Facsimile apparatus

A facsimile apparatus is provided with a scanning unit configured to scan a first image containing a specific image representing information related to a destination of a facsimile transmission, a setting unit configured to obtain and set the destination based on the specific image included in the first image, a generating unit configured to generate transmission data representing second image which is similar to the first image but the specific image is excluded, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the transmission data generated by the generating unit to the destination set by the setting unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-296390 filed on Oct. 31, 2006. The entire subject matter of the application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus, and particularly to a facsimile apparatus capable of automatically setting a destination by scanning an original sheet bearing information specifying the destination.

2. Related Art

In a field of facsimile apparatuses, there is known a technology in which a predetermined mark (a predetermined image) is printed on a document to be transmitted by the facsimile to identify a destination in a predetermined area thereon. The facsimile apparatus detects the mark, retrieves a facsimile number corresponding to the mark from a storage such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and set the facsimile number as a number of a destination of the facsimile transmission. An example of such a technology is disclosed in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. HEI 11-32136.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For a user at the destination (i.e., a receiver of the facsimile transmission), however, such a mark is meaningless. Only by visually recognizing such a mark, the user (receiver) can not understand information represented by the mark. Therefore, if such a mark is printed onto a received document, the receiver may feel suspiciousness.

According to one or more aspects of the invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus that is configured to transmit images to be transmitted to a desired destination. According to other aspects of the invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus configured to suppress transmission of information that is unnecessary for a user at the destination who views a transmitted image. According to further aspects of the invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus configured to delete information which is included in an image for transmission and identifies a destination from the image for transmission.

According to aspects of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus which includes a scanning unit configured to scan a first image containing a specific image representing information related to a destination of a facsimile transmission, a setting unit configured to obtain and set the destination based on the specific image included in the first image, a generating unit configured to generate transmission data representing second image which is similar to the first image but the specific image is excluded, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the transmission data generated by the generating unit to the destination set by the setting unit.

According to other aspects of the invention, there is provided a method for generating image data in a facsimile apparatus. The method includes the steps of scanning first image containing a specific image related to a destination of a facsimile transmission, obtaining the destination based on the specific image, generating transmission data representing a second image which is similar to the first image with the specific image being deleted from the first image data, and transmitting the transmission data to the destination.

According to further aspects of the invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium storing computer-readable instructions that cause a computer to control a facsimile apparatus. The recording medium containing instructions to scan first image containing a specific image related to a destination of a facsimile transmission, instructions to obtain the destination based on the specific image, instructions to generate transmission data representing a second image which is similar to the first image with the specific image being deleted from the first image data, and instructions to transmit the transmission data to the destination.

According to the above configuration, the specific image related to the destination, which is printed on an original document will not be transmitted to the destination.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is noted that various connections are set forth between elements in the following description. It is noted that these connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. Aspects of the invention may be implemented in computer software as programs storable on computer-readable media including but not limited to RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, CD-media, DVD-media, temporary storage, hard disk drives, floppy drives, permanent storage, and the like.

Hereinafter, a facsimile apparatus according to aspects of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The explanation of the embodiment will be given with a Multi Function Peripheral (MFP)1, as a facsimile apparatus, which is provided with a plurality of functions such as a scanner function, copier function, and printer function as well as a facsimile function.

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the MFP1. The MFP1is provided with CPU (Central Processing Unit)11, ROM (Read Only Memory)12, EEPROM (Electronically Erasable ROM)13, RAM (Random Access Memory)14, image memory15, audio memory16, audio LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit)18, NCU (Network Control Unit)19, modem20, buffer21, scanner22, encoding unit23, decoding unit24, printer25, operation panel4, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)5, and amplifier27, which are interconnected via a bus line30.

The NCU19is provided for line control. The MFP1is connected with a telephone line31via the NCU19. The NCU19receives various signals such as a call signal sent by a switching equipment29and a signal representing a phone number of a calling source (calling source number), and sends a dial signal corresponding to a key operation through the operation panel4to the switching equipment29when sending facsimile data. Further, the NCU19functions to transmit/receive an analog audio signal during a telephone call.

The CPU11controls the elements interconnected via the bus line30in accordance with the various signals sent and/or received via the NCU19and performs data communication (facsimile operation or telephone operation). The ROM12is a non-rewritable memory that stores control programs executed by the MFP1. Programs represented by flowcharts shown inFIGS. 4 to 8are stored on the ROM12.

The EEPROM13is non-volatile rewritable memory. Data that have been stored into the EEPROM13can be held even after the MFP1is powered OFF. The EEPROM13is provided with a telephone directory memory131that is a memory on which a facsimile number as a destination and a name of the destination are stored in an interrelated manner. Data entry into the telephone directory memory131is carried out by a user.

The RAM14is a memory that temporarily stores various data when the MFP1performs various operations. The RAM14is provided with a destination memory141that is a memory storing data regarding a QR Code® included in a document scanned by the scanner22. A configuration of the destination memory141will be described later with reference toFIG. 2.

The image memory15is configured with a dynamic RAM (DRAM), which is an inexpensive large capacity memory, to store a communication history, image data, and a bit map image for printing. Received image data are once stored in the image memory15, and deleted therefrom after the image is printed on a recording paper by the printer25. Image data scanned by the scanner22is also stored in the image memory15.

The audio memory16is a memory that stores a response message to be sent to a destination device and an incoming message sent by a transmission source device. Similarly to the image memory15, the audio memory16is configured with a DRAM which is an inexpensive large capacity memory.

The audio LSI18is configured to convert an analog audio signal received by the NCU19into a digital audio signal. Further, the audio LSI18converts a digital audio signal generated inside the MFP1into an analog audio signal and outputs the analog audio signal to the NCU19or a speaker28(amplifier27). The modem20performs modulation and/or demodulation of image data and communication data to transmit the image data and communication data. Further, the modem20transmits and receives various procedure signals for transmission control. The buffer21temporarily stores data containing encoded image data to be sent to and received from the destination device.

The scanner22is configured to read out a document which is inserted into a document insertion portion (not shown) as image data, and is provided with a document feeding motor (not shown). The encoding unit23encodes the image data scanned by the scanner22. The decoding unit24reads out image data stored on the buffer21or the image memory15and decodes the read image data. The decoded data are printed onto a recording paper by the printer25.

The printer25is configured as an inkjet printer and provided with a recording paper feeding motor for feeding the recording paper, printing head for discharging ink onto the recording paper, carriage motor for moving a carriage with the printing head mounted thereon. The amplifier27causes the speaker28connected therewith to output a beep or voice.

The operation panel4is provided with a plurality of keys, particularly with a QR-FAX start button (QR facsimile start button). When the QR-FAX start button is pressed, image data are generated based on a document scanned by the scanner22and sent to a destination facsimile apparatus. At this time, when the document scanned by the scanner22includes a QR Code, a facsimile number is obtained by extracting and decoding the QR Code provided to the document, and the thus extracted facsimile number is set as a facsimile number of the destination facsimile apparatus. Namely, the user can automatically set the facsimile number of the destination facsimile apparatus if the QR-FAX start button is pressed and the document carries the QR Code. A process to be executed when the QR-FAX start button is pressed will be described later with reference toFIGS. 4 to 8.

Furthermore, the MFP1includes a telephone receiver3and an automatic document feeding mechanism (ADF: not shown) for automatically and continuously scanning a plurality of sheets of document placed on the ADF.

The MFP1configured as above is linked with the telephone line31via the NCU19. The telephone line31is connected with the switching equipment29on an MFP side, and the switching equipment29is connected with another switching equipment via the telephone line32. The aforementioned another switching equipment is further connected with the destination device (e.g., the destination facsimile apparatus) via another telephone line.

FIG. 2schematically shows a data configuration of the destination memory141. As described above, when the QR-FAX start button of the operation panel4is pressed, the QR Code is extracted from the document scanned by the scanner22and decoded. When a facsimile number is included in decoded data obtained by decoding the QR Code, QR Code information is stored in the destination memory141. It is noted that QR Code information is stored in the destination memory141for each QR Code. Incidentally, it is noted that the QR Code information includes information representing a location of the QR Code and the decoded data obtained by decoding the QR Code.

As shown inFIG. 2, the destination memory141is provided with a code registration number area1410, decode data area1411for storing the decoded data, first layer display area1412, second layer display area1413, upper left coordinate area1414, upper right coordinate area1415, lower left coordinate area1416, lower right coordinate area1417, same number existence indicator area1418, and determined destination area1419.

The code registration number area1410is an area in which a code registration number is stored. The code registration number is a number having a one-to-one correspondence with the QR Code information for managing the QR Code information.

The decoded data area1411is an area in which the decoded data obtained by decoding the QR Code are stored. The decoded data are configured with text data such as numerical characters and letters. Therefore, in the decode data, names, addresses and/or facsimile numbers can be described. By writing a predetermined tag representing attribute of each piece of data, such as “name”, “address”, and “facsimile number,” the attribute of each decoded data can be discriminated. For example, text data with tags <NAME1>, <NAME2> written can be identified as data representing the “name.” Text data with tags <FAX1>, <FAX2> written therein can be identified as data representing the “facsimile number.” It is noted that there is attached to a head of the decoded data a tag representing a class of the decoded data (e.g., tag <QRFAX>). Incidentally, when the tag <QRFAX> is attached to the head of the decoded data, it is assumed that the text data with tag <NAME> and <FAX> is included in the decoded data.

The first layer display area1412is an area in which data to be displayed on the LCD5first are stored. When there are letter data with a tag <NAME> attached thereto (i.e., name data) in the decoded data, the name data with the tag <NAME> attached thereto are stored in the first layer display area1412(see data with code registration numbers1and2inFIG. 2).

In addition, when there is no letter data with a tag <NAME> attached thereto in the decoded data, namely, when no name data is stored in the QR Code, facsimile numbers are extracted from the decoded data and it is examined whether a facsimile number identical to the extracted facsimile number is stored in the telephone directory memory131. Then, when the corresponding facsimile number is stored in the telephone directory memory131, a name corresponding to the facsimile number in the telephone directory memory131is stored in the first layer display area1412(see data with code registration number3inFIG. 2). On the other hand, when the identical facsimile number is not stored in the telephone directory memory131, the extracted facsimile number is stored in the first layer display area1412(see data with code registration number4inFIG. 2).

The second layer display area1413is an area in which, when a plurality of facsimile numbers are included in decoded data, the plurality of facsimile numbers are stored. When destination data stored in the first layer display area1412is selected by a user, data stored in the second layer display area1413is displayed on the LCD5. Therefore, when the plurality of facsimile numbers are included in decoded data, the user can select a desired facsimile number among them.

The upper left coordinate area1414, upper right coordinate area1415, lower left coordinate area1416and lower right coordinate area1417are areas in which location information of the QR Code on the document is stored. When the document is read out by the scanner22and image data is generated, each top coordinate value in upper left, in upper right, in lower left, in lower left of the QR Code are stored in coordinate upper left area1414, coordinate upper right area1415, coordinate lower left area1416and coordinate lower right area1417, respectively. Incidentally, each coordinate value is defined in an orthogonal coordinate system in which a predetermined point in the image data is set as an original point.

The same number existence indicator area1418is an area in which data indicating whether a facsimile number identical to the facsimile number included in the decoded data is stored in the telephone directory memory131is stored. When the identical facsimile number is stored in the telephone directory memory131, a value “1” is stored (see data with code registration number3inFIG. 2), while when the identical facsimile number is not stored in the telephone directory memory131, a value “0” is stored, for example.

The determined destination area1419is an area in which the facsimile number determined by the user is stored. The facsimile number stored in the determined destination area1419is set as the destination.

Hereinafter, referring toFIG. 3, displaying order of the destination information displayed on the LCD5will be explained.FIG. 3is a diagram showing the displaying order of the destination information on the LCD5. Firstly, the data stored in the first layer display area1412of the destination memory141is displayed in order of the code registration number. Specifically, data in the first layer display area1412is displayed in order staring from a small code registration number to a large code registration number, by pressing an “Advance” key (not shown) on the operation panel4. Therefore, when a plurality of pieces of decoded data is stored in the destination memory141, that is, a plurality of QR Codes containing one or more facsimile numbers are included in one document, a user can select one destination among them. Additionally, even if data of the name is not included in the QR Code, when data of the name can be obtained form the telephone directory memory131, the data of the name in the telephone directory memory131is stored in the first layer display area1412and displayed on the LCD5as described above. Therefore, the user can determine the destination easily, and the selecting operation is eased.

When any one of the data stored in the first layer display area1412is selected by the user, it is judged that whether any data is stored in the second layer display area1413corresponding to the selected data. When the data is stored in the second layer display area1413(see data with code registration number1inFIG. 2), a plurality of facsimile numbers stored in the second layer display area1413are displayed in order. With the above configuration, even if a plurality of facsimile numbers are included in the data decoded from one QR Code, the user can select a desired facsimile number among the plurality of facsimile numbers.

Referring now to flowcharts inFIGS. 4 to 8, processes executed by the CPU11of the MFP1configured as above will be described.FIG. 4is a flowchart showing a facsimile transmission process. The facsimile transmission process is initiated by applying the power to the MFP1. Firstly, the CPU11judges whether the QR-FAX start button on the operation panel4is pressed (S2).

When the QR-FAX start button is not pressed (S2: NO), the CPU11waits until a next operation is made. On the other hand, when the QR-FAX start button is pressed (S2: YES), the CPU11advances to a process in S4.

Next, a document is read out by the scanner22(S4). The document includes a QR Code on a predetermined location in upper right of the document, as shown inFIG. 9A, for example. Then, image data is generated by the scanner22based on the document, and stored in the image memory15. Next, image data on a first page of the document is extracted (S6) and the QR Code is extracted from the extracted image data (S8). Incidentally, although the QR Code is extracted only from the image data of the first page in the present embodiment on the ground that a QR Code specifying a destination is generally attached to the first page, the QR Code may be extracted from the image data of all pages.

Next, the CPU11judges whether the QR Code is included in the image data (S10). When the QR Code is not included (S10: NO), the CPU skips a process in S12. On the other hand, when the QR Code is included (S10: YES), the CPU11advances to a code converting process in S12for decoding the QR Code. The code converting process (S12) will be described later with reference toFIG. 5.

Next, the CPU11executes a transmission process (S14). In the transmission process, a facsimile number of a destination is set and the image data is transmitted to a facsimile device of the facsimile number of the destination. Then, a transmission operation for one document is completed. Incidentally, the transmission process will be described later with reference toFIG. 7. After the transmission process, the CPU11returns to the process in S2and waits until the QR-FAX button is pressed.

FIG. 5is a flowchart showing the code converting process (S12). The code converting process is executed when the QR Code is included in the document of the first page.

Firstly, a parameter N is set to “1” (S122). Next, the Nth QR Code is decoded (S124). Then, a facsimile number is extracted from decoded data of the Nth QR Code. Incidentally, a numeric string with a predetermined digit number is extracted as a facsimile number.

Next, the CPU judges whether the facsimile number is included in the decoded data (S128). When the facsimile number is included in the decoded data (S128: YES), the CPU11executes a destination data registration process (S130), in which the facsimile data is stored in the destination memory141. Incidentally, the destination data registration process will be described later with reference toFIG. 6. On the other hand, when the facsimile number is not included in the decoded data (S128: NO), the CPU11skips the process in S130. That is, when the QR Code does not include a facsimile number, decoded data of such QR Code is not stored in the destination memory141.

Next, the parameter N is incremented by “1” (S132), and the CPU11judges whether the Nth QR Code is included in the image data (S134). When the Nth QR Code is included (S134: YES), the CPU11returns to S124and repeats the processes thereafter. On the other hand, when the Nth QR Code is not included (S134: NO), the code converting process is terminated. With the code converting process as described above, all QR Codes included in the first page of the document is decoded and the decoded data including a facsimile number is stored in the destination memory141.

FIG. 6is a flowchart showing the destination data registration process (S130). The destination data registration process is executed when one or more facsimile number is included in the decoded data of the QR Code.

Firstly, each coordinate values indicating a location of the QR Code is stored in the upper left coordinate area1414, upper right coordinate area1415, lower left coordinate area1416and lower right coordinate area1417, respectively (S1301), and the decoded data of the QR Code is stored in the decoded data area1411(S302).

Next, the CPU judges whether a <QRFAX> tag is attached to a head of the decoded data (S1303). When the <QRFAX> tag is attached (S1303: YES), the CPU further judges whether a plurality of <FAX> tags for identifying facsimile numbers in the decoded data are attached (S1304). When the plurality of <FAX> tags are attached (S1304: YES), data indicating the facsimile numbers identified by the tags are extracted from the decoded data and stored in the second layer display area1413(S1306). On the other hand, only one <FAX> tag is attached (S1304: NO), the CPU skips the process in S1306and advances to a process in S1308.

Next, data indicating a name identified in a <NAME> tag is extracted from the decoded data and stored in the first layer display area1412(S1308). Then the destination data registration process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the <QRFAX> tag is not attached to the head of the decoded data (S1303: NO), the CPU11judges whether a facsimile number identical to the facsimile number included in the decoded data is stored in the telephone directory memory131(S1310). When the identical facsimile number is stored in the telephone directory memory131(S1310: YES), a name corresponding to the identical facsimile number in the telephone directory memory131is stored in the first layer display area1412(S1312) and the destination data registration process is terminated. That is, even when data indicating a name is not included in the decoded data, a name corresponding to the facsimile number can be obtained from the telephone directory memory131and stored in the first layer display area1412.

However, the identical facsimile number is not stored in the telephone directory memory131(S1310: NO), the facsimile number included in the decoded data is stored in the first layer display area1412(S1314) and the destination data registration process is terminated.

With the destination data registration process, when a name corresponding to a facsimile number is obtained, the name is stored in the first layer display area1412, and when a name corresponding to a facsimile number is not obtained, the facsimile number is stored in the first layer display area1412. Additionally, when the CPU11judges that a plurality of facsimile numbers are included in the decoded data based on the number of <FAX> tag, the plurality of facsimile numbers are stored in the second layer display area1413.

FIG. 7is a flowchart showing a transmission process (S14). In the transmission process, the CPU11firstly judges whether any data is stored in the destination memory141(S142). When no data is stored in the destination memory141(i.e. when a QR Code containing a facsimile number is not included in the image data) (S142: NO), the CPU11waits until a facsimile number is directly entered on the operation panel4by a user (S144). Then the facsimile number is entered by the user on the operation panel4(S144: YES), the CPU11interfaces with the telephone line and calls a destination facsimile apparatus of the entered facsimile number (S162). When the telephone line is connected with the called facsimile apparatus, the CPU11transmits the image data in the image memory15to the destination facsimile apparatus (S164).

On the other hand, when the data is stored in the destination memory141, the CPU executes a destination determination process (S146) in which at least one facsimile number is selected by a user among the facsimile numbers stored in the destination memory141. The destination determination process is described later with reference toFIG. 8.

Next, the CPU11inquires of the user whether to delete the QR Code (S150). When the user selects to delete the QR Code (S150: YES), the QR Code corresponding to the destination determined in S146in the image data is overwritten with white pixel (S152) and the CPU11advances to a process in S154. Specifically, image data, in which image data representing the QR Code corresponding to the facsimile number determined as a destination is deleted from the image data originally read out by the scanner22from the document, is generated. Incidentally, the location of the QR Code is specified based on the data stored in the upper left coordinate area1414, upper right coordinate area1415, lower left coordinate area1416and lower right coordinate area1417. On the other hand, when the user does not select to delete the QR Code (S150: NO), the CPU11skips the process in S152.

Next, the CPU11inquires of the user whether to overwrite an area in which the QR Code corresponding to the destination determined in S146is deleted (herein after referred to as a “deleted area”) with destination information (S154). When the user selects to overwrite the deleted area with the destination information (S154: YES), the destination information is overwritten on the deleted area (S156), and the CPU11advances to a process in S158. That is, the image data in which the QR Code corresponding to the facsimile number determined as the destination is deleted from the original image data read from the document by the scanner22, and the destination information is added to an area in which the QR Code is deleted, is generated. Incidentally, the destination information includes a facsimile number of the determined destination or the name of the destination obtained from the decoded data, for example. Additionally, when the user does not select to overwrite the deleted area with the destination information (S154: NO), the CPU11skips the process in S156.

Next, the CPU11inquires of the user whether to overwrite the deleted area with a specific logo (S158). When the user selects to overwrite the deleted area with the specific logo (S158: YES), the specific logo is overwritten on the deleted area (S160), and the CPU11advances to a process in S162. That is, the image data, in which the QR Code corresponding to the facsimile number determined as the destination is deleted from the original image data read from the document by the scanner22, and a specific logo is added to an area in which the QR Code is deleted, is generated. Additionally, when the user does not select to overwrite the deleted area with the specific logo (S158: NO), the CPU11skips the process in S160.

Then, the CPU11interfaces with the telephone line and calls a destination facsimile device of the facsimile number determined by the destination determination process (S146). When the telephone line is connected with the called facsimile device, the CPU11transmits the image data in the image memory15to the destination facsimile device (S164). When the user selects to delete the QR Code or to add the transmission information or the specific logo, the image data in which the QR Code is deleted or the transmission information or the specific logo is added, is stored in the image memory15, so that the destination facsimile device could receive the image data without the QR Code or with the transmission information or the specific logo.FIG. 9Bshows an example of image data in which the QR Code is deleted from the document inFIG. 9Aand the specific logo is added to the deleted area. The specific logo is stored in the EEPROM13in advance. As shown inFIG. 9B, when the transmission information or the specific logo is added to the area in which the QR Code is deleted, a layout of the document is better than the case when the area, in which the QR Code is deleted, is remained in blank. Therefore, a person who has received a transmitted document does not mistrust the document.

FIG. 8is a flowchart showing the destination determination process (S146). In the destination determination process, a facsimile number to be a destination is determined based on the data stored in the destination memory141.

Firstly, a parameter N is set to “1” (S1460). Then, data stored in the first layer display area1412of the code registration number N is displayed on the LCD5(S1462).

The data presently displayed on the LCD5is selected by pressing an “Enter” key (not shown) on the operation panel4by a user. Additionally, when a key other than the “Enter” key is pressed (S1464: NO), the parameter N is incremented by “1” (S1466). Then, the CPU11judges whether data of a code registration number N is stored in the destination memory141(S1468). When data of the code registration number N is stored (S1468: YES), the CPU returns to the process in S1462, and data stored in the first layer display area1412of the code registration number N is displayed (S1462). When data of the code registration number N is not stored (S1468: NO), the CPU11returns to the process in S1460, the parameter N is reset to “1”, and data stored in the first layer display area1412of the code registration number1is displayed.

During the data stored in the first layer display area1412is displayed in order of code registration numbers, when the data presently displayed on the LCD5is selected by pressing the “Enter” key on the operation panel4by the user (S1464: YES), the CPU11judges whether data is stored in the second layer display area1413of the code registration number N (S1470). When the data is not stored in the second layer display area1413(S1470: NO), the CPU11skips processes in S1472and S1474. Then, a facsimile number included in the decoded data of the code registration number N is stored in the determined destination area1419and the destination determination process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the data is stored in the second layer display area1413(S1470: YES), one of facsimile numbers stored in the second layer display area1413is displayed on the LCD5(S1472). Then, the CPU judges whether the facsimile number presently displayed on the LCD5is selected by pressing the “Enter” key on the operation panel4by a user (S1474).

When the facsimile number presently displayed on the LCD5is not selected, that is, a key other than the “Enter” key is pressed by the user (S1474: NO), a next facsimile number stored in the second layer display area1413is displayed on the LCD5(S1472).

During the facsimile number stored in the second layer display area1413is displayed in order, when the facsimile number presently displayed on the LCD5is selected, the facsimile number is stored in the determined destination area1419(S1476) and the destination determination process is terminated.

With the destination determination process described above, a desired facsimile number among the facsimile numbers stored in the second layer display area1413is selected by the user, and stored in the determined destination area1419so as to be set in the transmission process.

For example, while specific information specifying a destination is included in a QR Code in the present embodiment, the specific information is not limited to be included in the QR Code and may be included in other mark, such as other kinds of two dimension code or a bar-code, etc.

Additionally, while destination information and a specific logo is overwritten on an area in which the QR Code is deleted, the destination information and the specific logo may be added to an appropriate position in consideration of a layout of the document to be transmitted.

Further, while a QR Code is extracted when the facsimile transmission process is started by pressing a QR-FAX button, it may be configured to judge whether the QR Code is included in the document as every facsimile transmission process and when the QR Code is included, transmit the image data to the destination specified by the QR Code. In this case, the destination determination process is preferably configured to display not only a destination stored in the destination memory but also destinations read out from telephone directory memory or designated on the operation panel, so as to be selectable by a user, so that the image data can be transmitted to a destination other than the destination specified by the QR Code.

In the exemplary embodiment, cases where a destination is represented by a facsimile number. It should be noted that a so-called internet facsimile system using the Internet is also used, and the present invention is applicable to facsimile apparatuses complying with such a system. In this case, an email address is used to represent the destination. That is, email addresses in the internet facsimile system correspond to the facsimile numbers (phone numbers) of the conventional facsimile system.