JP2003134293A - Facsimile function display method, facsimile function acquisition device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Object] It is possible to efficiently perform setting processing for various facsimile machines having different functions using a computer system. When a setting program for selecting and setting a function of a facsimile apparatus is installed on a hard disk of a computer system as a file (S2000), the facsimile apparatus transmits own function data by the program (S1000), and the function is executed. By storing the data in the hard disk, the function data stored in the hard disk at the time of setting the function is referred to, and only the function data of the facsimile apparatus is displayed on the screen as a menu of the computer system.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile function display method, a facsimile function acquisition device, a facsimile device and a facsimile system, and more particularly to the function setting of the facsimile device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There are various types of facsimile machines to which various functions are added by the improvement thereof. When using the facsimile apparatus, it is necessary to set those functions according to the line and the purpose.

On the other hand, in order to directly send the data on the computer system by facsimile without using a manuscript, a facsimile machine built in the computer system or even a single facsimile machine is connected to the computer system to send the data. The one that can input and output is proposed.

When setting the function of the facsimile apparatus of the type for inputting and transmitting the data of the computer system as described above, the software incorporated in the computer system is used to operate the facsimile apparatus by the software installed in the computer system, not by directly operating the facsimile apparatus. A method of displaying the function menu and setting it with a keyboard or a mouse on the computer system can be considered.

According to this method, it becomes possible to set the function of the built-in type facsimile apparatus which cannot be set directly, and the setting is easier and more efficient than the setting by looking at a small number of keys or a limited display screen even with a single facsimile apparatus. Target.

[0006]

However, there are various types of facsimile machines having different functions as described above. Therefore, in order to set the function, it is necessary to individually create a setting program that incorporates different function data for each model.

In order to support a large number of models with one setting program, it is sufficient to incorporate all kinds of functional data existing in the market into the setting program. But,
The number of items in the setting menu for allowing the user to select a function becomes enormous, and the setting menu may include items or settings that are not related to the functions of the facsimile device actually connected to the computer system. The choices that cannot be displayed will be displayed, which will make setting more troublesome and will cause additional confusion to the user.

According to the present invention, even if the same setting program is used,
It is an object of the present invention to enable a user to efficiently perform setting processing of a facsimile device via a computer system without displaying an extra on the setting menu.

[0009]

The invention according to claim 1 is
Based on an input operation of a start command of the installation processing program, when the program for selectively setting the function of the facsimile apparatus connected to the computer system via the computer system is installed in the computer system or before and after the installation. And sends a command to the facsimile device to send function data indicating a setting item corresponding to a function of the facsimile device and a setting state of the facsimile device. In response to the command, the command is transmitted from the facsimile device. Function data stored in the computer system, and the function of the program is used to selectively set the function of the facsimile device, the screen of the computer system displays the function of the facsimile device. Only the functional data indicating the state of corresponding to obtain function the setting items and the setting a facsimile function display method characterized by displaying as a menu.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for selectively setting a function of a facsimile apparatus connected to the computer system via the computer system,
Upon loading into the computer system and before or after the loading, based on the input operation of the start command of the load processing program, the facsimile device,
A command for transmitting a setting item corresponding to a function of the facsimile device and a function data indicating a setting state of the facsimile device is transmitted, and the function data transmitted from the facsimile device in response to the command is transmitted to the computer system. Stored in the computer, and when the function of the facsimile device is selectively set by the function of the program through the computer system, the setting item and the setting state corresponding to the function of the facsimile device are displayed on the screen of the computer system. Is a facsimile function display method characterized in that the function data representing only the function data representing is displayed as a menu.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile function display method according to the second aspect, the facsimile device is further provided to the facsimile device based on a selection operation by a user while the program is loaded in a computer system. Command for transmitting the function data indicating the setting item and the state of the setting, and the function data stored in the computer system is updated and stored by the function data transmitted from the facsimile device in response to the command. This is a method of displaying a facsimile function, which is characterized in that

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, display means for displaying the function of the facsimile device as a menu on the screen, input means for selecting and inputting the function of the facsimile device,
And at the time of installing a program that realizes each function of the selection setting transmitting unit that transmits the selection content input from the input unit to a facsimile apparatus, or before and after the installation, by inputting a start command of the installation processing program. Based on the installed facsimile capacity acquisition command transmitting means for transmitting to the connected facsimile device a command for transmitting the setting data corresponding to the function of the facsimile device and the function data indicating the setting state of the facsimile device; A facsimile device capability acquisition means for storing in the memory the function data transmitted from the facsimile device in response to the command,
When the function of the facsimile apparatus is selected and set by the input unit, only the function data representing the setting item corresponding to the function of the facsimile apparatus and the function data indicating the setting state is displayed on the display unit. And a facsimile function acquisition device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, display means for displaying the function of the facsimile device as a menu on the screen, input means for selecting and inputting the function of the facsimile device,
And when loading and activating a program that realizes each function of the selection setting transmitting unit that transmits the selection content input from the input unit to the facsimile apparatus, or before or after the loading, the activation command of the load processing program Based on the input operation, the connected fax machine
Load-time capability acquisition command transmitting means for transmitting a command for transmitting the setting data corresponding to the function of the facsimile device and the function data indicating the setting state of the facsimile device, and the facsimile device transmitting in response to the command And a facsimile device capability acquisition means for storing the function data thus obtained in a memory, and when the function of the facsimile device is selectively set by the input means,
It is a facsimile function acquisition apparatus characterized in that the display means displays, as a menu, only the setting items corresponding to the functions of the facsimile apparatus and the function data indicating the function data indicating the setting state.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile function acquisition device according to the fifth aspect, the facsimile device is further provided to the facsimile device based on a user's selection operation with the program loaded in a computer system. Setting item and function upload time capability acquisition command transmission means for transmitting a command for transmitting function data indicating the setting state, and the function upload capacity acquisition command transmission means responds to the command, and the facsimile device A facsimile function acquiring apparatus, characterized in that the function data stored in the computer system is updated and stored by the function data transmitted from the facsimile system.

[0015]

The facsimile function display method according to the first aspect of the present invention is performed by the following procedure. That is, the setting program for selecting and setting the function of the facsimile apparatus is, for example, a flexible disk or a CD-RO.
It is used by being installed as a file from the M or the like to a storage device such as a hard disk of a computer system, and based on an input operation of a start command of the installation processing program during this installation processing or before and after the program installation. Then, a command for transmitting the function data of the facsimile device itself is transmitted to the facsimile device. The function data indicates the setting items of the facsimile apparatus and the setting status of the facsimile apparatus.

Upon receiving this command, the facsimile apparatus transmits its function as function data to the computer system side. The computer system stores the transmitted function data in a hard disk or a memory. When the installed program is loaded into the memory and activated in order to set the facsimile apparatus, the stored function data is read and the screen corresponding to the function of the facsimile apparatus is displayed on the screen of the computer system. The function data indicating only the setting item and the setting state is displayed as a menu.

Therefore, the user can know the type of function of the facsimile machine connected to the computer system currently being operated only by looking at the menu, so that unnecessary confusion will not occur. In addition, setting can be performed only for the functions listed in the menu, so that the setting work is efficient and mistakes can be prevented. Furthermore, one setting program can be used for various facsimile machines,
Since it does not have to be developed for each model of facsimile machine,
Development of setting program is efficient.

This menu display is limited to the menu items of the functions of the facsimile machine currently connected to the computer system. Therefore, there is no need to perform setting processing of functions that the facsimile device does not have, unnecessary setting for the user, and unnecessary confusion because the function of the facsimile device is unknown. Efficient setting is possible.

In the above-mentioned facsimile function display method, the function data is transmitted from the facsimile device at the time of installing the program or before or after the program is installed. Of course, as shown in claim 2, when the program is started by loading the program, Alternatively, before and after the loading, the function data may be transmitted from the facsimile device based on the input operation of the start command of the load processing program.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the method of displaying a facsimile function according to the second aspect, the program is loaded into a computer system, and the facsimile is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus based on a user's selection operation. A command for transmitting function data indicating the setting items of the apparatus and the status of the setting is transmitted, and the function data stored in the computer system is updated by the function data transmitted from the facsimile machine in response to the command. May be stored.

According to a fourth aspect of the facsimile function acquiring apparatus, the installation capability acquisition command transmitting means displays the function of the facsimile apparatus as a menu on the screen, and an input for selecting and inputting the function of the facsimile apparatus. Means and a program for realizing each function of the selection setting transmission means for transmitting the selection content input from the input means to the facsimile device,
Alternatively, before and after the installation, function data indicating the setting items of the facsimile device and the setting state of the facsimile device is transmitted to the connected facsimile device based on the input operation of the start command of the installation processing program. The facsimile machine capability acquisition means stores in the memory the function data transmitted from the facsimile machine in response to the command, and the function of the facsimile machine is selectively set by the input means. At this time, the function data indicating only the setting items and the setting states corresponding to the functions of the facsimile apparatus may be displayed on the display unit as a menu. As a result, the function of the facsimile machine can be displayed as a menu on the screen by the display means based on the function of the program, the function of the facsimile machine can be selected and input by the input means, and the input means by the selection setting transmission means. It is possible to send the selection content input from the facsimile device to the facsimile device and efficiently set the functions of the facsimile device without confusion. Also, one program can support multiple models.

This menu display is limited to the menu items having only the function of the facsimile apparatus currently connected to the computer system. Therefore, there is no need to perform setting processing of functions that the facsimile device does not have, unnecessary setting for the user, and unnecessary confusion because the function of the facsimile device is unknown. Efficient setting is possible.

In the above-mentioned facsimile function acquisition device, the function data is transmitted from the facsimile device at the time of installing the program or before and after the program is installed. Of course, as described in claim 5, a load for starting the program is executed. At the time of, or before or after, the command for transmitting the function data of the facsimile machine is transmitted to the connected facsimile machine based on the input operation of the activation command of the load processing program, and further the facsimile machine capability acquisition means. Then, the function data transmitted from the facsimile device in response to the command may be stored in the memory, and the same effect as that of the facsimile function acquisition device can be obtained.

Further, as described in claim 6, claim 5
In the facsimile function acquisition device described in (1), further, in a state where the program is loaded in a computer system, setting data of the facsimile device and function data indicating a state of the setting are transmitted to the facsimile device based on a selection operation by a user. A function upload ability acquisition command transmission means for transmitting a command to cause the function upload ability acquisition command transmission means to be stored in the computer system according to the function data transmitted from the facsimile device in response to the command. The function data may be updated and stored.

[0025]

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a facsimile apparatus 2 with a printer function according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view showing its appearance, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing its internal mechanism.

The facsimile apparatus 2 with a printer function according to the present embodiment reads an image from a document, transmits the image data as facsimile data to another facsimile apparatus via a telephone line, and transmits the image data to another facsimile apparatus via a telephone line. Other than the function as a normal facsimile machine that receives the facsimile data transmitted from the facsimile machine and forms the image on the recording paper, the printer cable from a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) or a word processor. It has a function as a printer that receives print data (hereinafter, also referred to as PC data) transmitted via the printer and forms an image according to the data on a recording sheet.

Further, as will be described later, when the facsimile device 2 with a printer function receives a function data transmission request command from a personal computer, a word processor, etc., the function data as a facsimile device is sent to the personal computer, word processor, etc. in response to the command. And the function setting data from the personal computer, word processor or the like is received, and the function as the facsimile apparatus is set.

As shown in FIG. 2, a receiver 12 is attached to the side of the main body 10 of the facsimile apparatus 2 with a printer function, and an operation panel 14 is provided on the front of the upper surface. Further, a cassette mounting portion 18 for detachably mounting the recording paper cassette 16 is formed at the rear portion of the upper surface of the main body 10, and a document table 20 is formed at the center of the upper surface.

On the other hand, in the main body 10, as shown in FIG.
The scanner unit 22 for reading an image from a document placed on the document table 20, the recording unit 26 for forming an image on the recording paper 24 accommodated in the recording paper cassette 16, and the drive control of these units are used to perform the above-mentioned operation. A control unit 70 for realizing the function is built in.

In the scanner section 22, the originals placed on the original table 20 are taken one by one by a paper feed mechanism including a paper feed roller 32 and a separation pad 31. Then, the document is transported to the document support plate 34 by the transport roller 33, and the image is read by the image reading device 35 arranged below the document support plate 34. Further, the document after the image reading is discharged to the discharge tray 37 provided on the front surface of the main body 10 via the discharge roller 36.

The image reading device 35 irradiates the original document on the original document support plate 34 with light from the light source 38, reflects the reflected light from the original document by the mirrors 39 and 40, and further, the line image sensor 42 by the lens 41. It is known that the original image is read line by line by condensing it on the light receiving surface. A document sensor 44 that optically detects whether or not a document is set on the document table 20 is provided on the path from the document table 20 to the paper feeding mechanism.

On the other hand, in the recording section 26, the recording paper cassette 1
The recording papers 24 accommodated in 6 are taken in one by one by a paper feed mechanism including a paper feed roller 51 and a separation pad 52. Then, the recording paper 24 is sent to the image forming apparatus 55 via the conveyance roller 53, and the toner image is formed in the image forming apparatus 55. Further, the recording paper 24 after image formation is sent to the fixing device 56, and after the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 56, the recording paper 24 is discharged via the paper discharge roller 57.
The paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray 58 provided on the front surface of the main body 10. The fixing device 56 is a well-known device including a heating roller having a built-in heater for heating and a pressing roller for holding the recording paper 24 between the heating roller and the heating roller. By doing so, the toner image is fixed on the recording paper 24.

Further, the image forming apparatus 55 of the recording unit 26 is
A photosensitive drum 61 and a laser beam scanning device 62 that irradiates the photosensitive drum 61 with laser light to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface thereof.
A developing device 63 for adhering toner to the photosensitive drum 61 after electrostatic latent image formation, and a transfer roller 64.
And a transfer device 65 for transferring the toner adhering to the photosensitive drum 61 to the recording paper 24. Further, the laser beam scanning device 62 emits a laser beam in accordance with a command from the controller 70. Laser emitting section 67, a lens 68 for condensing laser light, and a reflection mirror 6 for guiding the laser light condensed by the lens 68 to the photosensitive drum 61.
It is equipped with 9 mag.

That is, the recording unit 26 is configured as a so-called laser printer, and forms an image on the recording paper 24 according to a command from the control unit 70. During this image formation, the recording paper leading edge sensor 26a detects the leading edge of the recording paper 24, and the transfer timing by the transfer device 65 is determined based on the detection.

Next, the control unit 70 for controlling the above respective units
As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1, fax (FAX)
It comprises a section 72, a printer section 74, and a gate array 76 connecting these sections.

The fax unit 72 sets an operation mode, reads an original image by the scanner unit 22, encodes transmission data, and transmits / receives facsimile data according to various commands from the operator inputted through the operation panel 14. , For decoding the received data, transferring the decoded facsimile data to the printer unit 74, and the like, and transmitting / receiving a call and / or facsimile data to / from the CPU 80, the ROM 82, the RAM 84, and other telephones and facsimile devices. A network control unit (NCU) 86 for enabling the above, and a modem 88 for transmitting / receiving facsimile data to / from another facsimile apparatus via the NCU 86 are provided.

The CPU 80, ROM 82, RAM
84, NCU 86, modem 88, operation panel 14 and scanner unit 22 are connected to each other via a bus 89,
Further, the gate array 76 is also connected to the bus 89. Further, the NCU 86 is connected to the above-mentioned handset 12 and a speaker for making a call, and a call with another telephone can be performed via the handset 12.

On the other hand, the printer unit 74 includes the gate array 7
By forming a facsimile image on the recording paper 24 (in other words, recording the facsimile data) by drivingly controlling the recording unit 26 in accordance with the facsimile data sent from the fax unit 72 via 6. Yes, like the fax unit 72, CPU 90, ROM 9
2. It is configured as a well-known microcomputer centering on RAM94. Further, the printer unit 74 includes
A personal computer interface (for example, Centronics interface) 96 as a print data input unit is provided, and the CPU 90 inputs PC data to the personal computer interface 96 from a personal computer 98 as an external computer system via a cable 96a. Then, the recording unit 26 is driven and controlled in accordance with the PC data, and a created image created on the personal computer 98 side is formed on the recording paper 24 (in other words, the PC data is recorded). When a function data transmission request command or function setting data is received from the personal computer 98, the command or data is transmitted to the fax section 72 side through the gate array 76, and when the function data for the personal computer 98 is received from the fax section 72 side. It also performs an intermediary process of transmitting it to the personal computer 98 side.

The storage buffer memory 94a set in the RAM 94 is for temporarily storing the PC data transmitted from the personal computer 98 side at the time of printing the facsimile data by the PC data recording process, and further for the fax section. This is for temporarily storing the contents of communication when mediating the communication between the computer 72 and the personal computer 98. R
The recording buffer memory 94b set in the AM94 is
This is for temporarily storing print data for one page.

A personal computer 98 connected to the printer section 74 of the facsimile apparatus 2 with a printer function is constructed as an ordinary computer and includes a CPU 102, a ROM 104,
A RAM 106, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 108, a flexible disk drive (FDD) 110, a hard disk device (HD) 112, a key input unit 114, an input / output interface 116, a mouse input device 117 and a bus 118 are provided. I / O interface 1
16 is a personal computer interface 9 of the printer unit 74.
6, the personal computer 98 can send and receive data to and from the facsimile device 2 with a printer function through the input / output interface 116.

Next, the processing executed by the personal computer 98 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 4 and subsequent figures.

First, FIG. 4 shows a flowchart for installing the facsimile processing program. This installation processing is stored as an execution program in the same flexible disk as the facsimile processing program to be installed,
This program is loaded and started in the personal computer 98 when the facsimile processing program is installed in the hard disk 112 of the personal computer 98.

The user operates the flexible disk drive 110 with the flexible disk storing the installation processing program and the facsimile processing program stored in the operating system being started up.
Then, the start command of the installation processing program is input from the key input unit 114. By this,
The operating system loads the installation processing program in the flexible disk into the RAM 106 and executes it.

First, a facsimile function data reading process (S1000), which will be described later, is performed. Then, the facsimile processing program is installed from the flexible disk to the storage device of the personal computer 98, here the hard disk 112 (S2000).

Details of the facsimile function data reading process (S1000) executed by the personal computer 98 are shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 6 shows a reception process in the printer section 74 related to this, and the fax section 7
FIG. 7 shows the receiving process in No. 2. PC 98,
The communication state between the printer unit 74 and the fax unit 72 is shown in the sequence diagram of FIG.

First, a function data transmission request command is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 2 with a printer function (S10).
10). Next, it is determined whether or not the function data supposed to be transmitted by the facsimile apparatus 2 with the printer function, which has received the function data transmission request command, has been received within the predetermined time (S1020). If received within a predetermined time (YES in S1020), the function data is stored in the hard disk 112 as a data file (S10).
30). This data file is used as menu display data in the facsimile setting process described later.

In the printer section 74 of the facsimile apparatus 2 with a printer function, if there is a print request from the fax section 72 (YES in S2010), if it is not the personal computer transmission mode described later (NO in S2015), the fax section 72 side. A process of receiving the facsimile data transmitted from the recording unit 26 and recording it on the recording paper 24 by the recording unit 26 (S20
20) is executed and there is a print request from the personal computer 98 (YES in S2030), the PC data transmitted from the personal computer 98 is received, and the recording unit 26 prints the recording paper 2
The process of recording in S4 (S2040) is executed.

When the function data transmission request command is transmitted from the personal computer 98 side by the processing in step S1010 (YES in S2050), the command is transmitted to the fax section 72 via the gate array 76 (S).
2060). Next, it is determined whether or not the personal computer data is received from the fax unit 72 within a predetermined time (S20).
70). When the personal computer data is received within the predetermined time, the data is transmitted to the personal computer 98 side (S2080).

If the command is not to the fax unit 72 (NO in S2050), it is determined whether the data is to the fax unit 72 (S2090). If the data is to the fax unit 72 (YES in S2090), the The data is transmitted to the fax section 72 side through the gate array 76 (S2100). If it is not data to the fax unit 72 (NO in S2090), it is determined whether or not it is a facsimile image data request command to the printer unit 74 itself (S2110). If the command is a facsimile image data request command (YES in S2110), the printer unit 7
The PC transmission mode is set in step 4 (S212).
0). As a result, a positive determination is made in step S2015, the facsimile image data received from the fax unit 72 is transmitted to the personal computer 98 without printing (S2025), and then the personal computer transmission mode is canceled (S2027).

Incidentally, steps S2020, S2027, S
After 2040, S2080, S2100, S2120,
Alternatively, if a negative determination is made in steps S2070 and S2110, the process returns to step S2010.

On the fax section 72 side, if there is a call from the telephone line, it is determined that the fax is received (S).
If YES in step 3010), a normal reception process and a recording process (S3020) for transmitting the decoded facsimile image data to the printer unit 74 for printing are performed. If it is determined in step S3010 that fax reception has not been performed, then it is determined whether a function data transmission request command has been received (S3030). If the function data transmission request command is received (YES in S3030)
S), the content of the facsimile function of the fax unit 72 itself is the printer unit 7 as the function data.
4 side (S3040). The printer unit 74 having received this transmission, as described above, carries out step S20 of FIG.
At 80, the function data is transmitted to the personal computer 98 side.
Therefore, the personal computer 98 receiving this stores the function data as a file in the hard disk 112 in step S1030 of the facsimile function data reading process of FIG.

Further, if the function data transmission request command is not received (NO in S3030), it is determined whether or not the function setting data of the fax section 72 itself has been received from the personal computer 98 side (S3050). If the function setting data is received (YES in S3050), the function of itself is set according to the function setting data (S3060).

If the function setting data is not received, it is determined whether or not the facsimile transmission data is received from the personal computer 98 via the printer unit 74 (S307).
0). If the data for facsimile transmission is received (S
If YES in 3070), the facsimile transmission process is performed in which the image data in the facsimile transmission data is used as facsimile data and is transmitted to the telephone number in the facsimile transmission data (S3080). When a negative determination is made in step S3070, the process returns to step S3010.

Next, the function of the facsimile processing program installed in the hard disk 112 in step S2000 of FIG. 4 will be described. This facsimile processing program is selected by the user and activated by the activation menu processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

When the start menu process is started by the input of the start command, the menu is displayed first (S
4010). This menu is a selection menu of programs to be started. For example, it is a menu in which the names of programs for facsimile processing, word processing, spreadsheets, etc. are displayed. If the user selects a desired program from this program through the key input unit 114 or the mouse input device 117 (S4020), the selected program is the RAM 106 of the personal computer 98.
Then, the program is loaded from the hard disk 112 and the program is started (S4030 to S4050).

For example, if the facsimile processing is selected, a facsimile processing program, which will be described later, is loaded and activated (S4030), and the personal computer 98 functions as a processing device for setting the function of the fax section 72. Also, if a word processor program is selected, the personal computer 98 loads and starts the word processor program (S4040), and functions as a word processor. If a spreadsheet program is selected, the personal computer 98 loads and starts the spreadsheet program (S4050). Start spreadsheet processing. If the user selects "End", the boot menu process is ended.

FIG. 10 shows the facsimile processing program started when the facsimile processing is selected.
A description will be given based on the flowchart.

First, when the processing is started, the function data of the fax section 72 stored in the hard disk 112 in step S1030 described above is read into the work area of the RAM 106 (S5010).

Next, a processing menu is displayed (S50).
20). Here, as the processing menu, menus of “remote setup”, “facsimile transmission”, “facsimile reception”, “file display / recording”, and “end” are displayed and waiting for selection (S5030).

If "remote setup" is selected here, remote setup processing, which will be described later, is executed (S5040).

If "facsimile transmission" is selected, the image data is transmitted from the personal computer 98 side to the facsimile device 2 with a printer function, and the image data is transmitted to another facsimile device via the facsimile device 2 with a printer function. The process of transmitting by facsimile is performed. That is, in step S5050, the hard disk 112
By transmitting the image data stored in the printer section 74 side, the printer section 74 side makes an affirmative decision in step S2090 of FIG. 6, and transmits the image data to the fax section 72 side in step S2100. On the side of the fax unit 72, an affirmative decision is made in step S3070, and the image data is transmitted as facsimile data to the telephone number of the other party transmitted together with the image data (S3080).

If "Facsimile reception" is selected, the facsimile data is directly received as image data from the facsimile apparatus 2 with a printer function, and the hard disk 1 is received.
A process of storing the data in 12 or the like is performed. That is, in step S5060, the facsimile image data request command is transmitted to the printer unit 74 side, and the printer unit 74 side makes an affirmative decision in step S2110.
The personal computer transmission mode is set (S2120). As a result, when there is a print request from the fax unit 72 immediately after that (YES in S2010), an affirmative determination is made in step S2015, and the facsimile image data received from the fax unit 72 is transmitted to the personal computer 98 side (S2025). After that, the personal computer transmission mode is canceled (S2027). The personal computer 98 further stores the facsimile image data received from the printer unit 74 in the hard disk 112 or the like in step S5060.

If "display / record file" is selected,
Hard disk 1 in the process of "facsimile reception"
Facsimile image data stored in 12 or the like is displayed on the LCD 1
File display / recording processing for displaying at 08 or transmitting to the facsimile apparatus with printer function 2 for recording is performed (S5070).

If "end" is selected in step S5030, the facsimile process ends.

The remote setup process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S5010, the RAM is already stored.
Fax unit 72 loaded in the work area 106
The facsimile setting menu is displayed on the LCD 108 on the basis of the function data of the facsimile of (S6).
010). An example of this display state is shown in FIG. Areas D1 and D2 therein are displayed based on the function data of the fax unit 72. The area D1 represents all the setting items, and all the functions of the facsimile device with a printer function 2 are described. The area D2 shows the setting state of the facsimile apparatus 2 with a printer function, and the default value held by the facsimile processing program is described in the first facsimile setting menu display. Of course, in the process of step S1010, if not only the function of the fax unit 72 but also the function setting contents are transmitted, the area D is displayed from the first facsimile setting menu display.
In 2, the current setting state of the fax section 72 may be displayed.

Next, the processing input is awaited (S602).
0). For example, in FIG. 12A, if the mouse cursor is moved to “Large” of “OFF / Small / Large” of the buzzer volume of the region D1 and the left button of the mouse input device 117 is clicked to select it, the region D2 is displayed. The same item of is changed from "small" to "large". This setting change processing is step S6030.
This is the user setting process. This setting is surely selected from the functions of the fax unit 72. That is, if the fax unit 72 does not have the "smoothing recording" function and the "fax transfer" function, the fax unit 72 shown in FIG.
As in 2 (b), the items corresponding to "smoothing recording" and "fax transfer" are not displayed in the areas D1 and D2. Therefore, there is no need to perform setting processing of functions that the fax unit 72 does not have, and there is no wasteful setting for the user.
Since the function of is not known, unnecessary confusion does not occur and efficient setting is possible.

When the button B1 on the screen is selected with the mouse cursor, the function upload process (S6040) is executed. The function upload process is step S1 in FIG.
000 and the same process as step S5010 of FIG. Therefore, the processing similar to that at the time of installation is performed in the personal computer 98, the printer unit 74 and the fax unit 72, and the function data file existing in the hard disk 112 is updated to the current content of the function data of the fax unit 72. , The function data of the work area of the RAM 106 is also updated. Therefore, LCD
The facsimile setting menu screen 108 is also updated with new function items. This is an effective process when the printer-equipped facsimile apparatus 2 is replaced after the facsimile processing program is installed.

When the button B2 on the screen is selected with the mouse cursor, the setting download process (S6050) is executed. The setting download process is a process in which the contents set as shown in FIG. 12A or 12B are transmitted as function setting data to the printer function facsimile apparatus 2 side as shown in FIG. By transmitting this function setting data, the printer unit 74 causes step S209 in FIG.
A positive determination is made at 0, and the function setting data is transmitted to the fax section 72 side at step S2100. The fax unit 72 side makes a positive determination in step S3050 of FIG. 7 and sets its own function in accordance with the function setting data received from the printer unit 74 side in step S3060. In this way, the user can immediately reflect the contents set on the screen of the personal computer 98 in the fax section 72, so that the setting work can be performed very efficiently. Since the screen contents also faithfully represent the function contents of the fax unit 72 of the connected facsimile machine 2 with printer function, the settings can be made without confusion and incorrect settings can be prevented.

When the button B3 on the screen is selected with the mouse cursor, the save process (S6060) to the recording device is executed. Here, the recording device is the hard disk 112, and the function setting data set by the user on the screen is stored in the hard disk 112 as a file.

When the button B4 on the screen is selected with the mouse cursor, the loading process from the recording device (S6070) is executed. The function setting data is read from the function setting data file previously set by the user and saved in the hard disk 112 into the work area of the RAM 106, and is displayed on the LCD 108 as shown in FIG.
Therefore, it is effective to refer to the previous setting contents.

When the button B5 on the screen is selected with the mouse cursor, the remote setup process ends.

If button B6 on the screen is selected with the mouse cursor, the setting upload process (S6080) is executed. In this processing, the setting contents of the function in the fax unit 72 are transmitted as function setting data from the fax unit 72 to the personal computer 98 via the printer unit 74 and displayed in the area D2 shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b). It is a process to do. That is, the process is the reverse of step S6050.

After steps S6030 to S6080, the process returns to step S6010.

In the first embodiment configured as described above, the function of the facsimile apparatus 2 with a printer function, in fact, the function of the fax section 72 therein, is performed especially during the installation processing of the facsimile processing program shown in FIG. Is read as function data, and when the function of the fax unit 72 is set, the function data is used to display the items of the facsimile setting menu, so that the user can efficiently set the function without confusion. .

As a result, even if the printer-equipped facsimile apparatus 2 is replaced with a new model, the printer-equipped facsimile apparatus 2 transmits its own function data in response to a function data transmission request from the personal computer 98 side. As long as it comes, a single program can be used without changing the facsimile processing program, and the development of the program is efficient.

In the first embodiment, step S6010 corresponds to processing as display means, step S6030 corresponds to processing as input means, step S6050 corresponds to processing as selection setting transmission means, and step S1
010 corresponds to the process as the installation capability acquisition command transmitting unit, and step S1030 or step S5010 corresponds to the process as the facsimile device capability acquisition unit.

In addition, steps S3030 and S205
0 corresponds to the processing as the command determining means, and steps S3040 and S2080 correspond to the processing as the function data transmitting means.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the personal computer 98 is used.
Commands and data were sent and received between the fax section 72 and the fax section 72 through the printer section 74. As shown in FIG. 13, the fax section 72 is provided with a personal computer interface (for example, RS232C interface) 87, and Function data transmission request command and function setting data transmission, and fax unit 72
The function data may be received from the personal computer interface 87. As a result, the effect of reducing the processing load on the printer unit 74 is produced in addition to the effect of the first embodiment.

[Others] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the facsimile device 2 having a printer function is used, but of course, a dedicated facsimile machine may be used. In this case, for example, the dedicated facsimile machine has the same interface as the personal computer interface 87, and does not function as a printer for printing PC data.

In the first and second embodiments, the facsimile function data reading process (S1000) is performed during the installation process, but it may be performed before or after the installation process. When the power of the personal computer 98 is turned on, the facsimile function data reading process (S1000) may be executed immediately after the operation system is started up to create the function data file on the hard disk 112. That is,
If the personal computer 98 is in a state where the remote setup process (S5040) can be executed, the function data file may exist.

Also, R of the function data of step S5010
The reading to AM106 should be step S601 at the latest.
At 0, it may be executed before the facsimile setting menu is first displayed. The facsimile function data reading process (S1000) may be performed immediately before step S5010 at the latest. Therefore, the processes of steps S1000 and S5010 may be executed immediately before the remote setup process of step S5040 is started. In this case, step S1010 corresponds to the processing as the load capacity acquisition command transmitting means.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a facsimile machine with a printer function according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal mechanism thereof.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of installation processing of a facsimile processing program.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process of reading facsimile function data in a personal computer.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a reception process in the printer unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a reception process in the fax unit.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication state between a personal computer, a printer unit, and a fax unit.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a boot menu process in a personal computer.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a facsimile processing program in a personal computer.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of remote setup processing in a personal computer.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a facsimile setting menu on the LCD.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a facsimile machine with a printer function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Facsimile device with printer function 10 ... Facsimile device main body with printer function 14 ... Operation panel 70 ... Control part 72 ... Fax part 74 ... Printer part 76 ... Gate array 80 ... C
PU 84 ... RAM 86 ... NCU 87 ... PC interface 90 ... CPU 94 ... RAM 96 ... PC interface 98 ... PC 102 ... CPU 106 ... RAM 1
08 ... LCD 110 ... Flexible disk drive 112 ... Hard disk 114 ... Key input unit 116 ... Input / output interface 117 ... Mouse input device D1, D2 ... Area B1, B2, B3, B4, B
5, B6 ... Button

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A start-up command for the installation processing program when a program for selectively setting a function of a facsimile apparatus connected to the computer system is installed in the computer system or before or after the installation. On the basis of an input operation of, the facsimile apparatus transmits a command for transmitting function data indicating a setting item corresponding to a function of the facsimile apparatus and a setting state of the facsimile apparatus, and in response to the command, the command is transmitted. The function data transmitted from the facsimile device is stored in the computer system, and when the function of the program is selectively set by the function of the program, the file is displayed on the screen of the computer system. Facsimile function display method characterized by displaying a menu only the function data representing the setting items and the setting state corresponding to the functions of the Shimiri device. 2. A load processing program for loading or activating a program for selectively setting a function of a facsimile apparatus connected to the computer system via the computer system, or before or after the loading. On the basis of the input operation of the start command of, the facsimile device transmits a command for transmitting the setting data corresponding to the function of the facsimile device and the function data indicating the setting state of the facsimile device, and responds to the command. Then, the function data transmitted from the facsimile device is stored in the computer system, and when the function of the facsimile device is selectively set by the function of the program via the computer system, the facsimile is displayed on the screen of the computer system. Dress Facsimile function display method characterized by displaying the function data as a menu representing only the function data representing the state of the setting items and the setting corresponding to the functions of the. 3. The facsimile function display method according to claim 2, further comprising setting items of the facsimile apparatus and setting the facsimile apparatus in the facsimile apparatus based on a selection operation by a user while the program is loaded in the computer system. Is transmitted, and the function data stored in the computer system is updated and stored by the function data transmitted from the facsimile device in response to the command. Facsimile function display method. 4. A display means for displaying the function of the facsimile apparatus as a menu on a screen, an input means for selecting and inputting the function of the facsimile apparatus, and a selection for transmitting the selection contents input from the input means to the facsimile apparatus. Functions installed in a facsimile machine connected thereto at the time of installing a program that realizes each function of the setting transmitting means, or based on an input operation of a start command of the installation processing program before or after the installation. To the setting data corresponding to the setting item and the function data indicating the setting state of the facsimile device, and a function data transmitted from the facsimile device in response to the command in the memory. Facsimile machine ability acquisition hand to remember And a function data indicating the setting item and the setting state corresponding to the function of the facsimile apparatus, when the function of the facsimile apparatus is selectively set by the input unit. A facsimile function acquisition apparatus, wherein only the function data is displayed as a menu. 5. A display means for displaying the function of the facsimile device as a menu on a screen, an input means for selecting and inputting the function of the facsimile device, and a selection for transmitting the selection contents input from the input means to the facsimile device. When a program that realizes each function of the setting transmission unit is loaded and activated, or before or after the loading, based on an input operation of a start command of the load processing program, the connected facsimile device is connected to the facsimile device. Load capacity acquisition command transmitting means for transmitting a command for transmitting function data indicating a setting item corresponding to the function of the facsimile machine and the setting state of the facsimile machine, and a function transmitted from the facsimile machine in response to the command. A facsimile device capability acquisition means for storing data in a memory, When the function of the facsimile apparatus is selected and set by the input unit, only the function data representing the setting item corresponding to the function of the facsimile apparatus and the function data indicating the setting state is displayed on the display unit. A facsimile function acquisition device characterized by being displayed as. 6. The facsimile function acquiring apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising setting items of said facsimile apparatus and said setting in said facsimile apparatus based on a user's selection operation in a state where said program is loaded into a computer system. The function upload time capability acquisition command transmission means for transmitting a command for transmitting the function data indicating the state of
A facsimile function acquiring apparatus, characterized in that the function data stored in the computer system is updated and stored by the function data transmitted from the facsimile apparatus in response to the command.