JPH11205520A - Control method for facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately perform a polling reception operation in a work station equipment by specifying the polling reception operation from the work station equipment, making a facsimile equipment execute it and receiving obtained received image information in the work station equipment. SOLUTION: A data communication system is composed of the plural work station equipments WS1-WSn connected to a LAN, a mail server device SM and a network facsimile equipment FX. Then, the polling reception operation is specified from the work station equipments WS1-WSn and executed by the facsimile FX. That is, in the system, the execution of the polling reception operation is commanded from the work station equipments WS1-WSn to the network facsimile FX. Then, the image information obtained by the respective polling reception operations is transmitted to the work station equipment which requests polling reception.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has a function of exchanging data on a local area network and a function of exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure through a public network, and is connected to a local area network. The present invention relates to a method of controlling a facsimile apparatus that provides a facsimile communication function to a workstation apparatus by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure with the workstation apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a workstation device connected to a local area network has a function of exchanging data on a local area network and a function of exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed through a public network. A facsimile apparatus which provides a facsimile communication function to a workstation apparatus by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure between the facsimile apparatus has been put to practical use.

When such a facsimile apparatus is used, facsimile communication can be directly performed by the workstation apparatus without providing a transmission apparatus such as a facsimile modem apparatus on the workstation apparatus side, and from the viewpoint of utilization of apparatus resources. It is also convenient in terms of the convenience of the workstation device.

[0004]

However, such a facsimile apparatus can provide a basic facsimile transmission / reception function to a workstation apparatus. However, the facsimile apparatus has a function unique to the facsimile apparatus, such as polling reception. There was a situation that the workstation function could not be used up to the device function.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a control method for a facsimile apparatus which enables a polling reception function of a facsimile apparatus to be used from a workstation apparatus. .

[0006]

The present invention has a function of exchanging data on a local area network and a function of exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed through a public network, and is connected to a local area network. In a method of controlling a facsimile apparatus that provides a facsimile communication function to a workstation apparatus by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure with the workstation apparatus, a polling reception operation is instructed by the workstation apparatus. Then, a call is made to a designated destination to perform a polling reception operation.

[0007] Further, the system has a function of exchanging data on a local area network and a function of exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed through a public network, and communicates with a workstation device connected to the local area network. In a method of controlling a facsimile device that provides a facsimile communication function to a workstation device by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure, a designated command is issued when a free polling reception operation is instructed from the workstation device. A call is made to a destination and a free polling reception operation is performed.

[0008] Further, it has a function of exchanging data on the local area network and a function of exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed through a public network, and communicates with a workstation device connected to the local area network. In a method of controlling a facsimile device that provides a facsimile communication function to a workstation device by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure in the above, when an ID polling reception operation is instructed from the workstation device, the designated A call is made to a destination, and an ID polling reception operation is performed using an ID registered in advance.

In addition, the system has a function of exchanging data on the local area network and a function of exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed via a public network, and is provided between a workstation device connected to the local area network. In the method of controlling a facsimile apparatus that provides a facsimile communication function by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure in the facsimile apparatus, an ID polling reception operation in which an ID is specified is instructed from the work station apparatus. Is called to a designated destination, and an ID polling reception operation is performed using the designated ID.

[0010] The present invention has a function of exchanging data on a local area network and a function of exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed through a public network, and is provided between a workstation device connected to the local area network. In a method of controlling a facsimile apparatus that provides a facsimile communication function to a workstation apparatus by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure, a polling reception operation in which a communication time is designated is instructed from the workstation apparatus. Then, when the designated communication time comes, a call is made to the designated destination and a polling reception operation is performed.

[0011] The present invention has a function of exchanging data on a local area network and a function of exchanging facsimile data according to a facsimile transmission procedure performed via a public network, and is provided between a workstation device connected to the local area network. In a method of controlling a facsimile apparatus that provides a facsimile communication function by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure in the facsimile apparatus, a free polling reception operation in which a communication time is designated is instructed from the work station apparatus. Then, when the designated communication time comes, a call is made to the designated destination, and a free polling reception operation is performed.

In addition, the system has a function of exchanging data on the local area network and a function of exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed through a public network, and communicates with a workstation device connected to the local area network. In a method of controlling a facsimile apparatus that provides a facsimile communication function by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure in the facsimile apparatus control method, an ID polling reception operation in which a communication time is designated is instructed from the work station apparatus Then, when the designated communication time comes, a call is made to the designated destination, and the ID polling reception operation is performed using the ID registered in advance.

[0013] The present invention has a function of exchanging data on a local area network and a function of exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed via a public network, and is provided between a workstation device connected to the local area network. In a method of controlling a facsimile apparatus that provides a facsimile communication function to a workstation apparatus by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure, an ID polling reception specifying a communication time and an ID to be used from the workstation apparatus is performed. When an operation is instructed, a call is made to a specified destination when a specified communication time comes, and an ID polling reception operation is performed using a specified ID.

[0014]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a data communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a plurality of workstations W connected to a local area network LAN
S1 to WSn, a mail server device SM, and a network facsimile device FX, and the local area network LAN is connected to the Internet via a router device RT.

Here, the mail server device SM collects and distributes well-known e-mails to users using the workstation devices WS1 to WSn connected to the local area network LAN and to the network facsimile device FX. Service.

The workstation devices WS1 to WSW
The Sn transmits and receives various command data and image information by applying a predetermined point-to-point transmission procedure to and from the network facsimile machine FX by sending and receiving e-mails and displaying the network facsimile machine FX. Are provided with various functions such as a function utilizing various functions (scanner function, printing function, G3 FAX communication function, etc.) provided by the user, and are used by a specific user. Here, typically, the specific user may be one or more users.

Further, the network facsimile machine FX
Is connected to the public network PSTN via a local area network LAN, a point-to-point transmission function for exchanging various command data and image information with the workstation devices WS1 to WSn, and connected to the public network PSTN. A transmission function for transmitting image information according to the group 3 facsimile transmission procedure using the PSTN as a transmission path, and a scanner function, a printing function, and a G function for external devices (in this case, the workstation devices WS1 to WSn).
It has a function of providing a 3FAX communication function and the like.

FIG. 2 shows a network facsimile apparatus F
3 shows an example of the configuration of X.

In FIG. 1, a system control unit 1 controls each unit of the network facsimile machine FX.
The system memory 2 stores various control processes such as a facsimile transmission control procedure process. The system memory 2 stores a control process program executed by the system control unit 1 and various data necessary for executing the process program. The parameter memory 3 stores various kinds of information unique to the network facsimile machine FX. The clock circuit 4 stores current time information. Is output.

The scanner 5 is for reading a document image at a predetermined resolution, the plotter 6 is for recording and outputting an image at a predetermined resolution, and the operation display unit 7 is a network facsimile apparatus. It is used to operate the FX, and includes various operation keys and various display devices.

The encoding / decoding section 8 encodes and compresses the image signal and decodes the encoded and compressed image information into the original image signal.
This is for storing a large number of image information in a coded and compressed state.

The group 3 facsimile modem 10 is for realizing a group 3 facsimile modem function. The group 3 facsimile modem 10 has a low-speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals and mainly exchanges 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 network facsimile machine FX to the public network PSTN, and has an automatic transmission / reception function.

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

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

Data exchange between the network controller 11 and the group 3 facsimile modem 10 is directly performed.

In this embodiment, the workstation device WS (WS1 to WSn) can instruct the network facsimile device FX to execute a polling reception operation. The polling reception operation includes a free polling reception in which authentication with an ID is not performed with a counterpart terminal and an I / O in which authentication with an ID is performed with the counterpart terminal.
There are two types of D polling reception.

The former free polling reception defines the group 3 facsimile transmission procedure (old) CCI.
TT Recommendation T. 30 is a standard mode polling reception operation.
ITT Recommendation T. This is a polling reception operation in a manufacturer-specific mode not specified in 30.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a transmission procedure at the time of free polling reception.

The calling side initiates a call to the destination for polling reception, and the called side responds to the incoming call by receiving a called station identification signal CED,
Non-standard function identification signal NSF and digital identification signal DI
Send S.

The calling side transmits a digital transmission command signal DTC for polling reception, whereby the called side recognizes that polling reception has been requested from the calling side. Then, the called side sends out a digital command signal DCS notifying the transmission function, and the training check signal T
Send CF.

The calling side transmits a training check signal TC
If the reception result of F is good, the reception preparation confirmation signal CF
Reply R, whereby the called party sends the image information PIX stored for polling transmission. in this case,
As a post-transmission procedure, a procedure end signal EOP is transmitted.

Upon receiving the image information PIX, if the result of the reception is good, the calling side receives a message confirmation signal MC.
F, so that the callee receives a disconnect command signal DCN
Is sent to restore the line. Also, the disconnection command signal DC
Upon receiving N, the calling side also restores the line.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a transmission procedure at the time of receiving ID polling.

The calling side makes a call to the destination for polling reception, and the called side responds to the incoming call by receiving a called station identification signal CED,
Non-standard function identification signal NSF and digital identification signal DI
Send S.

[0038] The calling party, for receiving the ID polling,
Non-standard function command signal NS including ID for polling reception
C, whereby the called party recognizes that ID polling reception has been requested from the calling side, and obtains an ID for polling reception. If the received ID matches the polling reception ID set in the own terminal, the called side accepts the polling reception request and transmits the polling transmission image information. , A digital command signal DCS notifying the transmission function, and a training check signal TCF.

The calling side transmits a training check signal TC
If the reception result of F is good, the reception preparation confirmation signal CF
Responds R, whereby the called party transmits the image information PIX stored for ID polling transmission. In this case, a procedure end signal EOP is transmitted as a post-transmission procedure.

Upon receiving the image information PIX, if the result of the reception is good, the calling side receives a message confirmation signal MC.
F, so that the callee receives a disconnect command signal DCN
Is sent to restore the line. Also, the disconnection command signal DC
Upon receiving N, the calling side also restores the line.

As described above, in the free polling reception, the authentication by the ID is not performed, and in the ID polling reception, the authentication by the ID is performed, and the image information set for each is transmitted.

FIG. 5 shows a network facsimile apparatus F
X shows an example of a process executed during a polling reception operation.

When a command is received from the workstation WS (the result of the judgment 101 is YES), it is checked whether or not the command received at that time is an ID polling reception request (decision 102).

When the received command is an ID polling reception request and the result of the judgment 102 is YES,
The destination notified at that time is recognized (process 103), a call is made to the destination, and the above-described ID polling reception operation is performed using the polling ID set in the terminal itself (process 104). ).

If the received command is not an ID polling reception request and the result of decision 102 is NO, it is checked whether the received command is a free polling reception request (decision 105).

If the received command is a free polling reception request and the result of determination 105 is YES, the destination notified at that time is recognized (step 10).
6) A call is made to the destination, and the above-described free polling reception operation is performed (process 107).

Then, the image information obtained by the polling reception operations of steps 104 and 107 is transmitted to the workstation WS which has requested the polling reception (step 108).
This operation ends.

If the received command is not a free polling reception request and the result of determination 105 is NO, this operation ends.

Incidentally, there is a case where it is desired to specify a specific ID when receiving ID polling. For example, there is a case where an ID unique to the user is registered, or a case where a specific ID is registered in an image to be extracted.

In this case, it is preferable that an ID to be used can be specified from the workstation WS. In this case, an example of a process executed by the network facsimile machine FX at the time of the polling reception operation is shown in FIG.

When a command is received from the workstation WS (result of determination 201 is YES), it is checked whether the command received at that time is an ID polling reception request (determination 202).

When the received command is an ID polling reception request and the result of determination 202 is YES,
The destination notified at that time is recognized (process 203), and it is checked whether an ID is set in the received command (determination 204).

When the ID is set in the received command and the result of the judgment 204 is YES, a call is made to the destination recognized in the process 203 and the ID set in the received command is used. Then, the ID polling reception operation as described above is performed (process 205).

On the other hand, if the ID is not set in the received command and the result of the judgment 204 is NO, a call is made to the destination recognized in the process 203 and the polling ID set in the own terminal is changed. To perform the ID polling reception operation as described above (process 20).
6).

If the received command is not an ID polling reception request and the result of judgment 202 is NO, it is checked whether or not the received command is a free polling reception request (decision 207).

If the received command is a free polling reception request and the result of determination 207 is YES, the destination notified at that time is recognized (step 20).
8), a call is made to the destination, and the above-described free polling reception operation is performed (process 209).

Then, the image information obtained in each of the polling reception operations of Steps 205, 206, and 209 is transmitted to the workstation WS that has requested the polling reception (Step 2).
10), end this operation.

If the received command is not a free polling reception request and the result of determination 207 is NO, this operation ends.

In each of the embodiments described above, the polling reception operation is started immediately upon receiving the command for instructing the polling reception operation. However, if the time at which the polling reception operation is executed can be designated, For example, the polling reception operation can be performed at night when the communication fee is low, and the communication fee can be reduced.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the processing executed by the network facsimile machine FX in the polling reception operation in this case.

When a command is received from the workstation WS (the result of the determination 301 is YES), it is checked whether or not the command received at that time includes a time designation (determination 302). If the command received at that time includes the time designation, and the result of determination 302 is YES, the process waits until the designated time is reached (NO loop of determination 303).

Then, when the received command does not include the time designation and when the result of the judgment 302 is NO, and when the designated time is reached and the result of the decision 303 becomes YES, the designation is made. It is checked whether or not the polling reception operation is an ID polling reception request (decision 304).

When the designated polling reception operation is an ID polling reception request and the result of determination 304 is YES, the destination notified at that time is recognized (step 305), and a call is made to the destination. Using the polling ID set in the own terminal, the above-described ID polling reception operation is performed (process 306).

Also, the designated polling reception operation is
The result of the decision 304 is N instead of the D polling reception request.
When it becomes O, it is checked whether the designated polling reception operation is a free polling reception request (decision 307).

If the designated polling reception operation is a free polling reception request and the result of determination 307 is YES, the destination notified at that time is recognized (process 308), and a call is made to the destination. The free polling reception operation as described above is performed (process 309).

Then, the image information obtained by the polling reception operations of the processes 306 and 309 is transmitted to the workstation WS which has requested the polling reception (process 310).
This operation ends.

If the received command is not a free polling reception request and the result of determination 307 is NO, this operation ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the polling reception operation is designated from the workstation WS and is executed by the network facsimile machine FX, and the received image information obtained thereby is transmitted to the workstation W.
Since the reception is performed by S, the polling reception operation can be appropriately performed by the workstation WS, which is very convenient.

[0069]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the polling reception operation is designated from the workstation device and executed by the facsimile device, and the received image information obtained thereby is received by the workstation device, the workstation device appropriately performs the polling reception operation. Can be very convenient.

Further, since the time at which the polling reception operation is performed can be designated, for example, by executing the polling reception operation at night when the communication fee is low, the communication fee can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a data communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 3 is a time chart showing an example of a transmission procedure at the time of free polling reception.

FIG. 4 is a time chart showing an example of a transmission procedure at the time of ID polling reception.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the network facsimile machine FX during a polling reception operation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing executed by the network facsimile machine FX during the polling reception operation.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing still another example of the processing executed by the network facsimile machine FX during the polling reception operation.

Claims (8)

[Claims] The present invention has a function of exchanging data on a local area network and a function of exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed via a public network, and is provided between a workstation device connected to a local area network. In a control method of a facsimile apparatus that provides a facsimile communication function to a workstation apparatus by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure in the above, when a polling reception operation is commanded from the workstation apparatus, a designated destination is designated. A method for controlling a facsimile apparatus, wherein a call is made to a facsimile apparatus. 2. A function for exchanging data on a local area network, and exchanging facsimile data according to a facsimile transmission procedure performed via a public network, and between a workstation device connected to the local area network. In a method of controlling a facsimile device that provides a facsimile communication function to a workstation device by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure in the above, when a free polling reception operation is instructed from the workstation device, the designated A method for controlling a facsimile apparatus, wherein a call is made to a destination and a free polling reception operation is performed. 3. A function for exchanging data on a local area network, and exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed via a public network, and between a workstation device connected to the local area network. In a method of controlling a facsimile device that provides a facsimile communication function to a workstation device by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure in the above, when an ID polling reception operation is instructed from the workstation device, a designated operation is performed. A method for controlling a facsimile apparatus, wherein a call is made to a destination and an ID polling reception operation is performed using an ID registered in advance. 4. A function for exchanging data on a local area network, and exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed via a public network, and between a workstation device connected to the local area network. In the method of controlling a facsimile apparatus that provides a facsimile communication function by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure in the facsimile apparatus, an ID polling reception operation in which an ID is specified is instructed from the work station apparatus. A call to a designated destination and performing an ID polling reception operation using the designated ID. 5. A communication device having a function of exchanging data on a local area network and a function of exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed through a public network, and a workstation device connected to the local area network. In a method of controlling a facsimile device that provides a facsimile communication function to a workstation device by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure, a polling reception operation in which a communication time is specified is instructed from the workstation device. Then, at the designated communication time, a call is made to the designated destination, and a polling reception operation is performed. 6. A function for exchanging data on a local area network, and exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed via a public network, and between a workstation device connected to the local area network. In a method of controlling a facsimile machine that provides a facsimile communication function by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure in the facsimile machine, a free polling reception operation in which a communication time is designated is instructed from the workstation machine. Then, when the designated communication time comes, a call is made to the designated destination, and a free polling reception operation is performed. 7. A function for exchanging data on a local area network, and exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed via a public network, and between a workstation device connected to the local area network. A facsimile device control method for providing a facsimile communication function to a workstation device by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure in the facsimile device.
A method of controlling a facsimile apparatus, wherein when a polling reception operation is instructed, a call is made to a specified destination at a specified communication time, and an ID polling reception operation is performed using an ID registered in advance. 8. A function for exchanging data on a local area network and a function for exchanging facsimile data by a facsimile transmission procedure performed via a public network, and between a workstation device connected to the local area network. In a method of controlling a facsimile apparatus that provides a facsimile communication function to a workstation apparatus by using a predetermined point-to-point communication procedure, the communication time and the I / O used by the workstation apparatus
When D is instructed to perform a designated ID polling reception operation, a call is made to a designated destination at a designated communication time, and an ID polling reception operation is performed using the designated ID. How to control the device.