Facsimile apparatus with printer function for connecting to an external computer

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus, and in particular, 
to a facsimile apparatus provided with a printer function which is capable 
of connecting to an external computer. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
Recently, there has been proposed a facsimile apparatus 200a provided with 
interface means for connection with an external computer 201 for the 
purpose of using a printer function section of the facsimile apparatus as 
a printer apparatus for the external computer. 
FIG. 4 shows the conventional facsimile apparatus 200a provided with the 
printer function. First of all, an operation of an image scanner section 
300 will be now described with reference to FIG. 4. 
Referring to FIG. 4, documents or originals 101 to be read is placed on a 
document setting section 100 on which a plurality of documents 101 can be 
placed. The documents 101 are transferred one by one onto a paper supply 
roller 102 by means of a document pick up roller 120. The paper supply 
roller 102 feeds the document 101 transferred one by one into a reading 
unit 103 of the facsimile apparatus 200a. The reading unit 103 is 
constituted by integrating, in a form of unit, a contact type CCD image 
sensor for reading an image of a document scanning the image of the 
document in a main scanning direction and converting the image into an 
image signal, an LED array for illuminating the document 101, and an 
optical system for focusing reflected light from the document 101 onto the 
CCD image sensor. By moving the document 101 on the reading unit 103, an 
image of the document 101 is scanned in a sub-scanning direction so as to 
be read. The document after reading the image of the document is fed by a 
document exhausting roller 104 so as to be successively ejected onto a 
document exhausting tray 105. 
Next, the following describes an operation of a printer section 301. 
A plurality of printing papers 108 are set into and held by a printing 
paper cassette 109. A paper supply pickup roller 122 transfers the 
printing papers 108 one by one to a paper supply roller 110. Then, the 
paper supply roller 110 supplies the printing papers 108 fed one by one 
towards a photoconductive drum 111 provided within the facsimile apparatus 
200a. The photoconductive drum 111 rotating in a direction indicated by an 
arrow S is electrically charged uniformly with electric charges by an 
electric charger 112. A beam of laser light modulated according to an 
image signal is emitted from a laser scanner unit 121 including a 
semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror and an optical system. A beam of 
emitted laser light is reflected on a mirror 113, and is scanned in a 
direction of an axis of the photoconductive drum 111 on the surface of the 
photoconductive drum 111, so as to form an electrostatic latent image onto 
the photoconductive drum 111. A developing unit 114 develops the 
electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductive drum 111 with 
toner so as to form a toner image thereon. The toner image formed on the 
photoconductive drum 111 is transferred onto the printing paper by means 
of a transfer charger 115. Furthermore, toner cleaner 116 collects the 
toner remaining on the photoconductive drum 111. 
The toner image formed on the printing paper is thermally fixed on the 
printing paper 108 by a fixing roller 117. The printing paper 108 on which 
the image of the document has been printed is ejected out of the facsimile 
apparatus 200a by a paper exhausting roller 118, and then, the printed 
printing paper 108 is successively stacked on a printing paper exhausting 
tray 119. The above-mentioned image forming process is an 
electrophotographic process which is well-known to those skilled in the 
art. 
Then the following describes an electric operation of the conventional 
facsimile apparatus 200a provided with the printer function with reference 
to FIG. 5 showing a block diagram of the conventional facsimile apparatus 
200a provided with the printer function shown in FIG. 4. 
Referring to FIG. 5, a microprocessor unit (referred to as an MPU 
hereinafter) 151 controls the entire conventional facsimile apparatus 200a 
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. A bus 163 is provided for connection with the MPU 
151, and the bus 163 is connected to the followings: 
(a) a read only memory (referred to as a ROM hereinafter) 152; 
(b) a random access memory (referred to as a RAM hereinafter) 153; 
(c) a direct memory access controller (referred to as a DMAC hereinafter) 
154; 
(d) a scanner control unit (referred to as an SCU hereinafter) 155; 
(e) a printer control unit (referred to as a PRU hereinafter) 156; 
(f) an encoder and decoder circuit (referred to as a CODEC hereinafter) 
157; 
(g) an image memory 158 of a RAM; 
(h) a communication control unit (referred to as a CCU hereinafter) 159; 
(i) a host interface 160; and 
(j) a font memory 161. 
The ROM 152 stores not only a control program for controlling the facsimile 
apparatus 200a which is executed by the MPU 151 but also control data 
required when executing the control program. The RAM 153 is used as a work 
area required by the MPU 151. The SCU 155 executes an image signal 
processing process for processing an image signal sent from the image 
scanner section 300, such as a shading correction process, a binarizing 
process or the like. The PRU 156 controls a printing process of the 
printer section 301 by outputting an image signal to the printer section 
301 in synchronous with the printing process of the printer section 301. 
On the other hand, the CODEC 157 executes encoding and decoding of the 
image signal. The image memory 158 stores image data in a form of bit map, 
which are obtained by converting the encoded facsimile image data or print 
data sent from an external computer 201 into bit map data. 
The CCU 159 executes communication control through a telephone line 164. 
The DMAC 154 is provided for use in transmitting image data among the CCU 
159, the image memory 158, the CODEC 157, the SCU 155, and the PRU 156. 
The DMAC 154 is provided with a plurality of DMA channels. The host 
interface 160 executes transmission and reception of data with the 
external computer 201 according to an RS-232C protocol through an RS-232C 
line, which is an electric standard line for serial communication well 
known to those skilled in the art. The font memory 161 stores outline font 
data for use in converting character code data input from the external 
computer 201 into bit map data. 
The following describes a control flow of the image signal in the stage of 
transmitting a document image through facsimile transmission. 
An image signal read by the image scanner section 300 is input to the SCU 
155, which then performs the binarizing process for the image signal and 
outputs binarized image data. The binarized image data sent from the SCU 
155 is transferred every horizontal scanning line to the CODEC 157 through 
a DMA transfer by the DMAC 154. The CODEC 157 encodes the binarized image 
data sent from the SCU 155 so as to generate encoded facsimile image data. 
The encoded image data is transferred to the image memory 158 through a 
DMA transfer by the DMAC 154. When the encoded facsimile image data of one 
page of the document is stored in the image memory 158, the encoded 
facsimile image data of one page is transferred to the CCU 159 through a 
DMA transfer by the DMAC 154, and then the CCU 159 transmits the encoded 
facsimile image data in a form of a facsimile image signal through the 
telephone line 164 to a further facsimile apparatus of a destination. 
Then, the following describes a control flow of the image signal in the 
stage of receiving a document image through facsimile reception. 
Encoded facsimile image data are received by the CCU 159 from the further 
facsimile apparatus of the destination through the telephone line 164, and 
then the CCU 159 transfers the encoded facsimile image data to the image 
memory 158 through a DMA transfer by the DMAC 154. When the encoded 
facsimile image data of one page of the document is stored in the image 
memory 158, the printer section 301 is activated. The DMAC 154 
successively transfers the encoded image data of one page stored in the 
image memory 158 to the CODEC 157 through a DMA transfer. The CODEC 157 
decodes the encoded facsimile image data. The DMAC 154 transfers line by 
line image data decoded by the CODEC 157 to the PRU 156 through a DMA 
transfer. The PRU 156 outputs the decoded image data to the printer 
section 301 so as to print an image of the decoded image data. 
Next, the following describes an operation of recording or printing print 
data sent from the external computer 201 by means of the printer section 
301 of the conventional facsimile apparatus 200a. The print data sent from 
the external computer 201 is received by the host interface 160 through 
the RS-232C line 162. The print data includes a character code, a printer 
control code, and so forth. These print data is analyzed by the MPU 151. 
The outline font data is read out, in the case of necessary, from the font 
memory 161, and is converted into bit map data which are then stored in 
the image memory 158. After a print image of one page is converted into 
bit map image data, the DMAC 154 transfers line by line the bit map image 
data of one page from the image memory 158 to the PRU 156 through a DMA 
transfer. The PRU 156 outputs bit map print image data in synchronous with 
the operation of the printer section 301. This operation of recording or 
printing print data sent from the external computer 201 by the printer 
section 301 of the conventional facsimile apparatus 200a is disclosed in, 
for example, the Japanese patent laid-open publication No. 1-294071. 
It is further proposed in, for example, the Japanese patent laid-open 
publication No. 3-210870, that the external computer 201 utilizes a 
facsimile modulator and demodulator (a modulator and demodulator is 
referred to as a MODEM hereinafter) provided in the CCU 159 through the 
host interface 60 so as to allow communication through the telephone line 
64 to be performed in the above-mentioned conventional facsimile apparatus 
200a provided with the printer function. 
However, in the above-mentioned arrangement of providing the printer 
function for the conventional facsimile apparatus 200a, it is necessary to 
provide a memory for storing outline font data, as well as hardware or a 
high-performance microprocessor for generating raster data or bit map 
image data from the outline font data, resulting in increase in the 
manufacturing cost. 
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, it can be considered that 
the external computer 201 generates bit map data and outputs the bit map 
data to the facsimile apparatus 200a provided with the printer. However, 
the above-mentioned method has such a drawback that the amount of image 
data to be transferred from the external computer 201 to the conventional 
facsimile apparatus 200a provided with the printer increases, resulting in 
significantly increase in the data transmission time. 
It can be further considered that the external computer 201 compresses the 
bit map data through an encoding process in order to reduce the amount of 
data. However, in the above-mentioned case, in the conventional facsimile 
apparatus 200a provided with the printer function, it is necessary to 
provide decoding means for decoding bit map data, resulting in increase in 
the manufacturing cost. 
Furthermore, when using the document reading function of the facsimile 
apparatus 200a provided with the printer from the external computer 201, 
there is a remarkably great amount of image data outputted from the 
facsimile apparatus 200a provided with the orinter to the external 
computer 201. The above-mentioned arrangement has been accompanied by such 
a problem that a long data transmitting time is required. 
Furthermore, in the conventional construction in which the external 
computer 201 communicates with a remote computer by means of a facsimile 
MODEM in the facsimile apparatus 200a provided with the printer, only 
communication in a half-duplex mode is permitted, and no standard has yet 
been established for error correction in the facsimile MODEM. In addition 
to this, it is impossible to perform the communication unless the remote 
computer of the other party employs a facsimile MODEM. In order to 
dissolve the above-mentioned problem, it can be considered to further 
provide a data MODEM for data communication purpose in the facsimile 
apparatus 200a provided with the printer function. However, when such a 
construction is adopted, this results in increase in the manufacturing 
cost. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a facsimile 
apparatus provided with a printer function having a lower manufacturing 
cost, which is capable of connecting to an external computer. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus 
provided with a printer function having a lower manufacturing cost, which 
is capable of performing not only data communication but also facsimile 
communication for data sent from an external computer. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile 
apparatus provided with a printer function having a lower manufacturing 
cost, which is capable of transmitting image data to an external computer. 
In order to achieve the aforementioned objective, according to one aspect 
of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus with a 
printer function, comprising 
receiving means, operatively connected to a communication line, for 
receiving facsimile image data which is encoded according to a 
predetermined first facsimile coding method and is transmitted from a 
further facsimile apparatus of the other party; 
interface means, operatively connected to an external computer, for 
interfacing said facsimile apparatus with said external computer and 
receiving facsimile image data which is encoded according to a 
predetermined second facsimile coding method and is transmitted from said 
external computer; 
decoding means for decoding the facsimile image data received by said 
interface means into image data and for decoding the facsimile image data 
received by said receiving means into image data; and 
printer means for forming an image of the image data on a paper in response 
to the image data decoded by said decoding means. 
In the above-mentioned facsimile apparatus, the first facsimile coding 
method is preferably the same as the second facsimile coding method. 
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a 
facsimile apparatus with a printer function, comprising: 
printer means for forming an image of image data in response to inputted 
image data; 
image reading means for reading an image of a document and converting the 
read image of the document into image data; 
encoding means for encoding the image data converted by said image reading 
means into first facsimile image data according to a predetermined first 
facsimile coding method, and for encoding the image data converted by said 
image reading means into second facsimile image data according to a 
predetermined second facsimile coding method; 
transmitting means, operatively connected to a communication line, for 
transmitting the first facsimile image data encoded by said encoding means 
to a further facsimile apparatus of the other party; and 
interface means, operatively connected to an external computer, for 
interfacing said facsimile apparatus with said external computer and 
transmitting the second facsimile image data encoded by said encoding 
means to said external computer. 
In the above-mentioned facsimile apparatus, the first facsimile coding 
method is preferably the same as the second facsimile coding method. 
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a 
facsimile apparatus with a printer function, comprising: 
interface means, operatively connected to an external computer, for 
interfacing said facsimile apparatus with said external computer, 
receiving facsimile image data and digital data transmitted from said 
external computer and transmitting facsimile image data and digital data 
to said external computer; 
modulator and demodulator means operatively connected to a communication 
line, said modulator and demodulator means having a facsimile MODEM mode 
and a data communication MODEM mode, for, in said facsimile MODEM mode, 
modulating a carrier signal according to facsimile image data received by 
said interface means and demodulating a modulated carrier signal according 
to facsimile image data received through said communication line, and for, 
in said data communication MODEM mode, modulating a carrier signal 
according to digital data received by said interface means and 
demodulating a modulated carrier signal according to digital data received 
through said communication line; 
switching means for switching over the MODEM mode of said modulator and 
demodulator means between the facsimile MODEM mode and the data 
communication MODEM mode in response to command data transmitted from said 
external computer through said interface means; and 
printer means for forming an image of image data on a paper in response to 
facsimile image data demodulated by said modulator and demodulator means, 
and image data received from said external computer through said interface 
means. 
According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is 
provided a facsimile apparatus with a printer function, comprising 
receiving means, operatively connected to a communication line, for 
receiving facsimile image data which is encoded according to a 
predetermined first facsimile coding method and is transmitted from a 
further facsimile apparatus of the other party; 
interface means, operatively connected to an external computer, for 
interfacing said facsimile apparatus with said external computer, 
receiving facsimile image data which is encoded according to a 
predetermined second facsimile coding method and is transmitted from said 
external computer, and transmitting to said external computer facsimile 
image data which is encoded according to the second facsimile coding 
method; 
decoding means for decoding the facsimile image data received by said 
interface means into image data and for decoding the facsimile image data 
received by said receiving means into image data; 
image reading means for reading an image of a document and converting the 
read image of the document into image data; 
encoding means for encoding the image data converted by said image reading 
means into first facsimile image data according to the first facsimile 
coding method, and for encoding the image data converted by said image 
reading means into second facsimile image data according to the second 
facsimile coding method; 
transmitting means, operatively connected to said communication line, for 
transmitting the first facsimile image data encoded by said encoding means 
to the further facsimile apparatus of the other party; and 
printer means for forming an image of the image data on a paper in response 
to the image data decoded by said decoding means. 
In the above-mentioned facsimile apparatus, the first facsimile coding 
method is preferably the same as the second facsimile coding method. 
According to a still more further aspect of the present invention, there is 
provided a facsimile apparatus with a printer function, comprising: 
interface means, operatively connected to an external computer, for 
interfacing said facsimile apparatus with said external computer, 
receiving facsimile image data and digital data transmitted from said 
external computer and transmitting facsimile image data and digital data 
to said external computer; 
modulator and demodulator means operatively connected to a communication 
line, said modulator and demodulator means having a facsimile MODEM mode 
and a data communication MODEM mode, for, in said facsimile MODEM mode, 
modulating a carrier signal according to facsimile image data received by 
said interface means and demodulating a modulated carrier signal according 
to facsimile image data received through said communication line, and for, 
in said data communication MODEM mode, modulating a carrier signal 
according to digital data received by said interface means and 
demodulating a modulated carrier signal according to digital data received 
through said communication line; 
switching means for switching over the MODEM mode of said modulator and 
demodulator means between the facsimile MODEM mode and the data 
communication MODEM mode in response to command data transmitted from said 
external computer through said interface means; 
decoding means for decoding facsimile image data, which is encoded 
according to a predetermined first facsimile coding method and transmitted 
from the further facsimile apparatus of the other party through said 
modulator and demodulator means, into image data, and for decoding 
facsimile image data, which is encoded according to a predetermined second 
facsimile coding method and transmitted from said external computer 
through said interface means, into image data; and 
printer means for forming an image of image data on a paper in response to 
image data decoded by said decoding means. 
In the above-mentioned facsimile apparatus, the first facsimile coding 
method is preferably the same as the second facsimile coding method. 
According to a still more further aspect of the present invention, there is 
provided a facsimile apparatus with a printer function, comprising: 
interface means, operatively connected to an external computer, for 
interfacing said facsimile apparatus with said external computer, 
receiving facsimile image data and digital data transmitted from said 
external computer and transmitting facsimile image data and digital data 
to said external computer; 
modulator and demodulator means operatively connected to a communication 
line, said modulator and demodulator means having a facsimile MODEM mode 
and a data communication MODEM mode, for, in said facsimile MODEM mode, 
modulating a carrier signal according to facsimile image data received by 
said interface means and demodulating a modulated carrier signal according 
to facsimile image data received through said communication line, and for, 
in said data communication MODEM mode, modulating a carrier signal 
according to digital data received by said interface means and 
demodulating a modulated carrier signal according to digital data received 
through said communication line; 
switching means for switching over the MODEM mode of said modulator and 
demodulator means between the facsimile MODEM mode and the data 
communication MODEM mode in response to command data transmitted from said 
external computer through said interface means; 
decoding means for decoding facsimile image data, which is encoded 
according to a predetermined first facsimile coding method and transmitted 
from the further facsimile apparatus of the other party through said 
modulator and demodulator means, into image data, and for decoding 
facsimile image data, which is encoded according to a predetermined second 
facsimile coding method and transmitted from said external computer 
through said interface means, into image data; 
image reading means for reading an image of a document and converting the 
read image of the document into image data; 
encoding means for encoding the image data converted by said image reading 
means into first facsimile image data according to the first facsimile 
coding method, said first facsimile image data being transmitted through 
said modulator and demodulator means and said communication line to said 
further facsimile apparatus of the other party, and for encoding the image 
data converted by said image reading means into second facsimile image 
data according to the second facsimile coding method, said second 
facsimile image data being transmitted through said interface means to 
said external computer; and 
printer means for forming an image of image data on a paper in response to 
image data decoded by said decoding means. 
In the above-mentioned facsimile apparatus, the first facsimile coding 
method is preferably the same as the second facsimile coding method. 
In the above-mentioned facsimile apparatus provided with the printer 
function of the present invention, said decoding means for decoding 
encoded facsimile image data received from said further facsimile 
apparatus of the other party and said decoding means for decoding encoded 
facsimile image data received from said external computer can be commonly 
used. Furthermore, it is unnecessary to provide the font memory 161 and 
any font rasterizing means or developing means for developing font data 
into bit map image data. This results in that the printer function can be 
added to the facsimile apparatus at a remarkably low cost. 
Furthermore, in the case of utilizing a function for reading a document 
image from the external computer 201 under remote control, the facsimile 
apparatus provided with the printer of the present invention compresses 
the image data by means of said encoding means, and then outputs the 
compressed image data to the external computer. In this case, the 
transmission time for transmitting the image data to the external computer 
201 can be reduced without increasing the manufacturing cost. 
Furthermore, the facsimile apparatus of the present invention comprises 
said modulator and demodulator means or MODEM having the facsimile MODEM 
mode and the data communication MODEM mode, and said switching means for 
switching over the MODEM mode therebetween. The above-mentioned 
arrangement allows data communication and facsimile communication from the 
external computer 201 through the facsimile apparatus of the present 
invention to a further apparatus or computer of the other party, to be 
achieved without increasing the manufacturing cost. 
In addition, one communication port of the external computer 201 can be 
used commonly for connection of a printer, an image scanner, and a 
communication MODEM. Therefore, so many communication ports are not 
required.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described 
below with reference to the attached drawings. 
A facsimile apparatus 200 provided with a printer function according to a 
preferred embodiment of the present invention has the same mechanical 
operation and mechanical construction as those of the conventional 
facsimile apparatus 200a provided with the printer function shown in FIG. 
4, and therefore, no detailed description is provided therefor. 
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the facsimile apparatus 200 provided with 
the printer function according to the preferred embodiment of the present 
invention. 
As apparent from comparison between FIGS. 1 and 5, the features of the 
facsimile apparatus 200 of the present preferred embodiment are as 
follows: it is unnecessary to provide the font memory 161, and further it 
is unnecessary to provide any font rasterizing means or means for 
developing image data into bit map image data. 
Referring to FIG. 1, an MPU 51 controls the entire facsimile apparatus 200. 
A bus 63 is provided for the MPU 51, and is connected to the followings: 
(a)a ROM 52; 
(b) a RAM 53; 
(c) a DMAC 54; 
(d) an SCU 55; 
(e) a PRU 56; 
(f) a CODEC 57; 
(g) an image memory 58 of a RAM; 
(h) a CCU 59; 
(i) a host interface 60; and 
(j) a MODEM 70. 
The ROM 52 stores not only an execution control program executed by the MPU 
51 but also data required when executing the control program. The RAM 53 
is used as a work area required by the MPU 51. The SCU 55 effects an image 
data processing process such as a shading correction process, a binarizing 
process or the like for image data sent from an image scanner section 300 
for reading an image of a document and converting the image into an image 
signal. The PRU 56 controls a printer section 301 so as to output an image 
signal to the printer section 301 in synchronous with the printer section 
301. 
The CODEC 57 is constituted by a special large scale integrated circuit (a 
larger scale integrated circuit is referred to as an LSI hereinafter) for 
executing encoding and decoding of image data, wherein the process of the 
CODEC 57 includes an image compression process, an image expanding 
process, and so on. The facsimile encoding systems or methods used in the 
CODEC 57 include the followings: 
(a) the MH (modified Huffman) coding system; 
(b) the MR (modified READ (Relative Element Address Designate) coding 
system; and 
(c) the MMR (modified modified READ) coding system, which are standardized 
in facsimile communication. 
The image memory 58 stores encoded facsimile image data according to one of 
the above-mentioned coding systems. The CCU 59 executes communication 
control through the MODEM 70 through a telephone line 64. 
The MODEM 70 is constituted by a special LSI for the MODEM 70, and 
comprises the following MODEM modes: 
(a) a full-duplex type data communication mode or data communication MODEM 
mode conforming to CCITT (Now, ITU-T) Recommendation V.22 (referred to as 
a data communication mode hereinafter); and 
(b) a half-duplex synchronous communication type facsimile communication 
mode or facsimile communication MODEM conforming to CCITT (Now, ITU-T) 
Recommendation V.29 (referred to as a facsimile communication mode 
hereinafter). 
The MODEM 70 modulates a carrier wave signal according to facsimile image 
data encoded by the CODEC 57 or digital data transferred from the external 
computer 201, and then, transmits the modulated carrier wave signal 
through the telephone line 64 to a further facsimile apparatus or computer 
of the other party. On the other hand, the MODEM 70 receives a modulated 
carrier wave signal which is modulated according to facsimile image data 
or digital data and is transmitted from a further facsimile apparatus or 
computer of the other party through the telephone line 64, and then, 
demodulates the modulated carrier wave signal so as to generate facsimile 
image data or data, outputting the same to the CODEC 57 for decoding 
process or to the external computer 201 through the host interface 60. 
The MODEM 70 is switched over between the above-mentioned two function 
modes according to a register flag set in a mode switching register 70r. 
This switchover operation between the two function modes is executed by 
the MPU 51 through setting in the mode switching register 70r of the MODEM 
LSI of the MODEM 70. In other words, when a register flag "0" is set to 
the mode switching register 70r, the MODEM 70 is set to the data 
communication MODEM mode and becomes a so-called data MODEM. On the other 
hand, when a register flag "1" is set to the mode switching register 70r, 
the MODEM 70 is set to the facsimile communication mode and becomes a 
so-called facsimile MODEM. 
The DMAC 54 is a DMA controller for use in transmitting data among the CCU 
59, the image memory 58, the CODEC 57, the SCU 55, and the PRU 56. The 
DMAC 54 is provided with a plurality of DMA channels. 
The host interface 60 for interfacing the MPU 51 with the external computer 
201 through signal conversion or the like is connected through the bus 63 
to the MPU 51, and also is connected to the external computer 201 such as 
a micro-computer or the like. 
FIG. 3A shows a control flow of image data in the stage of transmitting a 
document image through facsimile transmission. The following describes 
image data flow in the above-mentioned stage with reference to FIG. 3A. 
Referring to FIG. 3A, a multi-bit image signal read by the image scanner 
section 300 is inputted to the SCU 55, and then, the SCU 55 performs a 
binarizing process, and outputs binarized image data. Thereafter, the 
binarized image data outputted from the SCU 55 is transferred to the CODEC 
57 every horizontal scanning line. The CODEC 57 performs the MMR coding on 
the binarized image data outputted the SCU 55 so as to generate encoded 
facsimile image data. Then, the encoded facsimile image data is 
transferred to the image memory 58 through a DMA transfer by the DMAC 54. 
When the encoded facsimile image data of one page of the document is stored 
in the image memory 58, the encoded facsimile image data of one page is 
transferred to the CCU 59 by the DMAC 54 through a DMA transfer, and then, 
the encoded facsimile image data is transmitted from the MODEM 70 through 
the telephone line 64 to a further facsimile apparatus of the other party. 
In the above-mentioned stage, the MODEM 70 is set in the facsimile 
communication mode by the MPU 51. When an unoccupied area exists in the 
image memory 58, reading of the next document is executed without waiting 
the completion of the transmission of the encoded facsimile image data of 
one page through the telephone line 64. The area, in which of the image 
memory 58 the encoded facsimile image data of one page transferred through 
the telephone line 64 has been stored, is made to be usable as an 
unoccupied area. 
FIG. 3B shows a control flow of image data in the facsimile reception 
stage. The following describes an image data flow in the above-mentioned 
stage with reference to FIG. 3B. 
Referring to FIG. 3B, the encoded facsimile image data received from the 
further facsimile apparatus of the other party through the telephone line 
64 is transferred to the image memory 58 through the MODEM 70 and the CCU 
59 by the DMAC 54 through a DMA transfer. In the above-mentioned stage, 
the MODEM 70 is set to the facsimile communication mode by the MPU 51. 
When the encoded facsimile image data of one page has been stored in the 
image memory 58, the printer section 301 is activated. The DMAC 54 
successively transfers the encoded facsimile image data of one page stored 
in the image memory 58 to the CODEC 57 through a DMA transfer. The CODEC 
57 decodes the encoded facsimile image data so as to generate image data. 
The DMAC 54 transmits line by line the image signal decoded by the CODEC 
57 to the PRU 56 through a DMA transfer. The PRU 56 converts image data 
having a resolution of the decoded image signal into image data having a 
resolution of the printer section 301, and outputs the resulting converted 
image data to the printer section 301 in synchronous with the operation of 
the printer section 301. 
When an unoccupied area exists in the image memory 58, received image data 
of the next page is transferred from the CCU 59 to the image memory 58 
without waiting the completion of the transmission of the encoded 
facsimile image data of one page to the CODEC 57. The area, in which of 
the image memory 58 the encoded facsimile image data of one page used for 
the printing has been stored, is made to be usable as an unoccupied area. 
FIG. 2 is a flow-chart of a control flow showing mode transition of the 
facsimile apparatus 200 function shown in FIG. 1. The control flow of the 
MPU 51 is described with reference to FIG. 2. 
Referring to FIG. 2, the facsimile apparatus 200 comprises the following 
operation modes: 
(a) a printer mode at step S1; 
(b) an image scanner mode at step S11; 
(c) an AT command mode for data transmission at step S21; 
(d) a Class 1 command mode for facsimile transmission at step S5; 
(e) a facsimile communication mode at step S8; and 
(f) a data communication mode at step S24. 
When a power switch (not shown) is turned on, the control program shown in 
FIG. 2 is started, and then first of all, the printer mode is set in the 
facsimile apparatus 200 at step S1. In the printer mode, the print process 
is performed as described later in detail with reference to FIG. 3C. 
Thereafter, the program flow goes to step S2, and then, it is judged 
whether or not the MPU 51 receives an image scanner mode command from the 
external computer 201 through the host interface 60. Then it is judged at 
step S3 whether or not the MPU 51 receives a data MODEM mode command from 
the external computer 201 through the host interface 60, and thereafter, 
it is judged at step S4 whether or not the MPU 51 receives a facsimile 
MODEM mode command from the external computer 201 through the host 
interface 60. 
If the MPU 51 receives the image scanner mode command at step S2, the 
program flow goes to step S11, and then, the facsimile apparatus 200 is 
set to the image scanner mode, in which the image scanning process is 
performed as described later in detail with reference to FIG. 3D. 
Thereafter, it is judged at step S12 whether or not the MPU 51 receives an 
image scanner mode end command from the external computer 201 through the 
host interface 60, and then if YES at step S12, the program flow goes back 
to step S1, whereas if NO at step S12, the program flow goes to step S11 
and then the process of the image scanner mode is continuously performed. 
If YES at step S3, the program flow goes to step S21, and then the process 
of the data communication mode is performed which will be described later 
in detail. At step S21, an AT command mode is set, and then it is judged 
at step S22 whether or not the MPU 51 receives a MODEM mode end command. 
If YES at step S22, the program flow goes back to step S1, whereas if NO 
at step S22, it is judged at step S23 whether or not a line connection 
through the telephone line 64 has been established. If NO at step S23, the 
program flow goes back to step S21, whereas if YES at step S23, the 
program flow goes to step S24 and then the data communication mode is set 
in the facsimile apparatus 200. Thereafter, it is judged at step S25 
whether or not the line disconnection through the telephone line 64 has 
been established or the MPU 51 receives an ESC code. If NO at step S25, 
the program flow goes to step S24, whereas if YES at step S25, the program 
flow goes to step S21. 
If NO at step S4, the program flow goes back to step S1, whereas if YES at 
step S4, the program flow goes to step S5 and then the process of the 
facsimile communication mode is performed which will be described later in 
detail. At step S5, the Class 1 command mode is set in the facsimile 
apparatus 200, and then it is judged at step S6 whether or not the MPU 51 
receives a MODEM mode end command from the external computer 201 through 
the host interface 60. If YES at step S6, the program flow goes back to 
step S1, whereas if NO at step S6, it is judged at step S7 whether or not 
a line connection through the telephone liner 64 has been established. If 
NO at step S7, the program flow goes to step S6, whereas if YES at step 
S7, the facsimile communication mode is set at step S8 and then it is 
judged at step S9 whether or not the line disconnection through the 
telephone line 64 has been established or the MPU 51 receives an ESC code. 
If NO at step S9, the program flow goes to step S8, whereas if YES at step 
S9, the program flow goes to step S6. 
FIG. 3C shows a control flow of image data in the stage or step S1 of FIG. 
2 of printing print data sent from the external computer 201 such as a 
micro-computer including a micro-processor or the like by means of the 
printer section 301. The following describes the image data flow in the 
above-mentioned stage with reference to FIG. 3C. 
Referring to FIG. 3C, print data of image data sent from the external 
computer 201 is received by the host interface 60 through the RS-232C line 
62. The external computer 201 rasterizes or develops character data into 
bit map data, i.e., converts all of the print data into bit map data, and 
then, encodes the bit map data in a unit of one page according to the MMR 
coding system, outputting the resulting encoded facsimile image data or 
print data. 
When the MS-WINDOWS made by Microsoft Corporation is, for example, used as 
an operating system (OS) of the external computer 201, this operating 
system has a font rasterizing function or font developing function. 
Therefore, the conversion of the print image data into bit map data on the 
side of the external computer 201 can be easily achieved. Furthermore, the 
MMR coding process on the side of the external computer 201 is executed by 
a printer driver which is software installed in the external computer 201. 
The encoded facsimile print image data received by the host interface 60 is 
transferred to the image memory 58 by the DMAC 54 through a DMA transfer. 
When the encoded facsimile print image data of one page is stored in the 
image memory 58, the printer section 301 is activated. The DMAC 54 
successively transfers the encoded facsimile print image data of one page 
stored in the image memory 58 to the CODEC 57 through a DMA transfer. The 
CODEC 57 decodes the encoded facsimile image data so as to generate image 
data. The DMAC 54 transfers line by line the image data decoded by the 
CODEC 57 to the PRU 56 through a DMA transfer. The PRU 56 outputs the 
image data to the printer section 301 in synchronous with the operation of 
the printer section 301. When an unoccupied area exists in the image 
memory 58, an encoded facsimile print image data of the next page is 
received from the external computer 201 through the host interface 60, and 
then are transferred to the image memory 58 without waiting the completion 
of the transmission of the encoded facsimile print image data of one page 
to the CODEC 57. The area, in which of the image memory 58 the encoded 
facsimile print data of one page used for the printing are stored, is made 
to be usable as an unoccupied area. 
According to the facsimile apparatus 200 provided with the printer of the 
preferred embodiment of the present invention as described above, the 
decoding means of the facsimile apparatus 200 such as the CODEC 57 can be 
commonly used as decoding means in using the printer section 301 by 
executing the rasterization or bit map developing process and the encoding 
process in the external computer 201. In the above-mentioned arrangement, 
it is unnecessary to provide not only any font memory but also any 
high-performance microprocessor for font rasterization or font developing 
process. This results in reduction in the transmission time required for 
transmitting image data from the external computer 201 to the facsimile 
apparatus 200 provided with the printer function. Therefore, addition of 
the printer function to a stand-alone type facsimile apparatus can be 
achieved at a very low cost. 
FIG. 3D shows a control flow of image data at step S11 of FIG. 2 in taking 
in document image data by means of an image scanner section 300 provided 
for the facsimile apparatus provided with the printer function. The 
following describes an image data flow in the above-mentioned stage with 
reference to FIG. 3D. 
Referring to FIG. 3D, an image signal read out by the image scanner section 
300 is inputted to the SCU 55, and the SCU 55 performs a binarizing 
process, outputting a binarized image data. The binarized image data 
outputted from the SCU 55 is transferred to the CODEC 57 every horizontal 
scanning line by the DMAC 54 through a DMA transfer. The CODEC 57 performs 
the MMR coding on the binarized image data outputted from the SCU 55 so as 
to generate encoded facsimile image data. Then the encoded facsimile image 
data is transferred to the image memory 58 by the DMAC 54 through a DMA 
transfer. When the encoded facsimile image data of one page of the 
document is stored in the image memory 58, the encoded facsimile image 
data of one page is transferred to the host interface 60 by the DMAC 54 
through a DMA transfer, and then the host interface 60 transmits the 
encoded facsimile image data of one page to the external computer 201 
through the RS-232C line 62. 
According to the facsimile apparatus 200 provided with the printer function 
of the preferred embodiment of the present invention as described above, 
in the case of using the document image reading function of the facsimile 
apparatus 200 such as the image scanner section 300 under remote control 
of the external computer 201, the image data is compressed by the image 
data coding means of the facsimile apparatus 200 such as the CODEC 57, and 
then the compressed image data is outputted to the external computer 201. 
Therefore, the transmission time required for transmitting the image data 
can be reduced without increasing the manufacturing cost. 
The following describes the case when YES at step S3 of FIG. 2, namely, in 
which the external computer 201 performs data communication through the 
telephone line 64 to a further computer of the other party such as a 
micro-computer or the like by means of the MODEM 70 of the facsimile 
apparatus 200. 
When YES at step S3 of FIG. 2, namely, when the MPU 51 receives from the 
external computer 201 through the host interface 60 the data MODEM mode 
command for switching over the operation mode of the MODEM 70 of the 
facsimile apparatus 200 into the data communication mode, the MPU 51 sets 
the register flag "0" to the mode switching register 70r, and then, the 
MODEM 70 is set to the data communication mode and becomes the so-called 
data MODEM. Thereafter, the facsimile apparatus 200 of the present 
preferred embodiment is put in the same state as that of a data MODEM sold 
on the market, and then the facsimile apparatus 200 can receive an AT 
command which is one of the MODEM control commands at step S21 of FIG. 2. 
It is to be noted that interpretation of the AT command and control of the 
MODEM 70 are executed by the MPU 51. 
In the data communication mode of step S24 of FIG. 2, the transmission 
digital data sent from the external computer 201 is transferred from the 
host interface 60 to the CCU 59 by the DMAC 54 through a DMA transfer. On 
the other hand, the received digital data from the further computer of the 
other party through the telephone line 64 is transferred from the CCU 59 
to the host interface 60 by the DMAC 54 through a DMA transfer. In the 
case where the MPU 51 is enabled to receive the AT command, when the MPU 
51 receives the MODEM mode end command from the external computer 201 or 
if YES at step S22 of FIG. 2, the system operation is switched over to the 
printer mode of step S1 of FIG. 2 which is capable of permitting reception 
of a print command and print data. 
Then the following describes a case when YES at step S4 of FIG. 2, or in 
which the external computer 201 performs facsimile communication through 
the telephone line 64 by means of the MODEM 70 of the facsimile apparatus 
200. 
When YES at step S4 of FIG. 2 or when the MPU 51 receives the facsimile 
MODEM mode command for switching over the system operation to the 
facsimile communication mode from the external computer 201, the MPU 51 
sets the MODEM 70 into the facsimile communication mode. Thereafter, the 
facsimile apparatus 200 is put at step S5 of FIG. 2 in the same state as 
that of the facsimile MODEM sold on the market to be enabled to receive 
the EIA (Electronics Industries Association) -578 or Class 1 command. 
Interpretation of the EIA-578 command and control of the MODEM 70 are 
executed by the MPU 51. In the case where the MPU 51 is enabled to receive 
the EIA-578 command, when the MPU 51 receives the MODEM mode end command 
from the external computer 201 through the host interface 60 (NO at step 
S6), the system operation is switched over to the printer mode of step S1 
of FIG. 2. 
When seeing the facsimile apparatus 200 from the external computer 201, the 
following function modes exist as shown in FIG. 2 showing a transition of 
the switchover between the function modes: 
(a) the printer mode of step S2; 
(b) the image scanner mode of step S11; 
(c) the data communication mode of step S24; and 
(d) the facsimile communication mode of step S8. 
The transition between the above-mentioned function modes takes place in 
response to the command sent from the external computer 201 through the 
host interface 60 and depending on the occurrence of connection or 
disconnection of the telephone line 64. 
In the facsimile communication mode of step S8 of FIG. 2, a document image 
produced by the external computer 201 is rasterized or developed into a 
bit map image by means of the external computer 201, and then the 
developed bit map image is encoded into facsimile image data according to 
the facsimile coding method or system. Thereafter, the encoded facsimile 
image data is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 200 through the host 
interface 60, and then the MODEM 70 of the facsimile apparatus 200 
transmits the received encoded facsimile image data to a further facsimile 
apparatus of the other party. 
In the present preferred embodiment, the telephone line 64 is used, 
however, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, 
various kinds of communication lines may be used such as an ISDN line, or 
the like. 
As described above, the facsimile apparatus 200 provided with the printer 
function of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has the 
MODEM 70 which can be switched over between the data communication mode 
and the facsimile communication mode. In this case, the function mode of 
the MODEM 70 can be switched over between the above-mentioned two function 
modes from the external computer 201 under remote control. This results in 
addition of the facsimile MODEM function and the data communication MODEM 
function into the external computer 201. 
In the above-mentioned facsimile apparatus 200 of the preferred embodiment 
of the present invention, the decoding means for decoding encoded 
facsimile image data received from the further facsimile apparatus of the 
other party and the decoding means for decoding encoded facsimile image 
data received from said external computer can be commonly used, wherein 
these decoding means corresponds to the CODEC 57. Furthermore, it is 
unnecessary to provide the font memory 161 and any font rasterizing means 
or developing means for developing font data into bit map image data. This 
results in that the printer function can be added to the facsimile 
apparatus at a remarkably low cost. 
Furthermore, in the case of utilizing a function for reading a document 
image from the external computer 201 under remote control, the facsimile 
apparatus 200 of the preferred embodiment compresses the image data by 
means of said encoding means such as the CODEC 57, and then outputs the 
compressed image data to the external computer 201. In this case, the 
transmission time for transmitting the image data to the external computer 
201 can be reduced without increasing the manufacturing cost. 
Furthermore, the facsimile apparatus 200 of the preferred embodiment of the 
present invention comprises the MODEM 70 having the facsimile MODEM mode 
and the data communication MODEM mode, and the switching means for 
switching over the MODEM mode therebetween. The above-mentioned 
arrangement allows data communication and facsimile communication from the 
external computer 201 through the facsimile apparatus 200 of the preferred 
embodiment to a further facsimile apparatus of the other party, to be 
achieved without increasing the manufacturing cost. 
In addition, one communication port of the external computer 201 can be 
used commonly for connection of a printer, an image scanner, and a 
communication MODEM. Therefore, so many communication ports are not 
required. 
Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with 
the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying 
drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications are 
apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are 
to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as 
defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.