JP5810070B2 - Communication apparatus and communication program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus and a communication program, and more particularly to a data transmission technique for fax transmission.

  2. Description of the Related Art Today, a communication device (for example, a communication terminal device such as a mobile terminal) that can transmit and receive data even when away from home is known. As an image forming apparatus, a multi-function peripheral having a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a fax transmission function has been proposed. As shown in the following Patent Document 1, in this multifunction device, the facsimile communication unit transmits a fax to a transmission destination via a public telephone line using image data acquired by reading a document by a document reading unit as transmission target data. It has a function.

JP 2012-95138 A

  However, in the case of the above-described multifunction device, in order to send the transmission target data to the communication partner by fax transmission, the operator operates the operation unit of the multifunction device or the multifunction device from a personal computer connected to the multifunction device by LAN. It is necessary to send the data to be sent by fax by indirectly operating. In addition, if a web server that provides a fax transmission service is used, the transmission target data created or designated by the operator using the communication device can be directly sent from the web server to the transmission destination. Although it is possible to send a fax, in this case, a usage fee for receiving the fax transmission service is required.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and allows an operator to operate a communication device on the go and send a fax from a facsimile device. It is an object of the present invention to prevent erroneous fax transmission as much as possible by executing fax transmission on the condition that there is a high probability of being fax transmission to the other party.

A communication apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a transmission target setting unit that sets transmission target data that is a target of fax transmission by a predetermined facsimile apparatus based on an instruction from an operator, and the transmission target setting unit. A transmission destination reception unit that receives from the operator input of transmission destination information indicating a destination of transmission of the set transmission target data by the predetermined facsimile apparatus; and the transmission target data and the transmission destination The destination information is transmitted to the web server together with a delivery instruction for delivering the predetermined facsimile device to the web server as the recipient, and the predetermined facsimile device from the predetermined facsimile device via the web server. the transmission target data and the transmission from the communication apparatus has transmitted to the facsimile device A result receiving unit that receives a transmission result of fax transmission based on hand information, a history storage unit that stores the transmission result received by the result receiving unit as a transmission history, and a transmission stored in the history storage unit Of the history, an extraction unit that extracts transmission destination information corresponding to a transmission history indicating successful fax transmission, a successful destination storage unit that stores transmission destination information extracted by the extraction unit, and the transmission target the fax transmission the transmission transmission destination information received to the destination accepting unit as a transmission destination of the data, that matches the transmission destination information stored in the success destination storage unit in condition, A control unit that causes the transmission unit to transmit the transmission target data and the transmission destination information to the web server.

  According to the present invention, it is possible for the operator to send a fax from the facsimile apparatus by operating the communication apparatus at a place where he / she is away, and at the time of this fax transmission, the operator can send a fax to a transmission destination as expected. By performing fax transmission on condition that certain certainty is high, erroneous fax transmission can be prevented as much as possible.

It is a figure which shows the fax communication system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a communication apparatus. (A) is a flowchart showing a process of acquiring a fax number that has been successfully transmitted in the past, and (B) is a flowchart showing a process of acquiring the fax number used for the past transmission, excluding its own station number. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of information processing apparatus. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a fax transmission document creation and transmission process in a communication apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part in a communication apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part in a communication apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a transmission destination information setting process. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part in a communication apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part in a communication apparatus. 10 is a flowchart illustrating fax number confirmation processing in transmission destination information setting processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part in a communication apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a cover sheet setting process. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part in a communication apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part in a communication apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating document setting processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part in a communication apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a transmission process. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part in a communication apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part in a communication apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process by information processing apparatus. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing by the image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, a communication device and a communication program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a fax communication system including a communication device 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A fax communication system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus 1, an information processing apparatus 2, and a communication apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 1 is an example of a facsimile machine.

The communication device 3 is a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a personal computer, or the like. The communication device 3 has an Internet communication function and a configuration capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from the web server 5. In particular, the control unit 300 (FIG. 2) in the communication device 3 may be a component of the fax communication system 10.

  The operator operates the communication device 3 to determine a cover sheet and document data of a manuscript for fax transmission by the image forming apparatus 1 by using an application installed in the communication device 3 in advance, for example, a cover sheet. Created after the fax number (send destination information) of the destination is entered at the specified position. After creating the document data, the operator operates the communication device 3 to cause the communication device 3 to transmit the document data to the web server 5 as transmission target data that causes the image forming device 1 to perform fax transmission. . Although the transmission method of the transmission target data to the web server 5 is not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, it is an electronic mail format by the mailer function of the communication device 3. The communication device 3 converts the transmission target data into an e-mail format, designates a mail address associated with the image forming apparatus 1 that performs fax transmission, and transmits the data to the web server 5 as a mail server.

  The web server 5 has a configuration that enables communication between the communication device 3 and the information processing device 2. That is, the web server 5 enables data transmission / reception between the communication device 3 and the information processing device 2 via the Internet. In this embodiment, when the web server 5 receives the transmission target data associated with the mail address from the communication device 3 in the mail format, the web server 5 stores the transmission target data in a storage area such as a built-in HDD.

  The image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 are installed in a workplace environment such as an office or a company.

  The information processing apparatus 2 is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a network such as a LAN, and is communicably connected to a web server 5 on the Internet via a router 6. A firewall 7 is set between the work environment where the image forming apparatus 1, the information processing apparatus 2, and the router 6 are installed and an external environment connected via the Internet.

  The information processing apparatus 2 accesses the web server 5 and acquires the e-mail address and transmission target data. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 2 accesses the web server 5 at predetermined intervals by a mailer provided therein, and sets a unique mail address set in advance for the image forming apparatus 1. It is determined whether or not the transmission target data is stored in the storage unit of the web server 5 in the mail format. If the transmission target data having the mail address is stored in the storage unit, the transmission target data is mailed Get in format.

  The information processing apparatus 2 further analyzes the acquired transmission target data and extracts a fax number as transmission destination information included in the transmission target data. For example, the information processing apparatus 2 extracts a fax number as transmission destination information included in document data as a cover sheet that is transmission target data. Further, the information processing apparatus 2 converts the acquired transmission target data into a data format (for example, a printer language such as PDL) of a print format applied in the image forming apparatus 1. The information processing apparatus 2 transmits the extracted fax number and the converted data to the image forming apparatus 1.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus having at least a fax function, for example, a so-called multi-function machine having a plurality of functions such as a printer, a copy, and a fax. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 will be described as a multifunction machine. The image forming apparatus 1 has a communication function using a LAN or the like, and performs data transmission / reception with the information processing apparatus 2 by the communication function. The image forming apparatus 1 has a function of performing fax transmission to external facsimile apparatuses F1, F2,... Through, for example, a public telephone line.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 receives the fax number and transmission target data from the information processing apparatus 2, the image forming apparatus 1 sends the transmission target data to the external fax apparatuses F1, F2,... Indicated by the fax number via the public telephone line 81. Send a fax.

  In this way, the fax communication system 10 sends the transmission target data including the cover sheet and the original created by the communication device 3 from the communication device 3 to the information processing device 2 via the web server 5. The image forming apparatus 1 transmits the transmission target data sent from the communication apparatus 3 by fax by performing the above-described processing necessary for fax transmission in the image forming apparatus 1 on the transmission target data.

  Next, the configuration of the communication device 3 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the communication device 3. FIG. 3A is a flowchart showing a process of acquiring a fax number that has been successfully transmitted in the past, and FIG. 3B is a flowchart showing a process of acquiring the fax number used for the past transmission, excluding its own station number. is there.

  The communication device 3 includes a control unit 300, a ROM 312, a RAM 313, a memory 314, a display unit 315, a call function unit 317, a communication interface 318, and an input unit 319. These units can transmit / receive data or signals to / from each other through a signal line (CPU bus or the like). The display unit is an example of a notification unit in the claims.

  The control unit 300 includes a CPU and the like. The ROM 312 stores an operation program for basic operations of the communication device 3. The RAM 313 is used as an operation area of the control unit 300.

  The memory 314 is a storage medium for storing various data and programs. The memory 314 stores (installs) a data transmission program according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the memory 314 functions as a history storage unit 3141, a successful partner storage unit 3142, a communication partner information storage unit 3143, and a transmission target data storage unit 3144, as will be described later.

  The control unit 300 operates in accordance with the data transmission program, so that a control unit 301 (function related to creation and transmission of transmission target data for fax transmission), a transmission target setting unit 302, a transmission destination reception unit 303, a transmission unit 304, It functions as a result receiving unit 305, an extracting unit 306, a past information acquiring unit 307, a local station number acquiring unit 308, and a digit number receiving unit 309. However, the control unit 301, the transmission target setting unit 302, the transmission destination receiving unit 303, the transmission unit 304, the result reception unit 305, the extraction unit 306, the past information acquisition unit 307, the own station number acquisition unit 308, of the control unit 300, And the digit number reception part 309 may be comprised with a hardware circuit, respectively, irrespective of the operation | movement according to the said data transmission program.

  In addition, the past information acquisition unit 307, the local station number acquisition unit 308, and the digit number reception unit 309 are related to an embodiment of the present invention as long as they are required in the embodiment described below. It becomes a component of the communication device.

  The data transmission program performs the following fax number confirmation process, specifies document data such as a cover page and a manuscript for fax transmission by the image forming apparatus 1, and stores data including the cover page and the manuscript. , A program that is transmitted to the web server 5 and acquired by the image forming apparatus 1 from here. The data transmission program may perform a function of receiving history information indicating a history of fax transmission in the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5.

  The control unit 301 controls operation of each unit included in the communication device 3.

  The transmission target setting unit 302 is configured to input transmission target data that is a target of fax transmission by a predetermined image forming apparatus (in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is stored in the transmission target setting unit 302 in advance). It sets based on the instruction | indication from the operator input by operation of 319. FIG. For example, the transmission target setting unit 302 operates the input unit 319 by operating the input unit 319 from a cover sheet or document data created by a document creation application installed in the communication device 3 and stored in the memory 314. The document data specified by is received as transmission target data. In the present embodiment, the input unit 319 receives an instruction from the operator through a touch panel function provided in the display screen portion of the display unit 315.

  Further, the transmission target setting unit 302 has a template as a cover page, and receives a template indicating the cover page designated by the operator through the operation of the input unit 319 as transmission target data. In the present embodiment, the transmission target setting unit 302 includes a destination name and a cover sheet comment input by the operator through the operation of the input unit 319 and a fax as transmission destination information received by the transmission destination reception unit 303. The document data as the cover sheet is created after including the number.

  The transmission destination reception unit 303 receives a fax number as transmission destination information indicating a fax transmission destination by the image forming apparatus 1 from the operator.

  The transmission unit 304 transmits transmission target data including a cover sheet and a document including the fax number to the web server 5. The transmission unit 304 has a mailer function, and transmits the transmission target data to the web server 5 in an electronic mail format. The transmission unit 304 transmits the transmission target data to the web server 5 together with a mail address unique to the image forming apparatus 1 indicating that the distribution destination of the transmission target data is the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the e-mail address unique to the image forming apparatus 1 is a distribution instruction for the communication apparatus 3 to cause the web server 5 to distribute the transmission target data to the image forming apparatus 1.

  The result receiving unit 305 receives transmission result information indicating a fax transmission result in the image forming apparatus 1 from the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5. The result receiving unit 305 uses the received transmission result as a transmission history (indicating transmission success, transmission failure, interruption, etc.), transmission target data that is a transmission target of the fax transmission indicated by the transmission result, and transmission destination information thereof At the same time, it is stored in a partial area of the memory 314. The partial area of the memory 314 is a history storage unit 3141.

  The extraction unit 306 extracts, from the transmission history stored in the history storage unit 3141, the fax number stored in association with the transmission history indicating successful fax transmission. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the extraction unit 306 measures the elapse of a predetermined period (for example, 5 minutes) by using a timer or the like built in the control unit 300 (S111). Each time a predetermined period elapses (YES in S111), the transmission history stored in the history storage unit 3141 at this point in time and indicating transmission success is detected, and the detected transmission history is handled. A fax number is extracted (S112). The extraction unit 306 stores the fax number successfully transmitted in the past in a partial area of the memory 314 (S113). The partial area of the memory 314 becomes a successful opponent storage unit 3142. Note that the extraction unit 306 performs the processing of S112 and S113 on all transmission histories stored in the history storage unit 3141.

  Further, the control unit 301 matches the transmission destination information stored in the successful destination storage unit 3142 with the fax number received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 as the transmission destination of the fax transmission for the transmission target data. When the transmission unit 304 determines that they match, the transmission unit 304 causes the transmission target data and the transmission destination information to be transmitted to the web server 5. Control is also performed such that the transmission target data and transmission destination information are not transmitted to the web server 5.

  Further, in a partial area of the memory 314, at least a fax number indicating a communication partner of the communication apparatus 3 is stored as communication partner information. The partial area of the memory 314 serves as a communication partner information storage unit 3143. The communication partner information includes, for example, a fax number, a telephone number, a mail address, and an address. As the communication partner information, for example, information such as a fax number included in a so-called address book stored in a communication device such as a smartphone is used.

  The control unit 301 determines whether or not the transmission partner information received by the transmission partner reception unit 303 matches the communication partner information stored in the communication partner information storage unit 3143. If the transmission unit 304 transmits the transmission target data and the transmission destination information to the web server 5 and determines that they do not match, the transmission unit 304 stores the transmission target data and the transmission destination information web. Do not send to server 5.

  Further, in a partial area of the memory 314, the transmission target data is stored after the transmission unit 304 transmits the transmission target data. The partial area of the memory 314 serves as a transmission target data storage unit 3144.

  The past information acquisition unit 307 acquires transmission destination information about transmission target data transmitted by the transmission unit 304 in the past. For example, the past information acquisition unit 307 is a fax number as transmission destination information received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 from the operator, and is transmitted together with the transmission target data or when the transmission target data is transmitted. It is acquired by storing the fax number included in the target data and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5 in a memory or the like.

  Alternatively, the past information acquisition unit 307 detects a fax number as transmission destination information included in the transmission target data stored in the transmission target data storage unit 3144 and stores it in a memory or the like. Get it by keeping.

  The control unit 301 determines whether or not the transmission destination information received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 matches the transmission destination information acquired by the past information acquisition unit 307. When the transmission unit 304 transmits the transmission target data and the transmission destination information to the web server 5 and determines that they do not match, the transmission unit 304 sends the transmission target data and the transmission destination information to the web server 5. Will not be sent.

  The local station number acquisition unit 308 acquires the local station fax number of the image forming apparatus 1 from the image forming apparatus 1. The local station fax number is its own number used by the image forming apparatus 1 for facsimile transmission / reception. For example, the local station number acquisition unit 308 holds the fax number input from the operator to the input unit 319 as the local station fax number of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Alternatively, the local station number acquisition unit 308 acquires the local station fax number of the image forming apparatus 1 from the image forming apparatus 1 in the mail format via the web server 5. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the local station number acquisition unit 308 acquires the local station fax number of the image forming apparatus 1 from the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5 (S121), the past information The acquisition unit 307 detects a fax number as transmission destination information included in the transmission target data stored in the transmission target data storage unit 3144 (S122). For example, the past information acquisition unit 307 detects text data from the document data of a cover page as transmission target data by using an OCR (Optical Character Reader) function, and indicates a characteristic of a predetermined fax number from the text data. A numeric string that matches or partially matches a numeric string (for example, a numeric string that starts with an area code “06” or “03”) is detected as a fax number.

  Further, the past information acquisition unit 307 extracts and lists the transmission destination information on the transmission target data transmitted by the transmission unit 304 in the past, excluding the local station fax number acquired in S121 (S123). The past information acquisition unit 307 stores the created list in a memory or the like built in the control unit 300.

  The number-of-digits reception unit 309 receives designation of the number of digits used by the control unit 301 for determining matching of transmission destination information, for example, by an operation by the input unit 319 by the operator. If the number of digits received by the digit number receiving unit 309 is the same for both of the transmission destination information to be subjected to the above-described matching determination, the control unit 301 causes the transmission unit 304 to transmit the transmission target data and the transmission destination information. When the destination information is transmitted to the web server 5 and it is determined that the number of digits does not match, the transmission unit 304 is controlled to prevent the transmission target data and the transmission destination information from being transmitted to the web server 5. Do.

  The web server 5 is a general mail server, and functions as a mail transfer agent (MTA) that distributes the destination, and a mail delivery agent (MDA) that distributes the distributed mail to a user in the server or another server. Execute.

  Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus 2. Here, among the functions of the information processing apparatus 2, those related to fax transmission control will be described.

  The information processing apparatus 2 includes a control unit 200, a network interface 206, and an HDD 207.

  The control unit 200 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 200 operates in accordance with a fax transmission control program stored in the HDD 207, whereby a control unit 201 (function related to fax transmission control), a data acquisition unit 202, a conversion unit 203, a data transmission unit 204, and a transmission result reception It functions as the unit 205. However, the control unit 201, the data acquisition unit 202, the conversion unit 203, the data transmission unit 204, and the transmission result reception unit 205 of the control unit 200 are independent of the operation according to the fax transmission control program. It may be configured by a circuit.

  The control unit 201 governs overall operation control of the information processing apparatus 2.

  The data acquisition unit 202 acquires transmission target data that is a target of fax transmission in the image forming apparatus 1 from the web server 5. That is, the data acquisition unit 202 accesses the web server 5 via the router 6 and the Internet at preset time intervals, and sends a mail with the mail address unique to the image forming apparatus 1 to the transmission target data. Get as.

  Further, the data acquisition unit 202 extracts a fax number as transmission destination information from document data of a cover sheet that forms part of the transmission target data. For example, the data acquisition unit 202 detects a predetermined keyword, for example, “destination number” or the like in the document data that is a cover sheet, and extracts a number having a predetermined number of digits subsequent thereto as a fax number. .

  The conversion unit 203 converts the transmission target data into a data format composed of a print format applied in the image forming apparatus 1.

  The data transmission unit 204 transmits the fax number as the extracted transmission destination information and the transmission target data converted into the print format by the conversion unit 203 to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network interface 206. To do. In addition, the data transmission unit 204 transmits the fax transmission result received from the image forming apparatus 1 by the transmission result receiving unit 205 to the communication apparatus 3 via the web server 5.

  The transmission result receiving unit 205 receives the fax transmission result for the transmission target data transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1 to the image forming apparatus 1 by the data transmitting unit 204 via the web server 5.

  The network interface 206 performs processing necessary for these communications when communicating with the web server 5 via the Internet and communicating with the image forming apparatus 1 via the LAN.

  The HDD 207 stores the fax transmission control program and the transmission target data in the mail format received from the web server 5.

  Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 100 that controls the function of each unit of the apparatus, the image reading unit 110, an image memory 120 that temporarily stores data of an original image read by the image reading unit 110, and the like. The image forming unit 130 includes an operation unit 20 and a display unit 150 including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The operation unit 20 receives input of various operation execution instructions from the operator.

  The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a network interface 160, a facsimile communication unit 140, an HDD 170, an image memory 120, and an image processing unit 190.

  The facsimile communication unit 140 executes various functions necessary for facsimile communication, and transmits and receives image data from the external facsimile apparatuses F1, F2,.

  The HDD 170 stores the transmission target data of the fax transmission received from the information processing apparatus 2, the fax number indicating the transmission destination, the image data obtained by reading by the image reading unit 110, and the like. Note that the transmission target data of the fax transmission received from the information processing apparatus 2 and the fax number indicating the transmission destination may be stored in the image memory 120.

  The network interface 160 receives, from the information processing apparatus 2 via LAN (Local Area Network), transmission target data that is a target of fax transmission by the facsimile communication unit 140, its fax number, and the like.

  The image processing unit 190 performs editing / processing (encoding / decoding processing, enlargement / reduction processing, compression / decompression processing) processing and the like on the image data read by the image reading unit 110.

  The control unit 100 stores a CPU, a ROM that stores an operation program for each part of the apparatus, such as a control program that controls an image forming operation, a RAM that functions as a work area by storing various data, and a setting value for various control parameters. The operation program stored in the ROM is executed by the CPU, thereby controlling the operation of each part of the apparatus.

  The control unit 100 includes a control unit 101, an information reception unit 102, a data conversion unit 103, and a communication unit 104.

  For example, the control unit 100 operates according to a fax transmission program stored in the HDD 170, so that the control unit (functional part that performs control related to the fax transmission) 101, the information reception unit 102, the data conversion unit 103, and the like. Functions as the communication unit 104. The control unit 100 may include the control unit 101, the information reception unit 102, the data conversion unit 103, and the communication unit 104 by a hardware circuit.

  The control unit 101 controls each mechanism provided in the image forming apparatus 1 and controls overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 101 controls each operation necessary for fax transmission, which will be described later.

  The information receiving unit 102 converts the transmission target data that is converted into the data format of the print format that is determined and applied in advance and is the target of fax transmission by the facsimile communication unit 140, and the transmission partner indicating the transmission destination of the fax transmission. A fax number as the destination information is received from the information processing apparatus 2 via the network interface 160.

  The data conversion unit 103 converts the transmission target data received by the information receiving unit 102 into a data format that can be faxed by the facsimile communication unit 140, for example, raster data. The facsimile communication unit 140 transmits the transmission target data having the data format converted by the data conversion unit 103 to the external facsimile apparatus indicated by the fax number.

  After the facsimile communication unit 140 transmits a fax of the transmission target data, the communication unit 104 acquires the fax transmission result from the facsimile communication unit 140 and transmits the transmission result to the information processing apparatus 2 via the network interface 160. To do.

  Next, an outline of a fax transmission document creation and transmission process in the communication apparatus 3 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of a fax transmission document creation and transmission process in the communication device 3. 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit 315 in the communication device 3. FIG.

  When a fax transmission document creation and transmission processing start instruction is input by the operator operating the input unit 319 of the communication device 3 (YES in S1), the control unit 301 creates a fax transmission document on the display unit 315. An initial setting screen is displayed (S2).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the initial setting screen D1 includes an image im1 for receiving a destination input, an image im2 for receiving a cover page creation instruction, an image im3 for receiving a document creation instruction, and an input An image im4 for allowing the operator to confirm the address information is displayed.

  Here, when the operator presses the image im1, the destination, that is, the fax number as the transmission destination information is input and set by the touch panel function (S3). When the fax number is input (S3), a fax number confirmation process described later is executed. The fax number input by the operator is set as transmission destination information on condition that a certain condition is satisfied through the fax number confirmation process.

  Then, when the operator operates the images im2 and im3, a cover sheet and a document as a transmission target are accepted, and these are set as transmission target data (S4), the control unit 301 displays the figure on the display unit 315. As shown in FIG. 8, a confirmation screen D2 is displayed on the display unit 315 for allowing the operator to confirm information on the cover sheet and the manuscript determined as the transmission target (S5). Note that a fax number as transmission destination information input by an operation by an operator described later is written in document data serving as a cover sheet.

  The confirmation screen D2 includes an image im5 indicating information regarding a document that is data to be transmitted and information regarding a cover sheet. The confirmation screen D <b> 2 includes an image im <b> 6 for indicating that the transmission target data transmitted by the communication device 3 is a target for fax transmission by the image forming apparatus 1. An image im7 indicating the operation state of the image forming apparatus 1 is arranged in the vicinity of the image im6 based on information received from the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5 or the like. Further, an image im8 is displayed to indicate to the operator that the other party to be transmitted via the image forming apparatus 1 is a facsimile machine. Furthermore, the confirmation screen D2 includes an image im9 indicating the name and fax number of the transmission destination that is the transmission destination of the fax transmission by the image forming apparatus 1.

  Thereby, the operator can confirm whether or not there is an error in the content of the transmission target data before transmitting the set transmission target data to the web server 5.

  The confirmation screen D2 is further indicated by a transmission button im10 for receiving an instruction to execute transmission of the transmission target data from the operator to the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5, and the images im5 to im9. There is a “return” button im11 for canceling the set contents and returning the destination, cover page and document to a state where they can be set again.

  Further, when the operator performs an operation such as pressing the transmission button im10, the input unit 319 receives a transmission instruction for transmission target data set at this time by the touch panel function (YES in S6). ), The transmission unit 304 transmits the transmission target data including the fax number as the transmission destination information to the web server 5 via the communication interface 318 (S7). In other words, the transmission unit 304 transmits the transmission target data including the fax number to the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5.

  The above is the outline of the processing performed by the communication device 3 when the fax communication system 10 transmits a fax to the image forming apparatus 1. In the following, processing performed at the time of fax transmission by the fax communication system 10 will be described separately for the communication device 3, the information processing device 2, and the image forming device 1.

  Next, the destination information setting process in the fax transmission document creation and transmission process in the communication apparatus 3 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a part of the transmission destination information setting process. 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating an example of the display screen of the display unit in the communication device 3.

  For example, when the operator inputs an instruction to manually set the transmission destination information by pressing the square part im12 of the destination input image im1 on the initial setting screen D1 (FIG. 7) (S11). 10), the control unit 301 causes the display unit 315 to receive an input of a fax number with a touch panel function when the operator touches the display screen of the display unit 315 as shown in FIG. im13 is displayed (S12).

  Here, when a fax number is input by touching the keyboard image im13 by the operator (YES in S17), this transmission destination information is received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 (S18), which will be described later. Then, the process proceeds to a fax number confirmation process after S101 shown in FIG.

  In addition, the control unit 301 can input one digit of the fax number as described above from the reference of the address book stored in the memory 314 of the communication device 3 or the log of the fax number input in the past. Each time an image im14 showing a candidate fax number, that is, a fax number that partially matches the input fax number, is displayed in the vicinity of the square portion im12 on the initial setting screen D1. When the desired fax number is displayed on the image im14, the operator presses the display portion of the desired fax number, and when the image im15 indicating the return key is pressed thereafter, the transmission destination receiving unit 303 In addition, the desired fax number is accepted as destination information.

  Also, an instruction to specify a fax number as destination information from the address book is input from the operator by pressing the address book image im16 of the destination input image im1 on the initial setting screen D1 shown in FIG. If so (NO in S11, YES in S13), the control unit 301 has an image im17 on the display unit 315 that shows a list of each contact stored in the address book, as shown in FIG. The destination selection screen D3 is displayed on the display unit 315 (S14). If the operator does not input an instruction for specifying a fax number from the address book (NO in S13), the process ends.

  Here, when the operator presses an image portion that displays a destination that is desired to be a transmission destination in the destination list indicated by the image im17, for example, an image im18 that indicates “XX industry”, the image is associated with the image im18. For example, “XX industry” is input as a destination address (YES in S15), and a display image im19 indicating each number stored in the address book in association with the destination “XX industry” is displayed as a destination candidate. Then, the control unit 301 displays on the display unit 315 (S16).

  When the operator presses, for example, a display part im190 indicating a desired number as a transmission destination from the candidates, a number associated with the pressed display part im190 is input (YES in S17). The transmission destination information is received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 (S18), and the process proceeds to the fax number confirmation processing from S101 shown in FIG.

  Next, the fax number confirmation process will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a fax number confirmation process in the transmission destination information setting process. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen of the display unit in the communication device 3. The fax number confirmation process is performed following the process shown in FIG.

  In the processing of FIG. 9, when the operator inputs a fax number as a transmission destination and this fax number is received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 (FIG. 9: YES in S17, S18), the control unit 301 Then, it is determined whether or not the fax number received by the transmission destination receiving unit 303 matches the fax number stored in the successful destination storage unit 3142 (S101).

  If the control unit 301 determines that the fax number received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 matches one of the fax numbers stored in the successful destination storage unit 3142 (YES in S101). The fax number received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 is set as transmission destination information used for transmission target data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5 (S105). That is, the control unit 301 temporarily stores the fax number as transmission destination information used for transmission of the transmission target data. In addition, the control part 301 switches the display screen of the display part 315 to the initial setting screen D1 after this S105.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 301 determines that the fax number received by the transmission destination receiving unit 303 does not match any of the fax numbers stored in the successful destination storage unit 3142 (in S101) NO), then, it is determined whether or not the fax number received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 matches the fax number indicated by the communication destination information stored in the communication destination information storage unit 3143. (S102).

  When the control unit 301 determines that the fax number received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 matches one of the fax numbers indicated by the communication destination information stored in the communication destination information storage unit 3143 (YES in S102), the fax number received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 is set as transmission destination information used for transmission of the transmission target data (S105).

  On the other hand, the control unit 301 determines that the fax number received by the transmission partner reception unit 303 does not match any of the fax numbers indicated by the communication partner information stored in the communication partner information storage unit 3143. If it is determined (NO in S102), it is determined whether or not the fax number received by the transmission destination receiving unit 303 matches the fax number acquired by the past information acquisition unit 307 (S103).

  Here, when the control unit 301 determines that the fax number received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 matches any of the fax numbers acquired by the past information acquisition unit 307 (YES in S103), The fax number received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 is set as transmission destination information used for transmission of the transmission target data (S105).

  When the control unit 301 determines that the transmission destination information received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 does not match any of the transmission destination information acquired by the past information acquisition unit 307 (S103). NO), the control unit 301 does not transmit the transmission target data to the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5 using the transmission destination information to the transmission unit 304, and the example shown in FIG. As shown, a confirmation message im50 indicating that there is a possibility of erroneous transmission of the fax number input by the operator is displayed on the display unit 315 (S104). Thereafter, the process ends. In other words, subsequent processing for transmitting the transmission target data to the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5 is not performed.

  In the fax number confirmation process, the control unit 301 confirms that the fax number received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 matches any of the fax numbers stored in the successful destination storage unit 3142. By setting the fax number as the transmission destination information of the transmission target data as a condition (YES in S101), the control unit 301 can thereby transmit the transmission target data and the transmission by the transmission unit 304 when the condition is satisfied. A process (described later) for transmitting the partner information to the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5 is performed. Therefore, it is possible for the operator to send a fax from the image forming apparatus by operating the communication device 3 while away from home, and at the time of this fax transmission, the fax transmission to the transmission destination is assumed by the operator. Fax transmission is executed on the condition that the probability is high, so that erroneous fax transmission can be prevented as much as possible.

  In the confirmation process of the fax number, the control unit 301 matches the fax number received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 with one of the fax numbers stored in the communication destination information storage unit 3143. On the condition (YES in S102), the fax number is set in the transmission destination information of the transmission target data, and the transmission unit 304 forms the image of the transmission target data and the transmission destination information via the web server 5. Since the transmission is performed by the apparatus 1, it is possible to more accurately determine the certainty of the fax transmission to the transmission destination as expected by the operator.

  Further, in the confirmation process of the fax number, the control unit 301 has a condition that the fax number received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 matches any of the fax numbers acquired by the past information acquisition unit 307. (S103: YES), the fax number is set in the transmission destination information of the transmission target data, and the transmission unit 304 transmits the transmission target data and the transmission destination information to the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5. As a result, it is possible to more accurately determine the probability of the fax transmission to the transmission destination as expected by the operator.

  In the fax number confirmation process, when the control unit 301 does not match the fax number received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 with any of the fax numbers acquired by the past information acquisition unit 307. (NO in S103), it is possible to alert the operator when the probability of fax transmission as expected by the operator is low, so that erroneous fax transmission can be prevented as much as possible.

  In the above embodiment, in S101, S102, and S103, the control unit 301 determines a match when both fax numbers that are the targets of the match determination match completely. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control unit 301 determines whether or not both fax numbers subject to matching determination match in the number of digits received from the operator by the digit number receiving unit 309. Even if the fax numbers do not completely match, if the number of digits matches, it may be determined that both fax numbers match (YES in S101, YES in S102, YES in S103). In this case, by adjusting the number of digits input by the operator to the digit number receiving unit 309, the fax number input by the operator is a fax transmission to the transmission destination as expected by the operator. The accuracy of the accuracy determination (described later) can be adjusted.

  In the above embodiment, when the control unit 301 determines that the fax number received by the transmission destination receiving unit 303 does not match any of the fax numbers stored in the successful destination storage unit 3142. (NO in S101), whether or not the fax number received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 matches the fax number indicated by the communication destination information stored in the communication destination information storage unit 3143. However, the control unit 301 does not perform the processing subsequent to S102 and determines that the two fax numbers do not match in S101 (NO in S101), the transmission target The confirmation message is displayed on the display unit 315 without performing the process of transmitting the data to the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5. It may be.

  In the above embodiment, if the control unit 301 determines that the two fax numbers match in S102 (NO in S102), the control unit 301 continues to transmit the transmission received by the transmission destination reception unit 303. Although it is assumed that the destination information matches with any of the destination information acquired by the past information acquisition unit 307 (S103), the control unit 301 performs the process of S103. If it is determined in S102 that the fax numbers do not match (NO in S102), the confirmation message is sent without performing the process of transmitting the transmission target data to the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5. May be displayed on the display unit 315.

  Next, a cover sheet setting process in the above fax transmission document creation and transmission process in the communication apparatus 3 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing cover sheet setting processing. 15 and 16 are diagrams illustrating an example of a display screen of the display unit in the communication device 3.

  For example, when an instruction to set a cover page is input from the operator by pressing an image im2 for accepting a cover page creation instruction on the initial setting screen D1 shown in FIG. 7 (YES in S21), control is performed. The unit 301 causes the display unit 315 to display a cover page setting screen D4 as shown in FIG. 15 (S22).

  For example, the control unit 301 displays an image im20 indicating a name list of each template of the cover sheet held by the transmission target setting unit 302. Here, when the operator presses a display part im21 having a name indicating a template template used for the current fax transmission in the image im20, the model indicated by the display part im21, in this case, “Δ ○ template” is designated. Input (YES in S23), the control unit 301 causes the display unit 315 to display the contents of the template “Δ ○ template” (S24).

  Further, the control unit 301 displays a “history” image im22 on the cover sheet setting screen D4. When the “history” image im22 is pressed by the operator, the control unit 301, as shown in the example of FIG. 16, displays each transmission history already stored in the memory 314 as the second cover page setting screen D5. A cover page setting second screen D5 having a transmission history list image im23 indicating the above is displayed on the display unit 315.

  In S23, when the designation of the template “Δ ○ template” is not input (NO in S23), S24 is not performed and the process proceeds to S25 described later.

  Here, when the operator depresses the display part im24 indicating the transmission destination used for the current fax transmission in the transmission history list image im23 (NO in S23, YES in S25), the transmission displayed by the display part im24 is displayed. The designation of the transmission destination and cover page indicated by the history is input, and an image im25 indicating the content is displayed on the display unit 315 (S26). The control unit 301 displays a destination name image im26 indicating a destination name, a destination number image im27 indicating a destination number, and a comment image im28 indicating a cover sheet comment as the image im25.

  The transmission target setting unit 302 does not accept input of a destination name, a destination number (fax number), and a comment while the cover page setting second screen D5 and the image im25 are being displayed. The control unit 301 displays the “restoration” image im32 on the cover sheet setting second screen D5, and when the “restoration” image im32 is pressed by the operator, the destination name, the destination number (fax number), Alternatively, a comment input screen is displayed, and when the input screen is displayed, the transmission target setting unit 302 receives an input of a destination name, a destination number (fax number), or a comment from the operator. As a result, it is possible to eliminate a state in which the operator confuses the cover sheet contents indicated by the past transmission history with the cover sheet contents newly input or created this time.

  After the display of the template content in S24 or the display of the cover page content based on the transmission history in S26, when the operator presses the completion button im29 displayed on the display unit 315 (YES in S27) ), A confirmation instruction for confirming the cover sheet whose content is displayed on the display unit 315 at this time is accepted by the transmission target setting unit 302, and the transmission target setting unit 302 receives the content indicated by the confirmation instruction. The cover sheet is set as transmission target data used for the current fax transmission (S28). Then, the process ends. In this way, the operator can set a cover page by an operation based on the display of the transmission history, so that the work of setting a cover page as transmission target data becomes easy. The control unit 301 thereafter switches the display screen of the display unit 315 to the initial setting screen D1.

  If the operator does not press the completion button im29 after the display of the template content in S24 or the display of the cover page content based on the transmission history in S26, and an instruction to confirm the cover page as transmission target data is not input. (NO in S27), the settings so far are cancelled, and the process ends.

  The transmission target setting unit 302 includes the fax number as the transmission destination information received by the transmission destination reception unit 303 in the document data of the cover sheet.

  Next, a document setting process in the fax transmission document creation and transmission process in the communication apparatus 3 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the document setting process. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen of the display unit in the communication device 3.

  For example, when an instruction for document setting is input from the operator by pressing an image im3 for accepting a cover sheet creation instruction on the initial setting screen D1 shown in FIG. 7 (YES in S31), the control unit 301 displays a document setting screen D6 as shown in FIG. 18 on the display unit 315 (S32).

  For example, the control unit 301 displays an image im30 indicating a name list of each document data stored in a folder (created in the memory 314) specified in the transmission target setting unit 302. The control unit 301 displays the document setting screen D6 on the display unit 315 until the designation of document data, for example, “document ABC” is input (NO in S32 and S33), and the operator selects the image im30. When the display portion im31 of the name indicating the document data of the original used for the current fax transmission is pressed, the specification of the document data indicated by the display portion im31, here, the document data “original ABC” is input (YES in S33). Then, the control unit 301 displays the contents of the document data “original ABC” on the display unit 315 (S34).

  Here, when the operator presses the completion button im29 (YES in S35), the transmission target setting unit 302 sets the displayed document data as a document as transmission target data (S36). Thereafter, the control unit 301 switches the display screen of the display unit 315 to the initial setting screen D1. Then, the process ends.

  When the operator presses a display portion with a name indicating another document data in the image im30, the control unit 301 sets the document data corresponding to the pressed display portion as a candidate for a document to be transmitted. The information is displayed on the display unit 315, and the process proceeds to S33.

  If the operator does not press the completion button im29 and the document is not confirmed as transmission target data (NO in S35), the process ends.

  Each document data stored in the folder is created by, for example, a document creation application installed in the communication device 3.

  When the cover page and the manuscript are set as described above, the transmission target setting unit 302 converts the cover page and the manuscript into a predetermined data format such as PDF and unifies them. In the following description, it is assumed that the cover sheet and the document are converted into the PDF format.

  Next, transmission processing of data to be transmitted in the above-described document creation and transmission processing for fax transmission in the communication device 3 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the transmission process. 20 and 21 are diagrams illustrating an example of the display screen of the display unit in the communication device 3.

In the communication apparatus 3, as described above, the fax number as the transmission destination information, the cover sheet as the transmission target data, and the setting of the document are completed, and the control unit 301 displays the display unit 315 in FIG. When the operator presses the “Send” button im39 displayed on the initial setting screen D1 while the initial setting screen D1 is displayed, the fax number, cover page and document set at this time are displayed. An instruction to transmit is accepted by the transmission unit 304 (YES in S41).

  When the fax number, cover sheet, and document are determined as transmission target data to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5 by the transmission instruction, the control unit 301 displays the confirmation screen D2 shown in FIG. Is displayed on the display unit 315 (S42). By displaying the confirmation screen D2, the operator can confirm the fax number, the cover sheet, and the document again before the transmission of the transmission target data is actually executed.

  Here, when the “send” send button im10 in the confirmation screen D2 is pressed by the operator, an instruction to send the fax number, cover sheet, and document as transmission target data is received by the transmission unit 304 based on this. (YES in S43), the transmission unit 304 transmits the transmission target data to the image forming apparatus 1 via the web server 5 (S44). That is, the transmission unit 304 transmits the transmission target data to the web server 5 as a mail server in the mail format in which the image forming apparatus 1 designates a unique mail address as a mail transmission destination by the mailer function. Note that the transmission unit 304 stores in advance the image forming apparatus 1 as a mail transmission destination of the transmission target data and a mail address unique to the image forming apparatus 1. The transmission unit 304 transmits the transmission target data converted into the PDF format to the web server 5.

  The control unit 301 displays the confirmation screen D2 on the display unit 315 until the input unit 319 receives an instruction to transmit the fax number, cover page, and document as transmission target data (S42). , S43 NO).

  During the transmission processing of the transmission target data, the control unit 301 causes the display unit 315 to display a transmission status display screen D7 as shown in FIG. 20 (S45). The transmission status display screen D7 displays the transmission target data. Has an image indicating that it is being transmitted. The control unit 301 displays, as a transmission status display screen D7, an image im33 that clearly indicates that the transmission target data is faxed by the image forming apparatus 1 to the destination indicated by the fax number. Further, the control unit 301 displays an image im34 indicating that the facsimile transmission is performed from the image forming apparatus 1 to the facsimile apparatus on the transmission status display screen D7. This allows the operator to recognize that the transmission destination of the transmission target data is the image forming apparatus 1 and that the image forming apparatus 1 performs fax transmission.

  Thereafter, the result receiving unit 305 waits for a transmission result indicating the result of fax transmission of the transmission target data to arrive in the mail format from the image forming apparatus 1 (NO in S45 and S46). . When the result receiving unit 305 receives the transmission result (YES in S46), the control unit 301 displays the content indicated by the transmission result, for example, the transmission success or the transmission failure together with an image indicating the next executable process. It is displayed on 315 (S47). For example, when the transmission result is a transmission failure, a “retry” button im35 and a “return” button im36 are displayed on the transmission status display screen D7 together with an image im37 indicating the transmission failure, as shown in FIG. . The “retry” button im35 is an image for indicating that the retry process for executing the fax transmission again with the same transmission content can be executed, and for receiving an instruction to execute the retry process from the operator. The “return” button im36 is an image for indicating that the fax number, cover sheet, and document resetting process can be executed, and for accepting an instruction to execute the resetting process from the operator.

  At this time, when the “retry” button im35 or the “return” button im36 is pressed by the operator, the process proceeds to a process associated with each button. In the case of successful transmission, the control unit 301 displays an image im38 indicating successful transmission on the transmission status display screen D7 and, at the same time, a transmission destination, a cover page, and a manuscript for performing the next fax transmission setting. The “new start” button im39 for receiving an instruction to execute the new setting process is displayed. Thus, after the fax transmission by the image forming apparatus 1, it is possible to quickly grasp and execute the next process.

  Note that (1) the image im37 indicating the transmission failure, the “retry” button im35 and the “return” button im36, and (2) the image im38 indicating the transmission success and the “new start” button im39 are (1 ) Or (2) is selectively displayed.

  In addition, the control unit 301 uses the received transmission result as a transmission history of fax transmission by the image forming apparatus 1 of the transmission target data targeted for fax transmission, together with the transmission target data, a memory (storage unit) 314. Let me remember. As a result, when a similar destination is to be sent a fax from the communication apparatus 3 to the image forming apparatus 1 later, the image forming apparatus 1 is faxed using the transmission history and transmission target data stored in the memory 314. Transmission can be performed.

  As described above, according to the communication apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment, the communication apparatus 3 sets a fax number, a cover sheet, and a document that are to be faxed by the image forming apparatus 1. The transmission target data including the fax number as transmission destination information is transmitted to the web server 5 together with the mail address unique to the image forming apparatus 1, and the transmission target data is transmitted from the web server 5 to the image forming apparatus 1. Thus, the image forming apparatus 1 can receive the transmission target data as a target for fax transmission. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can perform fax transmission with the transmission target data as a target of fax transmission.

  For example, since the operator can cause the image forming apparatus 1 to send a fax without directly operating the image forming apparatus 1, the convenience of fax communication using the image forming apparatus 1 is improved. To do. In addition, since the transmission target data set by the communication device 3 can be faxed to a transmission destination without using a server on the web that provides a fax transmission service, the operator can form an image. The cost required for performing fax transmission in a place where the apparatus 1 is not installed can be suppressed as much as possible.

  Next, processing of the information processing apparatus 2 in fax transmission processing by the fax communication system 10 will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing processing by the information processing apparatus 2.

  As described above, the transmission target data transmitted from the communication device 3 is received by the web server 5 as a mail server, and distributed by the web server 5 to the mail address designated as the transmission destination of the transmission target data. Is done. The information processing apparatus 2 accesses the web server 5 and acquires an e-mail having a mail address unique to the image forming apparatus 1 from the web server 5.

  That is, the information processing apparatus 2 uses the data acquisition unit 202 to access the web server 5 via the network interface 206, and transmits the transmission target data in which the mail address unique to the image forming apparatus 1 is specified in the mail format. 5 (YES in S51), the data acquisition unit 202 analyzes the transmission target data and extracts included transmission destination information (S52).

  Subsequently, the conversion unit 203 converts the transmission target data acquired from the web server 5 into the data format of the print format applied in the image forming apparatus 1 (S53). The data transmission unit 204 transmits the transmission target data after the data conversion and the fax number as the transmission destination information extracted in S52 to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network interface 206 (S54).

  After transmitting the transmission target data to the image forming apparatus 1, the data acquisition unit 202 waits for a transmission result of fax transmission for the transmission target data from the image forming apparatus 1 (S55). When the data acquisition unit 202 receives the transmission result from the image forming apparatus 1 (YES in S55), the data transmission unit 204 transmits the transmission result to the communication device 3 via the web server 5 in a mail format (S56). ).

  According to the information processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, the data acquisition unit 202 extracts a fax number as transmission destination information from the transmission target data acquired from the web server 5, and the conversion unit 203 converts the transmission target data into the transmission target data. Then, the data is converted into the data format of the print format applied in the image forming apparatus 1, and the data transmission unit 204 transmits the fax number and the transmission target data to the image forming apparatus 1, so that the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the fax. The transmission partner information necessary for the transmission, data suitable for fax transmission, and the image forming apparatus 1 are provided to the image forming apparatus 1, and the transmission of the transmission target data through the public telephone line in the image forming apparatus 1 can be enabled.

  Next, processing of the image forming apparatus 1 in fax transmission processing by the fax communication system 10 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing processing by the image forming apparatus.

  When the information reception unit 102 receives the transmission target data converted into the print format from the information processing device 2 via the network interface 160 (YES in S61), the image forming apparatus 1 causes the data conversion unit 103 to transmit the transmission target data. The target data is converted into, for example, a raster data format capable of fax transmission (S62). The facsimile communication unit 140 transmits the transmission target data, which is the raster data, via a public telephone line to the fax number as transmission destination information sent from the information processing apparatus 2 together with the transmission target data. (S63).

  Further, after the transmission of the transmission target data by fax, the communication unit 104 acquires the result of the facsimile transmission from the facsimile communication unit 140 (S64), and transmits the transmission result to the information processing apparatus 2 via the network interface 160. (S65). The information processing apparatus 2 transmits the transmission result in the mail format to the communication apparatus 3 via the web server 5 by the mailer function. Thereby, in the communication device 3 that has received the transmission result, the transmission history of each fax transmission is accumulated in the memory 314 using the transmission result, and the transmission history is stored together with the transmission target data used for the transmission. This facilitates calling and setting of cover sheets, originals as transmission target data used in the past.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above embodiment, the information processing apparatus 2 and the image forming apparatus 1 are configured as separate apparatuses, but the image forming apparatus 1 may include the configuration of the information processing apparatus 2.

  The configuration and processing shown in FIGS. 1 to 23 in the above embodiment are only one embodiment of the present invention, and the configuration and processing of the present invention are not limited to this.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 FAX communication system 1 Image forming apparatus 100 Control unit 101 Control part 102 Information receiving part 103 Data conversion part 104 Communication part 130 Image forming part 140 Facsimile communication part 150 Display part 2 Information processing apparatus 200 Control unit 201 Control part 202 Data acquisition part 203 Conversion unit 204 Data transmission unit 205 Transmission result reception unit 207 HDD
3 Communication device 300 Control unit 301 Control unit 302 Transmission target setting unit 303 Transmission destination reception unit 304 Transmission unit 305 Result reception unit 306 Extraction unit 307 Past information acquisition unit 308 Own station number acquisition unit 309 Digit number reception unit 314 Memory 315 Display Portion 319 Input Port 5 Web Server 81 Public Telephone Line D1 Initial Setting Screen D2 Confirmation Screen D3 Address Selection Screen D4 Cover Page Setting Screen D5 Cover Page Setting Screen D6 Document Setting Screen D7 Transmission Status Display Screens F1, F2 External Facsimile Device

Claims (7)

A transmission target setting unit for setting transmission target data to be a target of fax transmission by a predetermined facsimile apparatus based on an instruction from an operator;
A transmission destination receiving unit that receives from the operator input of transmission destination information indicating a destination to which the transmission target data set by the transmission target setting unit is faxed by the predetermined facsimile device;
A transmission unit for transmitting the transmission target data and the transmission destination information to the web server together with a distribution instruction for distributing the predetermined facsimile apparatus to the web server as a reception destination;
From the facsimile device said predetermined via said Web server, the result receives a transmission result of the facsimile transmission based on the transmission target data and the transmission destination information from the communication apparatus has transmitted to the facsimile device receiving section When,
A history storage unit that stores the transmission result received by the result receiving unit as a transmission history;
Of the transmission history stored in the history storage unit, an extraction unit that extracts transmission destination information corresponding to a transmission history indicating successful fax transmission;
A successful partner storage unit that stores the transmission partner information extracted by the extraction unit;
Said transmitting transmission destination information received to the destination accepting unit as the transmission destination of the fax transmission for the transmission target data matches the transmission destination information stored in the success destination storage unit A communication apparatus comprising: a control unit that causes the transmission unit to transmit the transmission target data and the transmission destination information to the web server as a condition. Further comprising a communication destination information storage unit for storing communication destination information indicating a destination of communication by the communication device,
The control unit is configured so that the transmission unit information received by the transmission destination reception unit matches the communication partner information stored in the communication partner information storage unit by the transmission unit. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission target data and the transmission destination information are transmitted to the web server. A transmission target data storage unit for storing the transmission target data transmitted by the transmission unit;
A past information acquisition unit that acquires the transmission destination information about the transmission target data that the transmission unit has transmitted in the past;
The control unit is configured to transmit the data to be transmitted by the transmission unit on the condition that the transmission destination information received by the transmission destination reception unit matches the transmission destination information acquired by the past information acquisition unit. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission destination information is transmitted to the web server. A local station number acquisition unit for acquiring the local station fax number of the facsimile apparatus from the predetermined facsimile apparatus;
The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the past information acquisition unit acquires the transmission destination information excluding the local station fax number acquired by the local station number acquisition unit. From the operator, further comprising a digit number accepting unit that accepts designation of the number of digits used for the matching judgment of the transmission destination information by the control unit,
The control unit determines that the matching condition is satisfied if both of the transmission destination information to be matched are matched by the number of digits received by the digit number receiving unit. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Further comprising a notification unit;
The communication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to notify a confirmation message when determining that the transmission destination information that is the target of the match determination does not satisfy the match condition. A transmission target setting unit for setting transmission target data to be a target of fax transmission by a predetermined facsimile apparatus based on an instruction from an operator;
A transmission destination receiving unit that receives from the operator input of transmission destination information indicating a destination to which the transmission target data set by the transmission target setting unit is faxed by the predetermined facsimile device;
A transmission unit for transmitting the transmission target data and the transmission destination information to the web server together with a distribution instruction for distributing the predetermined facsimile apparatus to the web server as a reception destination;
From the facsimile device said predetermined via said Web server, the result receives a transmission result of the facsimile transmission based on the transmission target data and the transmission destination information from the communication apparatus has transmitted to the facsimile device receiving section When,
A history storage unit that stores the transmission result received by the result receiving unit as a transmission history;
Of the transmission history stored in the history storage unit, an extraction unit that extracts transmission destination information corresponding to a transmission history indicating successful fax transmission;
A successful partner storage unit that stores the transmission partner information extracted by the extraction unit;
Said transmitting transmission destination information received to the destination accepting unit as a transmission destination of the fax transmission for the transmission target data matches the transmission destination information stored in the success destination storage unit A communication program that causes a computer to function as a control unit that causes the transmission unit to transmit the transmission target data and the transmission destination information to the web server under conditions.