WO1995030958A1

WO1995030958A1 - Multi-tasking, multi-functional document processing system

Info

Publication number: WO1995030958A1
Application number: PCT/GB1995/000900
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Drori; Amiram Carmon
Original assignee: Systems Resources Ltd.
Priority date: 1994-05-04
Filing date: 1995-04-20
Publication date: 1995-11-16
Also published as: AU2263395A

Abstract

A multi-functional document processing system has a facsimile transmitter and receiver, a scanner, and a printer. A control processor controls each component and performs a plurality of functions simultaneously using a plurality of tasks. The tasks include at least a facsimile task to perform document transmitting and receiving, a scanning task to perform document scanning, a printing task to perform document printing, and a human-interface task to interface with a user. Each task is maintained in a wait state in a waiting queue (86) until the task is activated. Tasks are activated in response to a user request or by another already activated task. Active tasks are stored in an active task queue (88). A multi-tasking scheduler (82) schedules and allocates processor execution time to each active task. An operating system kernel (84) controls inter-task communications and common resource allocation to the active tasks. The operating tasks and multi-tasking scheduler (82) allow a first document to be received by the facsimile (16) and a second document to be printed by printer (22) from a storage facility (24) to be executed simultaneously. Other operations are also capable of simultaneous execution. These include scanning a third document by scanner (12) into document storage (24) and uploading a fourth document from storage (24) through a computer interface (26) to a connected computer. The system is capable of many other combinations of multi-tasked operations.

Description

MULTI-TASKING, HULTI-FUNCTIONAL DOCUMENT PROCESSING SYSTEM

Background of the Invention The present invention relates to the ~t of document processing. It finds particular applies—on in conjunction with multi-functional document processing systems having at least facsimile, scanning, copying, and printing functions and will be described with particular reference thereto.

A typical office requires a facsimile machine, a copier, and a printer. These mach; -.es are normally found as stand-alone equipment which operate in their own environment. Efforts in providing more efficient and conve _^ent machines has led into combining the fax, printer and copier into one machine.

Although combining these functions seemed to simplify the office equipment environment, it created disadvantages. Limited resources and poor processing technology caused poor response time, competition for resources and prohibited true multi-tasking capabilities.

With the introduction of plain paper fax devices based on ink jet and xerographic printing technology, fax equipment now shares the same fundamental engine output platform as PC printers. By incorporating multi-functional peripheral controller technology, devices can perform multiple functions. The Office Jet by Hewlett Packard is an example. The multi-functional document processing system can operate as a stand-alone fax and convenience copier, and through a connection to a PC could also function as a PC printer, PC scanner, or PC-fax modem. Devices exist which allow a user to load documents into memory while receiving a facsimile. This feature is known as "Dual Access." However, these devices suffer from an inability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously (multi-tasking) . Sending or receiving fax messages can not be performed while PC printing or copying is performed. This causes the user to wait for operations to be performed and productivity decreases. Other problems included poor resolution in printing, scanning and copying. The.present invention provides a multi-functional document processing system having a multi-tasking capability which overcomes the above-referenced problems and others.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved method and apparatus for a multi-functional document processing system is provided. The multi-functional document processing system includes a facsimile transmitter and receiver, a scanner, a printer, and a human-interface. A task generator generates and assigns tasks to perform the functions of the multi-functional document processing system. The tasks include at least a facsimile task to perform document transmitting and receiving, a scanning task to perform the document scanning, a printing task to perform the document printing, and a human-interface task to interface with a user. Each task is maintained in a wait state until it is activated. Tasks are activated in response to a user request or. by another already activated task. A multi-tasking scheduler schedules the activated tasks to a processor for execution according to a multi-tasking schedule. The activated tasks are simultaneously executed according to the multi-tasking schedule.

In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, a computer interface task is generated and assigned to perform document transfers between the multi-functional document processing system and a connected computer.

In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, documents are stored in a document memory as each document is generated by one of the tasks.

In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, in response to a first request, the facsimile task is activated to transmit a first document from the document memory to a remote device. In response to a second request, the printer task is activated to print a second document stored in the document memory. The facsimile task and the printer task are simultaneously executed according to the multi-tasking schedule.

One advantage of the present invention is that the functions of transmitting and receiving documents, scanning documents, printing documents, and transferring documents between a connected computer are simultaneously executed by multi-tasking.

Still further advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

FIGURE 1 is a system block diagram of the present invention; and,

FIGURE 2 is a hardware implementation of the multi-functional document processing system in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 3 is a diagram of the multi-tasking system in accordance with the present invention. Detailed Description of Preferred τ.τnbodiments

With reference to FIGURE 1, a multi-functional document processing system has a document feeder 10 which receives documents as input. A document scanner subsystem 12 produces digital signals representative of the inputted document. A line interface 14 is connected to a facsimile subsystem 16. The facsimile subsystem includes a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving data across the line interface 14 to a remote device. A control processor 18 coordinates the subsystems and processes the digital signals in accordance with a user request inputted through a human-interface 20. The user request can designate one or more operation modes of the multi-functional document processing system. The operational modes include transmitting the inputted document to a remote destination by the facsimile, creating a copy of the inputted document by a printer subsystem 22, and storing the document in a document storage subsystem 24 for future processing. Many other operational modes will be apparent from reading this disclosure.

A computer interface 26 provides a data path between the control processor of the multi-functional document processing system and a computer or a network of computers. The data is carried over a communications carrier medium 28 such as a cable, a wireless channel, a local area network, a wide area network, or any other carrier medium which is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A user operating a computer connected with the computer interface 26 can control the multi-functional document processing system as a PC printer, PC scanner, PC fax, copier, and transfer documents to and from the document storage subsystem 24. In accordance with a user command, the control processor 18 generates a list of documents stored in the document storage subsystem 24. The user can select a desired document and request one or more operations to be performed by the multi-functional document processing system. The user can also transfer a PC-based document to the ulti-funcrional document processing system to be transmitted, printed, stored, or any combination of operations. The control processor 18 includes a computer interface task to operate the functions of the computer interface 26. Alternately, more than one interface can be provided.

The document scanner 12, the facsimile 16, and the computer interface 26 are document generator subsystems in which a document may originate. The control processor 18 includes means for storing documents in the document storage subsystem 24 as the documents are generated by one of the document generator subsystems. The means for storing include dedicated circuits, chips, software, or any combination of circuits, chips and software. The facsimile 16, the printer 22, and the computer interface 26 are document consumer subsystems since they perform outputting functions.

In the preferred embodiment, the document storage subsystem 24 includes dynamic random access memory (dynamic RAM) . Alternately, other types of memory such as bubble memory, holographic memory, magnetic devices, and other variations of random access memory can be used. When a document is generated by one of the generator subsystems, the control processor 18 transfers the document to the document storage subsystem. The document storage subsystem 24 assigns an identification code, such as a document number, to each document and stores the document. The user selects documents by the identification code.

With reference to FIGURE 2, the document storage subsystem 24 includes a compression/expansion processor 30, a dynamic RAM controller 32, and a document memory 34. The dynamic RAM controller 32 generates control and address signals for the document memory 34 and executes refresh cycles. The compression/expansion processor 30 compresses data before the data is stored. The data is decompressed back into its original format before being sent to the printer. The compression/expansion processor 30 also compresses and decompresses data according to the CONSULTIVE COMMITTEE FOR INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS (CCITT) standards of MMR format, MH format, and MR format. Alternatively, the compression and expansion is performed by software. A DMA controller 36 controls the transferring of original and compressed bit map images between the compression/expansion processor 30 and a dynamic RAM 38. Dynamic RAM 38 is a memory which stores temporary data, temporary variables, and lists of documents to be transmitted with their destinations. Alternately, other types of memory can be used such as cache and other variations of random access memory as known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

As documents are generated by the scanner 12, received by the facsimile 16, or received from the computer interface 26, the storing means of the control processor 18 stores the documents in the document storage subsystem 24.

The facsimile subsystem 16 includes a transmitting and receiving data/voice modem 40, analog switches 42 and 44, a microphone 46, a speaker 48, and a telephone line interface circuit 50. The modem 40 converts facsimile data, binary data, voice data, and other types of data from analog signals to digital signals and vice-versa. The modem 40 also includes circuitry to compensate and adjust for non-ideal communications connections. Sinusoidal signals and sinusoidal signal pairs are generated for tone dialing and other signalling purposes. The modem receives analog voltages at an analog input 52. When signals of specified frequencies and amplitudes are detected at the analog input 52, the control processor 18 is notified and begins control of transferring received data between the modem 40 and the document memory 34 where the data is stored as a document. Analog switch 42 switches the analog output 54 between the telephone line interface circuit and the speaker 48. Analog switch 44 switches the analog input 52 between the telephone line interface circuit and the microphone 46. The analog switches are controlled by the control processor 18 and a general 10 circuit 56.

The human-interface 20 includes panel keys 58, panel LEDs 60, and a liquid crystal display 62 (LCD) . The control processor 18 includes a human-interface task to control and communicate with the human-interface 20 and other tasks. The human-interface 20 is disposed on an exterior portion of the multi-functional document processing system where it is visible and accessible to the user. The user inputs information to the system through the panel keys 58 and the system provides information to the user through the panel LEDs 60 and the liquid crystal display 62. The user can review a list of documents stored in the document memory 34 and select a desired document for instant or future transmission, printing, uploading, deletion, or any combination of operations. The user can request a variety of operations through the human-interface 20 which are described in detail below.

The user manually inputs a document to the multi-functional document processing system using the scanner subsystem 12. Pages of the document are deposited in the document feeder 10 which feeds the document page by page to the document scanner 12. During a scan, a contact image sensor 64 sequentially illuminates portions of a document page. Video signals representative of the illuminated portion are generated. A scanner video interface 66 digitizes the video signals from the contact image sensor into an image bit map. Alternately, a charge coupled device can be substituted for the contact image sensor. A scanner motor 68 which is driven by a scanner motor driver 70, advances the document page during the scan. The image bit map generated is transferred to and stored in the -dynamic RAM 38 by the DMA controller 36 so that the documents can be processed according to a selected operation. The control processor 18 includes a scanner task which operates the functions of the scanner subsystem 12. The scanner task also controls transferring the document after scanning to the document storage subsystem 24 where the document is compressed, assigned an identification code, and stored in the document memory 34. The printer 22 includes a printing engine 72 and a printing engine controller 74. The printing engine 72 records images on paper using well known printing technology including laser and inkjet engines. The printing engine 72 includes an energy source, a photo sensitive drum, a paper advance mechanism, a toner supply mechanism, and a toner fixing oven which are well-known in the art. The control processor includes a printer task to control the printing engine by communicating with the printing engine controller 74.

Documents to be printed by the printer 22, are in image bit map format. Even when a document is in image bit map format, discrepancies may exist between the horizontal resolution of the' document and the horizontal printing resolution of the printing engine 72. Before printing, an image sealer 76 adjusts the horizontal resolution of the image bit map to compensate for any discrepancies between the horizontal resolutions of the document and the printing engine. The image sealer 76 also reduces document image sizes which are too large to fit on the printing paper. The image sealer 76 may also enlarge image sizes according to a user's request. The image bit map to be printed is stored in the dynamic RAM 38 until it is transferred to the image sealer by the DMA controller. When scaling is complete, the scaled data is transferred back to the dynamic RAM and then to the printer 22 for printing. The control processor 18 includes means to control the overall operations of the DMA controller 36 and the image sealer 76 such as circuitry, software, digital chips, or any combination thereof.

A power supply 78 generates power for the multi-functional system. The power supply converts AC line voltage into various voltages required by the electrical and electromechanical components of the system. In the preferred embodiment, a portion of the document memory 34 is permanently reserved for documents received by the facsimiles subsystem. This prevents the user from exhausting document memory 34 with local documents or transmit documents which will prohibit the successful reception of documents by the facsimile receiver.

With reference to FIGURES 2 and 3, an operating means 80 controls and coordinates the functions of the multi-functional document processing system. The operating means 80 includes the control processor.18, a dedicated processor, a plurality of processors, software, an operating system, or any combination thereof. The operating means 80 generates and executes a task for each subsystem. Each task is dedicated to perform the operations of its assigned- subsystem. The tasks include the human-interface task, a transaction tracking task, the facsimile task, an error correcting mode task, the scanner task, the printer task, a page description language (PDL) interpretation task, the computer interface task, and an idle task. Additional tasks can be generated including a video system task, a sound recording/playback task, and a batch task.

The human-interface task controls the interactions between the user and the multi-functional document processing system through the human-interface 20. A user inputs requests through the panel keys 58 and output is displayed by the system through the panel LEDs 60 and liquid crystal display 62. The human-interface task activates other tasks as necessary to accomplish requests from the user inputted through the panel keys 58. The human-interface task also communicates with the other tasks during execution. The other tasks send signals to the human-interface task indicating the execution state of the other tasks. The human-interface task displays the execution state to the user on the liquid crystal display 62 or by turning the panel LEDs 60 on and off. The transaction tracking task performs bookkeeping duties associated with scheduling transactions requested by the user. For example, printing an incoming facsimile document after it is received and providing transaction reports, etc.

The facsimile task controls the facsimile subsystem 16 and the line interface 14 during facsimile transactions. The facsimile task includes protocols as defined by the CONSULTIVE COMMITTEE FOR INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS (CCITT) T.4, T.6, and T.30 specifications. The facsimile task is activated for a transmission transaction in response to a user request by the human-interface task, or for a receiving operation as a result of detecting an incoming document by the facsimile receiver 40. To transmit a document stored in the document memory 34, the facsimile task opens the document to be sent, initiates the transmitter of the modem 40, and transmits the document page by page. For a direct send, the facsimile task is synchronized with the scanner task to receive a document through the scanner to be transmitted. In a receiving operation, the document is received by the receiver and the facsimile task writes the document to a file in the. document memory 34 and activates the printer task for printing. Throughout transmission or reception, the facsimile task sends signals to the human-interface task indicating the current status of the transactions. The current status includes waiting for a dialtone, dialing, call answered, page received, etc.

The error correcting mode task decodes documents in an error correcting mode while the document is being received by the modem 40. The error correcting mode task executes and cooperates with the facsimile task by checking for errors occurring during the reception of a document through the modem 40. The scanner task manages the scanner subsystem 12 and document feeder 10. A document is scanned for a local copy, for transmission by the facsimile 16 for storage in document memory 34, or for uploading to the connected computer. The scanner task receives a user request and initiates the scanning operation and activates other tasks as necessary. In case of a transmission request, the scanner task is synchronized with the facsimile task. All documents scanned are stored into memory 34. The scanner task sends signals to the human-interface task indicating the current status of operations to allow the user to track the scanning operation. The printer task manages the printing subsystem

22. Documents to be printed are generated from the facsimile receiver 40, downloaded from the connected computer, scanned by the scanner 12, or retrieved from the document memory 34. Like the other tasks, the printer task sends signals to the human-interface task indicating the progress of the printing operation. In response to the printing request, the printer task is activated by the facsimile task, by the computer interface task, or by the scanner task according to the origin of the document. The printer task also controls the operations of the image sealer 76 as needed.

The computer interface task implements communications protocol between the multi-functional document processing system and the connected computer or computer network through the computer interface 26. The computer interface task controls uploading and downloading of documents. This task also handles requests from the connected computer to perform PC-printing, PC-scanning, and PC-fax operations. The idle task is a dummy task and is always active. The idle task executes only when no other task is active.

With further reference to FIGURE 3, the operating means 80 generates the tasks from predefined software routines and executes them as a multi-tasking system. Each task is allocated with resources that are not shared with any other task. The allocated resources include interrupts, memory and DMA channels. Competition and conflicts for these resources between the tasks does not occur. The operating means includes a real-time preemptive multi-tasking scheduler 82 for scheduling and allocating processor execution time to each task requiring execution. The multi-tasking' scheduler schedules active tasks in a predetermined manner such as in a random order or according to a priority scheme. In the preferred embodiment, all tasks have the same priority except for the facsimile task which is given a higher priority. The operating means also includes an operating system kernel 84 which controls inter-task communications and common resource allocation.

With further reference to FIGURE 3, the operating means includes a means for maintaining the tasks in a wait state until each task is activated. In the preferred embodiment, tasks which are in the wait state are held in a waiting queue 86. The operating means includes.a means for activating a waiting task in response to an activating signal. For example, when the user presses a panel key 58 on the human-interface 20, the human-interface task is activated. The user inputs a request to, for example, transmit a first document by facsimile to be inputted from the scanner 12. The human-interface task activates the scanner task and the facsimile task to perform their respective operations to complete the request. The user can further input a request to have a second document printed from the document memory 34 by the printer 22. The human-interface task then activates the printer task to perform the printing operation. At this point, the human-interface task, the printer task, the scanner task, and the facsimile task are active. In the preferred embodiment, active tasks are held in an active queue 88. Since none of these operations directly conflict with each other for a physical resource, such as two requests to scan two different documents, the multi-tasking scheduler 82 allocates processing time to each active task according to a multi-tasking schedule and the tasks are executed simultaneousl .

In the preferred embodiment, the multi-tasking scheduler 82 allocates execution time to each active task in a predetermined time slice. A currently executing task is executed for the predetermined time. When the time expires, an interrupt means 90 interrupts the currently executing task and the multi-tasking scheduler schedules the next active task to be executed. The multi-tasking continues until all^' of the active tasks are completed. When no tasks are active, the idle task is executed until the next task is activated. In the preferred embodiment, the time slice is 10 milliseconds. The time slice may, of course, be increased or decreased according to the requirements of the system.

Each task is allocated enough resources such as interrupts, memory, and DMA channels to perform their respective operations without conflicting with the performance of other tasks. When two requests ask for the use of the same subsystem, a direct conflict occurs. For example, if a first request desires a first document to be printed from document memory and a second request desires a second document to be printed, one of the requests is deferred until the other is completed. When requests do not directly conflict in this manner, all activated tasks are multi-tasked. For example, the following requests can be multi-tasked simultaneously: scanning a first document by the scanner 12 into document memory 34; printing a second document from document memory 34 to printer 22; uploading a.third document from document memory 34 through interface circuit 26 to a connected computer; and receiving a fourth document by facsimile 16 and storing the fourth document into document memory 34. Similarly, one document can be multiply processed such as transmitted, printed, and uploaded to a computer simultaneously. Of course, there are many other combinations of multi-tasked operations which are possible whici will be apparent from reading this disclosure.

In the preferred embodiment, the tasks individually or in combination with other tasks perform the following operations through a variety of document paths: Send Fax from Memory: scanning a document into the document memory 34 including a specification of one or more telephone numbers to which the document is to be transmitted by the facsimile 16 after the scanning is completed.

Immediate Send Fax: scanning a document into document memory 34 including a specification of one or more telephone numbers to which the document is to be transmitted .by the facsimile 16. The transmitting is performed as soon as each page is scanned.

Direct Send Fax: scanning a document with a specification of a telephone number to which the document should be sent by facsimile 16 simultaneously as it is being scanned page by page. Direct Poll Fax: scanning a document and allowing an outside caller or callers to poll the facsimile and retrieve the document by the facsimile as the document is being scanned page by page.

Secure Direct Poll Fax: scanning in a document with a specification of allowing an outside caller to poll the system. After identifying that, the outside caller has proper authority to access the system, the outside caller retrieves the document by the facsimile 16 as it is being scanned page by page. Poll Fax from Memory: scanning a document into document memory 34 with a specification of allowing an outside caller to poll the system and retrieve the document from document memory by the facsimile 16.

Secure Poll Fax from Memory: scanning a document into the document memory 34 with a specification of allowing an outside caller to poll the system and, after an identification process, verifies the outside caller has the proper access rights retrieve the document from the document memory by the facsimile.

Simple Local Copy: scanning a document with the specification of generating one or more copies of each scanned page by the printer 22 as the document is being scanned.

Sorted Local Copy: scanning a document into document memory with the specification of generating a number of copies of the scanned document on the printer, with the pages of each copy printed in the order in which they were scanned.

Scan to Computer: scanning a document into the document memory 34 with the specification of transmitting the document to a computer through the computer interface subsystem 26.

Record to Computer: recording a document into the document memory 34 through the microphone 46 and modem subsystem 40 with the specification of transmitting the document to a computer through the computer interface subsystem 26.

Print from Computer: receiving a document through the computer interface subsystem 26 into the document memory 34, with the specification of generating one or more images of the received document on the printer 22.

Fax from Computer: receiving a document through the computer interface subsystem 26 into the document memory 34, with the specification of telephone number(s) to which the document should be sent by facsimile 16. Poll Fax from Computer: receiving a document through the computer interface subsystem 26 into the document memory 34, with the specification of allowing an outside caller or callers to poll the system and draw the document out by facsimile 16. Secure Poll Fax from Computer: receiving a document through the computer interface subsystem 26 into the document memory 34, with the specification of allowing an outside caller or callers to poll the system and, after an identification process has been carried out successfully, draw the document out by facsimile 16.

Fax from Computer with Print: receiving a document through the computer interface subsystem 26 into the document memory 34, with the specification of telephone number(s) to which the document should be sent by facsimile 16, as well as the specification of generating one or more images of the received document on the printer 22. Poll Fax from Computer with Print: receiving a document through the computer interface subsystem 26 into the document memory 34, with the specification of allowing an outside caller or callers to poll the system and draw the document out by facsimile 16, as well as the specification of generating one or more images of the received document on the printer 22.

Secure Poll Fax from Computer with Print: receiving a document through the computer interface subsystem 26 into -the document memory 34, with the specification of allowing an outside caller or callers to poll the system and, after an identification process has been carried out successfully, draw the document out by facsimile 16, as well as the specification of generating one or more images of the received document on the printer 22.

Send Data from Computer: receiving a document through the computer interface subsystem 26 into the document memory 34, with the specification of telephone number(s) to which the document should be sent by data modem 40.

Poll Data from Computer: receiving a document through the computer interface subsystem 26 into the document memory 34, with the specification of allowing an outside caller or callers to poll the system and draw the document out by the modem 40.

Secure Poll Data from Computer: receiving a document through the computer interface subsystem 26 into the document memory 34 with the specification of allowing an outside caller or callers to poll the system and, after an identification process has been carried out successfully, draw the document out by the data modem 40. Send Voice from Computer: receiving a document through the computer interface subsystem 26 into the document memory 34, with, the specification of telephone number(s) to which the document should be sent by the voice processor as audio information. Send Voice from Microphone: recording a document through the microphone 46 and modem subsystem 40 into the document memory 34, with the specification of telephone number(s) to which the document should be sent by the voice processor as audio information. Poll Voice from Computer: receiving a document through the computer interface subsystem 26 into the document memory 34, with the specification of allowing an outside caller or callers to poll the system and draw the document out by the voice processor as audio information. Poll Voice from Microphone: recording a document through the microphone 46 and modem subsystem 40 into the document memory 34, with the specification of allowing an outside caller or callers to poll the system and draw the document out by the voice processor as audio information. Secure Poll Voice from Microphone: recording a document through the microphone 46 and modem subsystem 40 into the document memory 34, with the specification of allowing an outside caller or callers to poll the system and, after an identification process has been carried out successfully, draw the document out by the voice processor as audio information.

Secure Poll Voice from Computer: receiving a document through the computer interface subsystem 26 into the document memory 34, with the specification of allowing an outside caller or callers to poll the system and, after an identification process has been carried out successfully, draw the document out by the voice processor as audio information.

Fax Reception: receiving a document through the modem subsystem 40 by facsimile 16 into the document memory 34, with the implied or explicit specification of generating an image of the document on the printer 22.

Secure Fax Reception: receiving a document through the modem subsystem 40 by facsimile 16 into the document memory 34, with the implied or explicit specification of generating an image of the received document on the printer 22 , after the user has entered a secret code to release the document for printing.

Fax to Computer: receiving a document through the modem subsystem 40 by facsimile 16 into the document memory 34, with the implied or explicit specification of transmitting the document to a computer through the computer interface subsystem 26.

Secure Fax to Computer: receiving a document through the modem subsystem 40 by facsimile 16 into the document memory 34, with the implied or explicit specification of transmitting the document to a computer through the computer interface subsystem 26, after the user has entered a secret code to release the document for transmission. Receive Data to Computer: receiving a document through the modem subsystem 40 by data modem into the document memory 34, with the implied or explicit specification of transmitting the document to a computer through the computer interface subsystem 26. Secure Receive Data to Computer: receiving a document through the modem subsystem 40 by data modem into the document memory 34, with the implied or explicit specification of transmitting the document to a computer through the computer interface subsystem 26, after the user has entered a secret code to release the document for transmission. Receive Voice to Computer: receiving a document through the modem subsystem 40 by voice processing into the document memory 34, with the implied or explicit specification of transmitting the document to a computer through the computer interface subsystem.

Receive Voice Mail: receiving a document through the modem subsystem 40 by voice processing into the document memory 34, with the implied or explicit specification of retaining the document for future playback by the speaker 48.

Secure Receive Voice Mail: receiving a document through the modem subsystem 40 by voice processing into the document memory 34, with the implied or explicit specification of retaining the document for future playback by the speaker 48, after the user has entered a secret code to release the document for playback.

Secure Receive Voice to Computer: receiving a document through the modem subsystem 40 by voice processing into the document memory 34, with the implied or explicit specification of transmitting the document to a computer through the computer interface subsystem 26, after the user has entered a secret code to release the document for transmission.

Send Existing Document from Memory: accessing a document already in. the document memory 34, regardless of its origin, and the specification of telephone number(s) to which the document should be sent by the modem 40, as a facsimile message, data message, or audio message.

Poll Existing Document From Memory: accessing a document already in the document memory 34, regardless of its origin, and allowing an outside caller or callers to poll the system and draw the document out by the modem 40, as a facsimile message, data message, or audio message.

Print from Memory: accessing a facsimile or printing document already in the document memory 34, regardless of its origin, and the specification of generating one or more copies of the document on the printer 22.

Play from Memory: accessing a voice document already in the document memory 34, regardless of its origin, and the specification of playing the document on the speaker 48.

Document Upload: accessing a document already in the document memory 34, regardless of its origin, and the specification of transmitting the document to a computer through the computer interface subsystem 26.

In an alternative embodiment, the computer interface subsystem is not included. In such an embodiment, no facility is provided for paths which include data transfer between the invention and a computer. The modem, scanner, and printer subsystems are usually limited to handling one message or page at any one time. In the preferred embodiment, the control processor 18 and document storage 24 subsystems handle more than one message, page or document at any one time, and may access a message, page or document on behalf of more than one subsystem at one time. This allows the concurrent activity, for instance, of Print From Computer and Direct Send, since the document scanner 12 and modem 40 are only engaged in Direct Send, and the computer interface 26 and printer 22 are only engaged in Print From Computer. If the user requires a transaction in which the document generator is free and the document consumer is engaged, the document will be deposited into memory 34 and entered into a queue for processing by the document consumer. The computer interface subsystem 26 may also handle more than one page or one document at one time, if the communications protocol and the computer support this functionally.

In another embodiment, the control processor 18 and document storage 24 are limited to handling only one page or message at any one time. In such an embodiment, only one transaction may exist at any one time, and any attempt to activate a second transaction while a transaction is active is refused.

A facility is provided to the local user to examine the status of all documents in storage. A facility is provided to the computer to examine the status of all documents in document memory 34.

A facility is provided to a remote user to examine the status of all documents in document memory 34 by establishing a facsimile, data or voice connection through the modem subsyste . The user can then extract any document or documents a: J have them sent to the user, according to the type of connection established.

A facility is provided to the user to delete any document in document memory 34. A facility is provided to the user to add a specification to any existing document. In another embodiment, all or part of the document storage subsystem 24 is implemented in the computer. In such embodiments, document path which include reception of documents from computer int. storage may be degenerated. In another embodiment, a virtual circuit is established between^' the computer and the modem subsystem 40. This allows the computer to access the facsimile mode , data modem, microphone and speaker directly, and perform tasks outside of the document-related paths described herein.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

Having thus described the preferred embodiment, the invention is now claimed to be:

1. A method of operating a multi-functional document processing system having a plurality of functions including facsimile transmitting and receiving, document scanning, document printing, and interfacing with a user comprising: assigning tasks to perform each of the plurality of functions including at least a facsimile task to perform document transmitting and receiving, a scanning task to perform the document scanning, a printing task to perform the document printing, and a human-interface task to perform the interfacing with the user; maintaining each assigned task in a wait state until activated; activating a plurality of the assigned tasks in response to at least one of a user request and an already activated task; scheduling the plurality of tasks activated for execution according to a multi-tasking schedule; and, simultaneously executing the plurality of tasks activated according to the multi-tasking schedule.

2. The method of operating a multi-functional document processing system as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least the facsimile task for receiving a first document and the printing task for printing a second document are activated; and simultaneously executing the at least facsimile task and the printing task.

3. The method of operating a multi-functional document processing system as set forth in claim 1 further including assigning a computer interface task to perform document transfer between the multi-functional document processing system and a computer, the computer being in direct communication with the multi-functional document processing system.

4. The method of operating a multi-functional document processing system as set forth in claim 3 wherein at least the facsimile task for receiving a first document, the scanner task for scanning a second document, and the computer interface task for transferring a third document to the computer are simultaneously executed according to the multi-tasking schedule.

5. The method of operating a multi-functional document processing system as set forth in claim 1 further including storing a document in a document memory as the document is generated by one of the tasks.

6. The method of operating a multi-functional document processing system as set forth in claim 5 wherein in response to a first request, the facsimile task is activated to transmit a first document stored in the document memory; in response to a second request, the printer task is activated to print a second document stored in the document memory; and, simultaneously executing the facsimile task and the printer task according to the multi-tasking schedule.

7. The method of operating a multi-functional document processing system as set forth in claim 6 further including: in response to a third request, activating the scanner task to scan a third document and store the third document into the document memory; and, simultaneously executing the scanner task with the facsimile task and the printer task.

8. The method of operating a multi-functional document processing system as set forth in claim 7 further including: in response to a fourth request, activating a computer interface task to transfer a fourth document between the document memory and a connected computer; and, simultaneously executing the computer interface task with the facsimile task, the printer task, and the scanner task according to the multi-tasking schedule.

9. The method of operating a multi-functional document processing system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the executing further includes: executing a first task from the plurality of tasks activated for a predetermined time; after the predetermined time expires, interrupting the first task; and, executing a second task from the plurality of tasks activated.

10. A method of operating a multi-functional document processing system having a plurality of components including a facsimile transmitter and receiver, a scanner, a printer, and a human-interface, comprising: generating a plurality of tasks, each task operating one of the plurality of components, and each task being in a wait state until activated; responsive to a first signal, activating a first task of the plurality of tasks to perform a first function; responsive to a second signal, activating a second task of the plurality of tasks to perform a second function; and, executing the first and second tasks simultaneously.

11. The method of operating a multi-functional document processing system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the executing is performed by multi-tasking.

12. The method of operating a multi-functional document processing system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the first task and second task perform functions which are different from each other.

13. The method of operating a multi-functional document processing system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the first task operates the facsimile receiver to receive a first document and the second task operates the printer to print a second document.

14. The method of operating a multi-functional document processing system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the executing further includes: executing the first task for a predetermined time; after the predetermined time expires, interrupting the first task; and, executing the second task.

15. A multi-functional document processing system having a plurality of subsystems including a facsimile transmitter and receiver, a scanner, a printer, and a human-interface comprising: a task generating means for generating a plurality of tasks including a facsimile task to operate the facsimile transmitter and receiver, a scanner task to operate the scanner, a printer task to operate the printer, and a human-interface task to operate the human-interface; means for maintaining the plurality of tasks in a wait state until activated; an activating means, responsive to an activating signal, for activating a task from the wait state to an active state; and, a multi-tasking scheduler for scheduling active tasks to a processor for simultaneous execution according to a multi-tasking schedule.

16. The multi-functional document processing system as set forth in claim 15 further including an interrupt means for interrupting a first task being executed by the processor after the first task has been executed for a predetermined time, and wherein the multi-tasking scheduler schedules a second task to the processor for execution.

17. The multi-functional document processing system as set forth in claim 15 wherein the means for maintaining includes a queue.