Data processing method in network system connected with image processing apparatus Number:7,154,618 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent When an ID card (41, 81) including user ID stored therein is set in an image processing apparatus (1, 71), the user ID is read out of the IC card. Upon depression of a key instructing individual setting, ID information including the user ID and apparatus ID is transmitted to a computer terminal (3; 3-1, 3-2) which stores a plurality of user ID's and setting information corresponding to the apparatus. Responding to the ID information transmitted, the computer terminal transmits individual setting information stored therein for each user back to the image processing apparatus, whereupon the apparatus stores the individual setting information in a memory and realizes the individual setting for each user, which corresponds to the set user ID, in a control panel (8) of the apparatus.<H processing, apparatus, Data, processing, 7154618.html, Patent, pto, 7154618

Title: Data processing method in network system connected with image processing apparatus

Abstract: When an ID card (41, 81) including user ID stored therein is set in an image processing apparatus (1, 71), the user ID is read out of the IC card. Upon depression of a key instructing individual setting, ID information including the user ID and apparatus ID is transmitted to a computer terminal (3; 3-1, 3-2) which stores a plurality of user ID's and setting information corresponding to the apparatus. Responding to the ID information transmitted, the computer terminal transmits individual setting information stored therein for each user back to the image processing apparatus, whereupon the apparatus stores the individual setting information in a memory and realizes the individual setting for each user, which corresponds to the set user ID, in a control panel (8) of the apparatus.

Patent Number: 7,154,618 Issued on 12/26/2006 to Kadowaki

Inventors: Kadowaki; Toshihiro (Kawasaki, JP)
Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Tokyo, JP)

Appl. No.: 10/669,332

Filed: September 25, 2003

Related U.S. Patent Documents


Application Number	Filing Date	Patent Number	Issue Date
09094722	Jun., 1998	6674537

Foreign Application Priority Data


Jun 20, 1997 [JP]			9-180701

Current U.S. Class: 358/1.13 ; 358/1.15

Current International Class: G06K 13/00 (20060101); G06F 15/00 (20060101); H04N 1/32 (20060101)

Field of Search: 358/1.12,1.13,1.14,1.15,1.18,1.5 399/1 345/173

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Primary Examiner: Lee; Thomas D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & Scinto

Parent Case Text

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 09/094,722, filed on Jun. 15, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,674,537 the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An image processing apparatus comprising: an input unit, adapted to input image data; a processor, adapted to perform a job based on the image data input by said input unit; an operation unit, adapted to display an operation screen for the job to be performed by said processor and accept a user operation based on the operation screen; an entering unit, adapted to enter identification information corresponding to a user; a sender, adapted to send the identification information entered by said entering unit to an external server; a receiver, adapted to receive language information identifying a language used for a term to be displayed in the operation screen of said operation unit from the external server; and a controller, adapted to select, from among a plurality of languages, a language identified by the language information received by said receiver.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of languages includes Japanese and English.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said operation unit displays an setting screen in which the user sets a language used for the term to be displayed in the operation screen of said operation unit.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the term indicates one of a plurality of items selectable as a parameter for processing the image data inputted by said input unit.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said processor performs the job for sending the image data input by said input unit to a designated destination.

6. An image processing method comprising the steps of: inputting image data; performing a job based on the image data input in said inputting step; displaying an operation screen for the job to be performed in said performing step; accepting a user operation based on the operation screen; entering identification information corresponding to a user; sending the identification information entered in said entering step to an external server; receiving language information identifying a language used for a term to be displayed in the operation screen from the external server; and selecting, from among a plurality of languages, a language identified by the language information received in said receiving step.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a data processing method in a network system to which a plurality of terminals, including an image processing apparatus capable of processing image data, can be connected.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hitherto, when reading and transmitting a document image with a facsimile, for example, the setting of a reading mode, designation of the destination (partner), etc. have been executed by complicated key-in operations on a control panel.

For the purpose of making simpler the operation to be performed on the control panel, it is known to store various settings beforehand and to read out a desired one of the settings for use upon request.

There are conventionally known, e.g., the registering functions listed below.

1) Registration of Destination Numbers

This is a function to store a plurality of destination (receiving party) facsimile (FAX) numbers for FAX transmission. Usually, the stored destination FAX numbers are not erased even after a machine power supply is turned off. By registering frequently used destination FAX numbers with the function of registering destination numbers, users can call the desired one of the registered FAX numbers by simple operation and hence are no longer required to enter the individual destination FAX numbers again for each FAX transmission.

2) Registration of Default Transmission Mode

This is a function to set a default transmission mode. The term "default transmission mode" means an initial transmission mode established when the settings in the control panel related to image transmission are reset or cleared. With regard to reading image quality, for example, "standard" or "fine (high image quality)" is designated as a default mode. This default transmission mode information is also not erased even after the machine power supply is turned off.

3) Registration of Cover Page

There is a function to attach a cover page to the head of FAX data in FAX transmission. With this cover page registration, users can register the contents of a cover page. The cover page registered information is also not erased even after the machine power supply is turned off.

However, the conventional facsimile described above has had the following problems. 1) Because the facsimile is employed by a plurality of users in common, the various settings of the destination FAX number registration, etc. each have a limit in number capable of being registered. Accordingly, it often occurs that in spite of desiring to register frequently used destination FAX numbers, every user cannot register all of the destination FAX numbers due to a shortage of the registration area, or it happens that the destination FAX numbers registered by one user are overwritten and erased by another user. 2) The various settings of the destination FAX number registration, etc. are independent for each facsimile. Therefore, the operating process to be made by users on a facsimile A and the operating process to be made by users on a facsimile B may be different even for the same model. This raises the problem that users have to keep in mind the difference in operating process; hence operability is deteriorated. Further, because the setting process, etc. are necessarily different depending on different models of facsimiles, users also have to keep in mind such a difference in operating process as well. 3) To prevent various information from being erased even after the machine power supply is turned off, relatively expensive nonvolatile memories are used in each facsimile to store various setting data. The conventional facsimile cannot therefore store a large amount of setting data, complex image data, etc. from the viewpoint of cost. For that reason, the number of the destination FAX numbers capable of being registered, for example, is limited. In addition, since a complicated cover page includes a large amount of data and needs a nonvolatile memory of large capacity, it has been required to form a cover page with simple images which are less flexible in content.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus which is free from the problems stated above.

Anther object of the present invention is to improve operability of an image processing apparatus.

Still another object of the present invention is to permit easy selection of one set of data in setting information stored in a memory accessible by a plurality of terminals on a network, which is adapted for an image processing apparatus in target, thus enabling the image processing apparatus to be subjected to setting.

Still another object of the present invention is to enable a setting screen in a control panel of the image processing apparatus to be easily established as desired by individual users.

Still another object of the present invention is to enable the operating environment, which is set by using the image processing apparatus, to be also set in another apparatus connected to the network.

According to one aspect of the present invention is provided an image processing apparatus that has an input unit, a processor to perform a job based on the input image data, and an operation unit, to display an operation screen for the job to be performed by the processor and to accept a user operation. Also provided are an entering unit, adapted to enter a user ID and a machine group ID, and a controller, to change parameters to be displayed on the operation screen of the operation unit based on the user ID entered by the entering unit, the parameters being for processing the input image data and being selectable by a user corresponding to the user ID entered by the entering unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention is provided an image processing method in which image data is input, an operation screen is displayed for a job to be performed on the image data, a user inputs a user ID and a machine group ID, and parameters displayed on the screen are changed based on the user ID.

According to another aspect of the present invention is provided an image processing apparatus that comprises an input unit, a processor to perform a job based on input image data, and an operation unit, to display an operation screen for the job to be performed by the processor and to accept a user operation based on the operation screen. The apparatus also is provided with an entering unit, to enter identification information corresponding to a user, and a controller, that selects, from among a plurality of languages, a language used for a term to be displayed in the operation screen of said operation unit based on the identification information entered by the entering unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention is provided an image processing method in which image data is input, an operation screen is displayed for a job to be performed on the image data, a user inputs identification information corresponding to the user, and a language for a term that is to be displayed on the operation screen is selected, from among a plurality of languages, based on the identification information.

Tangibly embodied program products for performing the mentioned methods are further aspects of the invention.

The above and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing unit of the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a representation showing the arrangement of keys and a display on a control panel of the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a representation showing a user name setting screen displayed on the control panel of the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a representation showing a phone directory setting screen displayed on the control panel of the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a representation showing a user switch setting screen displayed on the control panel of the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a representation showing a cover sheet setting screen displayed on the control panel of the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a representation showing a common setting screen displayed on the control panel of the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a representation showing a situation of data being held in a nonvolatile RAM of the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a representation showing a situation of data being held in a volatile RAM of the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and practical examples of a transmission mode and user switch data.

FIGS. 11 to 13 are representations showing individual setting information in the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a key processing task in the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a color copying machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a representation showing the arrangement of keys and a display on a control panel of the color copying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a representation showing a simplified standard screen displayed on the control panel of the color copying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a representation showing a standard screen in Japanese displayed on the control panel of the color copying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a representation showing a common setting screen displayed on the control panel of the color copying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a representation showing a user switch setting screen displayed on the control panel of the color copying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 21 to 23 are representations showing individual setting information in the color copying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining a key processing task in the color copying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a representation showing the arrangement of keys and a display on a control panel of a color copying machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 26 and 27 show, in the script form, examples of an operating process for designating the resolution of transmission in the color copying machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining a key processing task in the color copying machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[Embodiment 1]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a facsimile 1 according to the present invention comprises an external interface 7, a control panel 8, an image reading unit 9, an image processing unit 11, an image forming unit 13, an image/code memory 15, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 17, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 18, a volatile RAM (Random Access Memory) 19, a nonvolatile RAM 20, an ID (identification) card reader 21, a CPU bus 22, and a modem 23, these parts being connected to the CPU bus 22.

The facsimile 1 is connected to a server 3 via a network 2. Individual setting information, described later, is transmitted and received between the facsimile 1 and the server 3 via the network 2. In addition to the facsimile 1 and the server 3, a copying machine 4, another facsimile 5 and a printer 6 are also connected to the network 2 to be able to transmit and receive individual setting information with respect to the server 3 via the network 2.

The operation of the facsimile 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In FAX (facsimile) transmission, digital image data 10 in the raster form obtained by reading a document image by the image reading unit 9 is sent to the image processing unit 11 where image processing such as a FAX resolution conversion process is carried out. Image data (raster image data) 14 in the raster form resulting from the image processing such as the FAX resolution conversion process is written in the image/code memory 15. The image data written in the image/code memory 15 is coded by the CPU 17 using the ME (Modified Read) method or the like and then written as coded data in the image/code memory 15 again. After that, the coded data read out of in the image/code memory 15 by the CPU 17 is modulated by the modem 23 and then transmitted to a destination facsimile via a public line 24.

On the other hand, in FAX reception, the modulated data received via the public line 24 is demodulated into the coded data by the modem 23. The demodulated coded data is first written in the image/code memory 15 and then decoded by the CPU 17, followed by being written as raster image data in the image/code memory 15 again. Raster image data 16 read out the image/code memory 15 is subjected in the image processing unit 11 to the image processing such as the FAX resolution conversion process. Raster image data 12 resulting from the image processing such as the FAX resolution conversion process is sent to the image forming unit 13 where an image is formed.

Various settings required for the above-mentioned image data reading process, processing of the transmitted image data, process of transmitting image data to the destination facsimile, processing of the received image data, and image data forming process are made by users on the control panel 8. In accordance with programs stored in the ROM 18, the CPU 17 controls the components of the facsimile 1 based on the settings made on the control panel 8, and carries out the FAX transmitting process and the FAX receiving process corresponding to the settings designated.

The ROM 18 is a non-rewritable memory such that data once stored therein is not lost even after a power supply (not shown) of the facsimile 1 is turned off. The ROM 18 is used to hold various control programs and fixed data. The volatile RAM 19 is an inexpensive rewritable memory such that data stored therein is lost or volatilized when the power supply of the facsimile 1 is turned off. The RAM 19 is used to hold data temporarily. The nonvolatile RAM 20 is a relatively expensive rewritable memory such that data stored therein is not lost even after the power supply of the facsimile 1 is turned off. The RAM 20 is used to hold data to be stored for a long time of period.

The ID card reader 21 is used to read data stored in an ID card possessed by individual users and to take in ID information. In the first embodiment, the ID card reader 21 is a contact type card reader reading ID information from the ID card inserted in the ID card reader 21. The external interface 7 is an interface through which the CPU 17 executes data communication with respect to the server 3 via the network 2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing unit 11 of the facsimile 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FAX transmission, the raster image data 10 output from the image reading unit 9 is multi-value high-resolution image data for each pixel and converted to have a predetermined resolution (pixel density) by a resolution converter 31. The facsimile 1 has three steps of resolution, i.e., "standard (8 pel.times.3.85 dot/mm)", "fine (8 pel.times.7.7 dot/mm)", and "superfine (8 pel.times.15.4 dot/mm)", optionally selectable by users in the FAX transmission. In the case where the resolution selected by the user is "standard" or "fine", reading a document image at the resolution of "superfine" requires a process for lowering the resolution of the raster image data 10. To this end, a process parameter corresponding to the resolution selected by the user is set in the resolution converter 31 by the CPU 17 via the CPU bus 22.

The raster image data of which resolution has been converted by the resolution converter 31 in accordance with the process parameter corresponding to the resolution to be achieved is adjusted in density by a density converter 32. The facsimile 1 has a total of eleven options selectable by users in the FAX transmission, i.e., standard density, five steps of low (light) density, and five steps of high (dark) density. A process parameter corresponding to the density adjustment value selected by the user is set in the density converter 32 by the CPU 17 via the CPU bus 22.

The raster image data of which density has been converted by the density converter 32 in accordance with the process parameter corresponding to the density adjustment value selected by the user is input to a character binary-coding unit 33 and a photograph binary-coding unit 34 where the input data is binary-coded by respective methods that are different from each other. The character binary-coding unit 33 performs a process suitable for binary-coding a character image, e.g., a simple binary-coding process, and the photograph binary-coding unit 34 performs a process suitable for binary-coding a photograph image, e.g., a pseudo-half tone process based on the dither method.

Outputs of the character binary-coding unit 33 and the photograph binary-coding unit 34 are both input to a selector 35 which selects one of the outputs. The selected output is supplied as binary-coded data 14 to the image/code memory 15. The facsimile 1 has two image modes, i.e., "character" and "photograph", selectable by users in the FAX transmission. Corresponding to the selected image mode, one of the outputs of the character binary-coding unit 33 and the photograph binary-coding unit 34 is selected by the selector 35.

Next, in FAX reception, the raster image data 16 read out of the image/code memory 15 is converted by the resolution converter 36 to a resolution suitable for an image forming process to be carried out in the image forming unit 13. The image forming unit 13 forms an image at the resolution of "superfine". On the other hand, there are three steps of resolution, i.e., "standard", "fine" and "superfine", for the raster image data 16 transmitted from a partner facsimile via the public line 24. Therefore, when the resolution of the received raster image data 16 is "standard" or "fine", a process for converting the resolution is required. Raster image data subjected to the resolution converting process is output as the image data 12 to the image forming unit 13 through the selector 37, and a visible image of the image data 12 is formed in the image forming unit 13.

In addition, the selector 37 can also select the binary-coded data 14 resulting from binary-coding the image data read by the image reading unit 9. Accordingly, the apparatus can realize the so-called local copying function with which the image read by the image reading unit 9 is formed as is by the image forming unit 13 without the resolution converting process.

FIG. 3 is a representation showing the arrangement of keys and a display on the control panel 8 of the facsimile 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FAX transmission, the control panel 8 is employed by users to not only command the operation for the FAX transmission and perform other settings for the facsimile 1, but also confirm the situation of the facsimile 1 including the operation commands for the FAX transmission and other settings which are currently set.

In an area 42 of the control panel 8, there are disposed a reset key for returning the operation commands for the FAX transmission to initial states, a start key for starting the FAX transmitting operation, and a stop key for stopping the FAX transmitting operation. An area 43 includes numeral ten keys for setting the phone number of the FAX destination and a C (clear) key for clearing the set phone number. An area 44 for indicating the FAX destination indicates the phone number of the FAX destination entered through the ten keys.

The areas 42 to 44 on the right side of the control panel 8 and later-described areas 48 to 51 on the left side thereof are made up of fixed keys and LEDs (Light Emitting. Diodes). Further, a central area 40 of the control panel 8 is made up of a liquid crystal display portion and a transparent touch panel arranged over it. The central area 40 makes it possible to display any desired screen and arrange keys in any desired positions.

In a normal state including no individual setting, information shown in FIG. 3 is displayed in the central area 40. An area 45 indicating density of image data in the FAX transmission is operated by arrow-headed keys on the left and right sides. The current density setting value is indicated in the form a bar and can be selected from a total of eleven density steps. The selected density is referred to by the density converter 32 carrying out the density converting process.

An area 46 indicating an image mode in the FAX transmission enables either a process suitable for a character image or a process suitable for a photograph image to be selected. This corresponds to the output of the character binary-coding unit 33 or the output of the photograph binary-coding unit 34 being selected by the selector 35 shown in FIG. 2.

An area 47 is used to designate the resolution of image data in the FAX transmission, and the resolution converting process is carried out by the resolution converter 31 based on the selected resolution.

In the above description, the phone number of the FAX destination, the density of the transmitted image data, the transmitted image data mode, and the resolution of the transmitted image data are parameters of the respective operation commands for the FAX transmission and are called together a transmitting mode. These parameters of the transmitting mode are returned to the initial states by the reset key. In the FAX reception, the start key is not required because image data is automatically printed when received from the opponent facsimile. Also, the operation in the FAX reception is instructed from the FAX source in many cases.

In an area 48, there are disposed entry keys for call setting screens of various auxiliary functions. In the case of setting the user name, when a user name key in the area 48 is depressed, a screen for setting the user name is displayed on the central area 40 and the user name can be set on the screen through a touch panel. The setting screens of various auxiliary functions will be described later. Additionally, values set by those auxiliary functions are not affected upon the reset key being depressed.

An area 49 includes a default key for setting a default transmission mode. In the default transmission mode, respective initial values of the transmission mode are set in the control panel 8 when the power supply of the facsimile 1 is turned on or when the reset key in the area 42 is depressed. The default transmission mode is registered by setting desired initial values of the transmission mode in the control panel 8 and thereafter depressing the default key in the area 49.

For example, when the default key is depressed on the condition that "character" in the area 46 is selected in setting of the image mode and "fine" in the area 47 is selected as resolution, those settings are registered as the default mode. Accordingly, when the power supply of the facsimile 1 is turned on or when the reset key in the area 42 is depressed, the facsimile 1 is powered on in a state where "character" is selected as the image mode and "fine" is selected as resolution.

In an area 50, there are disposed one-touch dial calling keys (M1 key to M8 key) and one-touch dial registering key (set key). These one-touch dial keys are employed to register the phone numbers of the FAX destinations. Because the M1 to M8 keys each correspond to one phone number, a total of eight phone numbers can be registered. In one-touch dial registration, a desired phone number is registered corresponding to the M1 key, for example, by setting that phone number in the panel control 8 and then depressing the M1 key while keeping the set key depressed. Any phone number stored by the one-touch dial registration can be called just by depressing one of the M1 to M8 keys. By so doing, the corresponding registered phone number is automatically set as the FAX destination and indicated in the area 44 of the control panel 8.

The ID card reader 21 is provided in a lower portion of the control panel 8 and reads ID information via not-shown contacts when an ID card 41 is inserted. Here, the term "ID card" means a portable storage medium holding therein ID information to identify each of individual users. At the present, the ID card is generally in the form of a card constructed as a magnetic card or an IC card (hereinafter referred to as an ID card). Such an ID card having a function to transmit various information has been already in use in copying machines, etc. By electrically connecting an end of the ID card 41 and the ID card reader 21 through a connector (not shown), for example, ID information written in a memory (not shown) of the ID card 41 is read out.

An area 51 includes an individualize key. By depressing the individualize key with the ID card 41 inserted in the ID card reader 21, each setting in the control panel 8 is performed as an individual setting for each user.

FIGS. 4 to 8 are representations for explaining setting screens of various auxiliary functions displayed in the area 40 when respective entry keys in the area 48 of the control panel 8 shown in FIG. 3 are depressed.

FIG. 4 is a representation showing a user name setting screen 40-1 displayed when the user name key is depressed. The term "user name" means the name of a transmitting person in the FAX transmission. In the case where the individual setting is not made effective in the facsimile 100 according to the first embodiment, a fixed user name common to individual users can be employed. In the case where the individual setting is made effective, different user names for personal use of individuals can be employed for each user.

Upon the user name key being depressed, the user name effective at that time is displayed in the area 40 for verification, as shown in FIG. 4, regardless of whether the individual setting is executed or not. The user name setting screen 40-1 can be canceled by depressing a cancel key. The user name can be changed by depressing the clear key on the user name setting screen 40-1 to clear the user name set at present, depressing alphabet keys to enter a user name, and then depressing a register key.

The following advantages result from different user names for personal use of individuals being usable with the facsimile according to the first embodiment. 1) When a cover page is attached to a document for the FAX transmission, the user name can be automatically put on the cover page as an actual transmitting person. 2) Who has used the facsimile can be confirmed by recording individual user names on a communication log. 3) To whom failures, etc. in the FAX transmission are to be informed can be judged by employing individual user names in a communication monitor and communication result report.

FIG. 5 is a representation showing a phone directory setting screen 40-2 displayed when a phone directory key is depressed. A phone directory is used to store plural phone numbers of the FAX destinations. The phone directory requires more complex operation than the one-touch dial function, but can hold therein more phone numbers.

In the case where the individual setting is not made effective in the facsimile 1 according to the first embodiment, a phone directory common to users and stored in the nonvolatile RAM 20 can be used. In the case where the individual setting is made effective, phone directories for individual users read out of the server 3 can be each used.

Upon the phone directory key being depressed, the phone directory used at that time is displayed in the area 40, as shown in FIG. 5, regardless of whether the individual setting is executed or not. Since phone directory data is displayed in pairs of the phone numbers of the FAX destinations and the destination names, the FAX destination can be set by depressing one of upward and downward headed arrows to scroll the phone directory setting screen 40-2, selecting the desired phone number, and depressing a destination set key. Data of part of the phone directory can be deleted by depressing one of the upward and downward headed arrows, selecting the data to be deleted, and depressing a delete key. When adding data to the phone directory, a similar enter screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed upon an add key being depressed. A desired pair of the phone number of the FAX destination and the destination name is entered on the displayed screen. The phone directory setting screen 40-2 can be canceled by depressing a cancel key.

FIG. 6 is a representation showing a user switch setting screen 40-3 displayed when a user switch key is depressed. The user switch key is a key which has a function of setting the operation of the facsimile 1, such as settings in usage of the control panel 8 and a coping method to be taken in the event of an error, in accordance with the user's demand.

In the case where the individual setting is not made effective in the facsimile 1 according to the first embodiment, user switch data common to users and read out of the nonvolatile RAM 20 can be used. In the case where the individual setting is made effective, user switch data for individual users read out of the server 3 can be each used.

Upon the user switch key being depressed, the user switch data set at that time is displayed in the area 40, as shown in FIG. 6, regardless of whether the individual setting is executed or not. In the user switch setting screen 40-3, "error sound level" indicates the volume of an alarm sound produced in the event of an error. "Auto clear time" means a time set for returning automatically to the same state as when the reset key is depressed, if no key-in operation is made within the set time after the last key-in operation. "Number of times of resendings" means the number of times designated so as to repeat dialing, for example, when the destination line is busy in the FAX transmission. On/off keys corresponding to "error transmission report" are used for setting whether an error transmission result report is printed or not by the image forming unit 13 in the event of an error during the FAX transmission.

FIG. 7 is a representation showing a cover sheet setting screen 40-4 displayed when a cover sheet key is depressed. A cover sheet is a sheet attached to a document sent in the FAX transmission, and serves also as a separator between plural sets of received documents on the FAX reception side. Such information as the FAX destination, the FAX source, and the number of pages of the document subjected to the FAX transmission and reception are put on the cover sheet.

In the case where the individual setting is not made effective in the facsimile 1 according to the first embodiment, a cover sheet common to users and read out of the nonvolatile RAM 20 can be used. In the case where the individual setting is made effective, cover sheets for individual users read out of the server 3 can be each used.

Upon the cover sheet key being depressed, cover sheet setting data set at that time is displayed in the area 40, as shown in FIG. 7, regardless of whether the individual setting is executed or not. In the cover sheet setting screen 40-4, on/off keys are used to select whether a cover sheet is attached or not in the FAX transmission. "Type A" and "type B" indicate the types of cover sheets held in the facsimile 1 beforehand, and can be selected by depressing a type A key and a type B key, respectively. A custom key is a key used to a cover sheet specific to the user. A read key is a key used to form a new cover sheet specific to each of individual users. A register key is a key used to register the setting for the cover sheet.

Image data read by depressing the read key after setting a cover sheet specific to the user in the image reading unit 9 is coded through the same route as in the FAX transmission. The coded image data is registered and held as cover sheet data.

FIG. 8 is a representation showing a common setting screen 40-5 displayed when a common setting key is depressed. Common setting is common to users and hence not subjected to the individual setting in the facsimile 1 according to the first embodiment. When the common setting key is depressed, common setting data set at that time is displayed in the area 40, as shown in FIG. 8.

In the common setting screen 40-5, a tone key and a pulse key ace keys used to select whether dial tones or pulses are issued to the public line in the FAX transmission. That selection is not subjected to the individual setting. "Line No." means the phone number of the facsimile 1 itself, which is informed as the phone number of the FAX source to the FAX destination. That phone number is also not subjected to the individual setting. Incidentally, when the facsimile 1 contains a plurality of public lines (e.g., PSTN and ISDN), that phone number is subjected to the individual setting.

FIGS. 9 to 13 are representations for explaining various setting data in the facsimile 1. FIG. 9 is a representation showing a situation of data being held in the nonvolatile RAM 20. In the nonvolatile RAM 20, there are allocated a memory area 61-1 for storing the common default transmission mode common to all users, a memory area 61-2 for storing the user name common to all users, a memory area 61-3 for storing the one-touch dial number list common to all users, a memory area 61-4 for storing the phone directory data common to all users, a memory area 61-5 for storing the user switch data common to all users, a memory area 61-6 for storing the cover sheet data common to all users, a memory area 61-7 for storing the type A cover sheet data, a memory area 61-8 for storing the type B cover sheet data, a memory area 61-9 for storing the common setting data, and other registered data holding area 61-10.

Note that since the data stored in the nonvolatile RAM 20 is not erased even after the power supply of the facsimile 1 is turned off, the contents of the associated default data are also not erased.

In the first embodiment, since the common setting data is common to all users and not subjected to the individual setting, they are stored in only the nonvolatile RAM 20. The respective data stored in the memories 61-1 to 61-6 are also common to all users. In the case where the individual setting is not made effective, for example, immediately after the power supply of the facsimile 1 is turned, the respective common data stored in the memory areas 61-1 to 61-6 are copied in memory areas 62-1 to 62-7, described later, and employed as the setting values for all users. In this connection, for example, the contents stored in the memory area 61-1 for storing the common default transmission mode are copied in the memory area 62-1 for storing the current transmission mode and the memory area 62-7 for storing the default transmission mode for each user.

FIG. 10 is a representation showing a situation of data held in the volatile RAM 19 of the facsimile 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and practical examples of constituent elements of the transmission mode and the user switch data. In the volatile RAM 19, there are allocated a memory area 62-1 for storing the transmission mode currently set in the control panel 8, a memory area 62-2 for storing the currently set user name, a memory area 62-3 for storing the currently set one-touch dial number list, a memory area 62-4 for storing the currently set phone directory data, a memory area 62-5 for storing the currently set user switch data, a memory area 62-6 for storing the currently set cover sheet data, a memory area 62-7 for storing the default transmission mode for each user, and a work area 62-8.

Note that the memory area 62-6 stores therein not only the data indicating which type of cover sheet is being selected, but also image data representing the custom cover sheet data.

The data stored in the volatile RAM 19 is erased when the power supply of the facsimile 1 is turned off. Accordingly, upon power-on of the facsimile 1, respective initial values are set in the memory areas 62-1 to 62-7 of the volatile RAM 19. Specifically, for example, the common default transmission mode stored in the memory area 61-1 of the nonvolatile RAM 20 is copied in the memory area 62-1 for storing the current transmission mode and the memory area 62-7 for storing the default transmission mode. Further, the default user name, the default one-touch dial number list, the default phone directory data, the default user switch data, and the default cover sheet data are also copied in the corresponding memory areas.

The data stored in the memory areas 62-1 to 62-7 can be subjected to the individual setting for each user. When the individual setting is made effective, the data stored in the memory areas 62-1 to 62-7 is replaced by the data for each user. When the individual setting is made ineffective, the data stored in the memory areas 62-1 to 62-7 is replaced by the default data stored in the nonvolatile RAM 20 for initialization as when the power supply of the facsimile 1 is turned on.

The transmission mode is made up of the destination FAX number 63-1, resolution 63-2, image type 63-3 and density 63-4. The user switch data is made up of an error sound level 64-1, auto clear time 64-2, number of times of resendings 64-2, and data 64-4 indicating the presence or absence of necessity of an error transmission report.

In the above configuration, when registering the default transmission mode, the contents stored in the memory area 62-1 for storing the current transmission mode are copied, as they are, in the memory area 62-7 for storing the default transmission mode. Also, when registering the default transmission mode in a state where the individual setting is not made effective, the contents stored in the memory area 62-1 for storing the current transmission mode are copied, as they are, in the memory area 61-1 for storing the common default transmission mode. On the other hand, when the default transmission mode is called upon, e.g., the reset key being depressed, the contents stored in the memory area 62-7 for storing the default transmission mode are copied in the memory area 62-1 for storing the current transmission mode.

Further, in the above configuration, when the setting of the auxiliary function such as the user name, for example, is changed, the contents stored in the memory area 62-2 for storing the user name for each user are rewritten. When the setting of the auxiliary function such as the user name, for example, is changed in the state where the individual setting is not made effective, the contents stored in the memory area 61-2 for storing the common user name common to all users are rewritten.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are representations showing individual setting information in the facsimile according to the first embodiment. When the individualize key 51 is depressed with the ID card 41 kept inserted in the ID card reader 21 of the control panel 8, both machine group ID information 64-1 and user ID information 64-2 shown in FIG. 11 are transmitted from the facsimile 1 to the server 3.

The machine group ID information is information for identifying different types of machine groups to be, e.g., 1 for copying machines, 2 for facsimiles, and 3 for printers. The same machine group implies that the individual setting information is compatible within the group. The user ID information is information for identifying individual users. The information is given as, e.g., 00001 for a user A and 00002 for a user B. Additionally, the machine group ID information may also contain information for indicating the machine model and information for indicating the version.

Upon receiving the machine group ID information 64-1 and the user ID information 64-2 from the facsimile 1, the server 3 transmits the individual setting information (see FIG. 12) stored for each machine group and for each user back to the facsimile 1. The individual setting information is information indicating the final state of the control panel 8 in the preceding operation made by the user of the facsimile 1, and is made up of, as shown in FIG. 12, a preceding final transmission mode 65-1, user name 65-2, one-touch dial number list 65-3, phone directory data 65-4, user switch data 65-5, cover sheet data 65-6, and default transmission mode 65-7.

In the facsimile 1, the individual setting information transmitted from the server 3 is copied in the memory areas 62-1 to 62-7 of the volatile RAM 19, whereby the individual setting is realized.

When the ID card 41 is withdrawn out of the ID card reader 21 after the individual setting has been made on the control panel 8, machine group ID information 66-1, user ID information 66-2, and the individual setting information at that time (including current transmission mode 66-3, user name 66-4, one-touch dial number list 66-5, phone directory data 66-6, user switch data 66-7, cover sheet data 66-8, and default transmission mode 66-9) are transmitted from the facsimile 1 to the server 3, as shown in FIG. 13.

Upon receiving those individual setting information from the facsimile 1, the server 3 rewrites and updates the individual setting information stored therein for each machine group and for each user.

By transmitting and receiving the individual setting information along with the machine group ID information and managing the individual setting information for each machine group, as explained above, it is possible to employ a common server for storing the individual setting information by copying machines, facsimiles and printers, and further take out the individual setting information specific to each machine group.

Also, as explained above, the final transmission mode of the facsimile 1 in the preceding operation is transmitted to and stored in the server, and when the facsimile 1 is next operated by the same user, that transmission mode is called from the server 3 upon entry of the user ID. This enables each user to continue the operation of the preceding FAX transmission. Accordingly, the facsimile 1 allowing the so-called resume function to be utilized by a plurality of users in common can be achieved. In addition, the resume function in this embodiment is featured in that each user can continue the preceding transmitting operation even in another facsimile different from the facsimile 1 which was employed for the preceding transmitting operation.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a key processing task in the facsimile 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In step S11, it is checked whether the individualize key is depressed or not. If the individualize key is depressed, the process flow goes to step S12 to determine whether the ID card 41 is inserted in the ID card reader 21. If the ID card is not inserted, the process flow goes back to step S11. On the other hand, if the ID card is inserted, the process flow goes to step S13 where user ID information is taken out of the ID card 41 and a flag indicating that the user ID has been taken in is set to 1.

In step S14, as explained above in connection with FIG. 11, the machine group ID and the user ID are transmitted to the server 3 to request the individual setting information corresponding to the machine group and the user. In step S15, as explained above in connection with FIG. 12, the facsimile 1 receives the individual setting information from the server 3 in response to the request. In step S16, the received individual setting information is written in the memory areas 62-1 to 62-7 of the volatile RAM 19 shown in FIG. 10 so-that the setting information is individualized or individually set in the control panel 8 for the user corresponding to the user ID.

If the individualize key is not depressed in step S11, the process flow goes to step S17 to determine whether the flag is set to 1 or not and whether the ID card 41 is removed out or not. In other words, it is determined in step S17 whether the ID card 41 is removed out or not after carrying out the individual setting. If the flag is set to 1 and the ID card 41 is removed, this means the end of the operation. In step S18, therefore, the machine group ID, the user ID and the latest individual setting information are transmitted to the server 3 to update the individual setting information, as explained above in connection with FIG. 13. Further, the flag is reset to 0 and the contents stored in the memory areas 61-1 to 61-6 of the nonvolatile RAM 20 for storing the respective default data are copied in the memory areas 62-1 to 62-7 of the volatile RAM 19, followed by clearing the individual setting state.

If the flag is not set to 1 or the ID card 41 is not removed in step S17, the process flow goes to step S19 to determine whether any one of the one-touch dial calling keys, i.e., M1 to M8 keys, is depressed or not. If any one of the one-touch dial calling keys is depressed, the process flow goes to step S20 where the data stored corresponding to the depressed one-touch dial calling key is copied to the destination FAX number 63-1 in the memory area 62-1 for storing the current transmission mode and is displayed in the area 44.

If no one-touch dial calling key is depressed in step S19, the process flow goes to step S21 to determine whether any other key than the one-touch dial calling keys and the FAX transmission start key is depressed or not. If any other key is depressed, the process flow goes to step S22 in which the process corresponding to the depressed key is carried out.

In step S23, it is determined whether the FAX transmission start key is depressed or not. If the FAX transmission start key is depressed, the process flow goes to step S24 to start the FAX transmission in accordance with the transmission mode set at the present.

In the first embodiment, the individual setting is made effective when the individualize key is depressed after the ID card 41 has been inserted. Alternatively, the individual setting may be made effective upon the ID card 41 being inserted regardless of whether the individualize key is depressed or not. The former case is advantageous in that the individual setting can be made effective at any desired point in time, whereas the latter case is advantageous in that the user is not required to depress the individualize key.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the individualize key is depressed, all items of the individual setting information are taken out of the server 3 to effect the individual setting, and when the ID card 41 is removed out, all items of the individual setting information are transmitted to the server 3 for updating the individual setting information. It is however also possible to perform the individual setting partly only when required, and to update the individual setting partly only when required. This is advantageous in that a communication time between the facsimile 1 and the server 3 can be reduced since the individual setting information is partly transmitted and received only when required.