Facsimile apparatus

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus capable of both side transmission and both side recording of image data.

2. Related Background Art

In a conventional facsimile apparatus capable of both side recording, when both side transmission is designated, the front side of a recording sheet of the first page is recorded first upon completion of reception of data for the first page, and the back side of the recording sheet of the first page is recorded next upon completion of reception of data for the second page.

However, in the above prior art, when both side transmission is underway and any error occurs during reception of data for the fourth page, operation at the receiver end stops when recording on the front and back sides of a recording sheet of the first page, and on the front side of a recording sheet of the second page are complete.

Upon receiving image data from another transmitter, since the received data must be printed and print operation is started, even when the communication that has caused the error during reception of data for the fourth page is restarted, the data for the fourth page cannot be recorded on the back side of the recording sheet of the second page, and the data for the third page is recorded twice, thus wasting resources, i.e., recording sheets.

In the above prior art, upon executing reception control, the receiver end determines that both side originals are sent in ascending order of pages, and in the order of front and back sides in units of pages.

More specifically, the receiver end executes reception control assuming that data is sent in the order of the front side of an original of the first page, its back side, the front side of an original of the second page, and its back side.

However, in the prior art, if the transmitter end sends only front side data of all originals first, and then sends only back side data of all the originals, the receiver end prints out all the front side data of the originals, and then prints out the back side data of the received originals, thus requiring a double number of recording sheets, and wasting resources considerably.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile apparatus which can appropriately record image data received in the both side transmission mode, and can prevent recording sheets from being wasted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing operation in the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing operation in the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing operation in the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing operation in the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing operation in the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing operation in the second embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing operation in the second embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing operation in the second embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing operation in the second embodiment; and

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing operation in the second embodiment.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

An NCU (network control unit) 2 is connected to a terminal on a telephone line and performs connection control of a telephone exchange network, switches to a data communication path, and maintains a loop, in order to use a telephone network for data communication and the like. The NCU connects a telephone line 2 a to the side of a telephone set 4 if the signal level (signal line 20 a ) from a control circuit 20 is “0”; and connects the telephone line 2 a to the facsimile apparatus side if the signal level is “1”. Normally, the telephone line 2 a is connected to the telephone set 4 side.

A hybrid circuit 6 separates a transmission system signal from a reception system signal. The hybrid circuit 6 sends a transmission signal from an adder circuit 12 onto the telephone line 2 a via the NCU 2 . Also, the hybrid circuit 6 receives a signal from a partner apparatus via the NCU 2 , and sends the received signal to a modem 8 via a signal line 6 a.

The modem 8 modulates and demodulates based on the ITU-T recommendations V.8, V.21, V27ter, 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 output onto a signal line 20 b , and outputs modulated data onto a signal line 8 a . Also, the modem 8 receives a reception signal output onto the signal line 6 a , and outputs demodulated data onto a signal line 8 b.

An ANSam send-out circuit 10 sends out an ANSam signal. When a signal of signal level “1” is output onto a signal line 20 d , the circuit 10 sends out an ANSam signal onto a signal line 10 a ; when a signal of signal level “0” is output onto the signal line 20 d , the circuit 10 does not output any signal onto the signal line 10 a.

The adder circuit 12 receives data on the signal line 8 a and that on the signal line 10 a , and outputs the sum onto a signal line 12 a.

A reading circuit 14 reads an image on the front side of an original when a signal of signal level “0” is output onto a signal line 20 f ; or reads an image on the back side of an original when a signal of signal level “1” is output onto the signal line 20 f . The reading circuit 14 outputs the read data onto a signal line 14 a.

A recording circuit 16 records data output onto a signal line 20 e in turn in units of lines. When a signal of signal level “0” is output on a signal line 20 g , the circuit 16 records data on the front side of a recording sheet; when a signal of signal level “1” is output on the signal line 20 g , the circuit 16 records data on the back side of the recording sheet.

A memory circuit 18 is used to store raw or encoded data of the read data, or to store received data, encoded data, or the like.

A both side reading selection button 22 is used to select a both side reading mode of an original (or a document sheet) on the transmitter end. Upon depression of this button, an ON pulse is generated on a signal line 22 a.

A both side reading display circuit 24 displays that the both side reading mode is selected. When a clear pulse is generated on a signal line 20 h , the circuit 24 clears its display (i.e. displays nothing). Every time an ON pulse is generated on the signal line 22 a , the circuit 24 repeats “display”→“clear” (no display)→“display”. When the circuit 24 displays, it outputs a signal of signal level “1” onto a signal line 24 a ; when the circuit 24 clears its display, it outputs a signal of signal level “0” onto the signal line 24 a.

A compulsory both side recording selection button 26 is used to select a compulsory both side recording mode on the receiver end. Upon depression of this button, an ON pulse is generated onto a signal line 26 a.

A compulsory both side recording display circuit 28 displays that the compulsory both side recording mode is selected. When a clear pulse is generated on a signal line 20 i , the circuit 28 clears its display (i.e. displays nothing). Every time an ON pulse is generated on the signal line 26 a , the circuit 28 repeats “display”→“clear” (no display)→“display”. When the circuit 28 displays, it outputs a signal of signal level “1” onto a signal line 28 a ; when the circuit 28 clears its display, it outputs a signal of signal level “0” onto the signal line 28 a.

The control circuit 20 controls the overall facsimile apparatus capable of both side transmission, both side reading, and both side recording according to this embodiment. Especially, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the both side transmission mode is designated from the transmitter end, the control circuit 20 controls to start recording upon completion of reception of data for at least two pages. On the other hand, when the both side transmission mode is not designated from the transmitter end, the control circuit 20 controls to start recording upon completion of reception of data for at least one page. Furthermore, when the compulsory both side recording mode is selected on the receiver end, the control circuit 20 controls to start recording upon completion of reception of data for at least two pages.

FIGS. 2 to 5 are flow charts showing the control flow of the control circuit 20 in this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the control circuit 20 starts operation in step SO, and generates a clear pulse onto the signal line 20 h to clear the both side reading display circuit 24 in step S 2 . In step S 4 , the control circuit 20 generates a clear pulse onto the signal line 20 i to clear the compulsory both side recording display circuit 28 . In step S 6 , the control circuit 20 outputs a signal of signal level “0” onto the signal line 20 a to turn off a CML. In step S 8 , the control circuit 20 outputs a signal of signal level “0” onto the signal line 20 d to disable sending-out of an ANSam signal.

The control circuit 20 checks in steps S 10 and S 12 if reception/transmission is selected. If reception is selected, the flow advances to step S 16 ; if transmission is selected, the flow jumps to step S 52 ; if neither of them is selected, the flow advances to step S 14 to execute other processes.

In step S 16 , the control circuit 20 outputs a signal of signal level “1” onto the signal line 20 a to turn on the CML. In step S 18 , the control circuit 20 executes a pre-procedure. In this step, the control circuit 20 notifies the transmitter end of the presence of the both side receiving function.

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 20 if the transmitter end designates the both side transmission mode in the pre-procedure. If YES in step S 20 , the flow advances to step S 24 ; otherwise, the flow advances to step S 22 .

In step S 22 , the control circuit 20 receives data on the signal line 28 a to check if the compulsory both side recording mode is selected at the receiver end. If YES in step S 22 , the flow advances to step S 24 ; otherwise, the flow advances to step S 38 .

In step S 24 , the control circuit 20 memory-receives an image signal. This step includes a mid-procedure. The control circuit 20 checks in step S 26 if data for two pages have been received, i.e., if data for the front and back sides to be recorded have been received. If YES in step S 26 , the flow advances to step S 28 to record data on the front and back sides of a recording sheet via the signal line 20 g ; otherwise, the flow returns to step S 24 .

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 30 if one communication has ended. If YES in step S 30 , the flow advances to step S 32 ; otherwise, the flow returns to step S 24 . The control circuit 20 executes a post-procedure in step S 32 , and outputs a signal of signal level “0” onto the signal line 20 a to turn off the CML in step S 34 . In step S 36 , the control circuit 20 records remaining memory-received data on both sides of a recording sheet via the signal line 20 g . After that, the flow returns to step S 6 .

In step S 38 , the control circuit 20 memory-receives an image signal. This step includes a mid-procedure. The control circuit 20 then checks in step S 40 if data for one page has been received, i.e., if data for one page to be recorded has been received. If YES in step S 40 , the flow advances to step S 42 to record data on the front side of a recording sheet via the signal line 20 g , and the flow then advances to step S 44 ; otherwise, the flow returns to step S 38 .

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 44 if one communication has ended. If YES in step S 44 , the flow advances to step S 46 ; otherwise, the flow returns to step S 38 .

The control circuit 20 executes a post-procedure in step S 46 , and outputs a signal of signal level “0” onto the signal line 20 a to turn off the CML in step S 48 . In step S 50 , the control circuit 20 records remaining received data on the front side of a recording sheet via the signal line 20 g . After that, the flow returns to step S 6 .

In step S 52 , the control circuit 20 calls a designated destination. In step S 54 , the control circuit 20 outputs a signal of signal level “1” onto the signal line 20 a to turn on the CML. In step S 56 , the control circuit 20 executes a pre-procedure. In this procedure, the control circuit 20 stores the presence/absence of the both side transmission function on the receiver end.

In step S 58 , the control circuit 20 receives data on the signal line 24 a to check if the both side reading mode is selected at the transmitter end. If YES in step S 58 , the flow advances to step S 60 ; otherwise, the flow advances to step S 62 . The control circuit 20 checks in step S 60 if the receiver end has the both side receiving function. If YES in step S 60 , the flow advances to step S 68 ; otherwise, the flow jumps to step S 74 .

In step S 62 , the control circuit 20 executes the remaining pre-procedure. In this procedure, the control circuit 20 does not designate the both side transmission mode. In step S 64 , the control circuit 20 reads and transmits data on one side of image signals. This procedure includes a mid-procedure. The control circuit 20 checks in step S 66 if one communication has ended. If YES in step S 66 , the flow returns to step S 6 ; otherwise, the flow returns to step S 64 .

In step S 68 , the control circuit 20 executes the remaining pre-procedure. In this procedure, the control circuit 20 designates the both side transmission mode. In step S 70 , the control circuit 20 reads and transmits data on both sides of image signals. This step includes a mid-procedure. The control circuit 20 checks in step S 72 if one communication has ended. If YES in step S 72 , the flow returns to step S 6 ; otherwise, the flow returns to step S 70 .

In step S 74 , the control circuit 20 executes the remaining pre-procedure. In this procedure, the control circuit 20 does not designate the both side transmission mode. After that, the flow returns to step S 70 .

The aforementioned operation of the control circuit is implemented by the internal CPU of the control circuit on the basis of programs stored in the internal ROM, RAM, or the like of the control circuit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and such programs may be stored in an external storage medium such as a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, CD-ROM, memory card, or the like, may be loaded into the control circuit via a dedicated reading device, and may be executed by the internal CPU of the control circuit.

The above embodiment has exemplified a stand-alone type facsimile apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to such specific apparatus. That is, the present invention can also be applied to data communication control in a multi-functional data processing system including a copy function, an electronic filing function, and a combination of a data processing function and communication function.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the both side transmission mode is selected, since both side recording can be started after both side recording on one page (front and back sides) of a recording sheet is guaranteed, both side recording can be reliably made, and recording sheets can be prevented from being wasted due to interruption of recording.

Also, according to the first embodiment, when the compulsory both side recording mode is selected at the receiver end, since both side recording can be started after both side recording on one page of a recording sheet is guaranteed, both side recording can be reliably made, and recording sheets can be prevented from being wasted due to interruption of recording.

Second Embodiment

The same reference numerals in the second embodiment denote the same parts as those in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment.

An operation unit 122 has a one-touch dial, abbreviated dial, ten-keys *·# keys, start key, set key, stop key, both side reading designation key, registration key to a both side recording registration circuit 124 , other function keys, and the like, and data corresponding to the depressed key is output onto a signal line 122 a.

The both side recording registration circuit 124 registers via a signal line 124 a whether or not both side recording is executed.

In the second embodiment, the control circuit 20 controls the overall facsimile apparatus having the both side recording function. Especially, when the facsimile apparatus is a receiver, the control circuit 20 notifies the transmitter of the presence/absence of the both side recording function. When the facsimile apparatus is a transmitter, the control circuit 20 notifies the receiver of information as to whether the original data of interest is front or back side data. In this case, the control circuit 20 in the receiver end controls a process for changing control upon reception depending on whether or not that information is received.

More specifically, when the transmitter notifies the receiver of information as to whether the original data of interest is front or back side data, and the front and back sides are designated in turn in units of pages to be sent, the receiver starts recording upon completion of reception of data for at least two pages; when the front sides are successively designated, the receiver starts recording upon completion of reception of front and back side data for at least one page, or upon completion of a communication. When the transmitter does not notify the receiver of information as to whether the original data of interest is front or back side data, the receiver starts recording upon reception of data for at least one page.

FIGS. 7 to 12 are flow charts showing the flow of control of the control circuit 20 in the second embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the control circuit 20 starts operation in step S 100 , and registers in the both side recording function registration circuit 124 via the signal line 124 a that both side recording is not executed in step S 102 . In step S 104 , the control circuit 20 outputs a signal of signal level “0” onto the signal line 20 a to turn off the CML. In step S 106 , the control circuit 20 outputs a signal of signal level “0” onto the signal line 20 d to disable sending-out of an ANSam signal.

In step S 108 , the control circuit 20 receives data on the signal line 122 a to check if registration to the both side recording function registration circuit 124 is selected. If YES in step S 108 , the flow advances to step S 100 to register via the signal line 124 a whether or not both side recording is executed; otherwise, the flow jumps to step S 112 .

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 112 if reception is selected. If YES in step S 112 , the flow advances to step S 116 ; otherwise, the flow advances to step S 114 to execute other processes.

In step S 116 , the control circuit 20 outputs a signal of signal level “1” onto the signal line 20 a to turn on the CML. In step S 118 , the control circuit 20 sends a CED signal. In step S 120 , the control circuit 20 sets 35 sec in a timer T 1 .

In step S 122 , the control circuit 20 receives data registered in the both side recording function registration circuit 124 via the signal line 124 a to check if both side recording is executed. If YES in step S 122 , the flow advances to step S 124 ; otherwise, the flow jumps to step S 190 .

In step S 124 , the control circuit 20 sends NSF/CSI/DIS signals. In this step, the control circuit 20 sets “1” in bit X of FIF (included in the Y-th byte data in FIF) in the DIS signal to declare the presence of the both side recording function. In step S 126 , the control circuit 20 sets 5 sec in a timer T 4 .

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 128 if NSS/TSI/DCS signals are received. If YES in step S 128 , the flow advances to step S 134 ; otherwise, the flow advances to step S 130 .

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 130 if the timer T 4 has reached time-out. If YES in step S 130 , the flow advances to step S 132 ; otherwise, the flow returns to step S 128 .

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 132 if the timer T 1 has reached time-out. If YES in step S 132 , the flow returns to step S 104 ; otherwise, the flow returns to step S 124 .

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 134 if bit X of FIF of the DCS signal is sent out. If YES in step S 134 , the flow jumps to step S 152 ; otherwise, the flow advances to step S 136 .

In step S 136 , the control circuit 20 executes the remaining pre-procedure. In step S 138 , the control circuit 20 receives and records an image signal on the front side. The control circuit 20 checks in step S 140 if reception/recording for one page is complete. If NO in step S 140 , the flow returns to step S 138 ; otherwise, the flow advances to step S 142 to execute a mid-procedure.

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 144 if the next page is present. If YES in step S 144 , the flow advances to step S 146 ; otherwise, the flow advances to step S 148 to execute a post-procedure, and the flow then returns to step S 104 .

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 146 if mode change is requested. If YES in step S 146 , the flow advances to step S 150 ; otherwise, the flow returns to step S 138 .

In step S 150 , the control circuit 20 sends NSF/CSI/DIS signals. In this step, the control circuit 20 sends FIF of the DIS signal up to the number of bytes of FIF sent by the DCS signal so as not to send the Y-th byte data of FIF of the DIS signal.

The control circuit 20 executes the remaining pre-procedure in step S 152 , and memory-receives an image signal in step S 154 . In step S 156 , the control circuit 20 checks based on bit X of FIF of the DCS signal received from the transmitter if data for the front and back sides are designated sequentially. If NO in step S 156 , the flow advances to step S 170 ; otherwise, the flow advances to step S 158 to execute both side recording up to data that can be recorded in units of two pages. Data that have been recorded are erased from the memory-received data, and the flow advances to step S 160 .

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 160 if reception for one page is complete. If YES in step S 160 , the flow advances to step S 162 ; otherwise, the flow returns to step S 154 . The control circuit 20 executes a mid-procedure in step S 162 , and checks in step S 164 if the next page is present. If YES in step S 164 , the flow advances to step S 166 ; otherwise, the flow advances to step S 168 . In step S 168 , the control circuit 20 executes a post-procedure, and the flow then returns to step S 104 .

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 166 if mode change is requested. If YES in step S 166 , the flow returns to step S 120 ; otherwise, the flow advances to step S 174 . When the both side transmission mode is designated, since front or back side data is designated by bit X of FIF of the DCS signal prior to transmission of data for one page, mode change is requested.

In step S 170 , the control circuit 20 checks based on bit X of FIF of the DCS signal from the transmitter if data for the front sides are designated consecutively, and then data for the back sides are designated consecutively. If NO in step S 170 (the control rarely encounters such case, i.e., this is a “foolproof” measure), the flow returns to step S 160 . If YES in step S 170 , the flow advances to step S 172 to execute both side recording for pages up to reception of data for the back sides. Data that have been recorded are erased from memory-received data, and the flow returns to step S 160 .

In step S 174 , the control circuit 20 starts recording the currently memory-received data on the front side. In step S 176 , the control circuit 20 receives an image signal and records it on the front side.

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 178 if reception/recording for one page is complete. If NO in step S 178 , the flow returns to step S 176 . On the other hand, if YES in step S 178 , the flow advances to step S 180 to execute a mid-procedure. The control circuit 20 then checks in step S 182 if the next page is present. If YES in step S 182 , the flow advances to step S 184 ; otherwise, the flow advances to step S 186 . In step S 186 , the control circuit 20 executes a post-procedure, and the flow returns to step S 104 .

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 184 if mode change is requested. If NO in step S 184 , the flow returns to step S 176 . On the other hand, if YES in step S 184 , the flow advances to step S 188 to set 35 sec in the timer T 1 . In step S 190 , the control circuit 20 sends NSF/CSI/DIS signals. In this case, the control circuit 20 sets “0” at bit X of FIF (included in the Y-th byte data in FIF) of the DIS signal to declare the absence of the both side recording function.

In step S 192 , the control circuit 20 sets 3 sec in the timer T 4 . The control circuit 20 then checks in step S 194 if NSS/TSI/DCS signals are received. If YES in step S 194 , the flow advances to step S 200 ; otherwise, the flow advances to step S 196 .

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 196 if the timer T 4 has reached time-out. If YES in step S 196 , the flow advances to step S 198 ; otherwise, the flow returns to step S 194 .

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 198 if the timer T 1 has reached time-out. If YES in step S 198 , the flow returns to step S 104 ; otherwise, the flow returns to step S 190 .

The control circuit 20 checks in step S 200 if bit X of FIF of the DCS signal is sent. If YES in step S 200 , the flow advances to step S 202 to execute the remaining pre-procedure, and the flow then returns to step S 176 . On the other hand, if NO in step S 200 , the flow advances to step S 136 .

The aforementioned operation of the control circuit is implemented by the internal CPU of the control circuit on the basis of programs stored in the internal ROM, RAM, or the like of the control circuit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and such programs may be stored in an external storage medium such as a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, CD-ROM, memory card, or the like, may be loaded into the control circuit via a dedicated reading device, and may be executed by the internal CPU of the control circuit.

The above embodiment has exemplified a stand-alone type facsimile apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to such specific apparatus. That is, the present invention can also be applied to data communication control in a multi-functional data processing system including a copy function, an electronic filing function, and a combination of a data processing function and communication function.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, upon transmission of both side originals from the transmitter to the receiver, even when front side data of all pages are sent in the order of pages, and then back side data of all the pages are sent in the order of pages, the receiver end can reliably execute both side recording of the received data.