JP2006211475A - Image communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image communication device in which the destination of image data being transmitted from the calling side is switched automatically to the destination of other device under such a situation as the image data cannot be received. <P>SOLUTION: In the image communication device 1 receiving image data after a media session is established by an SIP, when INVITE is received from the calling side (T1), a decision is made whether image data is received or not based on the free space of an image memory 5 and a fact whether residual quantity of recording sheets exceeds a predetermined level or not. When a decision is made that the image data is not received, the fact that the image data is received by other device is notified to the calling side along with the address information of other device by utilizing response code 302 of the SIP (T2). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus that transmits and receives image data using a call control protocol such as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).

In recent years, an IP facsimile machine that establishes a media session using a call control protocol such as SIP and transmits and receives image data has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). In such an IP facsimile machine, the destination information can be specified by a telephone number in the same manner as in the G3 facsimile machine, and there is an advantage that the user can perform a transmission operation in the same manner as in the G3 facsimile machine. In addition, there is an advantage that the communication cost is reduced as compared with the G3 facsimile.
JP 2004-172853 A JP 2004-221945 A JP 2004-260535 A

  As with the G3 facsimile apparatus, when the IP facsimile apparatus transmits and receives image data, the receiving apparatus stores the received image data by storing it in a memory or by printing it on a recording sheet. . Therefore, when there is not enough free space in the memory for storing received image data or when there is no recording paper for printing out the received image data, the image data cannot be received and stored.

  By the way, if the destination of the image data transmitted from the calling side can be changed to the destination of another device, it is often convenient for the receiving side user. For example, in the case of a general user who works at the office in the daytime and returns home at night, the original is received by the IP facsimile machine installed at the office during the day and by the IP facsimile machine installed at home at the night. It is convenient if you can.

  A number of G3 facsimile apparatuses having a function of temporarily receiving image data sent from the transmission side by the reception side apparatus and transferring the image data to a desired destination, and Internet facsimile apparatuses using electronic mail have already been proposed. However, in order to implement the function of automatically transferring image data in any device, it is necessary to temporarily store the image data until the image data is received and the transfer process is completed. It is necessary to secure an extra memory capacity.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and image data transmitted by a calling party when there is a situation in which image data cannot be received in an image communication apparatus such as a called facsimile machine. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image communication apparatus that can automatically transfer a destination of a destination to a destination of another apparatus. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image communication apparatus that can automatically transfer image data sent from a transmission side to a device desired by a reception side user without requiring an increase in storage resource capacity. And

  The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image communication apparatus includes means for receiving image data after establishing a media session by a call control protocol, and when receiving a request for establishing a media session from a calling party, Determining means for determining whether or not to receive data based on a predetermined reception condition; and if it is determined not to receive image data, the caller side receives an alternative reception by another device and the alternative reception And an alternative reception notifying unit for notifying destination information of another device by a call control protocol.

  3. The image communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined reception condition is a recording paper for printing out the free capacity of a storage resource for storing the received image data or the received image data. It is characterized by the remaining amount.

  The image communication apparatus according to claim 3 is the image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of predetermined reception conditions, and destination registration means for registering destination information of an apparatus that performs alternative reception in association with various reception conditions. The determination means determines that image data is not received based on at least one of the reception conditions, and the destination information notified by the alternative reception notification means using a call control protocol is the determination means. It is the destination information associated with the reception condition that is the basis of the above determination.

  According to the image communication apparatus of the first aspect, when the image communication apparatus according to the present invention is a called party and there is a situation in which the image data cannot be received, the calling party automatically transmits the image data to be transmitted to the other party. It is possible to have the device receive a substitute. Therefore, image data can be received by another device on the receiving side, and occurrence of a reception error in the called device can be prevented in advance. On the other hand, there is an advantage that the calling side does not have the burden of restarting the transmission process.

  Further, the image communication apparatus according to claim 1 does not transfer the image data once it has been received, unlike the apparatus having the conventional image data transfer function, but changes the destination on the calling side. Thus, since the image data receiving side is changed, the self-memory is not consumed when the other apparatus receives the image data. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the storage resource of the image communication apparatus in order to implement the function of causing the other apparatus to perform alternative reception, and the manufacturing cost of the apparatus can be reduced.

  According to the image communication apparatus of the second aspect, when the remaining amount of the memory for storing the received image data is low or when the remaining amount of the recording paper for printing out the received image data is low, the image communication device sends the image from the calling side. The received image data can be automatically received by another device as a substitute. Therefore, the receiving side can receive the image data by another device, and it can prevent the occurrence of various troubles caused by the reception error of the called side device, the memory shortage, the recording paper shortage, etc. be able to.

  According to the image communication apparatus of the third aspect, it is possible for the user to select an apparatus that should be subjected to alternative reception according to circumstances where image data cannot be received. For example, when there is a shortage of memory because image data cannot be received, a device equipped with a relatively large memory can be registered as an alternative destination. If the recording data size is insufficient because the image data cannot be received, register a device equipped with a relatively large recording paper storage cassette or a device that has been managed carefully so that there is no shortage of recording paper. I can keep it.

  Hereinafter, as an image communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, an IP facsimile communication function for transmitting and receiving image data of a document using a call control protocol, a G3 facsimile communication function, and the various types according to a request from a client apparatus A description will be given by taking as an example a multifunction machine type facsimile apparatus having a facsimile server function for performing facsimile communication.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the facsimile machine 1. That is, the facsimile apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 4, an image memory 5, a modem 6, an NCU 7, a codec 8, a reading unit 9, and a recording unit 10. , A display unit 11, an operation unit 12, a time management unit 13, and a LAN interface 14. The units 2 to 14 are connected by a bus B.

  The CPU 2 functions as a control unit that controls each part of the facsimile apparatus 1 according to a control program stored in the ROM 3. The RAM 4 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 2. The RAM 4 stores tables T1 and T2, which will be described later. The image memory 5 stores image data compressed and encoded by the codec 8. The image memory 5 is a storage resource in which the facsimile apparatus 1 stores received image data, and its free capacity is monitored by the CPU 2.

  The modem 6 is, for example, an ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union) recommendation V.3. Modulate and demodulate transmitted / received data according to the 34 standard or the like. The NCU 7 is a line network control device that performs operations for closing and opening a line with the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 15, and connects the modem 6 to the PSTN 15 during G3 facsimile transmission / reception. The codec 8 compresses and encodes image data by JPEG method or MH, MR, MMR method or the like, and decodes received image data or the like, for facsimile transmission or the like.

  The reading unit 9 reads image data of a document, and includes, for example, a CCD color line image sensor, an A / D converter, an image processing circuit, and the like. The recording unit 10 takes out the recording paper from the paper feed cassette and records the image data on the recording paper. The recording unit 10 is provided with a remaining amount detection sensor as a recording sheet remaining amount detecting unit 10a for detecting the remaining amount of recording paper. The recording sheet remaining amount detecting unit 10a and the CPU 2 The remaining amount detecting means is configured. That is, the CPU 2 determines the remaining amount of recording paper based on a signal output from the remaining recording paper detection unit 10a based on the remaining amount of recording paper.

  The display unit 11 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) arranged in parallel with the operation unit 12 and displays various screen information. The operation unit 12 includes various operation keys such as a start key, a character input key, and a function key, and various operations by the user are performed in the operation unit 12. The time management unit 13 includes a circuit that manages the current time, and provides current time information in response to a request from the CPU 2.

  The LAN interface 14 is an interface that connects the facsimile machine 1 and a LAN (local area network) 16, and through this, the facsimile machine 1 can be connected to another facsimile machine 21 that is also connected to the LAN 16, as shown in FIG. The image data is transmitted / received to / from 22 and the like. Further, the facsimile apparatus 1 can communicate with the apparatus on the IP network 17 through the router 19, and can establish a media session with a partner that implements the call control protocol to transmit / receive image data. . In the present embodiment, the LAN 16 shown in FIG. 2 includes multifunction machine type facsimile devices 21A to 21C, 22D having a function of transmitting and receiving image data by establishing a media session by SIP and a G3 facsimile communication function. , 22E, etc. are connected. Further, group attributes are registered in each of the facsimile machines 1, 21A, 21B, etc. connected to the LAN 16.

  The facsimile apparatus 1 having the above configuration is equipped with TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), SIP, RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol), SDP (Session Description Protocol), etc., and establishes a media session by SIP. In addition, image data can be transmitted and received with the other party. In the present embodiment, SIP will be described as an example of a call control protocol, but a call control protocol other than SIP can be applied as long as messages are exchanged prior to establishing a media session. is there.

  When the facsimile apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration and communication function receives a session participation request “INVITE” as a media session establishment request from the calling side, it determines whether to receive image data based on a predetermined reception condition described later. decide. If it is determined to receive, a media session is established with the calling party and image data reception processing is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined not to receive, SIP response processing, for example, a SIP response code 302 is used to indicate that the caller is to receive image data as a substitute by another device and the destination information of the other device that is alternatively received. Notify by sending

  The facsimile apparatus 1 stores a table T1 (hereinafter referred to as “alternative reception function setting table T1”) as shown in FIG. In the alternative reception function setting table T1, the reception condition threshold value for receiving image data is displayed in the “Reception Condition Value” field for each reception condition type (type information stored in the “Condition Type” field in the figure). , Destination information of an apparatus that performs alternative reception (hereinafter also referred to as “alternative reception apparatus”) is stored in the “alternative reception apparatus destination information” column. As types of reception conditions, “memory remaining amount” relating to the free space of the image memory 5, “recording sheet remaining amount” relating to the remaining recording paper of the recording unit 10, and “time zone” relating to the incoming time zone are registered. Yes. Among the thresholds of the reception conditions, for example, “1 MB” is used as the threshold for the remaining amount of memory, “10%” is set as the threshold for the remaining amount of recording paper, and “8: 00 to 20:00” is registered. In the “alternative receiving device destination information” field, an IP telephone number beginning with “050” with a communication type identifier “SIP:” added is registered, and a facsimile number with a communication type identifier “FAX:” added. Is to be registered. Note that one or more pieces of destination information can be registered in the “alternative receiving device destination information” column. Further, the destination information to be registered is not limited to the above, and may be any destination information that can identify the communication device. For example, it may be an IP address, a domain name, or other communication destination information (for example, an e-mail address).

  In the above-described alternative reception function setting table T1, the threshold value of the reception condition and the destination information of the apparatus that receives the alternative reception can be freely added, deleted, changed, and the like by a predetermined operation in the operation unit 12. Yes. In the illustrated table T1, the number of types of reception conditions is three. However, the number may be one or two, or the number of reception conditions that can be set and detected in the facsimile apparatus 1 is not limited to three. It may be adopted.

  Next, a processing operation executed when the facsimile apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration and communication function receives image data from an image communication apparatus in which TCP / IP, SIP, RTP, SDP, etc. are mounted in the same manner as the own apparatus 1. This will be described based on the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 4 and the flowchart shown in FIG. The processing operation of the facsimile apparatus 1 described based on these drawings is executed in accordance with a command issued by the CPU 2 as the control means based on the control program stored in the ROM 3.

  Facsimile device 1 is connected to a call-side facsimile device (hereinafter referred to as “calling-side device”) via a SIP server (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as a SIP server intervening in communication between the calling side and the called side). When the session participation request “INVITE” is received (T1, S1: YES), whether or not the image data is received by the own apparatus 1 is determined based on a predetermined reception condition (S2). In other words, the CPU 2 detects the remaining amount of the image memory 5, which is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value “1MB” set in the alternative reception function setting table T1, and the recording sheet detected by the remaining recording sheet detection unit 10a. Is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value “10% (10% of the maximum accommodated number)” set in the table T1, and a predetermined time zone “8” in which the current time acquired by the time management unit 13 is set. : 00 to 20:00 ", it is determined that the device 1 receives image data.

  On the other hand, when the threshold value of any reception condition is not satisfied, it is determined that the image data is not received by the own device 1 but is received by another device.

  When it is determined that the device 1 receives image data (S2: YES), a success response code “200” for “INVITE” is returned to the calling device (S3), and “ACK” is transmitted to the calling device. After receiving from the device, a media session is established with the calling device (S4), and image data sent from the calling device on the media session is received (S5). After reception of the image data is completed, a session end request “BYE” is received from the calling side device, a response code “200” to the request is returned to the calling side device, and the session is ended.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S2 that the own device 1 does not receive the image data and the other device receives the substitute (S2: NO), the substitute reception function setting table T1 is referred to to determine the other device. It is determined whether or not the destination information is registered (S6). If the destination information of another device is not registered, that is, if the destination information of the device is not registered for any reception condition type, the calling side device is notified that image data cannot be received. To do. Specifically, an error response code indicating that is returned (S7).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S6 that the destination information of another device is registered (S6: YES), another device to be received instead is determined (S8). That is, in S2, the device 1 is registered in the table T1 in association with the type of reception condition that is the basis (foundation) for determining that the device 1 does not receive image data but instead receives another device. It is determined as an apparatus for receiving destination information as an alternative. Here, when there are a plurality of types of reception conditions used as a basis for determining alternative reception, and destination information is registered for each type, a plurality of devices are determined as alternative reception devices. On the other hand, when the destination information corresponding to the type of reception condition used as a basis for determining that other device does not receive the image data in S2 but instead receives the image data in S2 is not registered, The destination information registered in association with other types of reception conditions is determined as an alternative reception device. When there are a plurality of pieces of destination information registered in association with other reception condition types, it is determined as an apparatus that receives all or a part of the plurality of destinations as alternatives.

  Next, the facsimile apparatus 1 generates redirect response information for notifying the calling side apparatus that the image data is alternatively received by another apparatus and the destination information of the other apparatus that receives the alternative (S9). . For example, as shown in the message content of FIG. 4, redirect response information M is generated by adding destination information M1 of the alternative reception destination to the SIP response code “302”. Then, the generated redirect response information M is returned to the calling side device, and notification of alternative reception of the image data by the other device and notification of destination information of the other device to be alternatively received are sent (T2, S10).

  On the other hand, the calling side device that has received the redirect response information M analyzes the received message M to indicate that the callee does not receive the image data directly but instead receives the image data by another device. If it is detected that the device is a device that has been received, the destination information of the alternative receiving device included in the redirect response information is further extracted. Then, in order to establish a media session with the extracted destination information, the calling side device transmits “INVITE” to the extracted destination information (T3), and receives the success response code “200” (T4). , “ACK” is transmitted (T5), a media session is established with the apparatus, and image data is transmitted. After the transmission / reception of the image data is completed on both sides, the calling side apparatus transmits “BYE” to the alternative receiving apparatus (T6), receives the response code “200” from the alternative receiving apparatus (T7), and then establishes it. Session is disconnected. When a plurality of pieces of destination information of the device that receives the substitute are described in the redirect response information, the above processing operation (T3 to T7) is executed for the plurality of destinations to transmit the image data. Good. In addition, when the extracted destination information is not an IP telephone number but other types of destination information, for example, a public line facsimile number, etc., the transmission side device supports the communication protocol specified from the destination information. In other words, the image data is transmitted to the destination information apparatus by the communication protocol such as G3 facsimile communication.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, an image sent from the calling side when there is a situation where image data cannot be received. The data can be automatically received by another device. Therefore, for example, when the free space of the image memory 5 is low or the remaining amount of recording paper is low, the free space of the image memory 5 of the self device 1 can be reduced by automatically causing the other device to receive the image data as a substitute. A constant capacity can always be secured. As a result, problems that may occur due to insufficient free space in the image memory are prevented. Also, if the user is near a facsimile machine installed at a different location within a certain period of time, image data relating to communications received during that time zone will be automatically installed at the facsimile machine installed at another location. It can be received by the device instead of the device, and the convenience for the user is improved.

  Further, according to the facsimile apparatus 1, the destination information of the apparatus that receives the image data can be registered for each type of reception condition of the image data, so that it is most convenient for the user for each type of the reception condition. Can be selected as an alternative reception device.

  Next, a facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The facsimile apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment does not determine an alternative receiving apparatus according to the type of receiving condition, but is one or more apparatuses registered in the same group as the own apparatus 1A on the network. The device to be received instead of the above is determined. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the facsimile apparatus 1A stores a destination information table T2 in which group information and priority order information are registered in association with destination information of each apparatus in the RAM 4, and determines an apparatus for alternative reception. When doing so, the table T2 is referred to. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the facsimile apparatus 1A is registered as, for example, a “sales department” group, and priority information is registered in the “sales department” group. Hereinafter, differences from the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same configurations and processing operations will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof will be omitted.

  The facsimile machine 1A receives “INVITE” (S1), determines that the alternative reception is to be made (S2), and then, in S6, destination information of other devices is stored in the same group (for example, “sales department”) as the own device 1. Whether it is registered or not is determined with reference to the table T2.

  If it is determined in S6 that another device is registered (S6: YES), the variable “N” is set to “1” on the RAM 4 (S101), and the device of the destination information with the Nth priority is set. To determine whether or not the device is ready to receive image data (S102). For example, in the network configuration as shown in FIG. 2, the facsimile machine 1A communicates with another apparatus 21 (for example, the facsimile apparatus 21A having the destination information “0501234567”) registered with the Nth priority in the same group through the LAN 16. To inquire whether the image data can be received. For example, the facsimile apparatus 1A transmits a predetermined command requesting information on whether or not image data can be received to the facsimile apparatus 21A, and makes a determination based on the information returned from the apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the facsimile apparatus 21A in which the Nth priority is registered receives the command from the facsimile apparatus 1A (S201: YES), and determines whether it is in a state where it can receive image data. Judgment is made (S202). This determination can be made, for example, by the method described in S2 of the first embodiment.

  If it is determined in S202 that the facsimile apparatus 21A is ready to receive image data (S202: YES), information indicating that the facsimile apparatus 21A is ready to receive is sent back to the facsimile machine 1A (S203). On the other hand, if it is determined that the facsimile apparatus 21A is not ready to receive image data (S202: NO), information indicating that the facsimile apparatus 21A is not ready is returned to the facsimile apparatus 1A (S204). The communication protocol between the facsimile machine 1A and the facsimile machine 21A may be any protocol that can realize the processing operations of S201 to S204.

  When the facsimile apparatus 1A determines in S103 that another apparatus with the N-th priority is in a state where it can receive image data (S103: YES), the facsimile apparatus 1A executes the processing operations of S9 and S10. That is, redirect response information to which destination information of another device determined to be capable of receiving image data is added is generated, and the generated redirect response information is transmitted to the calling side device.

  If it is determined in step S103 that the other device with the Nth priority is not ready to receive image data (S103: NO), then the destination information of the other device with the “N + 1” priority is registered. If it is not registered (S104: NO), the process proceeds to S7 and an error response is returned to the calling side device. On the other hand, when the destination information of the other device with the priority “N + 1” is registered (S104: YES), “1” is added to the variable “N” (S105), and the process returns to S102. .

  The processing operations of S101 to S105 are an example of an algorithm for inquiring whether image data can be received in descending order of priority when the destination information of a plurality of apparatuses is registered. Therefore, other algorithms may be adopted as long as query processing according to such priorities is possible.

  Although the second embodiment of the present invention has been described on the assumption that group information is registered in addition to destination information of other devices in the telephone directory table T2, group information is not registered. In addition, it is possible to register only priority information in association with destination information.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the description has been made on the assumption that the priority order is registered in addition to the destination information of other devices in the telephone directory table T2, but the priority order is registered. Instead, the priority order may be automatically determined according to predetermined information such as line numbers “001” and “002” in the telephone directory table T2.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the facsimile apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention, the registered one apparatus is registered by registering the destination information of a plurality of apparatuses to be received instead. Even if it is not possible to receive image data by accident, there is an advantage that the image data can be received in an alternative manner by another registered device. In addition, by registering the priority order together with the destination information of a plurality of devices, it is possible to select a device to be preferentially received from a device convenient for the user.

  The present invention can be applied to, for example, an image communication apparatus that receives image data in a media session established by SIP.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus (image communication apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration in which a facsimile apparatus (image communication apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus that performs alternative reception, and the like are connected. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the alternative reception function setting table. It is the sequence diagram which showed the communication procedure formed between the calling side apparatus, the facsimile apparatus (image communication apparatus) which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and an alternative receiver. 6 is a flowchart showing processing operations executed when the facsimile apparatus (image communication apparatus) according to the embodiment of the present invention receives a request for establishment of a media session. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations executed when a facsimile apparatus (image communication apparatus) according to the second embodiment receives a request for establishment of a media session. It is the flowchart which showed the processing operation performed when another apparatus receives the inquiry from the facsimile apparatus concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the telephone directory table which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1A, facsimile machine (image communication device)
2 CPU
3 ROM
4 RAM
5 Image memory 10 Recording unit 10a Remaining recording paper detection unit 13 Time management unit 21A to 21C, 22D, 22E Other devices

Claims (3)

  In an image communication apparatus comprising means for receiving image data after establishing a media session by a call control protocol, whether or not to receive image data when a request for establishing a media session is received from the calling side A determination means for determining based on a reception condition; and a call control protocol that, when determined not to receive image data, indicates that the other side of the caller receives a substitute by another device and destination information of the other device that is alternatively received An image receiving apparatus comprising: an alternative reception notifying unit for notifying by   2. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined reception condition is a free capacity of a storage resource for storing received image data or a remaining amount of recording paper for printing out received image data. The predetermined reception conditions include a plurality of types, and further includes destination registration means for registering destination information of a device that performs alternative reception in association with various reception conditions.
The determining means determines not to receive the image data based on at least one of the receiving conditions;
2. The destination information that is notified by the alternative reception notification unit using a call control protocol is destination information associated with a reception condition that is based on the determination by the determination unit. Image communication device.

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