JP2000341468A - Control method for network facsimile communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make handeability satisfactory by storing a network address with a communication control means, displaying the list information of network addresses, making a user select the desired address, requesting a connection to equipment selected by the user, and to execute facsimile communicating operation when a prescribed response signal is received or to stop the communicating operation, when there is no reception. SOLUTION: One piece of network facsimile connection information is selected from among a network facsimile information table, a personal code for check is set and a connection request signal setting the personal code for check is transmitted to the facsimile equipment of an IP address. Then, it is investigated whether the suitable response signal can be received from the network facsimile equipment. When the suitable response signal can be received and the decision result is 'YES', a prescribed AT (MODEM) command is sent to the selected network facsimile equipment, and the AT command is received from that network facsimile equipment.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to one or more network facsimile machines connected to a local area network and exchanging facsimile data with a facsimile apparatus via a public network using a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure. The present invention relates to a control method for a network facsimile communication system including a device and one or more workstation devices connected to the local area network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a network facsimile apparatus connected to a local area network and exchanging facsimile data with a facsimile apparatus using a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure via a public network, A network facsimile communication system including one or more connected workstation devices has been put into practical use.

With such a network facsimile communication system, it is possible to mutually exchange image information between a plurality of workstation devices connected to a local area network and a facsimile device connected to a public network. It is very convenient.

[0004]

By the way, when the system scale of such a network facsimile communication system increases, a plurality of network facsimile apparatuses are connected to a local area network.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a control method of a network facsimile communication system with good user convenience when a plurality of network facsimile apparatuses are connected to a local area network. It is intended to be.

[0006]

The present invention is connected to a local area network and connected via a public network,
A network facsimile communication system including one or more network facsimile apparatuses for exchanging facsimile data with a facsimile apparatus using a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure, and one or more workstation apparatuses connected to the local area network In the control method, the workstation device is connected to a predetermined or virtual facsimile modem, and exchanges a predetermined modem command and a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command with the predetermined or virtual facsimile modem. The facsimile communication means for realizing facsimile communication, and the exchange of signals between the facsimile communication means and the virtual facsimile modem means provided in the network facsimile apparatus are performed by the local The network facsimile apparatus implements facsimile communication by processing a predetermined modem command and a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command with the facsimile communication means while providing communication control means for executing the communication via the area network. The virtual facsimile modem means, wherein the communication control means stores a network address of one or more network facsimile apparatuses, and when a connection request is received from the facsimile communication means, a list of the stored network addresses. Displaying the information, prompting the user to select a desired network address, requesting connection to the network facsimile machine of the selected network address, and transmitting a predetermined response signal from the corresponding network facsimile machine. When having received the facsimile communication operation continues running, when not received a predetermined response signal from the corresponding said network facsimile device is obtained so as to stop the facsimile communication operation.

One or more network facsimile apparatuses connected to a local area network and exchanging facsimile data with the facsimile apparatus via a public network using a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure, and In a method for controlling a network facsimile communication system comprising one or more workstation devices connected to a network, the workstation device is connected to a predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means to control a predetermined modem command and a group 3 command. Facsimile transmission procedure commands are exchanged with the predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means to perform facsimile communication, facsimile communication means, and the facsimile communication means and the network facsimile. The network facsimile apparatus has communication control means for executing exchange of signals of virtual facsimile modem means provided in the millimeter device via the local area network, while the network facsimile apparatus has a predetermined communication with the facsimile communication means. Virtual facsimile modem means for processing a modem command and a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command to realize facsimile communication, wherein the communication control means stores a network address of one or more network facsimile apparatuses, The operation status of the network facsimile machine corresponding to the one or more stored network addresses is monitored, and when a connection request is made from the facsimile communication means, the stored network address and the network address are monitored. Displaying list information indicating the operation status of the network facsimile apparatus corresponding to the address, prompting the user to select a desired network address, requesting connection to the network facsimile apparatus having the selected network address, and performing facsimile communication operation Is executed.

[0008] One or more network facsimile apparatuses connected to a local area network and exchanging facsimile data with the facsimile apparatus via a public network using a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure. In a method for controlling a network facsimile communication system comprising one or more workstation devices connected to a network, the workstation device is connected to a predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means to control a predetermined modem command and a group 3 command. Facsimile transmission procedure commands are exchanged with the predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means to perform facsimile communication, facsimile communication means, and the facsimile communication means and the network facsimile. The network facsimile apparatus has communication control means for executing exchange of signals of virtual facsimile modem means provided in the millimeter device via the local area network, while the network facsimile apparatus has a predetermined communication with the facsimile communication means. Virtual facsimile modem means for processing a modem command and a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command to realize facsimile communication, wherein the communication control means includes a network address and transmission terminal identification information of one or more network facsimile apparatuses. On the other hand, when a connection request is made from the facsimile communication means, a list of the stored transmission terminal identification information is displayed, and the user is allowed to select desired transmission terminal identification information. Associated with the sending terminal identification information Connected to the network facsimile device of the network addresses stored request, when receiving a predetermined response signal from the corresponding said network facsimile apparatus,
The facsimile communication operation is continuously executed, and when a predetermined response signal is not received from the corresponding network facsimile apparatus, the facsimile communication operation is stopped.

One or more network facsimile apparatuses connected to a local area network and exchanging facsimile data with the facsimile apparatus via a public network by using a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure; In a method for controlling a network facsimile communication system comprising one or more workstation devices connected to a network, the workstation device is connected to a predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means to control a predetermined modem command and a group 3 command. Facsimile transmission procedure commands are exchanged with the predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means to perform facsimile communication, facsimile communication means, and the facsimile communication means and the network facsimile. The network facsimile apparatus has communication control means for executing exchange of signals of virtual facsimile modem means provided in the millimeter device via the local area network, while the network facsimile apparatus has a predetermined communication with the facsimile communication means. Virtual facsimile modem means for processing a modem command and a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command to realize facsimile communication, wherein the communication control means includes a network address and transmission terminal identification information of one or more network facsimile apparatuses. While monitoring the operating state of the network facsimile machine corresponding to each of the stored one or more network addresses, and when a connection request is received from the facsimile communication means, stores the stored transmission terminal. And displaying list information indicating the operation status of the network facsimile apparatus corresponding to the network address stored in association with the different information and the transmission terminal identification information, and prompting the user to select desired transmission terminal identification information. A connection request to the network facsimile apparatus having the network address stored in association with the transmitted transmission terminal identification information to execute a facsimile communication operation.

[0010]

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

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

In FIG. 1, a local area network LAN includes a plurality of workstations WS1 to WS1.
WSn, mail server device SM, and a plurality of network facsimile devices FX1 to FXn are connected.

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

The workstation devices WS1 to WSW
In Sn, facsimile application software (facsimile communication means) for creating and displaying and outputting facsimile image information, and various kinds of data exchange via a local area network LAN, while executing group 3 facsimile transmission procedure processing Various programs such as various software are introduced and used by a specific user. Here, the specific user may be one or more users.

Further, a network facsimile machine FX
1 to FXn are a server function for providing a facsimile modem function or the like to the workstation devices WS1 to WSn connected to the local area network LAN, and an e-mail process applied when exchanging image information as e-mail. Function and public network (PST)
N), and has a transmission function of transmitting image information according to a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure using this public network as a transmission path.

FIG. 2 shows a network facsimile apparatus F
2 shows a configuration example of X (FX1 to FXn).

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 an original image at a predetermined resolution, the plotter 6 is for recording and outputting an image at a predetermined resolution, and the operation display 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, and is a low speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals and mainly exchanging image information. High-speed modem function (V.17 modem,
V. 34 modem, V.34. 29 modem, V.29. 27ter modem etc.).

The network control device 11 is for connecting the facsimile machine to a 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, system memory 2, parameter memory 3, clock circuit 4, scanner 5, plotter 6, operation display unit 7, encoding / decoding unit 8, image storage device 9, group 3 facsimile modem 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.

FIG. 3 shows a workstation device WS (W
S1 to WSn).

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 4 shows a network facsimile apparatus F
1 schematically shows a data communication control system in an X system control unit 1.

In the figure, a local area network driver DL1 is for exchanging various data with the local area network interface circuit 12, and a local area network controller CL1 is provided with a local area network driver DL1. Among the data exchanged with the modem, a modem command is exchanged with the modem command control unit MC1, and data relating to electronic mail is exchanged with the mail control unit MC1. Other data is directly exchanged with the data control unit DC1.

The modem command control unit MC1 includes, for example,
EIA (Electric Industries)
(Association) -592 (class 2) or the like to create corresponding modem control information. The modem control information is transmitted to the modem command processing unit MP1 via the data control unit DC1. It is exchanged with.

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

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

FIG. 5 shows the C of the workstation WS.
1 schematically shows a control system when the PU 21 executes a facsimile application program.

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

The serial port driver SD1 has
For each of the network facsimile machines FX1 to FXn connected to the local area network LAN, a network facsimile information table as shown in FIG.

This network facsimile information table is stored in each network facsimile machine FX1.
To FXn, the network facsimile connection information # 1 to #n formed in each local facsimile machine FX1 to FXn in the local area network LAN as shown in FIG. IP address assigned to FXn, TTI registered in each of network facsimile machines FX1-FXn
(Transmission terminal identification information), and state information (eg, “busy” indicating that a communication operation is being performed), “ready” indicating that a communication operation is possible, and a response from the apparatus, indicating operation states of the respective network facsimile apparatuses FX1 to FXn. "No response", which means there is no response.

Here, the serial port driver SD1
Issues an operation inquiry for each of the network facsimile machines FX1 to FXn at an appropriate timing during startup, and
1 to FXn, and the content of the connection information of the corresponding network facsimile connection information # 1 to #n is appropriately updated based on the received signal.

Therefore, the content of the connection information of the network facsimile connection information # 1 to #n is updated to the latest value at a predetermined cycle, and substantially reflects the current state. Also, each such network facsimile machine FX1
To FXn, as a method of receiving a signal indicating an operation state, an SNMP (Simple Network)
k Management Protocol) can be applied.

In the above configuration, when a connection request is issued from the facsimile application AP1, the serial port driver SD1 displays a dialog screen GW as shown in FIG. 8 and prompts the user to connect to the network facsimile apparatus. FX1 to FXn are selected. Also,
This dialog screen GW is also used when registering information on new network facsimile machines FX1 to FXn.

This dialog screen GW displays the registered network facsimile apparatuses FX1 to FXn.
A display window W1 for displaying identification information, its operation status, and a user's selection status, and when connecting to a new network facsimile device FX1 to FXn, input the IP address of the new network facsimile device FX1 to FXn. Window W2 for inputting the operation user's personal code, a YES button B1 for operating to register and save the current operation content, and canceling (stopping) the display of the dialog screen GW. Button B2 for operating the effect, and a network facsimile machine FX1-FX selected by the user.
A connection confirmation button B3 for performing a command operation to start connection to the n is appropriately provided.

In the display window W1, information on one network facsimile machine FX is displayed in one line, and the display content specifies whether to select the network facsimile machine FX in the display line from the left. Check box (indicated by “□”), the identification information (TTI or IP address) of the network facsimile machine FX on the display line, and the operation status display of the network facsimile machine FX on the display row are displayed. When a mark (indicated by “X”) indicating selection is given to the box, the display line is highlighted (in FIG. 4, surrounded by a wavy line).

Here, the contents of the identification information and the status display are displayed based on the contents of the respective network facsimile connection information # 1 to #n in the network facsimile information table. The “identification information”
If valid contents are stored in the "TTI" information of the network facsimile connection information, the "TTI"
If no valid content is stored in the "TTI" information, the content of the "IP address" is displayed.

When the user intends to perform facsimile transmission using the new network facsimile machine FX, the user inputs the IP address of the new network facsimile machine FX into the input window W2 and enters the input window W3.
The user operates the connection confirmation button B3 in a state where his / her personal code has been input.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the serial port driver SD1 sends a connection request signal in a state where a personal code is specified via the local area network LAN to the network facsimile machine FX of the input IP address. Send to

Here, when the network facsimile machine FX of the input IP address exists on the local area network LAN, a connection permission signal is transmitted from the network facsimile machine FX to the corresponding workstation via the local area network LAN. The response is sent to the serial port driver SD1 of the device WS.

Thus, the serial port driver SD
1 creates new network facsimile connection information for the IP address and adds it to the network facsimile information table.

At the same time, the serial port driver S
D1 responds to the facsimile application AP1 with a facsimile connection request permission signal and starts a redirection operation. Accordingly, the facsimile application AP1 starts facsimile communication processing.

Then, the facsimile application A
P1 first sends out a predetermined AT command (modem command; usually, "modem setting"). This AT command is transmitted via the local area network LAN,
The data is transmitted (redirected) from the serial port driver SD1 to the network facsimile machine FX.

The network facsimile machine FX responds to the received AT command, indicates a normal response, and sends an AT command (response + TTI) for notifying the TTI registered in its own terminal to the corresponding workstation device WS. Send to

Upon receiving the AT command (response + TTI), the serial port driver SD1 responds to the facsimile application AP1 with the AT command (response) from which the TTI has been removed, and receives the TTI received at that time.
Is registered in the TTI information of the newly created network facsimile connection information.

Then, the serial port driver SD1
After that, a normal redirection process is executed, whereby data exchange of facsimile communication is performed between the facsimile application AP1 and the network facsimile device FX according to a predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission procedure, A facsimile transmission operation is performed.

On the other hand, when the user intends to perform facsimile transmission using the already registered network facsimile machine FX, the user checks the check box in the display line of the desired item from the display window W1, and enters the input window W3.
The user operates the connection confirmation button B3 in a state where his / her personal code has been input.

Thus, the serial port driver SD
1 recognizes network facsimile connection information corresponding to the display item selected at that time, extracts an IP address from the network facsimile connection information,
Similarly to FIG. 9, a connection request signal in a state where a personal code is specified is transmitted to the network facsimile machine FX of the extracted IP address via the local area network LAN.

Thereafter, the same processing as described above is executed, whereby data exchange of facsimile communication is performed between the facsimile application AP1 and the network facsimile machine FX according to a predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission procedure. , A facsimile transmission operation is performed.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show an example of processing of the serial port driver SD1 when a transmission request is issued from the facsimile application AP1.

When a transmission request is issued from facsimile application AP 1 (the result of determination 101 is YE
S), the dialog screen GW as described above is displayed (processing 102), and input processing for the dialog screen GW is performed until the connection confirmation button B3 is operated (processing 10).
4. NO loop of decision 105). In the process 104, the display is updated at an appropriate cycle according to the content of the connection information of the network facsimile connection information # 1 to #n, particularly, the content of the state information, and the network facsimile apparatus of each display row of the display window W1 is updated. Regarding FX, the operation status at that time can be displayed.

Determined by connection confirmation button B3 being operated 10
If the result of Step 5 is YES, it is checked whether an IP address has been input to the input window W2 (decision 10).
6). If the IP address is input to input window W2 and the result of determination 106 is YES, it is checked whether a personal code is input to input window W3 (determination 10).
7) If no personal code has been entered in the input window W3 and the result of determination 107 is NO, a guidance message prompting entry of a personal code is displayed (process 108), and the process returns to process 104, where the dialogue is displayed. It returns to the input state of screen GW.

When the personal code is input in the input window W3 and the result of the judgment 107 is YES, the network facsimile machine FX of the input IP address is input via the local area network LAN.
Then, a connection request signal in which the input personal code is set is transmitted (process 110), and it is checked whether an appropriate response signal can be received from the network facsimile machine FX (decision 111).

When an appropriate response signal cannot be received and the result of determination 111 is NO, an error display notifying that connection to the network facsimile machine FX corresponding to the IP address input at that time could not be made is displayed. (Step 112), and the operation at this time ends with an error.

If an appropriate response signal is received and the result of determination 111 is YES, the serial port driver SD1 creates new network facsimile connection information for the IP address, and performs network facsimile connection. It is added to the information table (process 113).

Thereafter, the serial port driver SD1
Starts a predetermined redirect operation (process 114),
The communication ends or the AT command (response + TT
I) is monitored (decisions 115, 11)
6 NO loop).

When the AT command (response + TTI) is received and the result of determination 116 is YES, an AT command (response) is sent to the facsimile application AP1 (process 117), and the reception is performed at that time. The registered TTI is registered in the TTI information of the newly created network facsimile connection information (step 11).
8) Return to processing 114.

If the result of determination 115 is YES when the communication is terminated, the redirect operation is terminated (step 119), and the operation at this time is terminated.

On the other hand, when the connection confirmation button B3 is operated and the IP address is not input to the input window W2, and when the result of the determination 106 is NO, if any of the display lines in the input window W1 It is checked whether or not the check box is selected (decision 120), and the input window W1 is checked.
If the check box of any of the display lines is not selected and the result of determination 120 is NO, a guidance message prompting to select any item is displayed (process 121), and the process proceeds to process 104. Return to the input state of the dialog screen GW.

If the check box of any of the display lines in the input window W1 is selected and the result of the judgment 120 is YES, it is checked whether or not a personal code has been entered in the input window W3 (decision 122). ), Input window W3
If the personal code has not been input to the user and the result of determination 122 is NO, the process proceeds to step 108, where a guidance message for prompting the input of the personal code is displayed,
It returns to the input state of the dialog screen GW.

When the personal code is input in the input window W3 and the result of the judgment 122 is YES, the IP address is extracted from the network facsimile connection information corresponding to the display item in the selected state at that time ( Process 124), transmits a connection request signal in which the input personal code is set to the network facsimile device FX of the acquired IP address via the local area network LAN (Process 125), and the network facsimile device FX It is determined whether an appropriate response signal can be received (decision 126).

If an appropriate response signal cannot be received and the result of determination 126 is NO, an error display notifying that connection to the network facsimile machine FX corresponding to the IP address input at that time could not be made is displayed. (Step 127), and the operation at this time ends with an error.

When an appropriate response signal has been received and the result of determination 126 is YES, the serial port driver SD1 starts a predetermined redirection operation (process 128) and ends communication. Or A
The reception of the T command (response + TTI) is monitored (NO loop of determinations 129 and 130).

When the AT command (response + TTI) is received and the result of determination 130 is YES, an AT command (response) is sent to the facsimile application AP1 (process 131) and received at that time. The selected TTI is replaced with the TT of the network facsimile connection information corresponding to the display item in the selected state at that time.
Register it in the I information (process 132) and return to process 128.

When the communication is terminated and the result of determination 129 is YES, the redirect operation is terminated (step 133), and the operation at this time is terminated.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when a plurality of network facsimile machines FX1 to FXn are connected to the local area network LAN, the available network facsimile machine AP1 starts the transmission operation when the facsimile application AP1 starts the transmission operation. Device FX
1 to FXn is displayed, and the user can refer to the list information and select an appropriate network facsimile machine FX1 to FXn, which is very convenient.

The list information includes the TTI registered in the network facsimile machines FX1 to FXn.
Can be included, the user can select the network facsimile machines FX1 to FXn more clearly, which is very convenient.

Since the list information includes the operation status of each of the network facsimile machines FX1 to FXn, the user can appropriately select the available network facsimile machines FX1 to FXn at that time. Very convenient.

Further, since the operation of registering the newly connected network facsimile machine FX can be easily performed,
The list information can be changed according to the change of the network facsimile communication system, and very flexible processing can be performed.

In the above-described embodiment, the operation of monitoring the operation state of each of the network facsimile machines FX1 to FXn is realized by exchanging signals using SNMP. However, the connection confirmation operation as shown in FIG. The same monitoring operation can be performed by applying.

The serial port driver SD1 in that case
FIG. 3 shows an example of the processing shown in FIG.

First, one network facsimile connection information is selected from the network facsimile information table (process 201), a personal code for checking is set (process 202), and the selected network facsimile is transmitted via the local area network LAN. A connection request signal in which a personal code for checking is set is transmitted to the network facsimile machine FX of the IP address obtained from the connection information (process 203), and whether or not an appropriate response signal can be received from the network facsimile machine FX is determined. Check (decision 204).

If an appropriate response signal cannot be received and the result of determination 204 is NO, "no response" is stored in the status information of the network facsimile connection information selected at that time (process 205).

If an appropriate response signal has been received and the result of determination 204 is YES, a predetermined AT command is sent to the selected network facsimile machine FX (process 206), and the selected network facsimile machine FX is sent. An AT command is received from the FX (Process 2)
07).

Then, the content of the received AT command is checked to determine whether or not it is "busy" (decision 208). When the result of decision 208 is YES,
"Busy" is stored in the status information of the network facsimile connection information selected at that time (process 209), and when the result of determination 208 is NO, "ready" is stored in the status information of the network facsimile connection information selected at that time. Is stored (process 210).

As described above, when the status information is acquired for one network facsimile machine FX, it is checked whether or not the acquisition of the status information has been completed for all the network facsimile machines FX (decision 211).
When the result of the determination 211 is NO, a waiting process for a predetermined time is performed (process 212), and the process returns to the process 201, and the operation of acquiring the state information is executed for the remaining network facsimile machines FX.

When the status information has been obtained for all the network facsimile apparatuses FX and the result of determination 211 is YES, this operation is ended.

In the above-described embodiment, the processing for registering the network facsimile apparatus FX newly connected to the local area network LAN is performed. However, the registration of the network facsimile apparatus FX removed from the local area network LAN is performed. Can be removed.

[0087]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When a plurality of network facsimile machines are connected to the local area network, a list of available network facsimile machines is displayed when the facsimile application starts a transmission operation.
Since the user can select an appropriate network facsimile machine by referring to the list information, it is very convenient.

Further, since the list information can include the contents of the TTI registered in the network facsimile apparatus, the user can select the network facsimile apparatus more clearly, which is very convenient. The effect is also obtained.

Further, since the list information includes the operation state of each network facsimile machine, the user can appropriately select a network facsimile machine which can be used at that time, which is very convenient. Also get the effect.

Further, since the operation of registering a newly connected network facsimile apparatus can be easily performed, the list information can be changed in accordance with the change of the network facsimile communication system, so that very flexible processing can be performed. obtain.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 shows a network facsimile machine FX (FX1 to FX1).
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of FXn).

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

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

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

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a network facsimile information table.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of network facsimile connection information.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a dialog screen GW.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart (part) for explaining the operation of the serial port driver and the network facsimile apparatus during the transmission operation of the facsimile application.

FIG. 10 shows a serial port driver SD when a transmission request is issued from the facsimile application AP1.
9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of FIG.

FIG. 11 shows a serial port driver SD when a transmission request is issued from the facsimile application AP1.
7 is a flowchart (continued) illustrating an example of the processing of FIG.

FIG. 12 shows a serial port driver SD when a transmission request is issued from the facsimile application AP1.
7 is a flowchart (continued) illustrating an example of the processing of FIG.

FIG. 13 shows a serial port driver S at the time of connection confirmation operation.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of D1.

[Explanation of symbols]

 FX1 to FXn Network facsimile machine SD1 Serial port driver AP1 Facsimile application

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04L 12/58 29/08 F-term (Reference) 5C062 AA02 AA16 AA35 AB20 AB23 AB38 AB42 AC42 AE14 AF02 BA04 5K030 GA17 HB04 HC14 HD03 JT05 KA01 KA11 KA13 KA19 5K033 CB08 DA05 DA11 DA13 DA14 DA15 DB18 EC03 5K034 CC04 HH01 HH02 HH06 9A001 CC07 CC08 CZ06 DD10 DD13 JJ12

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. One or more network facsimile apparatuses connected to a local area network and exchanging facsimile data with a facsimile apparatus using a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure via a public network, and the local area In a method for controlling a network facsimile communication system comprising one or more workstation devices connected to a network, the workstation device is connected to a predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means to control a predetermined modem command and a group 3 command. Facsimile transmission procedure command for exchanging a facsimile transmission procedure command with the predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means, facsimile communication means, facsimile communication means, and network facsimile communication The network facsimile apparatus has a predetermined communication with the facsimile communication means, while the communication facsimile apparatus includes communication control means for exchanging signals of virtual facsimile modem means provided in the apparatus via the local area network. The virtual facsimile modem means for processing a modem command and a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command to realize facsimile communication, wherein the communication control means stores a network address of one or more network facsimile apparatuses;
When a connection request is made from the facsimile communication means, the stored network address list information is displayed, and the user is allowed to select a desired network address,
A connection request is sent to the network facsimile machine of the selected network address, and when a predetermined response signal is received from the corresponding network facsimile machine, the facsimile communication operation is continuously performed, and the corresponding network facsimile machine transmits a predetermined response signal. A method for controlling a network facsimile communication system, characterized in that when a response signal is not received, the facsimile communication operation is stopped. 2. One or more network facsimile apparatuses connected to a local area network and exchanging facsimile data with the facsimile apparatus via a public network using a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure, and the local area In a method for controlling a network facsimile communication system comprising one or more workstation devices connected to a network, the workstation device is connected to a predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means to control a predetermined modem command and a group 3 command. Facsimile transmission procedure command for exchanging a facsimile transmission procedure command with the predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means, facsimile communication means, facsimile communication means, and network facsimile communication The network facsimile apparatus has a predetermined communication with the facsimile communication means while the communication facsimile apparatus includes communication control means for exchanging signals of virtual facsimile modem means provided in the apparatus via the local area network. The virtual facsimile modem means for processing a modem command and a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command to realize facsimile communication, wherein the communication control means stores a network address of one or more network facsimile apparatuses;
The operation status of the network facsimile machine corresponding to the one or more stored network addresses is monitored, and when a connection request is received from the facsimile communication means, the stored network address and the network address corresponding to the network address are monitored. Displaying list information indicating the operation status of the network facsimile apparatus, allowing the user to select a desired network address,
A control method for a network facsimile communication system, characterized by requesting a connection to the network facsimile apparatus having the selected network address and executing a facsimile communication operation. 3. One or more network facsimile machines connected to a local area network and exchanging facsimile data with the facsimile machine via a public network using a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure, and the local area network. In a method for controlling a network facsimile communication system comprising one or more workstation devices connected to a network, the workstation device is connected to a predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means to control a predetermined modem command and a group 3 command. Facsimile transmission procedure command for exchanging a facsimile transmission procedure command with the predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means, facsimile communication means, facsimile communication means, and network facsimile communication The network facsimile apparatus has a predetermined communication with the facsimile communication means while the communication facsimile apparatus includes communication control means for exchanging signals of virtual facsimile modem means provided in the apparatus via the local area network. Virtual facsimile modem means for processing a modem command and a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command to realize facsimile communication, wherein the communication control means includes a network address and transmission terminal identification information of one or more network facsimile apparatuses. On the other hand, when a connection request is made from the facsimile communication means, a list of the stored transmission terminal identification information is displayed, and the user is allowed to select desired transmission terminal identification information. Recorded in association with transmitting terminal identification information A connection request is sent to the network facsimile machine having the network address stored therein, and when a predetermined response signal is received from the corresponding network facsimile machine, the facsimile communication operation is continuously performed, and the corresponding network facsimile machine transmits a predetermined response signal. A method for controlling a network facsimile communication system, characterized in that when a response signal is not received, the facsimile communication operation is stopped. 4. One or more network facsimile apparatuses connected to a local area network and exchanging facsimile data with the facsimile apparatus via a public network using a predetermined facsimile transmission procedure, and the local area network. In a method for controlling a network facsimile communication system comprising one or more workstation devices connected to a network, the workstation device is connected to a predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means to control a predetermined modem command and a group 3 command. Facsimile transmission procedure command for exchanging a facsimile transmission procedure command with the predetermined or virtual facsimile modem means, facsimile communication means, facsimile communication means, and network facsimile communication The network facsimile apparatus has a predetermined communication with the facsimile communication means while the communication facsimile apparatus includes communication control means for exchanging signals of virtual facsimile modem means provided in the apparatus via the local area network. Virtual facsimile modem means for processing a modem command and a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure command to realize facsimile communication, wherein the communication control means includes a network address and transmission terminal identification information of one or more network facsimile apparatuses. While monitoring the operating state of the network facsimile apparatus corresponding to each of the stored one or more network addresses. When a connection request is received from the facsimile communication means, the stored transmission terminal identification is stored. Information and list information indicating the operation status of the network facsimile apparatus corresponding to the network address stored in association with the transmission terminal identification information, and prompting the user to select the desired transmission terminal identification information. Transmitting a connection request to the network facsimile apparatus having the network address stored in association with the transmitting terminal identification information, and executing a facsimile communication operation.