Image processing program product

An image processing program product enables an image processing apparatus to perform operations including the steps of: storing a plurality of image information to be transmitted by a facsimile apparatus; sequentially outputting the stored image information; reading a mode list from a mode list recording unit on which a list of modes for images to be transmitted has been described; converting an image in accordance with the mode indicated by the mode list; and transmitting the converted image information to the facsimile apparatus. The converting includes a transmission data forming step for adding a transmission destination described in the mode list recording unit to the outputted image information and for forming transmission data based upon the mode of the image described in the mode list recording unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Applications No. 2005-298599, 2005-298614 and 2005-298623, filed on Oct. 13, 2005, the entire subject matters of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the present invention relate to an image processing program which is executed in an image processing apparatus for performing a processing operation of image information to be transmitted by a facsimile apparatus.

BACKGROUND

An image processing apparatus for transmitting image information by facsimile apparatus while utilizing a computer is known. JP-A-2003-189075 discloses such a facsimile apparatus which receives both image information to be transmitted and information of a transmission destination via a network, and transmits the received image information to the received transmission destination.

However, in such a case that image information to be transmitted to the facsimile apparatus and a transmission destination of the above-mentioned image information are designated by operating a computer which uses such an OS (Operating System) as UNIX (registered trademark) series, there is no way other than such a method that both this image information and the transmission designation thereof are described in a command line as an option. Accordingly, if a user does not master the command line, then the user cannot designate the transmission destination.

JP-A-2003-189075 also discloses such a facsimile apparatus which receives a file where a plurality of transmission destinations for a multicast communication purpose have been described, and transmits an image to the transmission destinations described in the received file.

Also, programs for directly transmitting images formed on computers to facsimile apparatus without printing these images on a sheet are known. Normally, these programs transmit data to the facsimile apparatus via such printing systems as CUPS (Common UNIX Printing System) and LPD (Line Printer Daemon).

This sort of printing system contains a function called as a spooler. In the printing system, transmission data transmitted from a plurality of clients in an asynchronous mode are once stored, and are sequentially transmitted to the facsimile apparatus by the above-explained spooler. For instance, in the case where transmission information “A”, “B”, “C” are transmitted at the substantially same time from a plurality of application programs, the spooler firstly transmits the transmission information “A”, and transmits the transmission information “B” after the transmission of the above-described transmission information “A” is ended, and similarly transmits the transmission information “C” after the transmission of the above-described transmission information “B” is ended. In this case, the transmission information “A” is transmitted with substantially no time lag. However, the transmissions of the transmission information “B” and “C” should be waited until the transmission information immediately before the previous transmission information has been transmitted. Normally, this waiting time period is not notified to users. In other words, the users cannot grasp when the transmission information instructed by themselves is processed.

In such a case where the technical idea of JP-A-2003-189075 is applied with respect to the facsimile apparatus using the above-explained spooler, the below-mentioned problems occur. That is, the above-explained spooler can sequentially transmit the plural pieces of transmission data which are instructed to be sent in the asynchronous mode to the facsimile apparatus. Therefore, as explained above, the time lag may be produced after the user instructs the facsimile transmission of the image until this image is actually processed and the processed image is actually transmitted with respect to the facsimile apparatus. However, the file into which the destinations of the multicast communications have been stored is used after the SPOOL process operation by the spooler is accomplished. As a result, if the file is amended, deleted, and/or moved within a time period until this file is used, then the image cannot be transmitted to the correct destination.

When the transmission designation by the user is once accomplished, the user probably has such a misunderstanding feeling that all of the process operations have been accomplished. Then, in the above case, there are some cases where the user may amend the destination list file in order to prepare a subsequent transmission, or may delete this destination list file, or may move the destination list file.

In the case where such a file is amended which indicates a transmission destination of transmission data under stored in the spooler, an actual transmission destination becomes such a destination described in this amended file, namely, the transmission data is transmitted to a transmission destination which is not intended by a sender. Also, in the case where such a file is deleted, or moved which indicates a transmission destination of transmission data under stored in the spooler, an actual transmission destination cannot be found out.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present invention provides an image processing program which is formed by a simple structure and is capable of designating a transmission destination of image information.

Another aspect of the invention provides an image processing program capable of firmly transmitting image information to an intended transmission destination.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an image processing program product comprising: software instructions for enabling an image processing apparatus mounting thereon a printing system to perform predetermined operations; and a computer readable medium bearing the software instructions; the predetermined operations including the steps of: storing a plurality of image information to be transmitted by a facsimile apparatus; sequentially outputting the stored image information; reading a mode list from a mode list recording unit on which a list of modes for images to be transmitted has been described; converting an image in accordance with the mode indicated by the mode list; and transmitting the converted image information to the facsimile apparatus, wherein the converting comprises a transmission data forming step for adding a transmission destination described in the mode list recording unit to the outputted image information and for forming transmission data based upon the mode of the image described in the mode list recording unit.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an image processing program product comprising: software instructions for enabling an image processing apparatus to perform predetermined operations; and a computer readable medium bearing the software instructions; the predetermined operations including: a storing step for storing a plurality of image information to be transmitted by a facsimile apparatus; an outputting step for sequentially outputting the stored image information; an instructing step for designating a multicast communication list capable of storing a plurality of transmission destinations in correspondence with the image information to be transmitted, and for instructing the transmission of the image information by the facsimile apparatus; a rewrite prohibition setting step for setting a rewriting operation of the multicast communication list which is prohibited when the transmission of the image information is instructed by the instructing step; a transmission data forming step for adding a facsimile number of a transmission destination stored in the multicast communication list to the outputted image information so as to form transmission data; and a transmitting step for transmitting the transmission data formed by the transmission data forming step to the facsimile apparatus.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided an image processing program product comprising: software instructions for enabling an imager processing apparatus to perform predetermined operations; and a computer readable medium bearing the software instructions; the predetermined operations including: a storing step for storing a plurality of image information to be transmitted by a facsimile apparatus; an outputting step for sequentially outputting the stored image information; a multicast communication designating step for designating a multicast communication list capable of storing a plurality of transmission destinations and capable of being rewritten the transmission destinations; a storage step for storing the multicast communication list designated by the multicast communication list designating step as a file which is different from the multicast communication list; a transmission data forming step for adding a facsimile number of a transmission destination stored in the file stored in the storage step to the outputted image information so as to form transmission data; and a transmitting step for transmitting the transmission data formed by the transmission data forming step to the facsimile apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An aspect of the present invention will be now described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.FIG. 1is a block diagram showing an electric arrangement of a computer1, and a facsimile apparatus11connected thereto via a LAN (Local Area Network). The computer1has “Linux (registered trademark)” as an operating system (OS), and is equipped with a CPU2, a RAM3, a ROM4, a display unit5, a hard disk (HDD)6, an operation unit7, and a LAN interface8, which are connected to one another via buses.

The CPU2is a processor which executes various sorts of programs stored in the ROM4and/or the hard disk6. The RAM3is a random access memory having a storage area for storing programs stored in the hard disk6when the CPU2executes various sorts of programs, and a work area for temporarily storing thereinto variables or the like.

The display unit5is a display constructed of, for example, a liquid crystal device. The display unit5displays a setting screen where a user sets various values when the CPU2executes a program, and images or the like formed based on the set values or the like.

The hard disk6is a non-volatile memory having a large memory capacity. The Linux6afunctioning as the OS, a CUPS (Common UNIX Printing System)6b, a PPD (PostScript Printer Description)6c, a multicast communication file6d, a FAX driver6e, various application programs6f, etc. are stored in the hard disk6. The multicast communication file6dstores thereinto a plurality of transmission destinations to which data are transmitted by the facsimile apparatus11. The FAX driver6ehas a facsimile capability using the function of the CUPS6b. Incidentally, “PostScript (registered trademark)” is a page description language.

The CUPS6bis a printing system which is controlled by UNIX (registered trademark) based OS, and is configured by a basic control program so as to perform printing operations with printers provided by various printer companies. Process operations to be executed by the CUPS6bcontain a process operation of executing a command line constituted by an instruction and an option, a process operation which is executed based on parameters entered from a GUI (Graphic User Interface), and a SPOOL process operation of storing print information to be printed or data to be facsimiled (FAX transmission data) and outputting the print information or FAX transmission data piece after piece.

The PPD6cdescribes an option, a function, etc. of a printer, and is provided by a printer maker for each printer.

The multicast communication file6dis a text file for storing multiple pieces of transmission destination information, and is prepared as needed by a user. While the multicast communication file6dcan be prepared using a special program, the file6dcan be directly prepared using a text editor or so. The user prepares this file6dfor each group of customers, friends or the like to whom often same image information is transmitted at the same time.

The FAX driver6eforms transmission information to be transmitted when the transmission information is to be transmitted in a facsimile mode by the facsimile apparatus11. The FAX driver6ehas a front-end process operation and a back-end process operation which carry out image processing operations using the CUPS6b.

The application programs6fare various programs to be executed by the computer1, and correspond to software such as an editor of forming texts and/or figures and tables.

The operation unit7is equipped with a keyboard and a mouse. The keyboard has a plurality of keys corresponding to alphabets, numerals, symbols and the like to input characters and symbols. With the mouse, the user can set a cursor displayed on the display unit5to any position, and can click a displayed icon.

The LAN interface8interfaces communications with peripheral appliances, other computers and/or a server via LAN cables or over a wireless LAN. Through the LAN interface8, transmission information can be transmitted to the facsimile apparatus11from the computer1connected thereto, and reception information received by the facsimile apparatus11is transmitted to the computer1from the facsimile apparatus11.

The facsimile apparatus11owns both a facsimile capability of transmitting image information received from the computer1to a transmission destination designated by the computer1, and also a printer capability of printing image information received from the computer1.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, a process operation of changing and setting various sorts of parameters in the PPD6cwill be described next. Default settings of various sorts of parameters in facsimile transmission are described in the PPD6c. The default values can be changed on a browser using the functions of the CUPS system.

FIG. 2shows a setting screen15for various sorts of parameters in the PPD6cwhich are displayed on the display unit5by the GUI. The setting screen15displays a facsimile transmission destination designating box15a, an output setting box15b, an image quality setting box15c, a sheet size setting box15d, an index setting box15e, a log storing/setting box15f, a log level setting box15g, and an OK button15h. The facsimile transmission destination designating box15adesignates a transmission destination for facsimile transmission. Whether to transmit image information received from the computer1to a transmission destination by facsimile or print the image information with a printer is set in the output setting box15b. Through the image quality setting box15c, the user sets the image quality at the time of printing or performing facsimile transmission to either high quality or normal quality. With the sheet size setting box15d, the user sets the size of a recording sheet for image information to be printed or transmitted by facsimile. With the index setting box15e, the user sets an index to be printed as an index for image information to be printed or transmitted by facsimile. With the log storing/setting box15f, the user sets whether or not to store a log in facsimile transmission. With the log level setting box15g, the user sets a log level when storing a log. The OK button15hdesignates the end of setting operation.

An icon is displayed to the right of each box (displayed as downward triangle in square) so as to instruct the display of a pull-down menu. Clicking the icon with the mouse displays the pull-down menu. In the case of a transmission destination, for example, a blank which is displayed in printing operation, the name of an individual (e.g., Mr. Koizumi), and so forth are displayed. With regard to the sheet size, “A4”, “legal”, “letter”, “postal card”, and so forth are displayed. Moving the cursor with the mouse, the user can select any one of the displayed candidates. The selected parameter is displayed in each box.

The log levels which are set in the log level setting box15gcontain a log level1and a log level2. When the log level1is set, a log including the date of transmission from the facsimile apparatus11and a transmission destination is stored in a transmission log file, and transmitted transmission data is not stored. When the log level2is set, a log including the date of transmission from the facsimile apparatus11and a transmission destination is stored in a transmission log file, and transmitted transmission data is also stored.

Next, a GUI input process operation will be explained referring toFIG. 3.FIG. 3is a flow chart for illustrating the GUI input process operation for setting parameters in the PPD6c. The flow operation is executed by a program provided by the CUPS6bas a printing system. First, the setting screen15for the PPD6cis displayed (S1). This setting screen15is shown inFIG. 2. Next, a process operation according to an event input through the setting screen15is performed (S2). When displaying of a pull-down menu is instructed, for example, the pull-down menu is displayed. When a parameter is selected or designated, this parameter is temporarily stored.

Next, the CPU2determines as to whether the input event instructs the end of setting operation or not (S3). Events for instructing the end of setting operation include depression of an enter key on the keyboard and clicking of the OK button15hwith the mouse on the setting screen15shown inFIG. 2.

When the input event does not instruct the end of setting operation (S3: No), the CPU2changes the display of the setting screen15according to the event (S4), and returns to the process operation of S2. When the input event instructs the end of setting operation (S3: Yes), the CPU2determines as to whether any parameter has been changed or not (S5). When some parameter has been changed (S5: Yes), the CPU2rewrites the PPD6c(S6). When no parameter has been changed (S5: No), the CPU2terminates the GUI input process operation without rewriting the PPD6c. This process operation can allow the user to select a FAX transmission destination with the same feeling obtained for selection of the ordinary print mode, such as changing the sheet size done conventionally.

A facsimile transmission process operation which is executed by the computer1will now be explained referring toFIG. 4.FIG. 4is a flow chart for illustrating the facsimile transmission process operation. First, the CPU2performs the front-end process operation (S11). The front-end process operation, which will be discussed later referring toFIGS. 5,6and7, allows the user to input a transmission destination at the time of facsimile transmission. It is so assumed that at the time when the front-end process operation is initiated, image information to be transmitted has already been designated.

Image information to be transmitted is stored in the SPOOL file piece after piece in a PostScript form. The information stored in the SPOOL file is converted piece by piece to a data format that can be interpreted by the facsimile apparatus11, and is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus11from the computer1. The process operation will be elaborated below. The computer1detects if the facsimile apparatus11is ready for data reception. When the facsimile apparatus11is in a receivable state, the computer1performs the SPOOL process of transmitting transmission information or print information stored in the SPOOL file (S12).

Next, the back-end process operation of sending image information output from the SPOOL file to the facsimile apparatus11is executed (S13). The back-end process operation will be described later referring toFIG. 8. The front-end process operation in S11and the back-end process operation in S13are the programs that are supplied from a facsimile maker by the FAX driver6e.

Referring now toFIGS. 5,6and7, the front-end process operation of inputting a transmission destination will be described.FIG. 5shows an input screen14to be displayed on the display unit5when the front-end process operation is initiated. The input screen14displays a transmission destination display window14a, a radio button14b, ten keys14c, an OK key14d, a register key14eand a cancel key14f. The transmission destination display window14adisplays a file for describing a facsimile number or a transmission destination input, and a multicast communication list when a multicast communication is carried out. The radio button14bdesignates which one of a facsimile number and a multicast communication list is to be inputted. The ten keys14cserve to enter numerals from “0” to “9” and a hyphen.

The radio button14bcan be selected by moving the cursor to one of the two circular windows and by clicking the selected window with the mouse. The function of each of the ten keys14c, the OK key14d, the register key14eand the cancel key14fcan be set by moving the cursor to a desired key and by clicking the selected key with the mouse. The OK key14dis for indicating the end of the input of the transmission destination. When the OK key14dis operated, transmission data to be transmitted is stored in the SPOOL file. An image to be stored in the SPOOL file is stored in a PostScript form.

The register key14einstructs writing of various sorts of parameters in the PPD6c. When the register key14eis operated, the inputted facsimile number is registered in the PPD6c. When a multicast communication is designated by the radio button14b, the operation of the register key14eis ignored. The cancel key14finstructs termination of the input process operation.

When a facsimile number is entered, “FAX number” of the radio button14bis designated and the facsimile number is inputted using the ten keys14cor ten keys provided on the keyboard of the operation unit7. When a multicast communication is entered, “multicast communication” of the radio button14bis designated and a file name for constituting the multicast communication list is entered using the ten keys provided on the keyboard.

FIGS. 6 and 7are flow charts for illustrating the process operation of a destination setting program. As the destination setting program is initiated with a PostScript file as an argument, the front-end process operation works as a front end so as to pass the PostScript file to the LPR command. In this case, the destination setting program produces an option command for indicating the destination, and passes the option command to the LPR command at the same time. The destination setting program can be initiated on stand alone. In this case, a process operation of simply inputting a destination and writing the destination to the PPD6cis performed.

In the process operation shown inFIG. 6, an input screen14shown inFIG. 5is displayed (S21). Then, input data on the display screen14or through the keyboard is acquired (S22). Next, the CPU2determines as to whether the acquired input data is the OK key14dor not (S23).

When the acquired input data is originated from the OK key14d(S23: Yes), the flow operation is advanced to a process operation shown inFIG. 7. When the acquired input data is not originated from the OK key14d(S23: No), the CPU2determines as to whether the acquired input data is originated from the cancel key14for not (S24). When the acquired input data is originated from the cancel key14f(S24: Yes), the CPU2terminates the front-end process operation. When the acquired input data is not originated from the cancel key14f(S24: No), the CPU2determines as to whether the acquired input data is originated from the register key14eor not (S25). When the acquired input data is originated from the register key14e(S25: Yes), the CPU2performs a process operation of storing information for indicating transmission destinations that have been entered so far in the PPD6c.

In this process operation, first, a dialog screen for designating the PPD6cis displayed (S29). A user selects the PPD6cto be rewritten. Next, transmission destination data, input through a sequence of process operations to be described later, is written in the selected PPD6c(S30). This process operation displays the transmission destination data in a “FAX transmission destination” menu on the GUI screen shown inFIG. 2, permitting the user to select a transmission destination by the operation shown inFIG. 3. While the register key14eis often used when the program is initiated mainly on stand alone, the register key14ecan also be used when the program is initiated as a front end. With multicast communication being selected by the radio button14b, the operation of the register key14eis ignored and the flow operation is advanced to a process operation of S26.

When the acquired input data is not originated from the register key14e(S25: No), the CPU2determines as to whether the acquired input data instructs switching of the radio button14b(S26). When the acquired input data instructs switching of the radio button14b(S26: Yes), the CPU2changes the radio button14b. When the input data does not instruct switching of the radio button14b(S26: No), which implies that the acquired input data is numerical data or character data, data is displayed in the transmission destination display window14a(S27). When the process operation of S27or S28is terminated, the flow operation returns to the process operation of S22.

Referring now toFIG. 7, a description will be made of the process operation when the acquired input data is originated from the OK key14d.FIG. 7is a flow chart for illustrating the process operation which is executed when the OK key14dis operated. First, the CPU2determines as to whether the radio button14bis set to a multicast communication or not (S41). When the radio button14bis not set to the multicast communication (S41: No), the facsimile number of the transmission destination is displayed in the transmission destination display window14a, so that an optional command character string for indicating that a subsequent character string is a facsimile number (e.g., “FAXNUMBER=”) is produced (S42). When the radio button14bis set to the multicast communication (S41: Yes), a file name describing transmission destinations for multicast communication is displayed in the transmission destination display window14a. Accordingly, an optional command character string for indicating that a subsequent character string is a facsimile number (e.g., “NUMBERLIST=”) is produced (S43), and rewriting of data on the multicast communication list is prohibited (S44). Specifically, the prohibition can be achieved by prohibiting rewriting of the multicast communication list designated as the transmission destination for image information to be transmitted by the function of the OS or the file system, prohibiting initiation of the program which rewrites the multicast communication list, or preventing rewriting of the memory where the designated multicast communication list is to be stored even when the operation of rewriting the multicast communication list is performed. The setting of the rewrite prohibition can prevent the multicast communication list from being rewritten during the SPOOL process or the like, and prevent transmission information from being transmitted to a wrong transmission destination.

When the process operation of S42or the process operation of S44is terminated, the character string displayed in the transmission destination display window14ais added to the optional character string (S45). As a result, an option command for indicating the transmission destination is produced. The optional character string is added to the LPR command (S46), and the PPD6cis copied into the temporary area in the RAM3(S47). Further, the optional character string is produced based on the file name of the copied PPD6c, and added to the LPR command (S48) after which the front-end process operation is terminated.

The following is the reason for copying the PPD6c. While the transmission destination and the specifications of a transmission image are set referring to the PPD6cafter the SPOOL process operation, if the PPD6cis changed during the setting operation, the transmission destination and the specifications of the transmission image differ from each other. Therefore, a copy of the PPD6cis formed and transmission data is produced based on the transmission destination and the specifications of the transmission image described in the copied PPD6c.

A facsimile transmission can be carried out without using the transmission setting program. This is mainly used when the facsimile transmission is executed from a terminal which cannot have a graphical user interface. This is achieved as the user directly calls an LPR command from the terminal. At this time, the user can designate a destination by directly designating an option command character string.

When such a destination which has been previously set in the PPD6cas explained in the present invention is used, an option command for the destination may be alternatively omitted.

Next, a back-end process operation will be explained referring toFIG. 8.FIG. 8is a flow chart for illustrating the back-end process operation. In the back-end process operation, first, the CPU2analyzes an option in the command line of the LPR command (S51), and determines as to whether the facsimile number of the transmission destination as an option is added to the command line or not (S52).

When the facsimile number of the transmission destination as an option is added to the command line (S52: Yes), the facsimile number is stored in the FAX number list (S53). The FAX number list is a transmission destination list to be stored in, for example, the temporary area in the RAM3.

When the facsimile number of the transmission destination as an option is not added to the command line (S52: No) or the process operation of S53is terminated, the CPU2then determines as to whether the name of the multicast communication file is added as an option to the command line or not (S54). When the name of the multicast communication file is added to the command line as an option (S54: Yes), the facsimile number stored in the multicast communication list is stored in the FAX number list (S55). Next, prohibition of rewriting the multicast communication list is released (S56). The release can enable rewriting of the multicast communication list so that the multicast communication list can be updated.

When the name of the multicast communication file is not added as an option to the command line in the decision process of S54(S54: No), or when the process operation of S56is terminated, the CPU2determines as to whether the FAX number list stored in the temporary area is empty or not (S57).

When the FAX number list stored in the temporary area is empty (S57: Yes), the CPU2determines as to whether the copied PPD6cis designated as an option into the command line or not (S58). When the PPD6cis copied in the front-end process operation of S47, the copied PPD6cas an option is designated in the command line in S48. When a facsimile transmission is commanded in the command line without using the front-end process operation, no copy is produced.

When the copied PPD6cis designated as an option (S58: Yes), information is acquired from the copied PPD6c(S59), and the copied PPD6cis deleted (S60).

When the copied PPD6cis not designated as an option in the command line (S58: No), information is acquired from the PPD6cregistered in the CUPS6b(S61). When the process operation of S60or S61is terminated, the facsimile number of the transmission destination acquired from the copied PPD6cor the PPD6cregistered in the CUPS6bis added to the FAX number list (S62).

When the FAX number list stored in the temporary area is not empty (S57: No), or when the process operation of S62is terminated, the CPU2produces header information for describing the facsimile number of the transmission destination stored in the FAX number list (S63), and then rasterizes transmission data in the PostScript form, read from the SPOOL file, with the resolution set by the PPD6cor the like (S64). For example, rasterization is executed with the resolution of, for example, 200×100 dpi when high resolution is designated, and with the resolution of, for example, 100×100 dpi when the normal resolution is designated.

Further, the CPU2encodes the transmission data to transmission data of TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) which can be transmitted via facsimile (S65), and transmits the header-information added transmission data to the facsimile apparatus11(S66).

As explained above based on the aspect, at the time of performing facsimile transmission, when a transmission destination for transmission from the facsimile apparatus11is designated in the PPD6c, and a transmission is instructed, transmission data is temporarily set in a standby state by the SPOOL process, and after the SPOOL process is terminated, the transmission destination is set by referring to the PPD6c. This makes it possible to set a transmission destination in the facsimile apparatus11without significantly changing the program or forming a new program using the system provided by the conventional CUPS6b.

If the PPD6cis rewritten while the transmission process is operation in a standby mode in the SPOOL process, data is transmitted to a transmission destination which is different from the intended transmission destination. Therefore, information described in the PPD6cis copied in the temporary area in the RAM3, and the transmission destination is added to such an image information which has been SPOOL-processed and will be transmitted based on the information copied in the temporary area. This makes it possible to set the correct transmission destination.

Also, when the facsimile transmission is instructed at the time of performing the facsimile transmission while designating the multicast communication list, the transmission data is temporarily set in the standby state by the SPOOL process operation, and after the SPOOL process operation is terminated, the transmission destination is set by referring to the multicast communication list. When the multicast communication list is rewritten in the standby state, the transmission data is transmitted to another transmission destination different from the intended transmission destination. When the transmission is instructed, therefore, rewriting of the multicast communication list is prohibited, and after the SPOOL process operation is terminated, another transmission destination is set by referring to the multicast communication list. This makes it possible to prevent rewriting of the multicast communication list during the SPOOL process operation and set the correct transmission destination.

Since the prohibition of rewriting of the multicast communication list is released after the transmission destination is set, the multicast communication list can be updated.

The process operations of S59to S65in the flow chart inFIG. 8correspond to a transmission data forming step. The process operation of S47in the flow chart inFIG. 7corresponds to a saving step.

The process operation of S41in the flow chart inFIG. 7corresponds to an instruction step. The process operation of S44in the flow chart inFIG. 7corresponds to a rewrite-prohibition setting storage step. The process operations of S63to S65in the flow chart inFIG. 8correspond to a transmission data forming step. The process operation of S66in the flow chart inFIG. 8corresponds to a transmission step. The process operation of S56in the flow chart inFIG. 8corresponds to a rewrite-prohibition releasing step.

Although the aspect of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the aspect, and it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be modified and altered in various forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

For example, in the aspect, the facsimile number of the transmission destination is described in the header of the image information to be transmitted, and is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus11. The facsimile number may alternatively sent as a file separate from image information.

In the aspect, the multicast communication list is designated in the front-end process operation. However, the multicast communication list, like the name of an individual, may be alternatively designated in the PPD6c, and the transmission destination may be alternatively added to FAX transmission data based on the multicast communication list designated in the PPD6c.

For example, as the method for prohibiting the rewriting operation as to the file of the multicast communication list, such a method of opening the file with exclusive writing designated during the prohibition period may be conceived. In the case that such a program to rewrite the multicast communication list is separately provided, the initiation of the program may be stopped, or rewriting of the file is not carried out even when an operation to rewrite the multicast communication list is performed.

The foregoing description of the aspect has been given of such a case that the facsimile numbers of the plurality of transmission destinations stored in the multicast communication list are described in the header of the image information to be transmitted and are sent to the facsimile apparatus11. However, such facsimile numbers may be alternatively sent as a separate file from the image information.

In the above-described aspect, when rewriting of the multicast communication list is prohibited, the rewrite prohibition is not displayed on the display unit5. Alternatively, such a message that the list rewriting operation is prohibited may be displayed on the display unit5, and the like. Furthermore, in this alternative case, when the prohibition of the list rewriting operation is released, such a display operation that the list rewriting operation is prohibited may be stopped.

Another aspect of the invention will now be described with reference toFIGS. 9 to 11.

A front-end process operation of this aspect will now be described referring toFIGS. 9 and 10.FIGS. 9 and 10are flow charts for illustrating the front-end process operation. As the front-end process operation is initiated with a PostScript file as an argument, the front-end process operation is effected as a front end so as to pass the PostScript file to the LPR command. In this case, the destination setting program produces an optical command for indicating the destination, and passes the optional command to the LPR command at the same time. On the other hand, the destination setting program may be alternatively initiated on stand alone. In this alternative case, a process operation for simply inputting a destination and writing the destination to the PPD6cis performed.

In the process operation shown inFIG. 9, an input screen14shown inFIG. 5is displayed (S121). Then, input data on either the display screen14or through the keyboard is acquired (S122). Next, the CPU2determines as to whether the acquired input data is the OK key14dor not (S123).

When the acquired input data corresponds to the OK key14d(S123: Yes), the process operation is advanced to a process operation shown inFIG. 10. When the acquired input data does not correspond to the OK key14d(S123: No), the CPU2determines as to whether the acquired input data corresponds to the cancel key14for not (S124). When the acquired input data is corresponds to the cancel key14f(S124: Yes), the CPU2accomplishes the front-end process operation. When the acquired input data does not correspond to the cancel key14f(S124: No), the CPU2determines whether the acquired input data corresponds to the register key14eor not (S125). When the acquired input data corresponds to the register key14e(S125: Yes), the CPU2performs a process operation of storing information for indicating transmission destinations which have been inputted so far in the PPD6c.

In this process operation, first, a dialog screen for designating the PPD6cis displayed (S129). A user selects the PPD6cto be rewritten. Next, transmission destination data, entered through a sequence of process operations to be described later, is written in the selected PPD6c(S130). This process operation displays the transmission destination data in a “FAX transmission destination” menu on the GUI screen shown inFIG. 2, permitting the user to select a transmission destination by the operation shown inFIG. 3. While the register key14eis often used when the program is initiated mainly on stand alone, the register key14ecan also be used when the program is initiated as a front end. When the multicast communication is being selected by the radio button14b, the operation of the register key14eis ignored and the process operation is advanced to a process operation of S126.

When the acquired input data does not correspond to the register key14e(S125: No), the CPU2determines as to whether the acquired input data instructs switching of the radio button14b(S126). When the acquired input data instructs switching of the radio button14b(S126: Yes), the CPU2changes the radio button14b. When the input data does not instruct switching of the radio button14b(S126: No), which means that the acquired input data corresponds to numerical data or character data, data is displayed in the transmission destination display window14a(S127). When the process operation of S127or S128is terminated, the process operation returns to the process of S122.

Referring now toFIG. 10, a description will be made of the process operations when the acquired input data corresponds to the OK key14d.FIG. 10is a flow chart for illustrating the process operation which is executed when the OK key14dis operated. First, the CPU2determines as to whether the radio button14bis set to a multicast communication or not (S141). When the radio button14bis not set to the multicast communication (S141: No), the facsimile number of the transmission destination is displayed in the transmission destination display window14a, so that an optional command character string for indicating that a subsequent character string is a facsimile number (e.g., “FAXNUMBER=”) is produced (S142).

When the radio button14bis set to be multicast communication (S141: Yes), a file name describing transmission destinations for the multicast communication is displayed in the transmission destination display window14a. Accordingly, an optional command character string for indicating that a subsequent character string is a facsimile number (e.g., “NUMBERLIST=”) is produced (S143), and multicast communication data described in the file with the file name shown in the transmission destination display window14ais copied into a temporary area provided in the RAM3(S144).

As a result, transmission information to be transmitted is stored in the SPOOL file, so that even if the multicast communication data file is rewritten during the storing operation, data when transmission was instructed is saved in the temporary area. Therefore, since the transmission destination is set by referring to the multicast communication list stored in the temporary area after the SPOOL process, it is possible to avoid that the transmission information is transmitted to a wrong transmission destination.

When the process operation of S142or the process operation of S144is ended, the character string displayed in the transmission destination display window14ais added to the optional character string (S145), the optional character string is added to the LPR command (S146), and the PPD6cis copied into the temporary area in the RAM3(S147). Further, the optional character string is produced based on the file name of the PPD6c, and added to the LPR command (S148) after which the front-end process operation is terminated.

The following is the reason for copying the PPD6c. While the transmission destination and the specifications of a transmission image are set by referring to the PPD6cafter the SPOOL process operation, if the PPD6cis changed during the setting operation, the transmission destination and the specifications of the transmission image are different from each other. Therefore, a copy of the PPD6cis formed and transmission data is produced based on the transmission destination and the specifications of the transmission image described in the copied PPD6c.

Next, aback-end process operation will be described with reference toFIG. 11.FIG. 11is a flow chart for illustrating the back-end process operation. In the back-end process operation, first, the CPU2analyzes an option in the command line of the LPR command (S151), and determines as to whether the facsimile number of the transmission destination as an option is added to the command line or not (S152).

When the facsimile number of the transmission destination as an option is added to the command line (S152: Yes), the facsimile number is stored in the FAX number list (S153). The FAX number list is a transmission destination list to be stored in, for example, the temporary area in the RAM3.

When the facsimile number of the transmission destination as an option is not added to the command line (S152: No) or the process operation of S53is terminated, the CPU2then determines as to whether the name of the multicast communication file is added as an option to the command line or not (S154). When the name of the multicast communication file is added to the command line as an option (S154: Yes), the facsimile number stored in the multicast communication list stored in the temporary area is stored in the FAX number list (S155). Even when the multicast communication list is rewritten during the SPOOL process, therefore, the multicast communication list copied into the temporary area is not rewritten, so that a correct transmission destination can be stored in the FAX number list.

Next, the multicast communication list stored in the temporary area is deleted (S156). The deletion erases unnecessary files thereafter from the memory, thus ensuring efficient use of the memory.

When the name of the multicast communication file is not added as an option to the command line in the decision process operation of S54(S154: No), or when the process operation of S56is terminated, the CPU2determines as to whether the FAX number list stored in the temporary area is empty or not (S157).

When the FAX number list stored in the temporary area is empty (S157: Yes), the CPU2determines as to whether the copied PPD6cis designated as an option into the command line or not (S158). When the PPD6cis copied in S147of the front-end process operation, the copied PPD6cas an option is designated in the command line in S148. When facsimile transmission is commanded in the command line without using the front-end process operation, a copy is not formed.

When the copied PPD6cis designated as an option (S158: Yes), information is acquired from the copied PPD6c(S159), and the copied PPD6cis deleted (S160).

On the other hand, when the copied PPD6cis not designated as an option in the command line (S158: No), information is acquired from the PPD6cregistered in the CUPS6b(S161). When the process operation of S160or S161is terminated, the facsimile number of the transmission destination acquired from the copied PPD6cor the PPD6cregistered in the CUPS6bis added to the FAX number list (S162) When the FAX number list stored in the temporary area is not empty (S157: No), or when the process operation of S162is terminated, the CPU2produces header information for describing the facsimile number of the transmission destination stored in the FAX number list (S163), and then rasterizes transmission data in the PostScript form, read from the SPOOL file, with the resolution set by the PPD6c, or the like (S164). For example, rasterization is executed with the resolution of, for example, 200×100 dpi when high resolution is designated, and with the resolution of, for example, 100 ×100 dpi when the normal resolution is designated.

Further, the CPU2encodes the transmission data to transmission data of TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) which can be transmitted via a facsimile machine (S165), and transmits the header-information added transmission data to the facsimile apparatus11(S166).

As described above based on the aspect, when transmission is instructed at the time of performing facsimile transmission with a multicast communication list designated, transmission data is temporarily set in a standby state by a SPOOL process operation, and after the SPOOL process operation is terminated, a transmission destination is set by referring to the multicast communication list. When the multicast communication list is rewritten in the standby state, the transmission data is transmitted to a transmission destination which is different from the intended transmission destination. When transmission is instructed, therefore, the multicast communication list is copied into the temporary area, and after the SPOOL process operation is terminated, a transmission destination is set by referring to the multicast communication list copied in the temporary area. Accordingly, it is it possible to prevent rewriting of the multicast communication list during the SPOOL process operation and set the correct transmission destination.

The process operation of S122in the flow chart inFIG. 9and the process operation of S143in the flow chart inFIG. 10correspond to a multicast communication list designating step. The process of S144in the flow chart inFIG. 10corresponds to a storage step. The processes operation of S163to S165in the flowchart inFIG. 11correspond to a transmission data forming step. The process operation of S166in the flow chart inFIG. 11corresponds to a transmission step. The process operation of S156in the flow chart inFIG. 11corresponds to a file deleting step.

Although the aspect of the invention has been described above, the invention is not limited to the aspect, and it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be modified and altered in various forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

For example, the foregoing description of the aspect has been made of such a case that the facsimile numbers of the plurality of transmission destinations stored in the multicast communication list are described in the header of the image information to be transmitted and are sent to the facsimile apparatus11. However, such facsimile numbers may be alternatively sent as a separate file from the image information.