JP2010034670A - Communication system, image forming apparatus, management apparatus, and abnormality recovering method for facsimile reception - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve usability of a facsimile function by reducing time and effort for solving an abnormality in facsimile reception. <P>SOLUTION: A communication system is equipped with a management apparatus and an image forming apparatus connected to the management apparatus so as to transmit and receive data by facsimile via a first communication network and to perform communication via a second communication network, wherein the image forming apparatus discriminates the state of abnormality in facsimile reception on the basis of instructions of each of checking items acquired by an operation display section for acquiring the instructions of a plurality of checking items concerning the abnormality in facsimile reception or by an image reading section, changes the setting of communication connection of a modem in accordance with the discriminated state of abnormality in facsimile reception and causes an NIC to transmit a facsimile transmission requesting mail to the management apparatus, and the management apparatus causes the modem to transmit the facsimile data via the first communication network in response to the facsimile transmission requesting mail received from the network I/F from the image forming apparatus via the second communication network. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, an image forming apparatus, a management apparatus, and a fax reception error recovery method.

  In recent years, there are small-sized image forming apparatuses for individual users having many functions such as fax, print, copy, and scanner. Since such an image forming apparatus is less expensive than a large image forming apparatus for enterprises, the number of units sold is limited, and there is often no service for performing regular maintenance. Therefore, when a trouble occurs, the user himself / herself needs to solve it.

  When an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, the operation display unit provided in the image forming apparatus is provided with a function for notifying that an abnormality has occurred, and the user takes action based on the notification function. It becomes. However, the communication setting of the fax function is very complicated, and it is difficult for the user to solve it uniquely.

Therefore, a facsimile server having means for notifying an error to other terminals such as a management terminal via a computer communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-33876 A

However, in Patent Document 1, an error occurring in the facsimile server is only notified to the management terminal on the network, and the subsequent response is left to the administrator on the management terminal side. Therefore, the user cannot solve the abnormality.
For this reason, when a problem occurs in the communication connection setting for fax reception, it is impossible to receive the fax until the administrator responds, and there remains a problem that the usability is poor.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to reduce the trouble of eliminating a fax reception abnormality and improve the usability of the fax function.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus, and an image forming apparatus connected to the management apparatus so as to be able to send and receive faxes via a first communication network and to be communicable via a second communication network. The image forming apparatus includes: a first communication unit that performs fax transmission / reception with the management apparatus via the first communication network with a communication connection setting set in advance; and the second communication network through the second communication network. A second communication unit that communicates with the management device, an acquisition unit that acquires instructions of a plurality of check items related to the abnormality in the fax reception, and a fax reception abnormal state based on the instructions of each check item acquired by the acquisition unit A control unit configured to determine and transmit a fax transmission request signal from the second communication unit to the management device in accordance with the determined fax reception abnormal state. A third communication unit that performs fax transmission / reception with the image forming apparatus via the first communication network, and a fourth communication unit that communicates with the image forming apparatus via the second communication network and receives the fax transmission request signal. A communication unit, and a fax transmission control unit configured to transmit a fax by the third communication unit via the first communication network in response to the fax transmission request signal received from the image forming apparatus.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the communication system according to the first aspect, the control unit changes the communication connection setting of the first communication unit according to the determined fax reception abnormal state, and then performs the management. The apparatus transmits a fax transmission request signal from the second communication unit.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication system according to the first or second aspect, when the fax transmission control unit does not complete fax transmission in response to the fax transmission request signal, the fax transmission control unit Through the second communication network, when the third communication unit repeatedly executes the fax transmission for the preset number of times, and the fax transmission is incomplete even after the preset number of transmissions. The fourth communication unit transmits a signal indicating that fax transmission is impossible to the image forming apparatus, and the control unit transmits a fax transmitted from the management apparatus in response to the fax transmission request signal by the first communication unit. Until it is received or until the second communication unit receives a signal indicating that fax transmission is impossible from the management device via the second communication network, Repeat the transmission of the transmission request signal of the serial fax.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the acquisition unit is a sheet on which a check image including the plurality of check items is formed, and the check is performed. It is a reading unit that reads a sheet with a mark added to an item and acquires the mark added to each read check item as an instruction of the check item.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the communication system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the acquisition unit includes a display unit that displays a check image including the plurality of check items, and the display unit. And an input unit for selecting each check item of the check image displayed on the screen, and the check item selected by the input unit is acquired as an instruction for the check item.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the communication system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the image forming apparatus includes a notification unit, and the control unit is configured to transmit and receive a fax when the fax reception abnormal state is In the case of a handling setting abnormality at the time of execution, the notification unit informs the contents of a new handling setting that eliminates the handling setting abnormality.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first communication unit for performing fax transmission / reception with the management apparatus via the first communication network with a communication connection setting set in advance, and communication with the management apparatus via the second communication network. A second communication unit to perform, an acquisition unit for acquiring an instruction of a plurality of check items related to the abnormality of the fax reception, and determining a fax reception abnormal state based on an instruction of each check item acquired by the acquisition unit, And a control unit that causes the management device to transmit a fax transmission request signal from the second communication unit in accordance with the determined fax reception abnormal state.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the control unit changes the communication connection setting of the first communication unit according to the determined fax reception abnormal state, and then A fax transmission request signal is transmitted from the second communication unit to the management apparatus.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh or eighth aspect, the control unit sends a fax transmitted from the management device in response to the fax transmission request signal to the first communication unit. The transmission of the fax transmission request signal is repeated until the second communication unit receives a signal indicating that fax transmission is not possible from the management device via the second communication network.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, the acquisition unit is a sheet on which a check image including the plurality of check items is formed. It is a reading unit that reads a sheet with a mark added to the check item and acquires the mark added to each read check item as an instruction of the check item.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, the acquisition unit displays a check image composed of the plurality of check items, and the display An input unit that selects each check item of the check image displayed on the unit, and acquires the check item selected by the input unit as an instruction of the check item.

  A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the seventh to eleventh aspects, further comprising a notification unit, wherein the control unit is configured to execute a fax transmission / reception when the fax reception abnormal state is performed. When it is a handling setting abnormality, the content of the new handling setting which eliminates the handling setting abnormality is notified by the notification unit.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a third communication unit that performs fax transmission / reception with the image forming apparatus via the first communication network, and a communication with the image forming apparatus via the second communication network to send a fax transmission request A fourth communication unit that receives a signal; and a fax transmission control unit that causes the third communication unit to transmit a fax via the first communication network in response to the fax transmission request signal received from the image forming apparatus. Are management devices.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the management device according to the thirteenth aspect, when the fax transmission control unit does not complete fax transmission in response to the fax transmission request signal, the fax transmission control unit transmits the fax via the first communication network. If the third communication unit repeatedly executes fax transmission for a preset number of times, and the fax transmission is not completed even after the preset number of transmissions, the third communication unit transmits the fax via the second communication network. 4 The communication unit transmits a signal indicating that fax transmission is impossible to the image forming apparatus.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication system including an image forming apparatus that is connected to a management apparatus via a first communication network so as to be able to send and receive faxes and is communicably connected via a second communication network. In the fax reception abnormality recovery method, a step of acquiring instructions of a plurality of check items related to an abnormality of fax reception, a step of determining a fax reception abnormal state based on the instructions of each of the acquired check items, and the determination Transmitting a fax transmission request signal to the management device via the second communication network in response to an abnormal fax reception state, and managing the management device via the first communication network in response to the fax transmission request signal. A process of transmitting a fax from an apparatus to the image forming apparatus, and a process of receiving a fax transmitted in response to a transmission request signal of the fax If, abnormal return method of fax reception, including.

  According to the first and fifteenth aspects of the present invention, the user can check whether the image forming apparatus can receive a fax from the management apparatus according to the abnormal fax reception state determined based on the instruction of the acquired check item. This makes it possible to pursue the causes of fax reception abnormalities that are difficult to resolve, reduce the trouble of eliminating fax reception abnormalities, and improve the usability of the fax function.

  According to the second and eighth aspects of the invention, the same effects as those of the first and seventh aspects can be obtained, and management is performed according to the abnormal fax reception state determined based on the instruction of the acquired check item. The communication connection setting of the first communication unit that performs fax transmission / reception with the apparatus can be changed, and the communication connection setting can confirm whether the image forming apparatus can receive a fax from the management apparatus. It is possible to reduce the trouble of eliminating the communication connection setting abnormality.

  According to the third and ninth aspects of the invention, the same effect as that of the first, second, seventh or eighth aspect can be obtained, and the trial of receiving a fax from the management apparatus is executed a plurality of times. Can do.

  According to the fourth and tenth aspects of the invention, the same effect as any one of the first to third and seventh to ninth aspects can be obtained, and the check item is formed on the sheet as an instruction. It can be obtained by reading a mark added to the checked image.

  According to the fifth and eleventh aspects of the invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as any one of the first to fourth and seventh to tenth aspects, as well as display on the display unit as an instruction for a check item. It can be acquired by selecting the check item of the check image that has been selected.

  According to the sixth and twelfth aspects of the invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as any one of the first to fifth and seventh to eleventh aspects, as well as an abnormal handling setting when executing fax transmission / reception. If it is, the contents of the new handling setting can be notified. Therefore, the fax reception abnormal state can be resolved by the user himself.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since it is possible to confirm whether or not a fax can be received from the management apparatus according to the abnormal fax reception state determined based on the instruction of the acquired check item, the fax that is difficult for the user to resolve It is possible to pursue the cause of the abnormality in the function communication setting, and to improve the usability of the image forming apparatus having the fax function.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since a fax can be transmitted in response to a request from the image forming apparatus, a user on the management apparatus side and an image forming apparatus side for confirming reception of the fax of the image forming apparatus. The user can save the trouble of fax transmission to be performed, and the usability of the image forming apparatus having the fax function can be improved.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the thirteenth aspect can be obtained, and the fax transmission in response to the fax transmission request signal from the image forming apparatus can be executed a plurality of times. it can.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of communication system A in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system A includes a management device 1, an image forming device 2, and a terminal device 3, and the management device 1 and the image forming device 2 are connected via a first communication network N1 and a second communication network N2. The image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 3 are communicably connected via the third communication network N3. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which each device is one, the number of installed devices is not particularly limited.

  The management apparatus 1 is intended to perform maintenance management of the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the management apparatus 1 transmits a fax via the first communication network N1 based on a signal transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2, or the image forming apparatus 2 to manage the anomaly that occurred. As the management device 1, for example, an information processing device such as a general-purpose PC is applicable.

  The image forming apparatus 2 includes a scanner function for reading an image of a document, an image forming function for forming an image on a sheet, a fax function for transmitting and receiving a fax via the first communication network N1, and a second communication network N2. It also has an e-mail function for sending and receiving e-mails, and realizes each function according to setting instructions from the operation display unit provided in the apparatus body or various setting instructions transmitted from the management apparatus 1 or the terminal apparatus 3 It is a device to do.

  The terminal device 3 is intended to remotely operate the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the terminal device 3 transmits various setting conditions and image data to the image forming apparatus 2, and controls the image forming apparatus 2 to form an image. Execute the process. As the terminal device 3, for example, an information processing device such as a general-purpose PC is applicable.

  The first communication network N1 is a communication network in which the management apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 2 perform fax transmission / reception, and is a public line network such as an analog telephone line network or an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line network.

  The second communication network N2 is a communication network in which the management apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 2 transmit and receive data such as e-mail, and includes, for example, a telephone line network, an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line network, a dedicated line, It is composed of a mobile communication network, a communication satellite line, a CATV (Community Antenna Television) line, an optical communication line, a wireless communication line, and the like, and an Internet service provider base station that connects them. The second communication network is not limited to this, and any configuration may be used as long as the management apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 2 can communicate with each other, and may be an alarm line, a dedicated line, or the like.

  The third communication network N3 is a communication network in which the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal device 3 communicate with each other, and is, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).

First, the management apparatus 1 will be described.
FIG. 2 shows a control block diagram of the management apparatus 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the management apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 12, a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a modem 15, a network I / F 16, and the like. Each unit is connected to be communicable with each other via a bus 17 or the like.

  The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, expands a system program, various control programs, various data, and the like stored in the HDD 12 in the RAM 11 and manages them in cooperation with these programs and data. The overall operation of the device 1 is comprehensively controlled. Further, the control unit 10 executes various processes according to the program expanded in the RAM 11, stores the processing results in the RAM 11, and causes the display unit 13 to display them. Then, the processing result stored in the RAM 11 is stored in a predetermined storage destination of the HDD 12.

Further, the control unit 10 transmits a fax by the modem 15 via the first communication network N1 in response to a fax transmission request signal received by the network I / F 16 from the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication network N2. It functions as a fax transmission control unit.
When transmitting the fax in response to the fax transmission request signal, the control unit 10 sets the fax in advance by the modem 15 via the first communication network N1 if the fax transmission cannot be completed in response to the fax transmission request signal. If the fax transmission is not completed even if the fax transmission is executed repeatedly for a predetermined number of times, a signal indicating that the facsimile transmission is impossible is formed by the network I / F 16 via the second communication network N2. The apparatus 2 is transmitted.

  The RAM 11 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the control unit 10 and data related thereto.

  The HDD 12 includes various programs including a system program executed by the control unit 10, various control programs, various application programs, e-mail software, a Web browser program, a confirmation fax transmission processing program and various data in the present embodiment. Are stored, as well as data relating to these programs. The HDD 12 may be a non-volatile storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory).

  The display unit 13 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays various setting screens on the display screen in accordance with a display signal input from the control unit 10.

  The operation unit 14 includes a keyboard composed of numeric keys, character keys, cursor movement keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation unit 14 outputs a press signal from the keyboard and an operation signal from the mouse to the control unit 10 as input signals.

  The modem 15 is a modulation / demodulation device (MODEM: Modulator-DEModulator) that performs facsimile transmission / reception with the image forming apparatus 2 via the first communication network N1, and functions as a third communication unit.

  The network I / F 16 includes various interfaces such as a network interface card (NIC), and transmits / receives data signals such as electronic mail to / from the image forming apparatus 2 via the second communication network N2. And a fourth communication unit that receives an e-mail indicating a fax transmission request signal.

FIG. 3 shows a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus 2.
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a control unit 20, a RAM 21, a ROM 22, an operation display unit 23, an image reading unit 24, an image processing unit 25, an image memory 25a, a print unit 26, a modem 27, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 28, USB (Universal Serial Bus) I / F 29, motor driver 30, and the like.

The control unit 20 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, reads a system program stored in the ROM 22 and a designated program from various application programs, develops the program in the RAM 21, and develops the program developed in the RAM 21. In cooperation with each other, various processes are executed to centrally control each part of the image forming apparatus 2.
For example, according to an instruction signal input from the operation display unit 23, various modes such as a copy mode, a printer mode, a scanner mode, a fax mode, and an e-mail transmission / reception mode are switched, copying, printing, reading of image data, transmission / reception of a fax, Controls sending and receiving of e-mails.

  In addition, the control unit 20 determines the fax reception abnormal state based on the instructions of a plurality of check items related to the fax reception abnormality acquired by the operation display unit 23 or the image reading unit 24, and determines the determined fax reception abnormal state. Accordingly, the communication connection setting of the modem 27 is changed, and an e-mail (fax transmission request mail) indicating a fax transmission request signal is transmitted from the NIC 28 to the management apparatus 1. Then, until the fax transmitted in response to the fax transmission request signal is received by the modem 27, or the e-mail indicating the signal indicating that the fax cannot be transmitted is received by the NIC 28 from the management device 1 via the second line network. Until then, the function of repeating the change of the communication connection setting of the modem 27 and the transmission of the fax transmission request signal is realized.

  The RAM 21 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the control unit 20 and various data related to these programs, and stores various setting information received by the operation display unit 23.

  The ROM 22 includes various programs including a system program executed by the control unit 10, various control programs, various application programs, electronic mail software, and a Web browser program, a fax reception return processing program according to the present embodiment, and a plurality of programs. In addition to storing check image data (check image data), a solution correspondence table, a code correspondence table, and various types of data including check items, data related to these programs is stored. It may be a non-volatile storage medium such as ROM 22 or HDD.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a sheet (check sheet) on which a check image based on the check image data is formed.
As shown in FIG. 4, the check sheet P is provided with a reading direction indication area E1, a barcode E2, and a reference position mark M, and includes a PTT country setting area E3, a fax reception state area E4, a fax. A check image including a plurality of check items such as the setting area E5 is formed.

  The reading direction instruction area E1 is an area in which symbols, characters, and the like for notifying the user of the reading direction of the check sheet P when the image reading unit 24 reads the check sheet P are described.

The bar code E2 indicates that the check sheet P is a sheet used in the fax reception return process according to the present embodiment, that is, a sheet on which a check image including a plurality of check items is formed. When the bar code E2 is read by the unit 24, it is determined that the check sheet is a check sheet.
The barcode is not limited to a two-dimensional code such as a QR code, PDF417, Data Matrix, and Maxi Code.

  The reference position mark M is a mark provided at a preset position (for example, four corners of the sheet) of the check sheet P, and the position of each check item mark (hereinafter also referred to as a check mark) included in the check image. It becomes a reference position when detecting.

  The PTT country setting area E3 is provided with a plurality of check items for designating the country in which the image forming apparatus 2 is installed, and check boxes B3 corresponding to the check items. In addition, a check mark (for example, a cross, a check mark, a fill, etc.) is added by the user.

  The fax reception state area E4 indicates whether the fax reception abnormal state is a state in which the fax cannot be received ((2-1) in FIG. 4) or after the fax is received ((2-2) in FIG. 4). A check item for determination and each check box B4 corresponding to the check item are provided, and a check mark is added to one of the check boxes B4 by the user.

  The fax setting area E5 includes check items ((3-1-1)..., (3-2 in FIG. 4) that indicate setting items when executing detailed fax transmission / reception for each check item in the fax reception state area E4. -1)..., And each check box B5 corresponding to the check item is provided, and one of a plurality of check items corresponding to the check item to which a check mark is added in the fax reception state area E4. A check mark is added to the check box B5 corresponding to one check item by the user.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the solution correspondence table.
As shown in FIG. 5, the solution correspondence table T includes check items ((2-1), (2-2)) in the fax reception state area E4 of the check sheet P on the horizontal axis and the fax setting area E5. It is a table with check items ((3-1-1)..., (3-2-1)...) On the horizontal axis, and code numbers indicating solutions corresponding to the check items are set. Yes.

  For example, a check mark is added to the check box B4 of the check item (2-1) in the fax reception state area E4, and a check mark is added to the check box B5 of the check item (3-1-6) in the fax setting area E5. In this case, (2131-6) is set as the code number of the solution.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the code correspondence table.
As shown in FIG. 6, the code correspondence table C is composed of code numbers, content information of solutions for abnormal fax reception states corresponding to the respective code numbers, and flags. The content information of the solution includes information on the content (error content) of the fax reception abnormal state and setting change instruction information for solving the error content. The flag is a flag indicating 1 when the abnormal state of fax reception is an abnormal handling setting when executing fax transmission / reception, that is, the content information of the solution is a content that can be changed by the user.

  For example, the code number (2131-1) is a case where the fax cannot be received (2-1) and the telephone line is not connected to the Line connector (3-1-1). In this code number, “Fax reception condition is not satisfied” is set as error content information, and “Telephone line is connected to Line connector” as setting change instruction information. Since the content information of the solution of the code number (2131-1) is a content that can be changed by the user because of a handling setting abnormality when executing fax transmission / reception, the flag is set to 1.

  The code number (2131-6) is a case where a fax cannot be received (2-1) and a local line is used (3-1-6). In this code number, there is a possibility of mismatch between the ring interval and the ring detection setting as the error content information, and “a; ring detection setting is shortened by xx [ms]”, and b; The instruction to switch between two communication connection settings is set. Since the content information of the solution of the code number (2131-6) is content that cannot be changed by the user, the flag is set to 0.

  As another example of the case where the setting cannot be changed by the user, a fax can be received but the image formed on the paper is defective (2-2), and a blank paper is output (3- It is a code number (2232-3) indicating the case of 2-3). In this case, the error content information is “There may be a problem with the image reading apparatus of the fax transmission source and the orientation of the document.”, There is no setting change instruction information, that is, the communication connection setting is not switched. .

  The operation display unit 23 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a group of various operation keys such as a touch panel provided so as to cover the LCD, a numeric keypad, and a reset key. The operation display unit 23 displays various screens for inputting various setting conditions and a check image including a plurality of check items managed by the management apparatus 1 using a web browser in accordance with a display signal input from the control unit 20. A check screen to be displayed and various processing results are displayed on the LCD. The operation display unit 23 outputs operation signals input from various switches, buttons, numeric keys, operation key groups, or a touch panel to the control unit 20.

That is, the operation display unit 23 functions as a display unit that displays a check screen, and an input unit that receives an instruction to select each check item on the check screen from the touch panel.
The example of the check screen displays the same content as the check image (PTT country setting area E3, fax reception status area E4, fax setting area E5) shown in FIG. To do.

  The image reading unit 24 includes an automatic document feeder called ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and a reading unit having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and includes a check sheet based on an instruction from the operation display unit 23. Read the image. The document placed on the document tray of the automatic document feeder is conveyed to a contact glass that is a reading location, and an image on one or both sides of the document is read by the optical system, and the image of the document is read by the CCD. Here, the image means not only image data such as graphics and photographs but also text data such as characters and symbols. The image data read by the image reading unit 24 is output to the image processing unit 25. That is, the image reading unit 24 reads a check sheet image with a check mark added to the check item, and acquires the check mark added to each check item included in the read image data as an instruction of the check item. It functions as a part.

  Based on an instruction from the control unit 20, the image processing unit 25 compresses the image data input from the image reading unit 24 or the image data input via the USB I / F 29 or the NIC 28, and compresses the image memory 25a. The compressed image data is written in the memory and temporarily stored. Further, when there is an instruction to read out image data from the control unit 20, the image processing unit 25 expands the compressed image data stored in the image memory 25a and temporarily stores the compressed image data in the image memory 25a. When there is an image formation instruction from the control unit 20, uncompressed image data is read in units of pages, image processing such as enlargement / reduction or direction change is performed, and the image data subjected to the image processing is output to the printing unit 26. . When there is a fax transmission instruction from the control unit 20, image processing such as enlargement / reduction or direction change is performed on uncompressed image data, and the result is output to the modem 27.

  The image memory 25a is composed of DRAM (Dynamic RAM), and temporarily stores compressed image data and uncompressed image data output to the print unit 26 and the modem 27 before image formation. A page memory for storing data.

  The printing unit 26 performs electrophotographic image forming processing based on input print data, and includes a paper feeding unit, a paper feeding conveyance unit, an image forming unit, a carry-out unit, and the like.

  The paper feed unit includes a plurality of paper feed trays, paper feed means, a manual feed tray, and the like. The sheet feeding tray stores sheets identified in advance for each sheet type for each sheet feeding tray, and conveys the sheets one by one from the top to the sheet feeding and conveying unit by the sheet feeding unit. The manual feed tray can stack various types of sheets according to the needs of the user, and conveys the sheets stacked by the sheet feeding roller one by one from the top to the sheet feeding and conveying section.

  The sheet feeding / conveying section conveys the sheet conveyed from the sheet feeding tray or the manual feed tray to the transfer device via a plurality of intermediate rollers, registration rollers, and the like. Further, the sheet feeding / conveying section conveys the sheet having undergone the single-sided image forming process to the duplex conveying path by the conveying path switching plate, and again conveys the sheet to the transfer device via the intermediate roller and the registration roller.

  The image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser output unit that outputs laser light based on image data, and a polygon mirror that scans the laser light in the main scanning direction, a developing device, a transfer device, and a cleaning unit. The image forming apparatus includes a fixing device and realizes a function of forming an image on a sheet based on job information. Specifically, an electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating a photosensitive drum charged by a charging device with laser light using an exposure device. The developing device develops the electrostatic latent image by attaching charged toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum on which the electrostatic latent image is formed. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum by the developing device is transferred to the paper in the transfer device. Further, after the toner image is transferred to the paper, the residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum is removed by the cleaning unit.

  The fixing device thermally fixes the toner image transferred to the paper conveyed by the paper feeding conveyance unit. The sheet subjected to the fixing process is nipped by a paper discharge roller of the carry-out unit and conveyed from the carry-out port to the paper discharge tray.

  The print unit 26 outputs a check sheet based on the check image data based on an instruction from the terminal device 3 connected via the operation display unit 23 or the USB I / F 29.

  The modem 27 is a modulation / demodulation device (MODEM: MODulator-DEModulator) that transmits / receives a fax to / from the management device 1 via the first communication network N1, and functions as a first communication unit.

  The NIC 28 is configured to include various interfaces, and performs communication such as transmission / reception of electronic mail with the management apparatus 1 via the second communication network N2, and transmits an electronic mail indicating a fax transmission request signal. It functions as a part.

  The USB I / F 29 includes various interfaces, and performs information communication with the terminal device 3 via the third communication network N3.

  The motor driver 30 controls driving means such as various motors provided in the image forming apparatus 2 based on an instruction from the control unit 20.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
7 and 8 are flowcharts of the fax reception return processing in the present embodiment. This process is executed by the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 2 and each unit in cooperation.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the check item is acquired by reading the check mark added to the check sheet will be described as an example. However, the check item is displayed on the check screen displayed on the operation display unit 23. It may be acquired by pressing and selecting a button corresponding to a check item.

  First, after the state of the image forming apparatus 2 is in a standby state (step S1), the control unit 20 causes the image reading unit 24 to start reading a document based on an instruction from the operation display unit 23 (step S2).

  The control unit 20 determines whether or not a bar code indicating a check sheet has been detected in the image data read and acquired by the image reading unit 24 (step S3). If the bar code cannot be detected, the control unit 20 reads the bar code. The document is determined not to be a check sheet (step S3; No), and based on the image data read based on the instruction from the operation display unit 23, the document reading process is continued or the image forming process based on the read image data Is executed (step S4), and the process returns to step S1.

  When the barcode can be detected in the acquired image data, the control unit 20 determines that the read document is a check sheet (step S3; Yes), the reference position mark and each check item from the acquired image data. The check mark added to the check box corresponding to is detected, and the position of the check mark added to the check box is calculated based on the detected position of the reference position mark (step S5).

  Based on the position of the check mark added to the calculated check box, the control unit 20 specifies the check item (that is, the check item to which the user added the check mark), and identifies the specified check item and the solution correspondence table. The code number corresponding to the identified check item is identified (step S6).

  The control unit 20 determines whether or not the position of the check mark added to the check box by the user cannot be detected, or if the solution content corresponding to the code number is invalid for the combination “no combination exists”. A determination is made (step S7).

  When the position of the check mark cannot be detected or the combination is invalid (step S7; Yes), the control unit 20 disables the check mark indicating that the position of the check mark cannot be detected or the combination of the check marks is not appropriate. A screen (not shown) is displayed on the operation display unit 23 (step S8), and it is determined whether or not the reset key of the operation display unit 23 is pressed (step S9).

  When the reset key is not pressed (step S9; No), the control unit 20 returns to step S9. When the reset key is pressed (step S9; Yes), the control unit 20 returns to step S1.

  When the position of the check mark can be detected and the combination is not invalid (step S7; No), the control unit 20 refers to the code correspondence table to determine whether the flag corresponding to the code number is 1, that is, the solution It is determined whether or not the content information is content that can be changed by the user (step S10).

When the flag corresponding to the code number is 1, that is, when the content information of the solution is the content that can be changed by the user (step S10; Yes), the control unit 20 resolves the code number. Based on the measure content information, a screen on which error content information and setting change instruction information are displayed is displayed on the operation display unit 23, or a sheet on which an image showing the error content information and setting change instruction information is formed is displayed. The contents of the new handling setting that is output by the printing unit 26 and resolves the handling setting abnormality when executing fax transmission / reception is notified (step S11), and the process proceeds to step S9.
In other words, the operation display unit 23 or the printing unit functions as a notification unit that notifies the contents of a new handling setting that eliminates handling setting abnormality when executing fax transmission / reception.

  In the case of a handling setting abnormality when executing fax transmission / reception, the contents of the new handling setting can be notified, so that the user can easily eliminate the fax reception abnormality state.

  When the flag corresponding to the code number is not 1, that is, when the content information of the solution is not the content that can be changed by the user (step S10; No), the control unit 20 determines the solution corresponding to the code number. Based on the setting change instruction information included in the content information, the communication connection setting of the modem 27 is switched (step S12). If there is no instruction for switching the communication connection setting, for example, in the case of the code number (22332-3), the current communication connection setting is set.

  After switching the communication connection setting (after step S12), the control unit 20 activates the e-mail software, sets the address of the management apparatus 1 as the destination address of the e-mail, and sets the image forming apparatus 2 in the body part. Information including the identification number, fax telephone number, information indicating the fax transmission request, etc. is set, and a fax transmission request mail is transmitted (step S13).

  The control unit 20 determines whether or not the transmission of the fax transmission request mail has been completed (step S14). If the transmission cannot be completed (step S14; No), the process proceeds to step S11.

  The control unit 20 determines whether or not the fax image data transmitted in response to the mail transmitted in step S14 has been successfully received by the modem 27 (step S15). If the reception has been completed (step S15; Yes), An image based on the received fax image data is output by the printing unit 26 (step S16), and the process returns to step S1.

  When the fax image data transmitted in response to the mail transmitted in step S14 cannot be completely received by the modem 27 (step S15; No), the control unit 20 determines whether or not a fax transmission failure mail has been received from the management apparatus 1. If it is determined (step S17) and no fax transmission failure mail has been received (step S17; No), the process returns to step S15.

  When the control unit 20 receives a fax transmission failure mail from the management apparatus 1 (step S17; Yes), is there any other communication connection setting in the setting change instruction information included in the content information of the solution corresponding to the code number? If there is another communication connection setting (step S18; Yes), the communication connection setting of the modem 27 is switched to another communication connection setting (step S19), and the process proceeds to step S13.

  When there is no other communication connection setting in the setting change instruction information included in the content information of the solution corresponding to the code number (step S18; No), the control unit 20 sets the communication connection setting of the modem 27 before executing this process. Return to the state (step S20), the e-mail software is started, the address of the management apparatus 1 is set as the destination address of the e-mail, and an abnormality has occurred in the identification number and fax reception function of the image forming apparatus 2 in the body part An error status notification mail in which the information to the effect and the information of the attempted communication connection setting, that is, the content information of the solution corresponding to the code number is set (step S21), and the process proceeds to step S9.

  FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the confirmation fax transmission process in this embodiment. This process is executed by the control unit 10 and each unit of the management apparatus 1 in cooperation.

  First, after the state of the management apparatus 1 is in a standby state (step S31), the control unit 10 determines whether or not a fax transmission request mail is received from the network I / F 16 (step S32). If not received (step S32; No), the process returns to step S31.

  When receiving the fax transmission request mail, that is, when the information indicating the fax transmission request is included in the text of the received mail (step S32; Yes), the control unit 10 receives the text of the received fax transmission request mail. The facsimile image data corresponding to the identification information of the image forming apparatus 2 set to “2” is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 2 via the modem 15 (step S33).

  The control unit 10 determines whether or not the transmission of the fax has been completed (step S34). If the transmission of the fax has been completed (step S34; Yes), the control unit 10 returns to step S31.

  When the transmission of the fax cannot be completed (step S34; No), the control unit 10 determines whether or not the number of fax transmissions for the fax transmission request mail is equal to or less than a predetermined number set in advance (step S35). Is less than the predetermined number of times (step S35; Yes), the process returns to step S33.

  When the number of fax transmissions is not less than or equal to the predetermined number (step S3; No), the control unit 10 activates the e-mail software and sets the address of the image forming apparatus 2 of the received fax transmission request mail as the destination address of the e-mail. Then, a fax transmission failure mail in which the identification number of the image forming apparatus 2 and information indicating failure in fax transmission (transmission impossible) is set in the body part is transmitted (step S36), and the process returns to step S31.

  As described above, the management apparatus 1 can transmit a fax in response to a request from the image forming apparatus 2, so that the user on the management apparatus 1 side and the image forming apparatus 2 can confirm the reception of the fax of the image forming apparatus 2. It is possible to save the trouble of fax transmission to be performed by the user on the side and to improve the usability of the image forming apparatus having the fax function. Further, it is possible to execute fax transmission in response to a fax transmission request signal from the image forming apparatus a plurality of times.

  According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 2 can confirm whether the fax from the management apparatus 1 can be received according to the fax reception abnormal state determined based on the instruction (check mark) of the acquired check item. It is possible to pursue the cause of the fax reception abnormality that is difficult for the user to solve, reduce the trouble of solving the fax reception abnormality, and improve the usability of the fax function.

  Further, the communication connection setting of the first communication unit that performs fax transmission / reception with the management apparatus is changed according to the fax reception abnormal state determined based on the instruction of the acquired check item, and the image forming apparatus manages with the communication connection setting. Since it is possible to confirm whether or not the fax from the apparatus can be received, it is possible to reduce the trouble of eliminating the abnormality in the communication connection setting of the fax function that is difficult for the user to solve.

  In addition, the management apparatus 1 transmits the fax a predetermined number of times until the fax transmission is completed by the modem 15 via the first communication network N1 in response to the fax transmission request mail, and the image forming apparatus 2 transmits the fax transmission request. Until the fax sent in response to the mail is received by the modem 27 or until the fax transmission failure mail is received from the management apparatus 1 via the second communication network N2 by the NIC 28, the transmission of the fax transmission request mail is repeated. Therefore, it is possible to execute a plurality of attempts to receive a fax from the management apparatus. Therefore, when a plurality of communication connection settings are set, it is possible to confirm whether or not a fax can be received from the management apparatus with the plurality of communication connection settings.

  In addition, as a check item instruction, a button (check mark) added to the check sheet is obtained by reading by the image reading unit 24, or a button corresponding to the check item on the check screen displayed on the operation display unit 23 is provided. It can be acquired by being pressed and selected.

  In the above description, an example in which an HDD or a ROM is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory and a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. Further, a carrier wave (carrier wave) is also applied to the present invention as a medium for providing program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

  The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the structure of a communication system. It is a control block diagram of a management apparatus. 2 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a check sheet. It is a figure which shows the example of a solution corresponding | compatible table. It is a figure which shows the example of a code corresponding table. It is a flowchart of a fax reception return process. 8 is a flowchart of a fax reception return process (continuation of FIG. 7). It is a flowchart of a confirmation fax transmission process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Management apparatus 2 Image forming apparatus 3 Terminal apparatus 10 Control part 11 RAM
12 HDD
13 Display unit 14 Operation unit 15 Modem 16 Network I / F
17 Bus 20 Control unit 21 RAM
22 ROM
23 Operation display unit 24 Image reading unit 25 Image processing unit 25a Image memory 26 Print unit 27 Modem 28 NIC
29 USB I / F
30 Motor driver A Communication system B3, B4, B5 Check box C Code correspondence table E1 Reading direction indication area E2 Bar code E3 PTT country setting area E4 Fax reception status area E5 Fax setting area M Reference position mark N1 First communication network N2 First 2 communication network N3 3rd communication network P Check sheet T Solution correspondence table

Claims (15)

A communication system comprising: a management device; and an image forming device connected to the management device so as to be able to send and receive faxes via a first communication network, and connected to be able to communicate via a second communication network.
The image forming apparatus includes:
A first communication unit configured to perform fax transmission / reception with the management apparatus via the first communication network with a preset communication connection setting;
A second communication unit that communicates with the management device via the second communication network;
An acquisition unit for acquiring instructions of a plurality of check items related to the abnormality in receiving the fax;
A fax reception abnormal state is determined based on an instruction of each check item acquired by the acquisition unit, and a fax transmission request signal is sent to the management device according to the determined fax reception abnormal state. A control unit to transmit more,
The management device
A third communication unit for performing fax transmission / reception with the image forming apparatus via the first communication network;
A fourth communication unit that communicates with the image forming apparatus via the second communication network and receives a transmission request signal of the fax;
A fax transmission control unit that causes the third communication unit to transmit a fax via the first communication network in response to the fax transmission request signal received from the image forming apparatus. The controller is
After changing the communication connection setting of the first communication unit in accordance with the determined fax reception abnormal state, causing the management device to transmit a fax transmission request signal from the second communication unit;
The communication system according to claim 1. The fax transmission control unit
If the fax transmission is not completed in response to the fax transmission request signal, the fax is repeatedly transmitted a predetermined number of times by the third communication unit via the first communication network, and the preset If the fax transmission is not completed after the number of transmissions, the fourth communication unit transmits a signal indicating that the fax transmission is impossible to the image forming apparatus via the second communication network,
The controller is
A signal indicating that the fax cannot be transmitted from the management device via the second communication network until the fax transmitted from the management device in response to the fax transmission request signal is received by the first communication unit or the second communication network. Repeat transmission of the fax transmission request signal until it is received by the second communication unit,
The communication system according to claim 1 or 2. The acquisition unit
Reading a sheet on which a check image composed of a plurality of check items is formed, the sheet having a mark added to the check item, and acquiring the mark added to each of the read check items as an instruction of the check item Part
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The acquisition unit
A display unit for displaying a check image including the plurality of check items;
An input unit for selecting each check item of the check image displayed on the display unit;
Have
Obtaining a check item selected by the input unit as an instruction of the check item;
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The image forming apparatus includes a notification unit,
The controller is
If the fax reception abnormal state is a handling setting error when executing fax transmission / reception, the notifying unit informs the contents of a new handling setting that resolves the handling setting abnormality.
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A first communication unit that performs fax transmission / reception with the management device via the first communication network with a preset communication connection setting;
A second communication unit that communicates with the management device via a second communication network;
An acquisition unit for acquiring instructions of a plurality of check items related to the abnormality in receiving the fax;
A fax reception abnormal state is determined based on an instruction of each check item acquired by the acquisition unit, and a fax transmission request signal is sent to the management device according to the determined fax reception abnormal state. A control unit to transmit more,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The controller is
After changing the communication connection setting of the first communication unit in accordance with the determined fax reception abnormal state, causing the management device to transmit a fax transmission request signal from the second communication unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. The controller is
A signal indicating that the fax cannot be transmitted from the management device via the second communication network until the fax transmitted from the management device in response to the fax transmission request signal is received by the first communication unit or the second communication network. Repeat transmission of the fax transmission request signal until it is received by the second communication unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or 8. The acquisition unit
Reading a sheet on which a check image composed of a plurality of check items is formed, the sheet having a mark added to the check item, and acquiring the mark added to each of the read check items as an instruction of the check item Part
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. The acquisition unit
A display unit for displaying a check image including the plurality of check items;
An input unit for selecting each check item of the check image displayed on the display unit;
Have
Obtaining a check item selected by the input unit as an instruction of the check item;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. With a notification unit,
The controller is
If the fax reception abnormal state is a handling setting error when executing fax transmission / reception, the notifying unit informs the contents of a new handling setting that resolves the handling setting abnormality.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. A third communication unit that performs fax transmission / reception with the image forming apparatus via the first communication network;
A fourth communication unit that communicates with the image forming apparatus via a second communication network and receives a fax transmission request signal;
A fax transmission control unit that causes the third communication unit to send a fax via the first communication network in response to the fax transmission request signal received from the image forming apparatus;
A management device comprising: The fax transmission control unit
If the fax transmission is not completed in response to the fax transmission request signal, the fax is repeatedly transmitted a predetermined number of times by the third communication unit via the first communication network, and the preset If the fax transmission is not completed even after the number of transmissions, the fourth communication unit transmits a signal indicating that the fax transmission is impossible to the image forming apparatus via the second communication network.
The management apparatus according to claim 13. In a fax reception abnormal recovery method in a communication system including an image forming apparatus connected to a management apparatus via a first communication network so as to be able to send and receive faxes and via a second communication network,
Obtaining instructions for a plurality of check items related to an abnormality in receiving a fax;
Determining a fax reception abnormal state based on the instruction of each acquired check item;
Transmitting a fax transmission request signal to the management device via the second communication network according to the determined fax reception abnormal state;
Transmitting a fax from the management apparatus to the image forming apparatus via the first communication network in response to the fax transmission request signal;
Receiving a fax sent in response to the fax send request signal;
An error recovery method for receiving faxes.

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