JP2008187240A - Communication device, and communication program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication device for reducing data error of communication via IP network apparently seen as facsimile communication while assuring sound quality of telephone via an IP network, and to provide a communication program. <P>SOLUTION: When an image is transmitted by facsimile, the VOIP Codec is set not to use the functions of echo canceler and PLC in order to reduce such a risk as the apparent facsimile communication data cannot be communicated normally because of data error. More specifically, a set-up switching section sets the echo canceler function to "OFF" and sets the PLC function to "OFF" when the apparent facsimile transmission is performed. When voice speech is performed using a telephone, the VOIP Codec is set to use the functions of echo canceler and PLC in order to enhance the quality of voice speech. More specifically, the echo canceler function is set to "ON" and the PLC function is set to "OFF" when voice speech is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device and a communication program.

  In recent years, with the spread of the Internet, the IP (Internet Protocol) network managed by a telecommunications carrier has expanded, and recently, telephone calls and image transfers by facsimile apparatuses have been performed using the IP network. .

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a conventional network configuration example when performing facsimile communication using an IP network.

  As shown in FIG. 7, an IP network compatible facsimile 111 and an IP network compatible facsimile 112 are connected to the IP network 10, and in addition, a telephone line facsimile 131 and a telephone set 141 are connected via a VoIP adapter 121. The telephone line facsimile 132 and the telephone 142 are connected via the VoIP adapter 122. A server 15 is connected to the IP network 10.

  The IP network compatible facsimile 111 (112) has a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) function or an IP-FAX (ITU-T T.38) function, and can directly connect to the IP network 10 to perform image transfer. It can be done.

  The VoIP adapter 121 (122) uses the VoIP function to packetize a voice signal (analog) for telephone and send it to the IP network 10, or convert a packet received from the IP network 10 into a voice signal. Therefore, the telephone line facsimile 131 (132) and the telephone 141 (142) are connected to the IP network 10 via the VoIP adapter 121 (122).

  A telephone line facsimile 131 (132) and a telephone 141 (142) are a facsimile and telephone for a circuit switching network, respectively.

  The server 15 is generally called a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) server or a gatekeeper, and is a table in which the IP address of each terminal such as the IP network compatible facsimile 111 connected to the IP network 10 is associated with a telephone number. It has information, converts the recipient's telephone number input from the sender to an IP address using this table, specifies the recipient's IP address, and controls the connection between the sender and the recipient.

  However, at present, even if it is facsimile communication using the IP network, it is assumed that the analog G3 signal is packet-converted and facsimile communication is mainstream, and delays, echoes, etc., which are peculiar to the IP network, are generated. When communicating, it may not be performed normally depending on the performance and settings of the gateway.

For example, there is a cell transmission / reception control method for preventing transmission of useless cells due to echo components with respect to a cell transmission / reception control method for transmitting and receiving voice signals, facsimile signals and the like in cells (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-5-304535

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a communication apparatus and a communication program that ensure the sound quality of a telephone via an IP network and reduce data errors in deemed facsimile communication.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 includes voice communication means for performing voice communication via an IP network, facsimile communication means for performing facsimile communication via an IP network, and the voice communication means or the facsimile communication. Conversion means for converting voice data input from the means into IP packets, transmission means for transmitting the IP packets converted by the conversion means to an IP network, voice transmission by the voice communication means, and by the facsimile communication means It is characterized by comprising setting switching means for switching function settings relating to communication conditions possessed by the conversion means at the time of facsimile transmission.

  The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the setting switching means effectively sets the function of the conversion means when the voice communication means performs the voice transmission. .

  The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the setting switching means invalidates the function of the converting means when the facsimile communication means performs the facsimile transmission. .

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided voice communication means for performing voice communication via an IP network, facsimile communication means for performing facsimile communication via an IP network, and an IP packet transmitted via the IP network. Receiving means for receiving; conversion means for converting IP packets received by the receiving means into voice data for input to the voice communication means or the facsimile communication means; and voice reception by the voice communication means and the facsimile communication When the facsimile is received by the means, a setting switching means for switching the setting of the function relating to the communication condition of the conversion means is provided.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 4, wherein, when the voice communication means performs the voice reception, the setting switching means effectively sets the function of the conversion means. .

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the setting switching unit sets the function of the conversion unit to invalid when the facsimile communication unit performs the facsimile reception. .

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 4, wherein the setting switching means disables the function of the conversion means when it is impossible to determine whether the incoming call is due to the voice communication or the facsimile communication. It is characterized by setting to.

  The invention according to claim 8 is input from voice communication means for performing voice communication via the IP network, facsimile communication means for performing facsimile communication via the IP network, and the voice communication means or facsimile communication means. When a voice is transmitted by the voice communication means to a computer built in a communication device comprising a conversion means for converting voice data into an IP packet and a transmission means for transmitting the IP packet converted by the conversion means to an IP network. And a setting switching process for switching the setting of the function relating to the communication condition of the conversion means between the facsimile transmission by the facsimile communication means.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 8, wherein the setting switching process sets the function of the conversion means to be effective when the voice communication means performs the voice transmission. .

  The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 8, wherein the setting switching processing sets the function of the conversion means to invalid when the facsimile communication means performs the facsimile transmission. .

  Further, the invention of claim 11 is directed to voice communication means for performing voice communication via the IP network, facsimile communication means for performing facsimile communication via the IP network, and IP packets sent via the IP network. A computer built in a communication device comprising: receiving means for receiving; and converting means for converting IP packets received by the receiving means into voice data for input to the voice communication means or the facsimile communication means; It is characterized in that a setting switching process for switching the setting of the function relating to the communication conditions possessed by the conversion means is executed at the time of voice reception by the voice communication means and at the time of facsimile reception by the facsimile communication means.

  The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claim 11, wherein the setting switching processing sets the function of the conversion means to be effective when the voice communication means performs the voice reception. .

  The invention according to claim 13 is the invention according to claim 11, wherein the setting switching processing sets the function of the conversion means to invalid when the facsimile communication means performs the facsimile reception. .

  The invention according to claim 14 is the invention according to claim 11, wherein the setting switching process disables the function of the conversion means when it is impossible to determine whether the incoming call is made by the voice communication or the incoming call by the facsimile communication. It is characterized by setting to.

  According to the first and eighth aspects of the invention, the function of the VOIP Codec can be switched according to the type of communication at the time of transmission as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  Further, according to the second and ninth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to improve the quality of a voice call at the time of transmission as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

  Further, according to the third and tenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to reduce a transmission error in the assumed facsimile communication as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  Further, according to the fourth and eleventh aspects of the present invention, it is possible to switch the function of the VOIP Codec according to the type of communication at the time of an incoming call, as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

  In addition, according to the fifth and twelfth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to improve the quality of a voice call at the time of an incoming call, as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

  Further, according to the sixth and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to reduce a reception error in the assumed facsimile communication as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  Further, according to the seventh and fourteenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to give priority to the stability of communication even when the type of communication cannot be identified at the time of an incoming call, as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

  Embodiments of a communication apparatus and a communication program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image communication apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image communication apparatus 1 includes a multi-function control unit 2, a printer module unit 3, a scanner module unit 4, a facsimile module unit 5, a gateway 6, and a setting switching unit 9. The image communication apparatus 1 is connected to a telephone 7 (or handset), and a voice call by the telephone 7 is performed via the facsimile module unit 5.

  The multi-function control unit 2 efficiently controls each module unit, and transmits a network print function, a network scanner function, and an image read by the scanner module unit 3 attached to an e-mail (that is, an e-mail transmission function) ) To control.

  The scanner module unit 3 optically reads a document, and the read image is accumulated in a storage area (not shown) such as an HD.

  The printer module unit 4 stores images stored in a storage area (not shown) such as an HD (for example, an image received by the network print function, an image read by the scanner module unit 3, an image received by facsimile communication). Print on.

  The gateway 6 has a VOIP Codec 8 that connects the facsimile module unit 4 and the IP network, converts uncompressed voice data into encoded data, and restores the uncompressed voice data from the encoded data. ing. Note that a configuration in which the VOIP Codec 8 is installed outside the image communication apparatus 1 as a single gateway unit 6 is also applicable.

  The facsimile module unit 5 performs an assumed facsimile (ITU-T recommendation T.30) communication in which an analog G3 signal is converted into a packet via a digital communication network (hereinafter referred to as IP) such as the Internet or an intranet.

  The setting switching unit 9 is configured to set functions related to communication conditions (for example, an echo canceller, PLC [Packet Loss Concealment], etc.) of the VOIP Codec 8 depending on the type of communication (voice call, assumed facsimile communication) performed in the image communication apparatus 1. Switch. When an incoming call is received, the setting is switched when the communication type can be determined, and when the communication type cannot be determined, the setting is switched to a setting corresponding to the facsimile communication.

  It is also possible to apply a configuration in which a program (corresponding to a communication program according to the present invention) having the setting switching unit 9 described above as a function is incorporated in a general-purpose image communication apparatus. The communication program is stored in the storage area (for example, HD) of the apparatus, and the arithmetic unit (for example, CPU of the image communication apparatus) of the image communication apparatus executes the communication program stored in the storage area.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation flow of the image communication apparatus 1 when performing the assumed facsimile transmission.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the image read by the scanner module unit 3 is transmitted by facsimile, the original is read by the scanner module unit 3, and the facsimile module unit 5 transmits the read image by facsimile. At this time, facsimile communication data (that is, uncompressed voice data) output from the facsimile module unit 5 is converted into data encoded by the VOIP Codec 8, and the image is transmitted to the other party via the IP network. .

  When the VOIP Codec 8 encodes the facsimile communication data, the VOIP Codec 8 is set not to use the functions of the echo canceller and the PLC in order to reduce the occurrence of abnormal communication due to a data error or the like. That is, when the assumed facsimile transmission is performed, the setting switching unit 9 sets the echo canceller function to “OFF” and the PLC function to “OFF”, thereby eliminating the data error caused by the processing in the VOIP Codec 8. Processing time is also shortened and delay time is reduced.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the image communication apparatus 1 when performing a calling process by voice call.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when making a voice call using the telephone 7, the voice received by the telephone 7 is converted into data encoded by the VOIP Codec 8 and transmitted to the other party via the IP network. The

  When the VOIP Codec 8 encodes voice, the VOIP Codec 8 is set to use the functions of the echo canceller and the PLC in order to improve the quality of the voice call. That is, when performing a voice call, the setting switching unit 9 sets the echo canceller function to “ON” and the PLC function to “ON”, thereby improving the quality of the voice call.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation flow of the image communication apparatus 1 when performing the assumed facsimile reception.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when receiving a facsimile without looking at an image from the other party via the IP network, the received data (that is, encoded data) is transmitted to the facsimile communication data (that is, uncompressed voice) by the VOIP Codec 8. The facsimile module unit 5 inputs (that is, receives a facsimile) the facsimile communication data, and the printer module unit prints the image output from the facsimile module unit 5.

  When the data received by the VOIP Codec 8 is decrypted into facsimile communication data, the facsimile communication data reduces the occurrence of abnormal communication due to a data error or the like, so that the VOIP Codec 8 does not use the functions of the echo canceller and the PLC. Set. That is, when the assumed facsimile transmission is performed, the setting switching unit 9 sets the echo canceller function to “OFF” and the PLC function to “OFF”, thereby eliminating the data error caused by the processing in the VOIP Codec 8. Processing time is also shortened and delay time is reduced. If it is not possible to determine that the received facsimile is received when receiving the deemed facsimile, the setting switching unit 9 sets the echo canceller function to “OFF” and the PLC function to “OFF”, thereby stabilizing the communication. Give priority to sex.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the image communication apparatus 1 when an incoming call process is performed through a voice call.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when receiving an incoming call by voice call from the other party via the IP network, the received data (that is, encoded data) is converted into voice by the VOIP Codec 8, and the corresponding data is sent from the speaker of the telephone 7 A voice is emitted.

  When the data received by the VOIP Codec 8 is decoded into voice, the VOIP Codec 8 is set to use the echo canceller and PLC functions in order to improve the quality of the voice call. That is, when performing a voice call, the setting switching unit 9 sets the echo canceller function to “ON” and the PLC function to “ON”, thereby improving the quality of the voice call. If it is not possible to determine that the incoming call process is a voice call when the incoming call process is performed, the setting switching unit 9 sets the echo canceller function to “OFF” and the PLC function to “OFF”. Therefore, priority is given to the stability of communication.

  Next, a procedure for switching the VOIP Codec setting performed by the image communication apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In this embodiment, in order to place importance on the stability of deemed facsimile communication, the basic setting of the VOIP Codec is regarded as the setting for performing facsimile communication (that is, the echo canceller function is “OFF” and the PLC function is “OFF”. ]).

  The echo canceller function of the VOIP Codec is set to “OFF” and the PLC function is set to “OFF” (S401), and the image communication apparatus performs transmission processing (in the case of voice call transmission processing, the handset is raised, etc.) In the case of transmission processing, when the scanner module unit starts reading the document, etc.) (NO in S402), the process proceeds to S403, and when the incoming call processing occurs in the image communication apparatus (YES in S402), S409 Proceed to

  When a transmission process occurs in the image communication apparatus (NO in S402), it is identified whether the generated transmission process is a voice call transmission process or a facsimile transmission process (S403), and in the case of a voice call transmission process (S403). The process proceeds to S404, and in the case of facsimile transmission processing (YES in S403), the process proceeds to S408.

  In the case of voice call transmission processing (NO in S403), the setting switching unit sets the echo canceller function of the VOIP Codec to “ON” and the PLC function to “ON” (S404), and performs the voice call (S405). When the voice call is finished (YES in S406), the setting switching unit sets the echo canceller function of the VOIP Codec to “OFF” and the PLC function to “OFF” (S407), and ends the processing procedure.

  In the case of facsimile transmission processing (YES in S403), facsimile communication is performed with the echo canceller function of the VOIP Codec being “OFF” and the PLC function being “OFF” (S408), and the processing procedure is terminated.

  In S402, when an incoming call process occurs in the image communication apparatus (YES in S402), it is confirmed whether or not the type of incoming call process that has occurred (whether the incoming call process is a voice call or a facsimile reception process) can be identified (S409). ) If the identification is impossible (NO in S409), the process proceeds to S410. If the identification is possible (YES in S409), the process proceeds to S411.

  If identification is impossible (NO in S409), voice communication or facsimile reception is performed with the VOIP Codec echo canceller function set to “OFF” and the PLC function set to “OFF” (S410), and the processing procedure is terminated. To do.

  If identification is possible (YES in S409), it is identified whether the incoming call process is a voice call incoming process or a facsimile reception process (S411). If the incoming call process is a voice call incoming process (NO in S411), S412 is performed. In the case of facsimile reception processing (YES in S411), the process proceeds to S408.

  In the case of voice call incoming processing (NO in S411), the setting switching unit sets the echo canceller function of the VOIP Codec to “ON” and the PLC function to “ON” (S412), and performs the voice call (S413). When the voice call is finished (YES in S414), the setting switching unit sets the echo canceller function of the VOIP Codec to “OFF” and the PLC function to “OFF” (S415), and the processing procedure is finished.

  In the case of facsimile reception processing (YES in S411), facsimile communication is performed with the echo canceller function of the VOIP Codec being “OFF” and the PLC function being “OFF” (S408), and the processing procedure is terminated.

  Note that the setting of the VOIP Codec 8 can be manually switched by the user.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the image communication apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of operation | movement of the image communication apparatus in the case of performing assumed facsimile transmission. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of operation | movement of the image communication apparatus in the case of performing a voice call. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of operation | movement of the image communication apparatus in the case of performing assumed facsimile reception. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of operation | movement of the image communication apparatus in the case of performing the incoming call process by voice call. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the setting change of the VOIP Codec which an image communication apparatus performs. It is the figure which showed the example of the conventional network structure at the time of performing facsimile communication using IP network.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image communication apparatus 2 Multifunction control part 3 Scanner module part 4 Printer module part 5 Facsimile module part 6 Gateway 7 Telephone 8 VOIP Codec
9 Setting switching unit 10 IP network 111, 112 IP network compatible facsimile 121, 122 VOIP adapter 131, 132 Telephone line facsimile 141, 142 Telephone 15 Server

Claims (14)

Voice communication means for performing voice communication via an IP network;
A facsimile communication means for performing facsimile communication via an IP network;
Conversion means for converting voice data input from the voice communication means or the facsimile communication means into IP packets;
Transmitting means for transmitting the IP packet converted by the converting means to an IP network;
A communication apparatus comprising: a setting switching unit that switches setting of a function related to communication conditions of the conversion unit between voice transmission by the voice communication unit and facsimile transmission by the facsimile communication unit. The setting switching means includes
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the voice communication unit performs the voice transmission, the function of the conversion unit is set to be valid. The setting switching means includes
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the facsimile communication means performs the facsimile transmission, the function of the conversion means is set to invalid. Voice communication means for performing voice communication via an IP network;
A facsimile communication means for performing facsimile communication via an IP network;
Receiving means for receiving IP packets sent via the IP network;
Conversion means for converting the IP packet received by the receiving means into voice data for input to the voice communication means or the facsimile communication means;
A communication apparatus comprising: a setting switching unit that switches setting of a function related to a communication condition of the conversion unit between when the voice communication unit receives a voice and when the facsimile communication unit receives a facsimile. The setting switching means includes
The communication device according to claim 4, wherein when the voice communication means performs the voice reception, the function of the conversion means is set to be valid. The setting switching means includes
The communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the facsimile communication means performs the facsimile reception, the function of the conversion means is set to invalid. The setting switching means includes
5. The communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when it is impossible to determine whether the incoming call is made by voice communication or the facsimile communication, the function of the conversion unit is set to be invalid. Voice communication means for performing voice communication via the IP network, facsimile communication means for performing facsimile communication via the IP network, and conversion for converting voice data input from the voice communication means or the facsimile communication means into IP packets A computer built in a communication device comprising: a means for transmitting the IP packet converted by the conversion means to an IP network;
A communication program for executing a setting switching process for switching setting of a function related to communication conditions of the conversion means between the voice transmission by the voice communication means and the facsimile transmission by the facsimile communication means. The setting switching process includes
The communication program according to claim 8, wherein when the voice communication means performs the voice transmission, the function of the conversion means is set to be valid. The setting switching process includes
9. The communication program according to claim 8, wherein when the facsimile communication means performs the facsimile transmission, the function of the conversion means is set to be invalid. Voice communication means for performing voice communication via the IP network, facsimile communication means for performing facsimile communication via the IP network, receiving means for receiving an IP packet sent via the IP network, and the receiving means A computer built in a communication device comprising a conversion means for converting the IP packet received in step S1 into voice data for input to the voice communication means or the facsimile communication means;
A communication program for executing a setting switching process for switching setting of a function related to communication conditions of the conversion means between reception of voice by the voice communication means and reception of facsimile by the facsimile communication means. The setting switching process includes
The communication program according to claim 11, wherein when the voice communication means performs the voice reception, the function of the conversion means is set to be valid. The setting switching process includes
12. The communication program according to claim 11, wherein when the facsimile communication means performs the facsimile reception, the function of the conversion means is set to be invalid. The setting switching process includes
12. The communication program according to claim 11, wherein when it is impossible to determine whether the incoming call is made by voice communication or the facsimile communication, the function of the conversion unit is set to be invalid.

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