United States Patent
`
`[19]
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`5,684,607
`
`Matsumoto
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`USOO5684607A
`
`[54] FACSIIVIILE APPARATUS USING A SMALL
`COMPUTER SYSTEM INTERFACE
`
`[75]
`
`Inventor: Naoyuki Matsumoto, Yokohama, Japan
`
`[73] Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo,
`Japan
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 337,234
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Nov. 4, 1994
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`[63] Continuation of Ser. No. 889,199, May 28, 1992, aban-
`doned.
`,
`
`[30]
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Jun. 5, 1991
`
`[JP]
`
`Japan .................................... 3-134076
`
`Int. Cl.“ ................................ H04N 1/32; H04N 1/40
`[51]
`[52] US. Cl. .......................... 358/442; 358/403; 358/404;
`353/444; 358/468
`[58] Field of Search ..................................... 353/403-405,
`358/434-436, 441, 442, 444, 468, 448,
`500, 527, 400, 443; 379/100 R; H04N 1/42,
`1/21, 1/00, 1/40, 1/32
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,920,896
`4,652,933
`4,786,974
`
`.. 178/26 R
`11/1975 Bishopetal.
`
`..
`3/1987 Kashiishi
`.
`....... 358/257
`11/1988 Ina .................................
`
`3/1990 Mishima et a1. ........................ 358/437
`4,907,094
`4/1991 Kanno .............
`...... 382/56
`5,010,581
`6/1991 Kita et al.
`.. 358/468
`5,021,892
`11/1992 LoCascio ........
`358/442
`5,163,088
`3/1993 Hersee et al. .......
`379/100
`5,196,943
`5,270,833 12/1993 Kubokawa et al.
`.................... 379/100
`
`
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3306520
`2166620
`
`9/1983 Germany.
`5/1986 United Kingdom.
`
`Primary Examiner—John K. Peng
`Assistant Exa;miner——John W. Miller
`
`Attomey, Agent or Fim:-Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper &
`Scinto
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A facsimile apparatus having a scanner for reading original
`images, a memory for storing images, a printer for recording
`images, and a communication control section for controlling
`the transmissionlreception of data with a receiving commu-
`nication apparatus is connected to a host computer via a
`small computer system interface (SCSI). As a result, the
`scanner, the memory, the printer and the communication
`control apparatus provided in the facsimile apparatus can be
`controlled from the host computer. Data can be transferred
`between the host computer and the facsimile apparatus at a
`higher speed, and the scanner, the memory, the printer and
`the communication control apparatus can be effectively
`controlled from the host computer. Thus, various kinds of
`applications can be realized.
`
`68 Claims, 29 Drawing Sheets
`
`1
`
`CPU
`
`IMAGE READING SECTION (SCANNER)
`
`5
`
`IMAGE RECORDING SECTION (PRINTER)
`
`'7
`
`8
`
`13
`
`LINE CONTROL
`SECTION
`
`INTERFACE SECTION
`WITH HOST COMPUTER
`
`11,
`
`15
`
`HOST COMPUTER
`
`FILE MANAGEMENT
`SECTION
`
`STORAGE DEVICE
`
`10
`
`“
`
`OPERATION SECTION
`
`Apple 1208
`
`U.S. Pat. 8,966,144
`
`2 3
`
`4 I
`
`MAGE MEMORY
`
`5
`
`IMAGE CONVERSION
`SECTION
`
`Apple 1208
`U.S. Pat. 8,966,144
`
`

`
`aP
`
`4,
`
`706,M
`
`m_0_n_
`
`
`
`
`
`m%mmEmzzfifizozummozE<mm$3,:E_
`
`
`
`
`
`.5Em:zEEzozommozamoumm842EN
`
`
`
`6zozummzo:<mmEo5,Q
`
`
`
`Sm::>mo3505
`
`2Em47zo:ummmSE28mzzEm
`
`
`
`zofiummmo<hEm:z_Eozmzwo<z_“mmM...mm::n_z8Go::55%mmSn_28Go:
`
`
`
`zozumm39Em2m3<z<2m.:.._zo_mmm>z8342
`
`
`225mm
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 2 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`FIG. 2
`
`FAX
`
`ENTIRE LOGIC uN1T(LUN=c1)
`
`21
`
`SCANNER
`
`(LUN=b)
`
`22
`
`PRINTER
`
`(LUN=c)
`
`23
`
`IMAGE MEMORY (LUN=d)
`
`24
`
`"LINE UNIT
`
`'(LUN=e)
`
`25
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 3 (‘If 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`FlG.3
`
` S307
`
`ENTIRETY
`
`L€(‘,5h},f4A”N”D‘._,T
`
`N
`
`O
`
`YES ENTIRETY LOGIC
`COMMAND PROCESS
`
`5302
`{SCANNER
`
`COMMAND?
`
`YES
`
`'
`
`S308
`SCANNER coM-
`
`MAND PROCESS
`
`NO
`
`5303
`
`%PRINTER
`
`COMMAND?
`
`.
`
`NO
`
`5304
`
`IMAGE
`M
`
`C05,';'43‘;‘g,,
`
`S305;::EE§
`
`LINE UNIT
`COMMAND?
`
`-
`
`NO
`
`'
`
`S309
`
`YES PRINTER COMMAND
`
`PROCESS
`
`
`
`S310
`
`YES
`
`IMAGE MEMORY
`
`COMMAND PROCESS
`
`S311
`
`YES LINE UNIT
`COMMAND PROCESS
`
`INVALID COMMAND
`PROCESS
`I
`
`S306
`
`
`
`

`
`.U.S. Patent
`
`A
`
`No_v.4, 1997
`
`Sheet 4 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`F’
`
`4
`
`
`
`
`
`ENTIRETY
`
`
`
`
`
`LOGIC UNIT
`COMMAND
`PROCESSING
`
`
`S4 1
`X\
`O
`INTERNAL
`RESERVE
`YES
`UNIT
`:::>»—q.<:: STATUS
`
`COMMAND?
`
`-
`
`CHECKED?
`
`5410
`
`5420
`
`5421
`
`5430
`
`S431
`
`OK
`SHIFT T0
`ON-LINE MODE
`
`SEND OUT
`
`.
`
`NO
`
`5471
`
`
`$412
`
`5402
`
`RELEASE
`UNIT
`COMMAND‘?
`
`YES
`
`NO
`
`S403
`
`
`
`‘
`
`INFOR MA TION
`REQUEST
`COMMAND’?
`
`
`
`
`
`SEND OUT
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`
`
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`
`
`
`
`SEND our
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 5 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`I: [(3. E3-I
`
` SCANNER
`
`
`COMMAND
`
`
`
`PROCESSTNC7
`
` S510 S511
`
`,SCAN NER
`
`INFORMATION
`REQUEST
`COMMAND?
`
`YES
`
`5502
`
`NO
`
` READING
`PARAMETER
`SET COMMAND?
`
`YES
`
`
`
`NO
`
`5503
`
`READING
`REQUEST
`COMMAND?
`
`1?“
`
`
`Xx
`-
`YES
`STATUS
`SEND OUT
`
`CONFIRMATION
`
`STATUS
`
`
`
`OPERATION
`RESULTS ?
`
`S539
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 6 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`5504
`9
`
`nu-:
`INFF"3_:Fg{|£gIT<>N
`OMMAND?
`
`S540
`
`S541
`
`YES sewn OUT FILE
`INFORMAHON
`
`sewn our
`NORMAL smws
`
`5505
`
`NO
`
`5550 5551
`
`END 9
`
`STOP
`COMMAND’-’
`
`YES
`
`STOP
`OPERATION
`
`SEND our
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`NO
`
`5552
`
`p057-
`PROCESSING
`
`S506
`
`S560
`
`5551
`
`END
`
`sr/nus
`
`YES
`
`seno om
`
`5507
`
`END
`
`
`
`seno om
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 7 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`S610
`
`S611
`
`
`
`S601
`
` PRINTER
`COMMAND
`
`
`PROCESSING
`
`
`,PRINTER
`INFORMAHO
`REQUEST
`COMMAND?
`
`SEND OUT
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`
`
`
`
`SEND OUT
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RESULTS?
`
`OK
`
`
`SEND OUT
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 3 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`FIG. 6-2
`
`®
`
`5603
`
`S630
`
`5631
`
`9
`
`STOP
`COMMAND?
`
`YE5
`-
`
`STOP
`OPERATION
`
`sewn our
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`N0
`
`S632
`
`POST-
`PROCESSING
`
`5604
`
`saw
`
`R?sTdAJ1l:J§T
`
`YES
`
`§'fEl'\qTDUSoUT
`
`SEND OUT
`
`S605
`
`
`
`
` SEND OUT
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`561.1
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 9 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`
`
`IMAGE MEMORY
`COMMAND
`PROCESSING
`
`S701
`
`
`
`ATTRIBUTE
`PE°”"°AT‘°”
`COMMAND?
`
`RECEIVE
`YES ATTRIBUTE
`SPECIFICATION
`PARAMETER
`
`S711
`
`S710
`
`
`
`SEND our
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`
`
`
`
`END
`
`
`
`ES
`ST
`
`N0 OUT
`NFIRMAHON
`ATUS
`
`
`
`
`
`SEND OUT
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`SEND OUT
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`
`
`
`S702
`
`
`DATA
`STATUS
`WRITE
`N6
`
`CONFIRMED?
`COMMANI?
`
`on
`RECEIVE DATA
`
`
`
`$721
`
`
`
`NO
`
`
`
`S722
`
`
`
`9 S723
`
`RECEPHON
`ESULT?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`5725
`
`PAGE
`BOUNDARY?
`
`NO
`
`
`
`
`
`YES
`
`5726
`
`
`
`
`
`NG
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 10 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`F’|(3. 7’-23
`
`
`
`5727
`
`PAGE CLOSING
`OPERATION
`
`S728
`
`
`
`
`S729
`
`
`
`OPERATIO
`‘ESULT?
`
`SEND OUT CONFIR-
`MATION STATUS
`
`
`
`DOCUMENT
`BOUNDARY?
`
`N0
`
`sewn our
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`S732
`
`yE5
`
`FILE ENTRY
`
`5733
`
` C
`
`END
`
`5734
`
`N6
`
`ESULT?
`
`OK
`
`MATION STATUS
`
`S735
`
`ENE)
`
`SEND OUT
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 11 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`FIG. 7-3
`
`
`
`
`SEND OUT
`DATA READ
`CONFIRMATION
`
`
`
`O K
`
`TRANSMIT DATA
`
`
`
`TRANSMISSION
`
`DATA-OF
`SPECIFIED
`SIZE EXISTS?
`
`NO
`
`§0Er:lqlPIRONL|£TI0N
`STATUS
`
`S755
`
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`
`YES
`
`SEND OUT
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 12 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`FIG. 7-4
`
`5705
`
`FILE
`
`S760.
`
`S761
`
`‘”+F=‘%‘3=“‘»‘%’s»‘*’“ “'5
`
`INFORMATION
`
`COMMAND?
`
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`No
`
`END
`
`S706
`
`FHE
`DELETE
`c‘gfd‘§%EN5J.,
`
`S770
`
`YES
`
`DELET E F’ LE
`
`S771
`SEND our
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`No
`
`
`
`S707
`
`S780
`
`S781
`
`STATUS
`REQUESTO
`COMMAND.
`
`yE5
`
`SEND our
`STATUS
`INFORMATION
`
`SEND OUT
`NORMAL STATUS
`
` SEND OUT
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`END
`
`
`5708
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 13 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`S822
`
`SEND OUT
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`SEND OUT
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`
`
`
`OPERATION
`RESULT?
`
`
`NG
`
`
`
`SESSION
`OPEN
`OMMAND°
`
`CALLING
`OPERATION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONFIRMATION
`
`STATUS
`
`INFORMATION
`ONTERMINAL
`
`
`
`INFORMATION
`ON TERMINAL
`PARTNER
`
`
`
`
`
`
` 5303
`
` SEND OUT
`
`
`
`SESSION
`CLOSE
`COMMAND?
`
`NO
`
`DISCONNECTING
`OPERATION
`
`
`
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 14 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`FIG. 8-2
`
`S804
`
`
`
`
`T I ON RESULT
`REQUEST
`OMMAND?
`
`
` YES
`
`S850
`
`SEND OUT
`§%'gfifT”‘°AT‘°N T
`
`
`
`S851
`
`SEND OUT
`NORMAL smws
`
`
`
`S860
`
`5351
`
`S805
`
`'
`
`‘
`
`COMMUNI-
`CATION STOP
`COMMAND?
`
`S806
`
`
`
`
`COMMAND?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FILE
`INFORMATIO
`REQUEST
`
`
`
`YES
`
`§'[5[’E° OUT
`
`sewn our
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent 9
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 15 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`FIG. 8-3
`
`
`
`AS880
`TRANS-
`
`CALL
`TRé\E:[~1QSLt]4El§$'I)0N
` S882
`
`
`
`/
`
`COMMAND?
`
`S881
`
`TRANSMIT CALL
`
`
`
`'
`
`
`
`NO
`
`SESSION
`MODE
`
`REQUEST?
`
`
`
`
`
`S883
`
`
`YES TRANSMIT
`SESSION MODE
`
`
`
` SEND OUT
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`
`
`S884
`
`S808
`
`S890
`
`RECEPTION
`
`REQUEST
`OPERATION
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 16 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`FIG. 8-4
`
`CALL
`
`POLL! N60
`
`
`
`S809
`
`POLLING
`
`&"%f_:%f}TE‘S"TN
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`S901
`
`CALL POLLING
`
`
`
`SEND OUT
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`
`
`
`YES
` REQUEST
`COMMAND?
`
`
`
`SEND OUT STATUS
`INFORMATION
`
`
`
` SEND OUT
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 17 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`CALL
`TRANSMISSION
`
`51001
`
`51002
`
`ofifififlfibg
`
`NG
`
`SEND OUT
`CONFIRMATMN
`
`STATUS
`
`Erqo
`
`OK
`
`’
`
`ENSCONNECTING
`OPERATION
`
`51003
`
`CALLING
`OPERATION
`
`S1004
`
`S1005
`OPERAUO
`RESULTS?
`
`OK
`
`TRANSMIT
`DOCUMENT
`S1009
`opeawnow
`'ESULT?
`
`OK
`oxscomnecrxwe
`OPERATION
`
`N5
`
`S1008
`
`S1010
`
`N5
`
`51012
`
`INCOMMU-
`NICATION?
`
`was
`DISCONNECTING
`OPERATION
`
`N0
`
`S1011
`
`RESELECTING
`OPERATION
`
`51013
`
`SEND our
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`51014
`
`%
`
`assaecrme
`OPERATION
`
`SEND our
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`S1006
`
`51007
`
`EN”
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 13 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`
`
`SESSION MODE
`TRANSMISSION
`OPERATION
`
`FIG.
`
`IO
`
`S1102
`
`SEND OUT
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
` DOCUMENT
`TRANSMITTING
`OPERATION
`
`S1105
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OPERATION
`RESULTS?
`
`()K
`
`
`
`
`RESELECTING
`OPERATION
`
`RESELECTING
`OPERATION
`
`SEND OUT
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`
`
`SEND_OUT
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 19 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`FIG.
`
`ll
`
`
`
`RECEPTION
`REQUEST
`
`PROCESSING
`
`S1207
`
`S1202
`
`
`O
` OK
`
`
`
`0No CONFIRMATION
`
`
`sewn our
`
`STATUS
`
`
`
`K
`
`DISCONNECTING I
`OPERATION
`
`FILE ENTRY
`OPERATION
`
`.
`
`S1209
`
`OPERATION
`RESULT?
`
`—OK
`
`RESELECTING
`OPERATION
`
`SEND OUT
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`
`
`RESELECTING
`OPERATION
`
`SEND OUT
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 20 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`FIG. I2-I
` CALL
`
`
`POLLING
`
`
`
`OPERATION
`
`S1302
` S1305
`
` DISCONNECTING
`
`OPERATION
`
`
`
`OPERATION
`
`RESULT?
`
` TRANSMISSION
`
`
`
`
`PRIVILEGE
`REVERSING
`OPERATION
`
`
`
`
`
`RECEIVING
`
`OF DOCUMENT
`S ARTED?
`
`S1307
`
`
` DOCUMENT
`’
`RECEIVING
`
`OPERATION
`
`
`S1309
`
`
`
`
`
`RECEPTION
`
`OK
`
`FILE ENTRY
`
`RESULT?‘ OPERATION
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 21 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`F’! (3. I22-£2
`
`
`
`PRIVILEGE
`REVERSING
`OPERATION
`
`51311
`
`
`
`DISCONNECTING
`open/mom
`
`S1312
`
`RESELECTING
`OPERATION
`
`51313
`
` TRANSMISSION
`
` S1315
`
`
` SEND OUT
`OK
`
`
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`OPERATION
`RESULT?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SEND OUT
`CONFIRMATION
`
`
`STATUS
`
`
`S1316
`
`S1314
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 4, 1997
`
`Sheet 22 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`
`
`.
`
`SESSION MODE
`POLLING
`RECEIVING
`OPERATION
`
`
`
`FIG. I3
`
`S1402
`
`
`
` SEND OUT
`CONFIRMATION
`
`
`NG
`
`
`S1401
`
`STATUS
`CONFIDRMED
`
`OK
`
`DISCONNECTING
`OPERATION
`
` S1404
`
`TRANSMISSION
`PRIVILEGE
`REVERSING
`OPERATION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`S1405
`
`RECEIVING
`
`OF DOCUMENT
`STARTED?
`
`
`
`
` DOCUMENT
`RECEIVING
`OPERATION
`
`S1407
`
`
`
`
`RECEPTION
`RESULT?
`
`FILE ENTRY
`OPERATION
`
`
`
`
` TRANSMISSION
`PRIVILEGE
`REVERSING
`
`OPERATION
`
`RESELECTIN
`OPERATION
`
`
`
`STATUS
`
`
`
`
` S1410
`
`
`S1412
`
`
`OK
`SEND OUT
`NORMAL STATUS
`
`
`S1411
`
`
`
`
`OPERATION
`RESULT?
`
`
`
`SEND OUT
`CONFIRMATION
`STATUS
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`mN
`
`4,
`
`S
`
`E.0_n_
`
`
`
`ozqzzouWmo>>o._n_mmE2<a<n_mmsi<20mmE2<m.&mm<.._n_oz<z28..._omm»...
`
`
`
`
`
`2
`
`.
`
`amx<uT-von..Jmooz.._own;.—mmo_.«$.40nomflmzo:<z¢o.._z_
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` _»»_4<zmozm<no_mwm:<o.muz<zmoumma%4<z_zmm:.z2mmm>.omEm8<Bmaomm
`
`5,684,607
`
`
`
`

`
`Sheet 24 of 29
`
`5,684,607
`
`9.0_n_
`
` U.S.Patent
`
`nomn_>._.
`
`32228
`
`Nov.4,1997
`
`
`
`
`mmE2<m<n_mm<:n_<53mmEz<a<n_mm<:¢oz<2_28
`
`
`
`zo:<8.._:ozt:<sEozm<.
`
`
`
`.zo:<s_mou.z_zo_Sm:wo
`
`
`
`Emzsuoo4<z_oEo
`
`mmo._.4:3nom~._m
`
`mmzzfim
`
`omEm8<
`zo:<zmo.._z_
`
`Gmnomm
`
`
`
`
`
`8:52ozammoofimo<_.,:
`
`xi.--on..mN_mozafimioziommm
`
`
`
`
`.;:mzmo.zm:m>mozaouzm
`
`mm353nomN_m
`
`~30EumEmmm:mz<m<n_
`
`.¢z:8mxmnoSnmmm<m<xi--+un_zo:<zmouz_m.:u3:<mmu
`
`
`
`
`
`wn_>»ozqzzoo.omEm8<zo:<2mo.._z_
`mm0»«#40nomflmmi...
`
`Bmacmm
`
`
`
`pmmaommozE<mm
`
`omimouq
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`zo:<uESuammn;._.m.:u.Bmaommozaqmm
`
`

`
`metaPQMU
`
`4.,M
`
`E.m
`
`706.,486.,5
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`mn.:m2<m<._mm<:n_<25m.u:wz<m.&mm<:n_oz<z28m_o<m,_az»owx<.._-1.on.«uniezamoommmm3S3.._omfim5:25;<zMuoésonf
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`amzo:.<2u.:ozE:<2aozm<Gmaomm
`
`s.zozfirzummmSohzmmBmsommwxif:8min.
`5&8Ext%mm2<25.._omN_m5&8mEzEn_
`
`
`
`
`
`xiIvon.C:<zmozm<.u.Ommmsfimm3S3nomflmmuseumm2Em
`
`omF¢muu<
`
`
`
`.T.zo_Zzmo.._z_omEm8<zo:<sEo.._z_
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`&
`
`92
`
`5,684,607
`
`noozpmzMozaoozm
`
`.zo:3omm_¢
`
`
`
`.m~_mmmaqnrfiqomoi:
`
`mm0..m.:unommSmE:<
`
`nozo:<S..:H.Em
`
`om:<m_mu
`
`
`
`
`
`4,-u<m<:u..<ZommS<m<_$
`
`
`
`
`
`mmo._.<.—<n_.._omdmm5mE:<
`
`
`
`.50pzmmzozfiiammm
`
`7xi+3on.EmS<a<_.a.mo<s:.<55mmac:mm:
`
`
`
`mmoh425nomflmmtmz,«P40
`
`
`
`545.22222228<29
`
`
`
`..E.._opzmm
`
`E%.0_n_
`
`mm._.m.:2<m<n_m.n.<:n_<53
`
`
`
`mmGz<m<n_mm<_._n_02.32200
`
`...omat
`
`oz<zz8
`
`
`
`
`
`.o<._.._22:52:28mo<n_
`
`«Eamzo:<oESmn_mmx<u..lon.m._:_oz5<mm
`
`
`
`mmo._.«#40no35
`
`~30Emmzo:<oE8mn_m
`
`
`nm.xEIvan.EwZ<m<:o.wo<2:
`
`
`
`mm0....<»<Qno38o<mm<53
`
`x<..._An:on.
`
`omzmdomm3m..:....nozo:<uE8mn_m
`mm0»<25nomflm
`mmzmom:E
`
`~30._.zmm
`
`Emacmm
`
`C_._<zmozm<.._o.mmm:<o
`
`
`mm3<._.<onom~_m
`
`omEm8<
`
`museum
`
`m.:Em
`
`zo:<s:.._ouz_m._E
`
`
`
`mmo._.4.3.0mom~_m
`
`m.__.._
`
`.om_Em8<
`zo_.—<_>_mou_z_
`
`
`
`
`
`n:m.:.._.wn_>~024.2200
`
`
`
`zo:<oE8.uEmmo<m
`
`Bmaoum
`
`omEm8<.
`
`

`
`4
`
`S
`
`70
`
`ownoMaimm_0_n_
`mmmmoo<mmoh«:5nomflmzmaozoommmmmozszzoo
`
`
`tmoz<2mo“Em¢._<z:>Em:S SoSmmln.zo:<zmon_z_
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`o<z:zmm:mmzE<n_no2mmo»<55nomN_mmo“.Bmaomm
`
`
`
`W22.2%:NSmmzE<n.Som<
`
`
`
`moz<2aou&maZzzzmm:omEmoo<zo:<zmo.._z_
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SommeMSommmzo:<o_z.._22oomm2Eqomomflmzo:<o_zo22oozo:<s&on_z_omEmoo<Bmaoum
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`zo:<zmo.._z_Mx<.uT-..oa.ohm.:..._zozo:S2mo..::mo2«Sonouflmmin.oz<2zoofimoomm2omimommmm.omEmoo<
`
`
`
`9S.omE:,_mz<EmmSoSumGmsommnx<u_.}on_.2BEzozo:<_2mon_z.mmo»<2onomflmzo_mm:2mz<EMmat
`
`
`
`
`.oo:Ezzo:<o:,Szs_oo
`
`
`
`.zo:<2mon_z_mmmmoo<S
`
`
`
`
`
`xiAioadorm:zo:<Sz:s_zoommohEqonoHumzo:nm_omm
`
`zozqazozzoommop«Sonom_N_mOZ_._._On_5zo:<s_mou_z_6.,a..oo_:m2mmmmoo<SoSumzozawomm6.,Gmoomm.Mzo:<:mo.._z_
`
`
`mm.uEoo<SoSmmfimoomx
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`maPS_U
`
`wN
`
`M
`
`706,486,5
`
`mm_.0_....
`
`
`
`
`
`.1...3,3~m:mz<m<n_ozqzzo...oz<s_28nomac:
`
`“.3:$5.2SESE.:3S>Ez_m.G:EB:ozmuseum5:23....
`9, Mfimsamazo:.<2mo.._z_mzo:<zaou_z_
`
`
`
`
`
`
`zo:<zmou_z_m.:.._ozmi...m:<o-oTn5
`
`
`
`Emaawmzo:<zmo..:,:
`
`
`

`
`
`
`
`
`owimummm..u:_2_mu<u__._u2:,>ZHmin.
`
`Eozmzz_ommohm02.4
`
`
`
`mmzizooGo:22%.owmmm..__mz<Em.__..._.
`
`
`
`
`
`ON.07..
`
` U.S.Patent
`
`mmE_2<m<n_
`
`zo:<2mon_z_w.:u
`
`
`
`
`
`mwzzaamzomuo.n:Saz_min..
`
`
`
`ma».m_.:.u.
`
`.124:2.m2s_.mo<2_22.5mi...w0<_>:.
`
`mmSmE:<mi...
`
`Nov.4,1997
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`E58m:<Emzam:z_
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`_nm<_.m:..:um<.w.:....mn.:u<m<:u.
`
`Sheet29of29
`
`k
`
`muom_zH.
`
`o_m._E
`
` mmom~z_.
`
`<5534¢nommim.._ommmzaz
`
`
`
`
`
`28:.mm:m._:5.....m.m<:2..m<.
`
`wN_mma<z_
`
`mmamHz_.
`
`
`
`
`
`muo<n_.._o$ms5z9
`
`5,684,607
`
`
`
`_aQoo_;aaoo~;aqoom;aaooq.zo_»:4ommmaz_zz<um-m:m
`
`
`
`
`
`_qaoo~.:aoom;aaoo¢.zo_h:4ommmoz_zz<uumz_<:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`1
`FACSINIILE APPARATUS USING A SMALL
`COMPUTER SYSTEM INTERFACE
`
`This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
`07/889,199 filed May 28, 1992, now abandoned.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of die Invention
`
`The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus.
`More particularly, the present invention relates to a facsimile
`apparatus which realizes various kinds of applications by
`controlling a scanner, printer, image memory, line control
`section or the like, which constitute the facsimile apparatus,
`by means of an external host computer.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`Hitherto, systems have been developed which realize
`various kinds of applications by controlling a scanner,
`printer, memory and line control section provided in a
`facsimile apparatus by means of a host computer. Conven-
`tional RS-232C and GPIB interfaces are used therein as
`
`interfacing techniques for connecting the facsimile appara-
`tus to the host computer.
`there are
`However,
`in the above-described prior art,
`operational problems in that there is a limitation on the data
`transfer speed because interface techniques, such as
`RS-232C or GPIB, are used, and that it takes too much time
`to transfer images.
`In addition, there is a drawback in that, since there is a
`limitation on the data transfer speed, the host computer
`cannot realize various kinds of applications by controlling
`the scanner, printer, memory, line control section or the like
`provided in the facsimile apparatus.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention has been achieved to solve the
`above-mentioned problems of the prior art.
`.
`An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimfle
`apparatus which is capable of increasing the speed at which
`data is transferred between a host computer and a facsimile
`apparatus and of effectively utilizing a scanner, printer,
`memory, line control section or the like provided in the
`facsimile apparatus by instructions from the host computer
`by using the small computer system interface (SCSI) for
`interfacing a host computer with a facsimile apparatus. This
`is a conventional interface whose description is published,
`for example by the American National Standards Institute at
`ANSI X1131-1986.
`
`Another objectof the present invention is to provide a
`facsimile apparatus which is capable of storing images read
`by the image reading section of the facsimile apparatus as
`files in the host computer and capable of controlling the
`transmission and recording thereof upon instructions from
`the host computer.
`A further object of the present invention is to provide a
`facsimile apparatus which is capable of entering images
`from a host computer into the memory of the facsimile
`apparatus and is capable of controlling the transmission and
`recording of the entered images under instructions from the
`host computer.
`A still further object of the present invention is to provide
`a facsimile apparatus in which a host computer, connected to
`a facsimile apparatus, which is capable of controlling the
`facsimile apparatus, obtains information on the apparatus
`with which it communicates from said facsimile apparatus
`and thereafter instructs the facsimile apparatus to transmit or
`receive images.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`5,684,607
`
`2
`
`A still further object of the present invention is to provide
`a facsimile apparatus which is capable of notifying the host
`computer of information on images stored in the facsimile
`apparatus in a data format selected by the host computer
`from among a plurality of data formats.
`Objectives and advantages in addition to those discussed
`above shall be apparent to those skilled in the art from the
`description of the preferred embodiment of the invention
`which follows. In the description, reference is made to the
`accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and
`which illustrate an example of the invention. Such example,
`however, is not exhaustive of the various embodiments of
`the invention, and therefore reference is made to the
`appended claims for determining the scope of the invention.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the entire construc-
`tion of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of
`the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram which illustrates an example in
`which logic units are assigned to the blocks which constitute
`the facsimile apparatus according to this embodiment of the
`present invention;
`FIG. 3 is a flowchart which illustrates the outline of
`processing commands inputted from an interface 9 with a
`host computer;
`FIG. 4 is a flowchart which illustrates in detail operations
`for processing an entire logic unit command in step S307
`shown in FIG. 3;
`FIGS. 5-1 and 5-2 are flowcharts which illustrate in detail
`operations for processing various kinds of commands to a
`scanner unit 6 in step S308 shown in FIG. 3;
`FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2 are flowcharts which illustrate printer
`cormnand processing;
`FIGS. 7-1, 7-2, 7-3 and 7-4 are flowcharts which illustrate
`image command processing;
`FIGS. 8-1, 8-2, 8-3 and 8-4 are flowcharts which illustrate
`operations concerning communication command process-
`1ng;
`FIG. 9 is a flowchart which illustrates in detail a call
`transmission operation;
`FIG. 10 is a flowchart which illustrates a session mode
`transmission operation;
`FIG. 11 is a flowchart which illustrates an operation
`concerning reception request processing;
`FIGS. 12-1 and 12-2 are flowcharts which illustrate an
`operation concerning a call polling procedure;
`FIG. 13 is a flowchart which illustrates a session mode
`polling reception operation;
`FIG. 14 is a table which lists a group of parameters for a
`logic unit command;
`FIG. 15 is a table which lists a group of parameters for a
`scanner unit command;
`FIG. 16 is a table which lists a group of parameters for a
`printer unit command;
`FIG. 17 is a table which lists a group of parameters for an
`image unit cormnand;
`FIG. 18 is a table which lists a group of parameters for a
`communication unit command;
`FIG. 19 is a table which shows a file infonnation request
`command; and
`FIG. 20 is a table which lists file information parameters.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
`explained below in detail with reference to the accompany-
`ing drawings.
`
`

`
`5,684,607
`
`3
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the entire construc-
`tion of a facsimile apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an
`apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present inven-
`tion. In this figure, a CPU 1 controls the entire apparatus in
`accordance with control programs stored in a ROM 2. Work
`areas and control data are temporarily stored in a RAM 3. An
`image memory 4 is a memory through which image data is
`handled. An image conversion section 5 converts resolution,
`paper size, and an encoding method.
`In this apparatus, an original document (image) is read by
`an image reading section such as a scanner 6 and printed out
`by an image recording section such as a printer 7. Commu-
`nication protocols between this apparatus and a communi-
`cation network are controlled by a line control section 8.
`Communication protocols between this apparatus and a host
`computer 15 are controlled by an interface section 9 with a
`host computer. In the present invention, a small computer
`system interface (SCSI) is used as an interface. SCSI is an
`interface by which data can be transferred at a speed higher
`than that by RS-232C or GPIB.
`Afile management section 10 manages documents created
`inside a facsimile apparatus, and the documents are stored in
`a storage apparatus 11. Operations of the facsimile apparatus
`are performed by an operation section 12. The line control
`section 8 is connected by a dedicated cable 13 to the
`network, and the interface section 9 with a host computer is
`connected by a dedicated cable 14 to the host computer 15.
`A detailed explanation will now be given about the
`control of a facsimile apparatus according to this embodi-
`ment. Since operations, such as transmission, reception, or
`copying, and methods employed in a facsimile apparatus,
`are well known, the explanation thereof is omitted here.
`Thus, only the control of this apparatus from outside via
`the interface 9 with a host computer will be described below
`in detail.
`
`FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which logic units are
`assigned to the blocks which constitute the facsimile appa-
`ratus. In this figure, an entire logic unit 21 is a unit in which
`the entire facsimile apparatus is considered as one unit. In a
`scanner 22, a printer 23, an image memory 24, and a line unit
`25, a logic ID (LUN: logic unit number) is set thereto with
`reference to a scanner section, a printer section, an image
`memory section, and a line control section respectively
`which comprise a functional block. In this embodiment, a
`specific command is set to each of these units so that the
`functions of each unit are utilized to their fullest and the
`
`burden on the host computer 15 is minimized.
`Next, functions provided in the units will be described
`unit by unit.
`FIG. 3 is a flowchart which illustrates the outline of
`
`processing commands inputted from an interface 9 with a
`host computer. The CPU 1 processes commands in accor-
`dance with this flowchart. In this figure, in steps S301 to
`S305, a check is made, for example from the LUN,
`to
`determine to which unit a command is issued. In steps S307
`to S311, a command process for each unit is performed on
`the basis of the determination results of steps S301 to S305,
`respectively. Step S306 concerns a step for a case in which
`invalid commands, such as undefined commands, are input,
`but this step is basically not performed.
`
`<Entire Logic Unit Command Processing>
`FIG. 4 is a flowchart which illustrates in detail operations
`for processing an entire logic unit command in step S307
`shown in FIG. 3.
`
`10
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`(Processing of Reserve Unit Command)
`The reserve unit command is a command which should be
`issued first when the facsimile apparatus is controlled by the
`
`65
`
`4
`host computer 15 so as to fully use the functions of the
`facsimile apparatus. The facsimile apparatus, upon reception
`of this command, checks the internal operating state or the
`like, and notifies the facsimile apparatus of any change in
`status depending upon whether the facsimile apparatus can
`follow the control by the host computer 15 from this time on.
`In this embodiment, after the reserve unit command is
`processed normally, it is called an “On-Line” mode. In the
`On-Line mode, processing of commands from the host
`computer takes precedence over operations from the opera-
`tion section 12. To explain more specifically, when it is
`determined in step S401 shown in FIG. 4 that the command
`is a reserve unit command, the internal state of the facsimile
`apparatus is checked in step S410. If the facsimile apparatus
`is not in a state in which various kinds of control commands
`from the host computer 15 can be executed, a confirmation
`of this status is sent out in step S413 (a check condition
`status is sent out on the basis of SCSI protocols). When the
`confirmation of the status is sent out, the cause thereof can
`be determined when the host computer 15 issues an infor-
`mation request command.
`When the result of internal status check is “OK” in step
`S410, the facsimile apparatus shifts to the On-Line mode,
`and an operation for displaying the status on the operation
`section 12 is performed, and the setting of internal control
`status is performed. In the subsequent step S412, an opera-
`tion for sending ‘out a confirmation of a normal status
`indicating that the reserve unit command processing has
`been terminated normally is performed (a good status on the
`basis of SCSI protocols is sent out).
`
`(Processing of Release Unit Command)
`This command is used to shift from the state in which the
`facsimile apparatus is placed in the On-Line mode by the
`reserve unit and processing commands from the host com-
`puter 15 takes precedence over operations from the opera-
`tion section 12 to the Off-Line mode in which the facsimile
`apparatus is operated as an ordinary facsimile apparatus.
`When it is determined in step S402 that the command is
`a release command, an operation for shifting to the O1f—Li.ue
`mode is performed in step S420. When the command from
`the host computer 15 is being executed, the execution is
`stopped, the internal status is shifted to the Off-Line mode,
`and a confirmation of a normal status is sent out in step
`S421. Thus, the operation is terminated.
`
`(Processing of Information Request Command)
`
`This command is used not only to notify the host com-
`puter of the functions that this apparatus has, but to notify it
`of the cause of an abnormality when a confirmation status is
`sent out.
`
`When it is determined in step S403 that the command is
`an information request command, in step S430, the facsimile
`apparatus performs an internal
`information notification
`operation for notifying the host computer of the type of
`model, version, terminal perfonnance, and the cause of
`abnormality. In the subsequent step S431, a confirmation of
`a normal status is sent out, terminating the command pro-
`cessing.
`In step S404, an operation for a case in which a command
`which is undefined for the entire logic unit is received is
`, performed, and a confirmation of this status is sent out. Alist
`of a parameter group used for the entire logic unit is shown
`in FIG. 14. In FIG. 14, reference character PC denotes the
`host computer 15.
`
`

`
`5
`
`6
`
`5,684,607
`
`<Scanner Command Processing>
`FIGS. 5-1 and 5-2 are flowcharts which illustrate in detail
`operations for processing various kinds of commands for the
`scanner unit 6 in step S308 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 15 is a
`table which lists a group of parameters used for the scanner
`unit command.
`
`(Processing of Scanner Information Request
`Command)
`
`This command is used to notify the host computer of
`information about the scanner unit 6, such as the presence or
`absence, or size of an original document, or the presence or
`absence of any defects.
`When it is determined in step S501 shown in FIG. 5-1 that
`the command is a scanner information request command, the
`scanner information shown in FIG. 15 is sent to the host
`computer in step S510, and a confirmation of a normal status
`regarding this operation is sent out in step S511. This
`terminates the series of operations.
`
`(Processing of Reading Parameter Setting
`Command)
`
`This command is used to receive the designation of the
`reading mode before areading request command is received.
`The designation of a reading mode includes the setting of the
`resolution, the encoding method and the like. Regarding
`processing, when it is determined in step S502 that the
`command is a reading parameter setting command, a pre-
`determined parameter shown in FIG. 15 is received in step
`S520, and a confirmation of a normal status regarding this
`operation is sent out in step S521. Thus, the operation is
`terminated.
`
`(Processing of Reading Request Command)
`
`This command is used to read an original document set in
`a scanner after the aforesaid reading parameter setting
`command is received, and to store image data in the storage
`apparatus 11 inside the facsimile apparatus.
`When it is determined in step S503 that the command is
`areading request command-, a checkis made of the status of
`the scanner unit 6 and whether or not the reading parameter
`has been set. When it has not been set, the scanner is
`operated using a default value. Ifthe apparatus is in a mode
`in which the reading operation cannot be performed, a
`confirmation of this status is sent out in step S533, termi-
`nating the operation. If the reading operation can be
`performed, the apparatus is disconnectedin step S532 so that
`the logical connection with the host computer is temporarily
`released and the apparatus is switched to a mode in which
`other commands (particularly a stop command) can be
`received. Next, a reading operation is performed in step
`S534 by using the functions of the facsimile apparatus. In
`the subsequent step S535, an operation for entering and
`storing a file is performed by the file management section
`10.
`
`Thus, the image can be read by the scanner inside the
`facsimile apparatus after the resolution, encoding method or
`the like are specified by the host computer. Furthermore, the
`image can be filed. After the file entry operation is
`completed, a reselecting operation is performed in step S536
`so that the logical connection with the host computer is made
`again. Thereafter, in step S537, a check is made to determine
`whether the reading operation has been terminated normally
`or abnormally. If the reading operation has been terminated
`abnormally, a confirmation of this status is sent out in step
`
`S538. If the reading operation has been terminated normally,
`a confirmation of a normal status is sent out in step S539.
`This terminates the series of operations.
`
`(Processing of File Information Request Command)
`
`This command is used to notify the host computer of file
`information created as a result of executing the reading
`request command, for example, a file management ID, file
`size, or the like.
`
`Regarding processing, when it is determined in step S504
`in FIG. 5-2 that the command is a file information request
`command, file information is sent out in step S540. In the
`subsequent step S541, a confirmation of a normal status
`regarding this operation is sent out. This terminates the
`operation.
`
`"(Processing of Stop Command)
`
`This command is used to stop a reading operation in V
`response to receiving a reading request command when the
`apparatus is reading an original document. When it
`is
`determined in step S505 that the command is a stop
`command, the reading operation is stopped in step S550. A
`confirmation of a normal status regarding this operation is
`sent out in step S551 to notify the host computer that the stop
`command has been executed. Postprocessing, incidental to
`the discontinuation of the reading operation, is performed in
`step S552. This terminates the operation.
`
`(Processing of Status Request Command)
`This command is issued after a