JPH09149268A - Image communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Problem] Due to receiving color image data,
Provided is an image communication device capable of preventing a communication error caused by a lack of memory capacity and a problem that it becomes difficult to print out received image data. An image communication apparatus capable of color-printing color image data received by image data communication on a predetermined recording sheet, and when the image data is received under a predetermined condition set in advance (S6). : YES, S1
9: YES, S8: YES), the received color image data is converted into monochrome image data (S17, S22, S14).
Then, the predetermined processing of this image data is executed (S
10, S20).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus capable of color printing color image data received by image data communication on a predetermined recording sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a color facsimile apparatus, which is an example of an image communication apparatus, is constructed so that, when color image data is received by facsimile communication, the received image data is always treated as color image data. Was there. That is, in the conventional color facsimile apparatus, when the received color image data is stored in the memory, the color image data is stored in the memory as it is. Further, even when the print data is transferred to the recording unit and printed out on the recording paper, the color image data is transferred to the recording unit.

[0003]

However, the conventional color facsimile apparatus has the following problems in actual use.

That is, the color image data includes red, green,
Generally, it is composed of at least three kinds of data representing gradations of each color of blue (R, G, B),
In reality, the amount of data of an image of the same document is significantly larger than that of the black-and-white image data binarized into a digital signal of “0” or “1”. Therefore, for example, so-called proxy reception (memory reception) in which image data received by facsimile is sequentially stored in a memory
When receiving color image data with a large amount of data, even if the memory capacity for receiving monochrome image data is large, the memory capacity becomes insufficient and a communication error occurs. There were cases.

In some cases, a color facsimile machine is equipped with a color printer of a type in which the received color image data is printed out on a recording paper by using color ink. In such a color facsimile machine, Naturally, color printing cannot be performed when the color ink runs out. However, in the conventional color facsimile apparatus, even when the color printing is difficult in such a situation, if the received image data is color image data, the image data is processed so as to be color printed. Will end up. Therefore, in the past, the received color image data could not be properly printed out on the recording paper, and the contents of the received image data could not be confirmed.

In addition, in this type of color facsimile apparatus, even when color printing can be appropriately performed, or when there is a sufficient memory capacity for storing image data, color ink saving and memory From various points of view such as securing capacity, the user may desire to process the received color image data as monochrome image data. However, in the past, as described above, when color image data is received, this image data is processed as color image data after that, so it is not possible to meet the user's demand as described above. There wasn't.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above points, and is caused by receiving color image data, and for example, a communication error caused by insufficient memory capacity,
An object of the present invention is to provide an image communication device capable of preventing a problem such as difficulty in print-output of received image data and using the device in a form that meets a user's request as much as possible. I am trying.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the image communication apparatus of the invention described in claim 1 is an image communication capable of color printing color image data received by image data communication on a predetermined recording paper. When the image data is received under a predetermined condition set in advance in the device, the received color image data is converted into monochrome image data before the predetermined processing of the image data is executed. It is equipped with a control means for controlling.

An image communication apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image communication apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the control means performs proxy reception by sequentially storing the received image data in a memory. When executing, or when executing the proxy reception in a state where the remaining amount of the memory is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount, the received color image data is converted into black and white image data and then this image data is converted. It is configured to be controlled to be stored in the memory.

Further, the image communication apparatus of the invention described in claim 3 is the image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means has a recording section for performing color printing on a recording sheet, which is color printing. When it is impossible, the color image data is converted into monochrome image data, and then the image data is transferred to the recording unit.

An image communication apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image communication apparatus according to the first aspect, which has a recording unit for performing color printing on recording paper using color ink. If the remaining amount of color ink in the recording unit is less than or equal to a predetermined remaining amount, the control unit converts the received color image data into monochrome image data and then records the image data. It is configured to control the transfer to the department.

Further, the image communication device of the invention described in claim 5 is the image communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control means receives when a predetermined switch operation is performed by the operation unit. The color image data is converted into black-and-white image data, and then the predetermined processing of the image data is executed.

An image communication apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image communication apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the color image data received by the image data communication is converted into monochrome image data. When the conversion is performed, a matter indicating that the monochrome image data is converted from the color image data is printed out on the recording paper or displayed on the display unit.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing an example of a color facsimile apparatus F as a specific example of the image communication apparatus according to the present invention. This color facsimile machine F is
CPU1, NCU2, RAM3, modem 4, ROM5,
A gate array 6, a reading unit 7, a display unit 8, a recording unit 9, an operation unit 10, and the like are provided. CPU1, NCU2,
RAM3, modem 4, ROM5, and gate array 6
Are interconnected by a bus line. A reading unit 7, a display unit 8, a recording unit 9, and an operating unit 10 are connected to the gate array 6.

The CPU 1 controls the entire color facsimile apparatus F and corresponds to an example of the control means according to the present invention. The CPU 1 also has a function of converting color image data into monochrome image data as described later.

The NCU 2 is connected to the telephone line 21 and performs network control. The RAM 3 stores various data and the like, and also serves as an image memory that stores image data received by facsimile, image data obtained by reading and scanning an original by the reading unit 7, and the like. Modem 4
Performs modulation of transmission data and demodulation of reception data.
The ROM 5 stores various programs and the like.

The gate array 6 functions as an input / output interface for the CPU 1. The reading unit 7 includes a CCD, a color separation filter for three colors, a document feeding motor, and the like, and reads a document and outputs R, G, and B color signals. The display unit 8 is composed of an LCD or the like, and is controlled by the CPU 1 to perform various displays.

The recording section 9 is composed of, for example, an ink jet color printer, and a predetermined recording paper is composed of color inks of three colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow, or color inks of four colors in which black is added to these. Color printing is possible. This recording unit 9
Is provided with a color ink remaining amount detection sensor 9a for detecting the remaining amount of color ink, and the remaining amount of any one type of color ink has become less than a preset predetermined remaining amount. At times, a signal to that effect is output to the CPU 1.

As an example of the color ink remaining amount detecting sensor 9a, for example, a pair of electrodes are arranged at a predetermined height in an ink tank or an ink cartridge containing the color ink, and the ink liquid level is higher than the pair of electrodes. It is possible to employ a type of sensor that detects the remaining amount of ink based on a change in the electrical resistance value between the electrodes when the ink level has dropped. However, the present invention can employ other types of detection means such as a sensor that optically detects the remaining amount of color ink, instead of such a sensor. Further, in the present invention, as will be described later, a detecting means for detecting only whether or not there is ink remaining may be employed.

The operation unit 10 is composed of a key switch group, etc., and outputs a signal according to a user's operation. The operation unit 10 is provided with an image data conversion selection switch 10a, and the image data conversion selection switch 10a is turned on.
When set to N, a predetermined signal is output to the CPU 1, and the color facsimile apparatus F is set to a mode in which the image data received by facsimile is converted into monochrome image data.

Specifically, in the normal mode in which the image data conversion selection switch 10a is not set to ON, the CPU 1 receives color image data by executing facsimile communication, and after decoding this color image data, The decoded color image data is in a reception mode of the color facsimile apparatus F (for example, a proxy reception mode, or a mode in which the recording unit 9 is operated to perform facsimile reception while the image data received is printed out by the recording unit 9). ) Is processed according to the above. On the other hand, the image data conversion selection switch 10
When a is set to ON, the CPU 1 converts the color image data that has undergone the decoding process into binarized monochrome image data. Then, the image data converted into the monochrome image data is converted into the color facsimile device F.
The processing is performed according to the reception mode of.

Further, even in the normal mode in which the image data conversion selection switch 10a is not turned on, the CPU 1 operates in the reception mode in which the facsimile is executed while the recording unit 9 is operated. When a signal indicating that the remaining ink amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount is received from the color ink remaining amount detection sensor 9a, the color image data that has also been decoded is converted into black and white image data.

Further, unlike the above case, the CPU 1 accesses the RAM 3 at the start of facsimile reception when executing substitute reception, and determines the remaining memory capacity (free memory capacity) of the RAM 3 that can store image data. calculate. When it is determined that the remaining memory capacity is less than the preset remaining capacity, C
The PU 1 is configured to convert the decoded color image data into monochrome image data in the same manner as described above.

The above-described image data conversion processing by the CPU 1 only converts color image data into black and white image data, and when the black and white image data is received, the black and white image data is decoded. After that, the same processing as in the case of a normal monochrome facsimile machine is performed.

When the received color image data is converted into monochrome image data, the CPU 1 stores the data to that effect in the RAM 3. When the image data converted from color into black and white is printed out on the recording paper in the recording unit 9, the CPU 1 converts the image data from the color image data into a specific portion such as the upper end of the recording paper. Data processing is performed so that the characters indicating the fact are printed out. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, when an image A obtained by converting color image data into black and white image data is printed out on a recording sheet K, the upper end of the recording sheet K is subjected to facsimile communication. In the vicinity of the part that displays the date and time, the number of pages, etc.
The CPU 1 performs data processing.

Further, when outputting the communication management report, the CPU 1 executes the data processing of the communication management report so as to display the fact that the color image data is converted into the monochrome image data. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, when a communication management report is printed out on the recording paper K, the received color image data is converted into black-and-white image data and processed by a predetermined facsimile communication. The CPU 1 performs data processing so that the display unit Na in which "COLOR ⇒ B &W" is displayed in the column is printed out.

The printouts of the display portions N and Na are as follows.
The CPU 1 sends predetermined character code data for creating the images of the display portions N and Na to the recording portion 9 for execution. The specific contents of the display units N and Na for notifying that the color image data has been converted into the black and white image data are not limited to the above-mentioned characters and the like, and may be other characters, symbols, figures, or the like. It goes without saying that it may be displayed.

Next, the processing procedure when facsimile reception is performed will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, when a call is made to the color facsimile apparatus F (S1: YES) and an incoming call is made (S2), the CPU 1 then performs a protocol between another facsimile apparatus on the transmission side (calling side). After performing mutual signal transmission (S3), image data for one line is received (S3).
4). Then, the received image data is decoded (S5).

Next, the image data conversion selection switch 10
When a is turned off and the color facsimile apparatus F is set to the normal mode (S6: N
O), if the interception mode is selected (S
7: YES), the CPU 1 accesses the RAM 3 and calculates the remaining memory capacity. If the remaining memory capacity is equal to or larger than the predetermined amount (S19: NO), the CPU 1 does not ask whether the decoded image data is color image data or black-and-white image data and RA
It is stored in M3 (S20).

The storage process of the image data in the RAM 3 is based on the condition that the remaining memory capacity of the RAM 3 is a certain amount or more. Therefore, even if the received image data is color image data with a large amount of data,
It can be avoided that the memory area of the RAM 3 is immediately full and the memory capacity is insufficient.

On the other hand, when the proxy reception is executed and the remaining memory capacity of the RAM 3 is less than or equal to a predetermined amount (S19: YES), the processing differs depending on the type of the received image data. Become. That is, when the received image data is monochrome image data (S21:
NO), the image data is stored in the RAM 3 as it is (S20). Even if the remaining memory capacity of the RAM 3 is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, it is less likely that the RAM 3 will be immediately full if the amount of monochrome image data is relatively small.

On the other hand, when the received image data is color image data (S21: YES), CP
U1 converts this image data into black-and-white image data (S22), and also stores in the RAM 3 data indicating that the image data has been converted. Next, the image data converted into the monochrome image data is stored in the RAM 3 (S20).

When the remaining memory capacity of the RAM 3 is less than a predetermined amount, if the color image data having a large amount of data is stored in the RAM 3 as it is, the memory capacity of the RAM 3 is likely to be full. By converting into black and white image data having a small amount of data as described above, such a risk can be reduced.

In the substitute reception by the color facsimile apparatus F, the above series of processing is repeated every time one line of image data is received, and when the processing for all lines is completed (S11: YES), the line is cut off thereafter. (S1
2) The facsimile communication process ends.

If the received color image data is converted into black-and-white image data during the execution of the proxy reception, that effect is stored in the RAM 3 (S2).
3). Therefore, when a communication management report regarding this facsimile reception is output, as shown in FIG.
The display unit Na indicating that the image data has been converted can be displayed. As a result, the user of the color facsimile apparatus F who sees this can know that this image data was originally color image data, and if color image data is desired, it can be transmitted again to the other party on the transmission side. , And it becomes possible to obtain color image data.

Further, unlike the above, when the image data conversion selection switch 10a is OFF (S6: NO) and the proxy reception is not selected (S7: NO), the received image data is recorded in the recording unit. The facsimile reception is executed while printing out at 9. In such a reception mode, when the CPU 1 receives a signal indicating that the remaining ink amount is small from the color ink remaining amount detection sensor 9a (S8: YES), the received image data is color image data or monochrome image data. The processing differs depending on whether or not

That is, when the received image data is color image data (S13: YES), the CPU 1
Converts this into black and white image data (S1
4) The data indicating the conversion is stored in the RAM 3 (S15). Next, the CPU 1 sends the character code data for displaying the fact of the data conversion to the recording unit 9 (S9: YES, S24, S25). As a result, the recording unit 9 converts the character code data into an image,
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a display portion N indicating that the image data has been converted to a predetermined portion such as the upper end portion of the recording paper K.
Is printed out. The CPU 1 also transfers the image data converted into the monochrome image data to the recording unit 9 (S10). Therefore, the received image data is printed out on the recording paper K as the black and white image A which does not use the color ink, following the display unit N.

As described above, the process of printing out the color image data as the monochrome image data on the recording paper K is executed when the remaining amount of the color ink in the recording unit 9 is less than the predetermined amount. Therefore, the printout of the received color image data does not become impossible due to the ink out of the color ink. Although the received image data is printed out as a black and white image A, the user can fully judge the outline of the communication contents by looking at this image A.

Further, since the display portion N indicating that the image data has been converted is printed out on the recording paper K on which the black and white image A has been printed, the user who also sees this displays the color image data. If desired, the other party on the transmitting side can be appropriately requested to retransmit. The display unit N may be provided on the recording sheet K only once. Therefore, C
If the PU 1 sends the character code data to the recording unit 9 once, the character code data will not be repeatedly sent to the recording unit 9 at least in the image processing of the same page (S24: YES).

Unlike the above case, when the received image data is monochrome image data (S13: N
0), the monochrome image data is transferred to the recording unit 9 and is printed out as it is by the recording unit 9 (S10).

On the other hand, when the CPU 1 does not receive the signal indicating that the remaining ink amount is small from the color ink remaining amount detection sensor 9a (S8: NO), the received color image data is converted into monochrome image data. Instead, it is transferred to the recording unit 9 (S10). In this case, it is possible to prevent the color ink from easily running out during reception of the facsimile because the remaining amount of the color ink of each color in the recording unit 9 is sufficient, and the color printing of the received image data is performed. Output can be done properly.

The above-described series of processes are performed when the image data conversion selection switch 10a is turned off (S6: N).
However, if the image data conversion selection switch 10a is turned on (S6: YES),
Unlike the above series of processing, the following processing is performed.

That is, when the received image data is monochrome image data (S16: NO), the CPU 1 stores this monochrome image data in the RAM 3 (S20) or transfers it to the recording unit 9 for printing. The process is only executed (S10).

On the other hand, if the received image data is color image data (S16: YES), the CPU 1 converts it into monochrome image data (S17),
Data indicating that the image data has been converted is stored in the RAM 3 (S18). Such processing is executed irrespective of the remaining amount of memory in the RAM 3 and the remaining amount of color ink.
Next, the CPU 1 stores the converted monochrome image data in the RAM 3 according to whether or not the color facsimile apparatus F is in the reception mode (S20),
Alternatively, it is transferred to the recording unit 9 and printed out (S10).

Therefore, the image data conversion selection switch 10
When a is ON, regardless of whether the received image data is color image data or monochrome image data, it is always stored in the RAM 3 as monochrome image data or printed out as a monochrome image. Will be done. As a result, when the user of the color facsimile apparatus F wants to secure the memory capacity of the RAM 3 or wants to save the color ink, it is possible to appropriately perform the facsimile reception according to the request. Further, when the received image data is color image data, since the data indicating that is stored in the RAM 3 (S18), the image data is printed out on the recording paper K as shown in FIG. In this case, the display unit N can be printed, and when the communication management report is printed out as shown in FIG. 3, the display unit Na can be printed, and the user can confirm that the original image data was color image data. Can be informed appropriately.

In the above embodiment, the received color image data is converted into black and white image data when the remaining amount of color ink in the recording section constituted by the color ink jet printer is less than a predetermined amount. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, only the presence or absence of the remaining amount of color ink can be detected by a detection means such as a sensor,
If the remaining amount of color ink is zero for any one of the colors, the color image data may be converted to monochrome image data only in this case.

Further, according to the present invention, a specific example of the case where the recording portion for performing the color printing on the recording paper is in the state in which the color printing cannot be performed is not limited to the case where the ink of the above-described color ink runs out. . For example, when a printer of a type that uses color-developing thermosensitive recording paper is used as the recording unit, the thermal recording paper is not set at a predetermined position of the recording unit, or the paper runs out. Also in this case, color printing is not possible, and when such a situation occurs, the received color image data may be converted into monochrome image data.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the proxy reception is executed, the received color image data is converted into monochrome image data only when the remaining memory capacity of the RAM 3 is less than a predetermined remaining capacity. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention,
When the substitute reception is executed, the received color image data may be always converted into black-and-white image data regardless of the remaining amount of memory in the RAM 3. With such a configuration, even if the memory capacity of the RAM 3 is relatively small, there is an advantage that the possibility that the memory area of the RAM 3 is filled with the color image data can be reduced.

Further, in the above embodiment, the display indicating that the received color image data is converted into the monochrome image data is printed out on the recording paper, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, LC
A display output to that effect may be performed on the display unit 8 configured by D or the like.

Further, in the present invention, the image data conversion selection switch 10a does not need to be provided as a dedicated operation switch, and color image data can be converted into black and white image data by a combination operation of a plurality of switches such as a numeric keypad. It may be configured so that it can be set to a mode for converting to.

In addition, the configuration of each part of the image communication apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the color facsimile apparatus of the above embodiment, and the specific configuration of each part can be variously changed in design. In the above embodiment, the CPU executes the process of converting the color image data into the monochrome image data, but it goes without saying that such a process of converting the image data may be executed by a means other than the CPU.

[0054]

As described above, according to the image communication apparatus of the invention described in claim 1, when the image data is received under the predetermined condition set in advance, the received color image is received. Since color data is converted into black and white image data and a control means for controlling the predetermined processing of the image data to be executed is provided, the color image data can be processed in a situation where proper processing of the color image data is difficult. Even when the received image data is received, the received image data can be properly processed by converting the color image data into monochrome image data. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, when the received image data is color image data, it is possible to solve the problem that the processing cannot be performed appropriately or smoothly, and to perform appropriate image data reception. The effect is obtained.

In particular, according to the image communication apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, when the proxy reception is executed, or when the proxy reception is executed in a state where the remaining memory capacity is less than a predetermined remaining capacity. In order to convert the received color image data into black and white image data, by storing color image data having a larger data amount than the black and white image data in the memory, the memory capacity of the memory becomes full immediately and the memory capacity is increased. The risk of shortage can be reduced. Therefore, there is an advantage that the frequency of occurrence of communication errors and the like due to insufficient memory capacity can be reduced.

Further, according to the image communication apparatus of the invention described in claim 3, when the recording portion for performing the color printing on the recording paper is in the state where the color printing is impossible, the received color image data is converted into the monochrome image data. The converted color image data can be printed out as a monochrome image. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, there is an advantage that it is possible to solve the situation that the content of the received image data cannot be confirmed due to the fact that the received color image data cannot be printed out.

Further, according to the image communication apparatus of the invention described in claim 4, when the remaining amount of the color ink of the recording portion for performing the color printing using the color ink is less than or equal to the predetermined remaining amount, it is received. Since the color image data is converted into black-and-white image data for processing, it is possible to avoid in advance that printing and printing of the received color image data will be difficult due to running out of color ink. The advantage is that it is possible to eliminate the situation where the contents cannot be confirmed.

According to the image communication apparatus of the invention described in claim 5, in order to process the received color image data by converting the received color image data into black and white image data when a predetermined switch operation is performed on the operation unit. When, for example, the user desires processing as black-and-white image data rather than processing as color image data from the viewpoints of saving color ink and securing the remaining memory capacity, image data communication that exactly meets such a request It can be processed, which is extremely convenient.

Further, according to the image communication apparatus of the invention described in claim 6, when the received color image data is converted into monochrome image data, the monochrome image data is converted from the color image data. Since it is configured to print out a matter indicating that there is a recording paper or display and display it on the display unit, when originally processing color image data as black and white image data,
This is convenient because the user of the image communication device can be notified to that effect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing an example of a color facsimile apparatus as a specific example of an image communication apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a main part showing an example of a case where received color image data is converted into monochrome image data and is then printed out on a recording sheet.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an essential part showing an example of a communication management report.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reception processing procedure of a color facsimile apparatus as a specific example of the image communication apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU (control means) 3 RAM (memory) 8 Display unit 9 Recording unit 10 Operation unit 10a Image data conversion selection switch

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image communication apparatus capable of color-printing color image data received by image data communication on a predetermined recording sheet, wherein when the image data is received under a predetermined condition set in advance, An image communication apparatus comprising: a control unit that converts received color image data into black-and-white image data and then executes a predetermined process of the image data. 2. The control means, when executing proxy reception, in which received image data is sequentially stored in a memory,
Alternatively, when the proxy reception is performed in a state where the remaining memory capacity of the memory is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining capacity, the received color image data is converted into monochrome image data and then the image data is stored in the memory. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image communication apparatus is configured to perform the control. 3. The control means converts the received color image data into black and white image data before the image data when the recording portion for performing color printing on the recording paper is in a state where color printing is impossible. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image communication apparatus is configured to be controlled so as to be transferred to a recording unit. 4. A recording unit for performing color printing on a recording sheet by using color ink, and the control unit has a remaining amount of color ink of the recording unit equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount. 2. The image communication according to claim 1, wherein the image communication is configured so that the received color image data is converted into monochrome image data and then the image data is transferred to the recording unit. apparatus. 5. The control means converts the received color image data into black-and-white image data and then executes a predetermined process of the image data when a predetermined switch operation is performed on the operation section. The image communication device according to claim 1, wherein the image communication device is configured to be controlled. 6. When color image data received by image data communication is converted into monochrome image data, a matter indicating that this monochrome image data is converted from color image data is printed out on a recording sheet. The image communication device according to claim 1, wherein the image communication device is configured to be displayed or output on a display unit.