Image processing apparatus for changing the resolution upon rotation of the image

This application is a reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 5 , 521 , 720 , which issued from application Ser. No. 08 / 248 , 092 .

1. Field of the Invention

Present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a plurality of resolutions.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventional image processing apparatuses, having a function for rotating information stored in a memory by a right angle (hereinafter referred to as “90° rotation function”), read an image in a mode specified from an operation unit and store the read image data into the memory. Such reading modes are usually called “normal mode”, “fine mode” and “super-fine mode”. The resolution of the normal mode is 8 pel/mm×3.85 line/mm; that of the fine mode, 8 pel/mm×7.7 line/mm; and that of the super-fine mode, 8 pel/mm×15.41 line/mm (pel/mm: density in main-scanning direction; line/mm: density in subscanning direction).

When the conventional apparatus reads an image in the normal mode, it stores the read image data having 8 pel/mm×3.85 line/mm resolution into a memory. The problem is that if a 90° rotation is performed on the stored image data, the line density of the rotated data in the main-scanning direction is degraded to 3.85 pel/mm. The conventional art converts the degraded line density into 8 pel/mm so as to raise the resolution, however, deterioration of image quality cannot be avoided.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and has as its object to provide an image processing apparatus capable of preventing deterioration of image quality.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus capable of efficiently utilizing an image memory.

According to the present invention, the forgoing objects are attained by providing an image processing apparatus comprising: specifying means for specifying a resolution with respect to a direction defined on an image; input means for inputting the image at a predetermined resolution regardless of the resolution specified by said specifying means; rotation means for rotating the image inputted by said input means by a predetermined angle from the direction; and conversion means for converting a resolution in a resultant direction from rotating the image by said rotation means through the predetermined angle, in accordance with the resolution specified by said specifying means.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to first to fourth embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 to 5 are flowcharts showing control operation of the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing control operation of the second embodiment;

FIGS. 7 to 10 are flowcharts showing control operation of the third embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing control operation of the fourth embodiment;

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

Overview

A feature of the following embodiments resides in image reading for “on-memory transmission”, i.e., reading image data and temporarily storing the read image data into a memory instead of transmitting the data onto a network in a real-time manner, and transmitting the read image data from the memory after the completion of storing the image data. In this reading, if the line density in a subscanning direction is lower than the pixel density in a main-scanning direction, the line density in the subscanning direction is raised close to the pixel density in the main-scanning direction.

In the following embodiments, an original image is read at the reading resolution where the pixel density in the main-scanning direction is 8 pel/mm or 16 pel/mm, and the line density in the subscanning direction is 3.85 line/mm, 7.7 line/mm or 15.4 line/mm. These figures are in conformance to the G3 standard.

Otherwise, the pixel density in the main-scanning direction is 200 dpi, 300 dpi or 400 dpi, the pixel density in the subscanning direction is 200 dpi, 300 dpi or 400 dpi. These figures are in conformance to the G4 standard.

Another feature of the following embodiments resides in image reading for on-memory transmission in accordance with the type of destination apparatus. More specifically, the image reading control is based on possibility of a 90° rotation of image data which is registered in a registration circuit. In a case where the apparatus might transmit 90° rotated image data to a destination according to the possibility, if the line density in the subscanning direction is lower than the pixel density in the main-scanning direction, the line density in the subscanning direction is raised close to the pixel density in the main-scanning direction.

In this case, the possibility of a 90° rotation of image data may be registered as additional information contained in single-touch dialing or abbreviated dialing information. The registration operation will be described in detail later.

Still another feature of the following embodiments resides in limiting the image reading for 90° rotating image data in accordance with specified size of recording sheet.

For example, only when the length in the main-scanning direction of an original image is 148 mm (shorter side of A5 sized paper) or 182 mm (shorter side of B5 sized paper), if the line density in the subscanning direction is lower than the pixel density in the main-scanning direction, the line density in the subscanning direction is raised close to the pixel density in the main-scanning direction.

By virtue of these features, a facsimile apparatus according to the following embodiments can perform the 90° rotation of image data while preventing excessive deterioration of image quality caused by the 90° rotation.

In addition, by virtue of these features, the apparatus can use its memory efficiently, since controls according to the features are performed only when there is a possibility of a 90° rotation of image data stored in the memory, or only in a case where a destination apparatus is registered with a possibility of a 90° rotation.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, an NCU (network control unit) 2 connects a communication line 2 a from a telephone network to a terminal to use the telephone network for data communication, switches the communication line to a data communication path, and maintains a loop. The NCU 2 connects the telephone line 2 a to either a telephone 4 side or a facsimile apparatus side. In a normal status, the telephone line 2 a is connected to the telephone 4 side.

A hybrid circuit 6 separates a transmission signal from a reception signal. The hybrid circuit 6 transfers a transmission signal from an adder 28 onto the telephone line 2 a via the NCU 2 , receives a reception signal from a destination apparatus via the NCU 2 and transfers the reception signal to a V27ter/V29 demodulator 32 and a V21 demodulator 30 .

V29 demodulator 32 is in conformance to the CCITT Recommendations V.29 protocol; and V21 demodulator 30 , the recommendations V.21 protocol.

A V21 modulator 8 , which performs modulation conforming to the Recommendations V.21 protocol, modulates a control signal from the controller 42 and transfers the modulated signal to an adder 28 .

A reader 10 , comprising an image sensing device such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) and an optical unit, sequentially reads image signal for one line in a main-scanning direction from an original image, and generates a signal array representing black and white binary image data. The reader 10 performs image reading with respect to the main-scanning direction in accordance with pixel density outputted onto a signal line 42 c, and it performs image reading with respect to the subscanning direction in accordance with line density outputted onto a signal line 42 d. Further, the reader 10 detects the size of the original image and informs the controller 42 of the detected size.

An encoder 12 inputs the read image data and performs the MR (modified READ) coding on the data.

A memory 14 stores the code data from the encoder 12 under the control of the controller 42 , and transfers the stored data to a decoder 16 .

The decoder 16 performs the MR decoding on the input code data, and outputs the decoded data to a memory 18 .

The memory 18 stores the decoded data from the decoder 16 under the control of the controller 42 , and transfers the stored data to a 90° rotator 20 and an image size changer 22 .

The 90° rotator 20 performs 90° rotation on the input data and outputs the rotated data to the image size changer 22 . The image size changer 22 enlarges/compresses the input image data by a size-change ratio (in both main-scanning and subscanning directions) under the control of the controller 42 , and outputs the enlarged/compressed image data to an encoder 24 .

The encoder 24 inputs the data from the image size changer 22 and performs the MH (modified Huffman) coding or the MR coding on the data under the control of the controller 42 .

A V27ter/V29 modulator 26 inputs the code data from the encoder 24 and performs modulation conforming to the CCITT Recommendations V.27 ter protocol (differential phase modulation) or V.29 protocol (orthogonal modulation), and outputs the modulated data to an adder 28 .

The adder 28 adds the output from the modulator 8 and the output from the modulator 26 , and outputs the result to a hybrid circuit 6 .

The V21 demodulator 30 inputs the data from the hybrid circuit 6 , performs demodulation conforming to the CCITT Recommendations V.21 protocol, and outputs the demodulated data to the controller 42 .

A V27ter/V29 demodulator 32 , inputs the modulated image signal from the hybrid circuit 6 , performs demodulation conforming to the CCITT Recommendations V.27 ter protocol or V.29 protocol, and outputs the modulated data to decoder 34 .

The decoder 34 performs the MH or MR decoding on the input data, and outputs the decoded data to a recorder 36 .

The recorder 36 sequentially records the data from the decoder 34 in one-line units.

A dialing circuit 38 inputs dial number information from the controller 42 to generate a selection signal, and outputs the selection signal to the NCU 2 .

A registration circuit 40 registers information on possibility of 90° rotation of image data on the destination apparatuses indicated by single-touch dialing numbers and abbreviated dialing numbers. In this embodiment, the registration circuit 40 registers sequentially, a single-touch dialing number (e.g., “01” to “24”) or an abbreviated dialing number (e.g., “*00” to “*99”), a “space”, a telephone number of a destination apparatus (e.g., “03-3481-1111”), a “space”, a called party's short form (e.g., “C & Co.”), a “space”, and a digit indicating a possibility of 90° rotation (e.g., “0”: no possibility, “1”: 90° rotation may be required).

To read information from the registration circuit 40 , a single-touch dialing number or an abbreviated dialing number (e.g., “01”) is pressed, so that a telephone number of a corresponding destination, the called party's short form and information on a possibility of 90° rotation (e.g., “03-3481-1111 C & CO. 1”) can be outputted.

When an original image is read to be stored into the memory 14 for image transmission, if the line density in the subscanning direction is lower than the pixel density in the main-scanning direction, the controller 42 controls the reading so as to raise the line density in the subscanning direction close to the pixel density in the main-scanning direction. More specifically, the controller 42 outputs a control signal for reading in the main-scanning direction onto the signal line 42 c and a control signal for reading in the subscanning direction onto the signal line 42 d.

A keyboard 44 inputs various information.

Upon transmission, if a 90° rotation is not performed, sampled of image data is performed with respect to the line density in the subscanning direction so that the resolution of the read image data corresponds to that of a specified mode, i.e., 8 pel/mm or 16 pel/mm in the main-scanning direction×3.85 line/mm, 7.7 line/mm or 15.4 line/mm in the subscanning direction.

It should be noted that the resolution in main-scanning and subscanning directions can be specified from the keyboard 44 .

Next, the control operation of the controller 42 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 2 to 5 .

The reading resolution of a “normal mode”, specified from the keyboard 44 , is 8 pel/mm (main-scanning direction)×3.85 line/mm (subscanning direction); a “fine mode”, 8 pel/mm×7.7 line/mm; a “super fine mode”, 8 pel/mm×11.5 line/mm; and a “ultra fine mode”, 16 pel/mm×15.4 line/mm.

In step S 52 , a CML (connect modem to line) in the NCU 2 is turned off so as to connect the telephone 4 with the line 2 a. In step S 54 , whether or not on-memory transmission is selected from the keyboard 44 is determined. If NO, the process proceeds to step S 56 to perform other processings.

If YES in step S 54 , the process proceeds to step S 58 , in which whether or not the pixel density in the main-scanning direction selected from the keyboard 44 is 16 pel/mm is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 114 , while if NO, i.e., the selected pixel density is 8 pel/mm, proceeds to step S 60 .

In step S 60 , whether or not the line density in the subscanning direction selected from the keyboard 44 is 3.85 line/mm is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 62 , while if NO, i.e., the selected line density is 7.7 line/mm or 15.4 line/mm, proceeds to step S 74 .

In step S 62 , the reader 10 is informed of the reading resolution where the pixel density in the main-scanning direction is 8 pel/mm, and the line density in the subscanning direction is 7.7 line/mm. In step S 64 , the read image information is encoded into MR code data and stored into the memory 14 .

Next, in step S 66 , whether or not the reading of all the pages has completed is determined. If YES, a selection signal corresponding to a telephone number of the destination apparatus, inputted from the keyboard 44 is outputted onto the line 2 a in step S 68 .

Then in step S 70 , the CML in the NCU 2 is turned on so as to connect the hybrid circuit 6 with the line 2 a. In step S 72 , pre-procedure for image transmission is performed. Thereafter, the process advances to step S 106 to be described later.

In step S 74 , the reader 10 is instructed to perform reading in the specified mode, and in step S 76 , the read image information is encoded into MR code data and stored into the memory 14 . In step S 78 , whether or not the reading of all the pages has completed is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 80 , in which a selection signal corresponding to the telephone number of the destination apparatus is outputted onto the line 2 a.

Next, in step S 82 , the CML in the NCU 2 is turned on, and in step S 83 , the pre-procedure for image transmission is performed. In step S 84 , on the assumption that the size of the original image is A5, whether or not the destination apparatus has no A5-sized recording sheet but A4-sized recording sheet is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 86 , while if NO, proceeds to step S 96 .

In step S 86 , setting for data transmission in the fine mode is performed. More specifically, the setting is made in a manner such that as a result of the 90° rotation the pixel density in the main-scanning direction becomes 7.7 or 15.4 pel/mm and the line density in the subscanning direction becomes 8 line/mm, and the image size changer 22 changes the pixel density in the main-scanning direction from 7.7 pel/mm or 15.4 pel/mm to 8 pel/mm, and the line density in the subscanning direction from 8 line/mm to 7.7 line/mm.

In step S 88 , in the pre-procedure for the transmission, the destination apparatus is informed of the length of image in the main-scanning direction as A4, and in step S 90 , the rest of the pre-procedure is performed. In step S 92 , the image signal stored in the memory 14 is 90° rotated, and the density in the main-scanning and subscanning directions are converted in accordance with the settings in step S 86 . Then, the image data is transmitted. In step S 94 , post-procedure of the image transmission is performed. Thereafter, the process returns to step S 52 .

In step S 96 , on the assumption that the size of the original image is B5, whether or not the destination apparatus has no B5-sized recording sheet but B4-sized recording sheet is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 98 , while if NO, proceeds to step S 102 .

In step S 98 , setting for data transmission in the fine mode is performed. More specifically, the setting is made in a manner such the as a result of the 90° rotation the pixel density in the main-scanning direction becomes 7.7 or 15.4 pel/mm and the line density in the subscanning direction becomes 8 line/mm, and the image size changer 22 changes the pixel density in the main-scanning direction from 7.7 pel/mm or 15.4 pel/mm to 8 pel/mm, and the line density in the subscanning direction from 8 line/mm to 7.7 line/mm. In step S 100 , in the pre-procedure for the transmission, the destination apparatus is informed of the length of image in the main-scanning direction as B4, and in step S 90 , the rest of the pre-procedure is performed. In step S 92 , the image signal stored in the memory 14 is 90° rotated, and the density in the main-scanning and subscanning directions are converted in accordance with the settings in step S 98 . Then, the image data is transmitted.

In step S 102 , setting for the fine mode transmission is performed such that the 90° rotation is not performed, the pixel density of the transmission data in the main-scanning direction is 8 pel/mm, and the line density in the subscanning direction corresponds to that of the specified mode.

In step S 104 , in the pre-procedure for the transmission, the size of the original image is informed as the length in the main-scanning direction.

In step S 90 , the rest of the pre-procedure is performed. In step S 92 , the image data stored in the memory 14 is transmitted without 90° rotation and the density conversion in the main-scanning and subscanning directions.

In step S 106 , following the above-described step S 72 , on the assumption that the size of the original image is A5, whether or not the destination apparatus has no A5-sized recording sheet but A4-sized recording sheet is determined, based on the received control signal from the destination apparatus. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 108 , while if NO, proceeds to step S 110 .

In step S 108 , setting for data transmission in the normal mode is performed. More specifically, the setting is made in a manner such that as a result of the 90° rotation, the pixel density in the main scanning direction becomes 7.7 pel/mm and the line density in the subscanning direction becomes 8 line/mm, and the image size changer 22 changes the pixel density in the main-scanning direction from 7.7 pel/mm to 8 pel/mm and the line density in the subscanning direction from 8 line/mm to 3.85 line/mm.

In other words, the image size changer 22 samples the image data in the subscanning direction in accordance with the above settings. Thus, the resolution of the image data to be transmitted becomes that of the normal mode.

In step S 88 , in the pre-procedure for the transmission, the destination apparatus is informed of the length of image in the main-scanning direction as A4. In step S 90 , the rest of the pre-procedure is performed. In step S 92 , the image data in the memory 14 is 90° rotated, and the density in the main-scanning and subscanning directions are converted in accordance with the settings in step S 108 .

In step S 110 , on the assumption that the size of the original image is B5, whether or not the destination apparatus has no B5-sized recording sheet but B4-sized recording sheet is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 112 , while if NO, proceeds to the above-described step S 102 .

In step S 112 , setting for data transmission in the normal mode is performed. More specifically, the setting is made in a manner such that as a result of the 90° rotation, the pixel density in the main scanning direction becomes 7.7 pel/mm and the line density in the subscanning direction becomes 8 line/mm, and the image size changer 22 changes the pixel density in the main-scanning direction from 7.7 pel/mm to 8 pel/mm and the line density in the subscanning direction from 8 line/mm to 3.85 line/mm.

In other words, the image size changer 22 samples the image data in the subscanning direction in accordance with the above settings. Thus, the resolution of the image data to be transmitted becomes that of the normal mode.

In step S 100 , in the pre-procedure for the transmission, the destination apparatus is informed of the image length in the main-scanning direction as B4. In step S 90 , the rest of the pre-procedure is performed. In step S 92 , the image data in the memory 14 is 90° rotated, and the density in the main-scanning and subscanning directions are converted in accordance with the settings in step S 108 .

In a case where the process proceeds from step S 110 to step S 102 , setting for the normal mode data transmission is performed such that a 90° rotation is not performed, the pixel density in the main-scanning direction is not converted, i.e., 8 pel/mm is maintained, and the line density in the subscanning direction is converted (sampled) from 7.7 line/mm to 3.85 line/mm.

In step S 104 , the destination apparatus is informed of the size of the original image as the transmission image size. In step S 90 , the rest of the pre-procedure is performed. In step S 92 , the image data in the memory 14 is 90° rotated, and the density in the subscanning direction is sampled to the specified line density in accordance with the setting in step S 102 , while the density in the main scanning direction is maintained. Then, the image data is transmitted.

In step S 114 , whether or not the line density in the subscanning direction, selected from the keyboard 44 , is 15.4 line/mm is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 116 , while if NO, i.e., the selected density is 3.85 line/mm or 7.7 line/mm, proceeds to step S 128 .

In step S 116 , the reader 10 is instructed to perform image reading in the specified mode having 16 pel/mm×15.4 line/mm density. In step S 118 , the read image data is encoded into MR code data and stored into the memory 14 .

In step S 120 , whether or not the reading of all the pages has completed is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 122 , in which a selection signal corresponding to the telephone number of the destination apparatus is outputted onto the line 2 a.

Next, in step S 124 , the CML in the NCU 2 is turned on, and in step S 126 , the pre-procedure for image transmission is performed. After this, the process proceeds to step S 140 .

In step S 128 , the reader 10 is instructed to perform image reading in the density of 16 pel/mm (main scanning direction)×15.4 line/mm (subscanning direction). In step S 130 , the read image data is encoded into HR code data and stored into the memory 14 .

In step S 132 , whether or not the reading of all the pages has completed is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 134 , in which a selection signal corresponding to the telephone number of the destination apparatus is outputted onto the line 2 a.

In step S 136 , the CML in the NCU 2 is turned on. In step S 138 , pre-procedure for the image transmission is performed, then the process proceeds to step S 140 .

In step S 140 , on the assumption that the size of the original image is A5, whether or not the destination apparatus has no A5-sized recording sheet but A4-sized recording sheet is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 142 , while if NO, proceeds to step S 144 .

In step S 142 , setting for data transmission in the ultra fine mode is performed. More specifically, the setting is made in a manner such that as a result of the 90° rotation, the pixel density in the main scanning direction becomes 15.4 pel/mm and the line density in the subscanning direction becomes 16 line/mm, and the image size changer 22 changes the pixel density in the main-scanning direction from 15.4 pel/mm to 16 pel/mm, and the line density in the subscanning direction from 16 line/mm to designated density (3.85 line/mm, 7.7 line/mm or 15.4 line/mm).

In step S 144 , on the assumption that the size of the original image is B5, whether or not the destination apparatus has no B5-sized recording sheet but B4-sized recording sheet is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 146 , while if NO, proceeds to step S 148 .

In step S 146 , setting for transmission in the ultra fine mode is performed. More specifically, the setting is made in a manner such that as a result of the 90° rotation, the pixel density in the main scanning direction becomes 15.4 pel/mm and the line density in the subscanning direction becomes 16 line/mm, and the image size changer 22 changes the pixel density in the main-scanning direction from 15.4 pel/mm to 16 pel/mm, and the line density in the subscanning direction from 16 line/mm to designated density (3.85 line/mm, 7.7 line/mm or 15.4 line/mm).

In step S 148 , setting for the ultra fine mode transmission is performed such that the 90° rotation is not performed, the pixel density of the transmission data in the main-scanning direction is 16 pel/mm, and the line density in the subscanning direction corresponds to that of the specified mode (3.85 line/mm, 7.7 line/mm or 15.4 line/mm).

In the present embodiment, the pixel density in the main-scanning direction is 8 pel/mm or 16 pel/mm, and the line density in the subscanning direction is 3.85 line/mm, 7.7 line/mm or 15.4 line/mm. However, the pixel and line densities may be represented by inch unit in conformance to the G4 standard. That is, in this example, the density in the main-scanning direction may be 200 dpi, 300 dpi or 400 dpi, and the density in the subscanning direction may be 200 dpi, 300 dpi or 400 dpi.

Further, the apparatus in the transmitting side may read an original image in a specified mode having inch-based resolution and transmit the image data to an apparatus which performs density conversion based on mm-based resolution. Otherwise, the apparatus in the transmitting side may read an original image in a specified mode having mm-based resolution and transmit the image data to an apparatus which performs inch-based density conversion.

Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment, upon image reading for on-memory transmission, if the line density in a subscanning direction is lower than the pixel density in a main-scanning direction, the image reader performs the reading in a manner such that the line density in the subscanning direction is raised close to the pixel density in the main-scanning direction. In the second embodiment, image reading is made in accordance with the type of destination apparatus. Possibility of a 90° rotation is registered in the registration circuit 40 , and upon image reading for on-memory transmission in accordance with the registered possibility, if the line density in the subscanning direction is lower than the pixel density in the main-scanning direction, the line density in the subscanning direction is raised close to the pixel density in the main-scanning direction.

The second embodiment also employs the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .

It should be noted that in a case where a destination facsimile apparatus has A5-sized recording sheet and/or B5-sized recording sheet, there is no possibility of 90° rotation.

In this embodiment, information on possibility of 90° rotation is registered as additional information to single-touch dialing information or abbreviated dialing information.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 6, which shows different part of the operation of the first embodiment (FIGS. 2 to 5 ).

First, in step S 52 , the CML in the NCU 2 is turned off, and in step S 54 , whether or not on-memory transmission is to be performed is determined. If NO, the process proceeds to step S 152 , in which whether or not registration of possibility of 90° rotation has been instructed is examined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 154 , in which the possibility of 90° rotation is registered in the registration circuit 40 in correspondence with a single-touch/abbreviated dialing number of the destination apparatus. If NO, the process proceeds to step S 56 .

On the other hand, if YES in step S 54 , the process proceeds to step S 160 , in which the image reading for on-memory transmission is initiated in accordance with pressing of a single-touch dialing key or an abbreviated dialing key is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 162 , while if NO, proceeds to step S 58 .

In step S 162 , whether or not possibility of 90° rotation is registered in correspondence with the telephone number of the destination apparatus is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 58 , while if NO, proceeds to step S 166 .

In step S 58 and the subsequent steps, image reading is performed, and if the line density in the subscanning direction is lower than the pixel density in the main-scanning direction, the line density in the subscanning direction is raised close to the pixel density in the main-scanning direction.

In step S 166 , whether or not the pixel density in the main-scanning direction selected from the keyboard 44 is 16 pel/mm is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 172 to perform the above-described processings in steps S 116 to S 126 , i.e., storing the read image data into the memory 14 in accordance with the specified mode, calling the destination apparatus, and perform pre-transmission procedure. Then, the process advances to step S 148 , in which image transmission without 90° rotation is performed.

If the selected pixel density in the main-scanning direction is 8 pel/mm, the process proceeds to steps S 74 to S 83 , to perform the processings described in the first embodiment, i.e., storing the read image data into the memory 14 in accordance with the specified mode, calling the destination apparatus, and performs the pre-transmission procedure. Then, the process advances to step S 102 , in which image transmission without 90° rotation is performed.

Third Embodiment

In this embodiment, the apparatus performs broadcasting under the conditions described in the second embodiment. More specifically, when an apparatus with possibility of 90° rotation, registered as additional information of single-touch/abbreviated dialing number, or, indicated by manual selection (e.g., from ten-key) is included in a plurality of destination apparatuses, if the line density in the subscanning direction is lower than the pixel density in the main-scanning direction, the line density in the subscanning direction is raised close to the pixel density in the main-scanning direction.

The third embodiment also employs the facsimile having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 .

Next, the characteristic operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 7 to 10 which show a part different from the processings in the second embodiment (FIG. 6 ).

In step S 52 , the CML in the NCU 2 is turned off, and in step S 54 , whether or not on-memory transmission is made is examined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 182 , in which whether or not broadcasting has been instructed is determined. If NO, the process proceeds to step S 160 . If YES, the process proceeds to step S 186 , in which whether or not the apparatuses in the broadcasting destinations include an apparatus in the broadcasting destinations having a telephone number which is not registered as a single-touch/abbreviated dialing number is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 190 , while if NO, proceeds to step S 188 .

In step S 188 , whether or not the single-touch/abbreviated dialing numbers of the plurality of destination apparatuses include a dialing number registered with possibility of 90° rotation is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 190 , while if NO, proceeds to step S 232 .

In step S 190 , whether or not the pixel density in the main-scanning direction selected from the keyboard 44 is 16 pel/mm is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 212 , while if NO, i.e., the selected density is 8 pel/mm, proceeds to step S 192 .

In step S 192 , whether or not the line density in the subscanning direction selected from the keyboard is 3.85 line/mm is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 194 , while if NO, i.e., the selected density is 7.7 line/mm or 15.4 line/mm, the proceeds to step S 204 .

In step S 194 , the processings in steps S 62 to S 66 as described in the first embodiment are performed, i.e., the read image data is stored into the memory 14 . In step S 196 , any of the processings in steps (1) S 68 to S 72 , S 106 to S 108 , S 88 to S 94 ; (2) S 68 to S 72 , S 106 , S 110 , S 112 , S 110 , S 90 to S 94 ; or (3) S 68 to S 72 , S 106 , S 110 , S 102 to S 104 , S 90 to S 94 , described in the first embodiment, are performed. This executes transmission to one of the destination apparatuses. At this time, a 90° rotation is performed in correspondence with necessity.

In step S 198 , the CML in the NCU 2 is turned off. In step S 200 , whether or not the transmission to all the destinations has completed is determined. If YES, the process returns to step S 52 , while if NO, returns to step S 196 .

In step S 204 , the processings in S 74 to S 78 described in the first embodiment are performed, i.e., the read image signal is stored into the memory 14 . In step S 206 , any of the above-described processings in (1) S 80 to S 94 ; (2) S 80 to S 84 , S 96 to S 100 , S 90 to S 94 ; (3) S 80 to S 84 , S 96 , S 102 , S 104 , S 90 to S 94 are performed. This executes transmission to one of the destination apparatuses. At this time, a 90° rotation is performed in correspondence with necessity.

In step S 208 , the CML in the NCU 2 is turned off. In step S 210 , whether or not the transmission to all the destinations has completed is determined. If YES, the process returns to step S 52 , while if NO, returns to step S 206 .

In step S 212 , whether or not the line density in the subscanning direction selected from the keyboard 44 is 15.4 line/mm is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 214 , while if NO, i.e., the selected density is 3.85 line/mm or 7.7 line/mm, proceeds to step S 224 .

In step S 214 , the processings in steps S 116 to S 120 described in the first embodiment are performed, i.e., the image signal is stored into the memory 14 . In step S 216 , any of the above-described processings (1) S 122 to S 126 , S 140 , S 142 , S 88 to S 94 ; (2) S 122 to S 126 , S 140 , S 144 , S 146 , S 100 , S 90 to S 94 ; (3) S 122 to S 126 , S 140 , S 144 , S 148 , S 104 , S 90 to S 94 are performed. This executes transmission to one of the destination apparatuses. At this time, a 90° rotation is performed in correspondence with necessity.

In step S 218 , the CML in the NCU 2 is turned off. In step S 220 , whether or not the transmission to all the destinations has completed is determined. If YES, the process returns to step S 52 , while if NO, returns to step S 216 .

In step S 224 , the processings in step S 128 to S 132 described in the first embodiment are performed, i.e., the image signal is stored into the memory 14 . In step S 226 , any of the above-described processings in (1) S 134 to S 142 , S 88 to S 94 ; (2) S 134 to S 140 , S 144 , S 146 , S 100 , S 90 to S 94 ; (3) S 134 to S 140 , S 144 , S 148 , S 104 , S 90 to S 94 are performed. This executes transmission to one of the destination apparatuses. At this time, a 90° rotation is performed in correspondence with necessity.

In step S 228 , the CML in the NCU 2 is turned off. In step S 230 , whether or not the transmission of all the destinations have completed is determined. If YES, the process returns to step S 52 , while if NO, returns to step S 226 .

In step S 232 , whether or not the pixel density in the main-scanning direction selected from the keyboard 44 is 16 pel/mm is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 244 , while if NO, i.e., the selected density is 8 pel/mm, proceeds to step S 234 .

In step S 234 , the processings in steps S 74 to S 78 described in the first embodiment are performed, i.e., the image signal is stored into the memory 14 . In step S 236 , the above-described steps S 80 to 83 , S 102 to S 104 , S 90 to S 94 are performed for transmission to one destination. This includes no 90° rotation.

In step S 238 , the CML in the NCU 2 is turned off, and in step S 240 , whether or not the transmission of all the pages has completed is determined. If YES, the process returns to step S 52 , while if NO, returns to step S 236 .

In step S 244 , the processings in steps S 116 to S 120 described in the first embodiment are performed, i.e., the image signal is stored into the memory 14 . In step S 246 , the above-described processings in steps S 122 to S 126 , S 148 , S 104 , S 90 to S 94 are performed for transmission to one destination. This includes no 90° rotation.

In step S 248 , the CML in the NCU 2 is turned off, and in step S 250 , whether or not the transmission to all the destinations nations has completed is determined. If YES, the process returns to step S 52 , while if NO, returns to step S 246 .

Fourth Embodiment

This embodiment also employs the facsimile apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, the image reading for 90° rotation is limited in accordance with specified size of recording sheet.

Only in a case where the length of an original image in a main-scanning direction is 148 mm (short side of A5-sized paper) or 182 mm (short side of B5-sized paper), upon image reading for on-memory transmission, if the line density in a subscanning direction is lower than the pixel density in a main-scanning direction, the line density in the subscanning direction is raised close to the pixel density in the main-scanning direction.

Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11 showing a part different from the operation in the first embodiment (FIGS. 2 to 5 ).

After the processings in steps S 52 to S 54 , whether or not the pixel density in the main-scanning direction selected from the keyboard 44 is 16 pel/mm is determined in step S 58 . If YES, the process proceeds to step S 262 , in which whether or not the length of the original image in the main-scanning direction detected by the reader 10 is 148/182 mm is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 114 , in which, upon reading, if the line density in the subscanning direction is lower than the pixel density in the main-scanning direction, the line density in the subscanning direction is raised close to the pixel density in the main-scanning direction. The read image data is stored into the memory 14 , and upon transmission, a 90° rotation is performed in accordance with necessity.

On the other hand, if NO in step S 262 , i.e., the length of the original image in the main-scanning direction is neither 148 mm nor 182 mm, the process proceeds to step S 266 , in which the above-described processings in steps S 116 to S 126 are performed, i.e., reading image in a specified mode, storing the read image data into the memory 14 , dialing to a destination apparatus, and pre-procedure for image transmission are performed. In step S 148 , the image transmission is performed without 90° rotation.

If NO in step S 58 , i.e., the selected pixel density in the main-scanning direction is 8 pel/mm, the process proceeds to step S 272 , in which whether or not the length of the original image in the main-scanning direction is 148/182 mm is determined. If YES, the process proceeds to step S 60 , in which, upon reading, if the line density in the subscanning direction is lower than the pixel density in the main-scanning direction, the line density in the subscanning direction is raised close to the pixel density in the main-scanning direction. Then, the read image data is stored into the memory 14 , and upon transmission, a 90° rotation is performed in accordance with necessity.

If NO in step S 272 , i.e., the length of the original image in the main-scanning direction is neither 148 mm nor 182 mm, the process proceeds to step S 276 , in which the above-described processings in steps S 74 to S 83 are performed, i.e., reading in the specified mode, storing the read image data into the memory 14 , dialing to the destination apparatus, and pre-procedure for the transmission are performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S 102 and the subsequent steps, to transmit the image data without 90° rotation.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the size of an original image is the same, however, in consideration of a case where the original includes pages of different sizes, execution of 90° rotation and resolution conversion may be determined upon storing image data into the memory.

In step S 62 , the reading may be performed at 8 line/mm in the subscanning direction, and in step S 128 , the reading may be performed at 16 line/mm in the subscanning direction.

In the above embodiment, the 90° rotator 20 rotates image data by 90°, however, the reader 10 may detect whether or not an original image has been read at a slant, i.e., neither of the shorter side nor longer side of the original image is parallel to the CCD scanning direction, and the rotator 20 may perform rotation in consideration of the detection result from the reader 10 .

Further, in the above embodiment, whether or not a 90° rotation is made is determined in accordance with the size of an original image. However, the reader 10 may detect whether the original image has been read with the longer side at the top or it has been read with the shorter side at the top, and if the original has been read from the longer side, the image data may be 90° rotated.

The present invention can be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices, or to an apparatus comprising a single device. Furthermore, the invention is applicable also to a case where the object of the invention is attained by supplying a program to a system or apparatus.

As many apparently widely different embodiments of present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.