JPH06350791A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To more effectively utilize the function of an equipment by making possible the rewriting of the system software of a facsimile equipment from an outside device. CONSTITUTION:When the equipment accepts an application soft install request, application software to be installed is read from a file of a user or a floppy disk set in a floppy disk device 12 at that time. In the case of the device 12, data are displayed at a glance on an operating display part 10, and the file to be installed is instructed by a user. Next, the designated file is read, copied in the application registration area of a magnetic disk device 14, and the value of the version number of system version management information is increased by one. At the same time, a file name is added to the content of the application soft list, and the content of the system version management information is updated. Thus, the version-up of the system can be easily attained.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile machine capable of highly functional communication operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a facsimile apparatus having a large number of functions and capable of realizing various communication forms has been put into practical use. Further, for example, a device having a function of connecting to another data processing device such as a personal computer and making the function of the own terminal available from these data processing devices is also in practical use.

[0003]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the past,
Since there is no means to identify a facsimile machine as a single unit, it may not be possible to confirm the communication functions available between the facsimile machines when they are connected to each other. There was a problem that it could not be used effectively.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus which can utilize its functions more effectively.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided system software storage means for storing system software installed in a terminal, system version storage means for storing a system version number representing a version of the system software, and When the calling terminal requests a system version number at the time of a call, the calling terminal is notified of the system version number stored in the system version storage means. It is provided with a control means for receiving the transmitted system file data, storing the received system file data in the system software storage means, and executing a system reset according to a command from the user.

Further, the own terminal is provided with a machine identification number storage means for storing a machine identification number uniquely set, and during data transmission, the destination terminal sends the machine identification number stored in the machine identification number storage means to the calling terminal. And the calling terminal controls the data transmission mode according to the machine identification number notified from the called terminal.

Further, a communication error history storage means for storing a history of errors generated during data communication, and an error history stored in the communication error history storage means when an error history is requested from a calling terminal at the time of an incoming call. It is provided with a control means for transmitting to the calling terminal.

[0008]

Therefore, the system software of the facsimile device can be rewritten from the external device.
The version of the facsimile machine system can be easily upgraded, and the machine resources can be effectively utilized. Further, since the function of the partner terminal can be managed on the calling terminal side by using the machine identification number, various processing such as data conversion of the transmission data corresponding to the function of the partner terminal can be performed. Therefore, the communication efficiency can be improved. Further, since the status of the error history occurring in each terminal can be known by the external device, it is possible to effectively utilize the function such as remote diagnosis.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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

In FIG. 1, a facsimile machine I having m personal computers PC1, PC2, ..., PCm and a local area network server function is provided.
The FAX is connected to the concentrator HUB, and the concentrator H
These personal computer PC via UB
1, PC2, ..., PCm and facsimile machine I
FAX is connected.

Here, the concentrator HUB is, for example, 10
It is for configuring a star type local area network such as BASE-T (IEEE802.3CSMA / CD). In this local area network system, the control processing and application software programs of the personal computers PC1, PC2, ..., PCm and the facsimile machine IFAX are based on a so-called multi-window type network operating system. I have to. In addition, one or more administrator users for managing the local area network system are set.

Further, the facsimile machine IFAX includes personal computers PC1, PC2, ..., PCm.
The same one or more application software as described above, or an application program capable of printing a file created by the application software is installed (implemented). At the same time, the facsimile machine IFAX has a transmission / reception function of file data created by application software.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the facsimile machine IFAX.

In the figure, a CPU (central processing unit) 1
Controls the operation of each part of the facsimile machine IFAX,
The group 3 facsimile transmission function and the processing of the local area network server function are implemented, and the ROM (read only memory) 2 is a C
The RA 1 is for storing various data referred to in the process executed by the PU 1 and information unique to the facsimile apparatus IFAX (for example, a machine identification number described later).
The M (random access memory) 3 is for configuring the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 1,
The clock device 4 is for outputting current time information and the like. The RAM 3 and the clock device 4 are backed up by the battery 5.

The scanner 6 is for reading and inputting a document image at a predetermined resolution, and the image processing section 7 is
The operation of the scanner 6 is controlled, and various image processing such as pixel density conversion is applied to the image data read by the scanner 6.

The page printer 8 is for recording a high-resolution and high-quality image on plain paper, such as a laser beam printer, and the recording controller 9 is for controlling the recording operation of the page printer 8. Is.

The operation display section 10 is for directly operating the facsimile apparatus IFAX locally.
The encoding / decoding unit 11 is for executing a predetermined image encoding / decoding process.

The floppy disk device 12 is for recording / reproducing / erasing data on a floppy disk (not shown).
This is for controlling the operation of the floppy disk device 12.

The magnetic disk device 14 is a large-capacity external storage device and stores system software, system files, a plurality of application software, a large number of electronic mail files, a large number of image files, application software files, and the like. . The magnetic disk controller 15 is for controlling the operation of the magnetic disk device 14.

The local area network interface 16 is for connecting to the concentrator HUB, and the local network control unit 17 is for performing a data transmission operation according to a predetermined local area network control procedure. .

The group 3 facsimile modem 18 is for realizing the modem function of the group 3 facsimile, and has a low speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals and mainly exchanging image information. High-speed modem function (V.33 modem,
V. 29 modem, V.29. 27ter modem etc.).

The network control device 19 is for connecting the facsimile device IFAX to the public telephone line network and has an automatic call originating / receiving function. A handset 20 for calling is attached to the network control device 19.

These CPU1, ROM2, RAM3,
Clock device 4, image processing unit 7, recording control unit 9, operation display unit 10, encoding / decoding unit 11, floppy disk control unit 13, magnetic disk control unit 15, local area network control unit 17, group 3 facsimile modem 1
8 and the network control device 19 are connected to the system bus 21, and data exchange between these respective elements is mainly executed via the system bus 21.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the storage area of the magnetic disk unit 14 of the facsimile apparatus IFAX is for registering a system area for storing system software and system files and a plurality of application software. Application registration area,
Also, it is divided into user file areas for storing user files.

The system area stores system version management information as shown in FIG. The system version management information includes a machine identification number uniquely set in the facsimile machine IFAX, a unique version number of the facsimile machine IFAX,
The facsimile device IFAX includes a system version number representing the version of the system software installed in the facsimile machine IFAX, and an application software list representing a list of application programs registered in the application registration area. The machine identification number is a copy of the content of the machine identification number stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 2. The initial value of the version number is set to 1, and when new application software is registered, the value is incremented by one.

Further, this facsimile apparatus IFAX stores communication error history management information, as shown in FIG. This communication error history management information is composed of the number of errors that represents the number of error histories, and the sequence of each communication error history. Further, as shown in (d) of the same figure, the communication error history includes the file number of the file in which the communication error has occurred, the total number of communication pages (for image information), the number of processed (transmitted / received) pages (for image information). ),
It consists of the date and time of communication, the communication mode, the user name of the user who requested the communication, the name of the partner terminal, and the type of error that occurred.

Further, in this facsimile apparatus IFAX, as shown in (e) of the figure, the destination management information for storing the information about the partner device registered as the destination is formed and stored for each destination. ing. The destination management information includes destination identification information (destination ID) for identifying each destination, a telephone number, a machine identification number, a version number, and an application software list. Here, the machine identification number of this destination management information,
The version number and the contents of the application software list are set to the contents notified from the partner device. The contents of these pieces of information are set to invalid data when the destination management information is created.

FIG. 4 shows an example of processing when an application software installation request is emitted from any user (usually, an administrator user).

First, an application software installation request is accepted (process 101), and an inquiry is made as to whether the application software to be installed at that time is input from the floppy disk device 12 (decision 102). When the result of determination 102 is YES, the contents of the floppy disk set in the floppy disk device 12 at that time are read,
A list is displayed on the operation display unit 10 (process 103), and the user is instructed to install the file (process 104).

Then, the specified file is read and copied to the application registration area (process 10).
5) The value of the version number of the system version management information is incremented by 1, and the file name of the file copied at that time is added to the content of the application software list to update the content of the system version management information (process 106). ).

When the result of determination 102 is NO, the file of the application software to be installed is received from the user, copied to the application registration area (process 107), the process proceeds to process 106, and the system version management is performed. Update the information content.

In this way, when any application software is newly installed, the contents of the system version management information are updated. The system version management information is also updated when the registered application software is deleted.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6 and 7
Shows a processing example of the facsimile apparatus IFAX when receiving a file transmission request from another personal computer PC1, PC2, ..., PCm via the local area network.

Any personal computer PC
1, PC2, ..., PCm request file transmission, the facsimile machine IFAX accepts the file transmission request (process 201) and issues the file transmission request to the personal computers PC1, PC.
2, ..., Receives a file to be transmitted (hereinafter referred to as a reception file) from PCm and saves the received reception file (process 202).

Then, the destination management information corresponding to the destination designated at that time is read (step 203), and whether invalid data is stored in the machine identification number of the destination management information, that is, , Check whether it is the first call to the destination (decision 204).

When the result of the judgment 204 is YES, the telephone number of the destination management information is called (process 20).
5) Receive the called station identification signal CED, the non-standard function identification signal NSF, and the digital identification signal DIS from the partner terminal (process 206).

Next, in order to receive the system version management information set in the partner terminal from the partner terminal,
A non-standard function command signal NSC (function inquiry) is transmitted (process 207). As a result, the partner terminal is in a state of transmitting the system version management information, and therefore the non-standard function setting signal NSS from the partner terminal is received (process 20).
8), set the data reception mode in the own terminal (process 20
9) The predetermined modem training procedure is executed at the modem speed set at that time (process 210) to determine the modem speed to be used at that time.

Then, the system version management information from the partner terminal is received in a predetermined error correction mode (process 21).
1) When the reception is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (process 212), the line is restored (process 213), and the destination of the destination is determined based on the contents of the system version management information received at that time. The content of the management information is updated (process 214).

Then, it is checked whether or not the content of the acceptance file requested to be transmitted at that time is an image information file (decision 215). If the content of the reception file at that time is a file formed by any application software (hereinafter referred to as application file data), and the result of determination 215 is NO, the application software list of the destination management information of the destination Is checked to see if the partner terminal has the same application software (decision 216).

When the result of judgment 216 is YES, the telephone number of the destination management information is called (process 21).
7) Receives the called station identification signal CED, the non-standard function identification signal NSF, and the digital identification signal DIS from the partner terminal (process 218), and at that time determines the version number included in the non-standard function identification signal NSF. It is checked whether the value is different from the version number of the destination management information of the destination and the function of the partner terminal has been changed (decision 219). When the result of determination 219 is YES, the process proceeds to step 207, the content of the function of the partner terminal is received again, and the content of the destination management information corresponding to the partner terminal is updated.

When the function of the other terminal is not changed,
When the result of determination 219 is NO, a predetermined application file data transmission mode is set (process 2
20), and sends a non-standard function setting signal NSS designating the application file data transmission mode (process 22).
1) The predetermined modem training procedure is executed at the modem speed set at that time (process 222) to determine the modem speed to be used at that time.

Next, the application file data at that time is transmitted in a predetermined error correction mode (process 22).
3) When the transmission is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (process 224) and the line is restored (process 225). Then, the reception file that is the processing target at that time is deleted (processing 226), and it is checked whether or not the communication at that time has ended in error (decision 227). When the result of determination 227 is YES, regarding the communication operation,
The above-mentioned communication error history is formed and saved in the communication error history management information (process 228), and this operation ends.
If the result of determination 227 is NO, this operation is immediately ended.

When the result of determination 214 is NO, the contents of the application software list notified from the other terminal at that time and the file type of the reception file to be processed are referred to, and the reception file File format that the other terminal can process (for example, a common file format set for application software of the same application type, or another application software of the same application type can be processed, and that application can be processed). It is checked whether the file can be converted to a different file format (decision 230).

When the result of determination 230 is YES, the reception file at that time is converted into a data file of that file format and temporarily stored (process 231).
Then, the telephone number of the destination management information at that time is called (process 232) and the called station identification signal CE from the partner terminal is called.
D, the nonstandard function identification signal NSF, and the digital identification signal DIS are received (process 233), and the value of the version number included in the nonstandard function identification signal NSF at that time is
Different from the version number of the destination management information of the destination, it is checked whether or not the function of the partner terminal has been changed (decision 234). When the result of the determination 234 is YES, the process proceeds to step 207, the content of the function of the partner terminal is received again, and the content of the destination management information corresponding to the partner terminal is updated.

When the function of the other terminal is not changed,
When the result of determination 234 is NO, a predetermined application file data transmission mode is set (process 2
35), and sends a non-standard function setting signal NSS designating the application file data transmission mode (process 23).
6) Execute a predetermined modem training procedure at the modem speed set at that time (process 237) to determine the modem speed to be used at that time.

Then, the application file data at that time is transmitted in a predetermined error correction mode (process 23).
8) When the transmission is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (process 239) and the line is restored (process 240). Then, the transmission file converted and formed at that time is deleted (process 241), the process proceeds to process 226, the reception file which is the processing target at that time is deleted, and the subsequent processes are executed.

Further, the file conversion is impossible, and the judgment 23
When the result of 0 is NO, the facsimile image data corresponding to the display information of the reception file at that time is converted and formed (process 245), and the facsimile image data is encoded and compressed by the encoding / decoding unit 11 and temporarily. It is saved (process 246).

Then, the telephone number of the destination management information at that time is called (process 247), and the called station identification signal CED, the non-standard function identification signal NSF, and the digital identification signal DIS are received from the partner terminal. Then, it is determined whether the version number value included in the non-standard function identification signal NSF at that time is different from the version number of the destination management information of the destination and the function of the partner terminal has been changed (determination). 249). When the result of the determination 249 is YES, the process proceeds to step 207, the content of the function of the partner terminal is received again, and the content of the destination management information corresponding to the partner terminal is updated.

When the function of the other terminal is not changed,
When the result of determination 249 is NO, the transmission function relating to the image information transmission used at that time is set (process 25
0), sends a non-standard function setting signal NSS notifying the contents of the set transmission function (process 251), executes a predetermined modem training procedure at the modem speed set at that time (process 252), When to decide which modem speed to use.

Then, the image information temporarily stored at that time is transmitted (process 253), a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (process 254), the line is restored (process 255), and at that time, temporarily. Delete the saved image information (Process 25
6). Then, the process proceeds to step 226, the reception file that is the processing target at that time is deleted, and the subsequent processing is executed.

When the reception file is an image information file and the result of the determination 215 is YES, the telephone number of the destination management information at that time is called (process 260).
The called station identification signal CED, the non-standard function identification signal NSF, and the digital identification signal DIS from the partner terminal are received (process 261), at which time the non-standard function identification signal NSF is received.
The value of the version number included in is different from the version number of the destination management information of the destination, and it is determined whether the function of the partner terminal has been changed (decision 262). Judgment 26
If the result of 2 is YES, the process proceeds to step 207,
The content of the function of the partner terminal is received again, and the content of the destination management information corresponding to the partner terminal is updated.

When the function of the other terminal is not changed,
When the result of determination 262 is NO, the transmission function relating to the image information transmission used at that time is set (process 26
3), the non-standard function setting signal NSS for notifying the contents of the set transmission function is sent (process 264), the predetermined modem training procedure is executed at the modem speed set at that time (process 265), and the When to decide which modem speed to use.

Then, the image information which is the reception file at that time is transmitted (process 267), a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (process 268), and the line is restored (process 269). Then, the process proceeds to step 226, the reception file that is the processing target at that time is deleted, and the subsequent processing is executed.

In this way, in this embodiment, when the file transmission is accepted, when the first call is made to the destination designated at that time and when the function of the destination terminal is changed, After the function of the partner terminal is received and the content of the corresponding destination management information is updated, the sending operation is performed.

Further, based on the contents of the designated destination management information, it is checked whether or not the reception file can be transmitted as it is. If the reception file cannot be transmitted, it is checked whether or not it can be converted into the common file format. When possible, the data is converted into the data in the common file format and transmitted, so that the communication efficiency is improved. Furthermore, when there is no common file format, it is converted to image information and sent, so
The file transmission operation set by the user can be realized to some extent.

In FIG. 8, the center device that manages this facsimile device IFAX is one of the facsimile devices I.
An example of processing when requesting maintenance information from a FAX is shown. The center device may be, for example, a facsimile device IFAX without the local area network function.

First, the center device makes a call to the designated destination (process 301) and receives the called station identification signal CED, the non-standard function identification signal NSF, and the digital identification signal DIS from the partner terminal. (Process 302), it is checked whether or not the partner terminal has a maintenance information transmission function (decision 303).

When the result of determination 303 is YES, a non-standard function command signal NSC (maintenance information request) is sent from the partner terminal to receive maintenance information of the partner terminal (process 304). As a result, the other terminal is in a state of creating and transmitting the maintenance information, so that the non-standard function setting signal NSS from the other terminal is received (process 305) and the data reception mode is set to the own terminal (process 306). ), The predetermined modem training procedure is executed at the modem speed set at that time (process 307), and the modem speed to be used at that time is determined.

Then, the maintenance information from the partner terminal is received in a predetermined error correction mode (process 308), and when the reception is finished, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (process 308).
The line is restored (process 309), the record information of the maintenance information list for displaying the contents of the maintenance information received at that time is formed, and the maintenance information list is recorded and output from the page printer 8 (process 310).

When the result of the judgment 303 is NO, the line is disconnected and restored at that point (process 311),
An error notification report indicating that the maintenance information could not be received is formed (process 312), and the error notification report is recorded and output from the page printer 8 (process 31).
3).

In FIG. 9, the center device that manages this facsimile device IFAX is one of the facsimile devices I.
The processing example at the time of performing the system software version upgrade with respect to FAX is shown.

First, the center device makes a call to the designated destination (process 401) and receives the called station identification signal CED, the non-standard function identification signal NSF, and the digital identification signal DIS from the partner terminal. (Process 402), it is checked whether or not the partner terminal has a system software version upgrade function (decision 403).

When the result of the judgment 403 is YES, the partner terminal is notified that the system version management process is to be executed (process 404), and the partner terminal is requested to transmit the system version number (process 40).
5).

As a result, the partner terminal transmits the contents of the system version number stored in the own terminal to the center apparatus, and the center apparatus receives the system version number (process 406).

Then, the value of the system version number received at that time is compared with the system version number of the system version information of the own terminal to check whether the value is the old version (decision 407). When the result of determination 407 is YES, the other terminal is notified that the system file is to be transmitted (process 40
8) Wait until the other terminal notifies that it is ready to receive (NO loop of decision 409). When the result of decision 409 is YES, the contents of the system file stored in the own terminal are sent to the other terminal. It is transmitted (process 410).

Then, the line is disconnected and recovered (process 41).
1) The operation is finished. Further, when the result of the judgment 407 is NO, the processing shifts to the processing 411, the line is disconnected, and this operation is ended.

When the result of the judgment 403 is NO, the line is disconnected and restored at that point (process 412),
An error notification report indicating that the system version management process could not be executed is formed (process 413), and the error notification report is recorded and output from the page printer 8 (process 414).

FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show an example of the operation of the facsimile apparatus IFAX when detecting an incoming call.

When the incoming call is detected, the incoming call is answered (process 50).
1), called station identification signal CED, non-standard function identification signal NS
F and the digital identification signal DIS are transmitted (process 5
02), receives a command signal from the partner terminal (process 50).
3).

Then, it is checked whether the command signal received at that time is the non-standard function setting signal NSS (determination 5
04), when the result of determination 504 is YES, it is checked whether or not image information transmission is designated at that time (determination 505).

When the result of the judgment 505 is YES, the transmission function of the own terminal is set to the content specified by the non-standard function setting signal NSS (process 506), and the predetermined modem speed is set at that time. A modem training procedure is performed (operation 507) to determine the modem speed to use at that time.

Next, the image information is received and stored (process 5
08), when the reception of the image information is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (process 509) and the line is restored (process 51).
0), a series of receiving operations is completed.

Then, it is checked whether or not the communication at that time has ended in error (decision 511). When the result of the judgment 511 is YES, the above-mentioned communication error history is formed for the communication operation and stored in the communication error history management information (process 512).

Next, it is checked whether or not the automatic print operation of the received image is set (decision 513), and the judgment 513 is made.
When the result is YES, the image information received and stored at that time is decoded into the original image data by the encoding / decoding unit 11, and the image data obtained thereby is transferred to the page printer 8. The received image is recorded and output (process 51).
4).

When the result of the judgment 505 is NO, it is checked whether or not the reception of the application file data is instructed (judgment 515). When the result of determination 515 is YES, the application file data reception mode is set in the terminal itself (process 516), and a predetermined modem training procedure is executed at the modem speed set at that time (process 517). When to decide which modem speed to use.

Next, the contents of the application file data at that time are received and stored in a predetermined error correction mode (process 518). When the reception of the application file is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (process 519) and the line is restored (process 520). Next, a notification message indicating that the application file data has been received is formed, a predetermined administrator user is notified (process 521), and this series of receiving operations is ended.

When the execution of the system version management process is notified and the result of determination 515 is NO, a system version number request is received from the partner terminal (center device) (process 525), The value of the system version number is transmitted (process 526).

Then, it is checked whether or not the transfer request of the system file is instructed from the partner terminal (decision 52).
7) If the result of determination 527 is YES, the system file is prepared for reception (process 528), and when the preparation for reception is completed, reception preparation completion is notified (process 529), and the system transmitted from the partner terminal is transmitted. When the file is received (process 530) and the receiving operation is completed, the line is disconnected and restored (process 531).

Next, the value of the system version number registered in the system version management information is updated to the value of the system version number of the system file received at that time (process 532), and the system version is updated. Form a notification message
The predetermined administrator user is notified (process 533) and the system waits until the administrator user gives an instruction to upgrade the system (NO loop of determination 534).

When the administrator user instructs the system version upgrade and the result of the judgment 534 is YES,
The system reset process is executed with necessary data saved in a predetermined area of the magnetic disk device 14 (process 5).
35). As a result, the next time the system is started up, the system of the facsimile apparatus IFAX is updated with the upgraded contents.

When the result of the judgment 527 is NO, the line is disconnected and restored at that point (process 536).
This operation ends.

Further, the command signal received at that time is the non-standard function command signal NSC, and the result of judgment 504 is NO.
When it becomes, it is checked whether or not the content of the non-standard function command signal NSC is a function inquiry (decision 54).
0).

When the result of the judgment 540 is YES, function notification information representing the contents of the system version management information of the own terminal is created (process 541), the data transmission mode is set in the own terminal (process 542), A non-standard function setting signal NSS designating a data transmission mode is sent, a predetermined modem training procedure is executed at the modem speed set at that time (process 543), and the modem speed to be used at that time is determined.

Then, the function notification information at that time is transmitted in a predetermined error correction mode (process 544), and when the transmission is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (process 545),
The line is restored (process 546) and this operation ends.

When the content of the non-standard function command signal NSC is a maintenance information request and the result of the judgment 540 is NO, a predetermined diagnostic process is executed (process 547), and a diagnostic showing the result of the diagnostic process is executed. Result information is created (process 548), and maintenance information is created that combines this diagnostic result information and communication error history management information (process 549).

Then, the data transmission mode is set in the terminal itself (process 550), the non-standard function setting signal NSS designating the data transmission mode is sent out, and the predetermined modem training procedure is performed at the modem speed set at that time. Is executed (process 551), and the modem speed to be used at that time is determined.

Then, the function notification information at that time is transmitted in a predetermined error correction mode (process 552), and when the transmission is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (process 553).
The line is restored (process 554) and this operation ends.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the maintenance information of the facsimile apparatus IFAX and the system version management processing can be performed from the center apparatus, the maintenance management of the facsimile apparatus IFAX is easy, and the facsimile apparatus IFAX can be easily maintained. The usability of the device IFAX is significantly improved.

By the way, in the above embodiment, the facsimile machine IF connected to the local area network
The case where the present invention is applied to the AX has been described, but the present invention, as shown in FIG. 13, has the facsimile apparatus I connected to one personal computer PC.
The same applies to FAX '.

In this case, the facsimile machine IFAX '
14 has a configuration in which the local area network interface 16 and the local network control unit 17 of the facsimile apparatus IFAX shown in FIG. 2 are replaced with a host interface circuit 22 for connecting to a personal computer PC, as shown in FIG. . Further, this facsimile apparatus IFAX 'also has a transmission / reception function similar to that of the above-mentioned facsimile apparatus IFAX.

Further, the present invention can be similarly applied to a single facsimile machine such as the above-mentioned center machine.

The present invention can be similarly applied to a facsimile machine having a system configuration different from that described above, and can be similarly applied to a group 4 facsimile machine. .

[0094]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the system software of the facsimile device can be rewritten from the external device, the system version of the facsimile device can be easily upgraded and the device resources can be effectively utilized. Further, since the function of the partner terminal can be managed on the calling terminal side by using the machine identification number, various processing such as data conversion of the transmission data corresponding to the function of the partner terminal can be performed. Therefore, the communication efficiency can be improved. Further, since the status of the error history occurring in each terminal can be known by the external device, it is possible to effectively utilize the function such as remote diagnosis.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of various kinds of information used in a facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing example of a facsimile device when receiving an application software installation request.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing example of a facsimile device when a file transmission request is received from a personal computer via a local area network.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another part of the processing example of the facsimile apparatus when receiving a file transmission request from a personal computer via a local area network.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing yet another part of the processing example of the facsimile apparatus when receiving a file transmission request from a personal computer via a local area network.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing example when the center device requests maintenance information.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing example when the center device executes system version management.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing example when a facsimile device detects an incoming call.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another part of the processing example when the facsimile device detects an incoming call.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing still another part of the processing example when the facsimile apparatus detects an incoming call.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a facsimile apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 PC1 to PCm, PC Personal computer HUB Concentrator IFAX, IFAX 'Facsimile device

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A system software storage means for storing system software installed in the own terminal, a system version storage means for storing a system version number representing a version of the system software, and a system version from a calling terminal when receiving a call. When the number is requested, the system version number stored in the system version storage means is notified to the calling terminal, and when the calling terminal notifies the system version upgrade, the system file data transmitted from the calling terminal at that time is received. do it,
A facsimile machine, characterized in that the received system file data is stored in the system software storage means, and control means is provided for executing a system reset in response to an instruction from a user. 2. A machine identification number storage means for storing a machine identification number uniquely set in the own terminal, wherein the destination terminal transmits the machine identification number stored in the machine identification number storage means during data transmission. The facsimile device, wherein the calling terminal controls the data transmission mode according to the machine identification number notified from the called terminal. 3. A communication error history storage means for storing an error history generated during data communication, and an error history stored in the communication error history storage means when an error history is requested from a calling terminal at the time of an incoming call. A facsimile apparatus comprising control means for transmitting to a calling terminal.