Communication apparatus

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a communication apparatus capable of accommodating plural communication lines.

2. Related Background Art

As the communication apparatus capable of accommodating plural communication lines, there is conventionally known for example a facsimile apparatus. Such facsimile apparatus receives and records the facsimile information received from any line in the same manner.

For example, in case there are provided two lines, the information received from these lines are not particularly distinguished such as the reception from a line A and that from a line B.

Consequently, in case a facsimile apparatus accommodating plural telephone lines is purchased and utilized by plural companies or organizations, it is a hard job to distribute the received information.

Also the communication report issued for a predetermined number of communications is not easily understandable as it contains the transmissions and receptions on all the lines.

In consideration of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is, in the facsimile apparatus capable of accommodating plural communication lines, to effectively process the reception information in each line and to enable efficient distribution of the received and recorded documents and the communication result report.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing first and second embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 2, 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 are flow charts showing the function of the first embodiment;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are views showing the function of the second embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11, 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 and 19 are flow charts showing the function of the third embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 21, 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 and 27 are flow charts showing the function of the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 29, 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 and 39 are flow charts showing the function of the second embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus constituting first and second embodiments of the present invention.

An NCU (network control unit) 2 is provided for utilizing a telephone network for data communication by effecting connection to a terminal of a telephone line, connection control of a telephone exchange network, switching to data communication channel, loop holding etc. Also the NCU 2 connects a telephone line 2 a to a telephone set 4 or to the facsimile apparatus according as a signal level on a signal line 20 a from a control circuit 20 is “ 0 ” or “ 1 ”. In the normal state, the telephone line 2 a is connected to the telephone set.

A hybrid circuit 6 separates transmission signals and reception signals, and executes transmission of the transmission signal from an adder circuit 12 to the telephone line 2 a through the NCU 2 , and transfer of the signal, received from a communication partner through the NCU 2 , to a modem 8 through a signal line 6 a.

The modem 8 executes modulation and demodulation according to the ITU-T recommendation V.8, V.21, V.27 ter, V.29, V.17 and V.34, and each transmission mode is designated by a signal line 20 c . The modem 8 receives a signal on a signal line 20 b to output modulated data on a signal line 8 a , and receives a signal on the signal line 6 a to output demodulated data on a signal line 8 b.

An ANSam transmission circuit 10 , for outputting an ANSam signal, outputs the ANSam signal or none to a signal line 10 a according as the signal level on a signal line 20 d is “ 1 ” or “ 0 ”.

The adder circuit 12 receives information on the signal lines 8 a and 10 a and outputs the result of addition to a signal line 12 a . A reading circuit 14 reads an image of an original and outputs read image data on a signal line 14 a . A recording circuit 16 records information on a signal line 20 e in succession, line by line.

A memory circuit 18 is used for storing the original or encoded information of the read data, or the received or demodulated information.

A calling circuit 22 receives telephone number information on a signal line 20 f and outputs a selection signal to a signal line 2 b when a call command pulse is generated on a signal line 20 g.

An operation unit 24 is provided with a one-touch dial, a shortened dial, numeral keys, “*” and “#” keys, a set key, a start key, registration keys to circuits 30 , 39 and other function keys, and information of a depressed key is outputted to a signal line 24 a.

A selection button 26 is used for selecting a line (A, B, C or D) to be used for calling and the depression of this button generates a pulse on a signal line 26 a.

A display circuit 28 is used for displaying a line to be used in telephone calling. It displays “line A selected” when a clear pulse is generated on a signal line 20 h , and displays “line B selected”, “line C selected”, “line D selected” or “line A selected” in succession upon every generation of a depression pulse on the signal line 26 a . Also it outputs a signal “A” on a signal line 28 a when “line A selected” is displayed, and similarly outputs a signal “B”, “C” or “D” on the signal line 28 a according as “line B selected”, “line C selected” or “line D selected” is displayed.

A registration circuit 20 registers an output bin according to a line, and the registration is executed through a signal line 30 a . For example, in the first embodiment to be explained later, a first bin (bin 1 ) 32 is registered for the transmission, reception and communication report through the line A. Similarly a second bin (bin 2 ) 34 , a third bin (bin 3 ) 36 and a fourth bin (bin 4 ) 38 are registered for those through the line B, C and D, respectively. Also in the second embodiment to be explained later, the first bin 32 is registered for the transmission, reception and communication report through the lines A and B, while the second bin 35 is registered for those through the lines C and D.

The first to fourth bins 32 to 38 respectively store recorded sheets. When a signal “ 1 ” is provided on a signal line 20 i , the recorded sheet (received and recorded original) outputted from the recording circuit 16 is stored in the first bin 32 . Similarly, when a signal “ 2 ”, “ 3 ” or “ 4 ” is provided on the signal line 20 i , the recorded sheets outputted from the recording circuit 16 is stored in the second bin 34 , third bin 36 or fourth bin 38 , respectively. A signal line 16 a schematically indicates a path of the recorded sheet outputted from the recording circuit 16 .

A one-touch dial registration circuit 39 , for registering the one-touch dial, is used for registering the telephone number and the line A, B, C or D to be selected, corresponding to the one-touch dial through a signal line 39 a.

In the foregoing description, the signal line 2 a corresponds to the first telephone line A, and a first communication unit A is constituted by the telephone set 4 , the hybrid circuit 6 , the modem 8 , the ANSam transmission circuit 10 , the adder circuit 12 and the calling circuit 22 .

A second communication unit B 40 has a configuration similar to that of the communication unit A, and a signal line 40 a corresponds to the second telephone line B. A signal line 40 b is a control line equivalent to that between the communication unit A and the control circuit 20 .

A third communication unit C 42 has a configuration similar to that of the communication unit A, and a signal line 42 a corresponds to the third telephone line C. A signal line 42 b is a control line equivalent to that between the communication unit A and the control circuit 20 .

A fourth communication unit D 44 has a configuration similar to that of the communication unit A, and a signal line 44 a corresponds to the fourth telephone line D. A signal line 44 b is a control line equivalent to that between the communication unit A and the control circuit 20 .

The control circuit 20 in the facsimile apparatus accommodating plural (for example 4) lines of the first embodiment of the present invention serves to register the output bin corresponding to each line in the registration circuit 30 and, at the receiving operation, to determine the bin for output based on thus registered information. It is assumed that the registration in the registration circuit 30 is so made as to output the received sheet of the line A to the first bin, and to similarly output the received sheet of the line B, C or D respectively to the second, third or fourth bin.

In issuing a call, the line to be used for such call can be designated among plural lines, and the report indicating the result of each communication and the report indicating the results of a predetermined number of communications can be outputted for each line. Thus, the report indicating the result of a communication utilizing the line A and the report indicating the results of a predetermined number of communications utilizing the line A are outputted in the first bin, and, these reports utilizing the line B, C or D are similarly outputted respectively to the second, third or fourth bin.

FIGS. 2 to 8 are flow charts showing the control sequence of the control circuit 20 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, a step S 0 starts the sequence, and a step S 2 generates a clear pulse on the signal line 20 h to display “line A selected” on the circuit 28 . A step S 4 clears a communication number 1 corresponding to the first bin. Steps S 6 , S 8 and S 10 similarly clear the communication numbers 2 , 3 , 4 corresponding to the second, third and fourth bins.

A next step S 12 outputs a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 20 i , thus designating the output of the reception sheet to the first bin. A step S 14 turns off all the CML's of the communication units A, B, C and D. A step S 16 sets all the communication units A, B, C and D in a state not transmitting the ANSam signal.

Then a step S 18 receives the information on the signal line 24 a to discriminate whether the registration in the registration circuit 30 is selected, and, if selected, the sequence proceeds to a step S 20 for registering the output bin in the registration circuit 30 based on the information on the signal line 30 a , for example the first, second, third and fourth bins respectively for the lines A, B, C and D. Then the sequence proceeds to a step S 22 . On the other hand, if the registration is not selected, the sequence directly proceeds to the step S 22 .

The step S 22 enters the information of the signal line 24 a for discriminating whether the registration in the one-touch dial registration circuit 39 , and, if selected, the sequence proceeds to a step S 24 for registering the telephone number and the line to be used (line A, B, C or D) in the one-touch dial registration circuit 39 corresponding to the one-touch dial based on the signal line 39 a , but, if the registration is not selected, the sequence proceeds to a step S 26 .

The step S 26 discriminates whether a call making is selected, and, the sequence proceeds to a step S 28 or S 40 respectively if a call making is selected or not.

The step S 28 discriminates whether the call making is by the one-touch dial, and, the sequence proceeds to a step S 30 or S 32 respectively if the call making is by the one-touch dial or not.

The step S 30 enters the information of the signal line 39 a and discriminates whether the line to be used for one-touch dialing is designated, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 34 or S 32 according as the line is designated or not.

The step S 32 enters the information of the display circuit 28 through the signal line 28 a to recognize the selected line, and the sequence then proceeds to the step S 34 .

The step S 34 discriminates whether the designated line is currently in use, and, if in use, the sequence proceeds to a step S 36 for setting a redial job (JOB) and then to the step S 14 .

If the line is not in use, the sequence proceeds to a step S 38 for making a call to the designated line, utilizing the calling circuit 22 .

The step S 40 discriminates whether the line A is in a state of receiving a call or being used, and, if the result of discrimination is affirmative, the sequence proceeds to a step S 42 for executing a communication utilizing the line A for a predetermined time and then to a step S 44 , but, if the result is negative, the sequence proceeds directly to the step S 44 .

The step S 44 discriminates whether the line B is in a state of receiving a call or being used, and, if the result of discrimination is affirmative, the sequence proceeds to a step S 46 for executing a communication utilizing the line B for a predetermined time and then to a step S 48 , but, if the result is negative, the sequence proceeds directly to the step S 48 .

The step S 48 discriminates whether the line C is in a state of receiving a call or being used, and, if the result of discrimination is affirmative, the sequence proceeds to a step S 50 for executing a communication utilizing the line C for a predetermined time and then to a step S 52 , but, if the result is negative, the sequence proceeds directly to the step S 52 .

The step S 52 discriminates whether the line D is in a state of receiving a call or being used, and, if the result of discrimination is affirmative, the sequence proceeds to a step S 54 for executing a communication utilizing the line D for a predetermined time and then to a step S 56 , but, if the result is negative, the sequence proceeds directly to the step S 56 . A step S 56 executes other processes and the sequence proceeds to the step S 14 .

A step S 60 in FIG. 5 starts a communication process A, called from the step S 42 . A step S 62 turns on the CML of the communication unit A, then a step S 64 discriminates whether the reception is selected, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 66 or S 76 according as the reception or transmission is selected.

The step S 66 executes a pre-procedure, and a step S 68 outputs a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 20 i for outputting the reception sheet to the first bin. A step S 70 executes reception/recording of the image signal, then a step S 72 executes a post-process, and a step S 74 turns off the CML of the communication unit A. Then the sequence proceeds to a step S 88 .

The step S 76 executes a pre-process, then a step S 78 executes transmission of the image signal, and a step S 80 executes a post-procedure. Then a step S 82 turns off the CML of the communication unit A, then a step S 84 discriminates whether the output of the communication result report of a communication is selected by an unrepresented switch, and, if not selected, the sequence proceeds to the step S 88 .

On the other hand, if selected, the sequence proceeds to a step S 85 for outputting a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 20 i to output the report to the first bin, and a step S 86 outputs the result of the communication that has just been executed as a communication result report of a communication. Then the sequence proceeds to the step S 88 .

The step S 88 memorizes the result of communication, corresponding to the communication number 1 . Then a step S 90 discriminates whether the number of communications has reached 40 , and, if the number has reached 40 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 92 for printing the results of the recent 40 communications registered corresponding to the communication number 1 , and the sequence then proceeds to a step S 94 . A step S 94 increases the value of the communication number 1 by one, and the sequence returns to the main flow from a step S 96 .

A step S 100 in FIG. 6 starts a communication process B called from the step S 46 . In the following there will be only explained the differences from the sequence shown in FIG. 5 (steps in FIG. 6 same as those in FIG. 5 being represented by the step numbers therein).

A step S 102 turns on the CML of the communication unit B, then steps S 104 and S 106 executes operations of the steps S 64 and S 66 , and a step S 108 outputs a signal “ 2 ” to the signal line 20 i for outputting the received information to the second bin.

Subsequently a step S 110 executes the operations of the steps S 70 and S 72 , then a step S 112 turns off the CML of the communication unit B, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 124 .

A step S 114 executes the operations of the steps S 76 to S 80 , and a step S 116 turns off the CML of the communication unit B. A step S 118 executes the operation of the step S 84 , and a step S 120 outputs a signal “ 2 ” to the signal line 20 i for outputting the report to the second bin. Then a step S 122 executes the operation of the step S 86 and the sequence proceeds to the step S 124 .

The step S 124 memorizes the result of communication, corresponding to the communication number 2 . Subsequently a step S 126 executes discrimination of the step S 90 , and, if the result is affirmative, a step S 128 prints the results of the recent 40 communications corresponding to the communication number 2 , and the sequence proceeds to a step S 130 . On the other hand, if the result is negative, the sequence directly proceeds to the step S 130 .

The step S 130 increases the value of the communication number 2 by one, and the sequence returns to the main flow from a step S 132 .

A step S 140 in FIG. 7 starts a communication process C called from the step S 60 . In the following there will be only explained the differences from the sequence shown in FIG. 5 (steps in FIG. 7 same as those in FIG. 5 being represented by the step numbers therein).

A step S 142 turns on the CML of the communication unit C, then steps S 144 and S 146 executes operations of the steps S 64 and S 66 , and a step S 148 outputs a signal “ 3 ” to the signal line 20 i for outputting the received information to the third bin.

Subsequently a step S 150 executes the operations of the steps S 70 and S 72 , then a step S 152 turns off the CML of the communication unit B, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 164 .

A step S 154 executes the operations of the steps S 76 to S 80 , and a step S 156 turns off the CML of the communication unit C. A step S 158 executes the operation of the step S 84 , and a step S 160 outputs a signal “ 3 ” to the signal line 20 i for outputting the report to the third bin. Then a step S 162 executes the operation of the step S 86 and the sequence proceeds to the step S 164 .

The step S 164 memorizes the result of communication, corresponding to the communication number 3 . Subsequently a step S 166 executes discrimination of the step S 90 , and, if the result is affirmative, a step S 168 prints the results of the recent 40 communications corresponding to the communication number 3 , and the sequence proceeds to a step S 170 . On the other hand, if the result is negative, the sequence directly proceeds to the step S 170 .

The step S 170 increases the value of the communication number 3 by one, and the sequence returns to the main flow from a step S 172 .

A step S 180 in FIG. 8 starts a communication process D called from the step S 54 . In the following there will be only explained the differences from the sequence shown in FIG. 5 (steps in FIG. 8 same as those in FIG. 5 being represented by the step numbers therein).

A step S 182 turns on the CML of the communication unit D, then steps S 184 and S 186 executes operations of the steps S 64 and S 66 , and a step S 188 outputs a signal “ 4 ” to the signal line 20 i for outputting the received information to the fourth bin.

Subsequently a step S 190 executes the operations of the steps S 70 and S 72 , then a step S 192 turns off the CML of the communication unit D, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 204 .

A step S 194 executes the operations of the steps S 76 to S 80 , and a step S 196 turns off the CML of the communication unit D. A step S 198 executes the operation of the step S 84 , and a step S 200 outputs a signal “ 4 ” to the signal line 20 i for outputting the report to the fourth bin. Then a step S 202 executes the operation of the step S 86 and the sequence proceeds to the step S 204 .

The step S 204 memorizes the result of communication, corresponding to the communication number 4 . Subsequently a step S 206 executes discrimination of the step S 90 , and, if the result is affirmative, a step S 208 prints the results of the recent 40 communications corresponding to the communication number 4 , and the sequence proceeds to a step S 210 . On the other hand, if the result is negative, the sequence directly proceeds to the step S 210 .

The step S 210 increases the value of the communication number 4 by one, and the sequence returns to the main flow from a step S 212 .

In the following there will be explained a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the second embodiment, in contrast to the first embodiment, there is assumed a configuration having only first and second bins, wherein the communication utilizing the line A or B is outputted to the first bin while that utilizing the line C or D is outputted to the second bin, and the communication result report of a communication and that of a predetermined number of communications are outputted in the respective bin.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show, among the functions of the second embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment (FIGS. 2 to 8 ), and FIG. 9A shows a part of the flow chart while FIG. 9B is a list of altered portions.

In FIG. 9A, a step S 220 shows the YES branch of the step S 18 , and a step S 222 registers the output bins corresponding to the lines in the registration circuit 30 through the signal line 30 a , for example the first bin for the lines A and B, and the second for the lines C and D. Thereafter the sequence proceeds to the step S 22 from a step S 224 .

Also, as shown in FIG. 9B, the steps S 108 , S 120 are altered from the “second bin” to the “first bin”, and the steps S 124 , S 128 , S 130 are altered from the “communication number 2 ” to the “communication number 1 ”.

Also the steps S 148 , S 160 are altered from the “third bin” to the “second bin”, and the steps S 164 , S 168 , S 170 are altered from the “communication number 3 ” to the “communication number 2 ”.

Further, the steps S 188 , S 200 are altered from the “fourth bin” to the “second bin”, and the steps S 204 , S 208 , S 210 are altered from the “communication number 4 ” to the “communication number 2 ”.

As explained in the foregoing, in case a facsimile apparatus connected to plural lines is used by plural organizations with each line assigned to each organization, the communication result report of each organization can be outputted in each output bin whereby the convenience of use can be extremely improved.

In the following there will be explained a third embodiment of the present invention.

In the conventional facsimile apparatus connected to plural lines, the recording control at the reception is not particularly changed according to the line used at the reception. For example, cassettes are provided for the recording sheets of A 4 , B 4 and A 3 sizes, the information of the A 4 -, B 4 - or A 3 -sized original is respectively recorded on the sheet of A 4 , B 4 or A 3 size regardless of the line used.

Therefore, in case a facsimile apparatus with two lines is purchased and used by two companies, it is extremely tedious to sort the facsimile receptions to the two companies and such sorting has to be made according to the content of each reception. Consequently, the third embodiment of the present invention provides a facsimile apparatus enabling easy sorting.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus constituting the third embodiment of the present invention, wherein blocks same as those in FIG. 1 are represented by same number and will not be explained further.

A registration circuit 124 serves to register, through a signal line 124 a , the recording sheet to be used in cassettes (first, second, third or fourth cassette) corresponding to the line (A or B). As an example, it is assumed that the first and second cassettes are registered for the line A while the third and fourth cassettes are registered for the line B.

Among the first to fourth cassettes (cassettes 1 to 4 ) 126 to 132 , the recording is made on the recording sheet contained in the first cassette 126 in case a signal “ 1 ” is outputted on a signal line 120 f , and the recording is similarly made on the recording sheet contained in the second, third or fourth cassette 128 to 132 respectively in case a signal “ 2 ”, “ 3 ” or “ 4 ” is outputted on the signal line 120 f.

On a signal line 126 a , there is outputted information indicating the size of the recording sheet contained in the first cassette 126 and the presence of the sheet therein. Similarly, on signal lines 128 a , 130 a , 132 a there are outputted information indicating the sizes of the recording sheets contained in the second, third and fourth cassettes 128 to 132 and the presence of the sheets therein. A signal line 116 a schematically indicates the paths of the recording sheets from the cassettes.

A display circuit 134 displays the absence of recording sheets in the cassette when the line A is used and the cassette having no sheet, by receiving the information of a signal line 120 g.

A display circuit 136 displays the absence of recording sheets in the cassette when the line B is used and the cassette having no sheet, by receiving the information of a signal line 120 h.

A display circuit 138 displays that proxy reception is executed because of absence of the recording sheet in the cassette corresponding to the used line, and executes such displays or not according as the signal level on a signal line 120 i is “ 1 ” or “ 0 ”.

A selection button 140 selects the line A or B for a call, and a depression pulse is generated on a signal line 140 a when the selection button 140 is depressed.

A display circuit 142 is used for displaying when the line A or B is to be used in telephone calling. It displays “line A used” when a clear pulse is generated on a signal line 120 j , and displays “line B used”, “line A used”, or “line B used” in succession upon every generation of a depression pulse on the signal line 140 a . Also it outputs a signal “ 0 ” on a signal line 142 a when “line A used” is displayed, and similarly outputs a signal “ 1 ” on the signal line 142 a respectively when “line B used” is displayed.

The control circuit 120 in the facsimile apparatus with plural lines (lines A and B) constituting the third embodiment of the present invention is adapted to set the cassette to be used at reception for each line, and, in the receiving operation, to effect recording on the recording sheet selected according to the line.

For each line there can be set plural cassettes. In case the cassette to be used corresponding to the line contains no sheet, there is executed memory reception regardless whether the cassette to be used corresponding to another line contains sheet or not. On the other hand, there is memorized the line selected at the call making, and the communication result report for the transmission is recorded on the recording sheet, by checking the used line and based on the information setting the cassette to use for reception for each line.

FIGS. 11 to 19 are flow charts showing the control sequence of the control circuit 120 in the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, a step S 300 starts the sequence, and a step S 302 generates a clear pulse on the signal line 120 j for displaying the selection of the line A at the call making. A step S 304 sets, through the signal line 120 g , the display circuit 134 in a state of no display. A step S 306 sets, through the signal line 120 h , the display circuit 136 in a state of no display.

A step S 310 outputs a signal “ 1 ” on the signal line 120 f , thereby designating the recording on the recording sheet of the first cassette. A step S 312 outputs a signal “ 0 ” on the signal line 120 a to turn off the CML. A step S 314 outputs a signal “ 0 ” to the signal line 120 d in order not to output the ANSam signal.

A step S 316 enters the information of the signal line 24 a and discriminates whether the registration in the registration circuit 124 is selected, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 318 or S 320 according as the registration is selected or not.

The step S 318 registers, in the registration circuit 124 through the signal line 124 a , the line to be used corresponding to the cassette. For example, the registration is so made as to use the first cassette (for example containing A 4 -sized sheet) for the line A, the second cassette (for example containing B 4 -sized sheet) for the line A, the third cassette (for example containing A 4 -sized sheet) for the line B and the fourth cassette (for example containing B 4 -sized sheet) for the line B.

The step S 320 discriminates whether a reception operation utilizing the line A is in progress, and, if so, the sequence proceeds to a step S 322 to execute a reception process A of a step S 378 for a predetermined time (in case the step S 322 is executed next time, it is started from a process executed immediately before. This applies also to steps S 326 , S 342 and S 346 ). Then the sequence returns to the main flow and proceeds to a step S 324 . Also if the reception operation is not in progress, the sequence directly proceeds to the step S 324 .

The step S 324 discriminates whether a reception operation utilizing the line B is in progress, and, if so, the sequence proceeds to the step S 326 to execute a reception process B of a step S 398 for a predetermined time. Then the sequence returns to the main flow and proceeds to a step S 328 . Also if the reception operation is not in progress, the sequence directly proceeds to the step S 328 .

The step S 328 enters the information on the signal line 24 a and discriminates whether a call making is selected, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 330 or S 340 according as the call making is selected or not.

The step S 330 enters the information of the signal line 142 a and discriminates whether a call making utilizing the line A is selected, and, according as it is selected or not, the sequence respectively proceeds to a step S 332 or S 334 .

The step S 332 discriminates whether the line A is currently in use, and, if in use, the sequence proceeds to the step S 340 , but, if not in use, the sequence proceeds to a step S 338 for issuing a call utilizing the line A.

The step S 334 discriminates whether the line B is currently in use, and, if in use, the sequence proceeds to the step S 340 , but, if not in use, the sequence proceeds to a step S 336 for issuing a call utilizing the line B.

The step S 340 discriminates whether a transmission operation utilizing the line A is in progress, and, if so, the sequence proceeds to the step S 342 for executing a transmission operation A of a step S 418 for a predetermined time. Then the sequence returns to the main flow and proceeds to a step S 344 . If the transmission operation is not in progress, the sequence directly proceeds to the step S 344 .

The step S 344 discriminates whether a transmission operation utilizing the line B is currently in progress, and, if so, the sequence proceeds to the step S 346 for executing a transmission operation B of a step S 436 for a predetermined time and the sequence then returns to the main flow, but, if the transmission operation is not in progress, the sequence proceeds to a step S 348 .

A step S 348 enters the information of the signal line 24 a to discriminate whether the output by proxy reception is selected, and, if selected or not, the sequence respectively proceeds to a step S 350 or S 364 .

The step S 350 discriminates whether the output is from proxy received information utilizing the line A, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 352 or S 360 according as the result of discrimination is affirmative or negative.

The step S 352 enters the information of the signal line 124 a and discriminates whether the cassette corresponding to the line A (for example the first or second cassette) contains the recording sheet, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 354 or the S 364 according as the recording sheet is present or absent.

The step S 354 records the information of the memory reception on the recording sheet of a cassette corresponding to the line A. For example the received information of A 4 size is recorded on the recording sheet of the first cassette and that of B 4 size is recorded on the recording sheet of the second cassette.

A step S 356 discriminates whether the unoutputted information of the proxy reception is present in the memory, and, if present, the sequence proceeds to the step S 364 , but, if absent, the sequence proceeds to a step S 358 for outputting a signal “ 0 ” to the signal line 120 i thereby not displaying the presence of the proxy reception on the display circuit 138 .

The step S 360 enters the information of the signal line 124 a and discriminates whether the cassette corresponding to the line B (for example the third or fourth cassette) contains the recording sheet, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 362 or the S 364 according as the recording sheet is present or absent.

The step S 362 records the information of the memory reception on the recording sheet of a cassette corresponding to the line B. For example the received information of A 4 size is recorded on the recording sheet of the third cassette and that of B 4 size is recorded on the recording sheet of the fourth cassette.

The step S 364 enters the information of the signal lines 124 a , 126 a and 128 a and discriminates whether the cassette corresponding to the line A (for example the first or second cassette). If the recording sheet is present, the sequence proceeds to a step S 366 for disabling the display circuit 134 through the signal line 120 g and then to a step S 370 . If the recording sheet is absent, the sequence proceeds to a step S 368 for causing, through the signal line 120 g , the display circuit 134 to display that the recording sheet to be used for the line A is absent and the cassette in which the recording sheet is absent, and then proceeds to the step S 370 .

The step S 370 enters the information of the signal lines 124 a , 130 a and 132 a and discriminates whether the cassette corresponding to the line B (for example the third or fourth cassette). If the recording sheet is present, the sequence proceeds to a step S 372 for disabling the display circuit 134 through the signal line 120 g and then to a step S 376 . If the recording sheet is absent, the sequence proceeds to a step S 374 for causing, through the signal line 120 h , the display circuit 136 to display that the recording sheet to be used for the line B is absent and the cassette in which the recording sheet is absent, and then proceeds to a step S 376 .

The step S 376 executes other processes and the sequence proceeds to the step S 312 .

The step S 378 starts a reception process utilizing the line A. Then a step S 380 outputs a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 20 a to turn on the CML. A step S 382 executes a pre-process, then a step S 384 discriminates whether the recording sheet is present in the first or second cassette, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 386 or S 388 according as the recording sheet is present or absent.

The step S 386 records the received information on the recording sheet in the first or second cassette. According as the original is of A 4 or B 4 size, the recording is made on the recording sheet of the first or second cassette.

The step S 388 stores the received information in the memory. There is also stored information indicating the reception from the line A. Then a step S 390 outputs a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 120 i for displaying the presence of the proxy reception on the display circuit 138 .

Then a step S 392 executes a post-process, and a step S 394 outputs a signal “ 0 ” to the signal line 20 a for turning off the CML. Then the sequence returns to the main flow from a step S 396 .

The step S 398 starts a reception process utilizing the line B. In the following there will be explained, in a sequence from a step S 400 to S 416 , portions different from the sequence from the step S 380 to S 396 .

The step S 400 and a step S 414 deal with the CML of the communication unit B. Also a step S 404 discriminates whether the recording sheet is present in the third or fourth cassette, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 406 or S 408 according as the recording sheet is present or absent.

A step S 406 records the received information on the recording sheet of the third or fourth cassette. According as the original is of A 4 or B 4 size, the recording is made on the recording sheet of the third or fourth cassette.

A step S 408 stores the received information in the memory. There is also stored information indicating the reception from the line B.

A step S 418 starts a transmission process utilizing the line A. Then a step S 420 outputs a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 20 a to turn on the CML of the communication unit A. A step S 422 executes a post-procedure, then a step S 424 executes transmission of the image signal, and a step S 426 executes a post-procedure.

A step S 428 outputs a signal “ 0 ” on the signal line 20 a to turn on the CML of the communication unit A. A step S 430 discriminates whether a communication result report is required because of a communication error, and, if required, the sequence proceeds to a step S 432 , but, if not, the sequence proceeds to the step S 434 .

The step S 432 outputs the communication result report on the recording sheet of the first or second cassette. The output is made on the recording sheet of the first cassette, if the recording sheet is contained therein.

The step S 436 starts a transmission process utilizing the line B. In the following there will be explained, in a sequence from a step S 438 to S 452 , portions different from the sequence from the step S 420 to S 434 .

At first a step S 450 outputs the communication result report on the recording sheet of the third or fourth cassette. The output is made on the recording sheet of the third cassette, if the recording sheet is contained therein. Also the step S 438 and a step S 446 deal with the CML of the communication unit B.

The above-explained configuration extremely facilitates the sorting of the received information to the respective organizations, thereby improving the convenience of use, for example for two lines, by using the cassette 1 (containing white A 4 -sized recording sheet) and the cassettes 2 (containing white B 4 -sized recording sheet) for the line A, while using the cassette 4 (containing blue A 4 -sized recording sheet) and the cassette 4 (containing blue B 4 -sized recording sheet) for the line B, and using the telephone number of the line A for an organization a and that of the line B for the other organization b.

Also according to the foregoing embodiments, in case of absence of the recording sheet in the facsimile apparatus with two lines utilized by two organizations respectively with white and blue recording sheets, the information for the organization a or b can be securely recorded on the sheet of the respectively designated color, whereby the sorting between the two organizations can be made extremely easy.

Also according to the foregoing embodiments, in case of absence of the recording sheet in the facsimile apparatus with two lines utilized by two organizations respectively with white and blue recording sheets, the transmission result report can be recorded on the white or blue recording sheet respectively for the organization a or b, whereby the sorting of such report becomes extremely easy.

In the following there will be explained a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The fourth embodiment provides a facsimile apparatus capable of facilitating the sorting in case the lines A and B are used by different companies, by adopting different colors in the recording sheet set in the cassette to be used for reception from the line A and in the recording sheet set in the cassette to be used for reception from the line B. Thereby, the sorting becomes extremely easy when the lines A and B are used by different companies.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus constituting the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 20, blocks same as those in FIGS. 1 and 10 are represented by same numbers and will not be explained further.

A registration circuit 232 registers a cassette corresponding to the line A. For example, the first and second cassettes are registered, through a signal line 232 a , for use in the reception through the line A.

A registration circuit 234 registers a cassette corresponding to the line B. For example, the third and fourth cassettes are registered, through a signal line 234 a , for use in the reception through the line B.

A registration circuit 236 enters the information of a signal line 220 g and displays, for example, “communications of a number (**) received through the line A have been recorded on the recording sheet to be used for the line B”.

A button 238 is to be depressed in case the recording sheet tray contains no recording sheet because the recording sheet other than the designation of the line is picked up, and a depression pulse is generated on a signal line 238 a by the depression of the button 238 .

A control circuit 220 in a facsimile apparatus with two lines serves to register the cassette to be used in the reception utilizing the line A and that to be used in the reception utilizing the line B, and to execute the memory reception in case of absence of the recording sheet in the cassette to be used in the reception utilizing the line A.

Also in such memory reception, if the memory capacity becomes deficient and if the cassette to be used for the reception utilizing the line B contains the recording sheet, all the information obtained by the memory reception utilizing the line A is recorded on such recording sheet, and a message that the information has been received through the line A is recorded on the first sheet in each communication. Also there are displayed such message and the number of communications recorded after the memory capacity becomes deficient. The relationship of the lines A and B may be inverted.

FIGS. 21 to 27 are flow charts showing the control sequence of the control circuit 220 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 21, a step S 500 starts the sequence, and a step S 502 resets, to 0 , a counter (line A empty counter) for counting the number of communications recorded on the recording sheet of the cassette to be used in the reception utilizing the line B, in case the memory reception is executed because of no recording sheet in the cassette to be used in the reception utilizing the line A and the memory capacity thereafter becomes deficient.

A step S 504 resets, to 0 , a counter (line B empty counter) for counting the number of communications recorded on the recording sheet of the cassette to be used in the reception utilizing the line A, in case the memory reception is executed because of no recording sheet in the cassette to be used in the reception utilizing the line B and the memory capacity thereafter becomes deficient.

A step S 506 shifts, through a signal line 220 g , the display circuit 236 to a state of no display. A step S 508 outputs a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 120 f for using the recording sheet of the first cassette.

A step S 510 outputs a signal “ 0 ” to the signal line 20 a , thereby turning off the CML. A step S 512 outputs a signal “ 0 ” to the signal line 20 d so as not to transmit the ANSam signal.

A step S 514 enters the information of the signal line 24 a to discriminate whether the registration in the registration circuit 232 is selected, and, if selected, the sequence proceeds to a step S 516 for registering, for example, the first and second cassettes corresponding to the line A in the registration circuit 232 through the signal line 232 a , and proceeds then to a step S 518 . If the registration is not selected, the sequence proceeds directly to the step S 518 .

The step S 518 enters the information of the signal line 24 a to discriminate whether the registration in the registration circuit 234 is selected, and, if selected, the sequence proceeds to a step S 520 for registering, for example, the third and fourth cassettes corresponding to the line B in the registration circuit 234 through the signal line 234 a , and proceeds then to a step S 522 . If the registration is not selected, the sequence proceeds directly to the step S 522 .

The step S 522 discriminates whether a reception operation by the line A is in progress, and, if in progress, the sequence proceeds to a step S 524 for executing the reception process for a predetermined time utilizing the line A, and the sequence then proceeds to a step S 526 . If the reception operation is not in progress, the sequence proceeds directly to the step S 526 .

The step S 526 discriminates whether a reception operation by the line B is in progress, and, if in progress, the sequence proceeds to a step S 528 for executing the reception process for a predetermined time utilizing the line B, and the sequence then proceeds to a step S 530 . If the reception operation is not in progress, the sequence proceeds directly to the step S 530 .

The step S 530 enters the information of the signal line 238 a to discriminate whether the reception sheet has been picked up, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 532 or S 538 according as the reception sheet has been picked up or not.

The step S 532 disables the display circuit 236 through the signal line 220 g . A step S 534 clears the line A empty counter, as the reception sheet has been picked up. A step S 536 clears the line B empty counter, as the reception sheet has been picked up.

The step S 538 discriminates whether information obtained by memory proxy reception is present in the memory, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 540 or S 546 respectively if the information is present or absent. The step S 540 discriminates whether the information obtained by the memory proxy reception is obtained by the reception utilizing the line A, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 542 if the result is affirmative but the sequence proceeds to a step S 548 if the result is negative, namely if the information is obtained by the reception utilizing the line B.

The step S 542 enters the information of the signal lines 126 a , 128 a to discriminate whether the recording sheet is present in the first or second cassette, and, if the result is affirmative, the sequence proceeds to a step S 544 for outputting the information obtained by the memory proxy reception utilizing the line A by the recording sheet in the first or second cassette, but, if the result is negative, the sequence proceeds to the step S 546 . The step S 546 executes other processes and the sequence proceeds to the step S 510 .

The step S 548 enters the information of the signal lines 130 a , 132 a to discriminate whether the recording sheet is present in the third or fourth cassette, and, if the result is affirmative, the sequence proceeds to a step S 550 for outputting the information obtained by the memory proxy reception utilizing the line B by the recording sheet in the third or fourth cassette and then proceeds to the step S 546 . On the other hand, if the result is negative, the sequence proceeds directly to the step S 546 .

A step S 552 starts a reception process utilizing the line A, called by the step S 524 . A next step S 554 outputs a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 20 a , thereby turning on the CML of the communication unit A. A step S 556 executes a pre-process, then a step S 558 enters the information of the signal lines 126 a , 128 a to discriminate whether the recording sheet is present in the first or second cassette, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 560 or S 574 respectively if the result is affirmative or negative.

The step S 560 records the received information on the recording sheet of the first or second cassette, then a step S 562 discriminates whether the reception of a page has been completed, and, if completed or not, the sequence respectively proceeds to a step S 564 or the step S 560 .

The step S 564 executes a mid-procedure, then a step S 566 discriminates whether a next page is present, and, if present, the sequence proceeds to the step S 558 , but, if absent, the sequence proceeds to a step S 568 for executing the post-procedure.

Then a step S 570 outputs a signal “ 0 ” to the signal line 20 a for turning off the CML of the communication unit A, and the sequence returns to the main flow from a step S 572 .

The step S 574 stores the received information in the memory. At the same time there is stored information indicating that the information is received by the line A. A step S 576 discriminates whether the reception of a page has been completed, and, if completed, the sequence proceeds to a step S 580 for executing the post-process and then proceeds to a step S 582 . If the reception of a page has not been completed, the sequence proceeds to a step S 578 .

The step S 578 discriminates whether there is no available memory capacity, namely whether the memory proxy reception can no longer be executed, and, if no memory capacity is available, the sequence proceeds to a step S 586 , but, if memory capacity is available, the sequence proceeds to the step S 574 .

The step S 582 discriminates whether a next page is present, and, if present, the sequence proceeds to the step S 574 , but, if absent, the sequence proceeds to a step S 584 for increasing the value of the line A empty counter by one and then to the step S 568 .

A step S 586 enters the information of the signal lines 130 a , 132 a to discriminate whether the recording sheet is present in the third or fourth cassette, and, according as the result is affirmative or negative, the sequence proceeds to a step S 588 or S 602 .

The step S 588 records the information obtained by the memory proxy reception by the line A on the recording sheet of the third or fourth cassette, wherein a message “reception by the line A” is recorded on the first page of each communication. A step S 590 stores the received information in the memory. At the same time, there is memorized a fact that this reception is by the line A.

A step S 592 discriminates whether the reception of a page has been completed, and, if not completed, the sequence proceeds to the step S 588 , but, if completed, the sequence proceeds to a step S 594 for executing an intermediate procedure.

A step S 596 discriminates whether a next page is present, and, if present, the sequence proceeds to the step S 588 , but, if absent, the sequence proceeds to the step S 598 for executing a post-procedure. Then a step S 600 outputs a signal “ 0 ” to the signal line 20 a for turning off the CML of the communication unit A and the sequence proceeds to a step S 608 .

The next step S 602 outputs a signal “ 0 ” to the signal line 20 a for turning off the CML. A step S 604 executes an error process, and the sequence returns to the main flow from a step S 606 .

The step S 608 increases the value of the line A empty counter by one. A step S 612 displays, on the display circuit 236 through the signal line 220 g , that the communication of a number (equal to the value of the line A empty counter) received by the line A has been outputted on the recording sheet to be used for the line B. Then the sequence returns to the main flow from a step S 614 .

A step S 616 starts a reception process utilizing the line B, to be called from the step S 528 .

A sequence of steps S 618 to S 676 is same as the above-described sequence of the steps S 554 to S 614 except that the lines A and B are mutually inverted, also the communication units A and B are mutually inverted, the first and second cassettes and the third and fourth cassettes are mutually inverted, and the line A empty counter is replaced by the line B empty counter. Therefore the sequence will not be explained further.

In the facsimile apparatus with two lines, the foregoing embodiments facilitates the sorting of the received information in case the lines A and B are respectively used by different organizations, by employing different colors in the recording sheet set in the cassette to be used in the reception utilizing the line A and in the recording sheet set in the cassette to be used in the reception utilizing the line B, and also allows to continue the reception even in case the reception shifts to the memory reception because the cassette to be used in the reception utilizing the line A becomes empty and then the memory capacity thereafter becomes deficient. In such case, the recording is made on the recording sheet set in the cassette to be used in the reception utilizing the line B, but a message indicating that the reception is made by the line is recorded on the first page of each communication to facilitate the sorting of the information.

Also in the facsimile apparatus with two lines, by the foregoing embodiments, the user can recognize a communication in which the information received by the line A is recorded on the recording sheet to be used in the reception utilizing the line B and also can recognize the number of such communications, so that the received information can be securely sorted without error.

In the following there will be explained a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus connected to plural lines, capable of changing the cassette to be used for each job, corresponding to each line.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus constituting the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 28, components same as those in FIGS. 1 and 10 are represented by same numbers and will not be explained further.

A cassette 322 is the first cassette containing the recording sheet, and the information on the presence/absence of the recording sheet in the first cassette and on the surfacial reflective density of the recording sheet is outputted to a signal line 322 b . Similarly, cassettes 324 , 326 , 328 are the second, third and fourth cassettes containing the recording sheets, and the information on the presence/absence of the recording sheet therein and on the surfacial reflective density of the recording density are outputted to signal lines 324 b , 326 b , 328 b.

When a signal “ 1 ” is outputted to the signal line 120 f , there is executed recording on the recording sheet contained in the first cassette. Similarly, when a signal “ 2 ”, “ 3 ” or “ 4 ” is outputted to the signal line 120 f , there is executed recording on the recording sheet contained respectively in the second, third or fourth cassette.

A display circuit 336 enters the information on a signal line 320 h , and displays a message such as “Match the color of the recording sheet of the first cassette with that of the second cassette”, “Set, in the third cassette, the recording sheet of a color same as that in the fourth cassette”, or “Use, in the first and second cassettes, the recording sheet of a color different from that in the third and fourth cassettes”.

A registration circuit 338 is used for registering cassette groups. The color of the recording sheet is made same within a same cassette group but different between the different cassette groups. As an example, there are registered, through a signal line 338 a , a first cassette group consisting of the first and second cassettes, and a second cassette group consisting of the third and fourth cassettes.

A registration circuit 339 is used for registering output bins corresponding to the lines A and B. As an example, there are registered, through a signal line 339 a , the first bin for output for the line A and the second bin for output for the line B.

A control circuit 320 , in a facsimile apparatus with two lines (lines A and B), serves to register the output bin for each line (first bin for output for the line A and second bin for output for the line B) and for changing the cassette group to be used for each job (reception of a communication, output of the communication result report for each communication, and a job within the output of the communication results report of the communications of a predetermined number), corresponding to each line.

In the present description it is assumed that the first cassette group consists of the first and second cassettes and the second cassette group consists of the third and fourth cassettes. The color of the recording sheet is made different between different cassette groups. Also there is displayed whether the color of the recording sheet is same or not within a cassette group.

FIGS. 29 to 39 are flow charts showing the control sequence of the control circuit 320 in the present fifth embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 29, a step S 700 starts the sequence, and a step S 702 outputs a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 20 i for designating the output to the first bin. A step S 704 outputs a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 120 f for selecting the use of the recording sheet of the first cassette.

A step S 706 clears the information of the registration circuit 338 through the signal line 338 a , and a step S 708 clears the information of the registration circuit 339 through the signal line 339 a . A step S 710 disables the display circuit 336 through the signal line 320 h.

A step S 712 sets “ 0 ” in a line A flag, for switching the cassette group to be used for output to the first bin. Also a step S 714 sets “ 0 ” in a line B flag, for switching the cassette group to be used for output to the second bin.

A step S 716 turns off the CML's of the communication units A and B, and a step S 718 so sets the communication units A and B as not to transmit the ANSam signals.

A step S 720 enters the information of the signal line 24 a for discriminating whether the registration to the registration circuit 338 is selected, and, if selected, the sequence proceeds to a step S 722 for registering, in the registration circuit 338 through the signal line 338 a , the first and second cassettes as the cassette group 1 and the third and fourth cassettes as the cassette group 2 and then to a step S 7221 . If the registration is not selected, the sequence proceeds directly to the step S 7221 .

The step S 7221 enters the information of the signal line 24 a for discriminating whether the registration to the registration circuit 339 is selected, and, if selected, the sequence proceeds to a step S 724 for registering, in the registration circuit 339 through the signal line 339 a , the first bin for the output for the line A and the second bin for the output for the line B, and then to a step S 726 . If the registration is not selected, the sequence proceeds directly to the step S 726 .

The step S 726 enters the information (information on the reflective density) of the signal lines 322 b , 324 b for discriminating whether the recording sheets in the first and second cassettes have a same color, and, if same, the sequence proceeds to a step 730 . If not same, the sequence proceeds to a step S 728 for displaying, on the display circuit 336 through the signal line 320 h , a message “Set the recording sheets of a same color in the first and second cassettes”, and proceeds then to the step S 730 .

The step S 730 enters the information (information on the reflective density) of the signal lines 326 b , 328 b for discriminating whether the recording sheets in the third and fourth cassettes have a same color, and, if same, the sequence proceeds to a step S 732 . If not same, the sequence proceeds to the step S 732 for displaying, on the display circuit 336 through the signal line 320 h , a message “Set the recording sheets of a same color in the third and fourth cassettes”, and proceeds then to a step S 734 .

The step S 734 enters the information (information on the reflective density) of the signal lines 322 b , 324 b , 326 b and 328 b for discriminating whether the recording sheets in the first and second cassettes have a same color and whether the recording sheets in the third and fourth cassettes have a same color, and according as the result is affirmative or negative, the sequence proceeds to a step S 736 or S 740 .

The step S 736 enters the information (information on the reflective density) of the signal lines 322 b , 326 b for discriminating whether the recording sheets in the first and third cassettes have a same color, and, if not same, the sequence proceeds to the step S 740 . If same, the sequence proceeds to a step S 738 for displaying, on the display circuit 336 through the signal line 320 h , a message “Use different colors for the recording sheets in the first and second cassettes and in the third and fourth cassettes”, and proceeds then to the step S 740 .

The step S 740 discriminates whether the job relating to the line A is already in selection or in the course of selection, and, if the result is affirmative, the sequence proceeds to a step S 742 for executing the job relating to the line A for a predetermined time, and then to a step S 744 . If the result is negative, the sequence proceeds directly to the step S 744 .

The step S 744 discriminates whether the job relating to the line B is already in selection or in the course of selection, and, if the result is affirmative, the sequence proceeds to a step S 746 for executing the job relating to the line B for a predetermined time, and then to a step S 748 . If the result is negative, the sequence proceeds directly to the step S 748 . The step S 748 executes other process and the sequence proceeds to the step S 720 .

A step S 750 starts a job relating to the line A. A next step S 752 outputs a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 20 i for selecting the output to the first bin. Then a step S 754 discriminates whether the reception by the line A is selected, and, if selected or not, the sequence proceeds respectively to a step S 756 or S 802 .

The step S 756 turns on the CML of the communication unit A, and a step S 758 executes a pre-procedure. Then a step S 760 discriminates whether the line A flag is 0 , and according as it is 0 or 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 762 or S 768 .

The step S 762 discriminates whether the received original is of A 4 size, and, if A 4 size, the sequence proceeds to a step S 764 for outputting a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 120 f for using the recording sheet of the first cassette. If it is of B 4 size, the sequence proceeds to a step S 766 for outputting a signal “ 2 ” to the signal line 120 f for using the recording sheet of the second cassette.

The step S 768 discriminates whether the received original is of A 4 size, and, if A 4 size, the sequence proceeds to a step S 770 for outputting a signal “ 3 ” to the signal line 120 f for using the recording sheet of the third cassette. If it is of B 4 size, the sequence proceeds to a step S 772 for outputting a signal “ 4 ” to the signal line 120 f for using the recording sheet of the fourth cassette.

Thereafter a step S 774 executes reception/recording of the image signal, then a step S 776 executes a post-procedure, and a step S 778 turns off the CML of the communication unit A.

Then a step S 780 discriminates whether the line A flag is 0 , and, if 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 782 for setting the line A flag at 1 , but, if the line A flag is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 784 for setting the line A flag at 0 .

Then a step S 786 discriminates whether the output of the communication result report of a communication is selected, and according as selected or not, the sequence proceeds to a step S 788 or the step S 802 .

The step S 788 discriminates whether the line A flag is 0 , and, if 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 790 for outputting a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 120 f for using the recording sheet of the first cassette. If the line A flag is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 792 for outputting a signal “ 3 ” to the signal line 120 f for using the recording sheet of the third cassette.

A step S 794 outputs the communication result report of a communication. Then a step S 796 discriminates whether the line A flag is 0 , and, if 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 798 for setting the line A flag at 1 , but, if the line A flag is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 800 for setting the line A flag at 0 .

Then the step S 802 enters the information of the signal line 24 a for discriminating whether the output of the communication result report of 40 communications is selected, and, according as selected or not, the sequence proceeds to a step S 804 or S 832 .

The step S 804 discriminates whether the line A flag is 0 , and, if 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 806 for outputting a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 120 f for using the recording sheet of the first cassette. If the line A flag is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 808 for outputting a signal “ 3 ” to the signal line 120 f for using the recording sheet of the third cassette.

A step S 810 outputs the communication result report of 40 communications. Then a step S 812 discriminates whether the line A flag is 0 , and, if 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 814 for setting the line A flag at 1 , but, if the line A flag is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 816 for setting the line A flag at 0 .

Then a step S 818 enters the information of the signal line 24 a for discriminating whether a call by the line A is selected, and, if selected, the sequence proceeds to a step S 820 for issuing a call to the designated destination. If not selected, the sequence proceeds to the step S 752 . A step S 822 turns on the CML of the communication unit A.

A step S 824 executes a pre-procedure, then a step S 826 executes transmission of the image signal, a step S 828 executes a post-procedure, and a step S 830 turns off the CML of the communication unit A.

Then a step S 832 discriminates whether the output of the communication result report of a communication is selected, and, if selected or not, the sequence proceeds respectively to a step S 834 or the step S 752 .

The step S 834 discriminates whether the line A flag is 0 , and, if 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 836 for outputting a signal “ 1 ” to the signal line 120 f for using the recording sheet of the first cassette. If the line A flag is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 838 for outputting a signal “ 3 ” to the signal line 120 f for using the recording sheet of the third cassette. Then a step S 840 outputs the communication result report of a communication.

A step S 842 discriminates whether the line A flag is 0 , and, if 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 844 for setting the line A flag at 1 , but, if the line A flag is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 846 for setting the line A flag at 0 .

A step S 850 starts a job relating to the line B. A next step S 852 outputs a signal “ 2 ” to the signal line 20 i for selecting the output to the second bin. Then a step S 854 discriminates whether the reception by the line B is selected, and, according as selected or not, the sequence proceeds respectively to a step S 856 or S 892 .

The step S 856 turns on the CML of the communication unit B, and a step S 858 executes a process similar to that in the step S 758 . Then a step S 860 discriminates whether the line B flag is 0 , and, if it is 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 862 for executing a process similar to that in the aforementioned steps S 762 , S 764 and S 766 , but, if it is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 864 for executing a process similar to that in the aforementioned steps S 768 , S 770 and S 772 .

Then a step S 866 executes a process similar to that in the aforementioned steps S 774 and S 776 , and a step S 868 turns off the CML of the communication unit B. Then a step S 870 discriminates whether the line B flag is 0 , and, if 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 872 for setting the line B flag at 1 , but, if the line B flag is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 874 for setting the line B flag at 0 .

Thereafter a step S 876 executes discrimination similar to that in the aforementioned step S 786 , and the sequence proceeds to a step S 878 or the step S 892 according as the result is affirmative or negative.

Then the step S 878 discriminates whether the line B flag is 0 , and, if it is 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 880 (for a process similar to that in the step S 790 ), but, if it is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 882 (for a process similar to that in the step S 792 ). Then a step S 884 executes a process similar to that in the step S 794 . A step S 886 discriminates whether the line B flag is 0 , and, if 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 888 for setting the line B flag at 1 , but, if the line B flag is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 890 for setting the line B flag at 0 .

Thereafter the step S 892 executes discrimination similar to that in the step S 802 , and the sequence proceeds to the step S 894 or a step S 918 respectively if the result is affirmative or negative.

The step S 894 discriminates whether the line B flag is 0 , and, if it is 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 896 (for a process similar to that in the step S 806 ), but, if it is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 898 (for a process similar to that in the step S 808 ).

Then a step S 900 executes a process similar to that in the step S 810 . A step S 902 discriminates whether the line B flag is 0 , and, if 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 904 for setting the line B flag at 1 , but, if the line B flag is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 906 for setting the line B flag at 0 .

Then a step S 908 discriminates whether a call by the line B is selected, and the sequence proceeds to a step S 910 (for a process similar to that in the step S 820 ) or S 852 according as it is selected or not.

The step S 910 executes a process similar to that in the step S 820 , and a step S 912 turns on the CML of the communication unit B. A step S 914 executes a process of the steps S 824 to S 828 , and a step S 916 turns off the CML of the communication unit B.

Thereafter the step S 918 executes discrimination similar to that in the step S 832 , and the sequence proceeds to a step S 920 or S 852 respectively if the result is affirmative or negative.

The step S 920 discriminates whether the line B flag is 0 , and, if it is 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 924 (for a process similar to that in the step S 836 ), but, if it is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 922 (for a process similar to that in the step S 838 ), and proceeds then to the step S 926 .

The step S 926 executes a process similar to the step S 840 . A step S 928 discriminates whether the line B flag is 0 , and if it is 0 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 930 to set the line B flag at 1 , but if it is 1 , the sequence proceeds to a step S 932 to set the line B flag at 0 . Thereafter, the sequence proceeds to the step S 852 .

It has been explained that the above-described functions of the control circuit are executed by a CPU therein according to a program stored in a ROM or a RAM provided in the control circuit, but it is also possible to store such program in an external memory medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a CD-ROM or a memory card, to fetch the program by an exclusive reading device into the control circuit and to execute the program by the CPU provided therein.

Also the foregoing embodiments have been explained by a facsimile apparatus of stand-alone type, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and is likewise applicable to the data communication control in a comprehensive data processing system in which the copying function, electronic filing function and/or data processing function is combined with the communicating function.

According to the foregoing embodiments, in case of utilizing two lines A, B respectively by organizations a and b, it is rendered possible to change the output bin for the recorded sheet according to the organization, and to output, within each output bin, the different jobs such as the reception sheet, the communication result report of a communication and the communication result report of communications of a predetermined number on the recording sheets of respectively different colors, thereby easily achieving secure distribution of the reception records and improving the convenience of use.

Also the foregoing embodiments allow to securely output, within each bin, the reception sheet, the communication result report of a communication and the communication result report of communications of a predetermined number on the recording sheets of respectively different colors, whereby the convenience of use can be significantly improved.