JP2000184162A - Method and system for facsimile communication - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the use time of a public line, which runs up the communication cost and is charged for the service time, to reduce the cost for communication, to prevent the storage capacity of a memory from being increased, and to quickly retrieve a line wire number for originating to prevent delay of facsimile communication. SOLUTION: Toll numbers in facsimile numbers (line wire numbers) of facsimile equipments 6 to 8 of transmission destinations of relay transmission are registered in a relay destination information table TA in a memory correspondingly to facsimile numerbs (extension numbers) of facsimile equipments 1 to 5 accommodated in a leased circuit 5. After this registration, an extension number corresponding to the toll number in the inputted line wire number of the transmission destination is retrieved. The line wire number of the transmission destination and a facsimile text are transmitted to this retrieved extension number. Facsimile equipments 1 to 3 which perform repeating transmission of this extension number repeat and transmit the facsimile text to the incoming line wire number.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile machine accommodated in a dedicated line network of a fixed-rate billing system for another facsimile machine for a facsimile transmission destination accommodated in a time-charging system (metered system). The present invention relates to a facsimile communication method and system for performing facsimile transmission at a low communication fee by relaying a device, and in particular, corresponds only to the area code in the external line number of the facsimile device to be transmitted to the extension number of the facsimile device for relay transmission. The present invention relates to a facsimile communication method and a facsimile communication method for relaying a facsimile message (image data) to an input external line number.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a facsimile communication system in which facsimile machines distributed in a large number of areas, for example, facsimile machines installed in a head office or a large number of remote branch offices, are accommodated in a dedicated line has been used. Have been. In such a facsimile communication system, a facsimile machine of a transmission source accommodated in a dedicated line of a fixed-rate billing system that charges a relatively small amount to a transmission destination of a facsimile device accommodated in a public line network of a time accounting system. In some cases, another facsimile device accommodated in a dedicated line relays and transmits a facsimile message transmitted from a private network. This is because the dedicated line of the fixed-rate billing system, which is a relatively low fee, is used more, and the use time of the public line network, which is a relatively high fee, is reduced, so that the low-cost billing (communication cost is reduced). Cost reduction)
It is intended for.

For example, in the conventional example of JP-A-7-336518 "Facsimile communication system and facsimile apparatus", a facsimile apparatus of a transmission source accommodated in a dedicated line is connected to a facsimile apparatus of a transmission destination connected to a public line network. Can transmit a facsimile message via a nearby facsimile machine. In this case, the extension number of the facsimile machine for relay transmission accommodated in the dedicated line of the flat-rate charging system is registered in association with the external line number of the facsimile transmission destination, and the relay transmission of the facsimile message to the input external line number is registered. It is carried out. As a result, facsimile transmission using more dedicated lines with a flat-rate billing system is performed to reduce the communication cost.

In such a facsimile communication system, the first facsimile transmission destination cannot perform relay transmission because its external line number is not registered in the facsimile apparatus that performs relay transmission. Similarly, when the external line number of the transmission destination is not registered in the facsimile apparatus that performs the relay transmission, the relay transmission cannot be performed. That is, the communication cost cannot be reduced.

[0005] In a facsimile machine as a transmission source, it is necessary to register the extension numbers of the facsimile apparatuses that perform relay transmission, together with the external line numbers of all the destination facsimile apparatuses accommodated in the public line. In this case, it is necessary to register in advance all digits of the external line number having a relatively large number of digits. Therefore, when the number of registration destinations increases, the registration operation becomes troublesome and the storage capacity also increases. Furthermore,
When the number of registration destinations increases, the total number of digits of the external number of the transmission destination and the extension number for relay transmission will be searched at the time of calling, and the search time will be long, and the selection signal (facsimile number) at the time of calling will be long. ), The time from transmission to line connection is delayed. In other words, facsimile communication is delayed.

[0006]

As described above, in the above-described conventional example, when the number of relay transmission destinations increases, the registration operation becomes troublesome and the storage capacity also increases. Further, when the number of registration destinations increases, there is a disadvantage that the search time at the time of transmission becomes longer, and the time from transmission of the selection signal at the time of transmission to line connection is delayed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves such problems in the prior art. When performing facsimile transmission, the cost of communication can be reduced, and the facsimile speed is reduced without increasing the storage capacity. It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile communication method and a system for enabling communication.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a facsimile communication method according to the present invention includes a facsimile communication method in which a transmission destination accommodated in a time-charging public line network is accommodated in a fixed-rate charging exclusive line network. The other facsimile device accommodated in the same dedicated line performs relay transmission of the facsimile message from the facsimile device, and the extension number of the facsimile device accommodated in the dedicated line network is added to the nearby public line network. A process of registering the area code of the destination facsimile apparatus accommodated in the telephone number in association with the area code, and a process of searching for an extension number corresponding to the area code of the input destination external number after this registration The process of transmitting the external number and the facsimile message of the transmission destination to the extension number searched here, and the facsimile apparatus of this extension number The Shimiri telegram and a process for relay transmission.

In the facsimile communication system of the present invention, a facsimile message from a facsimile apparatus accommodated in a dedicated line network of a fixed charge system is transmitted to a destination accommodated in a public line network of a time accounting system. Another accommodated facsimile apparatus performs relay transmission. The extension number of the facsimile apparatus accommodated in the leased line network is replaced by the market number of the external line number of the destination facsimile apparatus accommodated in the nearby public line network. After registering the area code in association with the area code and searching for an extension number corresponding to the area code of the input external number of the transmission destination, transmitting the external number and facsimile message of the transmission destination to the extension number obtained by this search, The facsimile apparatus having the extension number relays the facsimile electronic message to the facsimile apparatus having the external number.

The facsimile apparatus accommodated in the private line network for performing the relay transmission includes an extension number of the facsimile apparatus accommodated in the private line network, and an external line of a destination facsimile apparatus accommodated in the nearby public line network. Registration means for registering the area code in the number in association with the area code, search means for searching for an extension number corresponding to the area code of the input destination external number after registration by the registration means, search by the search means The transmitting unit transmits the external number of the transmission destination and the facsimile message to the obtained extension number, and the reception relay transmission unit relays the received facsimile message to the external line number of the transmission destination.

The registration unit, the search unit, the transmission unit, and the reception relay transmission unit are provided between an input unit for inputting at least an area code, an extension number, and an external line number to be registered, and a public line network and a dedicated line network. A transmission / reception communication control unit that executes facsimile transmission / reception communication control, a compression / decompression unit for compressing or expanding a facsimile message in transmission / reception, and temporarily stores the transmission / reception facsimile message, and
A memory for storing an area code and an extension number of an external line number of a transmission destination in advance, printing and outputting a received facsimile message, and sending / reading a facsimile message data obtained by reading a transmission original. Device, control of registration of the area code by the input unit, control of searching for an extension number corresponding to the area code of the destination external number at the time of transmission,
Transmission control between the external number of the destination and the facsimile message,
And a control unit for executing a control to relay and transmit a facsimile message to an external line number at the time of an incoming call.

Further, the memory is provided with a relay destination information table for storing an area code of an outside line number of a transmission destination and an extension number associated with the area code in advance.

When the input destination is a facsimile number to which a code indicating an outgoing call is added, an extension number accommodated in the same dedicated line network as the self-device that performs the searched facsimile transmission. The external line number and the facsimile telegram are transmitted from the transmitting means to the facsimile apparatus of (1).

Further, when the search means determines that the input external line number is the same as the area code of the self-fax machine as the transmission source, the search means stores the external line number in the public line network. A facsimile message is transmitted to a facsimile apparatus having an external line number.

Further, when the input destination is a facsimile number to which a code indicating extension transmission is added, the search means transmits the facsimile to the facsimile apparatus of the extension number accommodated in the same dedicated line network as the own facsimile apparatus. The configuration is such that the message is transmitted from the transmission means.

Further, both the public line network and the private line network are analog public telephone networks or integrated service digital, and the public line network is an analog public telephone network, and the private line network is integrated with the service. It has a digital configuration. Further, a wireless telephone network is used as one or both of the public network and the private network.

Further, the transmission / reception communication control unit notifies the facsimile transmission source that the facsimile transmission by the relay transmission has ended, and, as a notification of the end of the facsimile transmission by the relay transmission, after receiving the facsimile message by the relay transmission, The communication line connection with the facsimile transmission source is disconnected, and after the facsimile communication by the relay transmission ends, a call is made to the facsimile transmission source to notify the end of the relay transmission. Further, as a notification of the end of the facsimile transmission by the relay transmission, after receiving the facsimile message by the relay transmission, the communication line connection with the facsimile transmission source is continued, and after the end of the facsimile communication by the relay transmission, the line to the facsimile transmission source, It is configured to notify the end of the relay transmission via the link.

Further, when the transmission / reception communication control unit receives a facsimile transmission end signal from the facsimile apparatus that has performed the relay transmission, the display unit displays the end of the facsimile transmission on a screen.

Such a facsimile communication method and system according to the present invention searches for an extension number corresponding to a previously registered area code in an external number of a transmission destination, and searches for an extension number of the transmission destination to the extension number which can be retrieved here. Send the number and facsimile message. The facsimile machine with this extension number,
The facsimile message is relayed and transmitted to the facsimile apparatus of the outside line number of the transmission destination.

As a result, when performing facsimile transmission,
The use of dedicated lines with a fixed-rate billing system, which results in relatively low charges, will increase, and communication costs will increase. Become. Further, the storage capacity does not increase as compared with the case where all of the extension number and the outside number described in the conventional example are stored. Therefore, it is possible to quickly search for an external line number at the time of calling, and to perform fast facsimile communication without delaying the time from transmission of a selection signal at the time of calling to line connection.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of a facsimile communication method and a facsimile communication system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a facsimile communication method and system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This facsimile communication system includes a facsimile machine 1 provided in an area A (for example, a head office),
A facsimile device 2 provided in a region B (for example, a branch office) for performing facsimile transmission and relay transmission by extension transmission, and a facsimile device 3 provided in a region C (for example, a branch office located far away from the region B). But IS
A dedicated line 5 in a DN communication network 4a and a public line 9 in an analog public telephone network (PSTN) 4b
Is housed in

Further, the facsimile machine 6 provided in the area D and the facsimile apparatus 7 and F provided in the area E are provided.
A facsimile machine 8 provided in a district is accommodated in a public line 9 of an analog public telephone network 4b. In this facsimile communication system, the head office in the area A and the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 in the branch offices in the areas B and C perform extension facsimile communication with extension numbers. Facsimile machine 6
8 perform facsimile communication on the outside line.

It should be noted that the ISDN communication network 4a and the analog public telephone network (PSTN) 4b can implement the present invention even if both of them are ISDN, and can implement the present invention even if both are PSTN.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 in the areas A to D in FIG. The facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 execute a control program, and in particular,
A CPU 10 for executing “facsimile transmission control according to the embodiment of the present invention” to be described later, and a working RA
M11, a ROM 12 storing a boot program and a control program, and an input / output unit 13 for exchanging input / output of input operation data and image display data.

Each of the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 has a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying processed data, a destination facsimile number (extension / external number), a facsimile number for relay transmission (extension number), and the like. Communication for executing facsimile communication control between a display unit 14 using the same or the like, an input operation device 15 for inputting an outside line number, an extension number, etc., and an ISDN communication network 4a and a PSTN analog public telephone network 4b. Control device 16
And a decompression processing unit 17 for decompressing the received facsimile telegram (image data).

The facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 further include a compression processing section 18 for compressing a facsimile message (image data) to be transmitted, a clock section 19 for measuring the current time, and
A memory 20 is provided for temporarily storing a transmission / reception facsimile telegram and for storing a facsimile number (extension number and area code) according to the "facsimile transmission control of the embodiment of the present invention". This memory 20 stores a relay destination information table TA relating to “facsimile transmission control according to the embodiment of the present invention” described with reference to FIG. Further, the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 are connected to respective parts of a printer 21 for outputting a hard copy PM on which a received facsimile message is printed, a scanner 22 for outputting image data obtained by reading a transmission original IM, and connect data and addresses. A bus line 23 for exchanging data and control data is provided.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. First, a basic operation of the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The CPU 10 fetches a boot program stored in the ROM 12, starts the boot program, and starts control by the control program. Then, the processing data is temporarily stored in the RAM 11 through the working process. Further, a facsimile message (image data) obtained by reading the document by the scanner 22 is stored in the memory 20. Further, “the facsimile transmission control according to the embodiment of the present invention” described in detail later is executed.

That is, the communication control unit 16 executes G3 system control (CCITT / binary transmission control procedure / T.30) or a facsimile communication sequence according to a communication protocol in ISDN and transmits it. In this case, the compression processing unit 18 compresses and transmits the facsimile message (image data) to be transmitted. Also, at the time of facsimile reception,
The decompression processing unit 17 decompresses the facsimile message. Further, the printer 21 outputs a hard copy PM on which the received facsimile message is printed. In this facsimile transmission / reception, the processed data, a destination facsimile number (external number), and a facsimile number (extension number) for relay transmission are displayed on a display unit 14 such as a liquid crystal display (LCD).

In the G3 system, the well-known non-standard device signal NSF called station identification signal CIS and digital identification signal D
IS, digital transmission command signal DTC, digital command signal DCS, transmitting station identification signal TSI, non-standard device opening signal N
A sequence for transmitting the SS, the training check signal TCF, the reception preparation confirmation signal CFR, the facsimile image information PIX, the multi-page signal MPS, the message confirmation signal MCF, the facsimile image information PIX, the procedure end signal EOP, and the line disconnection command signal DCN is executed. To send and receive facsimile messages. Further, a facsimile communication sequence according to a communication protocol in ISDN, for example, a call control (signaling) procedure of a control (D) channel by group 3 (related recommendation T.4), an X.X. X.25 on the procedure and information (D) channel. A communication sequence such as 25 procedures is executed.

The configuration of the facsimile apparatuses 6 to 8 in FIG. 1 is basically the same as that of the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 shown in FIG. The operation is different only in that the communication control device 16 performs the facsimile communication control on only the PSTN for the facsimile devices 6 to 8 and does not execute the “facsimile transmission control of the embodiment of the present invention”.

Hereinafter, the "facsimile transmission control according to the embodiment of the present invention" will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the contents of the "facsimile transmission control of the embodiment of the present invention" in the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3.

In the "facsimile transmission control of the embodiment of the present invention", the following (1), (2), (3) and (4) are executed. (1) Register the extension numbers (facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3) in association with the area codes of the facsimile apparatuses 6 to 8 in the same area and a nearby area where the charge is the lowest. (2) At the time of outgoing call after this registration, an extension number for performing the relay transmission corresponding to the area code in the external line number of the input facsimile transmission destination (number of the facsimile apparatuses 6 to 8) is searched. (3) The external number and the facsimile message are transmitted to the extension number that has been searched. (4) Relay the facsimile message to the external line number (facsimile devices 6 to 8) that facsimile devices 1 to 3 have received.

FIG. 4 shows the relay destination information table T in the memory 20.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a registration process to A. First, the input operation device 15 is operated in the relay destination information table TA of FIG. 3 in the memory 20 in the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (step S1 in FIG. 4), and the CP
Through the control of U10, the extension numbers of the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 for relay transmission are registered together with the area code of the same area and an area near this area. That is, the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 enter the area code (for example, 03/06) in the facsimile number (telephone number) of the facsimile apparatus 6 to 8 which is the lowest in billing when relayed and transmitted. And registered in association with the extension number.

The relay destination information table TA of the memory 20 stores the extension number “8-00-1111 / 8-11” of the A / B / C area (head office / branch / branch) as the relay destination.
-2222 / 8-22-3333 "and the area code" 0
3,045 / 092,093 / 06,071 "are registered in association with each other. The area code is based on a numbering plan in the telephone network, and the area code with the lowest charge for the extension number of each of the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 is assigned from the area code of the whole country. Further, when the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 are added and the number of facsimile transmission destinations increases, the allocation is changed from the area code of the whole country to the new one and stored again in the relay destination information table TA of the memory 20. (Steps S2, S3, S4, S5, S
6).

Next, the relay destination information table T in the memory 20
The operation at the time of transmission after registration with A will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the facsimile transmission operation. The input operation device 15 is operated, and the scanner 22 reads a transmission original and the extension number of the facsimile device 1 to 3 when the transmission destination is an extension, or the facsimile device 6 to 8 when the transmission destination is an extension. Is entered and the facsimile transmission mode is set (steps S11 and S12). A number (sign) indicating extension transmission is added to the extension number at the beginning of the extension number, and a number (sign) indicating extension transmission is added to the outside line number at the beginning of the extension number.

[0003] Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the destination external line number is sent to the relay destination determining process. In this relay destination determination process, whether the transmission destination is an extension transmission or an outside transmission is determined by the first digit of the facsimile number. That is,
It is determined whether the transmission destination is one of the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 accommodated in the dedicated line 5 and the public line 9 or the facsimile apparatuses 7 to 8 accommodated in the public line 9 (step S13).

In the relay destination determining process, if the received transmission destination is an extension transmission (S13: extension), the facsimile message is transmitted to the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 corresponding to the extension number through the dedicated line 5 by the transmission / reception control process. (Step S14). The relay destination determining process is performed when the received destination facsimile number is an outside line transmission (S13: outside line).
It is determined whether or not the area code of the outside line number is the same as that of the transmission source's own facsimile machine 1 to 3 (step S15). If the outside line number is the same (Yes), the outside line number is sent to the transmission / reception control processing, and External number facsimile machine 7
Facsimile message to the user (step S1)
6).

In the relay destination determining process, if the received transmission destination facsimile number is an external line number that is not the same as that of the own facsimile machine 1 (S15: No), the memory 20
Look up the area code in the relay destination information table TA of FIG.
The extension number corresponding to the area code is selected (step S17). The extension number, the input external line number and the facsimile message are transmitted from the dedicated line 5 to the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 for relay transmission corresponding to the extension number by the transmission / reception control processing (step S18).

Next, the operation of receiving and relaying a facsimile message will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a facsimile message reception / relay transmission operation. First, the input operation device 15 is operated to set the facsimile reception mode (step S2 in FIG. 6).
1). Facsimile apparatus 1 to 1 for relay transmission shown in FIG.
3 receives the facsimile message together with the external line number of the facsimile transmission destination (facsimile apparatuses 7 to 9) through the dedicated line 5 and by the transmission / reception control processing (step S22). Further, the facsimile telegram is image-converted and stored in the memory 20 shown in FIG. 2 (step S23).

Next, it is determined whether an external line number is added to the received facsimile message (step S24).
If no external number is added to the facsimile message (S24: No), that is, if the call arrives only with the extension number to which the number of the extension has been added, it is determined that the relay transmission is not to be performed. The stored facsimile message is printed by the printer 21, and the hard copy P
M is output (step S25). When an external number is added to the received facsimile message (S24: Yes
s), a call is made to the facsimile devices 6 to 8 corresponding to the external line number by the transmission / reception control process (step S26), a facsimile communication sequence is executed, and a facsimile message from the facsimile device 1 is transmitted (step S2).
7).

As described above, the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 operate for the transmission source and the relay transmission. The transmission and reception / relay transmission operations are performed by a series of facsimile communication sequences, and the transmission source facsimile apparatuses 1 to 1
3, the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 that have performed the relay transmission transfer end signals in the facsimile transmission, and the facsimile transmissions at the facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 at the transmission ends. Also, facsimile apparatuses 1 to 3 that perform relay transmission
Is busy (busy), the facsimile communication sequence, for example, executes a re-call process to end the facsimile transmission.

Hereinafter, the main parts (1), (2), and (3) of the "facsimile transmission control according to the embodiment of the present invention" will be described in detail. (1) A case will be described in which facsimile apparatus 1 in region A (head office) is connected to public line 9 and facsimile transmission is performed directly without performing relay transmission to facsimile device 8 in region F of the same area code.

1 and 3, the facsimile machine 1 receives the facsimile number "0-03-1111-2222" of the destination facsimile machine 8, and
A facsimile document is read. The first “0” in the facsimile number “0-03-1111-2222” indicates an outside line transmission. Note that the first "8" added to the extension number indicates an extension transmission. The next number in the outside line transmission is the area code "03" in the F area of the facsimile machine 8 based on the numbering plan in the telephone network, and the facsimile number "1111-2222" is the local office number and the subscriber number.

In the relay destination determining process in FIG. 3, the input facsimile number "0-03-1111-2222" is analyzed, and the first outgoing line or outgoing line "0 or 8" is identified. Then, the first "0" is recognized, and it is determined that the transmission is to a facsimile apparatus connected to the public line 9. Next, the relay destination determining process compares the area code "03" in the input facsimile number with the area code of the area A (head office) where the facsimile apparatus 1 is installed. Here, it is the same, and there is no advantage of reduction in communication cost, that is, since there is no need for relay transmission,
The facsimile number "1111-222"
2 "and a facsimile message (image data) to the transmission / reception control process.

In the transmission / reception control processing, the facsimile message is converted into an image and stored (memory 20), a call is made to the facsimile number "1111-2222", a facsimile communication sequence is executed, and the facsimile message (image data) is executed. Send. In this transmission / reception control processing, the public line 9 is connected to the analog public telephone network (PSTN) by a telephone exchange connection sequence (selection signal reception, number translation, outgoing line selection link selection, call signal transmission, response detection, and call path closing). And the G3 system control (CCIT
T / binary transmission control procedure / T. The facsimile communication sequence according to 30) is executed.

The procedure end signal EOP and the line disconnection command signal DCN are transferred from the facsimile apparatus 8 to the facsimile apparatus 1 of the transmission source, and the facsimile apparatus 1 of the transmission source is transferred.
Terminates the facsimile transmission. Also, when the facsimile machine 8 is in use (busy), for example, a recall process is executed by a facsimile communication sequence, and the end of the facsimile is displayed on the display unit 14 in FIG.

As described above, the source facsimile machine 1
In the facsimile transmission to the facsimile apparatus 8 to the same area (area code) as the area A (headquarters) where the telephone line is installed, there is no advantage in reducing the communication cost. , The facsimile transmission is executed as it is.

Although the facsimile transmission with the same area code has been described here, the direct facsimile communication to the registered non-identical area code with the lowest charge together with the same area code in FIG. By registering in the relay destination information table TA in FIG. 3, the relay transmission is performed and the same operation as that described in (1) is performed without performing the relay transmission.

(2) Next, a case where the facsimile machine 1 in the area A (head office) transmits an extension to the facsimile apparatus 2 in the area B accommodated in the same dedicated line 5 will be described. 1 and 3, the facsimile machine 1 includes:
Extension number of the destination facsimile machine 2 "8-11-2"
222 "is input, and the facsimile document is read. In the relay destination determining process in FIG. 3, the facsimile message is image-converted and stored (memory 20), and the extension transmission is recognized from the first “8” in the input extension number “8-11-2222”. . Then, the facsimile machine 2 transmits the facsimile message by transmitting the facsimile message to the facsimile apparatus 2 accommodated in the dedicated line 5.

In this facsimile transmission, for example, a call control (signal) procedure of a control (D) channel and an X.50 transmission on an information (B) channel are performed with a dedicated line 5 in an ISDN communication network 4a. X.25 on the procedure and information (D) channel. A facsimile message is transmitted by executing a sequence such as 25 procedures. In addition, the facsimile transmission of the extension is also performed for the facsimile apparatus 3 in the area C accommodated in the dedicated line 5 in the same manner as the operation described in (2).

(3) Next, the facsimile apparatus 1 in the area A (head office) is connected to the facsimile apparatus 6 in the area D accommodated in the public line 9 and the facsimile apparatus 6 in the area C accommodated in the dedicated line 5 closest to the area D. External line transmission when the facsimile apparatus 3 performs facsimile transmission by relay transmission will be described.

1 and 3, the facsimile machine 1 receives the facsimile number "0-078-3333-4444 (external line number)" of the destination facsimile machine 6 and reads the facsimile original. FIG.
In the middle relay destination determination processing, the input facsimile number “0-078-3333-4444” is analyzed. First, the first external line transmission "0" is identified, and it is determined that the external line transmission is performed by relay transmission to a facsimile apparatus connected to the public line 9. Next, in the relay destination determining process, the area code “078” in the input facsimile number is used.
And the area code "03" of the area A (head office) where the facsimile machine 1 is installed.

In this comparison, the area code is different, and it is necessary to carry out relay transmission from the viewpoint of reduction in communication cost. Therefore, the relay destination information table TA in FIG. 3 is searched. In this search, the area code "078" of the outside line number is registered, and if it is registered, the fee is the lowest in the area code "078". For example, the facsimile apparatus 3 in the C district Extension number "8-55-6666" is selected. Then, the extension number “8-55-6666” and the facsimile transmission destination facsimile number “078-3333-444” are used.
4 "and a facsimile message (image data) to the transmission / reception control processing.

In the transmission / reception control processing, the received facsimile message is converted into an image and stored (memory 20). Further, the communication sequence of the control (D) channel and the information (B) channel in the ISDN of the transmission / reception control processing is executed to make a call to the facsimile apparatus 3 of the extension number "55-6666", and the facsimile communication sequence is executed. Then, a facsimile message (image data) is transmitted.

In the facsimile machine 3, the transmission / reception control shown in FIG. 3 is controlled by the facsimile transmission destination facsimile number “078-3333-444” from the facsimile machine 1.
4 ”and a facsimile message (image data) via the dedicated line 5. In this transmission / reception control, a facsimile message is stored (memory 20). Further, a call is made to the facsimile number “078-3333-4444” of the facsimile transmission destination (the facsimile device 6) that performs the relay transmission. When the call is connected to the facsimile machine 6,
The stored facsimile message from the facsimile machine 1 is transmitted by the G3 system control (T.30).

The facsimile communication from the facsimile machine 3 to the facsimile machine 6 is completed by transmitting the procedure end signal EOP and the line disconnect command signal DCN. When the facsimile device 6 is in use (busy), for example, a re-call process is executed by a facsimile communication sequence, and the facsimile transmission is terminated.

In this case, the source facsimile machine 1 needs to recognize that the transmitted facsimile message has been transmitted to the facsimile machine 6 through the relay transmission of the facsimile machine 3. This recognition is based on the following (1)
This is performed in the control process (2).

(1) By the transmission / reception control processing shown in FIG. 3 of the facsimile machine 3 for relay transmission, the facsimile number “07” of the facsimile transmission destination from the facsimile machine 1
After receiving "8-3333-4444" and the facsimile message, the communication line connection with the communication network 4a is disconnected. Then, the facsimile machine 3 calls the facsimile machine 6, transmits the facsimile message from the facsimile machine 1, and ends the facsimile communication.
Thereafter, the facsimile machine 3 notifies the facsimile machine 1 that the facsimile transmission to the facsimile machine 6 has been completed, and the facsimile machine 1 displays the screen (display unit 1).
4) Yes.

(2) By the transmission / reception control processing shown in FIG. 3 by the facsimile machine 3 for relay transmission, the facsimile number “07” of the facsimile transmission destination from the facsimile machine 1
After receiving "8-3333-4444" and the facsimile message, the communication line connection with the communication network 4a is continued. Then, the facsimile machine 3 makes a call to the facsimile machine 6, transmits the facsimile message from the facsimile machine 1, and when the facsimile communication is completed, the fact that the facsimile transmission has been completed indicates that the facsimile transmission has been completed. Notify through link, facsimile machine 1
Is displayed on the screen (display unit 14).

As described above, the dedicated line 5 of the fixed-rate billing system, which is a low communication fee, is used more, and the use time of the public line 9 of the time-charging system, which is relatively expensive, is reduced. Communication costs can be reduced.
Further, in contrast to the case where the entire extension number and the outside line number are stored as in the conventional example, only the extension number and the area code are stored in the relay destination information table TA of the memory 20, so that the storage capacity increases. Disappears. Therefore, it is possible to quickly search for an external line number at the time of calling, and to perform fast facsimile communication without delaying the time from transmission of a selection signal at the time of calling to line connection.

In this embodiment, the example of the wired communication network 4a and the analog public telephone network 4b has been described. However, a wireless communication network such as a digital cellular mobile telephone system / PDC, a digital cordless telephone system / PHS (simple telephone network) is described. Mobile phone system)
When a service based on the same flat-rate charging system and time charging system as the ISDN communication network 4a and the analog public telephone network 4b is implemented, the application is possible.

[0062]

As is clear from the above description, according to the facsimile communication method and system of the present invention, an extension number corresponding to a previously registered area code in an external number of a transmission destination is searched. An external number and a facsimile message of the transmission destination are transmitted to the extension number which has been searched, and the facsimile apparatus of the extension number relays the facsimile message to the facsimile apparatus of the external number of the transmission destination.

As a result, when performing facsimile transmission,
The use of dedicated lines with a fixed-rate billing system, which results in relatively low charges, will increase, and communication costs will increase. Become.

Further, the storage capacity does not increase as compared with the case where all the extension numbers and external numbers described in the conventional example are stored. Therefore, it is possible to quickly search for an external line number at the time of calling, and to perform fast facsimile communication without delaying the time from transmission of a selection signal at the time of calling to line connection.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a facsimile communication method and system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the facsimile machine in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing facsimile transmission control contents of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment and corresponding to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a registration process in a relay destination information table according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a facsimile transmission operation in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a facsimile message reception / relay transmission operation in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1-3, 6-8 facsimile machine 4a communication network 4b analog public telephone network 5 dedicated line 9 public line 10 CPU 14 display unit 15 input operation device 16 communication control device 20 memory TA relay destination information table

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile device from a facsimile machine housed in a fixed-rate, dedicated line network receives a facsimile message from another facsimile machine, housed in the same dedicated line network, at a transmission destination housed in a time-charging system public line network. In a facsimile communication method in which a facsimile device performs relay transmission, an extension number of a facsimile device accommodated in a dedicated line network corresponds to an area code of an outside line number of a destination facsimile device accommodated in a nearby public line network. Processing to add and register, after this registration, processing to search for the extension number corresponding to the area code of the input external number of the transmission destination, and to the extension number searched here, the external number of the transmission destination and the facsimile It is characterized in that it has a process of transmitting a telegram and a process of relaying the facsimile telegram to the received external number by the facsimile apparatus of this extension number. Facsimile communication method to be. 2. A destination housed in a time-charging system public line network receives a facsimile message from a facsimile apparatus housed in a fixed-rate charging system private line network, and transmits the received facsimile message to another destination housed in the same private line network. In a facsimile communication system in which a facsimile device performs relay transmission, an extension number of a facsimile device accommodated in the leased line network, and an area code in an outside line number of a destination facsimile device accommodated in a nearby public line network. Registered in association, search for the extension number corresponding to the area code of the input destination external number, transmit the destination external number and facsimile message to the extension number by this search, and A facsimile communication system, wherein the facsimile machine relays a facsimile message to a facsimile machine having an external line number. 3. A facsimile device accommodated in a dedicated line network for performing the relay transmission, wherein the extension number of the facsimile device accommodated in the dedicated line network is a facsimile device of a destination accommodated in a nearby public line network. Registration means for registering the area code in the outside line number of the device in association with the registration, after the registration in the registration means, a search means for searching the extension number corresponding to the area code of the input destination external number, Transmission means for transmitting an external line number and a facsimile message of the transmission destination to the extension number searched by the retrieval means, and reception relay transmission means for relaying and transmitting the received facsimile message to the external number of the transmission destination. 3. The facsimile communication system according to claim 2, wherein: 4. An input unit for inputting at least an area code, an extension number and an external line number to be registered, and a public line network and a private line network as said registration unit, search unit, transmission unit and reception relay transmission unit. A transmission / reception communication control unit for executing facsimile transmission / reception communication control, a compression / decompression unit for compressing or decompressing facsimile transmission / reception facsimile transmission / reception, temporarily storing the transmission / reception facsimile transmission / reception facsimile transmission, and storing in advance a destination external number A memory for storing an external number and an extension number in association with each other, a printing / reading device for printing and outputting a received facsimile message, and transmitting data of a facsimile message obtained by reading a transmission original; Area code registration control, search control of the extension number corresponding to the area code of the destination external number at the time of transmission, and destination external number Facsimile communication system according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a transmission control of the facsimile message, and a control unit for executing a control for relaying a facsimile message to external numbers for incoming calls. 5. A relay destination information table for storing an area code of an external number of a transmission destination and an extension number associated with the area code in advance in the memory. Facsimile communication system. 6. When the input destination is a facsimile number to which a code indicating an outside line transmission is added, an extension number accommodated in the same dedicated line network as the own apparatus that performs the searched facsimile transmission. 4. The facsimile communication system according to claim 3, wherein the external line number and the facsimile telegram are transmitted from the transmitting means to the facsimile apparatus of (1). 7. When the search means determines that the input external line number is the same as the area code of the self-fax machine which is the transmission source, the search means stores the external line number in the public line network. 4. The facsimile communication system according to claim 3, wherein the facsimile message is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus having the external line number to be transmitted. 8. When the input destination is a facsimile number to which a code indicating an extension transmission has been added, the search means sends a facsimile to the facsimile apparatus of the extension number accommodated in the same dedicated line network as the own facsimile apparatus. 4. The facsimile communication system according to claim 3, wherein the electronic message is transmitted from a transmission unit. 9. Both the public network and the private network are:
3. The facsimile communication system according to claim 2, wherein the facsimile communication system is an analog public telephone network or integrated service digital. 10. The facsimile communication system according to claim 2, wherein said public line network is an analog public telephone network, and said private line network is an integrated service digital system. 11. The facsimile communication system according to claim 2, wherein a radio telephone network is used as one or both of the public line network and the private line network. 12. The facsimile communication system according to claim 4, wherein said transmission / reception communication control unit notifies the facsimile transmission source that facsimile transmission by relay transmission has been completed. 13. A facsimile transmission completion notification by the relay transmission, after receiving a facsimile message by the relay transmission, disconnecting a communication line connection with a facsimile transmission source, and after the end of the facsimile communication by the relay transmission, facsimile transmission. 13. The facsimile communication system according to claim 12, wherein a call is sent to a caller to notify the end of the relay transmission. 14. A facsimile transmission completion notification by the relay transmission, a communication line connection with a facsimile transmission source is continued after the reception of the facsimile message by the relay transmission, and the facsimile transmission after the termination of the facsimile communication by the relay transmission. 13. The facsimile communication system according to claim 12, wherein the end of the relay transmission is notified to the origin via the line link. 15. When the transmission / reception communication control unit receives a facsimile transmission end signal from a facsimile apparatus that has performed relay transmission, a display unit for displaying the end of the facsimile transmission on a screen is provided.
The facsimile communication system according to claim 4, further comprising: