JP3344773B2 - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus connected to a local area network to which at least one terminal is connected, and having a local area network server function and a printer server function in the local network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a facsimile apparatus which connects to a local area network to which a plurality of terminals are connected and realizes a facsimile server function and a printer server function in this local network has been put to practical use.

In this case, a scanner, a printer (plotter), and a facsimile communication function provided in the facsimile apparatus can be used from each terminal connected to the local network, and resources of the local area network can be used. It can be used effectively.

[0004]

However, such a conventional apparatus has the following disadvantages.

That is, when a printout request is sent to a facsimile machine and a printout file is transmitted, when the transmission of the printout file is completed, the terminal is notified of the end of the printout, and the status of the actual printout is displayed. There was an inconvenience that the user could not judge. Further, since it is impossible to know from the terminal that an error such as out of paper or paper jam has occurred in the facsimile apparatus at the time of printout, when the user who recognizes that the printout has been completed goes to the facsimile apparatus, the facsimile apparatus does not operate. In some cases, an error condition occurred.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a facsimile apparatus that allows a user of a terminal to accurately know a printout situation.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides at least one
User management information storage for storing a user name representing a user identification name in a facsimile apparatus connected to a local area network to which two terminals are connected and having a local area network server function and a printer server function in the local network Means, printout management information storage means for storing printout management information including at least a file name, a user name, the number of pages, a printout date and time, and a printout result with respect to the printout file received from the terminal; When the user requests a printout history reference, a list of printout management information including the user name of the user is included in the printout management information stored in the printout management information storage unit. Its user indicates information is that a control means for displaying the logged-in devices.

When the user logged in from the terminal requests a printout history reference, the control means includes the user name of the user in the printout management information stored in the printout management information storage means. The list display information of the printout management information being displayed is displayed on the terminal where the user has logged in, and a predetermined operation is requested for the contents of the displayed list display information, and the specified operation is executed. is there.

The user management information storage means stores a relationship between a user name indicating a user's identification name and a user level set for the user.
When the user logged in from the terminal requests a printout history reference, if the user level set for the user is a non-administrator level, the control means is stored in the printout management information storage means. When a list of printout management information including the user name of the user is displayed on the terminal where the user has logged in, and the user level set for the user is the administrator level Displays the list display information of all the printout management information stored in the printout management information storage means on the terminal to which the user has logged in, and performs a predetermined operation on the contents of the displayed list display information. It requests input and executes the specified operation.

[0010] Further, there are provided abnormality detection means for detecting that an abnormal state has occurred in the terminal itself, and manual information storage means for storing error-time manual information representing an operation for the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection means, The control means, when the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality during the execution of printout, transmits a message indicating that to the terminal to which the user who has requested the printout file to print out the printout file is logged in, When the user performs a manual request operation, the display information of the manual error information stored in the manual information storage means is transmitted to the terminal in response to the detected abnormality.

[0011]

Therefore, each user can clearly know the printout status of the file requested to be printed out. In addition, the user at the administrator level can clearly know the printout status of all the users, which is convenient for the operation of the local network. Further, when an error occurs during printout, the fact is notified to the user, so that the print server function of the facsimile apparatus can be more effectively utilized.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a local area network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, m personal computers PC1, PC2,..., PCm and a facsimile machine I having a local area network server function
The FAX is connected to the concentrator HUB.
These personal computers PC via UB
1, PC2,..., PCm and facsimile machine I
FAX is connected.

Here, the concentrator HUB is, for example, 10
This is for configuring a star-type local area network such as BASE-T (IEEE802.3CSMA / CD). In this local area network system, the control processing and application programs of the personal computers PC1, PC2,..., PCm and the facsimile machine IFAX are based on a so-called multi-window network operating system. I have. The facsimile machine IFAX includes a personal computer P
One or more application programs identical to C1, PC2,..., PCm, or application programs capable of printing files created by those application programs are installed.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the facsimile machine IFAX.

In FIG. 1, a CPU (central processing unit) 1
Is an operation control of each part of the facsimile machine IFAX,
The group 3 is for realizing the processing of the facsimile transmission function and the local area network server function, and the ROM (read only memory) 2
A RAM (random access memory) 3 is for storing a main memory and a work area of the CPU 1, and is used for storing various data referred to in processing executed by the PU 1. Is for outputting current time information and the like. RAM 3 and clock device 4
Are backed up by the battery 5.

The scanner 6 is for reading and inputting a document image at a predetermined resolution.
The operation of the scanner 6 is controlled, and various image processing such as pixel density conversion is applied to the image data read by the scanner 6.

The page printer 8 is for recording a high-resolution and high-quality image on plain paper such as a laser beam printer. The recording control unit 9 is for controlling the recording operation of the page printer 8. It is.

The operation display unit 10 is for directly operating the facsimile machine IFAX directly and locally.
The encoding / decoding unit 11 executes a predetermined image encoding / decoding process.

The floppy disk device 12 is for recording / reproducing / erasing data on a floppy disk (not shown).
This is for controlling the operation of the floppy disk device 12.

The magnetic disk device 14 is a large-capacity external storage device, and stores system software, system files, a plurality of application software, many image files, application software files, and the like. The magnetic disk controller 15 controls the operation of the magnetic disk device 14.

The local area network interface 16 is for connecting to the hub HUB, and the local network control unit 17 is for executing a data transmission operation according to a predetermined local area network control procedure. .

The group 3 facsimile modem 18 is for realizing a group 3 facsimile modem function. The group 3 facsimile modem 18 has a low-speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals and mainly exchanges image information. High-speed modem function (V.33 modem,
V. 29 modem, V.29. 27ter modem etc.).

The network controller 19 is for connecting the facsimile machine IFAX to a public telephone network and has an automatic transmission / reception function. The network controller 19 is provided with a handset 20 for talking.

These CPU1, ROM2, RAM3,
Clock device 4, image processing unit 7, recording control unit 9, operation display unit 10, encoding / decoding unit 11, floppy disk control unit 13, magnetic disk control unit 15, local area network control unit 17, group 3 facsimile modem 1
The network controller 8 and the network controller 19 are connected to a system bus 21, and data exchange between these components is mainly performed through the system bus 21.

The facsimile apparatus IFAX stores login information as shown in FIG. 3A in order to manage the usage status of the user using the local area network.

The login information is a user name which is identification information used by each user at the time of login, a password used to confirm the user at the time of login, and the level of the user is an administrator level or a general user level. And a previous logout date and time for storing the last logout time when using the network.

The facsimile machine IFAX forms printout management information for managing printout, and is stored in a predetermined printout management area of the RAM 3 as shown in FIG. Here, the printout management information includes user-specific printout management information as shown in FIG. 3C and printout queue information as shown in FIG.

The printout management information for each user includes a file name for identifying each printout file, the number of pages indicating the number of pages of the printout file, the communication date and time indicating the date and time when the printout was completed, and the printout. It consists of a user name representing the requesting user, a printout result representing a printout result such as OK / NG / standby, and an error code representing the type of error that occurred during the printout. The printout queue information is obtained by arranging the file names of the files for which printout requests have been received in the order in which the requests were received.

Further, the facsimile apparatus IFAX stores manual information at the time of error indicating operation information for eliminating an error (for example, out of paper, paper jam, etc.) occurring in the terminal itself. As shown in FIG. 3E, the manual information at the time of error includes an error code indicating the type of each error and manual information. Here, the manual information includes only character string information indicating an operation procedure, or includes character string information and image information.

FIG. 4 shows another personal computer PC1, PC2,... Via a local area network.
.. shows a processing example of the facsimile machine IFAX when receiving a printout request from the PCm.

Any personal computer PC
When a printout is requested from PCm, PC2,..., PCm, the facsimile machine IFAX accepts the printout request (process 101) and issues the printout request to the personal computer PC.
1, PC2,..., PCm, the printout file is received, and the received file is temporarily stored (process 102).

Then, the above-described printout management information is created and stored (step 103), and the file name of the printout file received at that time is added to the printout queue (step 104).

FIG. 5 shows an example of a printout process in which the facsimile apparatus IFAX starts executing at a predetermined time period under a predetermined condition.

First, it is checked whether or not one or more file names are registered in the printout queue information (decision 201). If the result of the decision 201 is YES, the printout is enabled at that time. A check is made to determine whether or not this is the case (decision 202). When the result of the judgment 201 is NO, or when the result of the judgment 202 is NO, the process exits.

When the result of the determination 202 is YES, the file name located at the head of the printout queue information is selected as the file name of the printout file (process 203), and the file can be printed out. Activate the application and start printing out the file selected at that time (Process 2
04). At the same time, the file name of the file selected at that time is deleted from the printout queue information.

Thus, the printout of the file selected at that time is executed. Here, when the printout operation ends normally or when an error occurs and ends with an error, the process (processing unit) executing the printout operation notifies the fact.

Then, it is checked whether or not the printout has been completed normally (decision 206).
If S, the file selected at that time is deleted (step 207), and the content of the printout management information of the file name selected at that time is updated (step 20).
8) The printout operation ends.

If the result of the determination 206 is NO, the type of the error that has occurred at that time is determined (step 209), and the error code of the determined error is added to the printout management information of the file selected at that time. To update the printout management information (step 21).
0).

Then, a message for notifying that an error has occurred is sent to the personal computers PC1, PC2,..., PCm to which the user having the user name registered in the printout management information is logged in. (Step 212), the user is inquired whether or not to request the display of the manual at the time of error (step 213), and it is checked whether or not the display request is specified by the user (decision 2)
14).

When the result of the determination 214 is YES, manual information corresponding to the error code determined at that time is taken out, manual display information for displaying the manual information is formed, and the user logs in. Personal computers PC1, PC2, ...
・ Send to PCm (process 215).

Here, when a message is notified from the facsimile machine IFAX to any user,
For example, a predetermined message window may be opened for the personal computer PC1, PC2,..., PCm to which the user has logged in, and the notification message may be displayed in the message window (hereinafter, referred to as a message window). the same).

As described above, in this embodiment, when a printout request is received via the local area network, printout management information for each user corresponding to the user who issued the printout request is created and stored. Since the printout result of the file is registered in the printout management information, as described later, at the time of the printout status reference request, the user
You can clearly know the printout result you set.

When an error occurs during printout, the user is notified of the error, and when requested by the user, an error manual for dealing with the error is displayed. An error that has occurred during printout can be quickly eliminated, and the printout operation rate of the facsimile apparatus IFAX can be improved.

FIG. 6 shows a personal computer PC1,
An example of processing when a printout status reference request is issued from PC2,..., PCm is shown.

When a print-out status reference request is issued, the print-out status reference request is input (process 301), and the user level of the user who issued the print-out status reference request is an administrator level. It is checked whether it is (determination 302).

If the result of decision 302 is YES,
Printout history list display information for displaying a list with the printout management information for each user is created (step 303), and when the result of determination 302 is NO, the printout status reference request is issued for the user who issued the printout status reference request. A user who creates printout history list display information for displaying a list of printout management information for each user (process 304), and issues a printout status reference request to the created printout history list display information at that time. , PCm to which the user is logged in (process 305).

Thus, a printout history list is displayed on the display screen of the personal computer PC1, PC2,..., PCm of the user. In this state, the user is asked "(of the file that ended in error)
A menu for selecting operation items of “printout re-execution”, “printout cancellation”, and “end” can be opened, and these operation items can be arbitrarily selected (process 306).

When the user selects one of the operation items, the facsimile machine IFAX executes a process corresponding to the selected operation item (process 307).

Thus, in this embodiment, the user can arbitrarily refer to the printout situation. At this time, when the user is at the administrator level, the user can refer to the printout history information of all the users, so that the user can appropriately execute the duties of the administrator. On the other hand, when the user is at the non-administrator level, only the printout history information about the user can be referred to, so that the user does not see unnecessary printout history and the usability is improved. I do.

The present invention can be similarly applied to a local network system other than the system configuration of the above-described embodiment. Further, in the above-described embodiment, a facsimile apparatus having a group 3 facsimile apparatus function is used. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to a facsimile apparatus having a group 4 facsimile apparatus function. Can be. Also, ISDN can be used as the communication line.

[0053]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Each user can clearly know the printout status of the file requested to be printed out. In addition, the user at the administrator level can clearly know the printout status of all the users, which is convenient for the operation of the local network. Further, when an error occurs at the time of printout, the fact is notified to the user, so that there is an effect that the print server function of the facsimile apparatus can be more effectively utilized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a local network system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a facsimile apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of various information used in the facsimile machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the facsimile apparatus when accepting a printout request from a personal computer connected to a local area network.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printout process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the facsimile apparatus when accepting a printout status reference request.

[Explanation of symbols]

 PC1 to PCm Personal computer HUB Concentrator IFAX Facsimile machine

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 B41J 29/00-29/70 G06F 3/09-3/12

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus connected to a local area network to which at least one terminal is connected and having a local area network server function and a printer server function in the local network, storing a user name representing a user identification name. Storage means for storing printout management information including at least a file name, a user name, the number of pages, a printout date and a printout result for a printout file received from the terminal. Means, and a user who has logged in from the terminal requests a printout history reference, and the printout management information stored in the printout management information storage means includes a program including the user name of the user. A facsimile apparatus comprising: control means for displaying list display information of lint-out management information on a terminal at which the user has logged in. 2. When the user logged in from a terminal requests a printout history reference, the control means includes the user name of the user in the printout management information stored in the printout management information storage means. Displaying the list display information of the printout management information displayed on the terminal to which the user has logged in, requesting a predetermined operation for the contents of the displayed list display information, and executing the specified operation. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The user management information storage means stores a relationship between a user name representing a user's identification name and a user level set for the user, and the control means stores a user logged in from a terminal. Requests the printout history reference, and if the user level set for the user is the non-administrator level, the user of the user is included in the printout management information stored in the printout management information storage means. A list display information of the printout management information including the name is displayed on the terminal where the user has logged in. If the user level set for the user is the administrator level, the printout management information storage means The terminal where the user has logged in the list display information of all the printout management information stored in the And displays, and input request a predetermined operation for the contents of the display the list display information, facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein performing the specified operation by it. 4. An abnormality detecting means for detecting that an abnormal state has occurred in the terminal itself, and manual information storing means for storing manual information at the time of error indicating an operation for the abnormality detected by the abnormality detecting means, The control means, when the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality during the execution of printout, transmits a message indicating that to the terminal to which the user who has requested the printout file to print out the printout file is logged in, 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a user performs a manual request operation, display information of error manual information stored in said manual information storage means is transmitted to said terminal in response to the detected abnormality.