Transmission system

A transmission system includes a first fax apparatus, and a second fax apparatus, wherein the first fax apparatus includes a transmission unit that performs fax communication, and an acquisition unit that acquires information by decoding code information included in image data, wherein the transmission unit transmits the image data and the acquired information via the fax communication, and wherein the second fax apparatus includes a reception unit that performs the fax communication, a generation unit that generates code information by encoding the information received by the reception unit via the fax communication, an addition unit that adds the generated code information to the image data received by the reception unit, and a printing unit that prints an image on a sheet based on image data obtained by adding the generated code information to the received image data.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a transmission system.

Description of the Related Art

Japanese Patent Application No. H10-127416 discusses that, when image data generated by scanning a document including a quick response (QR) Code® is faxed, the image data is transmitted by decoding and replacing the QR Code® included in the image data with reconstructed image data.

In the technique discussed in Japanese Patent Application No. H10-127416, the image data on the QR Code® is faxed. For this reason, depending on a transmission resolution, a part of the QR Code® can be incomplete and a user receiving the faxed image data may not be able to decode the QR Code®.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a technique for enabling output of a QR Code® that is decodable by an apparatus that has received a faxed image data in a case where image data including a QR Code® is faxed.

A transmission system includes a first fax apparatus, and a second fax apparatus, wherein the first fax apparatus includes a transmission unit configured to perform fax communication, and an acquisition unit configured to acquire information by decoding code information included in image data, wherein the transmission unit transmits the image data and the information acquired by the acquisition unit through the fax communication, and wherein the second fax apparatus includes a reception unit configured to perform the fax communication, a generation unit configured to generate code information by encoding the information received by the reception unit through the fax communication, an addition unit configured to add the code information generated by the generation unit to the image data received by the reception unit, and a printing unit configured to print an image on a sheet based on image data obtained by adding, by the addition unit, the code information to the image data received by the reception unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A preferred exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to drawings. The exemplary embodiment is not seen to be limiting, and any combination(s) of features described in the exemplary embodiment are not necessarily essential for implementing aspects of the disclosure.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating a network configuration according to the present exemplary embodiment. In the present exemplary embodiment, image forming apparatuses101and102serve as fax apparatuses, are both connected to a public line100, and can communicate with each other.

Image data generated by scanning a document by the image forming apparatus101can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus102via fax communication. Image data generated by scanning a document by the image forming apparatus102can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus101via fax communication.

FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus101. A control unit210including a central processing unit (CPU)211controls the image forming apparatus101. The CPU211reads out control programs stored in a read only memory (ROM)212or a storage214, to perform various kinds of control such as reading control, printing control, and transmission control. The ROM212stores the control programs executable by the CPU211. The ROM212also stores a boot program, font data, and the like. A random access memory (RAM)213is a main storage memory for the CPU211, and is used as a work area and a temporary storage area for developing the various kinds of control programs stored in the ROM212and the storage214. The storage214stores image data, print data, an address book, various kinds of programs, and various kinds of setting information. A flash memory is assumed as the storage214. Alternatively, an auxiliary storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or an embedded multimedia card (eMMC) can be used as the storage214.

In the image forming apparatus101, one CPU211performs the processing in the below-described flowcharts using one memory (RAM213), but this implementation is not limiting. For example, a plurality of CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages can cooperate with one another to perform the processing in the below-described flowcharts. A part of the processing can be performed by a hardware circuit such as application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) and a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

An operation unit interface (I/F)217connects an operation unit218and the control unit210. The operation unit218displays information to a user and detects an input from the user.

A reading unit OF215connects a reading unit216and the control unit210. The reading unit216reads an image on a document, and converts the image into image data such as binary data. The image data generated by the reading unit216is transmitted to an external apparatus, is stored in an external recording device, or is printed on a recording sheet.

A printing unit I/F219connects a printing unit220and the control unit210. The CPU211transfers image data to be printed (image data as print object) to the printing unit220via the printing unit OF219. The printing unit220prints an image on a sheet fed from a feeding cassette (not illustrated).

An external storage OF221connects an external storage device222and the control unit210. The CPU211stores the image data in the external storage device222via the external storage OF221. In the present exemplary embodiment, a universal serial bus (USB) interface is assumed as the external storage OF221, and a USB memory is assumed as the external storage device222, but any storage device, such as a secure digital (SD) card, can be used as the external storage device.

A conversion unit224decodes and converts a QR Code® into information such as character information when the image read by the reading unit216is converted into image data such as binary data. In a case where it is determined that a character signal including a QR Code® has been received as reception data, the conversion unit224converts the character information into a QR Code®. In the present exemplary embodiment, code information to be encoded and decoded by the conversion unit is a QR Code® as a two-dimensional code, but the code information can be one-dimensional code such as a barcode.

A determination unit225determines whether the character signal including a QR Code® has been received as the reception data.

The control unit210is connected to the public line100by a communication unit223including a modem.

The communication unit223performs the fax communication via the public line100to transmit image data and the like to an external apparatus.

The image forming apparatus102has a configuration similar to the configuration of the image forming apparatus101illustrated inFIG.2. Thus, a detailed description of the configuration of the image forming apparatus102is omitted.

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating an example of a document to be read by the image forming apparatus101. A document310includes QR Codes®311and312. Information included in each of the QR Codes®311and312can be in any form, and includes information such as a character string, numbers, alphanumeric characters, and binary data. Examples of contents of the information included in each of the QR Codes® include a uniform resource locator (URL) and data by keys and values.

FIG.4is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes in which the image forming apparatus101faxes image data to the image forming apparatus102. The series of processes inFIG.4is started when fax transmission is instructed by the image forming apparatus101. The communication unit223can include a network OF for connection to a local area network (LAN).

In step S401, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101controls the reading unit216to read an image on a document.

In step S402, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101generates image data based on data acquired by reading the image on the document by the reading unit216.

In step S403, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101controls the determination unit225to determine whether the generated image data includes a QR co d e®, based on the generated image data. In a case where the determination unit225determines that the image data includes a QR Code® (YES in step S403), the processing proceeds to step S421. In a case where the determination unit225determines that the image data does not include a QR Code® (NO in step S403), the processing proceeds to step S411.

In step S411, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101captures a line to call the image forming apparatus102set as a transmission destination of the image data via the public line100.

In step S412, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101calls the image forming apparatus102using the line captured in step S411.

In step S413, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101exchanges capability information with the image forming apparatus102that responded in step S412. The capability information includes information on a sheet size, a modem type, a coding system, a recording resolution, and the like. The capability information is exchanged with the image forming apparatus102, and fax transmission parameters are set based on lower capability. For example, in a case where a reception resolution of the image forming apparatus102is lower than a transmission resolution of the image forming apparatus101, the transmission resolution at the time of fax transmission is adjusted to the reception resolution of the image forming apparatus102.

In step S421, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101specifies a position of the QR Code® included in the image data, and transmits information on the position of the QR Code® to the conversion unit224. At this time, coordinate information on optional two apexes of the QR Code® as the information on the position of the QR Code® can be transmitted to a reception side via the fax communication.

In step S422, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101controls the conversion unit224to decode the QR Code®, thereby acquiring information. The acquired information is character information, numerical values, binary data, or the like.

In step S423, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101captures a line to call the image forming apparatus102set as the transmission destination of the image data via the public line100.

In step S424, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101calls the image forming apparatus102using the line captured in step S423.

In step S425, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101exchanges capability information with the image forming apparatus102that has responded in step S424. The capability information includes information on a sheet size, a modem type, a coding system, a recording resolution, and the like. The capability information is exchanged with the image forming apparatus102, and the fax transmission parameters are set based on lower capability. For example, in the case where the reception resolution of the image forming apparatus102is lower than the transmission resolution of the image forming apparatus101, the transmission resolution at the time of fax transmission is adjusted to the reception resolution of the image forming apparatus102. In the communication for exchanging the capability information, the information acquired in step S422is transmitted to the image forming apparatus102. This processing is described below with reference toFIG.8.

In step S431, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus102faxes the generated image data via the public line100. In the case where it is determined that the image data includes a QR Code® in step S403, image data can be generated by extracting the QR Code® in the image data after the QR Code® is decoded in step S422. In this case, the image data to be transmitted in the processing in step S413is the image data on the extracted QR Code®.

FIG.5is a flowchart illustrating an example of print processing based on the image data received via the fax communication. The series of processes inFIG.5is started when the image forming apparatus102is called from the image forming apparatus101via the public line100.

In step S501, a CPU of the image forming apparatus102detects calling in step S412or S424, and starts to respond to the calling.

In step S502, the CPU of the image forming apparatus102captures a line. In step S503, the image forming apparatus102exchanges the capability information with the image forming apparatus101.

In step S504, the CPU of the image forming apparatus102determines whether QR Code® information has been received in exchange of the capability information in step S503. In a case where it is determined that QR Code® information has been received (YES in step S504), the processing proceeds to step S511. If the QR Code® information has not been received (NO in step S504), the processing proceeds to step S521.

In step S511, the CPU of the image forming apparatus102specifies the position of the QR Code® from the QR Code® information acquired in step S504. The position to be specified can be a position based on the information on the position transmitted in step S421, or a position designated by the user of the image forming apparatus102via an operation unit of the image forming apparatus102.

In step S512, the CPU of the image forming apparatus102controls a conversion unit to encode information included in the QR Code® information, thereby generating a QR Code®. The information included in the QR Code® information is the information acquired by decoding the QR Code® in step S422, and is character information, a URL, or the like.

In step S521, the CPU of the image forming apparatus102receives the image data from the image forming apparatus101via the public line100. In a case where the QR Code® is encoded in step S512, the QR Code® is added to the image data received in step S521to generate the image data.

In step S522, the image forming apparatus102prints an image on a sheet based on the image data received in step S521or the image data to which the QR Code® encoded in step S512is added.

FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating an example of QR Code® decoding processing. More specifically, the process ofFIG.6describes the processing in step S422.

In step S601, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101controls the conversion unit224to decode the QR Code®, thereby acquiring numerical value information.

In step S602, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101determines whether the acquired information begins with “http”. In a case where it is determined that the information included in the QR Code® begins with “http” (YES in step S602), the processing proceeds to step S621. In a case where the information in the QR Code® does not begin with “http” (NO in step S602), the processing proceeds to step S611.

In step S611, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101imparts the numerical value information converted in step S601to a signal to be transmitted in exchange of the capability information.

In step S621, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101imparts information indicating that the information included in the QR Code® begins with “http” to the signal to be transmitted in exchange of the capability information.

In step S622, the CPU211of the image forming apparatus101imparts the numerical value information converted in step S601to the signal to be transmitted in exchange of the capability information.

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating an example of QR Code® encoding processing. More specifically, the process ofFIG.7describes the processing in step S512.

The processing in step S701is the same as the processing in step S403. In a case where the image forming apparatus102has not received information on a QR Code® via the fax communication (NO in step S701), the processing proceeds to step S711. In a case where the image forming apparatus102has received information on a QR Code® (YES in step S701), the processing proceeds to step S721.

In step S711, the CPU of the image forming apparatus102controls a communication unit to transmit a signal indicating that reception preparation has been completed to the image forming apparatus101.

In step S712, the CPU of the image forming apparatus102controls the communication unit to receive the image data from the image forming apparatus101. The received image data is stored in a storage.

In step S721, the CPU of the image forming apparatus102controls the conversion unit to convert the information included in the QR Code® information into character information.

In step S722, the CPU of the image forming apparatus102stores the character information converted in step S721in a storage.

In step S723, the CPU of the image forming apparatus102controls the communication unit of the image forming apparatus102to transmit the signal indicating that the reception preparation has been completed to the image forming apparatus101.

In step S724, the CPU of the image forming apparatus102receives the image data from the image forming apparatus101. The received image data is stored in the storage of the image forming apparatus102.

In step S725, the CPU of the image forming apparatus102reads out the character information stored in the storage of the image forming apparatus102, and generates a QR Code® using the conversion unit of the image forming apparatus102. The generated QR Code® is added to the image data stored in the storage.

FIG.8is a sequence diagram illustrating signal response exchange between the image forming apparatus101and the image forming apparatus102.

In step S811, the image forming apparatus101transmits a CNG signal for identification of fax to the image forming apparatus102.

In step S812, the image forming apparatus102transmits a CED signal indicating a receivable state to the image forming apparatus101.

In step S813, the image forming apparatus102transmits the capability information to the image forming apparatus101. More specifically, the image forming apparatus102transmits a CSI signal indicating an identification number of the image forming apparatus102, a DIS signal as a digital identification signal, and an NSF signal as a non-standard facilities signal.

In step S814, the image forming apparatus101transmits a DCS signal indicating setting transmitted to the image forming apparatus102based on the signals received in step S813. The image forming apparatus101also transmits a TSI signal indicating an identification number of the image forming apparatus101and an NSS signal indicating non-standard function setting. The image forming apparatus101transmits the NSS signal including the information acquired by decoding the QR Code®. The NSS signal includes an identification number for determining whether the information acquired by decoding the QR Code® is included. The image forming apparatus102on the reception side determines whether the received NSS signal includes the above-described identification number. In a case where it is determined that the identification number is included, the image forming apparatus102interprets the information acquired by decoding the QR Code® and included in the NSS signal.

In step S815, the image forming apparatus101adjusts a reception state of the modem in the image forming apparatus102. In step S816, the image forming apparatus102issues an instruction about a reception state of the modem in the image forming apparatus101. In step S817, the image forming apparatus101transmits the image data to the image forming apparatus102.

As described above, the information acquired by decoding the QR Code® is transmitted by being included in the capability information, which makes it possible to transmit the information to the partner fax apparatus while preventing lack of the information. The information acquired by decoding the QR Code® may not be included in the signal of the capability information as long as the information is transmitted by a transmission method independent of the transmission resolution.

FIG.9is a diagram illustrating examples of a printing position of a QR Code® printed when the image forming apparatus receives the image data including the QR Code® information.

An example901is an example of a case where the printing position of the QR Code® is designated. A QR Code®911indicates the printing position in a case where the image forming apparatus101designates the printing position of the QR Code® to the position the same as the position in the transmitted document.

An example902is an example of a case where the image forming apparatus101does not designate the printing position of the QR Code®. In the case where the image forming apparatus101does not designate the printing position of the QR Code®, a QR Code®912is printed in a header portion.

FIGS.10A and10Bare diagrams illustrating examples of a screen displayed on the operation unit of both the image forming apparatuses101and102. A home screen1001is a screen for instructing execution of each of functions of the image forming apparatuses101and102, and is displayed on a touch panel screen included in the operation unit218. Touch images of the respective functions executed by the image forming apparatuses101and102, such as often-used setting, fax, a menu, and an address book are displayed on the home screen1001. When a touch image for a fax function1002is pressed, the screen transits to a fax setting screen1011.

Currently set values of read setting at transmission, a read size, and the like are displayed in the fax setting screen1011. When a reading start button1013is pressed, reading based on the setting is started. A setting change button1012is pressed to change detailed setting included in the read setting.

A detailed setting screen1021is displayed when the setting change button1012in the fax setting screen1011is pressed. Set values of the read setting at transmission, the read size, and the like can be changed in the detailed setting screen1021. A printing position1022of the QR Code® on the reception side when the QR Code® is read can be set. When the image forming apparatus101or102reads the document in step S421, the image forming apparatus101or102can specify the position of the QR Code®, and instruct the position of the QR Code® to the conversion unit224based on the setting.

A transmission confirmation screen1031is displayed when the reading start button1013is pressed and the QR Code® is included. When a transmission start button1033is pressed, transmission to the image forming apparatus on the reception side is started. When a setting change button1032is pressed, the screen transits to the detailed setting screen1021.

The above-described configuration enables transmission of a QR Code® without considering a state of a reception side when fax transmission is performed.

Other Embodiments

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are not seen to be limiting. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-134630, filed Aug. 26, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.