Patent ID: 7212303
Filing Date: 2007-05-01
Classification: G06K,H04N

Abstract:
1. A print control apparatus which is connected to a multifunctional printer for printing images based on various data including at least facsimile data, comprising: a transmitter for transmitting print data to the multifunctional printer; a detector for detecting whether a call signal CI transmitted through a telephone line is received by a facsimile unit of the multifunctional printer; an estimator for estimating an estimated end time of a print operation being performed by the multifunctional printer, based on the print data transmitted by the transmitter; a determiner for determining whether to receive the facsimile data before the print operation ends or to receive the facsimile data after the print operation ends based on the estimated end time estimated by said estimator when said detector detects the call signal CI while the print operation is being performed; and a controller for controlling a timing for capturing the telephone line by transmitting an instruction to start the reception of the facsimile data to the multifunctional printer, wherein said controller transmits the instruction in response to the detection of the call signal CI by said detector and when said determiner determines to receive the facsimile data before the print operation ends, and transmits the instruction in response to the end of the print operation when said determiner determines to receive the facsimile data after the print operation ends.