JP2002118670A - Center unit and communication terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a center unit capable of executing a test for a communication terminal device through a communication line. SOLUTION: The center unit is provided with a communication connection section for controlling connection with a communication line L; and a control section 15 by which, after transmitting a test instruction command and reply destination information to a communication terminal device F through the communication line L, the communication line L is disconnected, and test result information and identification information for identifying the device F are received through the communication line L to store the information upon receiving transmission from the device F.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a center device capable of testing a communication terminal device via a communication line, and a test executed in accordance with a test instruction from the center device.
The present invention relates to a communication terminal device capable of transmitting a test result to a center device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Many facsimile apparatuses have a memory transmission function of reading a plurality of originals, encoding the originals by a codec, storing all pages in an image memory in advance, and transmitting the pages via a modem. . In such a facsimile apparatus, when various memories such as an image memory and various devices such as a codec and a modem are out of order, accurate transmission and reception cannot be performed.

Conventionally, a service person regularly visits a user of a facsimile machine to perform writing and reading tests on an image memory and the like and operation tests of various devices. I was going to give it.

[0004]

[0005] However, despite the low possibility that an abnormality of the facsimile apparatus is found, it is troublesome for a service person to visit each user every time a test is performed, and the number of personnel is low. There was also a problem that costs were high in terms of costs.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a center apparatus capable of executing a test of a communication terminal apparatus via a communication line, and a center apparatus capable of executing a test on the communication terminal apparatus via the communication line. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication terminal device that can execute a test according to a test instruction command.

Therefore, the center device according to the first aspect of the present invention provides a line connection unit for controlling connection to a communication line, and a test instruction command and a return destination information of a test result to a communication terminal device via the communication line. After transmission, disconnecting the communication line, and receiving and storing test result information and identification information for identifying the communication terminal device via the communication line when receiving an incoming call from the communication terminal device. It is characterized by the following. Disconnecting the communication line means terminating the communication process through the communication line.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, after transmitting the test instruction command and the return destination information of the test result to the communication terminal device via the communication line, the recording medium is disconnected, and when a call from the communication terminal device is received. 2. A recording medium readable by a center device which records a program for causing the center device to execute a process of receiving and storing test result information and identification information for identifying the communication terminal device via the communication line. It is.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication terminal device for controlling connection to a communication line, an image memory for storing a transmission image or a reception image, and a test instruction transmitted from the center device via the communication line. After receiving the command and the reply destination information of the test result, the communication line is disconnected, a test based on the test instruction is executed, and the test result information and the identification information for identifying the communication terminal device are based on the reply destination information. And a control unit for transmitting the data to the center device via the communication line.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication terminal device according to the third aspect, the communication terminal device includes a recording unit, and the control unit transmits the test result information and the test result information to the center device after executing the test. The transmission is recorded in a recording unit.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As schematically shown in FIG. 1, a facsimile apparatus F with a copy function as a communication terminal apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as a facsimile apparatus F) is a CP.
U (central processing unit), a control unit 1, a rewritable nonvolatile memory, a flash memory 2, and a RAM (Ran
dom Access Memory) 3, image memory 4, codec 5,
A modem 6, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 7, a display unit 8, an operation unit 10, a reading unit 11, and a recording unit 12 are connected to each other by a bus line 13.

A program for controlling the entire facsimile apparatus F, that is, a program for transmitting and receiving a facsimile and a program for copying are stored in the flash memory 2 in advance. Further, the flash memory 2 stores a program for executing a test based on a test instruction by communication from the center device 14 described later.

More specifically, the program includes a procedure for identifying a test item based on a test instruction command sent from the center device 14, a procedure for executing a test for each test item, and a test result. And a procedure for transmission to the center device 14. Each test item, specifically,
The component to be tested is meant, and the component to be tested is the RAM 3, the image memory 4, the codec 5, the modem 6, and the like. Note that the RAM 3 has a
, For example, data such as a data rate set by the modem 7 is temporarily stored.

The image memory 4 is composed of a RAM or the like, and stores image data that has been read by a reading unit 11 described later and encoded (compressed) by the codec 5. The image memory 4 has a storage capacity capable of storing encoded image data for several tens to several hundred pages of a document.

The codec 5 has a role of sequentially encoding the image data to be transmitted, read by the reading unit 11, and decoding the encoded image data received from the destination of the facsimile communication. The modem 6 modulates and demodulates the transmission / reception data, specifically, modulates the transmission data into a voice band signal and sends it out to the communication line L such as a public telephone line network via the NCU 7, and from the communication line L via the NCU 7 The voice band signal received from the other party is demodulated into a digital signal.

The NCU 7 has a function of controlling connection between the public line network L and the facsimile apparatus F, a function of transmitting a dial pulse corresponding to a facsimile number of the other party, and a function of detecting an incoming call.

Although not shown, the display unit 8 comprises a liquid crystal display element or the like, and the operation unit 10 comprises a key panel including a ten key, a start key for instructing the start of facsimile transmission or copying operation, and a cursor key. The reading unit 11
Line sensors and CCDs (Charge Coupled De-
vice) for reading a document for facsimile transmission or copying.

The recording unit 12 includes a printing device such as an electrophotographic system or an ink-jet system. The recording unit 12 records image data received from the other party at the time of facsimile reception, and records the image data of the original read by the reading unit 11 at the time of copying. Recording is performed at a desired magnification.

As shown in FIG. 2, the center device 14 comprises, for example, a personal computer (personal computer).
More specifically, a control unit 15 including a CPU, a hard disk 16 as a large-scale storage device, a memory 17 including a RAM, and a modem 1 incorporating an NCU (not shown)
8 and a display unit 2 composed of a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or the like
0, keyboard 21, printer 22, CD-RO
Recording medium 2 such as M (Compact Disk Read Only Memory)
An external reading device 23 such as a CD-ROM drive for reading the information No. 4 is connected to each other by a bus line 25.

In the recording medium 24, a test instruction command and return destination information of the test result (the center device 14) are transmitted to various communication terminal devices such as the facsimile device F via the communication line L.
After the transmission of the communication terminal L, the communication line L is disconnected (communication processing is completed), and the test result information and the identification information (identification information for identifying the communication terminal device) are received via the communication line L when the communication terminal device receives the call. A program for causing the center device 14 to execute a process of receiving and storing a facsimile number) is recorded. When this program is installed in the center device 14 in advance, the center device 14 has a function of making a communication terminal device such as the facsimile device F perform a test remotely via the communication line L.

The operation of the center unit 14 during the test of the facsimile machine F with the copying function using the communication line L will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In S1, the operator of the center apparatus 14 firstly communicates with a communication terminal apparatus to be tested, here, a large number of communication terminal apparatuses in which facsimile numbers of the facsimile apparatus F in FIG. Select from a list (not shown) of facsimile numbers of the terminal device group).

Subsequently, the operator of the center device 14 selects desired test items (various memory tests, various device tests, etc.) from predetermined test items according to the type (model and model number) of the communication terminal device. Is selected (S2). For example,
If the test target is the facsimile machine F, the component to be tested is selected from the RAM 3, the image memory 4, the codec 5, the modem 6, and the like as described above.

In response, the control unit 15 sends the facsimile number of the facsimile machine F to be tested to the modem 1
8 to make a call to the built-in NCU (S3). Subsequently, when receiving a DIS (digital identification signal) from the facsimile apparatus F indicating that the facsimile apparatus F as the called terminal has a standard receiving function of CCITT (International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee) (S4), the control unit 15 stores the test instruction command in the NSS (non-standard function setting signal) and sends it out (S5). The test instruction command is, as exemplified in Table 1, specifically, a number (test number) indicating a test item.

[0023]

[Table 1]

The control unit 15 stores the telephone number of the center apparatus 14 in the TSI (transmission terminal identification signal) together with the test instruction command, and sends it to the facsimile apparatus F. Subsequently, the control unit 15 receives the CFR from the facsimile machine F.
When the (reception preparation confirmation signal) is detected (S6), the communication line L is disconnected (S7). As will be described later, a test is performed by the facsimile machine F while the communication line L is disconnected.

Subsequently, the control unit 15 detects whether there is an incoming call (S8), and if not, repeats the same determination.
If there is an incoming call in S8, the control unit 15
After the CU sends the DIS to the destination terminal (S9),
It is determined whether or not TSI is detected from the destination terminal (S
10).

If the TSI has not been detected in S10, the process ends. If the TSI has been detected, it is determined whether or not the facsimile apparatus F to be tested is based on the facsimile number of the destination terminal included in the TSI. Judge (S11),
If it is not the facsimile machine F to be tested, the process ends.

At S11, if the destination terminal is the facsimile machine F to be tested, the NSS storing the test results
Is received (S12), the control unit 15 causes the display unit 20 to display the test result and the facsimile number of the facsimile apparatus F to be tested (S13). If necessary,
The test results can be printed by the printer 22.

Next, based on the instruction from the center device 14 based on the flowchart of FIG.
A procedure for automatically executing a test and transmitting a test result to the center device 14 will be described. In S21, the control unit 1 determines whether there is an incoming call, and if not, repeats the same determination. If there is an incoming call in S21, DIS is sent (S2
2) Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the test instruction command is included in the NSS received from the destination terminal (S23).

If the test instruction command is not included in the NSS, normal image reception (S24) is performed, and the reception processing ends. If the test instruction command is included in the NSS, the control unit 1 detects the number indicating the test item (S2).
5) Subsequently, the TSI including the telephone number of the center device 14
Is detected (S26), the CFR is transmitted to the center device 14 (S27), and the communication line L is disconnected (S28).

After that, the control unit 1 displays "device test in progress" on the display unit 8 (S29), and then executes the test corresponding to the number indicating the test item (S30). For example, when a test of the image memory 4 is instructed from the center device 14, the control unit 1 causes the test to be executed according to the test procedure of the image memory 4 in the test program stored in the flash memory 2.

Specifically, for example, after predetermined binary data is written in a part or all of the area of the image memory 4, the write data is read, and whether or not the write data and the read data match is determined. judge. If the write data and the read data match, the image memory 4 operates normally, and if they do not match, an abnormality has occurred. Even when image data to be transmitted exists in the image memory 4, a test of the image memory 4 can be executed by temporarily saving the image data in the RAM 3 or the like.

For example, if the test item is a test of the codec 5, the control unit 1 executes the test based on the test procedure of the codec 5 in the test program in the flash memory 2. Specifically, for example, after the predetermined data is encoded by the codec 5 and stored in the image memory 4, the data before encoding is compared with the data after encoding, so that the encoding process of the codec 5 is performed. Can be determined whether or not is normal.

At S31, it is determined whether or not all the test items have been completed. If not, the process returns to S30 to execute the tests of the remaining test items. If all the tests have been completed, the control unit 1 transmits the test result information received from the center device 14 to transmit the test result information to the center device 14.
Call the telephone number included in I (S32).

Subsequently, upon detecting the DIS from the center device 14 (S33), the control section 1 stores the test result information in the NSS and sends it to the center device 14 (S34). The test result information includes, for example, “test No. 2 OK (normal), test No. 4 NG (abnormal)” and the like based on the number indicating the test item and the quality of the result for each item. After transmitting the test result information, the control unit 1 disconnects the communication line L (S35), and causes the recording unit 12 to print the test result information and the fact that the test result information has been transmitted to the center device 14 (S35).
36).

In the above embodiment, the procedure for executing the tests of various items is stored in advance in the flash memory 2 of the facsimile machine F, and only the numbers indicating the test items are transmitted from the center device 14 at the time of executing the tests. Since transmission is performed, there is an advantage that the time required for communication can be extremely reduced. However, a specific test procedure (test program) may be transmitted from the center apparatus 14 to the facsimile apparatus F to be tested when the test is executed. In addition, the addition or change of the test program is performed by the center device 14.
By transmitting a new or modified program via the communication line L to a communication terminal device such as the facsimile device F.

Further, instead of starting the test immediately after the facsimile apparatus F receives the test instruction command, the scheduled start time of the test is transmitted from the center apparatus 14 to the facsimile apparatus F. The test may be executed in a time zone in which the frequency of use is low.

In addition to the method of transmitting a test instruction command from the center apparatus 14 to execute a test, the user of the facsimile apparatus F may operate the operation unit when it is recognized that there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred. The test instruction is manually given by operating the key 10 or the like, and after the test is executed, the test result is displayed on the display unit 8.
May be displayed, and if an abnormality has occurred, the fact that the abnormality has occurred may be transmitted to the center device 14 via the communication line L.

In this case, the telephone number of the center device 14 is
If the telephone number of the center device 14 is changed, a new telephone number can be transmitted to the facsimile device F and stored. In the above-described embodiment, the facsimile apparatus F with a copy function is exemplified as the communication terminal apparatus. However, the present invention can be applied to a facsimile dedicated apparatus.

[0039]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a center unit for controlling a connection with a communication line, and transmitting a test instruction command and return destination information of a test result to a communication terminal device via the communication line. After transmission, disconnecting the communication line, and receiving and storing test result information and identification information for identifying the communication terminal device via the communication line when receiving an incoming call from the communication terminal device. Therefore, the service person can automatically execute the test on the communication terminal device based on the remote instruction from the center device without visiting the user of the communication terminal device one by one. It can be implemented at a cost.

Further, after the center device transmits the test instruction command and the return destination information of the test result to the communication terminal device, the test by the communication terminal device itself is automatically performed based on the test instruction command while the communication line is disconnected. When the test result is transmitted to the center device after the test is completed, the communication terminal device is reconnected to the center device, so that the time required for the connection between the center device and the communication terminal device via the communication line is minimized. Communication cost.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, after transmitting the test instruction command and the return destination information of the test result to the communication terminal device via the communication line, the recording medium is disconnected, 2. A center device which records a program for causing the center device to execute a process of receiving and storing test result information and identification information for identifying the communication terminal device via the communication line, the center device being readable by the center device. Therefore, by installing the program from the recording medium to the center device, the center device can be provided with the remote test instruction and management function of the communication terminal device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication terminal device for controlling a connection with a communication line, an image memory for storing a transmission image or a reception image, and a test instruction transmitted from the center device via the communication line. After receiving the command and the reply destination information of the test result, the communication line is disconnected, a test based on the test instruction is executed, and the test result information and the identification information for identifying the communication terminal device are based on the reply destination information. The communication terminal device automatically transmits a test to various memories and devices, such as an image memory, based on a test instruction command from the center device. And test results can be sent to the center device, which eliminates the need for service personnel to visit the user of the communication terminal device for each test, making testing easier. So that can be implemented.

Also, the communication terminal device and the center device are connected only when the test instruction command is received and the test result is transmitted, and the communication terminal device and the center device are disconnected during the execution of the test. Can be minimized.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication terminal device, the communication terminal device includes a recording unit, and after executing the test, the control unit notifies the recording unit that the test result information and the test result information have been transmitted to the center device. Since this is recorded, the user of the communication terminal device can know the test result and also know that the report has already been reported to the center device, which is useful.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a facsimile apparatus with a copying function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the center device in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the center device when executing a test.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the facsimile apparatus with a copying function when a test is performed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 F Facsimile machine with copy function (communication terminal device) L Communication line 1 Control unit 7 NCU (line connection unit) 12 Recording unit 14 Center device 15 Control unit 24 Recording medium

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kaoruyuki Okazaki 136 Takeda Mukodai-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto Murata Machinery Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5C062 AA02 AA27 AB17 AB22 AB38 AC02 AC04 AC35 AC56 AF01 5K027 AA00 BB04 CC00 EE04 EE11 KK02 LL01 MM04 5K101 KK01 KK13 LL00 MM04 MM05 MM06 MM07 NN01 NN11 NN22 NN25 PP03 RR13 RR15 RR21 TT03 UU16 VV02

Claims (4)

[Claims] And a line connection unit for controlling connection to a communication line, and after transmitting a test instruction command and return destination information of a test result to the communication terminal device via the communication line, disconnecting the communication line. A center device comprising: a control unit that receives and stores test result information and identification information for identifying the communication terminal device via the communication line when an incoming call is received from the communication terminal device. 2. After transmitting a test instruction command and return information of a test result to a communication terminal device via a communication line, the communication line is disconnected, and when an incoming call is received from the communication terminal device, the communication line is disconnected via the communication line. 2. A process for receiving and storing test result information and identification information for identifying the communication terminal device.
A recording medium readable by a center device that records a program to be executed by the center device. 3. A line connection unit for controlling connection to a communication line, an image memory for storing a transmission image or a reception image, a test instruction command sent from the center device via the communication line, and a return destination of a test result. After receiving the information, the communication line is disconnected, a test based on the test instruction is performed, and test result information and identification information for identifying the communication terminal device are transmitted to the center via the communication line based on the return destination information. A communication terminal device, comprising: a control unit that sends the signal to the device. 4. The communication terminal device includes a recording unit, and the control unit causes the recording unit to record the test result information and the fact that the test result information has been transmitted to the center device after executing the test. The communication terminal device according to claim 3.