Abstract: An easy-to-use image forming apparatus and method which uses either a monochrome recording cartridge or a plurality of colors recording cartridge, which, when recording an image desired by a user, does not require the user to perform unnecessary operations regarding replacement of a cartridge, change of the kind of recorded image, or selection of a form. A determination is made as to whether or not a correct cartridge is attached based on the kind of the currently attached cartridge and the image desired by the user. When it is determined that the correct cartridge is attached, recording is initiated. When it is determined that the correct cartridge is not attached, a notification prompting replacement is provided to the user. When the user instructs color reading or monochrome reading of the original, a recording operation is carried out by changing the size of the image to an appropriate size in response to the kind of recorder, original size and form size.

Abstract: Disclosed is a facsimile apparatus equipped with an automatic answering telephone function, as well as a communication method in this apparatus. When a tone signal from a line is detected after the start of storage of a voice message in response to an incoming call, the voice message presently being recorded is not counted as a received message and a voice message received next is stored in the area in which storage has just been performed. Further, when a DTFM signal, which is a control signal of the automatic answering telephone, is detected, a transition is made to facsimile communication in response to a CNG signal. Thus, erroneous operation in facsimile communication due to a CNG signal recorded in the automatic answering telephone is prevented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a facsimile apparatus equipped with an automatic answering telephone function, as well as a communication method in this apparatus. When a tone signal from a line is detected after the start of storage of a voice message in response to an incoming call, the voice message presently being recorded is not counted as a received message and a voice message received next is stored in the area in which storage has just been performed. Further, when a DTMF signal, which is a control signal of the automatic answering telephone, is detected, a transition is made to facsimile communication in response to a CNG signal. Thus, erroneous operation in facsimile communication due to a CNG signal recorded in the automatic answering telephone is prevented.

Abstract: Call generating apparatus includes a light reception unit and a control unit for acquiring a line and sending a dial signal onto the acquired line in accordance with an output from the light reception unit when a portable device is detected as set in the apparatus. Received or previously stored image data can be printed when an output of the light reception unit coincides with predetermined identification data. A reception error is determined when successive outputs from the light reception unit do not occur within a predetermined time.