JP2000151850A - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the quantity of management information and to improve the through-put of communication by transferring whole management information related to communication control from a main body control part to a communication control part in the case of an initializing operation and transferring only changed management information to the communication control part in the case of management information is changed. SOLUTION: When the initialization of the communication control part 111 is ended, CPU 102 transfers management information required for communication control, which is stored in SRAM 104, to the communication control part 111. Transferred management information is stored in DRAM 114. An incoming call is received by an ISDN interface 119 through an ISDN line 120 when it is given in a stand-by state. In this case, a user information change indication is given from an operating part 107 by a prescribed key input operation, the applying contents of SRAM 104 are updated after the change of user information, updated user information is transferred to the communication control part 111 through parallel i/f 110 and 121 and the applying contents of DRAM 114 are updated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for transferring management information in a communication device including at least a main body including a main body control section for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control section for performing a communication control function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, due to the diversification of communication lines and communication methods, only a communication control function has been separated from a main body control and made independent as a communication control section, and a main body control section for controlling the entire apparatus, an operation section, a reading section, There has been proposed a product that functions as a communication device by being connected to a main body including a recording unit and a display unit via an interface.

The advantage of this configuration is that the communication control unit and the main unit and the interface between them have versatility, so that the combination of the communication control unit and the main unit can be diversified, and the communication device can meet the needs of the user. It is easy to provide.

In addition, by adopting such a configuration,
Since there is extra capacity in the main unit control unit during communication, it is possible to perform operations such as printing out the contents of the memory and inquiring the registered contents during communication, contributing to improving the performance of the entire device. ing.

In this case, since the communication control unit has no means for the user or serviceman to register or change data, such as an operation unit, management information relating to communication control is stored in the main unit. Is transferred from the main unit to the communication control unit during communication.

[0006]

However, when the amount of management information transferred from the main unit to the communication control unit during communication is large or the frequency of communication is high, the loads on the main unit control unit and the communication control unit increase. There are drawbacks that the communication throughput is reduced and the response to the user is deteriorated.

Therefore, the present invention provides a communication apparatus comprising a main body control section for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control section for performing a communication control function, wherein management information transferred from the main body to the communication control section after completion of the initialization operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device with higher performance without reducing the amount of the communication as much as possible and without changing the conventional configuration.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication apparatus including at least a main body including a main body control section for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control section for performing a communication control function. A transfer unit for transferring the management information related to communication control to the communication control unit by the main body control unit; an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction for the management information; and a change for changing the management information. Means, having a storage means for storing the management information, during the initialization operation of the main body control unit or the communication control unit, transfer all of the management information from the main body control unit to the communication control unit,
When the management information is changed by the instruction input unit and the change unit, only the changed management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication apparatus comprising a main body including at least a main body control section for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control section for performing a communication control function. A transfer unit for transferring management information related to communication control to the communication control unit, an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction for the management information, a change unit for changing the management information, Storage means for storing management information, wherein at the time of an initialization operation of the main body control unit or the communication control unit, all of the management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit, and the instruction input means And when the management information is changed by the change unit, only the management information changed at the first communication after the change is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication apparatus comprising a main body including at least a main body control section for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control section for performing a communication control function. A transfer unit for transferring management information related to communication control to the communication control unit, an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction for the management information, and a storage unit for storing the management information, At the time of the initialization operation of the main body control unit or the communication control unit, transfer a part of the management information from the main body control unit to the communication control unit,
The remaining management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit each time communication is performed.

The invention according to claim 4 of the present application is the invention according to claim 3, further comprising a change unit for changing the management information, wherein an initialization operation of the main body control unit or the communication control unit is performed. Sometimes, when the management information transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit is changed by the instruction input unit and the change unit, only the changed management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit. It is characterized by doing.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 of the present application is characterized in that, in claim 3, there is provided a changing means for changing the management information, wherein the control unit or the communication control unit performs the initialization operation when the initialization operation is performed. When the management information transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit is changed by the instruction input unit and the change unit, at the time of the first communication after the change, the management information changed together with the remaining management information is changed. The data is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a communication apparatus comprising a main body including at least a main body control section for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control section for performing a communication control function. A transfer step for the main body control unit to transfer management information related to communication control to the communication control unit; an instruction input step for inputting an instruction for the management information; and a change step for changing the management information And a storage step of storing the management information in a storage unit, and when the main body control unit or the communication control unit is initialized, all of the management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit. When the management information is changed by the instruction input step and the change step, only the changed management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a communication apparatus comprising at least a main body including a main body control section for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control section for performing a communication control function. A transfer step for the main body control unit to transfer management information related to communication control to the communication control unit; an instruction input step for inputting an instruction for the management information; and a change step for changing the management information And a storage step of storing the management information in a storage unit, and when the main body control unit or the communication control unit is initialized, all of the management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit. When the management information is changed by the instruction input step and the change step, only the changed management information is transmitted from the main body control unit to the communication control unit during the first communication after the change. Characterized in that it.

The invention according to claim 8 of the present application is directed to a control method of a communication apparatus comprising at least a main body including a main body control section for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control section for performing a communication control function. A transfer step for the main body control unit to transfer management information related to communication control to the communication control unit; an instruction input step for inputting an instruction for the management information; and a storage for storing the management information in a storage unit During the initialization operation of the main body control unit or the communication control unit, a part of the management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit, and the remaining management information is communicated The data is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit every time.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, there is provided a changing step for changing the management information, wherein the main control unit or the communication control unit performs an initialization operation. When the management information transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit is changed in the instruction input step and the change step, only the changed management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit. It is characterized by.

Further, the invention according to claim 10 of the present application is as follows:
The management information according to claim 8, further comprising a change step for changing the management information, wherein the management information transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit during an initialization operation of the main body control unit or the communication control unit, When changed by the instruction input step and the change step, at the first communication after the change, transfer the changed management information together with the remaining management information from the main body control unit to the communication control unit, I do.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a G4 facsimile machine).

The facsimile apparatus is, as shown in FIG.
It comprises a main unit 101 for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control unit 111 for controlling communication functions.

The main unit 101 includes a CP for controlling the main unit.
U102 and ROM for storing a control program for the main body
103 and an SRAM 104 backed up by a secondary battery for storing parameters and data necessary for the operation of the CPU 102 and the operation of the apparatus and management information relating to communication control
And a DRAM 105 that stores image data to be transmitted by facsimile or received image data and is used as a work area of the CPU 102.

A display unit 106 for displaying the status of the apparatus and displaying images to be transmitted and received by facsimile.
An operation unit 107 for a user to perform an input operation for designating an apparatus operation, a reading unit 108 for reading a facsimile transmission original or a copy original, and an operation unit 107 for printing out a facsimile reception original, a copy original, or a file original. The recording unit 109 is connected to the communication control unit 111, and is connected to a parameter i and a data necessary for controlling the communication control unit, image data to be transmitted by facsimile, or a parallel i for exchanging received image data.
/ F section 110 (for example, Bi-Centronics).

On the other hand, the communication control unit 111 includes a CPU 112 for controlling the communication control unit, a ROM 113 for storing a program for controlling the communication control unit, management information related to the communication control transferred from the main unit 101, and the CPU 112.
And parameters and data necessary for the operation of the entire communication controller,
Further, it has a DRAM 114 which stores image data to be transmitted by facsimile or received image data and is used as a work area of the CPU 112.

A G3 MODEM 115 for controlling a communication protocol for G3 facsimile transmission / reception, modulating / demodulating signals, and transmitting / receiving these signals, and converting a G3 analog signal to be transmitted to PCMCODE, and receiving the PCMCODE
PCMCODEC 116 that converts DE to analog signal
And an HD that forms an HDLC frame for the ISDND channel protocol and the G4 facsimile protocol
LC controller 117, G3 facsimile communication and G
And a port switch 118 for selecting 4 facsimile communication and connecting to the ISDN interface 119.

Further, it is connected to the ISDN line 120,
ISD for ISDND channel control and B channel control
N interface 119 and the main unit 101,
Parallel I / f unit 121 for exchanging the main unit 101 with necessary parameters and data, image data to be transmitted by facsimile, or received image data
(For example, Bi-Centronics).

Here, the facsimile apparatus of the present embodiment is configured such that the main unit 101 and the communication control unit 111 are separated and connected by versatile parallel i / f 110 and 121. Unit 101 and communication control unit 11
1, each can have versatility.

That is, the communication control unit 111
Although it has a G3 / G4 facsimile communication function to connect to N, a communication control unit having only a G3 facsimile communication function to connect to a PSTN (analog public network) may be used.

When it is desired to configure a communication terminal having a telephone function, a communication control unit having the telephone function may be connected to the main unit 101.

The main unit 101 is connected to a LAN to
If you want to use it as an AN printer or LAN scanner,
Instead of the communication control unit 111, a LAN connection function can be realized, for example, by connecting a board.

On the other hand, functions of the main body, such as a display function (display section 106), a reading function (reading section 108), a recording function (recording section 109), a memory function (DRAM 105),
A facsimile machine of various versions can be easily realized by connecting the main control unit (function of the overall control function (CPU 102) or the like, which has been upgraded or reduced) to the communication control unit 111, and can meet various needs of the user. .

Further, the main body can be constituted by adding a general-purpose i / f to a copying machine.

Further, it is possible to configure the main body with only some of the functions of the main body. For example, a display device for the display function, a scanner device for the reading function, a printer device for the recording function,
The main body is formed by adding a general-purpose i / f. When the main unit is a display device or a printer device, the communication control unit has only a receiving function, and displays and records received data. When the main unit is a scanner device, the communication control unit has only a transmission function, and transmits data read by the scanner.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the present apparatus when the power is turned on. First, the operation at the time of turning on the power will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

In the present apparatus, when the main power is turned on, in step S201, the CPU 102 performs predetermined initialization operations such as setting of ports, registers, and RAM, designation of an operation mode, and initialization of I / O. Thereafter, in step S202, the communication control unit 111 is initialized through the parallel I / Fs 110 and 121.

When the initialization of the communication control unit 111 is completed,
In step S203, the CPU 102
The management information necessary for the communication control stored in the communication control unit 04 is transferred to the communication control unit 111. Specifically, a number for identifying a terminal (for example, a telephone number), a user name and an ID for specifying a communication partner, user information such as a password, a communication mode, a communication capability such as a speed, and the presence or absence of an optional function. Etc., and body information such as a maker name, a model name, and a serial number. The transferred management information is stored in the DRAM 11
4 is stored.

Here, the main body information is input by a key at the time of shipment from the factory, and the user information is input by a key through the operation unit 107 at the time of installation. The function information is stored in the ROM 102 in advance or is determined by the function of the communication control unit 111. Note that the CPU 102 performs communication control even when an abnormality occurs in transmission / reception of information to / from the communication control unit 111 through the parallel interfaces 110 and 121 and when the control unit 111 changes from an inoperable state to an operable state. The unit 111 is initialized, and the management information is transferred to the communication control unit 111.

Thereafter, the apparatus enters a standby state. When there is an incoming call in this standby state, specifically, for example, the call setup (SETUP) information of the partner terminal is sent to ISDN.
When the apparatus receives the data through the ISDN interface 119 through the line 120, the apparatus enters a reception mode, and the necessary management information is represented by RSSP (session start acknowledgment response) or RSUI (session user information response).
Used when sending.

In the standby state, when a transmission instruction is given from the operation unit 107 by a predetermined operation, the apparatus enters a transmission mode, sends call setup (SETUP) information to the ISDN line 120 through the ISDN interface 119, and the call is sent. Once established, necessary management information is used when sending a CSS (session start command) or CSUI (session user information command).

When the installation location of the apparatus or the user is changed, or when the ID or password is changed, it is necessary to change the user information which is a part of the management information. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation when the user information is changed. Next, an operation at the time of changing user information will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

First, in the standby state, a user information change instruction is issued in step S301 by a predetermined key input operation from the operation unit 107, and when the user information is changed in step S302, the process proceeds to step S3.
In step 03, the corresponding contents of the SRAM 104 are updated. In step S304, the changed user information is transferred to the communication control unit 111 through the parallel I / f 110 and 121. In step S305, the DR
The corresponding content of AM 114 is updated. The updated user information includes the CSS, CSUI, RSSP,
It is used when sending out RSUI.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the contents described in FIGS. 1 and 2 are the same in other embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows an example in which, when the user information is changed, the change information is immediately transferred to the communication control unit. However, the transfer timing may be set at the start of the next communication. This operation will be mainly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another operation example when changing user information.

In FIG. 4, when there is a user information change instruction in step S401 due to a predetermined key input operation from the operation unit 107, steps S302 to S302
The operation described with reference to FIG.
After the content corresponding to is updated, the apparatus enters a standby state.

In step S404, I
If there is an incoming call through the SDN line 120, step S4
At 05, the changed user information is the parallel i / f
The contents are transferred to the communication control unit 111 through 110 and 121, and the corresponding contents of the DRAM 114 are updated in step S406.

The subsequent operation is a normal receiving operation.
In step S407, when a transmission instruction is given from the operation unit 107 by a predetermined operation in the standby state,
In step S408, the changed user information is transmitted to the communication control unit 1 through the parallel interfaces 110 and 121.
11 and, in step S409, the DRAM
The corresponding contents of 114 are updated.

The subsequent operation is a normal transmission operation. The operations in steps S405 and S408 are the same as the operations in step S304 described above. The operations in steps S406 and S409 are the same as the operations in step S304 described above.

The user information is not changed (step S4)
01 is never affirmed), step S405,
Nothing is executed in S406, S408, and S409.

The difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is that the communication control unit 111 until the changed user information is actually required.
The point is that the transfer to is suspended. In a case where the user makes a mistake and changes again, there is a merit that useless information is not transferred.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the contents described in FIG. 1 are the same in other embodiments.

In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, all of the management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit at the time of the initialization operation of the main body control unit or the communication control unit. If there is information that is frequently changed, the transfer during the above-described initialization operation may be useless.

In particular, in an apparatus having a function of registering a plurality of user names and allowing a user to select one of them each time, it is more convenient to transfer the user names each time transmission is started. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of another embodiment of the present invention in which such a case is taken into consideration. Hereinafter, description will be made mainly with reference to FIG.

When the main power is turned on, the CPU 102 performs a predetermined initialization operation in steps S201 to S202 as described with reference to FIG.
The communication control unit 111 is initialized.

Subsequently, in step S503, the CPU
Reference numeral 102 transfers the management information necessary for communication control stored in the SRAM 4 excluding the transmission user name to the communication control unit 111, and enters a standby state. It should be noted that the receiving user name is fixedly used in consideration of the fact that automatic reception is the main stream, and is thus transferred in step S503.

In step 504, when there is a transmission instruction from the operation unit 107 by a predetermined operation in the standby state, the transmission user name is changed to the communication control unit 11 through the parallel i / f 110 and 121 in step S505.
1 and, in step S506, the DRAM 1
14 are updated.

The subsequent operation is a normal transmission operation. Note that the transmission user name is specified by the user inputting a key from the operation unit 107 in step S504. At the time of actual transmission, unless the destination is fixed,
Since it is necessary to transfer the terminal identification number (for example, telephone number) of the other party to the communication control unit 111, it is efficient to execute step S505 at that timing.

In this embodiment, the transmission user name is exemplified as the management information to be transferred for each communication. However, other management information or a combination of a plurality of the management information does not cause any inconvenience. The operation when the management information transferred to the communication control unit 111 in step S503 is changed is as described with reference to FIG. 3 or FIG.

In all of the embodiments described above, the user information is exemplified as the management information to be changed. However, there is no inconvenience even if other management information or a combination of a plurality of pieces of management information is used. For example, since the availability of memory reception may change depending on the amount of remaining memory, or the user may change the setting of availability of called transmission, such function information may also be changed. Information.

[0058]

As described above, according to the first and sixth aspects of the present invention, at the time of the initialization operation of the main body control unit or the communication control unit, all of the management information related to the communication control is stored in the main body. Transfer from the control unit to the communication control unit, and when the management information is changed, only the changed management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit. As a result, the amount of management information transferred to the communication device is reduced as much as possible, the communication throughput is improved, the response to the user is improved, and a higher-performance communication device can be provided.

According to the inventions according to claims 2 to 5 and 7 to 10 of the present application, the number of times that management information related to communication control is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit can be further reduced. The effects of the first and sixth aspects can be further enhanced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of still another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference numerals 101, main body, 102, 112, CPU, 103, 113, ROM, 104, SRAM, 105, 114, DRAM, 106, display, 107, operation, 108, reading, 109, recording, 110, 121 ... Parallel I / F section, 111 ... Communication control section, 115 ... G3 MODEM, 116 ... PCMCODEC, 117 ... HDLC controller, 118 ... Port switch, 119 ... ISDN interface, 120 ... ISDN line.

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5C062 AA02 AA30 AA34 AA35 AB17 AB41 AB43 AB44 AC25 AC31 AC43 AE02 AF03 AF12 BA00 5C075 AB03 CA14 CD07 CD09 EE02 FF04 5K034 AA07 AA17 CC00 CC04 EE13 GG05 5K101 NN01 NN03 NN03

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A communication device comprising a main body including at least a main body control section for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control section for performing a communication control function, wherein the main body control section transmits management information related to communication control to the communication apparatus. A transfer unit for transferring to the communication control unit; an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction for the management information; a changing unit for changing the management information; and a storage unit for storing the management information. In the initialization operation of the main body control unit or the communication control unit, all of the management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit, and the management information is changed by the instruction input unit and the change unit. And transmitting only the changed management information from the main control unit to the communication control unit. 2. A communication apparatus comprising at least a main body including a main body control section for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control section for performing a communication control function, wherein the main body control section transmits management information related to communication control to the communication apparatus. A transfer unit for transferring to the communication control unit; an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction for the management information; a changing unit for changing the management information; and a storage unit for storing the management information. In the initialization operation of the main body control unit or the communication control unit, all of the management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit, and the management information is changed by the instruction input unit and the change unit. And transmitting only the management information changed during the first communication after the change from the main body control unit to the communication control unit. 3. A communication device comprising a main body including at least a main body control section for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control section for performing a communication control function, wherein the main body control section transmits management information related to communication control to the communication apparatus. A transfer unit for transferring to the communication control unit; an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction for the management information; and a storage unit for storing the management information. During the conversion operation, a part of the management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit, and the remaining management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit every time communication is performed. Communication device. 4. The communication device according to claim 3, further comprising a change unit for changing the management information, wherein the control information is transferred from the main control unit to the communication control unit when the main control unit or the communication control unit is initialized. When the management information is changed by the instruction input unit and the change unit, only the changed management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit. 5. The communication device according to claim 3, further comprising a change unit configured to change the management information, wherein the control information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit during an initialization operation of the main body control unit or the communication control unit. When the management information is changed by the instruction input unit and the change unit, at the first communication after the change, the changed management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit together with the remaining management information. A communication device. 6. A method for controlling a communication device, comprising a main body including at least a main body control unit for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control unit for performing a communication control function, wherein the main body control unit performs management related to communication control. A transfer step for transferring information to the communication control unit; an instruction input step for inputting an instruction for the management information; a change step for changing the management information; and storing the management information in a storage unit. When the initialization operation of the main body control unit or the communication control unit is performed, all of the management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit, and the instruction input step and the change step When the management information is changed, only the changed management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit. 7. A control method for a communication device comprising a main body including at least a main body control unit for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control unit for performing a communication control function, wherein the main body control unit performs management related to communication control. A transfer step for transferring information to the communication control unit; an instruction input step for inputting an instruction for the management information; a change step for changing the management information; and storing the management information in a storage unit. When the initialization operation of the main body control unit or the communication control unit is performed, all of the management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit, and the instruction input step and the change step When the management information is changed, only the changed management information at the time of the first communication after the change is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit. Control method. 8. A control method for a communication device comprising a main body including at least a main body control section for controlling the entire apparatus and a communication control section for performing a communication control function, wherein the main body control section performs management related to communication control. A transfer step of transferring information to the communication control unit; an instruction input step of inputting an instruction of the management information; and a storage step of storing the management information in a storage unit. During the initialization operation of the communication control unit, a part of the management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit, and the remaining management information is transmitted from the main body control unit to the communication control unit every time communication is performed. A method for controlling a communication device, comprising: 9. The communication device according to claim 8, further comprising a change step for changing the management information, wherein the control information is transferred from the main control unit to the communication control unit when the main control unit or the communication control unit is initialized. When the management information is changed by the instruction input step and the change step, only the changed management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit. 10. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a change step of changing the management information, wherein the control information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit during an initialization operation of the main body control unit or the communication control unit. When the management information is changed by the instruction input step and the change step, at the first communication after the change, the changed management information is transferred from the main body control unit to the communication control unit together with the remaining management information. A method for controlling a communication device.