JP2001136332A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile equipment that can efficiently execute remote maintenance. SOLUTION: When a call signal is received (S1: Yes), whether or not a telephone number of a caller unit is sent from an exchange 29 is discriminated (S3). When the telephone number of the caller unit is sent (S3: Yes), whether the telephone number is coincident with any of telephone numbers stored is a ROM 12 or an EEPROM 13 is checked, and when the telephone number is coincident with any of the ROM 12 or the EEPROM 13 (S5: Yes), a telephone line is closed (S7), and the facsimile terminal shifts to remote maintenance mode (S9). In the remote maintenance mode, the facsimile terminal conducts processing in response to a maintenance command sent from the caller unit (S19), and when the facsimile terminal receives a maintenance end command (S13: Yes), the facsimile terminal opens the telephone line (S15) and terminates the processing (S17). The facsimile terminal sequentially executes the maintenance processing in response to the maintenance commands until receiving the maintenance end command.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having a remote maintenance mode, and more particularly, to a facsimile apparatus which executes a remote maintenance mode according to a telephone number of a calling apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, facsimile machines have become more multifunctional, and as a result, the setting items of the machine are very large, and moreover,
It's complicated. If these setting items are set to wrong values, the facsimile machine cannot perform a desired operation. Further, the facsimile apparatus is used by being connected to a telephone line, and its use status, that is, the connection state of the line, the power supply, the ambient temperature, the humidity and the like are different for each user. For this reason, the facsimile machine may not operate normally even though the setting items are set correctly. In this case, the setting of the facsimile machine must be changed according to the use situation (the installation state of the machine). Further, a part of the facsimile machine may fail and thus may not operate normally.

[0003] The causes of the facsimile machine not operating normally include setting errors and failures, and it is difficult for the user to deal with all of them. Therefore, in such a case, maintenance by a specialized service person is required.

In order to receive maintenance by a service person, a facsimile machine that does not operate normally must be sent to a service center to have the service person perform maintenance, or have the service person go directly to perform maintenance. Must. However, when a facsimile machine is sent, there is a problem that it takes time and cost to transport the machine, and the facsimile machine cannot be used until the machine is returned.

[0005] On the other hand, when a service person goes directly to the office, there is a problem that maintenance costs are high even if only a simple setting change is made since the service person's travel expenses are expensive. Also, in the case of parts failure, if you do not have the failed parts on the first business trip, you must order the failed parts and travel again,
There is a problem that the maintenance cost is further increased.

For this reason, when a service person receives a maintenance request from a user, the service person listens to the situation in detail by telephone, decides on a response in advance, and then goes to the customer. However, there is a limit to the contents that can be queried to a user who does not have specialized knowledge of the facsimile machine. Therefore, it was not possible to inquire about a complicated setting situation or request a test communication.

Therefore, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-59825, a remote maintenance method has been invented in which a user uses a facsimile machine installed in a service center to check the use status of the facsimile machine. In this method, a facsimile machine on the user side is provided with storage means capable of storing a plurality of communication results for a plurality of communication results, and a plurality of communication results are stored. When a maintenance request is issued from the user to the service center, the facsimile machine on the service center side calls the user side device, performs a predetermined operation, and transmits the communication result to the service center side device. The serviceman determines the status of the user device based on the transmitted data, and then performs appropriate maintenance.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the remote maintenance described in Japanese Patent No. 825, for example,
Even if the operation for calling the communication result from the user device is kept secret, the communication result can be called from any calling device by performing a predetermined operation. Therefore, there is a risk that the user's secret is violated, which is not preferable for the user.

Further, there are information such as a model name, a version of a program, and a set value of a device which cannot be obtained only by a communication result. When such information is necessary for maintenance, as in the conventional case, a service person is required. Had to go to the customer directly. Furthermore, even if it is sufficient to simply change the settings of the user device, the service technician must go to the customer or teach the user how to change the settings in order to let the user change the settings. There was a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus which executes a remote maintenance mode in accordance with a telephone number of a calling apparatus and has excellent confidentiality. It is to provide a device. The second object is that, in the remote maintenance mode, information other than the communication result (communication history) can be transmitted to the calling device, and its own setting can be made based on a command sent from the calling device. An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus that can change the value.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, a facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a maintenance means capable of executing a plurality of maintenance processes, and a facsimile apparatus which responds to a call from a calling apparatus. Setting means for setting a maintenance mode for operating the maintenance means, wherein the plurality of maintenance processes include a notification process of notifying the calling device of information for maintenance provided in its own facsimile machine, and a call process. A change process for changing the setting value of its own facsimile device based on a signal from the side device, during one maintenance mode set by the setting unit, the maintenance means, the notification process and the change process Are executable.

In this configuration, when the maintenance mode is set by the setting unit in response to a call from the calling device, the maintenance unit performs the maintenance process during the mode. In particular, in the maintenance process, a notification process for notifying the calling device of information for maintenance provided in the own facsimile device, and changing the set value of the own facsimile device based on a signal from the calling device. Change processing is included,
The maintenance unit can execute the notification process and the change process during the maintenance mode once set. Therefore, for example, after executing the notification process, the maintenance mode is temporarily terminated, the communication line is opened, the line is closed again according to the call from the calling device, the maintenance mode is set again, and the change is performed. Maintenance processing of different types can be efficiently performed without performing troublesome processing such as executing processing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus having a calling-side telephone number receiving means for receiving a telephone number of a calling-side apparatus sent from an exchange. Storage means; determining means for determining whether or not the telephone number of the calling device received by the calling telephone number receiving means matches the telephone number stored in the storage means; And a setting unit for setting a maintenance mode for operating the maintenance unit when the determination unit determines that the telephone numbers match, and the plurality of maintenance processes are performed by the own unit. A notification process for notifying the calling device of information for maintenance provided in the facsimile device, and based on a signal from the calling device. And a change process for changing a set value of the facsimile machine itself, and during the one-time maintenance mode set by the setting unit, the maintenance unit can execute the notification process and the change process. is there.

In this configuration, when the telephone number of the calling device is received by the calling telephone number receiving means, it is determined whether or not the telephone number matches the telephone number stored in the storage means. The maintenance mode is set by the setting means, and the maintenance processing is performed by the maintenance means during the mode. Accordingly, the maintenance mode is set when a call is made from the calling side device having the specific telephone number, so that the operation can easily be shifted to the maintenance mode without bothering the operator. In particular, in the maintenance process, a notification process for notifying the calling device of information for maintenance provided in the own facsimile device, and changing the set value of the own facsimile device based on a signal from the calling device. The maintenance means can execute the notification process and the change process during the maintenance mode once set. Therefore, for example, after executing the notification process, the maintenance mode is temporarily terminated, the communication line is opened, and again,
It is possible to efficiently perform different types of maintenance processing without performing troublesome processing such as closing the line in response to a call from the calling side device, resetting the maintenance mode, and executing the change processing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus, the information for maintenance includes any one of a model name, a program version, a set value of the facsimile apparatus itself, a communication history, and test data. Included.

In this configuration, during the set maintenance mode, first, a notification process is executed to
Information such as the model name, the version of the program, the set value of the own facsimile device, communication history, and test data is notified to the calling device, and the operator of the calling device that confirms the information continuously executes the change process. Thus, an operation of changing the setting value of the facsimile machine can be performed as needed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus, a maintenance means capable of executing a plurality of maintenance processes and a setting means for setting a maintenance mode for operating the maintenance means in response to a call from a calling device. Wherein the plurality of maintenance processes include a change process of changing a setting value of the own facsimile device based on a signal from the calling device and a test process of executing a test of the own facsimile device. Including
During the one-time maintenance mode set by the setting means, the maintenance means can execute the notification processing and the test processing.

In this configuration, when the maintenance mode is set by the setting unit in response to a call from the calling device, the maintenance unit executes the maintenance process during the mode. In particular, the maintenance process includes a change process of changing a set value of its own facsimile device based on a signal from the calling side device, and a test process of executing a test of its own facsimile device, The maintenance unit can execute the change process and the test process during the maintenance mode once set. Therefore, for example, after executing the change processing, once the maintenance mode is terminated and the communication line is opened, the line is closed again according to the call from the calling device, the maintenance mode is set again, and the test is performed. Maintenance processing of different types can be efficiently performed without performing troublesome processing such as executing processing.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus including a calling-side telephone number receiving means for receiving a telephone number of a calling-side apparatus sent from an exchange. Storage means; determining means for determining whether or not the telephone number of the calling device received by the calling telephone number receiving means matches the telephone number stored in the storage means; And a setting unit for setting a maintenance mode for operating the maintenance unit when the determination unit determines that the telephone numbers match, and the plurality of maintenance processes include Performs a change process of changing the setting value of the own facsimile device based on a signal from the calling device and a test of the own facsimile device. And a test process for, during a time maintenance mode set by the setting means, said maintenance means is to be executed and the test process and the change process.

In this configuration, when the telephone number of the calling device is received by the calling telephone number receiving means, it is determined whether or not the telephone number matches the telephone number stored in the storage means. The maintenance mode is set by the setting means, and the maintenance processing is performed by the maintenance means during the mode. Accordingly, the maintenance mode is set when a call is made from the calling side device having the specific telephone number, so that the operation can easily be shifted to the maintenance mode without bothering the operator. In particular, the maintenance process includes a change process of changing a setting value of the own facsimile device based on a signal from the calling side device and a test process of executing a test of the own facsimile device. The means can execute the change process and the test process during the maintenance mode once set. Therefore, for example, after executing the change processing, once the maintenance mode is terminated and the communication line is opened, the line is closed again according to the call from the calling device, the maintenance mode is set again, and the test is performed. Maintenance processing of different types can be efficiently performed without performing troublesome processing such as executing processing.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus, the test processing includes transmitting a test chart provided in the apparatus to the calling apparatus, and receiving a test chart transmitted from the calling apparatus. And transmitting the result to the calling device.

In this configuration, in the test process, a process of transmitting a test chart provided in the device to the calling device, receiving a test chart transmitted from the calling device, and transmitting the result to the calling device. The transmission process can be selectively executed, and when any of the processes is designated according to the item to be confirmed by the operator of the calling device, a test process corresponding to the process can be executed. Also, both test processes can be executed during the maintenance mode once set.

Further, in the facsimile apparatus according to claim 7, when the maintenance means receives a command transmitted from the calling side apparatus, the maintenance means performs a maintenance process according to the received command among the plurality of maintenance processes. And executes the processing in accordance with the received command until a command indicating the end of the maintenance is received.

In this configuration, since the maintenance means selects and executes a required maintenance process from a plurality of maintenance processes based on a command from the calling device, the maintenance process according to the status of the facsimile machine is performed. Can be easily executed, and once the maintenance mode is set, the maintenance unit can continuously execute a plurality of maintenance processes until a command indicating the end of the maintenance is received. Telephone charges to be charged can be suppressed by reducing the number of times the telephone line is closed.

Further, in the facsimile apparatus according to claim 8, the command is transmitted by a PB signal, and the maintenance means selects the change processing based on a PB signal transmitted from the calling apparatus. In this case, the PB signal subsequently sent from the calling device is processed as an address of a setting value that needs to be changed and information indicating a new setting value.

This configuration is generally used in the field of communication, and can be reliably transmitted by a simple operation. In addition, the receiving side has a small number of erroneous detections.
Since the command is transmitted by the signal, the maintenance means can accurately execute the maintenance processing. When the change processing is selectively executed based on the PB signal, the maintenance means can execute the same PB signal. Is processed as the address of the setting value that needs to be changed and information indicating the new setting value, so that it is not necessary to use a different signal format for changing the setting value, and to detect a signal of another format. Is unnecessary, and the maintenance process can be performed more efficiently.

The facsimile apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a predetermined PB signal for terminating said change processing, wherein said maintenance means receives said predetermined PB signal during execution of said change processing. , The change process ends, and the next PB transmitted from the calling device.
It waits for a signal and processes it as a command.

In this configuration, when a predetermined PB signal is received during the execution of the change processing, the maintenance means determines that the transmission of the PB signal for changing the set value has been completed, and determines that the next PB signal has been transmitted. Is processed as a new command, so that the maintenance mode can be reliably maintained even after the change processing is completed.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view of the facsimile machine 1. Facsimile machine 1
The handset 3 is attached to the side of the main body 2 of FIG.
The receiver 3 is placed on a hook (not shown) provided on the main body 2 during a non-call, and is picked up from the hook during a call. The former is called an on-hook state, and the latter is called an off-hook state. An operation panel 4 having a plurality of buttons is provided at a front portion of the upper surface of the main body 2, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) 5 is provided at a left rear portion of the operation panel 4. The facsimile apparatus 1 is operated by pressing a button provided on the operation panel 4, and the operated state and operation procedure are displayed on the LCD 5.

A document insertion slot 6 is provided at the rear of the operation panel 4 and the LCD 5. An original to be transmitted by facsimile is inserted into the original insertion slot 6 with the original surface facing down, and after reading is performed, the original is discharged from an original outlet 7 provided below the operation panel 4 on the front surface of the main body 2. Is done. A recording paper holder mounting portion 9 is provided at the rear of the document insertion slot 6, and a recording paper holder 10 capable of stacking and storing a plurality of recording papers is detachably mounted on the recording paper holder mounting portion 9. . The recording paper supplied from the recording paper holder 10 and used for printing is discharged from a recording paper discharge port 8 provided below the document discharge port 7.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the facsimile machine 1. The facsimile apparatus 1 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12 as storage means, and an EE
PROM13, RAM14, image memory 15, sound LS
I17, a network control unit (hereinafter referred to as "NCU") 19, a modem 20, a buffer 21, a scanner 22, an encoder 23, a decoder 24, a printer 25, an operation panel 4, and an amplifier 27. These are connected via a bus line 30.

The CPU 11 of the facsimile machine 1 executes facsimile operation, that is, data communication, by controlling each unit connected via the bus line 30 in accordance with various signals transmitted and received via the NCU 19 which performs line control. is there. The ROM 12 is a non-rewritable memory storing a control program 12a executed by the facsimile machine 1. The program of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the ROM 12. ROM1
2 includes two service centers, a FAX number 12b of the manufacturer's repair staff and a FAX number 12c of the dealer's repair staff.
The X number is stored. When the facsimile machine 1 is called from these service centers, the facsimile machine 1 shifts to the remote maintenance mode after the line is closed, no matter what mode is set, and based on the instruction of the calling side device. Remote maintenance is performed.

The EEPROM 13 is a rewritable non-volatile memory, and has a setting item area 13a for storing each set value of the facsimile machine 1, and three local service store number areas 13b, 13c, and 13d. The facsimile machine 1 performs various operations based on the setting values stored in the setting item area 13a. Normally, the setting value of the setting item area 13a is changed by operating the operation panel 4 by the operator (user). However, in the remote maintenance mode, the setting value of the command transmitted from the calling device of the service center is changed. Changed based on

Local service store number areas 13b to 13d
Can store up to three telephone numbers (FAX numbers) of service shops that perform remote maintenance of the facsimile machine 1. Local service store number area 13
When the facsimile apparatus 1 is called (called) from the apparatus having the telephone number stored in b to 13d, the facsimile apparatus 1 shifts to the remote maintenance mode after the line is closed. Local service store number area 13b-13
The telephone number stored in d is factory-shipped, delivered to a store, or
Set by the customer. By providing the local service store number areas 13b to 13d in the EEPROM 13, remote maintenance can be performed at a local service store other than the manufacturer or the distributor.

The RAM 14 is a memory for temporarily storing various data when each operation of the facsimile machine 1 is executed. The image memory 15 stores a communication history, image data, and a bit image for printing. RAM that is an inexpensive large-capacity memory
(DRAM). In the remote maintenance mode, when an instruction to output a communication history is issued from the calling device, the communication history stored in the image memory 15 is transmitted to the calling device.

The audio LSI 17 converts an analog audio signal received by the NCU 19 into a digital audio signal, and converts a digital audio signal generated inside the facsimile apparatus 1 into an analog audio signal to convert the analog audio signal into an NCU.
19 is output. The modem 20 modulates / demodulates the image information and transmits the same, and transmits and receives various procedure signals for transmission control. The buffer 21 stores the coded image information transmitted / received to / from the other party's facsimile machine. Is temporarily stored.

The scanner 22 is for reading an image from a document inserted into the document insertion slot 6 and includes an encoding unit 2.
Reference numeral 3 denotes an encoder for encoding an image read by the scanner 22. The decoding unit 24 reads the received image data stored in the buffer 21 or the image memory 15 and
This is to decrypt it, and the decrypted data is
The image is printed on recording paper by the printer 25. The operation panel 4 is used by an operator (user) to perform various operations when setting the facsimile machine 1 or the like. A speaker 28 is connected to the amplifier 27, and outputs a ringing tone and the like from the speaker 28.

Facsimile apparatus 1 configured as described above
Are connected to the telephone line 31 via the NCU 19. This telephone line 31 is connected to the exchange 29 of the facsimile machine 1, and this exchange 29 is connected to the calling exchange via the telephone line 32, and further connected to the calling equipment via the telephone line. ing.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a description will be given of the maintenance command sent from the calling device in the remote maintenance mode and its contents. There are ten types of maintenance commands, and these commands are transmitted by a PB signal from a calling device installed in a service center or the like. Facsimile machine 1 on the user side
When these commands are sent from the calling device, the (called device) transmits information specified by the command or execution of the command, information on the result thereof, etc., to the calling device.

"00" of the PB signal is a model name notification command 40, and "01" is a program version notification command 41. By executing these two commands, the calling device can recognize the model name of the facsimile device 1 to be maintained and the program installed in the device. "09" of PB signal is FA
An X communication history notification command 42, which allows the calling device to grasp the recent communication status of the user-side facsimile device 1.

The PB signal "10" is a FAX setting status notification command 43, which allows the calling apparatus to recognize how the user facsimile apparatus 1 is set. "1" of the PB signal
"1" is a FAX setting change command 44. When the FAX setting status notification command 43 is executed and the setting value is found to be incomplete, the FAX setting change command 44 is used to change the incomplete setting value from the calling device. . The FAX setting change command 44
Is executed, the called user's facsimile machine 1 is shifted to the set value change mode in the remote maintenance mode. In the setting value change mode, the address and value of the item whose setting is to be changed are transmitted from the calling device by a PB signal, and the setting value of the facsimile device 1 is changed based on the transmitted data. The set value change mode is ended by executing “99” of the PB signal, and after the end, the mode is again shifted to the remote maintenance mode.

The PB signal "19" is a facsimile self-diagnosis notification command 45. When this command 45 is executed, the user-side facsimile apparatus 1 executes a self-test of each unit of the apparatus and transmits the result to the calling-side apparatus. Send to With this command 45, the calling apparatus can recognize whether or not each unit of the user facsimile apparatus 1 has an abnormality. “90” and “91” of the PB signal are the test communication commands 46 and 47. The user-side facsimile machine 1 has two test charts. When these commands 46 and 47 are executed, the test chart of the executed command is transmitted to the calling side apparatus. By these commands 46 and 47, the calling device can recognize the transmission state of the user facsimile device 1. PB
The signal “92” is the test reception command 48. When this command 48 is executed, the user-side facsimile machine 1 once receives the test chart transmitted from the calling side device, and transmits the result information at the time of reception and the received test chart to the calling side device. I do. If the result of the test reception command 48 is determined by adding the results of the test communication commands 46 and 47 described above, the calling device can recognize the reception state of the user-side facsimile device 1. The data received by the test reception command 48 is merely stored in the image memory 15 and is not printed. Therefore, the paper of the user-side facsimile machine 1 is not consumed at the time of remote maintenance.

The PB signal "99" is a remote maintenance end command 49. When this command 49 is executed, the user-side facsimile machine 1 ends the remote maintenance mode, releases the telephone line, and releases the normal telephone line. FAX standby state is set.

Here, the caller-side telephone number reception service (Caller ID) which is put into practical use in the United States and the United Kingdom will be briefly described. This service is a service in which the telephone number of the calling device is transmitted from the exchange to the called device when the called device has subscribed to the service. The timing at which the telephone number of the calling device is transmitted is
In the United Kingdom, it is a silent section immediately before the first ringing signal, and in the United States, it is a silent section between the first ringing signal and the next ringing signal. The telephone number of the calling device can be received while the receiver is in the on-hook state, that is, while the telephone line is open. Therefore, if this service is used, the called device can recognize the telephone number of the calling device without charging the calling device for the telephone charge. The facsimile apparatus 1 of this embodiment uses the caller-side telephone number reception service (Caller ID) when executing the remote maintenance mode.

Next, the operation of the remote maintenance process of the facsimile machine 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is started when a service person who is a maintenance enforcer calls (calls) the facsimile machine 1 on the user side. When the user finds a defect in the facsimile machine 1, the user makes an inquiry to the service center by telephone or the like for recovery (maintenance). The serviceman receives the inquiry and calls the facsimile machine 1 on the user side. (Call) and start remote maintenance.

The facsimile apparatus 1 waits until a call signal is received (S1: No). When the call signal is received (S1: Yes), the facsimile apparatus 1 issues a call from the exchange 29 while keeping the telephone line open. Calling device telephone number (Caller I
It is determined whether or not D) has been sent (S3). If the telephone number of the calling device has been sent (S3: Ye
s) The telephone number is ROM12 or EEPROM1
It is checked whether it matches any one of the telephone numbers stored in No. 3 (S5). As mentioned above, ROM1
2 stores in advance two telephone numbers, a FAX number 12b of the manufacturer's repair staff and a FAX number 12c of the dealer's repair staff. The EEPROM 13 stores up to three phone numbers in the local service store number areas 13b to 13d. Have been. Therefore, if the telephone number of the calling device sent from the exchange 29 matches one of the maximum five telephone numbers stored in the ROM 12 or the EEPROM 13 (S5: Yes), the user operation is stopped. The telephone line is closed without any intervention (S7), and the mode is shifted to the remote maintenance mode (S9). Since no operation by the user is required to shift to the remote maintenance mode in this way, the remote maintenance mode can be easily entered even when performing maintenance on the facsimile machine owned by a user unfamiliar with the operation. For example, even when the user's facsimile apparatus is set to the manual reception mode, the mode can be promptly shifted to the remote maintenance mode.

When the mode is shifted to the remote maintenance mode, the user-side facsimile machine 1 (the called-side device)
The process enters a standby state for a maintenance command sent from the calling device (S11: No). This is because the processing of the user-side facsimile machine 1 in the remote maintenance mode is performed based on a command transmitted from the calling-side device. When the maintenance command sent from the calling device is received (S11: Yes), it is determined whether or not the command is the maintenance end command 49 (S1).
3) If not end command 49 (S13: No),
The respective maintenance processes corresponding to the received maintenance commands 40 to 48 are executed (S19). The description of each process based on the maintenance commands 40 to 48 has already been described with reference to FIG. 3, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

In the standby state of the maintenance command (S1
1) When the maintenance end command 49 is received (S13: Yes), the user-side facsimile machine 1
Releases the telephone line without user intervention (S
15), end the remote maintenance mode (S1)
7). As described above, since no user operation is required from the start to the end of the remote maintenance, the remote maintenance of the facsimile apparatus can be performed without bothering the user.

After the call signal arrives (S1: Ye
s), the telephone number (Caller I) of the calling device from the exchange 29.
D) is not sent (S3: No), or the telephone number (Caller ID) of the calling device is sent from the exchange 29, but the telephone number is stored in the ROM 12 or the EEPROM 13 If they do not match with each other (S3: Yes, S5: No), the system shifts to the normal reception mode without shifting to the remote maintenance mode (S2).
1) The receiving process is performed and the process is terminated (S17).

In this remote maintenance, the service person grasps the situation of the user-side facsimile machine 1 in detail, and goes to a customer for repair, or asks the customer to transport the product itself to a service center. Is determined, and subsequent measures are taken. For maintenance that requires only changing the set value, after changing the set value in the remote maintenance mode, the test communication commands 46 and 47 and the test reception command 48 are executed.
After confirming the operation of the user-side facsimile machine 1, the remote maintenance mode is ended.

As described in detail above, according to the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment, the mode automatically shifts to the remote maintenance mode in accordance with the telephone number of the calling apparatus, so that no user operation is required. It is possible to easily shift to the remote maintenance mode. In the remote maintenance mode, private data such as communication history is extracted to the calling device or the setting of the called device is changed by a command of the calling device. Since the mode is shifted to the remote maintenance mode only when called from the side device, there is no danger that the secrecy is violated or the setting is changed carelessly. Further, according to the remote maintenance mode of the present embodiment, it is possible to analyze the apparatus and obtain detailed information without inquiring the user. Items that can be dealt with only by changing the settings can be resolved during this remote maintenance mode, and operations can be confirmed.

The caller's telephone number receiving service (Caller I
In D), the transmission of the telephone number of the calling party is performed either immediately before the first ringing tone or between the first ringing tone and the next ringing tone. Therefore, if the service is used as in the present embodiment, it is possible to shift to the remote maintenance mode only by ringing the ringing tone of the user-side facsimile apparatus zero or once. Therefore, the remote maintenance can be performed at night without bothering the user. In addition, remote maintenance can be performed for overseas users without worrying about time differences.

Since the remote maintenance mode is activated by calling a device on the service center side (calling side device), the telephone charge is borne by the service center side.
No burden on the user. Further, since the products to be subjected to the remote maintenance are limited to the facsimile machine in which the program described in this embodiment is installed, it is possible to perform the maintenance of only the products of the own company by excluding the products of other companies. Further, before the telephone line is closed, it is determined whether or not to shift to the remote maintenance mode, so that the telephone charge borne by the service center side is reduced accordingly.

In the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect, the calling telephone number receiving means corresponds to the processing of S3 described in the flowchart of FIG. 4, and the judging means corresponds to the processing of S5. Corresponds to the processing of S9. Further, the calling side telephone number receiving means of the facsimile apparatus described in claim 8 corresponds to the processing of S3 described in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the determining means corresponds to the processing of S5, and the maintenance means corresponds to the processing of S5. This corresponds to the process of S19.

As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can easily be inferred.

For example, in the above embodiment, the recognition of the telephone number of the calling apparatus and the judgment as to whether or not to shift to the remote maintenance mode were made before closing the telephone line. It may be performed after the line is closed. Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the telephone number of the calling side is used from the exchange to transmit the telephone number of the calling side (Caller ID) has been described, but the telephone number of the calling side is transmitted. Of course, other services can be used as long as the service is provided. For example, if the calling device sends its own phone number,
It is sufficient to determine whether or not to shift to the remote maintenance mode using this telephone number.

Further, in addition to the program for shifting to the remote maintenance mode based on the telephone number of the calling apparatus described in the above embodiment, the remote control is performed when a predetermined operation is performed from the calling apparatus after the line is closed. A program for shifting to the maintenance mode may be provided in one facsimile machine.

[0058]

According to the facsimile apparatus of the first aspect, when the maintenance mode is set by the setting means in response to a call from the calling side apparatus, the maintenance processing is executed by the maintenance means during the mode. In particular, the maintenance process includes a notification process of notifying the calling device of information for maintenance provided in the own facsimile device and a setting value of the own facsimile device based on a signal from the calling device. The maintenance unit can execute the notification process and the change process during the maintenance mode once set. Therefore, for example, after executing the notification process, the maintenance mode is temporarily terminated, the communication line is opened, the line is closed again according to the call from the calling device, the maintenance mode is set again, and the change is performed. Maintenance processing of different types can be efficiently performed by one communication without performing troublesome processing such as executing processing.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the second aspect, when the telephone number of the calling apparatus is received by the calling telephone number receiving means, the telephone number is stored in the storage means. The determination unit determines whether or not they match with each other. If the determination is affirmative, the setting unit sets the maintenance mode, and during this mode, the maintenance unit executes the maintenance process. Accordingly, the maintenance mode is set when a call is made from the calling side device having the specific telephone number, so that the operation can easily be shifted to the maintenance mode without bothering the operator.
In particular, in the maintenance process, a notification process for notifying the calling device of information for maintenance provided in the own facsimile device, and changing the set value of the own facsimile device based on a signal from the calling device. The maintenance means can execute the notification process and the change process during the maintenance mode once set. Therefore, for example, after executing the notification processing, once the maintenance mode is terminated and the communication line is opened, the line is closed again according to the call from the calling device, and the maintenance mode is set again,
Maintenance processing of different types can be efficiently performed by one communication without performing troublesome processing such as executing change processing.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the third aspect, during the set maintenance mode, first, by executing the notification processing, the model name, the program version, the set value of the own facsimile apparatus, the communication history, Notify the calling device of information such as test data,
By confirming this, the operator of the calling-side apparatus continues to execute the change processing, whereby the operation of changing the set value of the facsimile apparatus can be performed as necessary.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, when the maintenance mode is set by the setting means in response to the call from the calling side apparatus, the maintenance processing is executed by the maintenance means during the mode. In particular, the maintenance process includes a change process of changing a setting value of the own facsimile device based on a signal from the calling side device, and a test process of performing a test of the own facsimile device. In addition, the maintenance unit can execute the change process and the test process during the maintenance mode once set. Therefore, for example, after executing the change processing, once the maintenance mode is terminated and the communication line is opened, the line is closed again according to the call from the calling device, the maintenance mode is set again, and the test is performed. Maintenance processing of different types can be efficiently performed without performing troublesome processing such as executing processing.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, when the telephone number of the calling device is received by the calling telephone number receiving means, the telephone number is stored in the storage means. The determination unit determines whether or not they match with each other. If the determination is affirmative, the setting unit sets the maintenance mode, and during this mode, the maintenance unit executes the maintenance process. Accordingly, the maintenance mode is set when a call is made from the calling side device having the specific telephone number, so that the operation can easily be shifted to the maintenance mode without bothering the operator.
In particular, the maintenance process includes a change process of changing a setting value of the own facsimile device based on a signal from the calling side device and a test process of executing a test of the own facsimile device. The means can execute the change process and the test process during the maintenance mode once set. Therefore,
For example, after executing the change processing, once the maintenance mode is terminated and the communication line is opened, the line is closed again according to the call from the calling apparatus, the maintenance mode is set again, and the test processing is performed. Maintenance processing of different types can be efficiently performed by one communication without performing troublesome processing such as execution.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the sixth aspect, in the test processing, processing for transmitting a test chart provided in the apparatus to the calling apparatus, receiving the test chart transmitted from the calling apparatus, The process of transmitting the result to the calling device can be selectively executed, and when any process is specified according to the item to be confirmed by the operator of the calling device, a test process corresponding to the process is executed. can do. Also, both test processes can be executed during the maintenance mode once set.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the seventh aspect, the maintenance means selects and executes a necessary maintenance process from a plurality of maintenance processes based on a command from the calling device. Maintenance processing according to the status of the apparatus can be easily executed, and once the maintenance mode is set, the maintenance means continues the plurality of maintenance processing until a command indicating the end of the maintenance is received. Therefore, the number of times the telephone line is closed can be reduced, and the telephone charge to be charged can be reduced.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the eighth aspect, the facsimile apparatus is generally used in the field of communication, and it is possible to transmit data reliably with a simple operation. Since the command is transmitted by a small number of PB signals, the maintenance means can accurately execute the maintenance processing, and when the change processing is selectively executed based on the PB signal, the maintenance means can perform the same operation. Since the PB signal is processed as an address of a setting value that needs to be changed and information indicating a new setting value,
It is not necessary to use a different signal format for changing the set value, and a configuration for detecting a signal of another format is not required, so that the maintenance process can be performed more efficiently.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the ninth aspect, when a predetermined PB signal is received during the execution of the change processing, the maintenance means terminates the transmission of the PB signal for changing the set value. Since the next PB signal is processed as a new command, the maintenance mode can be reliably maintained even after the change processing is completed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a remote maintenance command and its contents.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a remote maintenance process.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Facsimile machine 11 CPU 12 ROM (storage means) 12b FAX number of a manufacturer's repair staff 12c FAX number of a dealer's repair staff 13 EEPROM (storage means) 13b, 13c, 13d Local service store number area 29 Switchboard 31, 32 Telephone line

Claims (9)

[Claims] A maintenance unit capable of executing a plurality of maintenance processes; and a setting unit configured to set a maintenance mode for operating the maintenance unit in response to a call from a calling device. The process includes a notification process of notifying the calling side device of information for maintenance provided in the own facsimile device, a change process of changing a set value of the own facsimile device based on a signal from the calling side device, and A facsimile apparatus, wherein during the one-time maintenance mode set by the setting unit, the maintenance unit can execute the notification process and the change process. 2. A facsimile apparatus comprising a calling telephone number receiving means for receiving a telephone number of a calling apparatus sent from an exchange, a storage means for storing a predetermined telephone number, and the calling telephone. Determining means for determining whether or not the telephone number of the calling device received by the number receiving means matches the telephone number stored in the storage means; maintenance means capable of executing a plurality of maintenance processes; Setting means for setting a maintenance mode in which the maintenance means is operated when the determination means determines that the telephone numbers match, and the plurality of maintenance processes include information for maintenance provided in the own facsimile apparatus. Notification to the calling device, and changes the setting value of its own facsimile device based on a signal from the calling device. And a changing process for, during a time maintenance mode set by the setting means, the maintenance unit, a facsimile apparatus, characterized in that it can execute the said change processing and the notification process. 3. The information for maintenance includes one of a model name, a version of a program, a set value of its own facsimile machine, communication history, and test data. 1 or 2
A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1. 4. A system comprising: a maintenance unit capable of executing a plurality of maintenance processes; and a setting unit configured to set a maintenance mode for operating the maintenance unit in response to a call from a calling device. The process includes a change process of changing a set value of the own facsimile device based on a signal from the calling side device, and a test process of executing a test of the own facsimile device, and is set by the setting unit. A facsimile apparatus wherein the maintenance means is capable of executing the notification process and the test process during one maintenance mode. 5. A facsimile apparatus comprising a calling telephone number receiving means for receiving a telephone number of a calling apparatus sent from an exchange, a storage means for storing a predetermined telephone number, and the calling telephone. Determining means for determining whether or not the telephone number of the calling device received by the number receiving means matches the telephone number stored in the storage means; maintenance means capable of executing a plurality of maintenance processes; Setting means for setting a maintenance mode for operating the maintenance means when the determination means determines that the telephone numbers match; and the plurality of maintenance processes are performed based on a signal from the calling device. A setting process for changing a setting value of the own facsimile machine; and a test process for executing a test of the own facsimile machine. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said maintenance means is capable of executing said change processing and said test processing during one maintenance mode set by a stage. 6. The test process includes a process of transmitting a test chart provided in the device to the calling device, a process of receiving a test chart transmitted from the calling device, and transmitting a result to the calling device. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a transmission process. 7. When receiving a command transmitted from the calling device, the maintenance unit selects and executes a maintenance process according to the received command from the plurality of maintenance processes, and 2. A process according to a received command is sequentially executed until a command indicating the end is received.
A facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 8. The command is transmitted by a PB signal, and when the maintenance means selects the change processing based on a PB signal transmitted from the calling device, the maintenance unit subsequently transmits the command from the calling device. 8. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the transmitted PB signal is processed as an address of a set value requiring change and information indicating a new set value. 9. A predetermined P for ending the change processing
The maintenance means, when receiving the predetermined PB signal during the execution of the change processing, terminates the change processing and waits for the next PB signal transmitted from the calling device. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the facsimile apparatus processes the command as a command.