JP3527101B2 - Control method for network facsimile communication system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network facsimile apparatus which is connected to a local area network and exchanges facsimile data with a facsimile apparatus via a public network using a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure. The present invention relates to a control method for a network facsimile communication system including one or more workstation devices connected to a local area network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a network facsimile apparatus which is connected to a local area network and exchanges facsimile data with a facsimile apparatus via a public network using a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure, and the local area network are provided. A network facsimile communication system including one or more connected workstation devices is in practical use.

When such a network facsimile communication system is used, image information can be exchanged between a plurality of workstation devices connected to a local area network and a facsimile device connected to a public network. It's very convenient because you can.

[0004]

By the way, in such a network facsimile communication system, for example,
In the case where the facsimile application of the workstation device and the network facsimile device are directly connected via a local area network, and the facsimile application of the workstation device is provided with means for using the network facsimile device as a facsimile modem means. There is.

In this case, when the facsimile application of the workstation device performs a transmission operation,
Predetermined modem commands can be sent to the network facsimile machine to perform predetermined Group 3 facsimile transmission procedures.

On the other hand, there is a mode in which electronic mail is used for transmitting the image information from the facsimile apparatus to the workstation apparatus. In this case, since the workstation device receives the image information by software (so-called mailer) that processes the e-mail, the facsimile application of the workstation device cannot directly receive the image information. Therefore, it was difficult to manage communication of transmission and reception.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a network facsimile communication system that enables appropriate communication management by a facsimile application of a workstation device.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is connected to a local area network and via a public network,
A method for controlling a network facsimile communication system comprising a network facsimile apparatus for exchanging facsimile data with a facsimile apparatus using a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure, and one or more workstation apparatuses connected to the local area network. The workstation device is connected to a predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means to exchange a predetermined modem command and a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command with the predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means for facsimile communication. Signal transmission between the facsimile communication means for realizing the above, the facsimile communication means, and the virtual facsimile modem means provided in the network facsimile apparatus. The network facsimile apparatus includes a communication control unit for executing via a network, and the network facsimile apparatus realizes facsimile communication by processing a predetermined modem command and a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command with the facsimile communication unit. When the network facsimile apparatus detects an incoming call, it executes a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure with the calling terminal to receive and store the sub-address signal and image information, and at the same time, the virtual facsimile modem means is provided. To the workstation device of the distribution destination of the image information corresponding to the received sub-address signal, a distribution request indicating that the image information received from the calling side terminal via the local area network is distributed is issued, and By virtual facsimile modem means Serial to incoming activating the facsimile communication means workstation device,
A predetermined incoming procedure is executed and the saved image information is transferred.

Further, when the communication control means receives the first modem command from the facsimile communication means,
The modem command is transmitted to the network facsimile machine via the local area network.

Further, the communication control means, when receiving the delivery notification from the network facsimile machine, receives and stores the image information from the network facsimile machine, and then activates the facsimile communication means as an incoming call.
A predetermined modem command and a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command are exchanged, and the stored image information is transmitted to the facsimile communication means. On the other hand, when the network facsimile device detects an incoming call, the network facsimile device transmits a predetermined facsimile to the calling terminal. The transmission procedure is executed to receive and save the sub-address signal and the image information, and the sub-address signal and the image information corresponding to the received sub-address signal are sent to the workstation device to which the image information is delivered via the local area network. This is to issue a distribution request indicating that the image information received from the calling terminal is to be distributed, and to transfer the saved image information.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the accompanying drawings,
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 shows a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a plurality of workstation devices WS1 to WS1 are connected to the local area network LAN.
WSn, mail server device SM, and network facsimile device FX are connected.

Here, the mail server device SM collects well-known e-mails for users who use the workstation devices WS1 to WSn connected to the local area network LAN and the network network facsimile device FX. It provides a distribution service.

Further, the workstation devices WS1 to W
In order to execute the group 3 facsimile transmission procedure process, the facsimile application software (facsimile communication means) for creating and displaying the facsimile image information, and for exchanging various data via the local area network LAN. Various programs such as various types of software have been installed and are used by specific users. Here, the specific user may be one or a plurality of users.

Further, the network facsimile apparatus FX
Is a server function for providing a facsimile modem function or the like to the workstation devices WS1 to WSn connected to the local area network LAN, an electronic mail processing function applied when exchanging image information as electronic mail, and , Connect to the public network (PSTN),
A transmission function is provided for transmitting image information according to the group 3 facsimile transmission procedure using this public network as a transmission path.

FIG. 2 shows a network facsimile apparatus F.
The structural example of X is shown.

In the figure, the system control unit 1 controls the respective units of the network facsimile apparatus FX,
Also, various control processing such as facsimile transmission control procedure processing is performed, and the system memory 2 stores a control processing program executed by the system control unit 1 and various data necessary when executing the processing program. In addition, it constitutes a work area of the system control unit 1, the parameter memory 3 is for storing various information unique to the network facsimile apparatus FX, and the clock circuit 4 is for present time information. Is output.

The scanner 5 is for reading an original image at a predetermined resolution, the plotter 6 is for recording and outputting an image at a predetermined resolution, and the operation display section 7 is for this network facsimile apparatus. It is for operating the FX, and is composed of various operation keys and various indicators.

The encoding / decoding unit 8 is for encoding and compressing the image signal and for decoding the encoded and compressed image information into the original image signal.
This is for storing a large amount of image information in a coded and compressed state.

The group 3 facsimile modem 10 is for realizing the modem function of the group 3 facsimile, and is a low speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals and mainly exchanging image information. High-speed modem function (V.17 modem,
V. 34 modem, V.34. 29 modem, V.29. 27ter modem etc.).

The network control device 11 is for connecting the facsimile device to the public network (PSTN) and has an automatic call originating / receiving function.

The local area network interface circuit 12 uses the network facsimile apparatus F.
X is for connecting to the local area network LAN, and the local area network transmission control unit 13 uses the local area network LAN to
It is for executing the communication control processing of various predetermined protocol suites for exchanging various data with other data terminal devices.

These system control unit 1, system memory 2, parameter memory 3, clock circuit 4, scanner 5, plotter 6, operation display unit 7, encoding / decoding unit 8, image storage device 9, group 3 facsimile modem. 10, the network control device 11, and the local area network transmission control unit 13 are connected to an internal bus 14, and data is exchanged between these respective elements mainly via the internal bus 14. There is.

Data is exchanged directly between the network control device 11 and the group 3 facsimile modem 10.

FIG. 3 shows the workstation device WS (W
The example of composition of S1-WSn) is shown.

In the figure, a CPU (central processing unit) 2
Reference numeral 1 denotes a ROM (read only memory) 22 for controlling the operation of this workstation device WS.
Is for storing a program executed by the CPU 21 at startup, necessary data, and the like, and a RAM (random access memory) 23 is for configuring a work area of the CPU 21.

The character generator 24 is for generating display data of graphic characters, and is used for the clock circuit 2.
5 is for outputting the current date and time information, and the local area network interface circuit 26 is
The workstation device WS is for connecting to the local area network LAN.

The magnetic disk device 27 includes various application programs, work data, file data,
The CRT screen display device 27 is for storing various data such as image information data, the CRT screen display device 27 is for displaying a screen for operating the workstation device WS, and the display control unit 29 is CRT screen display device 2
This is for controlling the display contents of 7.

The keyboard device 30 is for performing various key operations on the workstation device WS, and the screen instructing device 31 is for performing operation work such as instructing an arbitrary point on the CRT screen display device 28. The input control unit 32 is for taking in input information of the keyboard device 30 and the screen instruction device 31.

CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM
23, character generator 24, clock circuit 25, local area network interface circuit 26,
The magnetic disk device 27, the display control unit 29, and the input control unit 32 are connected to the bus 33, and data is exchanged between these respective elements mainly via the bus 33.

FIG. 4 shows a network facsimile apparatus F.
2 shows an outline of a data communication control system in the X system control unit 1.

In the figure, the local area network driver DL1 is for exchanging various data with the local area network interface circuit 12, and the local area network control section CL1 has a local area network driver DL1. Among the data to be exchanged with, the modem command is exchanged with the modem command control unit MC1, and the data regarding the electronic mail is exchanged with the mail control unit MC1. The other data is directly exchanged with the data control unit DC1.

The modem command controller MC1 is, for example,
EIA (Electric Industries)
Association) -592 (class 2) and other modem commands are interpreted and corresponding modem control information is created. The modem control information is transmitted between the data control unit DC1 and the modem command processing unit MP1. Exchanged with.

The mail control unit MC1 is for performing processing such as delivery of electronic mail, and the data control unit DC1 executes the processing of the upper protocol.

The facsimile transmission control unit FC1 is for executing a facsimile transmission control process such as a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure process, and the modem command processing unit MP1 controls the group 3 facsimile modem 10 and the network control device 11. It is for doing.

FIG. 5 shows C of the workstation device WS.
3 is a schematic diagram of a control system when the PU 21 executes a facsimile application program.

Serial port interface SF1
Is for providing the resources of the serial transfer port for the communication operation performed by the facsimile application (facsimile communication means) AP1, and the communication driver CD1 is the serial port interface SF1.
The serial port driver (communication control means) SD1 is a part directly involved in serial data transfer with the facsimile application AP1. Basically, data is exchanged between the communication driver CD1 and the local area network driver DL2 transparently, but for example, a pseudo facsimile modem function may be realized. The local area network driver DL2 is for exchanging various data with the local area network interface circuit 26.

With the above configuration, when the network facsimile apparatus FX receives an incoming call, the network facsimile apparatus FX responds to the incoming call as shown in FIG.
A predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission procedure is executed with the transmitting side facsimile device to receive the image information, and the received image information is stored in the image storage device 9. Also, at this time,
The transmitting side facsimile device specifies the address information representing the delivery destination by including it in a sub address signal which is a signal in the group 3 facsimile transmission procedure.

On the other hand, the network facsimile apparatus FX
In this case, the distribution destination workstation device WS is registered in correspondence with the information of the received sub-address signal (address conversion table, etc., not shown). In this case, in the distribution destination workstation device WS at that time. Indicates that the facsimile application AP1 has already been activated prior to the transmitting operation of the transmitting side facsimile apparatus.

Here, the facsimile application A
Upon activation, P1 commands the serial port driver SD1 to open a port and sends the first modem command (modem setting). This modem command (modem setting) is not transmitted from the serial port driver SD1 to the network facsimile apparatus FX. In this case, the serial port driver SD1 replaces the response signal for the modem command (modem setting) with the network facsimile apparatus FX. It is giving a pseudo response.

Now, the network facsimile apparatus FX
When the image information receiving operation is completed, recognizes the designated destination workstation device WS and issues a delivery request to the workstation device WS.

This distribution request is recognized by the serial port driver SD1 of the corresponding workstation device WS, and accordingly, the serial port driver SD1 sends a signal RING for notifying the facsimile application AP1 of the arrival detection.

As a result, the facsimile application AP1 sends a modem command (modem setting) to the serial port driver SD1, and this modem command (modem setting) is sent to the serial port driver SD1.
Is sent to the network facsimile apparatus FX via the local area network LAN.

Upon receiving the modem command (modem setting), the network facsimile apparatus FX sends a response signal corresponding to the command to the workstation apparatus WS via the local area network LAN. This response signal is sent to the facsimile application AP1 by the serial port driver SD1.

After that, the serial port driver SD1 and the local area network L are similarly described above.
Through the AN, a predetermined modem command and a Group 3 facsimile transmission procedure signal are exchanged between the facsimile application AP1 of the workstation apparatus WS and the network facsimile apparatus FX,
The pre-transmission procedure operation (Phase B) of the group 3 facsimile transmission procedure is performed, and then the network facsimile apparatus FX transmits the image information stored in the image storage apparatus 9 to the facsimile application AP1 (Phase C). After transmitting the image information, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (phases D and E), and the operation of distributing the image information from the network facsimile apparatus FX to the workstation apparatus WS ends.

In this way, since the facsimile application AP1 can receive the facsimile image information addressed to its own terminal, the facsimile application AP1 can recognize the transmission result and the reception result of the facsimile communication, and the transmission and reception can be performed. The communication result of reception can be managed appropriately.

FIG. 7 shows an example of processing when the serial port driver SD1 receives an incoming call in this case.

The serial port driver SD1 waits for a port open command from the facsimile application AP1 (NO loop of judgment 101), and when the port open command is issued from the facsimile application AP1 and the result of judgment 101 becomes YES. , A predetermined port open process is executed to shift to a port open state (process 102), and when a modem command (modem setting) is received from the facsimile application AP1 (process 103), a response signal corresponding thereto is pseudo-replied (process). 104).

Next, the network facsimile machine F
It waits until the delivery request is received from X or the port close command is issued from the facsimile application AP1 (NO loop of decisions 105 and 106). When the facsimile application AP1 issues a port close command and the result of determination 106 is YES, a predetermined port close process is executed to shift to the port closed state (process 107) and the process returns to determination 101.

Further, the network facsimile apparatus FX
When the distribution request is further received and the result of determination 105 is YES, a signal RING for notifying the facsimile application AP1 of the incoming call detection is transmitted (process 10).
8) Send the signal received from the facsimile application AP1 to the network facsimile apparatus FX via the local area network LAN, and
The redirect process of sending the signal received from the network facsimile apparatus FX to the facsimile application AP1 is started (process 109), and the process waits until the communication ends (NO loop of decision 110).

Communication ends, and the result of judgment 110 is YE.
When S is reached, the redirect process is terminated (process 1
11) Return to decision 105 and wait until the delivery request is received or the port is closed.

FIG. 8 shows an example of processing when the network facsimile apparatus FX receives an incoming call in this case.

The network facsimile apparatus FX monitors the incoming call detection (NO loop of decision 201). When the incoming call is detected and the result of decision 201 is YES, the incoming call response is made (process 202). , Predetermined group 3
The pre-facsimile transmission procedure is executed to set the transmission function and the like used at that time (process 203). The user of the delivery destination is notified by the sub-address signal received in the pre-transmission procedure, and then executes the modem training procedure to determine the modem speed to be used at that time (process 204).

Next, the image information is received from the calling side terminal and stored in the image storage device 9 (process 205). When the reception of the image information is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (process 20).
6) The line is restored (process 207).

Then, a distribution request is issued to the workstation device WS corresponding to the contents of the sub-address signal received at that time (step 208), and it is checked whether or not a modem command (modem setting) is received (determination). Two
09). When the result of determination 209 is NO when the modem command (modem setting) cannot be received, the process waits for a predetermined time (process 210), returns to process 208, and issues the distribution request again.

When a modem command (modem setting) is received and the result of the determination 209 is YES, a predetermined reception modem command process (process 211) is executed, and the work becomes the partner terminal at that time. The modem command procedure corresponding to the predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission procedure is executed with the station apparatus WS, and the image information stored in the image storage apparatus 9 is transmitted to the facsimile application AP1.

In the above-described embodiment, when the facsimile application AP1 is not yet activated in the workstation apparatus WS to which the image information received by the network facsimile apparatus FX is delivered, for example, as shown in FIG. It becomes such a situation.

That is, the network facsimile apparatus FX detects an incoming call, executes a predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission procedure with the transmitting side facsimile apparatus, receives image information from the transmitting side facsimile apparatus and stores it, and thereafter. When the distribution request is issued to the workstation device WS designated as the distribution destination, the facsimile application AP1 of the workstation device WS has not been activated yet, so the serial port driver SD1 is not in the port open state and operates in response to the distribution request. Is not done.

After this, the facsimile application A
When P1 is started, the facsimile application A
P1 instructs the serial port driver SD1 to open the port, which causes the serial port driver SD1 to open.
Moves to the port open state.

Next, the facsimile application A
For the first modem command (modem setting) sent by P1, the serial port driver SD1 makes a pseudo response with a response signal, and at a subsequent timing, when the network facsimile apparatus FX issues a distribution request, the serial port driver SD1 is first sent. Sends a signal RING to the facsimile application AP1, and thereafter, as in the case described above, the redirect processing by the serial port driver SD1 is executed, and the facsimile application AP1 and the network facsimile apparatus F are processed.
The modem command procedure corresponding to the group 3 facsimile transmission procedure is executed with X, and the image information accumulated by the network facsimile apparatus FX is transmitted to the facsimile application AP1.

Therefore, in this case, it takes a long time until the received image information is delivered from the network facsimile apparatus FX to the facsimile application AP1 and the response of the communication becomes poor.

In order to eliminate such a problem, FIG.
When receiving the first modem command (modem setting) from the facsimile application AP1, the serial port driver SD1 redirects the first modem command (modem setting) to the network facsimile apparatus FX as shown in FIG. It suffices to start the timing of signal exchange between the network facsimile apparatus FX and the network facsimile apparatus FX at an early stage.

Serial port driver SD1 in this case
11 and 12 show an example of processing when a call arrives.

The serial port driver SD1 waits for a port open command from the facsimile application AP1 or a delivery request from the network facsimile apparatus FX (decision 3).
(NO loop 01, 302), judgment is made when port opening is instructed by the facsimile application AP1.
When the result of 1 is YES, a predetermined port open process is executed to shift to the port open state (process 30).
3) When a modem command (modem setting) is received from the facsimile application AP1 (process 304),
A response signal corresponding thereto is pseudo-replied (process 30).
5).

Next, the network facsimile apparatus F
It waits until a delivery request is received from X or a port close command is issued from the facsimile application AP1 (NO loop of decisions 306 and 307). When the facsimile application AP1 issues a port close command and the result of determination 307 is YES, a predetermined port close process is executed to shift to the port closed state (process 308) and the process returns to determination 301.

Further, the network facsimile apparatus FX
When the distribution request is further received and the result of determination 306 is YES, a signal RING for notifying the facsimile application AP1 of the incoming call detection is transmitted (process 30).
9), while sending the signal received from the facsimile application AP1 to the network facsimile apparatus FX via the local area network LAN,
A redirect process for transmitting a signal received from the network facsimile apparatus FX to the facsimile application AP1 is started (process 310), and the process waits until the communication ends (NO loop of determination 311).

Communication is terminated, and the result of judgment 311 is YE.
When S is reached, the redirect process is terminated (process 3
12) Return to decision 306 and wait until the delivery request is received or the port is closed.

Further, the facsimile application AP
If a distribution request is received from the network facsimile apparatus FX before the port is opened from 1, the determination 30
When the result of 2 is YES, the process waits until the port application is instructed by the facsimile application AP1 (NO loop of decision 313).

A port open command is issued from the facsimile application AP1 and the result of judgment 313 is YES.
Then, a predetermined port open process is executed to shift to the port open state (process 314) and the redirect process is started (process 315).

In this state, the process waits until a distribution request is received from the network facsimile apparatus FX (NO loop of judgment 316). When the distribution request is received from the network facsimile apparatus FX and the result of judgment 316 is YES, the redirect processing is executed. End (process 317), process 3
09, the signal RING is sent to the facsimile application AP1, and the subsequent processing is executed.

FIG. 13 shows an example of processing when the network facsimile apparatus FX receives an incoming call in this case.

The network facsimile apparatus FX monitors the incoming call detection (NO loop of decision 401). When the incoming call is detected and the result of decision 401 is YES, the incoming call response is given (process 402). , Predetermined group 3
The pre-facsimile transmission procedure is executed to set the transmission function and the like used at that time (process 403). The user of the delivery destination is notified by the sub-address signal or the like received in the pre-transmission procedure, and then executes the modem training procedure to determine the modem speed to be used at that time (process 404).

Next, the image information is received from the calling terminal and stored in the image storage device 9 (process 405). When the reception of the image information is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (process 40).
6) The line is restored (process 407).

Then, a distribution request is issued to the workstation device WS corresponding to the contents of the sub-address signal received at that time (step 408), and it is checked whether or not a modem command (modem setting) is received (determination). Four
09). When the result of determination 409 is NO when the modem command (modem setting) cannot be received, the process waits for a predetermined time (process 410), returns to process 408, and issues the distribution request again.

When a modem command (modem setting) is received and the result of the determination 409 is YES, a corresponding response signal is sent (process 411), and again.
A distribution request is transmitted (process 412).

After that, a predetermined reception modem command process (process 413) is executed, and a modem command procedure corresponding to a predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission procedure with the workstation device WS which is a partner terminal at that time is executed. The image information stored in the image storage device 9 is transmitted to the facsimile application AP1.

By the way, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, while the image information is being transferred from the network facsimile apparatus FX to the facsimile application AP1 of the workstation apparatus WS, the state of the local area network LAN may deteriorate. As a result, if the data transfer fails, the facsimile application AP1 cannot properly obtain image information.

In order to prevent such a problem, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the serial port driver SD
In step 1, the image information transferred from the network facsimile apparatus FX is temporarily stored, and then the image information is transferred from the serial port driver SD1 to the facsimile application AP1.

As a result, the serial port driver SD
1 temporarily stores the image information transferred by the network facsimile apparatus FX, then activates the facsimile application AP1 as an incoming call, and transmits the stored image information. Therefore, even if a failure occurs on the network, the network retransmission function is provided. As described above, the normality of the file being transferred is maintained, and the content of the image information accumulated by the serial port driver SD1 does not include an error. Therefore, the facsimile application AP1 can obtain the normal image information.

Serial port driver SD1 in this case
FIG. 15 shows an example of the processing when the call arrives.

The serial port driver SD1 waits for a port open command from the facsimile application AP1 (NO loop of decision 501), and when the port open command is given from the facsimile application AP1 and the result of decision 501 becomes YES. When a modem command (modem setting) is received from the facsimile application AP1 (process 503) by executing a predetermined port open process (process 502) and a facsimile application AP1 is received (process 503), a response signal corresponding thereto is pseudo-replied (process 504).

Next, the network facsimile apparatus F
The image information to be delivered from X is accumulated or waits until the facsimile application AP1 issues a port close command (NO loop of determinations 505 and 506). When the facsimile application AP1 issues a port close command and the result of determination 506 is YES, a predetermined port close process is executed to shift to the port closed state (process 507) and the process returns to determination 501.

Further, the network facsimile apparatus FX
Judgment 5 when the image information to be distributed is received and accumulated
When the result of 05 is YES, the signal RING for notifying the facsimile application AP1 of the incoming call detection
Is sent (process 508), and then the predetermined group 3
The reception modem command processing is executed according to the facsimile transmission procedure (processing 509), and the stored image information is transmitted to the facsimile application AP1.

When the process 509 is completed, the process returns to the determination 505 and waits until the image information to be distributed is accumulated or the port is closed.

FIG. 16 shows an example of processing of the serial port driver SD1 when a distribution request is received from the network facsimile apparatus FX.

First, the network facsimile apparatus FX
It is being monitored to receive the distribution request (decision 52
0 NO loop), network fax machine FX
When the distribution request is further received and the result of the determination 520 is YES, the distribution image information is received and accumulated (process 521),
Return to decision 520.

When the distribution image information is accumulated in this way, the result of judgment 505 in FIG. 15 is YES,
The accumulated distribution image information is transmitted to the facsimile application AP1.

FIG. 17 shows an example of processing when the network facsimile apparatus FX receives an incoming call in this case.

The network facsimile apparatus FX monitors the incoming call detection (NO loop of decision 601). When the incoming call is detected and the result of decision 601 becomes YES, the incoming call response is made (process 602). , Predetermined group 3
The pre-facsimile transmission procedure is executed to set the transmission function and the like used at that time (process 603). The user of the delivery destination is notified by the sub-address signal received in the pre-transmission procedure, and then executes the modem training procedure to determine the modem speed to be used at that time (process 604).

Next, the image information is received from the calling side terminal and stored in the image storage device 9 (process 605). When the reception of the image information is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (process 60).
6) The line is restored (process 607).

Then, a distribution request is issued to the workstation device WS corresponding to the contents of the sub-address signal received at that time (step 608), and the stored image information is transferred to the workstation device WS. (Process 609).

[0093]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the facsimile application can receive the facsimile image information addressed to its own terminal, the facsimile application can recognize the transmission result and the reception result of the facsimile communication and appropriately manage the transmission and reception communication results. The effect of being able to do is obtained.

Further, since the serial port driver redirects the first modem command received from the facsimile application to the network facsimile apparatus, it is possible to accelerate the connection start time point between the facsimile application and the network facsimile apparatus.
It is also possible to obtain the effect of enabling facsimile communication with good response.

Further, since the serial port driver temporarily stores the image information transferred by the network facsimile apparatus, activates the facsimile application as an incoming call, and transmits the stored image information, so that even if a failure occurs on the network. , Depending on the network function,
Since the normality of the file being transferred is maintained and the content of the image information stored by the serial port driver does not include an error, the facsimile application also has an effect of being able to obtain normal image information.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a network facsimile apparatus FX.

FIG. 3 is a workstation device WS (WS1 to WS).
The block diagram which showed the structural example of n).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of a data communication control system in the system control unit 1 of the network facsimile apparatus FX.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control system when the CPU 21 of the workstation device WS executes a facsimile application program.

FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an example of a transmission procedure until the image information received by the network facsimile apparatus FX is received by the facsimile application AP1 when the network facsimile apparatus FX performs an incoming operation.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when the serial port driver SD1 receives an incoming call.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when the network facsimile apparatus FX receives a call.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a transmission procedure until the image information received by the network facsimile apparatus FX is received by the facsimile application AP1 when the facsimile application AP1 is activated after the network facsimile apparatus FX receives an incoming call. Time chart.

FIG. 10 shows image information received by the network facsimile apparatus FX when the network facsimile apparatus FX receives an incoming call.
The time chart which showed the other example of the transmission procedure until it is received by.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a part of another example of processing when the serial port driver SD1 receives an incoming call.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the remaining part of another example of processing when the serial port driver SD1 receives a call.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another example of processing when the network facsimile apparatus FX receives a call.

FIG. 14 shows image information received by the network facsimile apparatus FX when the network facsimile apparatus FX receives an incoming call.
The time chart which showed the other example of the transmission procedure until it is received by.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing yet another example of processing when the serial port driver SD1 receives an incoming call.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the serial port driver SD1 when a distribution request is received from the network facsimile apparatus FX.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing yet another example of processing when the network facsimile apparatus FX receives a call.

[Explanation of symbols]

FX network facsimile machine WS1-WSn, WS workstation device

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A network facsimile device which is connected to a local area network and which exchanges facsimile data with a facsimile device through a public network using a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure, and is connected to the local area network. In a method of controlling a network facsimile communication system comprising one or more workstation devices, the workstation device is connected to a predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means to provide a predetermined modem command and a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command. To the predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means to realize facsimile communication, and to the facsimile communication means and the network facsimile device. The network facsimile apparatus includes a communication control means for executing the exchange of signals of the virtual facsimile modem means via the local area network. The virtual facsimile modem means for processing the group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command to realize the facsimile communication is provided, and when the network facsimile device detects an incoming call, the network facsimile device executes a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure with the calling terminal. The sub-address signal and the image information are received and stored by the caller terminal via the local area network to the workstation device to which the image information corresponding to the received sub-address signal is delivered. Image information Issuing a distribution request indicating distribution, activating the facsimile communication means of the workstation device by the virtual facsimile modem means, executing a predetermined reception procedure, and transferring the saved image information. A method for controlling a network facsimile communication system characterized. 2. The communication control means, when receiving the first modem command from the facsimile communication means, sends the modem command to the network facsimile apparatus via the local area network. A method for controlling the network facsimile communication system described. 3. The communication control means, upon receiving a distribution notification from the network facsimile device, receives and stores image information from the network facsimile device,
Then, the facsimile communication means is activated, the predetermined modem command and the group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command are exchanged, and the stored image information is transmitted to the facsimile communication means. The workstation device as a delivery destination of the image information corresponding to the sub-address signal received at that time while executing the predetermined facsimile transmission procedure with the calling terminal to receive and store the sub-address signal and the image information 3. The image information received from the calling terminal via the local area network is issued to the device, a distribution request is issued, and the saved image information is transferred. A method for controlling the network facsimile communication system described.