JP2001313775A - Information processor and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor which can more surely transfer data to an object device and its control method. SOLUTION: Upon the receipt of data designating transfer to a sub address ○○○○, a FAX 100 first discriminates whether or not data communication via the Internet to a FAX 200 is possible. When the FAX 100 discriminates it possible, the FAX 100 transmits received data to the FAX 200 via the Internet 300. The FAX 100 uses an IP address ΔΔΔΔ of the FAX 200 registered in advance in this case. When the FAX 100 discriminates that data communication via the Internet 300 is impossible, the FAX 100 transmits the received data through a public line 400 by using a FAX number of the FAX 200 registered in advance.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method thereof, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus for transferring received data to a target apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an information processing apparatus of this type, an information processing apparatus that transfers received data to a device corresponding to a sub-address when data having a specified sub-address is received has been known.

[0003] For example, when sub-address data is added to received facsimile data, this corresponds to a FAX server that transfers via the Internet to a FAX having an IP address corresponding to the sub-address.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, if there is any trouble in the network, there is a problem that data cannot be transmitted to a target destination.

An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of more reliably transferring data to a target apparatus and a control method thereof. Is to do.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus connected via a network to a device capable of receiving a fax.
Receiving means for receiving data, storage means for storing an address and a FAX number on the network corresponding to the device, and determining means for determining whether data communication with the device via the network is possible, When the data specified as the transfer destination of the device is received by the reception unit, if the determination of the determination unit is affirmative, the data is transmitted to the device by using the address to the network. And if the judgment by the judgment means is negative, using the FAX number,
Transmitting means for transmitting through a public line.

[0007] A receiving means for receiving data designated by a sub-address, and an IP address of an apparatus corresponding to the sub-address.
Storage means for storing an address and a facsimile number; determining means for determining whether data communication with the device via the Internet is possible; and, if the determination by the determining means is positive, the device The data received by the receiving unit is transmitted via the Internet using the IP address, and if the determination by the determining unit is negative,
Transmitting means for transmitting through the public line using the FAX number.

Receiving means for receiving data with a specified sub-address, and an IP address of a device corresponding to the sub-address;
Storage means for storing an address; determining means for determining whether or not data communication with the device via the Internet through a network connection is possible; and, if the determination by the determining means is positive, the device And transmitting means for transmitting the data received by the receiving means through a network connection, and transmitting the data to the apparatus through a dial-up connection if the judgment by the judging means is negative. And

[0009] If the judgment by the judging means is negative, the transmitting means transmits a sentence to that effect to the apparatus.

[0010] The transmission means may further comprise a notification means for notifying a user when the determination by the determination means is negative.

In order to achieve the above object, a method according to the present invention is directed to an information processing apparatus which is connected via a network to a device capable of receiving a fax and stores an address and a fax number on the network corresponding to the device. The control method, the receiving step of receiving data, a determining step of determining whether data communication with the device via the network is possible, and the data specified as the transfer destination the device, the If the data is received in the receiving step, if the determination in the determination step is positive, the data is transmitted to the device via the network using the address, and the determination in the determination step is negative. If,
A transmitting step of transmitting through a public line using the FAX number.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, a storage medium according to the present invention is connected to a device capable of receiving a facsimile, via a network, and stores an information and an FAX number on the network corresponding to the device. A computer-readable memory storing a control program of an apparatus, wherein the control program includes a code of a receiving step of receiving data and a determining step of determining whether data communication with the apparatus via the network is possible. Code and data specified as the transfer destination of the device, when received in the receiving step, if the determination of the determination step is affirmative, for the device, the data, using the address, Transmitting over the network,
If the judgment in the judging step is negative, a code of a transmitting step to be transmitted through a public line using the FAX number is included.

[0013]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the relative arrangement of components described in this embodiment, formulas, numerical values, etc., unless otherwise specified,
It is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them. In this specification, “network connection” refers to connection to the Internet by a method other than “dial-up connection”. For example, a connection using a CATV or a connection using a dedicated line corresponds to this. Further, “through a network connection” means via the Internet while connected to the Internet through a network connection.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network to which a facsimile apparatus (hereinafter referred to as FAX) 100 as an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. .

The FAX 100 has a memory for registering the subaddress of the ITU-T recommendation, the IP address and the FAX number in association with each other. In the figure, as an example, an IP address の of the FAX 200 whose sub address is represented by ○ and a FAX number □ are registered.

The FAX 100 and the FAX 200 are
Be on the same network. Here, as an example, the FAX 100 and the FA
X200 is assumed to be connected. FAX
The connection between the FAX 200 and the Internet and the connection between the FAX 200 and the Internet are based on a network connection.

Further, the FAX 100 and the FAX 200 are both connected to a public line (PSTN) 400.

When the FAX 100 receives data designated to be transferred to the sub-address XXX, it first determines whether data communication with the FAX 200 via the Internet is possible. Here, if it is determined that it is possible, the received data is
Transmit via the Internet 300. At this time, a previously registered IP address of the FAX 200 is used.

On the other hand, when it is determined that data communication with the FAX 200 via the Internet 300 is impossible, the received data is transmitted through the public line 400 using the FAX 200 of the FAX 200 registered in advance.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration inside FAXA shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 2 denotes an NCU (network control unit) for connecting a telephone network to a terminal of the line and controlling connection of a telephone exchange network or switching to a data communication path in order to use the telephone network for data communication or the like. Or hold the loop. The NCU 2 connects the telephone line 2a to the telephone (CML off) or connects the telephone line 2a to the facsimile machine (CML) under the control of the bus 26.
On). In a normal state, the telephone line 2a is connected to the telephone 4 side.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a telephone.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a hybrid circuit which separates a transmission system signal and a reception system signal, transmits a transmission signal from the addition circuit 12 to the telephone line 2a via the NCU 2, and transmits a signal from the other party to the NCU 2 Via the signal line 6a and sent to the modem 8.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a modulation / demodulation unit, which is based on ITU-T recommendation V.8. 8, V. 21, V.I. 27ter, V.A. 29, V.S. 1
7, V. A modulation / demodulation unit that performs modulation and demodulation based on the signal 34, and specifies each transmission mode by controlling the bus 26. Reference numeral 8 inputs a transmission signal from the bus 26, outputs modulation data to the signal line 8a, inputs a reception signal output to the signal line 6a, and outputs demodulated data to the bus 26.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a calling circuit, which inputs telephone number information in response to a signal from the bus 26, and transmits a D signal to a signal line 10a.
A TMF selection signal is output.

Reference numeral 12 denotes an adder circuit, which inputs information of the signal line 8a and information of the signal line 10a, and outputs a result of the addition to the signal line 12a.

A reading unit 14 outputs read data to the bus 26.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a recording unit, which sequentially records information output to the bus 26 line by line.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a RAM, which is a work memory (RAM), and further includes raw information of read data or
It functions to store the encoded information and to store the received information or the decoded information via the bus 26.

In the RAM, sub-address signals and communication specifications can be registered corresponding to the memory boxes. Here, for example, in the memory box 01, the sub address signal 1234, the IP address aaa @ bbb. canon.
co. jp and registered. It is also assumed that the fax number is registered as 03-3111-2222.

An operation unit 20 is provided with a one-touch dial, abbreviated dial, numeric keys, * / # keys, a start key, a set key, a stop key, a sub address signal input key, and other function keys.

The pressed key information is output to the bus 26. In addition, the operation unit 20 is provided with a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, and can input and display information from the bus 26.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a CPU (central processing unit).
It controls the entire facsimile machine. The control program is stored in the ROM 24.

Reference numeral 26 denotes a bus.

Reference numeral 28 denotes a network card, and a signal line 28a is Ethernet (registered trademark).

FIGS. 3 to 6 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure in the facsimile machine 100 of FIG. A control program for realizing this processing is stored in the ROM 24.

In FIG. 3, first, in step S4, the RAM 18 is initialized via the bus 26. At this time, the registration of the sub address signal and the communication specification of the memory box is also cleared.

In step S6, the NC via the bus 26
The CML of U2 is turned off.

In step S8, information of the operation unit 20 is input via the bus 26, and it is determined whether or not registration in the memory box has been selected.
The process proceeds to 0, and if not selected, the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S10, R
The sub-address signal and the communication specification are registered in the AM 18 as a memory box. Here, for example, as the memory box 01, the sub address signal is 1234, and the IP address is aaa @ bbb. canon. c
o. jp and the fax number is 03-3111-222.
It is assumed that the transfer to the device 2 is registered.

In step S12 of FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not there is an incoming call. If there is an incoming call, the process proceeds to step S20, where the caller's telephone number is received / stored, and if there is no incoming call, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, it is determined whether or not there is a trouble in the network. If there is, the process proceeds to step S16, and the internet is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 20 via the bus 26 when the network is out of order. It is displayed that communication via the terminal is impossible, and if no trouble exists, the process proceeds to step S18 to perform other processing.

In step S22, via the bus 26,
Turn on the CML of NCU2.

Step S24 represents the pre-procedure. Here, the presence of the sub-address signal receiving function is notified.

In step S26, it is determined whether or not a sub-address signal has been received.
If not, the process proceeds to step S28.

Step S28 represents reception / recording of an image signal, and step S30 represents a post-procedure.

In step S32, it is determined whether or not the received sub-address signal is registered. If the response is an affirmative response, the process proceeds to step S36, and if the response is a negative response, the process proceeds to step S34.

Step S34 represents the execution of the communication specification based on the sub address signal.

Step S36 represents image signal reception / recording in memory, and step S38 represents post-procedure.

In step S 40, via the bus 26
Turn off the CML of NCU2.

Step S42 in FIG. 5 indicates that a wait is performed for 10 seconds.

In step S44, it is determined whether or not a trouble exists in the network. If there is, the process proceeds to step S48, and if there is no trouble, the process proceeds to step S46.

Step S46 is based on the ITU-T recommendation,
The information received in the memory is converted to Tiff-fx format by MH coding based on the simple mode
This indicates that transmission is performed by ME. Where LAN
It transmits to the IP address corresponding to the received sub-address by a direct connection type. For example, if the subaddress is 1234, the IP address aaa @ bbb. canon. c
o. jp.

Step S48 indicates that a wait is performed for 30 seconds.

In the step S50, via the bus 26,
Turn on the CML of NCU2.

Step S52 indicates that a call is made to the FAX number corresponding to the received sub-address signal using the calling circuit 10 via the bus 26. For example, if the subaddress is 1234, the fax number 03
Call -3111-2222.

Step S54 is a pre-procedure, step S56
Indicates transmission of information received in the memory, and step S58 indicates a post-procedure.

In step S60, via the bus 26,
Turn off the CML of NCU2.

In the step S62, the communication unit designated by the Internet FAX is sent to the PS
Sent using TN ". This display is deleted by any key operation.

Step S64 in FIG. 6 indicates that a wait is performed for 30 seconds.

In step S 66, via the bus 26,
Turn on the CML of NCU2.

Step S68 indicates that a call is made to the caller telephone number received in step S20.

Step S70 represents a pre-procedure.

Step S72 represents transmission of an image signal. Here, for example, “destination aaa@bbb.can
on. co. The transfer request to jp was due to a network failure, so we used facsimile communication using PSTN. "
Is sent.

Step S74 represents a post-procedure.

According to the present embodiment, even if there is a trouble on the Internet, facsimile transmission is performed using PSTN, so that information can be transmitted to the destination more reliably.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 7 shows a second example of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network to which a facsimile apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as FAX) 500 as an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

The FAX 500 is almost the same as the FAX 100 shown in FIG.
It has the same configuration as. However, the FAX 500 can also connect to the Internet via the provider 700 using a dial-up connection. The other configuration is completely the same as that of FIG. 1, and the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

When such a FAX 500 receives data designated to be transferred to the sub-address XXX, first, it is determined whether or not data communication by network connection to the FAX 200 is possible. Here, if it is determined that it is possible, the received data is
The data is transmitted from the route 800 via the Internet 300. At this time, a previously registered IP address of the FAX 200 is used.

On the other hand, if it is determined that data communication by network connection to FAX 200 is not possible, dial-up connection to Internet 300 is performed using provider 700 registered in advance and received data is transmitted to FAX 200 through provider 700. Send to

At this time, a call is made to the facsimile number of the facsimile 200 according to the user's input to the facsimile 500 and the facsimile communication is executed without going through the internet, or the dial-up connection is made and the facsimile communication is carried out via the internet. May be selected.

In this case, the configuration of the FAX 500 is as follows.
The operation unit 20 further includes a key for selecting whether to perform facsimile communication via only the PSTN or to perform facsimile communication by dial-up connection to the Internet when a trouble exists in the network.

The processing performed by the facsimile machine 500 includes S50 and S7 of the processing shown in FIGS.
The processing during the period 4 is replaced with the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

That is, after step S50 in FIG. 5, the process proceeds to step S82 in FIG.

In step S 82, via the bus 26
The information of the operation unit 20 is input, and the selection status of the facsimile transmission method at the time of a network failure is determined. If transmission only by PSTN is selected, the process proceeds to step S52 in FIG. 5, and transmission by dial-up connection is selected. If so, the process proceeds to step S86.

Step S86 represents calling a service provider for dial-up connection.

Step S88 represents execution of the ppp protocol. For example, aaa @ bbb. cano
n. co. jp.

In step S90, the information received in the memory is MH-encoded, and MIME-formatted in Tiff-fx format.
In the form of ITU-T Recommendation T. 37 is transmitted.

In step S 92, via the bus 26
Turn off the CML of NCU2.

In step S 94, via the bus 26
The display unit of the operation unit displays, for example, "Since a network trouble has occurred, communication designated by Internet FAX has been transmitted via dial-up connection." This display is deleted by any key operation.

In step S96, step S6 in FIG.
4 to step S70 are performed.

Step S98 represents transmission of an image signal. Here, at the same time, for example, “destination aaa @ bb
b. canon. co. jp was sent via dial-up connection due to a network problem ". Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S74 in FIG.

According to the present embodiment, the Internet F
When a network trouble occurs during the communication designated by AX, it is possible to select transmission using only PSTN or transmission using dial-up connection. Therefore,
In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the usability of the user is further improved.

(Other Embodiments) The present invention
The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, and the like), or may be applied to a device including one device (for example, a copier, a facsimile device, and the like). .

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by a CPU or an MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Also,
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code.
It goes without saying that a case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented by performing some or all of the actual processing, and the processing performs the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described flowcharts (shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 or 8).

[0089]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of transferring data to a target apparatus more reliably and a control method thereof.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network to which a facsimile apparatus as a first embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a facsimile apparatus as a first embodiment of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the facsimile 100 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the facsimile 100 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the facsimile apparatus 100 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the facsimile 100 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network to which a facsimile apparatus is applied as an information processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the facsimile 400 of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 NCU 4 Telephone 6 Hybrid circuit 8 Modulation / demodulation unit 10 Calling circuit 12 Addition circuit 14 Reading unit 16 Recording unit 18 RAM 20 Operation unit 22 CPU 24 ROM 26 Bus 28 Network card

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) H04M 11/00 303 H04L 13/00 305Z 9A001 H04N 1/32 F term (reference) 5C062 AA02 AA29 AA34 AA35 AB22 AB23 AB42 AC22 AC40 AC43 AF02 AF03 AF15 5C075 AB08 AB90 BA08 CA14 CE14 5K030 GA02 GA11 HA01 HA06 HB04 LB06 LB08 5K034 AA03 AA05 CC04 EE07 EE10 EE12 FF01 HH01 HH02 HH17 HH26 JJ11 5K101 KK01 LL02 KK03 BB03 BB03 BB03 BB03 JJ0319

Claims (7)

[Claims] An information processing apparatus connected via a network, the apparatus being capable of receiving a fax, receiving means for receiving data, and storing an address on the network and a fax number corresponding to the apparatus. A storage unit; a determination unit configured to determine whether data communication with the device via the network is possible; and a determination unit configured to receive the data designated as the transfer destination by the reception unit when the reception unit receives the data. If the determination is positive, the data is transmitted to the device via the network using the address, and if the determination by the determination unit is negative, the fax number is used, An information processing apparatus, comprising: transmission means for transmitting through a public line. 2. A receiving means for receiving data designated by a sub-address, an IP address of a device corresponding to the sub-address, and F
A storage unit for storing an AX number; a determination unit for determining whether data communication with the device via the Internet is possible; and if the determination by the determination unit is affirmative, the reception unit for the device. The data received in the above is transmitted via the Internet using the IP address, and if the judgment by the judging means is negative, using the FAX number,
An information processing apparatus, comprising: transmission means for transmitting through a public line. 3. A receiving means for receiving data designated with a sub-address, a storing means for storing an IP address of a device corresponding to the sub-address, and a data communication with the device via the Internet by network connection is possible. Determining means for determining whether or not the data is received by the receiving means to the device through a network connection if the determination by the determining means is affirmative; If negative, an information processing apparatus comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits the data to the apparatus through a dial-up connection. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the judgment by the judgment means is negative, the transmission means transmits a sentence indicating the judgment to the apparatus. apparatus. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said transmitting means further comprises a notifying means for notifying a user of a negative judgment by said judging means. apparatus. 6. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus connected to a device capable of receiving a facsimile and via a network and storing an address and a facsimile number on the network corresponding to the device, the method comprising: A step of determining whether or not data communication with the device via the network is possible; and a step of receiving the data designated as the transfer destination of the device in the receiving step, If the determination is positive, the data is transmitted to the device via the network using the address, and if the determination in the determination step is negative, the fax number is used,
A transmission step of transmitting through a public line, and a control method of the information processing apparatus, comprising: 7. A computer-readable memory which is connected via a network to a device capable of receiving a fax and stores a control program of an information processing device for storing an address and a fax number on the network corresponding to the device. The control program includes: a code of a receiving step of receiving data; a code of a determining step of determining whether data communication with the device via the network is possible; and data designated as the transfer destination of the device. Is received in the receiving step, if the determination in the determining step is affirmative, the data is transmitted to the device via the network using the address, and the determination in the determining step is performed. Is negative, a code of a transmission step of transmitting through the public line using the FAX number, A computer-readable memory characterized by and.