JP2003092671A - Facsimile machine, control method for the facsimile machine and control program for the facsimile machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To conduct optimum path control or band control in Internet facsimile communication in compliance with the ITU-T recommendations T.38 protocol so as to surely make facsimile communication via an IP network. SOLUTION: On the Internet 3 (IP network) between client facsimile machines 1 and 5, facsimile gateways 2, 4 and routers 31 to 38 convert the T.30 protocol of the client facsimile machines 1, 5 into the T.38 protocol and relay data between the client facsimile machines 1, 5. In this case, the facsimile gateways request the router group to make prescribed path control or band control used for relaying in compliance with the T.38 protocol.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to ITU-T Recommendation T.264.
The present invention relates to a facsimile machine using an Internet facsimile protocol conforming to No. 38, a facsimile machine control method, and a facsimile machine control program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various technologies have been proposed which attempt to use facsimile communication via the Internet by connecting a facsimile directly or via a relay device or a gateway device to the Internet, which has become extremely popular. Has been done.

By utilizing the Internet, new advantages can be obtained in facsimile communication.
For example, conventional facsimile communication uses a voice line such as a general public line (PSTN), and in this conventional system, charges are usually made according to the communication distance, but in communication via the Internet, communication distance is used. Since there is no charge according to (there is no charge according to communication time in some cases), there is an advantage that data can be sent to a partner terminal in a remote place such as outside the city or overseas at low cost.

At present, the following methods are known for facsimiles utilizing the Internet, that is, Internet facsimiles.

(1) ITU-T Recommendation T. 38 based real-time Internet facsimile communication: Facsimile gateways are provided on both sides of the IP network, and ITU-T Recommendation T.38 is used. 30 protocols IP (TCP / IP or UD
P / IP) relay. The transmitting-side client facsimile machine and the receiving-side client facsimile machine are the same as those of the conventional T.30. It operates using the 30 protocol. Current Recommendation T. 38 is T. 30 protocol-T. 38 IFAX
The basic configuration for mutual conversion between protocols (protocols between gateways) is the center, and the detailed configuration of communication such as the method of designating the telephone number of the client facsimile device on the receiving side to the gateway is not defined. It is also possible to integrate the sending side client facsimile machine and the emitting gateway, or the receiving side client facsimile machine and the receiving gateway, respectively. In this case, especially when the receiving side client facsimile machine and the receiving gateway are integrated. Would probably specify the receiving station by IP address or host name instead of telephone number.

(2) ITU-T Recommendation T. Internet facsimile based on 37: M facsimile image data
Store in email text in IME email format and send as email. The e-mail text is connected to the mail server via dial-up (PPP) or LAN and is transmitted by the SMTP protocol. Unless the receiving station can directly receive mail by the SMTP protocol, the receiving station connects to its own mail server by dial-up or the like and receives data by the mail receiving protocol such as POP or IMAP. In this method, the receiving station is usually designated by an electronic mail address. The receiving station does not necessarily have to be a facsimile machine. For example, the receiving station may be a PC (personal computer) or the like, and in this case, display and printing of the received image depend on the software configuration.

(3) Provider-dependent Internet Facsimile: A method for connecting a facsimile to the Internet on the side of a telecommunications carrier (service provider) to which the facsimile is connected without changing the conventional facsimile: this method Various configurations are conceivable. For example, a configuration in which a voice line is relayed via an IP network such as a so-called Internet telephone, or the above-mentioned T. Three
8 and T. 37 gateways and mail servers are provided on the service provider side. Normally, the partner station is designated by a telephone number, but actually, the call is made to the access point of the service provider, and the partner station telephone number is transmitted by a DTMF signal or the like.

Of the above, the T. In the 38 Internet facsimile system, the time from the start of transmission to the end of reception by the other party is short, and image information is transmitted in substantially real time as compared with other systems (for example, there is no information delay in a mail server). Also, like the conventional facsimile machine, while checking the capabilities and status of the other party,
That is, since communication can be performed while negotiation is performed, there are advantages such as consistency of transmission and reception and promptness of delivery confirmation. However, when transmitting the same image information, there is a demerit that the amount of information to be transmitted on the Internet is large and the communication time is long. Also, send /
The receiving client device is a conventional T.50. Although it may be the same as the 30 facsimile machine, a gateway machine is always required.

T. of (2) The Internet facsimile system of the E-mail system by 37 sends the facsimile data by the same method as the E-mail, and therefore has an advantage that no new resource is required on the Internet side. Also,
Since no real-time protocol conversion is performed,
T. of (1). Although the Internet communication occupancy time is shorter than that of the No. 38 method, it has a demerit in immediacy and quick delivery confirmation.

The provider-dependent method of (3) is
T. of (1). Similar to the 38 system, the conventional facsimile apparatus can be used almost as it is, but when the systems (1) and (2) are used, the above advantages and disadvantages can be applied as they are. In a method of relaying a voice signal on an IP network like the Internet telephone method, a communication error may occur due to signal delay or loss. Three
8, T. There is a problem that the transfer amount on the gateway side on the Internet becomes larger than any of the 37 methods.

The "Internet" of the "Internet facsimile" referred to in the ITU-T recommendation as described above.
The term includes networks such as so-called intranets and VPNs, and to be more precise, it is appropriate to simply describe the network as an IP connection, "IP network", etc., but the term "Internet" used below. Unless otherwise noted, I in the broad sense of the ITU-T Recommendation
It means P network.

[0012]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] As shown above,
There are merits and demerits in the Internet facsimile system which communicates via the IP network.

ITU-T Recommendation T. In the T.38 protocol (hereinafter, simply referred to as the T.38 protocol, the same applies to other protocols), the client facsimile apparatus uses the conventional T.38 protocol. 4 / T. Although there is an advantage that the facsimile machine of the 30 system is sufficient, the current recommendation T.30. 38,
T. 30 protocol on the IP network. Only the basic configuration for converting to and transmitting the T.38 protocol is shown.
The technology for guaranteeing reliable facsimile communication by the 38 method is not so accumulated.

For example, in a wide area network such as an IP network, especially the Internet, the route and the signal transmission speed are not guaranteed, and if a large signal delay occurs, an error occurs in communication between the gateway and the client facsimile machine. It may end.

The subject of the present invention is the ITU-T Recommendation T. 38
In facsimile communication using a protocol (Internet facsimile communication), optimum route control or band control is performed so that facsimile communication via the IP network can be reliably performed.

[0016]

In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, a client facsimile apparatus and ITU-T Recommendation T.264. 38, and a ITU-T Recommendation T.38 of the client facsimile apparatus via a group of routers forming an IP network by the facsimile gateway. Facsimile communication conforming to ITU-T Recommendation T.30. In a facsimile apparatus that relays according to a protocol conforming to T.38, a method for controlling the facsimile apparatus, and a control program for the facsimile apparatus, the facsimile gateway instructs the router group to the ITU-T recommendation T.38. 38
Adopted a configuration that requires a predetermined route control or band control performed at the time of relaying by a protocol conforming to the.

Alternatively, the facsimile gateway may provide the router group with the ITU-T recommendation T.264.
The configuration required to perform route control for selecting a relay route satisfying the transmission time capable of 38-compliant real-time facsimile communication was adopted.

Alternatively or additionally, the facsimile gateway may provide the router group with the ITU-T recommendation T.264.
A configuration has been adopted that requires bandwidth control to secure a relay route that guarantees delay and delay jitter that can be executed without error termination in 38-type Internet facsimile communication.

[0019] Alternatively, the facsimile gateway may send the ITU-T recommendation T.264 to the router group. A configuration is adopted in which bandwidth control is performed so that a packet of 38-compliant facsimile communication is relayed with priority over other packets.

Alternatively, the facsimile gateway may be configured to request the router group to perform route control that limits the number of routers that reach the gateway which is the destination of the packet on the relay route.

Alternatively, the facsimile gateway specifies cost conditions relating to the transmission band, the transmission delay time, the channel usage rate, the reliability of the route, etc. to the router group, and the route according to the cost condition is designated. We adopted a configuration that requires automatic route control to adaptively select.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<System Configuration> FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a communication system to which the present invention can be applied. In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1 and 5 are facsimile machines, which are ITU-T recommendation T.264. 38 is a client facsimile apparatus for performing 38 real-time Internet facsimile communication. Hereinafter, for convenience, it is assumed that the facsimile device 1 is a transmitter for transmitting image data and the facsimile device 5 is a receiver for receiving image data.

Facsimile devices 1 and 5 have at least ITU-T Recommendation V.6. Internet facsimile gateway 2 using a modem with a communication speed of 17 or higher
And 4 can be connected respectively.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3 indicates the Internet (I
P network) has a configuration in which a plurality of routers 31 to 38 interconnect a plurality of network segments having different network addresses, and the relay route of the IP packet between the gateways 2 and 4 is not single, Thus there can be multiple paths.

In the present embodiment, the routers 31 to 38 are R
SVP (Resource ReSerVation)
Protocol), OSPF (Open Short)
est Path First) protocol, RIP
(Routing Information Prot
ODM) and other TDM (Time-Di)
It is composed of a Vision Multiplexing router, etc., and it is possible to perform optimization control on the route (routing) and bandwidth. The gateway 2 requests the gateway 2 (or 4) by changing its own route table in response to the request. Set up a relay route to a route, and dynamically set QoS (Quality of S)
It is possible to perform communication after guaranteeing the packet delay by the service control. The details of each of the above are publicly known, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here, but a control example of the TDM router will be described later as one of the embodiments.

In FIG. 1, the term “Internet” is used for convenience of description of the network indicated by reference numeral 3.
In reality, the Internet 3 may be a closed network such as an intranet or LAN. In order for each router to control the route and bandwidth in response to the request from the gateway 2 (or 4) as described above, normally, the gateway 2 (or 4) simply makes such a request to each router. Because you need to have the authority
Rather, a closed network such as an intranet or a LAN (a company network, a regional network, etc.) is considered to be easier to implement.

The Internet facsimile gateways 2 and 4 are ITU-T recommendation T.264. 38 is an Internet facsimile gateway. Facsimile devices 1 and 5 are connected to the Internet facsimile gateways 2 and 4 by the T.F. Facsimile communication based on the T.30 protocol is performed, and the gateways 2 and 4 perform T.S. 30 protocol according to T.30. Three
8 protocol is converted and relayed.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the above-mentioned facsimile machines 1 and 5. Here, T. It shows a configuration in which the function of the gateway 2 (4) is also integrated into a conventional facsimile machine having only 30 protocols.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 101 is a scanner for reading a transmission original, 2 is a printer for recording an image, and is composed of an LBP engine or the like. An image processing unit 103 controls input / output of transmitted / received images. The image compression / decompression is performed by the image compression / decompression unit 104. MH (Modified Huffman) code, MR (Modified Read) for compression / decompression of image data
A coding method such as a code or a J-BIG code is used.
The image processing unit 20 is configured as described above.

The lower part of FIG. 4 is the communication unit 30, which is the communication control unit 1.
09, line interface 116, and network interface 117.

The line interface 116 is a PSTN.
An interface for connecting to the (analog line) 118, which is composed of a FAX modem and an NCU. The network interface 117 is the network 1
19 (corresponding to the Internet 3 in FIG. 1) and an Ethernet (registered trademark) card for connection.

T. In the communication based on the 30 protocol, the communication control unit 109 uses the line interface 116 and PS.
Communicate via TN 118. T. 38 communication (T.38
(Operation as a facsimile gateway), the network 1 is transmitted via the network interface 117.
When connecting to the Internet 3 by dialup, the connection is made to the Internet 3 via the line interface 116 and the PSTN 118. Alternatively, T. Network interface 117 and line interface 1 for 37 communication
16 can be used.

The communication control unit 109 is a T.S. 30 / T. 38
(Or further T.37) communication protocols are supported. The communication control unit 109 is composed of a control circuit such as a microprocessor, and its control program is R
It is stored in the OM 109a.

FIG. 4 also shows Internet network protocol layers of TCP / IP and UDP / IP which do not necessarily correspond to physical circuits (reference numeral 11).
0, 111, 113). Reference numeral 110 is a UDP (User Datagram p) located in the transport layer.
protocol layer, which is a protocol for applications (users) to directly exchange independent UDP packets (datagrams). Reference numeral 111
Is a TCP (Trans) located in the transport layer.
(Mission Control Protocol)
It is a layer and has functions such as port designation and transmission control functions. Reference numeral 113 is an IP layer as a protocol of a network layer located below TCP / UDP.

The arrows in FIG. 4 indicate the flow of data during transmission / reception, of which the solid line arrow indicates the flow of transmission data and the broken line arrow indicates the flow of reception data.

Although the facsimile machine 1 (5) of FIG. 1 and the gateway 2 (4) can be integrated as shown in FIG. 4, here, the facsimile machine 1 (5) and the facsimile machine 1 (5) are shown to facilitate understanding. , Gateway 2 (4) is a separate entity. That is, in the operation described below, the gateway 2 (4) does not require the configuration of the image processing unit 20 of FIG. In addition, the facsimile machine 1 (5) is almost connected to the T.38 via the PSTN between the gateways. 30 compatible facsimile communication is performed, and the network interface 117 and the Internet network protocol layer (110, 111, 11) in the communication unit 30 of FIG.
The part 3) is not necessary.

FIG. 2 shows the facsimile machine (IFA) of FIG.
X) 1 to gateway 2 to gateway 4 to facsimile apparatus (IFAX) 5 between T.X. 38 shows the state of communication.

The facsimile apparatus 1 (transmission IFAX) goes off-hook, and after the dial tone is returned, the dial information and the route setting information are transmitted to the transmission gateway (201). This dial information (telephone number) includes the dial information of the gateway 2 and the facsimile device (reception I
Although the dial information for selecting the FAX 5 is included, the dial information of the gateway 2 is used by the PSTN switch, and the dial information of the facsimile device (reception IFAX) 5 is used by the gateways 2 and 4 (current recommendation T). .38 does not define the details of the technique for notifying the telephone number of the receiving facsimile machine). The route setting information 201 is control information necessary for route control and bandwidth control performed by the transmission gateway for the relay router.

Dial information and route setting information 201
Uses the DTMF signal (transmitted with a pause after the number of the gateway 2), the information notification service provided by the type 1 carrier, or the extended T.50. It can be transmitted by 30 facsimile procedures.

In the gateway 2, the facsimile machine 1
Based on the route setting information received from
Check the relay route to and from 38 Controls (described later) necessary for path and band guarantee are performed so that 38 facsimile communication can be executed without error.

Then, the known T.S. Internet facsimile communication using the H.38 protocol is executed (2
03). Here, the T. 30 protocol according to T.30. 38 protocol is converted and relayed.

FIG. 30 protocol-T. 38 protocol-T. It shows a state of relaying 30 protocols. The arrow in FIG. 3 indicates the signal transmission direction. Facsimile device 1 to gateway 2 and gateway 4
The signals shown between the facsimile device 5 and the facsimile device 5 are all IT
UT Recommendation T.T. 30 is defined. The signals between the gateways 2 to 4 are ITU-T Recommendation T.264. 38, which are respectively defined in T.38. It corresponds to 30 signals and encapsulates the contents in a (TCP / UDP) IP datagram. Regarding the relay operation of FIG. Since it is exactly the same as that described in No. 38, detailed description will be omitted here.

Embodiments of the control procedure of the facsimile apparatus 1 on the transmission side (Embodiments 1 to 5), control examples of the gateway (Embodiment 6), and configurations and controls of routers for relaying (Embodiments) will be described below. The operation in the above configuration will be described in more detail as 7).

<First Embodiment> FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a control procedure of the facsimile apparatus 1 on the transmission side. The illustrated procedure is a ROM as a program of the communication controller 109
It is stored in 109a.

The flow chart of FIG. 5 has the same basic configuration as the flow charts of the second to fifth embodiments (FIGS. 6 to 9) described later, and only the route or bandwidth control for the gateway (step S55) is performed. Corresponding steps (steps S65, S75, S8) of each embodiment described later.
5, S95).

In step S51, when the partner station is designated by a user operation through an operation unit (not shown), the original image is read by the scanner 101 and the image compression / expansion unit 104 is used.
The image data is compressed / decompressed by, and stored in an image memory (not shown).

Subsequently, in step S52, the NCU of the line interface 116 is taken off-hook, and if the dial tone on the PSTN can be confirmed in step S53, the process proceeds to step S55. If the dial tone cannot be confirmed, another process is performed in step S54.

In step S55, the gateway 2 is instructed to select a route via the above-mentioned appropriate means (modem signal of information notification service, DTMF signal, expanded T.30 signal, or the like).

In step S55 of the present embodiment, the gateway 2 is controlled to control the routers 31 to 38 (FIG. 1) deployed on the Internet 3 to execute the T.38. 38. Control data for instructing to select a relay route that can satisfy the transmission time capable of 38 real-time facsimile communication is transmitted. Receiving this command, the gateway 2 controls each of the routers 31 to 38 using a protocol such as RSVP or OSPF for route control in step S55, and causes route selection.

Then, in step S56, the gateway 2 receives the T. 38 Communication is started. When the image transmission is completed, the process goes on-hook in step S57 to end the communication.

In this way, the T.
38. Instructing to select a relay route that can satisfy the transmission time that enables real-time facsimile communication, and the gateway 2 controls each of the routers 31 to 38 to perform the route selection in response to the command, so that the client facsimile device (1, 5) without timing out the signal timer. It is possible to surely execute the 38 facsimile communication without a communication error.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a control procedure of the facsimile apparatus 1 on the transmitting side. Steps S61 to S64, S66, and S67 are equivalent to steps S51 to S54, S56, and S57 in FIG. 5, and the description thereof is omitted here.

In step S65 of the present embodiment, the facsimile machine 1 controls the gateway 2 to control the routers 31 to 38 and execute the T.38. 38. Information for instructing control to reserve a relay route that guarantees delay and delay jitter that can be executed without error termination of 38 Internet facsimile communication is transmitted. Also for this route control, R
Protocols such as SVP and OSPF can be used, and the gateway 2 that receives this command uses the protocols such as RSVP and OSPF to specify and control the cost conditions regarding the communication speed to the routers 31 to 38 to control the route selection. Let me do it.

In this way, the T.
38 Instructing to reserve a relay route that guarantees delay and delay jitter that can be executed without error termination of Internet facsimile communication, and the gateway 2 controls the routers 31 to 38 to perform route selection in response to the command. By T. It is possible to reliably execute the 38 facsimile communication without causing a communication error due to a signal delay.

<Third Embodiment> FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a control procedure of the facsimile apparatus 1 on the transmitting side. Steps S71 to S74, S76, and S77 are equivalent to steps S51 to S54, S56, and S57 in FIG. 5, and the description thereof is omitted here.

In step S75 of the present embodiment, the facsimile apparatus 1 controls the gateway 2 to control the routers 31 to 38, and then the T. Information for instructing that the packet of the 38 facsimile communication be set to be relayed with priority over other packets is transmitted. This priority relay control is a kind of bandwidth control, but the routers 31 to 38 are
A router, such as a router, that supports predetermined QoS control can be set to perform this priority relay control using a predetermined protocol.

As described above, the gateway 31 is controlled by controlling the routers 31 to 38. By instructing that the packet of the 38 facsimile communication is set to be relayed preferentially with respect to other packets, the gateway 2 controls each of the routers 31 to 38 in accordance with this command, and the corresponding priority relay control is performed. T. It is possible to reliably execute the 38 facsimile communication without causing a communication error due to a signal delay.

<Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the control procedure of the facsimile apparatus 1 on the transmission side. Steps S81 to S84, S86, and S87 are equivalent to steps S51 to S54, S56, and S57 in FIG. 5, and description thereof will be omitted here.

In step S85 of the present embodiment, the facsimile apparatus 1 controls the gateways 2 to control the routers 31 to 38, and the number of routers (the number of hops) passing through to the gateway 4 which is the destination of the packet of the relay route.
Sends information that instructs you to set restrictions on. This priority relay control is also a kind of bandwidth control, but if the routers 31 to 38 are TDM routers or the like that support predetermined QoS control, a setting is made to perform such relay control using a predetermined protocol. can do.

As described above, the gateway 2 is instructed to control the routers 31 to 38 to set the number of routers (hops) passing through to the gateway 4 which is the destination of the packet of the relay route. Then, in response to this, the gateway 2 controls the routers 31 to 38 to perform the corresponding relay control, so that the T.I. It is possible to surely execute the 38 facsimile communication without causing a communication error.

<Fifth Embodiment> FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the control procedure of the facsimile apparatus 1 on the transmission side. Steps S91 to S94, S96, and S97 are equivalent to steps S51 to S54, S56, and S57 in FIG. 5, and the description thereof is omitted here.

In step S95 of the present embodiment, the facsimile apparatus 1 controls the gateways 2 to control the routers 31 to 38 so that conditions relating to the transmission band, the transmission delay time, the channel usage rate, the reliability of the route ( (Cost condition) is specified, and information for instructing to set automatic route control to adaptively select a route according to this condition is transmitted. For this route control, RSVP and O
A QoS protocol such as SPF can be used.

As described above, the gateways 2 are controlled by the routers 31 to 38 to control the transmission band, the transmission delay time,
In addition to specifying conditions (cost conditions) relating to channel utilization and route reliability, it is instructed to perform automatic route control so as to adaptively select a route according to these conditions, and the gateway 2 is responded accordingly. Is each router 31-38
By controlling the corresponding relay control,
T. It is possible to surely execute the 38 facsimile communication without causing a communication error.

<Sixth Embodiment> FIG. 10 shows a gateway 2
Shows the control procedure performed by. When performing the route control / bandwidth control shown in the first to fifth embodiments, the gateway 2 may perform the communication control as shown in FIG. The gateway 2 may have the configuration of the part excluding the image processing unit 20 of FIG. 4 as described above, and if the dial-up connection is not used for the connection with the Internet side. Network interface 117
Only the line interface 116 is not necessary.

In step S111, when a connection is received from the facsimile machine 1 via the PSTN, step S111
At 112, the facsimile apparatus 1 transmits information for instructing the route control / bandwidth control to the gateway 2 as described above. In response to this, the gateway 2 controls each router via a predetermined protocol to perform the route control / bandwidth control according to the command in step S113.

After that, T. 38 Internet facsimile communication (step S114) is executed, and the T.S.T. 30 signals to T.S. It is converted into 38 packets and relayed. In step S115, the on-hook of the facsimile device 1 is detected, and when the facsimile device 1 is on-hook, a disconnection instruction is sent to the receiving side gateway (4) in step S117, and the communication is ended.

<Seventh Embodiment> FIGS. 11 and 12 show an example of the configuration and control of the routers 31 to 38 shown in FIG. The router 100 of FIG. 10 is a router that can be used as the routers 31 to 38 of FIG. 1 and is configured as a TDM (time division multiplex) router. 38 real-time facsimile data 1103, 1201 is relayed and other data 1101, 1102, 1202,
1203 ... will also be relayed. Typically, the networks to the right and left of router 100 in the figure are separate network segments with different network addresses.

The router 100 supports the QoS protocol such as RSVP and OSPF, and upon receiving an instruction of a predetermined format from the gateway 2 (the gateway 2 needs to be a host having such authority, ) The route control / bandwidth control shown in the above-described first to fifth embodiments can be performed.

FIG. 12 shows the relay control of the router 100. The illustrated procedure is stored in a firmware ROM or the like (not shown) of the router 100.

In the relay control of the real-time internet facsimile communication shown in FIG. 12, the router 100 causes the gateway 2 to execute the above first to fifth operations according to a predetermined protocol.
The command relating to each route control / bandwidth control of the embodiment is received, and the route control / bandwidth control instructed in step S122 is started.

This command may statically specify the route (for example, the first embodiment), but the cost condition is specified for the route control / bandwidth control, and the router determines the route according to the cost condition. There are also cases where the control conditions are adaptively and automatically controlled (for example, the second embodiment and the fifth embodiment). This command is advertised from the gateway 2 to each router on the communication path by broadcasting the data in the format according to the QoS protocol to be used to the router on the communication path.

Each router updates its own route table (routing table) according to the designated control conditions and performs the requested route control. If only static route control is used, this state continues until the end of communication, but in the case of dynamic route control / bandwidth control with cost conditions specified,
As shown in steps S123 to S125, whether or not the given cost condition is satisfied is monitored by monitoring the conditions such as signal delay, delay jitter, transmission band, channel utilization rate, and route reliability. Optimal control is performed so that If the given cost condition cannot be satisfied, the route control / bandwidth control is adaptively executed based on a predetermined scheme so that the given cost condition can be satisfied.

As described above, the route control / routing specified by the facsimile apparatus 1 to the gateway 2 is performed by the router 100.
By performing the band control, the T.S.C. 38 Real-time Internet facsimile data can be relayed.

In the above, RSVP, OSPF, RI are used as router control protocols for route control / bandwidth control.
Although P and the like have been illustrated, the router control protocol may be an original dedicated protocol as long as it can control the router so as to perform route control / bandwidth control.

[0076]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, a client facsimile machine and an ITU are provided.
T Recommendation T. 38, and a ITU-T Recommendation T.38 of the client facsimile apparatus via a group of routers forming an IP network by the facsimile gateway. Facsimile communication conforming to ITU-T Recommendation T.30. In a facsimile apparatus that relays according to a protocol conforming to T.38, a method for controlling the facsimile apparatus, and a control program for the facsimile apparatus, the facsimile gateway instructs the router group to the ITU-T recommendation T.38. Since ITU-T employs a configuration that requires a predetermined route control or band control performed at the time of relaying by a protocol compliant with No.
Recommendation T. There is an excellent effect that the Internet facsimile communication according to the No. 38 protocol can be surely executed without terminating the error.

Further, in addition, the facsimile gateway sends the ITU-T recommendation T.264 to the router group.
According to the configuration for requesting route control for selecting a relay route satisfying a transmission time capable of real-time facsimile communication conforming to T.38 standard, the T.T. Three
8 There is an excellent effect that the facsimile communication can be surely executed without a communication error.

Further, in addition, the facsimile gateway sends the ITU-T recommendation T.264 to the router group.
According to the T.38-compliant Internet facsimile communication, the T.38-compliant Internet facsimile communication requires bandwidth control to secure a relay path that guarantees a delay and delay jitter that can be executed without error termination. The 38 facsimile communication has an excellent effect that it can be surely executed without causing a communication error due to a signal delay.

Alternatively, the facsimile gateway may send the ITU-T recommendation T.264 to the router group. According to the configuration in which bandwidth control is performed to preferentially relay a packet of a facsimile communication conforming to T.38 with respect to other packets, according to the T.38. The 38 facsimile communication has an excellent effect that it can be surely executed without causing a communication error due to a signal delay.

Further, according to the configuration in which the facsimile gateway requests the router group to perform the route control for limiting the number of routers passing through to the gateway which is the destination of the packet of the relay route, ． There is an excellent effect that the 38 facsimile communication can be surely executed without causing a communication error.

Alternatively, the facsimile gateway specifies cost conditions regarding the transmission band, the transmission delay time, the channel usage rate, the reliability of the route, etc. to the router group, and the route according to the cost condition is designated. According to the configuration requiring automatic route control to adaptively select the T. There is an excellent effect that the 38 facsimile communication can be surely executed without causing a communication error.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an environment to which a facsimile communication technology of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 shows a T.F. between a client facsimile machine, an emitting gateway, a receiving gateway, and a client facsimile machine. It is an explanatory view showing a signal sequence of 38 protocols.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating T.P. It is explanatory drawing which showed the mode of 38 sessions.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus adopting the present invention, in particular, a facsimile apparatus which is a combined type of a client facsimile apparatus and an Internet facsimile gateway.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the facsimile apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the facsimile apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the facsimile apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the gateway of FIG.

11 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the router of FIG.

12 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the router shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,5 facsimile machine 3 Internet 2, 4 gateway 20 Image processing unit 30 Communications Department 100 routers 101 scanner 104 Image compression / decompression unit 109 communication control unit 116 line interface 117 network interface 118 PSTN (analog line)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Takehiro Yoshida             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Satoshi Ishikawa             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Yoshio Yoshio             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Yukio Murata             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Shunichi Fujise             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation F term (reference) 5C062 AA01 AA02 AA29 AB38 AC28                       AC39 AC43 AE02 AE15 BD09                 5C075 AA90 AB90 CA14 CA90 CD90                       FF90                 5K030 HD03 JT05 LB05 LC06

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A client facsimile apparatus and I.
TU-T recommendation T.T. 38-compliant fax gateway, and the
The ITU-T Recommendation T.38 of the client facsimile machine is passed through a group of routers constituting the network. Facsimile communication conforming to ITU-T Recommendation T.30. 38. In a facsimile apparatus that relays according to a protocol conforming to ITU-T No. 38, the facsimile gateway sends the router group to the ITU-T Recommendation T.38. A facsimile machine characterized by requesting a predetermined route control or band control performed at the time of relaying by a protocol conforming to 38. 2. The ITU-T recommendation T.264 provides the facsimile gateway to the router group. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a request is made to perform route control for selecting a relay route satisfying a transmission time capable of 38-compliant real-time facsimile communication. 3. The ITU-T recommendation T.264 is provided to the router group by the facsimile gateway. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the facsimile apparatus requests to perform band control to secure a relay path that guarantees delay and delay jitter that can be executed without causing error termination in 38-type Internet facsimile communication. 4. The ITU-T recommendation T.264 is provided by the facsimile gateway to the router group. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a request is made to perform band control in which a packet of 38-compliant facsimile communication is relayed with priority over other packets. 5. The facsimile gateway requests the router group to perform route control for limiting the number of routers that reach a gateway which is a destination of a packet on a relay route. 1
Facsimile apparatus described in 1. 6. The facsimile gateway specifies cost conditions relating to a transmission band, a transmission delay time, a channel utilization rate, a route reliability, etc. to the router group and sets a route according to the cost conditions. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the facsimile apparatus requests automatic route control for adaptive selection. 7. A client facsimile apparatus and I
TU-T recommendation T.T. 38-compliant fax gateway, and the
The ITU-T Recommendation T.38 of the client facsimile machine is passed through a group of routers constituting the network. Facsimile communication conforming to ITU-T Recommendation T.30. 38. In a method of controlling a facsimile apparatus that relays according to a protocol conforming to the T.38 standard, the facsimile gateway sends the router group to the ITU-T Recommendation T.38. 38. A method of controlling a facsimile apparatus, including a control procedure for requesting a predetermined route control or band control performed at the time of relaying by a protocol conforming to 38. 8. The ITU-T recommendation T.264 provides the facsimile gateway to the router group. 8. The method of controlling a facsimile apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a control procedure for requesting route control for selecting a relay route satisfying a transmission time capable of 38-compliant real-time facsimile communication. 9. The ITU-T recommendation T.264 is provided to the router group by the facsimile gateway. 8. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a control procedure for requesting bandwidth control to secure a relay path that guarantees delay and delay jitter that can be executed without error termination in 38-compliant Internet facsimile communication. Device control method. 10. The ITU-T recommendation T.264 is provided by the facsimile gateway to the router group. 8. The method of controlling a facsimile apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a control procedure for requesting a bandwidth control in which a packet of 38-compliant facsimile communication is relayed with priority over other packets. 11. The facsimile gateway includes a control procedure for requesting the router group to perform a route control for limiting the number of routers passing through to a gateway which is a destination of a packet of a relay route. The method for controlling a facsimile apparatus according to claim 7. 12. The facsimile gateway specifies cost conditions relating to a transmission band, a transmission delay time, a channel utilization rate, a route reliability, etc. to the router group, and sets a route according to the cost condition. 8. The method of controlling a facsimile apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a control procedure for requesting automatic route control for adaptive selection. 13. A client facsimile apparatus and ITU-T recommendation T.264. 38-compliant fax gateway, and said fax gateway
The ITU-T Recommendation T.38 of the client facsimile apparatus is passed through a router group forming a P network. Facsimile communication conforming to ITU-T Recommendation T.30. In a control program of a facsimile apparatus that relays according to a protocol conforming to the T.38 protocol, the facsimile gateway sends the router group to the ITU-T recommendation T.38. A control program for a facsimile apparatus, including a control procedure for requesting a predetermined route control or band control performed at the time of relaying by a protocol conforming to 38. 14. The ITU-T recommendation T.264 is provided to the router group by the facsimile gateway. 14. The control program for a facsimile apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a control procedure for requesting route control for selecting a relay route satisfying a transmission time capable of 38-compliant real-time facsimile communication. 15. The ITU-T recommendation T.264 is provided to the router group by the facsimile gateway. 14. The facsimile machine according to claim 13, further comprising a control procedure for requesting bandwidth control for securing a relay path that guarantees delay and delay jitter that can be executed without terminating an error in the 38-compliant Internet facsimile communication. Device control program. 16. The ITU-T recommendation T.264 provides the facsimile gateway to the router group. 14. The control program for a facsimile apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a control procedure for requesting bandwidth control in which a packet of 38-compliant facsimile communication is relayed with priority over other packets. 17. The facsimile gateway includes a control procedure for requesting the router group to perform a route control for limiting the number of routers passing through to a gateway which is a destination of a packet of a relay route. 14. A control program for a facsimile apparatus according to claim 13. 18. The facsimile gateway specifies cost conditions relating to a transmission band, a transmission delay time, a channel usage rate, a route reliability, etc. to the router group, and sets a route according to the cost condition. 14. The control program for a facsimile apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a control procedure for requesting automatic route control for adaptive selection.