JP2004320142A - Facsimile apparatus and communication control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile apparatus and a communication control method for reducing the incident probability of a communication error caused by the quality of a line to which a called apparatus is connected and decreasing a communication time until the end of transmission. <P>SOLUTION: The facsimile apparatus 100 comprises: a communication means 1 that includes a plurality of modulation systems for transmitting/receiving image information between the facsimile apparatus 100 and an optional called apparatus and transmits the image information to the called apparatus in the case of transceiving the image information to the optional called apparatus; an operation means 2 that is operated to enter line connection information of the called apparatus call-connected by the communication means 1; a discrimination means 4 that discriminates a type of a line for interconnecting the facsimile apparatus 100 and the called apparatus on the basis of the line connection information entered from the operation means 2; and a modulation system selection means 5 that selects one modulation system in response to the type of the line discriminated by the discrimination means 4 among a plurality of the modulation systems of the communication means 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a facsimile machine suitable for application to an information communication device having a function of connecting a line to a communication network constructed by a general telephone line network and an Internet protocol network and transmitting and receiving an analog signal such as image information. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a communication control method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the development of Internet Protocol (IP) networks typified by the Internet has progressed, and the technological development for information communication using IP networks has made remarkable progress. As one technology for information communication using the IP network, a technology for transmitting voice information by a voice coding method (VoIP: Voice over IP) is known. According to the VoIP technology, voice information is converted into digital information by a voice codec (coder-decoder, encoding / decoding circuit), and the voice information is transmitted in an IP packet, whereby the voice information is transmitted to an IP network. It transmits and receives to and from the connected IP terminal.
[0003]
In such a VoIP technology, the price and maintenance and inspection cost of a router for connecting a line from an IP terminal to an IP network are lower than those of a switch used in a conventional general telephone line network. Therefore, the general spread of IP terminals in a short period of time is expected. However, in this VoIP technology, in order to efficiently exchange voice information over an IP network, the frequency band of the original voice information is damaged depending on a voice codec provided by a VoIP gateway or the like at a contact point between the telephone network and the IP network. In addition, there is a possibility of packet delay and loss depending on the route of the IP network. Therefore, a reproduced defect is easily generated in the transmitted audio information, and it is difficult to guarantee the waveform quality at the time of receiving the audio information.
[0004]
When transmitting image information from a conventional facsimile machine connected to a general telephone line network to an IP terminal connected to such an IP network, the image information is converted into voice information by a communication modem and then transmitted. For this reason, as in the case where ordinary voice information is transmitted via the IP network, communication errors are likely to occur due to loss of the frequency band, delay and loss of packets.
[0005]
When a conventional facsimile apparatus includes a communication modem capable of full-duplex / half-duplex communication according to the V34 standard according to the ITU-T recommendation, image information is transmitted as in the transmission example of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. A call is sent. In this conventional call transmission, first, in step S101 in FIG. 8, dialing is performed in accordance with the input telephone number, and in step S102, a timer is activated to measure the elapsed time after dialing. In the next step S103, CNG transmission is started at intervals of 3 seconds, and in the next step S104, a signal detection process is executed.
[0006]
Next, the process proceeds to step S105 in FIG. 9, and if ANSam is not detected as a called response (No), the process proceeds to step S106. If CED or DIS is not detected again (No), the timer is reset in step S107. If 35 seconds have passed after the dialing with reference (Yes), the process proceeds to step S108, where a transmission error message is displayed.
[0007]
If ANSam is detected in step S105 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S110. In response to the ANSam, the process proceeds to the communication start procedure defined in the V8 standard of the next step S111, and in step S112, the communication starts in the V34 standard. (V34 mode) to transmit image information. After transmitting all the image information, the process proceeds to step S109, where the line is disconnected and the call transmission is terminated.
[0008]
On the other hand, if ANSam is not detected in step S105 (No), the process proceeds to step S106, and if CED or DIS is detected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S113, and the called machine performs the communication procedure of the V8 standard. Is determined by referring to the sixth bit of DIS.
[0009]
If the called machine has the communication procedure performance capability of the V8 standard (Yes in step S113), the process proceeds to step S114, where a CI (Call Indicator signal) is transmitted to urge the called machine to transmit ANSam. Before returning to step S105. Thereafter, when ANSam from the called machine is detected (Yes), the process proceeds to steps S110 and S111, and image information is transmitted in the V34 mode in step S112. After transmitting all the image information, the process proceeds to step S109, where the line is disconnected and the call transmission is terminated.
[0010]
On the other hand, if the called machine does not have the communication procedure performance capability of the V8 standard (No in step S113), the process proceeds to step S115, and the data communication (V17 mode) of the V17 standard that specifies lower-speed communication than the V34 standard is performed. Send image information. Then, after transmitting all the image information, the process proceeds to step S109, where the line is disconnected and the call transmission is terminated.
[0011]
Such high-speed communication capable of full-duplex communication in the V34 mode has low resistance to voice degradation (noise) and communication delay in a transmission path on an IP network. That is, when image information is transmitted to the IP terminal in the V34 mode, the probability of error transmission increases, so that retransmission is repeated to lengthen the communication time and increase the communication cost.
[0012]
Therefore, when the communication in the V34 mode ends in error, when retransmitting after the error, no communication is performed in the V34 mode, or the baud rate (modulation speed) or the bit rate (transmission speed) in the V34 mode is limited. There has been proposed a technique for reducing the probability of occurrence of a communication error due to line characteristics such as an S / N ratio or a frequency band (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0013]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-289577 (page 5-6, FIG. 3-4)
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, according to the conventional facsimile apparatus, since communication with the called machine is started by a modulation method such as the V34 mode which can exhibit the maximum communication capability, a narrow frequency band such as an IP network and instantaneous communication are required. The first transmission of image information has been performed in the V34 mode, which has a low possibility of completion of transmission, even on a line of poor quality such as disconnection and frequent occurrence of transmission delay. Therefore, although communication is started in the V34 mode, a communication error occurs in the middle of the communication, and the communication is often ended without being able to complete the transmission, and the communication using the slower but more reliable modulation scheme as in the V17 mode is difficult. It was only executed after a predefined waiting time after a transmission error (usually 3 minutes). For this reason, when the first communication time in which a transmission error occurred and the standby time after the transmission error were added, the total communication time required for completing the transmission was longer than in the case where communication was performed in the V17 mode from the beginning.
[0015]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and it is possible to reduce the probability of occurrence of a communication error due to the quality of a line connected to a called machine and to shorten the communication time until transmission is completed. It is an object to provide an apparatus and communication control means.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is a facsimile apparatus for transmitting and receiving image information to and from an arbitrary called machine, and transmitting and receiving image information between this apparatus and a called machine. Communication means for transmitting image information to a called machine having a plurality of modulation schemes for performing communication, and operating means operated to input line connection information of the called machine connected by the communication means. Determining means for determining the type of line connecting the apparatus and the called device based on the line connection information input from the operating means; and one modulation corresponding to the type of line determined by the determining means. And a modulation method selecting means for selecting a method from a plurality of modulation methods of the communication means.
[0017]
According to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, when transmitting and receiving image information to and from an arbitrary called machine, line connection information of the called machine is input from the operation means, and based on the input line connection information. The type of line connecting to the called machine is determined by the determining means. The modulation method is selected by the modulation method selection means based on the determination result, and the image information is transmitted to the called machine by the communication means using the selected modulation method. Further, the communication history of the facsimile apparatus is managed by the communication history management means, and a communication management report describing the judgment result by the judgment means together with the communication history is output by the report output means.
[0018]
Therefore, since image information can be transmitted by a modulation method according to the type of line to which the called device is connected, even if the quality of the line to which the called device is connected is poor, a communication error due to this line quality may occur. Probability can be reduced. Therefore, since the probability that the image information can be transmitted at one time can be increased, the communication time required for retransmission of the image information having the transmission error can be reduced, and the time until the transmission is completed can be reduced. Communication costs can also be reduced. In addition, since the type of line to which a specific called device is connected and the modulation method used when communicating with this called device can be confirmed by a communication management report, it is possible to use a line of poor quality with a high probability of occurrence of a communication error. It is possible to know the called machine to be connected.
[0019]
A communication control method according to the present invention is a method for controlling communication between a calling terminal that transmits and receives image information and a called terminal, and a method for controlling communication between the calling terminal and the called terminal. A plurality of modulation schemes for transmitting and receiving image information are prepared in advance, and when transmitting image information from the calling terminal to the called terminal, input the line connection information of the called terminal and input here. Determining the type of line connecting the calling terminal and the called terminal based on the determined line connection information, and selecting one modulation method according to the determined line type. Is what you do.
[0020]
According to the communication control method according to the present invention, when controlling communication between a calling terminal that transmits and receives image information and a called terminal, a modulation scheme corresponding to a line to which the called terminal can be connected Thus, even if the quality of the line to which the called terminal connects is poor, the probability of occurrence of a communication error due to the line quality can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to increase the probability that the image information can be transmitted at one time, and it is possible to reduce the communication time required for retransmission of the image information having a transmission error. Communication costs can also be reduced.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of a facsimile apparatus and a communication control method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022]
In the present embodiment, when image information is transmitted / received to / from an arbitrary called device, a determination unit that determines a type of a line connected to the called device based on input line connection information of the called device. And transmits image information to the called machine by a modulation method selected based on the determination result. As a result, image information can be transmitted by a modulation method according to the type of the line connected to the called device, so that even if the quality of the line connected to the called device is poor, a communication error due to this line quality is caused. Is reduced.
[0023]
In the facsimile apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 1, a communication modem 1 (communication means), an operation unit 2a, a display unit 2b, a CPU 3, a ROM 4, a nonvolatile memory 5, a recording unit 6, and a reading unit 7 are connected by a bus 8. It is composed. Although not shown here, the communication modem 1 also includes an NCU (line connection unit).
[0024]
The communication modem 1 includes a plurality of modulation schemes specified by communication standards such as the V34 standard and the V17 standard recommended by the International Telecommunication Union / Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T: International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector). A plurality of modulation speeds corresponding to the modulation schemes defined by these communication standards are switchable. The communication modem 1 is connected to a public line (general telephone line) 10 by a known telephone line including a normal twisted pair cable and an RJ-11 type modular jack, and conforms to the V8 standard or the T30 standard according to the ITU-T recommendation. The image information is transmitted to the called device according to the communication procedure.
[0025]
The operation unit 2a includes an input device such as a transparent touch panel and a keyboard, and is operated to input the telephone number of the called machine called by the communication modem 1 and various settings of the facsimile machine 100. The display unit 2b includes a display panel having an image display function using a plurality of pixels, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), and various functions, device states and operating conditions of the facsimile apparatus 100, and an operation unit. 2a is displayed. The operation unit 2 is constituted by the operation unit 2a and the display unit 2b.
[0026]
The CPU 3 is a main component of the control of the facsimile machine 100, and operates the control program stored in the ROM 4 with reference to various information stored in the nonvolatile memory 5 to thereby control the communication modem 1, the operation unit 2a, the display The section 2b, the ROM 4, the nonvolatile memory 5, the recording section 6, and the reading section 7 all control various operations.
[0027]
The ROM 4 (determination means) stores a line determination program for determining the type of line between the communication modem 1 and the called device based on the line connection information input from the operation unit 2a. . The line determination program stored in the ROM 4 is started by the CPU 3 when a telephone number for calling an arbitrary called device is input from the operation unit 2a as line connection information. For example, when a telephone number such as “050-1234-5678” with a number group “050” added as the identification number of the IP terminal is input, the line determination program executes Is determined to be a line through an Internet Protocol (IP) network instead of a general telephone line network. In other words, the line determination program is configured such that, when a number group of 050 is added as the identification number to the head of the input telephone number, “line on the general telephone line network” is changed to “line on the IP network” when 050 is not added. Change the judgment to "line". Thus, it is possible to determine the type of line connecting to the called device based on the input telephone number.
[0028]
The non-volatile memory 5 (modulation method selection means / modulation speed selection means) performs one modulation according to the line type determined by the line determination program from among a plurality of modulation methods provided by the communication modem 1 in a switchable manner. Modulation method selection information for selecting a method, and modulation rate selection information for selecting one modulation rate from among a plurality of modulation rates switchably provided by the communication modem 1 based on the determination result by the line determination program. Are stored based on the setting instruction input from the operation unit 2a. The modulation method selection information and / or modulation speed selection information stored in the non-volatile memory 5 are collated by the CPU 3 with the determination result by the line determination program, so that the modulation method and / or modulation according to the type of the line are performed. Speed is selected.
[0029]
For example, if the judgment result is "line on IP network", do not select the modulation method specified in V34 standard, or if the judgment result is "line on IP network", specify in V17 standard. By instructing the operation unit 2a to select the specified modulation method and also specify the modulation speed of the modulation method specified by the V17 standard, the setting instruction is transmitted to the nonvolatile memory 5 by the modulation method selection. It is stored as information or modulation speed selection information.
[0030]
As a result, the modulation method and / or the modulation rate can be selected according to the result of determination based on the type of line connected to the called machine. Therefore, the modulation method (V34 mode) defined by the V34 standard for poor line quality. In the case where the probability of occurrence of a communication error is high, the modulation method (V17 mode) defined by the V17 standard in which the probability of occurrence of a communication error caused by such line quality is lower, and the low speed defined by the V17 standard Modulation speed (9600 bps). Here, a modulation scheme other than the V17 standard may be selected as an option of the modulation scheme other than the V34 standard. For example, as a modulation scheme other than the V17 standard with a low probability of occurrence of a communication error, a modulation scheme such as V29 or V27ter, The setting may be instructed from the operation unit 2a to select the modulation speed specified by the modulation method.
[0031]
Therefore, even if the quality of the line connecting to the called machine is poor, the probability that image information can be transmitted at one time can be increased, and the communication time required until the transmission is completed can be reduced.
[0032]
The recording unit 6 includes communication history management means for storing and managing the communication history of the facsimile apparatus 100 in the non-volatile memory 5 and a printing function (report output means) such as an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system. It outputs a communication management report P1 as shown in FIG. 2 in which the communication history of the device 100 and the judgment result by the line judgment program are described.
[0033]
The communication management report P1 can be set to output frequency such as regular output such as daily or weekly, quantitative output to be output when a predetermined amount of communication / number of communication is reached, and output as needed. As shown in FIG. 2, the first column C1 has the communication number, the second column C2 has the telephone number of the called party (called machine), the third column C3 has the communication start time, the fourth column C4 has the communication time, and the fifth column C4. The number of transmissions is described in C5, the communication result is described as details of the communication history in the sixth column C6, and the determination result by the line determination program is described in the next seventh column C7.
[0034]
As a result, in the communication with the communication numbers 002, 009, 014 and 017, the telephone number of the other party has been assigned 050, so that the line determination program determines that the line on the IP network is connected, and the V34 mode. Can be confirmed even after the transmission by describing "V34 OFF transmission". For this reason, it is possible to easily understand the destination connected to the line on the IP network where the probability of occurrence of the communication error is high, and the frequency of transmission to the destination.
[0035]
Further, whether or not to select a modulation method or a modulation speed based on the determination result by the above-described line determination program, that is, whether the modulation method and the modulation speed are selected / unselected by the operation unit 2a (setting unit) is turned ON / OFF. OFF switching can be set. By this switching setting, the communication result between the transmission of the telephone number assigned with 050 in the V34 mode and the transmission result in the "V34 OFF transmission" can be compared with each other, so that the communication is performed when the image information is transmitted to the specific destination. It can also warn that errors are more likely to occur. In addition, if the line quality is such that there is no problem even when communicating in V34 mode with the other party of the telephone number to which 050 has been assigned, the original high-speed communication can be performed by not turning off V34.
[0036]
The reading unit 7 includes an optical system that scans and exposes a document image, and a line image sensor that includes a charge coupled device (CCD: Charge Coupled Device) that photoelectrically converts the document image scanned and exposed by the optical system. The original image is read as image information by the image sensor. This image information is transmitted to the communication modem 1 after processing such as compression under the control of the CPU 3, and transmitted from the communication modem 1 to an arbitrary called machine.
[0037]
Next, first and second transmission examples by the facsimile apparatus 100 will be described as embodiments of a communication control method according to the present invention with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.
[0038]
[1] First transmission example
FIGS. 3 to 5 are flowcharts showing a first transmission example by the facsimile apparatus 100 described above. In the first transmission example, the communication modem 1 can switch between the V34 mode and the V17 mode, and connects the facsimile apparatus 100 to the called machine based on the telephone number input from the operation unit 2a. It is assumed that the type of the line is determined, and based on the result of the determination, calling transmission of image information is started on the precondition that either the V34 mode or the V17 mode is selected.
[0039]
Assuming this, first, in step S1 in FIG. 3, dialing is performed according to the telephone number input from the operation unit 2a. The dialed telephone number is temporarily stored in the non-volatile memory 5 in the next step S2, and in the next step S3, a timer is started to start measuring the elapsed time after dialing. Then, in step S4, transmission of CNG (Calling tone) is started at intervals of 3 seconds, and in the next step S5, a signal detection process is executed to detect a called response.
[0040]
Next, proceeding to step S6 in FIG. 4, if the communication device supporting the V8 standard does not detect ANSam (Answer tone, amplitude modulated) transmitted as a called response (No), the process proceeds to the next step S7. If a CED (Called terminal identification) or DIS (Digital identification signal) specified in the T30 standard by the ITU-T recommendation is not detected as a called response for notifying the communication capability information of the called device (No), the following is performed. In step S8, the elapsed time after the dial is checked with reference to the timer. If 35 seconds have elapsed since the dialing (Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S9, where the communication history of the transmission error is stored in the nonvolatile memory 5 and , Display 2b displays a transmission error message. Then, in step S10, the line is disconnected and the call transmission is terminated.
[0041]
In step S8, if the elapsed time after dialing has not reached 35 seconds (No), the process returns to step S4 in FIG. 3, and the CNG transmission and signal detection processing at 3 second intervals are detected by ANSam (Yes in step S6). Steps S4 to S8 are repeated so as to continue until CED or DIS is detected (Yes in step S7) or 35 seconds after dialing (Yes in step S8).
[0042]
If ANSam is detected in step S6 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG. 5 to refer to the stored telephone number, and if the head of the dial of this telephone number is not 050 (No), It is determined that the line to be connected is through the general telephone line network, and the process proceeds to step S12, where a response is made to the ANSam from the called machine to shift to the procedure defined in the V8 standard, and the V34 standard is used. Specify communication (V34 mode).
[0043]
In the next step S13, in the V34 mode, transmission / reception of control signals such as DIS, transmission of image information converted into image signals, and transmission / reception of control signals such as MCF (Message configuration signal) are repeated, and transmission of all image information is repeated. Upon completion, the process proceeds to step S10 in FIG. 4 to send a DCN (Disconnect) to disconnect the line, store the communication history of this transmission completion in the non-volatile memory 5, and terminate the outgoing call transmission.
[0044]
As a result, image information can be transmitted by high-speed communication in the V34 mode using a line having good quality on a general telephone line network as a transmission path, so that transmission can be completed in an extremely short communication time.
[0045]
On the other hand, if ANSam is detected and the beginning of the dial of the input telephone number is 050 (Yes in step S6 in FIG. 4 and Yes in step S11 in FIG. 5), the line to which the called machine connects is It is determined that the route is through the IP network, the process proceeds to step S14, and ANSam is ignored, and the sixth bit of the DIS defined by the T30 standard to indicate the communication procedure performance capability of the V8 standard is also ignored. As a result, the V34 mode cannot be selected, so that transmission in the V17 mode, which is another modulation method of the communication modem 1, can be selected. That is, the communication according to the V34 standard can be turned off.
[0046]
In the next step S15, transmission and reception of control signals such as DIS based on the communication procedure defined by the V21 standard according to the ITU-T recommendation, transmission of image signals at a modulation speed of 14400 bps or 9600 bps in the V17 mode, and MCF based on the V21 standard When the transmission of all the image information is completed, the process proceeds to step S10, where the DCN is transmitted to disconnect the line, and the communication history of the transmission completion is stored in the non-volatile memory 5 for calling. End transmission.
[0047]
As a result, even if a line of poor quality on the IP network is a transmission path, transmission of all image information can be completed in a single communication by communication in the V17 mode, which is more resistant to communication errors due to line quality. Since the probability can be increased, the communication time for retransmission due to a transmission error can be reduced. Therefore, even in transmission in the low-speed V17 mode, the total communication time can be shortened, and the communication cost can be reduced.
[0048]
If ANSam is not detected, but CED or DIS is detected (No in step S6, Yes in step S7), the process proceeds to step S16, where it is determined whether the other party has the communication procedure performance of the V8 standard. Confirm with 6 bits. If this bit is 0 (No in step S16), the called device does not have the communication capability in the V34 mode, so the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG. 5, and after transmitting the image information in the V17 mode, the process proceeds to step S10. Then, the DCN is transmitted to disconnect the line, the communication history of the transmission completion is stored in the non-volatile memory 5, and the call transmission is terminated.
[0049]
On the other hand, if the sixth bit of DIS is 1 (Yes in step S16), it indicates that the other device has the V8 capability, and there is a possibility that communication will be performed in the V34 mode via the V8 procedure. In step S17, it is determined whether or not the beginning of the dialed number is 050. If the number is not 050 (No), the process proceeds to step S18, where a CI (Call Indicator signal) is transmitted, and ANSam is transmitted to the called machine. After prompting, the process returns to step S6. Thereafter, when ANSam from the called machine is detected (Yes in step S6), the process proceeds to step S11. In this case, since the dialed number does not start with 050 (No), the process proceeds to step S12, and the image is displayed in the V34 mode in step S13. Submit information. After transmitting the image information, the process proceeds to step S10, where the DCN is transmitted to disconnect the line, the communication history of the transmission completion is stored in the non-volatile memory 5, and the call transmission is terminated.
[0050]
If the number dialed in step S17 is 050 (Yes), it is determined that the line to which the called machine is connected has the IP network as the route, and the process proceeds to step S15. After transmitting the image information in the V17 mode, the process proceeds to step S10. Then, the DCN is transmitted to disconnect the line, the communication history of the transmission completion is stored in the non-volatile memory 5, and the call transmission is terminated.
[0051]
[2] Second transmission example
6 and 7 are flowcharts showing a second transmission example by the facsimile apparatus 100 described above. In this second transmission example, the communication modem 1 can switch between the V34 mode and the V17 mode, and can switch between two modulation rates of 14400 bps and 9600 bps in the V17 mode. When the communication capability is not provided, the type of the line connecting to the called device is determined based on the telephone number input from the operation unit 2a. Assuming that one of the modulation speeds is selected, call transmission of image information is started.
[0052]
Assuming this, as in the first transmission example, first, in step S1 in FIG. 6, dialing is performed according to the telephone number input from the operation unit 2a. In step S2, the dialed telephone number is temporarily stored, and in step S3, a timer is activated to measure the elapsed time after dialing. In the next step S4, transmission of CNG at an interval of 3 seconds is started, and in step S5, a signal detection process is executed. Next, proceeding to step S7 in FIG. 7, if CED or DIS is not detected (No), in the next step S8, the elapsed time after dialing is checked, and if 35 seconds have elapsed after dialing (Yes), In step S9, the communication history of the transmission error is stored, and a message of the transmission error is displayed on the display unit 2b. Then, in step S10, the line is disconnected and the call transmission is terminated.
[0053]
In step S8, if the elapsed time after dialing has not reached 35 seconds (No), the process returns to step S4 in FIG. 6, and the CNG transmission and signal detection processing at 3 second intervals are detected by CED or DIS detection (step S7). Steps S4 to S8 are repeated so as to continue until 35 seconds elapse after dialing (Yes in Step S8).
[0054]
If CED or DIS is detected in step S7 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S11, and if the head of the dial of the stored telephone number is not 050 (No), the line to which the called machine connects is a general telephone line network. It is determined that the route is to be used, and the process proceeds to step S12a to select data communication at a modulation speed of 14400 bps in the V17 mode. Transmission and reception of control signals such as DIS based on the communication procedure defined by the V21 standard, transmission of image signals at 14400 bps in the V17 mode, and transmission and reception of control signals such as MCF based on the V21 standard are repeated to transmit all image information. When the transmission is completed, the process proceeds to step S10, where the DCN is transmitted to disconnect the line, the communication history of the transmission completion is stored in the non-volatile memory 5, and the call transmission is terminated.
[0055]
As a result, image information can be transmitted by communication at 14,400 bps in the V17 mode, which is the maximum communication capability of the called device, using a line of good quality on the general telephone line network as a transmission path, so that transmission can be completed in a short communication time. .
[0056]
On the other hand, if CED or DIS is detected, and the head of the dial of the input telephone number is 050 (Yes in step S7, Yes in step S11), the line connected to the called machine passes through the IP network. Then, the process proceeds to step S12b, and the data communication at the modulation speed of 9600 bps in the V17 mode is selected. Then, transmission and reception of control signals such as DIS according to the V21 standard, transmission of image signals at 9600 bps in the V17 mode, and transmission and reception of control signals such as MCF according to the V21 standard are repeated. When transmission of all image information is completed, the process proceeds to step S10. , DCN is sent to disconnect the line, and the communication history of the completion of the transmission is stored in the non-volatile memory 5 to terminate the call transmission.
[0057]
As a result, even if a line with poor quality on the IP network is a transmission path, all image information can be transmitted in a single communication by the communication at 9600 bps in the V17 mode, which is more resistant to a communication error caused by the line quality. Since the probability of completing the transmission increases, the communication time for retransmission due to a transmission error can be reduced. Therefore, even if the transmission is performed at a low modulation rate of 9600 bps in the V17 mode, the total communication time can be reduced, and the communication cost can be reduced.
[0058]
As described above, in the facsimile apparatus of the present embodiment, when a telephone number starting from 050 is input, a modulation method based on the V17 standard is selected without selecting a modulation method based on the V34 standard, and a modulation speed of 14400 bps or 9600 bps is selected. By transmitting image information, the probability of successful transmission when transmitting to a facsimile terminal via an IP network can be increased, and the communication time required for retransmission by conventional facsimile equipment can be reduced, reducing the total communication time Communication costs can be reduced.
[0059]
In the facsimile apparatus and the communication control unit according to the present invention, the line connection information referred to by the determination unit to identify a low-quality line is not particularly limited to a telephone number starting with 050. Even if the telephone number is given another identification number, if the line connection on the IP network can be identified from the telephone number, the same operation and effect as those of the facsimile apparatus and the communication control means according to the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
[0060]
Further, for example, when a closed IP network dedicated to IP terminals supporting the VoIP technology is provided to improve the quality of a line on the IP network, that is, a modulation scheme based on the V34 standard or a modulation extended to the V34 standard or higher. In the case where the probability of successful communication with an IP terminal by the system is significantly improved, the telephone number (line connection information) assigned to the IP terminal connected to the closed IP network and the IP address connected to the conventional open IP network The 050 telephone number of the terminal can also be used to determine the type of line and select an optimal modulation method.
[0061]
The line connection information for determining the type of line connected to the called machine is not particularly limited to a telephone number. For example, an information device that supports a communication system defined by the TCP / IP standard is used as a called machine. When connected, it is also possible to use address information such as an IP address, a gate address, or a domain name system (DNS).
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, when transmitting / receiving image information to / from an arbitrary called machine, the facsimile apparatus communicates with the called machine based on the input line connection information of the called machine. And a determination means for determining the type of the line connecting the terminal, and transmitting the image information to the called machine by a modulation method selected based on the determination result.
[0063]
With this configuration, image information can be transmitted by a modulation method according to the line connected to the called device, so that even if the quality of the line connected to the called device is poor, a communication error due to this line quality may occur. Probability can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to increase the probability that the image information can be transmitted at one time, and it is possible to reduce the communication time required for retransmission of the image information having a transmission error. Communication costs can also be reduced.
[0064]
According to the communication control method of the present invention, when controlling communication between a calling terminal that transmits and receives image information and a called terminal, the image information is transmitted from the calling terminal to the called terminal. Determine the type of line connecting the calling terminal and the called terminal based on the line connection information of the called terminal input when performing, from among a plurality of modulation schemes prepared in advance, One modulation scheme is selected according to the type of line determined here.
[0065]
According to this configuration, the image information can be transmitted by a modulation method corresponding to the type of line to which the called terminal can connect. Therefore, even if the quality of the line to which the called terminal is connected is poor, this line quality Can reduce the probability of occurrence of communication errors caused by Therefore, it is possible to increase the probability that the image information can be transmitted at one time, and it is possible to reduce the communication time required for retransmission of the image information having a transmission error. Communication costs can also be reduced.
[0066]
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is extremely suitable for application to an information communication device having a function of transmitting and receiving image information by connecting a line to a communication network constructed by a general telephone line network and an Internet protocol network.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an output example of a communication management report by the facsimile apparatus 100.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a first transmission example by the facsimile apparatus 100;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating a first transmission example by the facsimile apparatus 100;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart (part 3) illustrating a first transmission example by the facsimile apparatus 100;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a second transmission example by the facsimile apparatus 100;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating a second transmission example by the facsimile apparatus 100;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of transmission by a conventional facsimile machine.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of transmission by a conventional facsimile machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Communication modem
2 Operation means
3 CPU
4 ROM
5 Non-volatile memory
6 Recorder
P1 Communication Management Report
100 facsimile machine

Claims (10)

A facsimile apparatus for transmitting and receiving image information to and from an arbitrary called machine,
Communication means for transmitting image information to the called device having a plurality of modulation schemes for transmitting and receiving image information between the device and the called device,
Operating means operated to input line connection information of the called machine to be call-connected by the communication means;
Judgment means for judging the type of line connecting the device and the called machine based on the line connection information input from the operation means,
A facsimile apparatus comprising: a modulation scheme selection unit that selects one modulation scheme according to the type of the line determined by the determination unit from a plurality of modulation schemes of the communication unit. The communication means,
It is possible to switch a plurality of modulation speeds for at least one or more of the plurality of modulation schemes of the communication means,
2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a modulation speed selection unit that selects one modulation speed from the plurality of switchable modulation speeds based on a result of the determination by the determination unit. The line connection information of the called machine is a telephone number,
The determining means includes:
3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the type of the line is determined based on the telephone number input from the operation unit. The determining means includes:
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the type of the line is determined based on an identification number given to the telephone number. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the identification number is provided as a number group at the head of the telephone number. The determining means includes:
6. The facsimile machine according to claim 5, wherein the determination is changed between a case where 050 is given as the number group and a case where 050 is not given to the head of the telephone number input from the operation means. apparatus. A communication network for digitizing and transmitting arbitrary analog information by a voice coding system is an Internet protocol network,
When the communication standard recommended by the ITU-T as a modulation system for full-duplex / half-duplex communication is V34 standard,
Based on the telephone number input from the operating means, when it is determined by the determination means that the called machine connects to the Internet protocol network,
4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the modulation scheme selection unit does not select a modulation scheme based on the V34 standard. Communication history management means for managing a communication history by the device;
8. A report output means for outputting a communication management report describing a result of determination by the determination means together with the communication history managed by the communication history management means. Facsimile machine. The facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a setting unit capable of setting switching between selection and non-selection of a modulation method and / or a modulation speed based on a result of the determination by the determination unit. A method for controlling communication between a calling terminal and a called terminal that transmits and receives image information,
A plurality of modulation schemes for transmitting and receiving image information between the calling terminal and the called terminal are prepared in advance,
When transmitting image information from the calling terminal to the called terminal,
Enter the line connection information of the called terminal,
Determine the type of line connecting the calling terminal and the called terminal based on the input line connection information,
A communication control method comprising selecting one modulation method according to the determined type of the line.

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