Image transmission device

Abstract

To provide an image transmission device in which editing of higher convenience than the prior arts is made possible when a user edits transmission destinations with respect to a broadcasting transmission job.SOLUTION: An image transmission device comprises: an image data acquisition section which acquires image data by reading a transmission document; an operation section which inputs a transmission destination of the image data; an image data transmission section which transmits the image data to the transmission destination; and a control section which controls the image data acquisition section, the operation section and the image data transmission section. When a plurality of transmission destinations is inputted for a broadcasting transmission and the operation section receives an editing start operation of the transmission destinations while the image data transmission section performs the broadcasting transmission of image data to the plurality of transmission destinations, the control section causes the operation section to accept the editing of the transmission destination and causes the image data transmission section to temporarily interrupt the broadcasting transmission in predetermined timing, on the other hand, when the operation section receives an editing end operation of the transmission destinations, the control section causes the image data transmission section to resume the broadcasting transmission to the transmission destinations reflected with the editing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image transmission device, and more particularly to an image transmission device having a function of broadcasting image data to a plurality of transmission destinations. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Some image forming apparatuses, such as MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals), have a FAX transmission / reception function for transmitting and receiving FAX data.

[0003] In an image transmission device having such a fax transmission function, if a user wants to send fax image data to multiple destinations (broadcast transmission) and there is only one telephone line, the fax must be sent to each destination in turn.

[0004] Incidentally, during the execution of a broadcast transmission job in which a plurality of transmission destinations are specified, the user may wish to edit the destinations, such as by changing, deleting, or adding a transmission destination.

[0005] As a prior art for editing destinations during such broadcast transmission, there is disclosed a facsimile machine which, when a mistake is made in inputting a destination using a destination input means for broadcast transmission using a broadcast transmission means, allows only the specified destination to be changed using a destination change means, thereby making it possible to change only the specified destination without deleting all destinations that have been input up to that point (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-66921 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, since the execution of the multicast job continues even while the user is editing only the transmission destination specified by the user, there is a risk that transmission to another transmission destination will be completed if the user also wants to edit the other transmission destination.

[0008] On the other hand, if a user suspends all broadcast jobs while editing a single destination, the job transmission will be delayed accordingly.

[0009] This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides an image transmitting device that allows a user to edit the transmission destination for a multicast transmission job in a more convenient manner than before. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The image transmitting device disclosed herein comprises an image data acquisition unit that reads a document to be transmitted and acquires image data, an operation unit that inputs a transmission destination of the image data, an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data to the transmission destination, and a control unit that controls the image data acquisition unit, the operation unit, and the image data transmission unit, wherein the control unit is characterized in that when a plurality of transmission destinations are input for multicast transmission, and when the operation unit receives a predetermined edit start operation for the transmission destination while the image data transmission unit is multicast transmitting the image data to the plurality of transmission destinations, the control unit causes the operation unit to accept editing of the transmission destination, while temporarily suspending the multicast transmission at a predetermined timing, and when the operation unit receives a predetermined edit end operation for the transmission destination, the control unit reflects the editing in the image data transmission unit and resumes the multicast transmission to the transmission destination. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to this disclosure, when a user edits the transmission destination for a multicast transmission job, the editing of the transmission destination can be accepted by accepting a specified editing start operation, and the multicast transmission is temporarily suspended at a specified timing, thereby realizing an image transmitting device that allows for more convenient editing than before. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image transmission system including a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a destination editing process when a FAX image is broadcast by the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. [Figure 4] 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a detailed display screen when a FAX image is broadcasted by the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. [Diagram 5] 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a destination editing screen when broadcasting a FAX image in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a destination editing process when a FAX image is broadcast by the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of destination modification when broadcasting a FAX image in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of destination modification when broadcasting a FAX image in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of destination modification when broadcasting a FAX image in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of destination modification when broadcasting a FAX image in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. [Figure 11] 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of destination modification when broadcasting a FAX image in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. [Figure 12] 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of destination modification when broadcasting a FAX image in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. [Figure 13] 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of adding a destination when broadcasting a FAX image in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a multicast transmission process of a FAX image in the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1; [Figure 15] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a destination editing process when a FAX image is broadcast by the digital multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a detailed display screen when a FAX image is broadcasted by the digital multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a destination editing screen when broadcasting a FAX image of a digital multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a destination editing process when a FAX image is broadcast by the digital multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a multicast transmission process of a FAX image of a digital multifunction peripheral according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a multicast transmission process of a FAX image of a digital multifunction peripheral according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a multicast transmission process of a FAX image of the digital multifunction peripheral according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a multicast transmission process of a FAX image of the digital multifunction peripheral according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] In this disclosure, an "image transmission device" is a transmission device for image data capable of broadcasting to a plurality of destinations. The image transmitting device is not limited to a fax machine with a facsimile function for transmitting fax documents, but may also be a device capable of transmitting image data via Internet fax (with or without a delivery confirmation request), e-mail, FTP, Desktop, or shared folder (SMB).

[0014] The “image data transmission unit” in this disclosure is realized by the FAX transmission / reception unit 16 or the communication unit 15 . "Having the operation unit accept editing of the transmission destination while causing the image data transmission unit to temporarily suspend the multicast transmission at a predetermined timing" is not limited to the case where multicast transmission to all transmission destinations is temporarily suspended while editing of the transmission destination is being accepted.

[0015] For example, even while the editing of a certain transmission destination that the user has selected to edit is being accepted, broadcast transmission to non-selected transmission destinations (or the selection of which has been canceled) may continue to be executed. In this case, after the broadcast transmission to all non-selected transmission destinations has been completed, the broadcast transmission to the selected transmission destination is temporarily halted.

[0016] Furthermore, even if the transmission destination selected by the user has already been edited (or the editing has been canceled), broadcast transmission to that transmission destination may be executed as soon as the editing is completed. In this case, broadcast transmission to only the selected unedited or edited transmission destination is temporarily halted.

[0017] Further, preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0018] The edit start operation may be an operation of switching to an edit mode for the transmission destination, and the edit end operation may be an operation of ending the edit mode for the transmission destination.

[0019] In this way, when a user edits the transmission destination for a multicast transmission job, if the user operates to switch to editing mode for the transmission destination of the multicast transmission job, the edit of the transmission destination is accepted and the multicast transmission job is temporarily suspended at a specified timing, while if the user operates to exit editing mode for the transmission destination, the edit is reflected and multicast transmission to the transmission destination is resumed, thereby realizing an image transmission device that allows for more convenient editing than before.

[0020] The device may further include a display unit that displays various information to the user, and the control unit may cause an edit button for the transmission destination to be displayed on the display unit while the image data transmission unit is broadcasting the image data to the multiple transmission destinations, and when the edit button is pressed, the control unit may be configured to accept the operation to start editing.

[0021] In this way, when a user edits the transmission destination for a multicast transmission job, pressing the edit button displayed in the editing of the transmission destination for that multicast transmission job accepts the edit of the transmission destination and temporarily suspends the multicast transmission job at a specified timing, thereby realizing an image transmission device that allows for more convenient editing than before.

[0022] The image forming apparatus may further include a display unit that displays various information to a user, and the control unit may cause the display unit to display a list of the multiple transmission destinations while the image data transmission unit is broadcasting the image data to the multiple transmission destinations, and may consider the editing start operation to have been accepted when at least one transmission destination from the list of transmission destinations is selected.

[0023] In this way, when a user edits the transmission destination for a multicast transmission job, if at least one transmission destination is selected from a list of multiple transmission destinations, the editing of that transmission destination is accepted and the multicast transmission is temporarily suspended at a specified timing, thereby realizing an image transmission device that allows for more convenient editing than before.

[0024] When at least one transmission destination is selected from the list of transmission destinations, the control unit may cause the image data transmission unit to transmit broadcast data to non-selected transmission destinations among the at least one selected transmission destination that should be transmitted to before the transmission destination that is scheduled to have the earliest transmission start time, and may temporarily suspend the broadcast transmission when all broadcast transmissions to the non-selected transmission destinations have been completed.

[0025] In this way, when a user edits the transmission destination for a multicast transmission job, if at least one destination is selected from a list of multiple transmission destinations, the editing of the transmission destination is accepted, and non-selected multicast transmission jobs that should be sent before the transmission destination with the earliest scheduled transmission start time among the selected transmission destinations are executed, and the multicast transmission job is temporarily suspended when all of the non-selected multicast transmission jobs have been completed, thereby realizing an image transmission device that allows for more convenient editing than before.

[0026] The control unit may be configured to, when at least one transmission destination is selected from the list of transmission destinations, move the selected at least one transmission destination to the end of the list of transmission destinations, and temporarily suspend the broadcast transmission at a time when all broadcast transmissions to non-selected transmission destinations among the at least one transmission destination that are to be transmitted to before the transmission destination scheduled to start transmission earliest have been completed.

[0027] In this way, when a user edits the transmission destinations for a multicast transmission job, and at least one destination is selected from a list of multiple transmission destinations, the selected transmission destination is moved to the end of the list of transmission destinations to accept editing of the selected transmission destination, and non-selected multicast transmission jobs that should be sent before the transmission destination with the earliest scheduled transmission start time are executed, and the multicast transmission job is temporarily suspended when all of the non-selected multicast transmission jobs have been completed, thereby realizing an image transmission device that allows for more convenient editing than before.

[0028] The image data transmission unit may perform broadcast transmission of the image data by at least one of FAX, Internet FAX, e-mail, FTP, a desktop, and a shared folder.

[0029] In this way, when a user edits the transmission destination for a multicast transmission job using various transmission methods, including any combination of two or more transmission methods, not limited to when image data is sent by fax, upon receiving a specified edit start operation, the editing of the transmission destination is accepted and the multicast transmission is temporarily suspended at a specified timing, thereby realizing an image transmission device that allows for more convenient editing than before.

[0030] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0031] [Embodiment 1] With reference to FIG. 1, an image transmission system 100 including a digital multifunction peripheral 1 that is an embodiment of an image transmission device of this disclosure will be described.

[0032] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image transmission system 100 including a digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0033] As shown in the example of FIG. 1, in the image transmission system 100 disclosed herein, a digital multifunction peripheral 1 is connected to destination devices 2A, 2B, and 2C (hereinafter also referred to as destination device 2) via a wired or wireless network 3 or a telephone line network 4.

[0034] The digital multifunction machine 1 is a device such as an MFP that digitally processes image data and has a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and an email transmission function. Moreover, the digital multifunction device 1 transmits image data to the other device 2 via the network 3 or the telephone line network 4 .

[0035] <Outline of Digital Multifunction Printer 1> Next, the schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 includes a control unit 10, an image data acquisition unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a storage unit 13, an image processing unit 14, a communication unit 15, a FAX transmission / reception unit 16 and an operation panel 17.

[0037] Each component of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 will be described below.

[0038] The control unit 10 is a part that comprehensively controls the digital multifunction peripheral 1, and is made up of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), various interface circuits, and the like.

[0039] The control unit 10 monitors and controls all loads such as the detection of each sensor, motors, clutches, and operation panel 17 in order to control the overall operation of the digital multifunction printer 1.

[0040] The image data acquisition unit 11 detects and reads an original placed on a platen or an original conveyed from an original tray, and generates image data. In addition, the image data may be acquired from an external information processing device or the like via a wired or wireless network 3, or may be acquired from image data recorded on a USB or the like, or may be a combination of these.

[0041] The image forming unit 12 is a part that prints out the image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit 11 and processed by the image processing unit 14 onto a sheet of paper.

[0042] The storage unit 13 is an element or storage medium that stores information and control programs necessary to realize various functions of the digital multifunction device 1. For example, a semiconductor element such as a RAM or a ROM, a hard disk, a flash storage unit, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or other storage medium is used.

[0043] The storage unit 13 stores data necessary for executing a job, such as information about a job such as printing, and image data.

[0044] The program and the data may be stored in different devices, such as an area for storing data being configured as a hard disk drive and an area for storing programs being configured as a flash memory unit.

[0045] The image processing unit 14 is a part that converts the image data input from the image data acquisition unit 11 into an appropriate electrical signal based on a job command such as printing input from the operation unit 172, and processes the image data so that it is suitable for output such as enlargement / reduction.

[0046] The communication section 15 is a section that communicates with the other device 2 via the network 3 and transmits and receives data to and from the other device 2 .

[0047] The FAX transmission / reception unit 16 is a part that transmits and receives FAX data to and from the other device 2 via the telephone line network 4 .

[0048] The operation panel 17 is composed of a display panel made up of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel such as a capacitive touch panel arranged on top of the display panel to detect the position touched by a finger, and is equipped with a display unit 171 and an operation unit 172.

[0049] The display unit 171 is a part that displays various types of information. Display unit 171 is, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like, and is a display device such as a monitor or line display for displaying electronic data such as the processing state of the operating system and application software. The control unit 10 displays the operation and status of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 through the display unit 171 .

[0050] The operation unit 172 is an interface for operating the digital multifunction peripheral 1, and is a part that receives commands from the user.

[0051] <Destination editing process when broadcasting a FAX image by the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure> Next, an editing process of a FAX image in the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure when the FAX image is broadcast will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0052] In the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that a broadcast transmission of a FAX image is executed to a plurality of destination devices 2A to 2C.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of an editing process of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG. 1 during broadcast transmission of a FAX image.

[0054] In step S1 of FIG. 3, the control unit 10 of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 determines whether or not the [Edit destination] button has been pressed on the detailed display screen of the multicast transmission job (step S1).

[0055] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a detailed display screen of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG. 1 during broadcast transmission of a FAX image.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, display unit 171 displays a list of multiple destinations of a multicast transmission job. The user can edit the destination of the multicast job by pressing the [Edit Destination] button at the bottom right of the screen.

[0057] Next, in step S2 of FIG. 3, the control unit 10 sets job interruption reservation information (suspendReservejob=1) (step S2).

[0058] In the next step S3, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the job interruption information is set (suspendingjob=1) (step S3).

[0059] If the job suspension information is not set (suspendingjob=0) (if the determination in step S3 is No), in step S4, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 171 to display the message "Please wait a moment" (step S4). Thereafter, the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S3.

[0060] On the other hand, if the job suspension information is set (suspendingjob=1) (if the judgment in step S3 is Yes), in step S5, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 171 to hide the [Edit Destination] button and display the [Edit], [Delete], [Add], [Exit] and [Cancel] buttons (step S5).

[0061] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a destination editing screen when the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG. 1 broadcasts a FAX image. As shown in FIG. 5, the buttons "Edit", "Delete", "Add", "Exit" and "Cancel" are displayed at the bottom of the screen of the display unit 171.

[0062] Next, in step S6 of FIG. 3, a destination editing process for the multicast transmission job is accepted (step S6).

[0063] When the destination edit process is completed, in step S7, the control unit 10 resets the job interruption reservation information and the job interruption information (suspendReservejob=0, suspendingjob=0), and then ends the process.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of destination editing processing when the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG. 1 broadcasts a FAX image. 7 to 12 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of destination correction when a FAX image is broadcast by the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.

[0065] (Correction of destination) In step S11 of FIG. 6, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the [Edit] button has been pressed (step S11).

[0066] If the [Modify] button is pressed (if the determination in step S11 is Yes), in step S12, the control unit 10 performs a destination modification process for the multicast transmission job (step S12).

[0067] On the other hand, if the [Modify] button has not been pressed (if the determination in step S11 is No) or after the process in step S12 is completed, the control unit 10 performs a determination in step S13.

[0068] When the user wishes to modify a destination, as shown in FIG. 7, the user selects the destination to be modified (control number 003, destination 333-3333) and presses the [Modify] button.

[0069] This will then take you to a screen that displays the original address "333-3333" and an input form for the corrected address, as shown in FIG. Here, when the user selects the corrected address input form, the screen transitions to the address input screen, as shown in FIG.

[0070] The user presses the numeric buttons to input the corrected destination, "999-9999," as shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the user presses the [OK] button to the right of the destination, the screen transitions to one that displays the original destination "333-3333" and the corrected destination "999-9999", as shown in FIG.

[0071] Here, when the user presses the [OK] button in the upper right corner of the screen, a screen showing the destination (control number 003, destination 999-9999) reflecting the corrections is displayed on display unit 171, as shown in FIG.

[0072] (Delete recipient) In step S13 of FIG. 6, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the [Delete] button has been pressed (step S13).

[0073] If the [Delete] button is pressed (if the determination in step S13 is Yes), in step S14, the control unit 10 performs a destination deletion process for the multicast transmission job (step S14).

[0074] On the other hand, if the [Delete] button has not been pressed (if the determination in step S13 is No) or after the process in step S14 ends, the control unit 10 performs a determination in step S15.

[0075] When the user wishes to delete a destination, as shown in FIG. 7, the user selects one or more destinations to be deleted and presses the [Delete] button.

[0076] (Add destination) In step S15 of FIG. 6, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the [Add] button has been pressed (step S15).

[0077] If the [Add] button is pressed (if the determination in step S15 is Yes), in step S16, the control unit 10 performs a destination addition process for the multicast transmission job (step S16).

[0078] On the other hand, if the [Add] button has not been pressed (if the determination in step S15 is No) or after the process in step S16 is completed, the control unit 10 performs a determination in step S17.

[0079] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of adding a destination when the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG. 1 broadcasts a FAX image.

[0080] When the user wishes to add a destination, he or she presses the [Add] button and then inputs the destination "666-6666" that he or she wishes to add, as shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the user presses the [OK] button to the right of the destination, the screen transitions to one where the destination "666-6666" is displayed at the end of the destination list (management number 006).

[0081] (Edit destination, delete, cancel addition) In step S17 of FIG. 6, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the [Cancel] button has been pressed (step S17).

[0082] If the [Cancel] button is pressed (if the determination in step S17 is Yes), in step S18, the control unit 10 discards the destination modification / deletion / addition content of the multicast job and returns to the state before the editing process (step S18).

[0083] On the other hand, if the [Cancel] button has not been pressed (if the determination in step S17 is No) or after the process in step S18 ends, the control unit 10 performs a determination in step S19.

[0084] (End of destination editing) Next, in step S19, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the [End] button has been pressed (step S19).

[0085] If the [End] button is pressed (if the determination in step S19 is Yes), the control unit 10 ends the destination editing process for the multicast transmission job, and performs the process in step S7 in FIG. In this case, the destination edit mode ends and the broadcast job resumes.

[0086] On the other hand, if the [End] button has not been pressed (if the determination in step S19 is No), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S11.

[0087] <Multicast transmission process of FAX image by digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure> Next, a multicast transmission process of a FAX image of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0088] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a multicast transmission process of a FAX image in the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.

[0089] In step S21 of FIG. 14, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the job interruption information is set (suspendingjob=1) (step S21).

[0090] When the job suspension information is set (suspendingjob=1) (when the determination in step S21 is Yes), the control unit 10 repeats the determination in step S21.

[0091] On the other hand, if the job suspension information is not set (suspendingjob=0) (if the judgment in step S21 is No), in step S22, the control unit 10 judges whether or not the job suspension reservation information is set (suspendReservejob=1) (step S22).

[0092] If the job interruption reservation information is set (if the determination in step S22 is Yes), in step S23, the control unit 10 sets job interruption information (suspendingjob=1) (step S23). Thereafter, the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S21.

[0093] On the other hand, if the job interruption reservation information has not been set (if the determination in step S22 is No), in step S24, the control unit 10 determines whether or not there is a next destination in the transmission destination list (step S24).

[0094] If there is no next destination (if the determination in step S24 is No), in step S25, the control unit 10 ends the multicast transmission job (step S25).

[0095] On the other hand, if there is a next destination (if the determination in step S24 is Yes), in step S26, the control unit 10 reads out the next destination (step S26).

[0096] In the next step S27, the control unit 10 executes a transmission job to the read destination (step S27). Thereafter, the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S21.

[0097] In this way, when a user edits the transmission destination for a multicast transmission job, pressing the [Edit Destination Button] displayed on the detailed display screen for that multicast transmission job accepts the editing of the transmission destination while temporarily suspending the multicast transmission job at a specified timing, thereby realizing a digital multifunction device 1 that allows for more convenient editing than ever before.

[0098] (Modification) As a modified example of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication unit 15 and the FAX transmission / reception unit 16 may be configured to broadcast image data using at least one of the following transmission methods: "FAX," "Internet FAX (with or without delivery confirmation request)," "E-mail," "FTP," "Desktop," and "Shared Folder (SMB)."

[0099] In this way, when a user edits the transmission destination for a multicast transmission job using various transmission methods, not limited to when image data is sent by FAX, pressing the [Edit Destination Button] displayed on the detailed display screen for that multicast transmission job will accept the edit of the transmission destination and temporarily suspend the multicast transmission job at a specified timing, thereby realizing a digital multifunction device 1 that allows for more convenient editing than ever before.

[0100] [Embodiment 2] <Destination editing process when broadcasting a FAX image by the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure> Next, an editing process of a FAX image in the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure when the FAX image is broadcast will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0101] The schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 2), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] The digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that when the [Edit Destination] button displayed on the detailed display screen of the multicast transmission job is pressed, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 accepts editing of the transmission destination and temporarily suspends the multicast transmission at a predetermined timing.

[0103] On the other hand, the digital multifunction device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that it allows editing of the transmission destination without displaying the [Edit Destination button], and also temporarily suspends the multicast transmission at a specified timing.

[0104] In the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that a broadcast transmission of a FAX image is executed to a plurality of destination devices 2A to 2C.

[0105] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a destination editing process during broadcast transmission of a FAX image by the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] In step S31 of FIG. 15, the control unit 10 of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 determines whether or not [Destination] has been selected on the detailed display screen of the multicast transmission job (step S31).

[0107] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a detailed display screen when a FAX image is broadcast on the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 16, a list of multiple destinations of a broadcast transmission job is displayed. However, unlike the first embodiment, the [Edit Destination] button is not displayed.

[0109] Next, in step S32 of FIG. 15, the control unit 10 sets job interruption reservation information (suspendReservejob=1) (step S32). That is, when at least one destination is selected from the list of multiple transmission destinations, the broadcast transmission job is temporarily suspended.

[0110] In the next step S33, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the job interruption information is set (suspendingjob=1) (step S33).

[0111] If the job suspension information is not set (suspendingjob=0) (if the determination in step S33 is No), in step S34, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 171 to display the message "Please wait a moment" (step S34). Thereafter, the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S32.

[0112] On the other hand, if the job suspension information is set (suspendingjob=1) (if the determination in step S33 is Yes), in step S35, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 171 to display the [Edit] and [Delete] buttons (step S35).

[0113] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a destination editing screen when broadcasting a FAX image of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 17, when the user selects a destination, [Edit] and [Delete] buttons are displayed at the bottom right of the screen of the display unit 171.

[0115] Next, in step S36 of FIG. 15, a destination editing process for the multicast transmission job is accepted (step S36).

[0116] When the destination edit process is completed, in step S37, the control unit 10 resets the job interruption reservation information and the job interruption information (suspendReservejob=0, suspendingjob=0), and then ends the process.

[0117] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a destination editing process during broadcast transmission of a FAX image by the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] (Correction of destination) In step S41 of FIG. 18, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the [Edit] button has been pressed (step S41).

[0119] If the [Modify] button is pressed (if the determination in step S41 is Yes), in step S42, the control unit 10 performs a destination modification process for the multicast transmission job (step S42).

[0120] On the other hand, if the [Modify] button has not been pressed (if the determination in step S41 is No) or after the process in step S42 ends, the control unit 10 performs a determination in step S43.

[0121] The details of the procedure for correcting the destination are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIGS. 7 to 12), and therefore will not be described here.

[0122] (Delete recipient) In step S43 of FIG. 18, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the [Delete] button has been pressed (step S43).

[0123] If the [Delete] button is pressed (if the determination in step S43 is Yes), in step S44, the control unit 10 performs a destination deletion process for the multicast transmission job (step S44).

[0124] On the other hand, if the [Delete] button has not been pressed (determination in step S43 is No) or after the process in step S44 is completed, the control unit 10 ends the destination editing process for the multicast transmission job, and performs the process in step S37 in FIG. In this case, the destination edit mode ends and the broadcast job resumes.

[0125] The multicast transmission process of a FAX image of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is similar to that of the first embodiment (FIG. 14), and therefore will not be described.

[0126] In this way, when a user edits the transmission destination for a multicast transmission job, if at least one destination is selected from a list of multiple transmission destinations, the editing of the transmission destination is accepted and the multicast transmission job is temporarily suspended at a predetermined timing, thereby realizing a digital multifunction machine 1 that allows more convenient editing than before.

[0127] [Embodiment 3] <Destination editing process when broadcasting a FAX image by the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure> Next, an editing process during broadcast transmission of a FAX image by the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0128] The schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 2), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0129] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of an editing process during broadcast transmission of a FAX image by the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] In step S51 of FIG. 19, the control unit 10 of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 determines whether or not a destination has been selected on the detailed display screen of the multicast transmission job (step S51).

[0131] If no destination has been selected on the detailed display screen of the multicast transmission job (if the determination in step S51 is No), the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S51.

[0132] On the other hand, if a destination is selected on the detailed display screen of the multicast transmission job (if the determination in step S51 is Yes), in step S52, the control unit 10 sets job interruption reservation information (suspendReservejob=1) (step S52).

[0133] In the next step S53, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the job interruption information is set (suspendingjob=1) (step S53).

[0134] If the job suspension information is not set (suspendingjob=0) (if the determination in step S53 is No), in step S54, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 171 to display the message "Please wait a moment" (step S54). Thereafter, the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S53.

[0135] On the other hand, if the job suspension information is set (suspendingjob=1) (if the determination in step S53 is Yes), in step S55, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 171 to display the [Edit] and [Delete] buttons (step S55).

[0136] Next, in step S56, a destination editing process for the multicast transmission job is accepted (step S56).

[0137] When the destination editing process is completed, in step S57, the control unit 10 resets the job interruption reservation information, the job interruption reservation completion information, and the job interruption information (suspendReservejob=0, suspendReserveCompJob=0, suspendingjob=0), and then ends the process.

[0138] <Multicast transmission process of FAX image by digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure> Next, a multicast transmission process of a FAX image of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0139] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a multicast transmission process of a FAX image of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] In step S61 of FIG. 20, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the job interruption information is set (suspendingjob=1) (step S61).

[0141] If the job suspension information is set (suspendingjob=1) (if the determination in step S61 is Yes), the control unit 10 repeats the determination in step S61.

[0142] On the other hand, if the job suspension information is not set (suspendingjob=0) (if the determination in step S61 is No), in step S62, the control unit 10 determines whether or not there is a next destination in the transmission destination list (step S62).

[0143] If there is no next destination (if the determination in step S62 is No), in step S63, the control unit 10 ends the multicast transmission job (step S63).

[0144] On the other hand, if there is a next destination (if the determination in step S62 is Yes), in step S64, the control unit 10 sets job interruption reservation completion information (suspendReserveCompJob=1) (step S64).

[0145] In the following step S65, the control unit 10 reads out the next destination (step S65).

[0146] Next, in step S66, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the next destination matches the selected transmission destination (step S66).

[0147] If the next destination matches the selected transmission destination (if the determination in step S66 is Yes), in step S67, the control unit 10 determines whether or not job interruption reservation information is set (suspendReservejob=1) (step S67).

[0148] If the job interruption reservation information is set (suspendReservejob=1) (if the determination in step S67 is Yes), in step S68, the control unit 10 sets job interruption information (suspendingjob=1) (step S68). Thereafter, the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S61.

[0149] On the other hand, if the next destination does not match the selected transmission destination (if the determination in step S66 is No) or if the job interruption reservation information is not set (suspendReservejob=0) (if the determination in step S67 is No), in step S69, the control unit 10 executes a transmission job to the read destination (step S69). Thereafter, the control unit 10 returns the process to the determination in step S61.

[0150] In this way, when a user edits the transmission destination for a multicast transmission job, if at least one destination is selected from a list of multiple transmission destinations, the editing of the transmission destination is accepted, and the multicast transmission job that should be sent before the selected transmission destination is executed, and the multicast transmission job for the selected transmission destination is temporarily suspended until the editing is completed, thereby realizing a digital multifunction peripheral 1 that allows more convenient editing than before.

[0151] [Embodiment 4] Next, a multicast transmission process of a FAX image of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0152] The schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 2), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0153] Moreover, the flowchart showing the editing process of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure when broadcasting a FAX image is the same as that of the third embodiment (FIG. 19), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0154] <Multicast transmission process of FAX image by digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure> FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a multicast transmission process of a FAX image of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0155] Steps S71 and S75 to S82 in FIG. 21 are the same as steps S61 to S69 in FIG. 20 (third embodiment), respectively, and therefore will not be described. Here, steps S72 to S74 in FIG. 21 which are not described in the third embodiment will be described.

[0156] In step S71 of FIG. 21, if job suspension information is not set (suspendingjob=0) (if the judgment in step S71 is No), in step S72, the control unit 10 judges whether job suspension reservation information is set (suspendReservejob=1) (step S72).

[0157] If the job interruption reservation information is set (suspendReservejob=1) (if the determination in step S72 is Yes), in step S73, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the job interruption reservation completion information is not set (suspendingjob=0) (step S73).

[0158] If the job interruption reservation completion information is set (suspendingjob=1) (if the determination in step S73 is Yes), in step S74, the control unit 10 moves the selected transmission destination to the end of the list of transmission destinations (step S74).

[0159] On the other hand, if the job interruption reservation information is not set (suspendReservejob=0) (if the judgment in step S72 is No) or if the job interruption reservation completion information is not set (suspendingjob=0) (if the judgment in step S73 is No), in step S75, the control unit 10 judges whether or not there is a next destination in the list of transmission destinations (step S75).

[0160] In this way, when a user edits the transmission destination for a multicast transmission job, if at least one destination is selected from a list of multiple transmission destinations, the selected transmission destination is moved to the end of the list of transmission destinations and editing of the selected transmission destination is accepted, while the multicast transmission job that should be sent before the selected transmission destination is executed and the multicast transmission job is temporarily suspended when all of the unselected multicast transmission jobs have been completed, thereby realizing a digital multifunction peripheral 1 that allows more convenient editing than before.

[0161] (Modification) As a modified example of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the position of the selected transmission destination in the list may be anywhere as long as only the broadcast transmission job of the selected transmission destination is temporarily suspended.

[0162] For example, a non-selected transmission destination that is behind a selected transmission destination in the list of transmission destinations may be moved to the front of the list of transmission destinations (i.e., overtaking the selected transmission destination) at a predetermined timing as necessary and transmitted to. In this case, even if a transmission destination is selected, if editing has already been completed (or the selection or editing has been canceled), the transmission destination is moved to the top of the list of transmission destinations in sequence.

[0163] [Embodiment 5] Next, an editing process during broadcast transmission of a FAX image by the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0164] The schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 2), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0165] Moreover, the flowchart of the multicast transmission process of a FAX image of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure is the same as that of the third embodiment (FIG. 20), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0166] <Multicast transmission process of FAX image by digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to embodiment 5 of the present disclosure> FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a multicast transmission process of a FAX image of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0167] Steps S91 and S95 to S100 in FIG. 22 are the same as steps S51 to S57 in FIG. 19 (third embodiment), respectively, and therefore will not be described. Here, steps S92 to S94 in FIG. 22 which are not described in the third embodiment will be described.

[0168] If a destination is selected on the detailed display screen of the multicast transmission job (if the determination in step S91 is Yes), in step S92, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 171 to display a confirmation screen asking “Do you want to edit the destination? [Yes] [No]” (step S92).

[0169] In the following step S93, the control unit 10 determines whether or not [Yes] has been selected (step S93).

[0170] If [Yes] is not selected (if [No] is selected) (if the determination in step S93 is No), in step S94, the control unit 10 cancels the destination selection state (step S94) and ends the process.

[0171] On the other hand, if [Yes] is selected (if the determination in step S93 is Yes), in step S95, the control unit 10 sets the job interruption reservation information (suspendReservejob=1) (step S95).

[0172] In this way, when a user edits the transmission destination for a multicast transmission job, if at least one destination is selected from a list of multiple transmission destinations, the editing of the transmission destination is accepted, and the multicast transmission job is temporarily suspended at a predetermined timing after confirming with the user whether or not the multicast transmission job should be temporarily suspended, thereby realizing a digital multifunction peripheral 1 that allows more convenient editing than before.

[0173] Preferred aspects of the present disclosure include any combination of the above-mentioned aspects.

[0174] In addition to the above-mentioned embodiment, various modifications of this disclosure are possible. These modifications should not be interpreted as not belonging to the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure should include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the equivalent meanings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0175] 1: digital multifunction device, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C: other device, 3: network, 4: telephone line network, 10: control unit, 11: image data acquisition unit, 12: image formation unit, 13: storage unit, 14: image processing unit, 15: communication unit, 16: FAX transmission / reception unit, 17: operation panel, 171: display unit, 172: operation unit, 100: image transmission system

Claims

1. an image data acquisition unit that reads a transmission document and acquires image data; an operation unit for inputting a transmission destination of the image data; an image data transmission unit for transmitting the image data to the transmission destination; a control unit that controls the image data acquisition unit, the operation unit, and the image data transmission unit, When a plurality of transmission destinations are input for broadcast transmission, and the operation unit accepts a predetermined editing start operation of the transmission destinations while the image data transmission unit is broadcasting the image data to the plurality of transmission destinations, the control unit causes the operation unit to accept editing of the transmission destinations while causing the image data transmission unit to temporarily suspend the broadcast transmission at a predetermined timing, An image transmitting device characterized in that, when the operation unit receives a predetermined editing end operation for the transmission destination, the control unit reflects the editing in the image data transmitting unit and resumes the multicast transmission to the transmission destination.

2. 2 . The image transmitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the edit start operation is an operation for switching to an edit mode for the transmission destination, and the edit end operation is an operation for ending the edit mode for the transmission destination.

3. Further comprising a display unit for displaying various information to a user, The image transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an edit button for the transmission destination while the image data transmitting unit is broadcasting the image data to the multiple transmission destinations, and when the edit button is pressed, the control unit determines that the editing start operation has been accepted.

4. Further comprising a display unit for displaying various information to a user, The image transmitting device of claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display a list of the multiple transmission destinations while the image data transmitting unit is broadcasting the image data to the multiple transmission destinations, and when at least one transmission destination from the list of transmission destinations is selected, the control unit determines that the editing start operation has been accepted.

5. The image transmitting device of claim 4, wherein when at least one transmission destination is selected from the list of transmission destinations, the control unit causes the image data transmitting unit to transmit multicast data to non-selected transmission destinations among the at least one selected transmission destination that should transmit before the transmission destination that is scheduled to have the earliest transmission start time, and temporarily suspends the multicast transmission when all multicast transmissions to the non-selected transmission destinations have been completed.

6. 5. The image transmitting device of claim 4, wherein when at least one transmission destination is selected from the list of transmission destinations, the control unit moves the selected at least one transmission destination to the end of the list of transmission destinations, and temporarily suspends the broadcast transmission at a timing when all broadcast transmissions to non-selected transmission destinations that should be transmitted to before the transmission destination among the at least one transmission destination that is scheduled to have the earliest transmission start time have been completed.

7. 2. The image transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the image data transmitting section broadcasts the image data by at least one of FAX, Internet FAX, e-mail, FTP, a desktop, and a shared folder.

Images