Abstract: An information recording device can function as a facsimile, a copy machine and a printer. The device receives plural kinds of information to be recorded and judges the kind of the information thus received. The information received is recorded onto a paper. The device is provided with a plurality of paper trays, and a delivering unit delivers a recorded paper on which the information is recorded to one of the paper trays which is determined in accordance with the kind of the information to be recorded. Thereby, the recorded paper on which same kind of information is recorded is delivered to same one of the paper trays, and a user can easily discriminate the recorded papers of different information.

Abstract: A method and system from integrating a headerless apparatus into a messaging environment. The method and system enable message routing capabilities to and from conventionally headerless apparatus, such as scanners and digital copiers. The apparatus work in conjunction with a document router to provide full-featured and secure message routing capabilities, including scanning images directly to an electronic mailbox, and retrieving messages from within the messaging environment for output at the apparatus.

Abstract: A video interfacing technique in an image forming device having video and engine control units, includes setting a timeout variable to repeatedly transmit status messages over a predetermined time period when a communications error has occurred, and transmitting reset signals from one control unit to the other control unit to reset it, when a predetermined message is not received while the video and engine control units transmit and receive the message to and from each other.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus and an information processing apparatus are connected with one another through connecting portions over wires or by radio in a facsimile system. The facsimile apparatus includes a power supply instructing portion which outputs a power supply instruction signal through the connecting portions, the power supply instruction signal instructing whether power supply is on in all the portions of the information processing apparatus or power supply is on only in certain portions of the information processing apparatus, the certain portions being used for receiving the power supply instruction signal from the facsimile apparatus and causing power supply to be on in all the portions of the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: A Color fax/video printing means for a digital still camera (DSC) which integrate the structure and function of fax, video signal, copying, printing and data communication apparatus in a whole and adopts method and structure such as computer architecture, central processing unit, data communication, DSC, ink-jet printing or laser printing, embedded circuit, firmware, dual bus, ASIC, programmable, cell active and pin sharing etc. to achieve advantages of enhancing efficiency, simplifying structure and operation, reducing cost and power consumption.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the function of document processing machines such as copying machines and facsimile machines. Control data is submitted to a controller in a two-dimensional symbology having error correcting capability. The control data is decoded and used to process a plurality of documents without the need of a manual keying of instructions by an operator controlling the document processing machine.

Abstract: A system or method displays an appropriate user interface for a multi-function machine. A controller changes displayed contents of a user interface to display a functional screen corresponding to a copy-function when a document handler sensor senses a document placed in a document handler and changes the displayed contents of the user interface to display a functional screen corresponding to a facsimile-function when a telephone number sensor circuit senses a telephone being inputted through a ten-key pad. The controller also changes the display of the user interface to display a functional screen corresponding to a copy-function when a platen cover sensor senses a lifting of a platen cover. Lastly, the controller changes the display of the user interface to display a function screen corresponding to a print-function when a portable memory drive sensor senses an insertion of a portable memory device into a portable memory drive.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes contacts for exchanging various data between a FAX terminal and a radio terminal having a display function to connect the FAX terminal and the radio terminal to cause the FAX terminal and the radio terminal to exchange necessary data therebetween, wherein display data is transferred from the FAX terminal to the radio terminal having the display function and is displayed on the radio terminal.

Abstract: Even after a scanner is instructed to read an original and it is later detected by an original detecting sensor that there is no original, if the original is loaded correctly, a normal reading operation is performed even without re-instruction to read the original. Thus, the operability on the user side is improved.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprises a recorder for receiving data from a data supplier connected through a control signal line for interface and recording an image onto a recording medium; an interface signal setting circuit which always receives an electric power from a power supply source irrespective of whether the image recording by the recorder is executed or not, thereby setting the level of the control signal line to the low level when the image recording is not executed; and a power switch for setting the mode to perform the image recording when the switch is ON and setting the mode not to perform the image recording when the switch is OFF. The recorder causes a state change in the ink by using a thermal energy which is generated from an electrothermal converter, thereby emitting an ink droplet to the recording medium and recording the image.

Abstract: A communication system including: a first secure communication terminal for providing analog voiceband data; a first processing circuit connected to receive the secure data from the first secure communication terminal and for converting the received data into secure baseband data, the first processing circuit transmitting the baseband data; a second processing circuit connected to receive--the transmitted baseband data from the first processing circuit, and for converting the received baseband data into analog voiceband data; and a second secure communication terminal for receiving the analog voiceband data from the second processing circuit. The communication system is especially applicable for handling secure data transmitted by a STU-III.

Abstract: A scanner powered by the limited power available on a peripheral bus. In particular, the scanner can operate within the 2.2 watts provided over a USB connector. The scanner of the present invention uses a contact image sensor (CIS) which uses optics to distribute light from each light emitter to multiple pixel positions, preferably using a single LED for each color. An electric motor for driving the platen uses rare earth magnets to limit the power required. Instead of the traditional method of biasing the CIS scanner against the platen with a spring, the platen itself is spring-biased. The moveable spring biasing of a platen is possible because a worm drive motor is used allowing a helical thread on the worm drive to contact the platen gears as they move up and down as biased. Preferably, the helical thread of the worm gear has a single point of contact with a gear on the platen, further limiting the friction and allowing the platen to move up and down with respect to the stationary motor.

Abstract: In a facsimile apparatus having a facsimile modem function for a personal computer to perform communications through the facsimile apparatus, the changeover between a facsimile mode and a facsimile modem mode is automatically made based on whether an AT command is transmitted from the personal computer or not. When an AT command is received while the facsimile apparatus is in the standby state in the facsimile mode, the operation mode is changed to the facsimile modem mode to execute the command. When no AT command is received within a predetermined period of time after the execution of the AT command, the operation mode is returned to the facsimile mode. In changing the mode, the facsimile apparatus is disconnected from the telephone line.

Abstract: An emulation circuit for emulating the signals, impedances and decoding functions of a telephone network provides a substitute direct connection between a computer and a local facsimile device. The facsimile device can then be used as a printer or scanner, depending on the direction of transmission. The touch tone dialing sequence decoding is simplified in the circuit to a single bandpass filter stage which passes only a dual tone combination corresponding to a single numerical digit and it is this number that is entered as the last digit of the automatic dialing sequence. In this manner the functions of the computer or the fax are not disturbed and the last digit then enables a ring signal. On circuit completion, the line signal may be suppressed for a period corresponding to the transmission period of the header.

Abstract: A facsimile receives a facsimile message even if an external telephone connected to the facsimile assumes a line-off status. The facsimile checks a calling tone transmitted from the calling facsimile while the external telephone is in a line-on status. It is determined whether the external telephone assumes a line-off status before the calling tone is completely checked. If the external telephone assumes the line-off status before the calling tone is completely checked, the facsimile displays a message advising of reception of a facsimile call, and receives the facsimile message transmitted from the calling facsimile if a user accepts reception of the facsimile message.

Abstract: Facsimile log information pertaining to the transmission and reception of image data is stored in a RAM 9. Telephone log information pertaining to the transmission and reception of voice data is also stored in the RAM 9. Thus stored facsimile log information and the telephone log information are printed out on a management report in a discriminatable manner. By viewing the management report, the user of the facsimile machine can manage not only facsimile communication but also telephone communication performed by the facsimile machine.

Abstract: The Group 4 facsimile adapter connected to a facsimile machine that performs Group 3 facsimile communication. The Group 4 facsimile adapter includes an interface to a digital data line or network, a Group 4 facsimile communication unit, an audio signal CODEC connected to the digital data line via the interface for converting between analog audio signals and digital data, and a network control unit for controlling an analog line. The Group 4 facsimile adapter is not be provided with a Group 3 modem of its own, and can instead use a Group 3 modem of the existing Group 3 facsimile machine when Group 3 facsimile communication is performed.

Abstract: A method of operating a fax server apparatus including a computer and a FAX card which provides a unification of a FAX forms creation process and the creation of a template used for interpreting received FAX forms completed at a remote branch location. A FAX form is created using a forms creation module and subsequently both stored into memory as a template and selectively transmitted via a FAX card to FAX machines at remote branch locations. The FAX form has machine readable identification markings comprised of an unique dot pattern which are identified upon reception by the computer to retrieve from memory the corresponding form stored as the template for processing. The FAX form also includes machine readable reference marks recognized by the computer for orientating the received completed FAX form and correcting for distortions induced by electronic transmission of forms such as skewing and warping of images.

Abstract: An interface is provided for connecting a standard telephone line and/or a standard facsimile machine with a distributive communication network interface such as a personal computer, whereby facsimile signal present on the telephone line or at the facsimile machine may be transmitted via the Internet to a remote station without the use of long distance or international telephone signal carriers. The facsimile signal may be sent or received via the network using the network, without interfering with the capability to receive and send facsimile signals in the normal manner via a standard telephone line.

Abstract: A facsimile system includes a facsimile apparatus including a printer for receiving and printing facsimile information and a terminal apparatus remote from the facsimile apparatus, for transmitting data to and receiving data from the facsimile apparatus. The facsimile apparatus includes a data transmit device for transmitting data related to a condition of a public telephone line connected to the facsimile apparatus in response to a request from the terminal apparatus.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus having a printer interface and a recorder unit usable as a printer, includes an image memory for storing facsimile image data received during an operation as the printer, a key switch for switching an operation mode between a facsimile mode and a printer mode by a switching operation, and a controller for automatically causing the recorder unit to perform an output operation such that the image data stored in the image memory in the printer mode is read out to print received image information by the switching operation of the key switch to the facsimile mode when the facsimile image data is received in the printer mode.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide an image processing apparatus which has a printer unit and a data processing unit, and allows an external information processing terminal to freely operate the printer unit and the data processing unit. More specifically, the image processing apparatus has a print emulation command set for controlling the printer unit from the external information processing terminal, and a command set for controlling the data processing unit from the external information processing terminal. The print emulation command set is used when the printer unit is controlled, and the designated command set is used when the data processing unit is controlled.

Abstract: A facsimile machine includes a machine housing; an upper guide member disposed above the machine housing and adapted to be movable between an operating position, in which a document transport path is formed, and an open position, in which the document transport path is opened; an operating panel mounted on the top of the upper guide member and provided with dial number call keys for calling previously stored dial numbers of destinations, and a function switching key for selecting from two alternative call dial numbers stored for each of the dial number call keys; and a key switching plate having openings through which the key heads of the dial number call keys are exposed with the key switching plate disposed on the operating panel so as to be invertible between a first position and a second position and adapted to move the function switching key in a switching manner upon the inversion thereof.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus connected to an external terminal device and a communication line, includes a storing unit which stores mode information indicating which apparatus, either the external terminal device or the facsimile apparatus, receives data; and a control unit which causes the facsimile apparatus to receive the data if the mode information indicates external terminal device reception and if the external terminal device is not available to receive the data. The facsimile apparatus further includes a control unit which causes temporal transferring of the received data to the external terminal device, reading of the transferred received data from the external terminal device, and printing of the read data after the facsimile apparatus has become available to print if the mode information indicates facsimile apparatus reception and if the facsimile apparatus is not available to print or store the received data.

Abstract: A new functionality in a fax communication system including a PC with a virtual data port (DTE) and a fax modem (DCE), having an infrared (IR) connection between them, wherein the DCE is capable of indicating to the local infrared communications, i.e., IrDA IrCOMM, port or interface the type of the software flow control, either local or end-to-end, so that the local and the remote IrCOMM ports can be made to function such that:______________________________________ IF an XON/XOFF character is received from the client AND the mode is end-to-end AND the SW flow control is enabled, THEN the XON/XOFF character is handled as flow control and the character is transmitted to the host IrCOMM. ______________________________________A new interface primitive at the interface of the IrCOMM in the DCE requests the desired mode and if the desired mode is "local", the XON/XOFF characters are not transmitted to the host system when SW flow control is active.

Abstract: A multifunction device, having a single printer and data access thereto for jobs generated at a connected computer and jobs received via a telephone or scanner or facsimile memory. In such a device, a user interface is provided facilitating a choice of contention schemes giving priority to job printing based on job type or source including: 1) no access to the printer; 2) computer-only access; 3) computer and facsimile scanner access. Where computer and facsimile access is selected, additional choices for contention are provided, including a) facsimile priority or b) computer priority. Where a job type denied access is received, it may be stored in device storage until such time as it is individually accessed or until the contention scheme is changed to allow favorable queuing of the job.

Abstract: An operator/facsimile interface enables entry of alpha-numeric data from a telephone-style keyboard. Alteration of displayed alpha-numeric characters may be accomplished by actuation of arrow keys or segential key presses of an alpha-numeric key A displayed alpha-numeric character may be entered by actuation of an arrow key, an Enter key or a different alpha-numeric key. Completion of an alpha-numeric entry may be signaled by actuation of a Start key or Enter key. The operator/facsimile interface enables a telephone number to be stored for subsequent recall by any of five separate procedure pathways. The combination of the above operator/facsimile interface features provides the operator with plural pathways to accomplish facsimile functions, thereby avoiding the single path per procedure prior art constraint.

Abstract: In a facsimile apparatus with a printer function, a facsimile receiver receives facsimile image data which is encoded according to a predetermined first facsimile coding method and is transmitted from a further facsimile apparatus of the other party, and a host interface interfaces the facsimile apparatus with an external computer and receives facsimile image data which is encoded according to a predetermined second facsimile coding method and is transmitted from the external computer. Further, a decoder decodes the received facsimile image data into image data, and a printer forms an image of the image data on a paper in response to the decoded image data. Furthermore, a MODEM is provided having a facsimile MODEM mode and a data communication MODEM mode which is switched over therebetween in response to command data transmitted from the external computer through a host interface.

Abstract: An order-taking terminal device enables a customer to order food, but can respond rapidly to changes and additions to the menu. When this terminal device starts up, it receives an operating program and image data from main management equipment. The order-taking terminal device stores the thus received operating program and image data and displays a menu screen on a display screen on the basis of the thus stored operating program and image data.

Abstract: A maintenance system for image-forming apparatuses equipped with image-scanning means for reading images of documents, and image-forming means for forming the images based on the image data and preset state data, including an external maintenance apparatus which is connected to an image-forming apparatus, adjusts the state data on the basis of the image data and the state data read from the image-forming apparatus, and sets the adjusted state data to the image-forming apparatus, and if necessary, further including a host apparatus which is connected to the external maintenance apparatus, adjusts the state data on the basis of the image data and the state data which are transmitted from the external maintenance apparatus, and sets the adjusted state data for the image-forming apparatus via the external maintenance apparatus.

Abstract: An image data reading system is capable of receiving image data without interruption regardless of the amount of time required to read the data. The system comprises a monitor program, a scanner driver and a viewer program. The viewer program initiates a data read process and the scanner driver orders the monitor program to read image data. Upon elapse of a predetermined time period, for example, 30 seconds, the system determines if the monitor program is still reading image data. If the monitor program is still reading image data, the scanner driver does not perform time-out processing. Instead, the system allows the monitor program to continue to read the image data until a read end message for the current page is received from the monitor program. If the monitor program is not reading image data, the scanner driver notifies the viewer program of a probable error and terminates the data read process.

Abstract: Remote data entry is performed in such a manner that a plurality of entry items and a plurality of data items are caused to collectively enter within one communication and the check sum is calculated simultaneously with the data entry so that abnormality of the data is easily detected even if the contents of the entry data are changed due to the abnormality occurring in a facsimile apparatus. Data is collectively stored in a receiving buffer and a great quantity of data is caused to remote enter if the capacity of the buffer permits. After all remote data entries have been completed, the check sums of all entry memory regions are performed so that the memory capacity of the program code of the check sum is saved. In other aspects of the present invention, a device is controlled in accordance with the plurality of types of set data previously set, using a receiver and reader that remain enabled during communication.

Abstract: An inexpensive image communication apparatus allows an external information processing terminal to be connected thereto, and uses an interface capable of high-speed data transfer for communication with the PC. The image communication apparatus receives an instruction from the external information processing terminal through an interface control unit in a state in which reception can be performed. When an instruction from the information processing terminal is received while communication is preformed by a communication unit and an instruction from an operation panel is received, the image communication apparatus outputs information indicating that the instruction cannot be executed, in a state in which the interface control unit can perform transmission.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a communication apparatus with high versatility and multiple functions to which an optional color recording function can be added, and disclose the communication apparatus which has a recording means and is connected to a data terminal to transmit the data prepared or stored by the data terminal to a communication line according to a control commands from the data terminal whereby the image data is recorded by the recording means according to a specific command of the above control commands.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus including a display device for displaying a binary image stored in a display binary memory and a printer for printing a binary image stored in a printing binary memory, a multi-value-binary conversion circuit for converting a multivalued image stored in a multivalued memory into a binary image is selectively connected to the display binary image memory or the printing binary image memory while arbitration between a display request and a printing request is performed. The multi-value-binary conversion circuit is commonly used for display and printing.

Abstract: A novel and improved method and apparatus for providing an interface to a digital wireless telephone system compatible with standard analog wire line telephones and analog wire line fax machines is disclosed. During a telephone call, a fax detector monitors the incoming data for fax signals. If a fax is detected, the data processor switches from processing the data as if it were voice to processing it as fax. In addition, the remote station is sent a signal notifying it to process the data as fax rather than voice. The fax detector operates by detecting the preamble of a V.21 message, present at the beginning of every fax call. Energy is measured in both frequencies of the BFSK signals. A decision is made by analyzing these energies and locating a specific pattern which repeats itself a sufficient number of times.

Abstract: An image communication apparatus comprises a connection unit for connecting an external terminal, an image communication unit for conducting image communication, a switching unit for selectively connecting a line to said connection unit and said image communication unit, a first detection unit for detecting a calling signal from said line, a second detection unit for detecting a signal relating to the image communication, a third detection unit for detecting a signal relating to data communication, and a control unit for controlling said switching unit in response to the detection by said first, second and third detection units.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transmitting documents using the Internet are disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a document (3200) which is to be transmitted to a recipient is fed into a local facsimile machine (3100). The document (3200) includes a cover sheet (3210) containing a destination facsimile number (5100) and number of sheets which contain the message to be transmitted to the destination. The sender then dials the local telephone number of a remote computer system (2000). The document (3200) is then transmitted to the remote computer (2000) via a modem (2400) over a local telephone line (7000). The remote computer (2000) then scans the cover sheet (3210) and extracts the destination facsimile number (5100). The document (3200) is then formatted for transmission via public switched data network, specifically Internet backbone network(s) (6000), and is routed from the remote computer system (2000) to a host network computer system (4000).

Abstract: Disclosed is a facsimile apparatus that has a modulating/demodulating device that is operable at a low voltage. The facsimile apparatus of the present invention comprises, in its receiving system, loss means for reducing a level of a received signal; control means for instructing, for the loss means, a reduction value for the level of the received signal; incoming level detection means for storing a voltage value that corresponds to a predetermined level for each transfer mode, and for detecting an incoming level during initial identification procedures; user equalizing means, and comprises, in its transmitting system, gain/loss means, for altering a level of a signal transmitted by a modulating/demodulating device; control means for instructing, for the gain/loss means, a value for alteration of the level of the signal; loss means for reducing the level of the signal; and user equalizing means.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, when temporarily unable to print, a facsimile machine stores received facsimile data in an internal buffer memory, transfers facsimile data from the buffer memory to a coupled computer system to prevent overflow of the buffer memory, and later prints a list of facsimile transmissions transferred to the computer system. According to a second aspect of the invention, when temporarily unable to print, a facsimile machine stores received facsimile data in an internal buffer memory, and transfers facsimile data from the buffer memory to another facsimile machine to prevent overflow of the buffer memory.

Abstract: A facsimile communication control method is provided for a mobile communication system whereby a sending-side facsimile device capable of sending and receiving facsimile signals does not discontinue a telephone call despite completion of facsimile communication, and a receiving-side facsimile device capable of sending and receiving facsimile signals discontinues a telephone call upon completion of facsimile communication.

Abstract: Since an image processing apparatus of this invention can record images input from a plurality of image sources on a plurality of recording media simultaneously held on a recording medium holding member, the images input from the plurality of image sources can be efficiently output, and the productivity of the image processing apparatus can be improved.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus having an external interface and having a printer mode for printing out data received through the external interface and a facsimile mode for communicating image data through a line, comprises a detection unit for detecting occurrence of condition in which to operate as facsimie; and a unit normally set in the printer mode, for switching from the printer mode to the facsimile mode in accordance with a detection by the detection unit.

Abstract: A facsimile interface apparatus (12) is connected between facsimile terminals (10, 24) communicating via a satellite (16). The interface apparatus converts a conventional facsimile signal (66, 68) to a signal (70, 72, 74) suitable for transmission to the satellite (16). However, the interface apparatus and the satellite may incur a long delay such that the calling facsimile terminal (10) repeats a transmitted signal while the response to that signal is being received over the satellite (16). To overcome this problem, the facsimile interface apparatus (12) connected to the calling terminal (10) sends, after a period t1, a holding signal (90) to the calling terminal (10), to prevent the calling terminal from repeating the transmitted signal (66, 68). After a further period t2, the interface apparatus (12) sends a command repeat signal (93) to the calling terminal (10), so that the transmitted signal (66, 68) is repeated if the called terminal (24) has not transmitted a response.

Abstract: A communication apparatus which is connected to an ISDN includes a data input/output (I/O) unit for inputting/outputting data and an ISDN interface to control the data input/output operations between the data I/O unit and the ISDN. The ISDN interface is constructed on a one-chip IC and at least includes an interface for separating B-channel data and D-channel data and for inputting/outputting the data, a switch for switching data paths in accordance with the classification of the information of the B-channel data and a modem which is connected to the path for 3.1K audio in the path of the B-channel data. The ISDN interface further has a speed matching processing circuit for matching the speed of the data which is inputted/outputted to/from the data I/O unit with the speed of 64k non-limit digital data. A commercial power source is supervised and the occurrence of a power failure is detected by a detecting unit.

Abstract: A printer has a controller unit and an engine unit, which are connected via a video interface. Upon reception of a designating command for designating a type of condition, whose condition change is to be reported, from the controller unit, the engine unit supplies a designated condition change signal to the controller unit immediately after the condition of the designated type has changed. The controller unit requests the engine unit to output detailed data associated with the status change in response to reception of the designated condition change signal.

Abstract: In a manifold apparatus having a plurality of functions including a printer function, facsimile function and copier function, facsimile data from a host computer are transferred to a system controller via a printer controller. Information on the destinations for facsimile communication are registered at an image memory. The system controller searches the image memory on the basis of destination data contained in the facsimile data, thereby determining whether the destination has a G3 function or a G4 function. If the destination has a G3 function, the system controller transforms the facsimile data to image data and transmits the image data via a facsimile controller. If a G4 function is available at the destination, the system controller transmits the facsimile data, or code data, without transforming them.

Abstract: Document generation and delivery system that allows a user to download a plurality of sets of data to a document preparation system. The document preparation system has a memory that stores pre-defined forms with a plurality of fields. The downloaded data begins with a definition of the order in which data will be sent for use in filling in the fields of a form. The data sets are then used to populate fields in the form thereby generating documents to be transmitted via facsimile to a plurality of destinations.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a first image processing apparatus connected to a second image processing apparatus Each apparatus includes a programmable data compressor that performs image data compression in accordance with at least two data compression programs. The first image processing apparatus is able to request the second image processing apparatus to transmit to it a compression program stored by said second processing apparatus, which the first image processing apparatus may then use in its own data compressor.

Abstract: In a circuit formed with a resistor 32, connection terminals 28 and 23, a resistor 25, and connection terminals 24 and 29 all of which are shown in FIG. 3, when a one-chip microcomputer 21 shown in FIG. 1 inputs a high-level SCAN signal, a high- or low-level SENSE signal is generated according to the mounting state of an ink cartridge 33. When the ink cartridge 33 is mounted, a low-level SENSE signal is generated in response to a high-level SCAN signal. When the ink cartridge 33 is not mounted, a high-level SENSE signal is generated in response to a high-level SCAN signal. The one-chip microcomputer 21 monitors the mounting state of the ink cartridge 33 by detecting the level of a SENSE signal in order to prevent unnecessary initialization operations for the head of the ink cartridge so as not to reduce the number of sheets available for recording and not to increase running costs.