[0048]
In the above embodiment, the resolution of main scanning 8 dots / mm, sub scanning 3.85 lines / mm, main scanning 8 dots / mm, sub scanning 7.7 lines / mm, main scanning 8 dots / mm, sub scanning Standard mode, fine mode, semi-super fine mode, and super fine mode that transmit 15.4 lines / mm resolution, or images with 16 dots / mm main scan and 15.4 lines / mm resolution respectively. However, the present invention can also be applied to a facsimile apparatus that can selectively prohibit the use of a plurality of modes. Also, the resolution is not limited to the above, and may be arbitrary.
[0049]
In the above embodiment, the region B is used as an image storage memory in addition to the page buffer, but may be used as a memory other than the image storage memory.
[0050]
In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, there is provided a printing unit having a function of printing an image at each of a plurality of types of resolution, and for storing one page of print data used by the printing unit for image printing. Use candidate communication mode including a memory means having a capacity for storing one page of print data of the highest resolution among the resolutions of the selected communication mode and a communication mode excluding the communication mode in which a predetermined prohibition is designated among the plurality of communication modes Use communication mode restriction means and image data of the highest resolution among the resolutions of images transmitted in each of the use candidate communication modes determined by the use communication mode restriction means in the storage area of the memory means. A storage area having a capacity for storing one page is allocated to the print data storage area, and the print data storage area of the memory means is stored. Memory division control means for allocating a storage area other than the area to another data storage area for storing data other than the print data, regardless of whether or not use of the communication mode at high resolution is prohibited. Therefore, the facsimile apparatus can always use the memory efficiently.
[0052]
In addition, according to the present invention, an instruction to cancel the prohibition designation for a communication mode that targets a higher resolution than the communication mode that has been used as a candidate communication mode is instructed, and the resolution of an image transmitted in the communication mode is instructed. When it becomes necessary to change at least a part of the other data storage area to the print data storage area in order to allocate the storage area for storing one page of image data to the print data storage area, the print data storage area is changed. And a warning means for issuing a warning that the data will be lost if the data is stored in the other data storage area, and the memory division control means is configured to provide the prohibition designation after the warning means issues a warning. In response to the cancellation confirmation instruction, at least a part of the other data storage area is changed to the print data storage area. Therefore, when data is stored in another data storage area that should be changed in the print data storage area, the prohibition specification for the communication mode that targets a higher resolution than the communication mode that has been the use candidate communication mode until now. Even if the release is inadvertently instructed, the facsimile apparatus can prevent data from being erased without the user's knowledge.
[0053]
Further, according to the present invention, the cancellation of the prohibition designation for the communication mode targeting a higher resolution than the communication mode that has been the use candidate communication mode so far is instructed, and the resolution of the image transmitted in the communication mode is determined. When it becomes necessary to change at least a part of the other data storage area to the print data storage area in order to allocate the storage area for storing one page of image data to the print data storage area, the print data storage area is changed. If the data is stored in the other data storage area and the data can be output from the area, the memory division control means includes the output control means for outputting the data from the area. After the data is output by this, the area is changed to the print data storage area. A facsimile machine can be protected as far as possible the data stored in the other data storage areas to be changed frequency.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a main configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the CPU 1 when a resolution restriction change designation is made.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an allocation state of page buffers and image storage memories when a super fine mode is in a normal state set as a use candidate mode.
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an allocation state of page buffers and image storage memories when the super fine mode is excluded from the use candidate mode.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a warning display.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... CPU
1a: Use candidate mode setting means
1b: Memory division control means
1c: Data movement control means
1d: Data loss warning means
2 ... ROM
3 ... RAM
4 ... Encoding / decoding unit
5. Operation unit
6 ... Display section
7 ... Scanner
8 ... Printer
9. Modem
10 ... NCU (network control circuit)
11 ... System bus

Claims (4)

In a facsimile apparatus having a plurality of communication modes that respectively transmit images of different types of resolutions,
A printing unit having a function of printing an image at each of the plurality of resolutions;
Memory means for storing one page of print data used for image printing by the printing means, and having a capacity for storing one page of print data of the highest resolution among the plurality of resolutions;
A use communication mode limiting unit that sets a communication mode excluding a communication mode in which a predetermined prohibition designation is made among the plurality of communication modes as a use candidate communication mode;
Of the storage area of the memory means, a storage area having a capacity for storing one page of image data of the highest resolution among the resolutions of images transmitted in each of the use candidate communication modes determined by the use communication mode restriction means Memory division control means for allocating a storage area other than the print data storage area of the memory means to another data storage area for storing data other than the print data. ,
An instruction to cancel the prohibition designation with respect to a communication mode targeting a higher resolution than the communication mode that has been set as the use candidate communication mode is instructed, and image data of the resolution of the image transmitted in the communication mode is stored for one page. When it is necessary to change at least a part of the other data storage area to the print data storage area in order to allocate the capacity storage area to the print data storage area, the data is stored in the other data storage area to be changed to the print data storage area. When stored, the data movement control means for moving the data to the other data storage area that did not need to be changed from the area to the print data storage area,
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the memory division control unit changes the area to a print data storage area after the data movement is performed by the data movement control unit . Determination means for determining whether or not there is a free area in which the data is moved when data is stored in the other data storage area to be changed in the print data storage area;
A warning means for issuing a warning that the data is lost when the determination means determines that there is no free space to move the data;
When the determination means determines that there is a free area to move the data, the data movement control means moves the data,
When the determination unit determines that there is no free space to move the data, the memory division control unit responds to a confirmation instruction to cancel the prohibition designation after the warning unit issues a warning. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the other data storage area is changed to the print data storage area. 3. The communication mode in which the prohibition is specified is a super fine mode, and the communication modes other than the communication mode in which the prohibition is specified are a semi-super fine mode, a fine mode, and a standard mode. The facsimile apparatus described in 1. 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print data storage area is a page buffer, and the other data storage area is an image storage memory.

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