Facsimile machine with facsimile data receiver and external computer

• US 6,323,962 B1
• Filed: 01/08/1997
• Issued: 11/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (Brother Industries Limited)
• Original Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (Brother Industries Limited)
• Inventors: Asano, Yuji, Itoh, Shingo, Minamizawa, Fumihiro
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Cheukfan
• Application Number:
  US08/780,330
• Time in Patent Office: 1,784 Days
• Field of Search: 358/442, 358/440, 358/407, 358/405, 358/468, 358/402, 358/434, 358/437, 379/100.01, 379/100.02, 379/100.09, 379/100.05, 379/100.06, 379/100.12
• US Class Current: 358/468
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00204 with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server programmed control between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N1/32561
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32005 Automation of particular receiver jobs, e.g. rejecting unwanted calls requesting a communication from a transmitter H04N1/32771; with picture signal storage for forwarding messages H04N1/32358
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32026 Changing the receiver mode of operation, e.g. paper reception to memory reception or vice versa H04N1/32673 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32379 Functions of a still picture terminal memory associated with reception
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/324 intermediate the transmitter and receiver terminals, e.g. at an exchange
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32704 Establishing a communication with one of a facsimile and another telecommunication apparatus sharing a single line
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32708 Telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32719 a facsimile calling signal, e.g. CNG
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0015 Control of image communication with the connected apparatus, e.g. signalling capability
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/007 Selecting or switching between a still picture apparatus or function and another apparatus or function H04N2201/0022 takes precedence

Abstract

A facsimile machine including a first facsimile-data transmitter including a first connector connectable to an external computer via a first communication line, and a second connector connectable to a second facsimile-data transmitter via a second communication line, the first facsimile-data transmitter transmitting, to the external computer via the first communication line, facsimile data transmitted from the second facsimile-data transmitter via the second communication line, the machine also including a facsimile-data receiver, and a control device which controls the first facsimile-data transmitter not to transmit the facsimile data to the external computer, and controls the facsimile-data receiver to receive the facsimile data, in place of the external computer.

Claims

1. A facsimile machine, comprising:

an image reader which reads an original image from an original and produces original-image data representing said original image;

a first connector connectable to an external computer via a communication cable;

a second connector connectable to an additional facsimile machine via a communication line;

a facsimile-data receiver which receives first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine, via said communication line and said second connector;

an image recorder which records, on a recording sheet, an image corresponding to said first facsimile data received by said facsimile-data receiver;

a facsimile-data transmitter which transmits second facsimile data including said original-image data to the additional machine via said second connector and said communication line, said facsimile-data transmitter transmitting, to the external computer via said first connector and said communication cable, said first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine via said communication line and said second connector;

a facsimile-data memory;

a control device which controls, in a first control mode, said facsimile-data receiver to receive said first facsimile data and controls said image recorder to record said image corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver,

said control device controlling, in a second control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer,

said control device controlling, in a third control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter not to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, and controlling said facsimile-data receiver to receive, in place of the computer, said first facsimile data and store the received first facsimile data in said facsimile-data memory,

said control device comprising judging means for judging whether said facsimile-data transmitter is permitted to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, based on information indicative of a state of the computer relating to data reception,

said control device controlling, in said second control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer when said judging means makes a positive judgment, and controlling, in said third control mode, said facsimile-data receiver to start receiving said first facsimile data in place of the computer when said judging means makes a negative judgment and to continue the reception of said first facsimile data until the additional facsimile machine ends the transmission of said first facsimile data; and

an operation-mode selector which selectively places the facsimile machine in a first operation mode in which said control device operates in said first control mode, and in a second operation mode in which said control device refers to a judgment of said judging means and, when said judging means makes said positive judgment, the control device operates in said second control mode and, when said judging means makes said negative judgment, the control device operates in said third control mode.

2. A facsimile machine according to claim 1, wherein said judging means comprises means for judging whether said facsimile-data transmitter is permitted to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, before the additional facsimile machine starts transmitting said first facsimile data to the facsimile machine.

3. A facsimile machine according to claim 1, wherein said judging means comprises means for judging whether said facsimile-data transmitter is permitted to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, while the additional facsimile machine transmits said first facsimile data to the facsimile machine.

4. A facsimile machine according to claim 1, wherein said control device comprises means for controlling said facsimile-data receiver to receive said first facsimile data in place of the external computer, while said judging means judges whether said facsimile-data transmitter is permitted to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer.

5. A facsimile machine according to claim 1, wherein said control device comprises means for transmitting a command to inhibit the additional facsimile machine from transmitting said first facsimile data to the facsimile machine, while said judging means judges whether said facsimile-data transmitter is permitted to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer.

6. A facsimile machine according to claim 1, wherein said control device comprises means for transmitting a command to request the external computer to receive said first facsimile data received by said facsimile-data receiver in place of the external computer, after the additional facsimile machine ends the transmission of said first facsimile data, and wherein said facsimile-data transmitter transmits, to the computer, the first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver in place of the external computer, when said judging means makes said positive judgment after the ending of the transmission of said first facsimile data.

7. A facsimile machine according to claim 1, wherein said control device comprises means for controlling said facsimile-data receiver to receive said first facsimile data having a highest one of a plurality of different levels of at least one communication parameter each of which level is feasible by the facsimile machine.

8. A facsimile machine according to claim 7, wherein said at least one communication parameter is selected from the group consisting of image resolution, sheet width, coding method, and data-transmission speed.

9. A facsimile machine according to claim 1 further comprising:

a modifying device which modifies said first facsimile data received by said facsimile-data receiver in place of the external computer, into the modified facsimile data having a level of at least one communication parameter which level is feasible by the external computer.

10. A facsimile machine according to claim 9, wherein said modifying device comprises means for modifying said first facsimile data received by said facsimile-data receiver in place of the external computer, into said modified facsimile data having a highest one of a plurality of different levels of said communication parameter each of which levels is feasible by the external computer.

11. A facsimile machine according to claim 9, wherein said at least one communication parameter is selected from the group consisting of image resolution, sheet width, coding method, and data-transmission speed.

12. A facsimile machine according to claim 9, wherein said control device comprises means for controlling said facsimile-data transmitter to transmit said modified facsimile data to the external computer, when said judging means makes a positive judgment.

13. A facsimile machine according to claim 1, wherein said facsimile-data receiver comprises a storing device including said facsimile-data memory, for storing said first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine, in said facsimile-data memory, at a timing of transmission of said first facsimile data,

said judging means comprises a consecutive judging means for consecutively judging whether said facsimile-data transmitter is permitted to transmit the first facsimile data stored in said facsimile-data memory, to the external computer, while said storing device stores, in said facsimile-data memory, said first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine, and

said control device controls, while said consecutive judging means continues to make a positive judgment, said. facsimile-data transmitter to transmit, to the external computer, the first facsimile data stored in said facsimile-data memory by said storing device.

14. A facsimile machine according to claim 13, wherein said controk device comprises first control means for controlling said facsimile-data transmitter to end the transmission of the first fsacimile data stored in said fascimile-data memory, when said judging means has continued to make negative judgments for more than a predetermined time.

15. A facsimile machine according to claim 14, wherein said control device comprises second control means for controlling said image recorder to record, on said recording sheet, said image corresponding to the first facsimile data stored in said facsimile-data memory, when said first control means ends the transmission of the first facsimile data stored in said facsimile-data memory and after the additional facsimile machine ends the transmission of said first facsimile data to the facsimile machine.

16. A facsimile machine according to claim 1, wherein said control device comprises means for operating in said first control mode, independent of said judgment of said judging means, when said first operation mode is selected by said operation-mode selector.

17. A facsimile machine according to claim 16, wherein said control device comprises means for inhibiting the operation of said judging means, when said first operation mode is selected by said operation-mode selector.

18. A facsimile machine, comprising:

an image reader which reads an original image from an original and produces original-image data representing said original image;

a first connector connectable to an external computer via a communication cable;

a second connector connectable to an additional facsimile machine via a communication line;

a facsimile-data receiver which receives first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine, via said communication line and said second connector;

an image recorder which records, on a recording sheet, an image corresponding to said first facsimile data received by said facsimile-data receiver;

a facsimile-data transmitter which transmits second facsimile data including said original-image data to the additional machine via said second connector and said communication line, said facsimile-data transmitter transmitting, to the external computer via said first connector and said communication cable, said first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine via said communication line and said second connector;

a control device which controls, in a first control mode, said facsimile-data receiver to receive said first facsimile data and controls said image recorder to record said image corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver,

said control device controlling, in a second control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, when the facsimile-data transmitter is permitted to transmit said first facsimile data to the computer,

said control device controlling, in a third control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter not to transmit said first facsimile data to the computer, controlling said facsimile-data receiver to receive, in place of the computer, said first facsimile data, and controlling said image recorder to record said image corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver in place of the computer, when the facsimile-data transmitter is not permitted to transmit said first facsimile data to the computer,

said control device comprising judging means for judging whether said facsimile-data transmitter is permitted to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, based on information indicative of a state of the computer relating to data reception,

said control device controlling, in said second control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer when said judging means makes a positive judgment, and controlling, in said third control mode, said image recorder to record said image corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver in place of the computer, when said judging means makes a negative judgment; and

an operation-mode selector which selectively places the facsimile machine in a first operation mode in which said control device does not operate said judging means and operates in said first control mode, and in a second operation mode in which said control device operates said judging means and, when said judging means makes said positive judgment, the control device operates in said second control mode and, when said judging means makes said negative judgment, the control device operates in said third control mode.

19. A fascimile machine according to claim 18, wherein said facsimile-data receiver comprises a facsimile-data memory which stores said first facsimile data received by said facsimile-data receiver in place of the external computer, when said judging means makes a negative judgment and simultaneously when said image recorder cannot record said image.

20. A facsimile machine according to claim 19, wherein said control device comprises means for controlling said image recorder to record said image corresponding to said first facsimile data stored in said facsimile-data memory, when the image recorder becomes able to record said image.

21. A facsimile machine, comprising:

an image reader which reads an original image from an original and produces original-image data representing said original image;

a first connector connectable to an external computer via a communication cable;

a second connector connectable to a remote data transmitter and a remote data receiver via a communication line;

a first data receiver which receives first facsimile data transmitted from the remote data transmitter, via said communication line and said second connector;

an image recorder which records, on a recording sheet, an image corresponding to said first facsimile data received by said first data receiver;

a first data transmitter which transmits second facsimile data including said original-image data to the remote data receiver as a second data receiver via said second connector and said communication line; and

a control device which controls, in a first control mode, said first data receiver to receive said first facsimile data transmitted from the remote data transmitter as a second data transmitter, and controls said image recorder to record said image corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the first data receiver,

said control device controlling, in a second control mode, said first data transmitter to transmit, to the external computer via said first connector and said communication cable, a first batch of data out of a plurality of batches of data transmitted from the second data transmitter via said communication line and said second connector, and not to transmit, to the computer, a second batch of data out of said plurality of batches of data,

said control device comprising first judging means for judging whether each batch of data out of said plurality of batches of data transmitted from the second data transmitter is a first sort of data or a second sort of data, said first sort of data and said second sort of data being different from each other,

said control device further comprising first control means for controlling, when said first judging means judges that each said batch of data is said first sort of data, said first data transmitter to transmit the first sort of data as said first batch of data, to the external computer, and controlling, when said first judging means judges that each said batch of data is said second sort of data, said first data transmitter not to transmit the second sort of data as said second batch of data, to the external computer.

22. A facsimile machine according to claim 21, further comprising a telephone set, and wherein said first judging means judges whether each said batch of data out of said plurality of batches of data transmitted from the second data transmitter is one of facsimile data comprising image data as said first sort of data and telephone data comprising sound data as said second sort of data and said first control means controls, when said first judging means judges that each said batch of data is said facsimile data as said first sort of data, said first data transmitter to transmit the facsimile data as said first batch of data, to the external computer, and controls, when said first judging means judges that said each batch of data is said telephone data as said second sort of data, said first data transmitter to transmit said telephone data as said second batch of data, to said telephone set.

23. A facsimile machine according to claim 21, wherein said first judging means comprises facsimile-data judging means for judging whether each said batch of data out of said plurality of batches of data transmitted from the second data transmitter is facsimile data comprising image data as said first sort of data, based on at least one detectable event relating to transmission of facsimile data.

24. A facsimile machine according to claim 23, wherein said fascimile date judging means comprises means for judging whether said each batch of data transmitted from the second data transmitter is said facsimile data, based on said at least one event selected from the group consisting of (a) a first event that the facsimile machine has received, from the second data transmitter, a CNG signal indicating that a batch of facsimile data follows, (b) a second event that a predetermined time has passed after the facsimile machine receives a call signal from the second data transmitter, (c) a third event that a user has input a command to receive said each batch of data transmitted from the second data transmitter, (d) a fourth event that the facsimile machine has generated a predetermined number of calling sounds to call a user, and (e) a fifth event that the facsimile machine has not received any sound data from the second data transmitter for more than a predetermined time after the facsimile machine transmits an answering message to the second data transmitter.

25. A facsimile machine according to claim 21, wherein said control device comprises:

second judging means for judging whether said first data transmitter is permitted to transmit, to the external computer, each said batch of data out of said batches of data transmitted from the second data transmitter, based on information indicative of a state of the computer relating to data reception; and

second control means for controlling, when said second judging means makes a positive judgment, said first data transmitter to transmit said first sort of data to the external computer, and controlling, when said second judging means makes a negative judgment, not to transmit the first sort of data to the computer.

26. A facsimile machine, comprising:

an image reader which reads an original image from an original and produces original-image data representing said original image;

a first connector connectable to an external computer via a communication cable;

a second connector connectable to an additional facsimile machine via a communication line;

a facsimile-data receiver which receives first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine, via said communication line and said second connector;

an image recorder which records, on a recording sheet, an image corresponding to said first facsimile data received by said facsimile-data receiver;

a facsimile-data transmitter which transmits second facsimile data including said original-image data to the additional machine via said second connector and said communication line, said facsimile-data transmitter transmitting, to the external computer via said first connector and said communication cable, said first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine via said communication line and said second connector;

a facsimile-data memory;

a control device which controls, in a first control mode, said facsimile-data receiver to receive said first facsimile data and controls said image recorder to record said image corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver,

said control device controlling, in a second control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer,

said control device controlling, in a third control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter not to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, and controlling said facsimile-data receiver to receive, in place of the computer, said first facsimile data and store the received first facsimile data in said facsimile-data memory,

said control device controlling, in a fourth control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter not to transmit said first facsimile data to the computer, controlling said facsimile-data receiver to receive, in place of the computer, said first facsimile data, and controlling said image recorder to record said image corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver in place of the computer,

said control device comprising judging means for judging whether said facsimile-data transmitter is permitted to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, based on information indicative of a state of the computer relating to data reception; and

an operation-mode selector which selectively places the facsimile machine in a first operation mode in which said control device operates in said first control mode, in a second operation mode in which said control device refers to a judgment of said judging means, and in a third operation mode which is different from said first and second operation modes and in which said control device refers to said judgment of said judging means,

said control device operating in said second control mode when said judging means makes a positive judgment in each of said second and third operation modes,

said control device operating in said third control mode when said judging means makes a negative judgment in said second operation mode,

said control device operating in said fourth control mode when said judging means makes said negative judgment in said third operation mode.

27. A facsimile machine according to claim 26, wherein said control device comprises means for controlling said facsimile-data transmitter to transmit, to the external computer, said first facsimile data received by said facsimile-data receiver in place of the computer, when said judging means makes said positive judgment after the additional facsimile machine ends the transmission of said first facsimile data.

28. A facsimile machine according to claim 26, wherein said control device comprises means for operating in said first control mode, independent of said judgment of said judging means, when said first operation mode is selected by said operation-mode selector.

29. A facsimile machine, comprising:

an image reader which reads an original image from an original and produces original-image data representing said original image;

a first connector connectable to an external computer via a communication cable;

a second connector connectable to an additional facsimile machine via a communication line;

a facsimile-data receiver which receives first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine, via said communication line and said second connector;

an image recorder which records, on a recording sheet, an image corresponding to said first facsimile data received by said facsimile-data receiver;

a facsimile-data transmitter which transmits second facsimile data including said original-image data to the additional machine via said second connector and said communication line, said facsimile-data transmitter transmitting, to the external computer via said first connector and said communication cable, said first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine via said communication line and said second connector;

a facsimile-data memory;

a control device which controls, in a first control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter to transmit said first facsimile data to the said external computer,

said control device controlling, in a second control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter not to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, and controlling said facsimile-data receiver to receive, in place of the computer, said first facsimile data and store the received first facsimile data in said facsimile-data memory,

said control device controlling, in a third control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter not to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, controlling said facsimile-data receiver to receive, in place of the computer, said first facsimile data, and controlling said image recorder to record said image corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver in place of the computer,

said control device comprising judging means for judging whether said facsimile-data transmitter is permitted to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, based on information indicative of a state of the computer relating to data reception; and

an operation-mode selector which selectively places the facsimile machine in a first and a second operation mode which are different from each other and in each of which said control device refers to a judgment of said judging means,

said control device operating in said first control mode when said judging means makes a positive judgment in said each of said first and second operation modes,

said control device operating in said second control mode when said judging means makes a negative judgment in said first operation mode,

said control device operating in said third control mode when said judging means makes said negative judgment in said second operation mode.

30. A facsimile controller, comprising:

an image input unit which obtains input image data representing an input image;

a first connector connectable to an external computer via a communication cable;

a second connector connectable to an additional facsimile machine via a communication line;

a facsimile-data receiver which receives first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine, via said communication line and said second connector;

an image output unit which outputs output image data corresponding to said first facsimile data received by said facsimile-data receiver;

a facsimile-data transmitter which transmits second facsimile data including said input image data to the additional machine via said second connector and said communication line, said facsimile-data transmitter transmitting, to the external computer via said first connector and said communication cable, said first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine via said communication line and said second connector;

a facsimile-data memory;

a control device which controls, in a first control mode, said facsimile-data receiver to receive said first facsimile data and controls said image output unit to output said output image data corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver,

said control device controlling, in a second control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer,

said control device controlling, in a third control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter not to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, and controlling said facsimile-data receiver to receive, in place of the computer, said first facsimile data and store the received first facsimile data in said facsimile-data memory,

said control device comprising judging means for judging whether said facsimile-data transmitter is permitted to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, based on information indicative of a state of the computer relating to data reception,

said control device controlling, in said second control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer when said judging means makes a positive judgment, and controlling, in said third control mode, said facsimile-data receiver to start receiving said first facsimile data in place of the computer when said judging means makes a negative judgment and to continue the reception of said first facsimile data until the additional facsimile machine ends the transmission of said first facsimile data; and

an operation-mode selector which selectively places the facsimile machine in a first operation mode in which said control device operates in said first control mode, and in a second operation mode in which said control device refers to a judgment of said judging means and, when said judging means makes said positive judgment, the control device operates in said second control mode and, when said judging means makes said negative judgment, the control device operates in said third control mode.

31. A facsimile controller, comprising:

an image input unit which obtains input image data representing an input image;

a first connector connectable to an external computer via a communication cable;

a second connector connectable to an additional facsimile machine via a communication line;

a facsimile-data receiver which receives first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine, via said communication line and said second connector;

an image output unit which outputs output image data corresponding to said first facsimile data received by said facsimile-data receiver;

a facsimile-data transmitter which transmits second facsimile data including said input image data to the additional machine via said second connector and said communication line, said facsimile-data transmitter transmitting, to the external computer via said first connector and said communication cable, said first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine via said communication line and said second connector;

a control device which controls, in a first control mode, said facsimile-data receiver to receive said first facsimile data and controls said image output unit to output said output image data corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver,

said control device controlling, in a second control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer,

said control device controlling, in a third control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter not to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, controlling said facsimile-data receiver to receive, in place of the computer, said first facsimile data, and controlling said image output unit to output said output image data corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver in place of the computer,

said control device comprising judging means for judging whether said facsimile-data transmitter is permitted to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, based on information indicative of a state of the computer relating to data reception,

said control device controlling, in said second control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer when said judging means makes a positive judgment, and controlling, in said third control mode, said image output unit to output said output image data corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver in place of the computer, when said judging means makes a negative judgment; and

an operation-mode selector which selectively places the facsimile machine in a first operation mode in which said control device operates in said first control mode, and in a second operation mode in which said control device refers to a judgment of said judging means and, when said judging means makes said positive judgment, the control device operates in said second control mode and, when said judging means makes said negative judgment, the control device operates in said third control mode.

32. A facsimile controller, comprising:

an image input unit which obtains input-image data representing an input image;

a first connector connectable to an external computer via a communication cable;

a second connector connectable to a remote data transmitter and a remote data receiver via a communication line;

a first data receiver which receives first facsimile data transmitted from the remote data transmitter, via said communication line and said second connector;

an image output unit which outputs output image data representing an output image corresponding to said first facsimile data received by said first data receiver;

a first data transmitter which transmits second facsimile data including said input image data to the remote data receiver as a second data receiver via said second connector and said communication line; and

a control device which controls, in a first control mode, said first data receiver to receive said first facsimile data transmitted from the remote data transmitter as a second data transmitter, and controls said image output unit to output said output image data corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the first data receiver,

said control device controlling, in a second control mode, said first data transmitter to transmit, to the external computer via said first connector and said communication cable, a first batch of data out of a plurality of batches of data transmitted from the second data transmitter via said communication line and said second connector, and not to transmit, to the computer, a second batch of data out of said plurality of batches of data,

said control device comprising first judging means for judging whether each batch of data out of said plurality of batches of data transmitted from the second data transmitter is a first sort of data or a second sort of data, said first sort of data and said second sort of data being different from each other,

said control device further comprising first control means for controlling, when said first judging means judges that said each batch of data is said first sort of data, said first data transmitter to transmit the first sort of data as said first batch of data, to the external computer, and controlling, when said first judging means judges that said each batch of data is said second sort of data, said first data transmitter not to transmit the second sort of data as said second batch of data, to the external computer.

33. A facsimile controller, comprising:

an image input unit which obtains input-image data representing an input image;

a first connector connectable to an external computer via a communication cable;

a second connector connectable to an additional facsimile machine via a communication line;

a facsimile-data receiver which receives first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine, via said communication line and said second connector;

an image output unit which outputs output image data corresponding to said first facsimile data received by said facsimile-data receiver;

a facsimile-data transmitter which transmits second facsimile data including said input-image data to the additional machine via said second connector and said communication line, said facsimile-data transmitter transmitting, to the external computer via said first connector and said communication cable, said first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine via said communication line and said second connector;

a facsimile-data memory;

a control device which controls, in a first control mode, said facsimile-data receiver to receive said first facsimile data and controls said image output unit to output said output image data corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver,

said control device controlling, in a second control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer,

said control device controlling, in a third control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter not to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, and controlling said facsimile-data receiver to receive, in place of the computer, said first facsimile data and store the received first facsimile data in said facsimile-data memory,

said control device controlling, in a fourth control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter not to transmit said first facsimile data to the computer, controlling said facsimile-data receiver to receive, in place of the computer, said first facsimile data, and controlling said image output unit to output said output image data corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver in place of the computer,

said control device comprising judging means for judging whether said facsimile-data transmitter is permitted to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, based on information indicative of a state of the computer relating to data reception; and

an operation-mode selector which selectively places the facsimile machine in a first operation mode in which said control device operates in said first control mode, in a second operation mode in which said control device refers to a judgment of said judging means, and in a third operation mode which is different from said first and second operation modes and in which said control device refers to said judgment of said judging means,

said control device operating in said second control mode when said judging means makes a positive judgment in each of said second and third operation modes,

said control device operating in said third control mode when said judging means makes a negative judgment in said second operation mode,

said control device operating in said fourth control mode when said judging means makes said negative judgment in said third operation mode.

34. A facsimile controller, comprising:

an image input unit which obtains input-image data representing an input image;

a first connector connectable to an external computer via a communication cable;

a second connector connectable to an additional facsimile machine via a communication line;

a facsimile-data receiver which receives first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine, via said communication line and said second connector;

an image output unit which outputs output image data corresponding to said first facsimile data received by said facsimile-data receiver;

a facsimile-data transmitter which transmits second facsimile data including said input image data to the additional machine via said second connector and said communication line, said facsimile-data transmitter transmitting, to the external computer via said first connector and said communication cable, said first facsimile data transmitted from the additional facsimile machine via said communication line and said second connector;

a facsimile-data memory;

a control device which controls, in a first control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer,

said control device controlling, in a second control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter not to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, and controlling said facsimile-data receiver to receive, in place of the computer, said first facsimile data and store the received first facsimile data in said facsimile-data memory,

said control device controlling, in a third control mode, said facsimile-data transmitter not to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, controlling said facsimile-data receiver to receive, in place of the computer, said first facsimile data, and controlling said image output unit to output said output image data corresponding to said first facsimile data received by the facsimile-data receiver in place of the computer,

said control device comprising judging means for judging whether said facsimile-data transmitter is permitted to transmit said first facsimile data to the external computer, based on information indicative of a state of the computer relating to data reception; and

an operation-mode selector which selectively places the facsimile machine in a first and a second operation mode which are different from each other and in each of which said control device refers to a judgment of said judging means,

said control device operating in said first control mode when said judging means makes a positive judgment in said each of said first and second operation modes,

said control device operating in said second control mode when said judging means makes a negative judgment in said first operation mode,

said control device operating in said third control mode when said judging means makes said negative judgment in said second operation mode.

35. A facsimile machine, comprising:

at least one of a first facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a private communication line to an external personal computer for receiving, from the personal computer, designating data designating a telephone set;

a calling device which calls said telephone set designated by said designating data so as to connect said facsimile machine to the telephone set via a public communication line;

a judging means for judging a condition of a facsimile transmission; and

informing means for informing said external personal computer of said judged condition, wherein said judging means and said informing means are housed in said facsimile machine.

36. A facsimile machine, comprising:

at least one of a facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a private communication line to an external personal computer for receiving, from the personal computer, designating data designating a telephone set;

a calling device which calls said telephone set designated by said designating data, so as to connect said facsimile machine to the telephone set via a public communication line;

judging means for judging whether said calling device successfully called the telephone set; and

informing means for informing the external personal computer of a judgment made by said judging means that said calling device failed to call the telephone set.

37. A facsimile machine, comprising:

at least one of a first facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a first communication line to an external computer for receiving, from the computer, designating data designating a telephone set;

a calling device which calls said telephone set designated by said designating data, so as to connect said facsimile machine to the telephone set via a second communication line;

judging means for judging whether said calling device successfully called the telephone set; and

informing means for informing the external computer of a judgment made by said judging means that said calling device failed to call the telephone set.

38. A facsimile machine, comprising:

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a private communication line to an external personal computer;

a calling device which calls a telephone set so as to connect said facsimile machine to the telephone set via a public communication line;

judging means for judging whether said calling device successfully called the telephone set; and

informing means for informing the external personal computer of a judgment made by said judging means that said calling device failed to call the telephone set.

39. A facsimile machine, comprising:

at least one of a first facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a calling device which calls a telephone set so as to connect said facsimile machine to the telephone set via a communication line;

judging means for judging whether said calling device successfully called the telephone set; and

informing means for informing the external computer of a judgment made by said judging means that said calling device failed to call the telephone set.

40. A facsimile machine, comprising:

at least one of a first facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a private communication line to an external personal computer for receiving, from the personal computer, designating data designating a second facsimile machine;

a communication device that communicates with said second facsimile machine designated by said designating data so as to connect said facsimile machine to the second facsimile machine via a public communication line;

a judging means for judging a condition of a facsimile transmission; and

informing means for informing said external personal computer of said judged condition, wherein said judging means and said informing means are housed in said facsimile machine.

41. A facsimile machine, comprising:

at least one of a facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a private communication line to an external personal computer for receiving, from the personal computer, designating data designating a second facsimile machine;

a communication device that communicates with said second facsimile machine designated by said designating data, so as to connect said facsimile machine to the second facsimile machine via a public communication line;

judging means for judging whether said calling device successfully called the second facsimile machine; and

informing means for informing the external personal computer of a judgment made by said judging means that said communication device failed to communicate with the second facsimile machine.

42. A facsimile machine, comprising:

at least one of a first facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a first communication line to an external computer for receiving, from the computer, designating data designating a second facsimile machine;

a communication device that communicates with said second facsimile machine designated by said designating data, so as to connect said facsimile machine to the second facsimile machine via a second communication line;

judging means for judging whether said communication device successfully communicates with the second facsimile machine; and

informing means for informing the external computer of a judgment made by said judging means that said communication device failed to communicate with the second facsimile machine.

43. A facsimile machine, comprising:

at least one of a first facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a first communication line to an external personal computer for receiving, from the personal computer, designating data designating a telephone set;

a calling device which calls said telephone set designated by said designating data so as to connect said facsimile machine to the telephone set via a second communication line;

a judging means for judging a condition of a facsimile transmission; and

informing means for informing said external personal computer of said judged condition, wherein said judging means and said informing means are housed in said facsimile machine.

44. A facsimile machine, comprising:

at least one of a first facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a first communication line to an external personal computer for receiving, from the personal computer, designating data designating a second facsimile machine;

a communication device that communicates with said second facsimile machine designated by said designating data so as to connect said facsimile machine to the second facsimile machine via a second communication line;

a judging means for judging a condition of a facsimile transmission; and

informing means for informing said external personal computer of said judged condition, wherein said judging means and said informing means are housed in said facsimile machine.

45. A facsimile machine, comprising:

a connector connectable to an external computer;

a calling device which calls, based on a command received from the external computer, one of a plurality of facsimile machines other than the facsimile machine, so as to connect the facsimile machine to said one facsimile machine; and

inhibiting means for inhibiting said calling device from calling any of said plurality of facsimile machines other than the facsimile machine while said facsimile machine is connected to a telephone set.

46. A facsimile machine, comprising:

a first facsimile-data receiver comprising a connector connectable via a first communication line to an external computer for receiving, from the computer, computer data comprising first facsimile data;

a facsimile-data transmitter which transmits second facsimile data via a second communication line to a second facsimile-data receiver;

a calling device which calls, based on a command received from the computer, one of a plurality of facsimile machines other than the facsimile machine, so as to connect the facsimile machine to said one facsimile machine via a corresponding one of respective communication lines; and

inhibiting means for inhibiting said calling device from calling any of said plurality of facsimile machines other than the facsimile machine while said facsimile machine is connected to a telephone set via a third communication line.

47. A facsimile machine, comprising:

a calling device which calls, based on a command received from the external computer, one of a plurality of facsimile machines other than the facsimile machine, so as to connect the facsimile machine to said one facsimile machine; and

inhibiting means for inhibiting said calling device from calling any of said plurality of facsimile machines other than the facsimile machine while said facsimile machine is connected to a telephone set.

48. A facsimile machine, comprising:

a connector connectable to an external computer;

a communication device that communicates, based on a command received from the external computer, one of a plurality of facsimile machines other than the facsimile machine, so as to connect the facsimile machine to said one facsimile machine; and

inhibiting means for inhibiting said communication device from communicating with any of said plurality of facsimile machines other than the facsimile machine while said facsimile machine is connected to a second facsimile machine.

49. A facsimile machine, comprising:

a first facsimile-data receiver comprising a connector connectable via a first communication line to an external computer for receiving, from the computer, computer data comprising first facsimile data;

a facsimile-data transmitter which transmits second facsimile data via a second communication line to a second facsimile-data receiver;

a communication device that communicates with one of a plurality of facsimile machines other than the facsimile machine based on a command received from the computer so as to connect the facsimile machine to said one facsimile machine via a corresponding one of respective communication lines; and

inhibiting means for inhibiting said communication device from communicating with any of said plurality of facsimile machines other than the facsimile machine while said facsimile machine is connected to a second facsimile machine via a third communication line.

50. A facsimile machine, comprising:

at least one of a first facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a first communication line to an external computer for receiving, from the computer, designating data designating a second facsimile machine;

a communication device that communicates with said second facsimile machine designated by said designating data, so as to connect said facsimile machine to the second facsimile machine via a second communication line;

said first facsimile-data receiver which receives computer data comprising first facsimile data from the external computer via said first communication line; and

said first facsimile-data transmitter which transmits, in response to a command received from the external computer, said first facsimile data to one of a plurality of facsimile-data receivers other than said first facsimile-data receiver via a corresponding one of respective communication lines.

51. A facsimile machine, comprising:

a facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a private communication line to an external personal computer for receiving, from the personal computer, designating data designating a telephone set; and

a calling device which calls said telephone set designated by said designating data, so as to connect said facsimile machine to the telephone set via a public communication line;

said first facsimile-data receiver receiving computer data comprising first facsimile data from the external personal computer via said private communication line;

said first facsimile-data transmitter transmitting, in response to a command received from the external personal computer, said first facsimile data to one of a plurality of facsimile-data receivers other than said first facsimile-data receiver via a corresponding one of respective communication lines.

52. A facsimile machine, comprising:

at least one of a first facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a first communication line to an external computer for receiving, from the computer, designating data designating a telephone set;

a calling device which calls said telephone set designated by said designating data, so as to connect said facsimile machine to the telephone set via a second communication line;

said first facsimile-data receiver which receives computer data comprising first facsimile data from the external computer via said first communication line; and

said first facsimile-data transmitter which transmits, in response to a command received from the external computer, said first facsimile data to one of a plurality of facsimile-data receivers other than said first facsimile-data receiver via a corresponding one of respective communication lines.

53. A facsimile machine, comprising:

a facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a private communication line to an external personal computer;

said first facsimile-data receiver receiving computer data comprising first facsimile data from the external personal computer via said private communication line; and

said first facsimile-data transmitter transmitting, in response to a command received from the external personal computer, said first facsimile data to one of a plurality of facsimile-data receivers other than said first facsimile-data receiver via a corresponding one of respective communication lines.

54. A facsimile machine, comprising:

at least one of a first facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a first communication line to an external computer;

said first facsimile-data receiver which receives computer data comprising first facsimile data from the external computer via said first communication line; and

said first facsimile-data transmitter which transmits, in response to a command received from the external computer, said first facsimile data to one of a plurality of facsimile-data receivers other than said first facsimile-data receiver via a corresponding one of respective communication lines.

55. A facsimile machine, comprising:

a facsimile-data transmitter and a first facsimile-data receiver;

a data receiver including a connector connectable via a private communication line to an external personal computer for receiving, from the personal computer, designating data designating a second facsimile machine; and

a communication device that communicates with said second facsimile machine designated by said designating data, so as to connect said facsimile machine to the second facsimile machine via a public communication line;

said first facsimile-data receiver receiving computer data comprising first facsimile data from the external personal computer via said private communication line;

said first facsimile-data transmitter transmitting, in response to a command received from the external personal computer, said first facsimile data to one of a plurality of facsimile-data receivers other than said first facsimile-data receiver via a corresponding one of respective communication lines.