JP2013031120A - Facsimile device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile device capable of improving user convenience by performing control according to an error type even if an error occurs on a receiving-side device during FAX communication.SOLUTION: On receipt of an error code indicating a fully occupied state of a memory or another error state in an opposite device 50, the facsimile device stores image data to be transmitted to the opposite device as image data of a polling transmission target. Thus, as compared to the case of determining the entire image data having failed to transmit uniformly to be image data of the polling transmission target, the image data of the polling transmission target can be reduced, and therefore, the decrease of an available image memory 14a by the image data of the polling transmission target can be suppressed and user convenience can be improved.

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile machine.

  In Patent Document 1, if an error occurs in the receiving apparatus during FAX reception, the receiving apparatus transmits a polling transmission request to the transmitting apparatus after canceling the error, and the transmitting apparatus transmits the polling transmission. A facsimile apparatus that specifies a job based on a request and performs polling transmission to a receiving apparatus is described. According to Patent Literature 1, it is possible to prevent the transmission side device from repeating unnecessary redial processing until the error of the reception side device is canceled.

JP 2008-154092 A

  In general, when an error that occurs because the receiving-side apparatus is communicating with another device, that is, an error based on the busy state has occurred, the error is canceled when the communication ends. On the other hand, for example, when an error other than the busy state occurs in the receiving device such as memory full, the user is often not near the receiving device, and the error is likely not to be canceled for a while. .

  However, the facsimile apparatus described in Patent Document 1 transmits a polling transmission request from the receiving apparatus to the transmitting apparatus when the error is canceled in the receiving apparatus regardless of the type of error. That is, in the transmission side apparatus, the FAX data is accumulated in the memory of the transmission side apparatus every time the FAX communication is performed with the reception side apparatus in some error state. For this reason, if the number of transmission errors increases, the memory of the transmission side device may be compressed. In that case, the user must take measures such as deleting unnecessary data from the memory, which is inconvenient.

  Also, according to the technique described in Patent Document 1, every time an error occurs in the receiving apparatus, the receiving apparatus polls image data that could not be received during the error. The communication fee is charged, which is not convenient for the user of the receiving apparatus.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and performs control according to the type of error even when an error has occurred in a receiving apparatus during FAX communication. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile machine that can improve user convenience.

  In order to achieve this object, a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes a request unit that transmits a start request for requesting the start of facsimile communication to a partner apparatus, and the counterpart party in response to the start request transmitted by the request unit. When error identification information indicating a first type error based on the busy state of the destination device is received, re-requesting means for re-sending the start request to the counterpart device, and based on the start request transmitted by the re-requesting unit When the facsimile communication is started with the counterpart device, the first transmission means for sending image data to the counterpart device and the start request sent by the request means When the error identification information indicating the second type error not based on the busy state is received, the image data to be transmitted to the counterpart device is transmitted as the image data to be polled. When receiving a polling transmission request for requesting the polling transmission target image data from the counterpart device, the first storage control unit to be stored in the storage unit as the data, and the polling transmission target stored in the storage unit Second transmission means for transmitting image data to the counterpart device.

  The present invention can be realized in various modes such as a facsimile communication method, a control device that controls the facsimile apparatus, a communication program, and a recording medium that records the communication program.

  According to the facsimile apparatus of the first aspect, when the error identification information indicating the first type error based on the busy state of the partner apparatus is received, a start request for requesting the start of facsimile communication is retransmitted to the partner apparatus. The Then, when facsimile communication is started with the counterpart apparatus based on the start request, the image data is transmitted to the counterpart apparatus. Therefore, since the image data can be transmitted to the counterpart device while suppressing the communication cost charged to the counterpart device, there is an effect that the convenience of the user of the counterpart device is high. When the error identification information indicating the second type error that is not based on the busy state of the counterpart device is received, the image data to be transmitted to the counterpart device is stored in the storage unit as image data to be polled. It is possible to prevent the storage unit from being compressed by the image data to be polled and to improve the convenience for the user.

  According to the facsimile apparatus of the second aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the facsimile apparatus of the first aspect, the polling transmission request is received from the counterpart apparatus and associated with the image data to be polled transmitted stored in the storage unit. When the received password is received, the polling transmission target image data associated with the password is transmitted to the counterpart device, so that the security can be improved.

  According to the facsimile apparatus of the third aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the facsimile apparatus of the first or second aspect, when it is determined that the partner apparatus does not have the polling reception function, the start request is sent to the partner apparatus. Since the data is transmitted to the destination device, the image data can be transmitted even if the destination device does not have a polling reception function.

  According to the facsimile apparatus of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the destination apparatus that has received the designation indicates a type 2 error state. When the information is stored, the image data is not transmitted, and the image data is stored in the storage unit as the image data to be polled. Therefore, even if a start request is transmitted, there is a possibility of an error state. There is an effect that it is possible to appropriately cope with a high counterpart device.

  According to the facsimile apparatus of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the facsimile apparatus of the fourth aspect, when the image data to be polled is transmitted to the partner apparatus, the partner apparatus receives the second type error. Since the state information indicating the state is deleted from the state storage unit, there is an effect that the state information can be appropriately updated according to the state of the counterpart device.

  According to the facsimile apparatus of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the facsimile apparatus of the fourth or fifth aspect, when receiving the error identification information indicating the second type error from the partner apparatus and receiving the password The password and image data to be polled are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit. Further, it is determined that status information indicating that the second type error state is stored for the partner device that has received the designation by the partner designation unit, and is associated with the password sent from the partner device. When the polling transmission target image data is stored in the storage unit, the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit is stored in association with the password as the polling transmission target image data. Therefore, when a polling transmission request is received from the counterpart device and a password is received, there is an effect that image data to be polled and transmitted associated with the password can be collected and transmitted to the counterpart device.

  According to the facsimile apparatus of the seventh aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, image data subject to polling transmission to the destination apparatus by facsimile communication via the public network. Therefore, even if the facsimile communication via the IP network does not support polling transmission / reception, there is an effect that the image data can be transmitted to the destination apparatus.

  According to the facsimile apparatus of the eighth aspect, in addition to the effect of the facsimile apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, when an error occurring in the own apparatus is canceled, polling transmission is performed to the partner apparatus. Since the request is transmitted, the polling transmission request can be transmitted at an appropriate timing.

  According to the facsimile apparatus of the ninth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the facsimile apparatus of the eighth aspect, when a request for starting facsimile communication is received and an error has occurred in the own apparatus, A password for polling reception of the image data corresponding to the request for starting facsimile communication is generated, and the polling request means transmits a polling transmission request to the counterpart device and associates it with the counterpart device to store a password storage unit. Since the password stored in is transmitted, there is an effect that security can be improved.

  According to the facsimile apparatus of the tenth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the facsimile apparatus according to the eighth or ninth aspect, it is determined that the partner apparatus does not have a polling transmission function. When the error that has occurred is canceled, error cancellation image data indicating the cancellation of the error is transmitted to the counterpart device, so that the cancellation of the error in the own device can be reliably notified to the counterpart device. There is.

  According to the facsimile apparatus of the eleventh aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the facsimile apparatus of any one of the first to tenth aspects, the polling transmission request is transmitted by facsimile communication via the public line network. Even if the facsimile communication via the network does not support polling transmission / reception, it is possible to receive image data from the counterpart device.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of a FAX apparatus according to the present invention. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of a polling management table, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of a retransmission management table. It is a sequence diagram explaining communication performed between the FAX apparatus on the transmission side and the counterpart apparatus on the reception side. It is a flowchart which shows a main process. It is a flowchart which shows a polling transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows a resending process. It is a flowchart which shows a reception process. It is a flowchart which shows an error process.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of a FAX apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The FAX apparatus 1 is configured to improve user convenience by performing control according to the type of error even when an error occurs in the receiving apparatus. Details will be described below.

  The FAX apparatus 1 is connected to the T.D. 38-based FAX communication (hereinafter, T.38 FAX communication) is performed. T.A. 38 is a standard that defines a method for translating facsimile data into an IP protocol message for communication. The FAX apparatus 1 is also connected to a public line network 40 (hereinafter referred to as PSTN 40) configured by the exchange 90, and is configured to be capable of normal FAX communication (hereinafter referred to as normal FAX communication) through the PSTN 40. In the present embodiment, the counterpart device 50 corresponds to all devices that can communicate with the FAX device 1 via at least one of the NGN network 30 and the PSTN 40. Although there are many counterpart devices 50, only one device is shown in FIG.

  The FAX apparatus 1 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a flash memory 14, a scanner 15, a printer 16, an operation key 17, an LCD 18, a PSTN interface (PSTNI / F) 19, and a network interface (network I / F) 20. These units are connected by a bus line 10.

  The CPU 11 controls each unit connected to the bus line 10 according to a fixed value, a program, or the like stored in the ROM 12 or the like. The ROM 12 is a non-rewritable nonvolatile memory and stores various fixed values. The RAM 13 is a rewritable volatile memory.

  The flash memory 14 is provided with an image memory 14a, a polling management table 14b, and a retransmission management table 14c. The image memory 14 a is a memory for storing image data generated by the scanner 15. The polling management table 14b and the retransmission management table 14c will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The scanner 15 reads a document and generates image data corresponding to the document. The printer 16 prints an image corresponding to the image data received by the FAX apparatus 1 on a recording sheet. The operation key 17 is a key for inputting a FAX number and an instruction for designating the partner apparatus 50 to the FAX apparatus 1. The LCD 18 displays a screen for notifying the user of the operation procedure and the state of the apparatus. The PSTNI / F 19 is an interface for connecting the FAX apparatus 1 to the PSTN 40, and controls normal FAX communication. The network I / F 20 is an interface for connecting the FAX apparatus 1 to the NGN network 30. 38 communication is controlled.

  The SIP server 80 is a server that controls the NGN network 30 and stores IP addresses and SIP URIs of the FAX apparatus 1 and the counterpart apparatus 50 in association with each other. Various signals based on SIP procedures transmitted and received between the FAX apparatus 1 and the partner apparatus 50 are transmitted and received via the SIP server 80.

  FIG. 2A is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the polling management table 14b. The polling management table 14b is a table for managing image data to be polled, and stores an image path 21, a destination 22, a password 23, a reading date 24, and a status 25 in association with each other.

  The image path 21 is information indicating the location of the image data stored in the image memory 14a, and includes an absolute path. The image data specified by the image path 21 is hereinafter referred to as polling transmission target image data.

  The destination 22 indicates the FAX number of the destination apparatus 50 to which the polling transmission target image data is to be transmitted. When the FAX apparatus 1 transmits a request for starting facsimile communication to the partner apparatus 50, but the partner apparatus 50 is in an error state other than busy, the FAX apparatus 1 determines the FAX number of the partner apparatus 50 as follows. The address 22 is stored in the polling management table 14b.

  The password 23 is a password sent together with an error code from the partner device 50 in an error state other than busy. When the error is canceled in the partner apparatus 50 and a polling transmission request and a password are sent from the partner apparatus 50 to the FAX apparatus 1, the FAX apparatus 1 refers to the polling management table 14b, and The image path 21 corresponding to the combination of the FAX number and password of the counterpart device 50 is acquired, and the polling transmission target image data is specified based on the image path 21 and polled and transmitted to the counterpart device 50.

  The read date 24 indicates the date when the image data specified by the image path 21 was generated by the scanner 15. When a predetermined time or more has elapsed from the reading date 24, the image data of the image path 21 corresponding to the reading date 24 is deleted from the image memory 14a.

  The status 25 indicates the type of error of the counterpart device 50. In the present embodiment, as the type of error, an error (hereinafter, busy) based on a busy state such as the other party device 50 receiving a fax or talking on the phone, because the destination device 50 is full of memory. It is assumed that there are three types of errors that occur (hereinafter, memory full) and errors that occur for other reasons (hereinafter, other).

  FIG. 2B is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the retransmission management table 14c. The retransmission management table 14c is a table for managing image data to be retransmitted, and stores an image path 26, a destination 27, a transmission error date 28, and a status 29 in association with each other.

  The image path 26 is information indicating the location of the image data to be retransmitted among the image data stored in the image memory 14a, and includes an absolute path. The image data specified by the image path 26 stored in the retransmission target management table 14c is hereinafter referred to as retransmission target image data. The FAX apparatus 1 retransmits image data to be retransmitted to the counterpart apparatus 50 after a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) from the transmission error date 28. The destination 27 indicates the FAX number of the partner apparatus 50 to which the image data to be retransmitted is to be transmitted. The transmission error date and time 28 indicates the date and time when the image data specified by the image path 28 could not be transmitted because the counterpart device 50 is busy.

  The status 29 indicates the type of error of the counterpart device 50. The FAX apparatus 1 stores the image data that could not be transmitted as the image data to be polled when the image data could not be transmitted because the counterpart apparatus 50 on the receiving side was full of memory or in another error state. . On the other hand, if image data cannot be transmitted because the receiving-side counterpart device 50 is busy, or if the counterpart device 50 does not have a polling reception function, the image data that could not be sent is retransmitted. As image data.

  FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating communication among the FAX apparatus 1, the counterpart apparatus 50, and the SIP server 80. In the FAX apparatus 1, when the user operates the operation key 17 and inputs the FAX number to specify the partner apparatus 50, and then presses the start key of the operation key 17, the FAX apparatus 1 A document set on the apparatus is read, and image data corresponding to the read document is generated.

  Next, the FAX apparatus 1 reads the domain name of the SIP server 80 from the flash memory 14, and generates a SIP URI from the specified FAX number of the destination apparatus 50 and the read domain name, as shown in FIG. Start the indicated communication.

  Specifically, the FAX apparatus 1 transmits INVITE via the SIP server 80 with the SIP URI as the transmission destination in the communication start sequence 31. INVITE is a message (method) that is transmitted when communication by SIP is started and is invited to a call (session). On the other hand, the partner apparatus 50 that has received the INVITE via the SIP server 80 transmits 180 Ringing and 200 OK to the FAX apparatus 1. After receiving 180 Ringing and 200 OK from the partner apparatus 50, the FAX apparatus 1 sends an ACK, which is a message for notifying that a response to the INVITE has been received, to the partner apparatus 50 via the SIP server 80. Send. By the transmission / reception of this ACK, a connection via the NGN network 30 is established between the FAX apparatus 1 and the counterpart apparatus 50.

  Although not shown in FIG. 3, when the partner device 50 is busy and the partner device 50 receives an INVITE from the SIP server 80, the partner device 50 transmits 180 Ringin and 200 OK. Instead, an error code indicating busy is transmitted to the FAX apparatus 1 via the SIP server 80. In that case, the FAX apparatus 1 and the counterpart apparatus 50 are not connected. However, in the following description shown in FIG. 3, a case will be described in which the partner apparatus 50 is not busy and the FAX apparatus 1 and the partner apparatus 50 are connected by the communication start sequence 31.

  Next, in the status confirmation sequence 32, DIS indicating that the counterpart device 50 has a standard reception function and NSF indicating non-standard reception capability (for example, polling reception capability) of the counterpart device 50 are The data is transmitted from the destination apparatus 50 to the FAX apparatus 1. Here, the partner apparatus 50 can execute the same reception process as that of the FAX apparatus 1 (described later with reference to FIG. 7), and the partner apparatus 50 has a memory full or other error. In this case, the partner apparatus 50 transmits the error code indicating the type of error and the password generated for polling reception to the FAX apparatus 1 including the NSF in the NSF. On the other hand, the FAX apparatus 1 that has received the NSF associates the FAX number of the partner apparatus 50 and the received password with the image path 21 as the destination 22 and the password 23 and stores them in the polling management table 14b (FIG. 2A). . In the status confirmation sequence 32, other DTC, DCS, etc. Signals communicated in 30 phase B may be exchanged, but illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted here.

  When the FAX apparatus 1 receives an NSF including an error code and a password from the counterpart apparatus 50, the FAX apparatus 1 proceeds from the state confirmation sequence 32 to the disconnection sequence 33. Specifically, the FAX apparatus 1 transmits a DCN for notifying connection cancellation to the counterpart apparatus 50. The connection between the FAX apparatus 1 and the counterpart apparatus 50 is disconnected by the transmission / reception of the DCN. Subsequently, the FAX apparatus 1 transmits BYE to the partner apparatus 50 via the SIP server 80. On the other hand, the partner apparatus 50 transmits 200 OK to the FAX apparatus 1 via the SIP server 80.

  Here, when the counterpart apparatus 50 is configured to be able to execute the same reception process (FIG. 7) as the FAX apparatus 1, the counterpart apparatus 50 has a memory full or other error occurring in its own apparatus. When the cancellation is made, polling transmission is requested to the FAX apparatus 1 that is the transmission destination of the previously transmitted error code. That is, the communication start sequence 31 based on the transmission from the counterpart device 50 is started.

  When the connection is established by the communication start sequence 31, next, in the state confirmation sequence 32, DIS indicating that the called FAX device 1 has a standard reception function is transmitted from the FAX device 1 to the partner device 50. The Further, an NSF indicating that the FAX apparatus 1 has a polling transmission capability is transmitted from the FAX apparatus 1 to the counterpart apparatus 50.

  On the other hand, the counterpart apparatus 50 transmits an NSC requesting execution of polling transmission to the FAX apparatus 1. The partner apparatus 50 transmits the password for polling reception to the FAX apparatus 1 including the NSC in the password.

  On the other hand, the called FAX apparatus 1 transmits a TCF for checking whether image data can be transmitted. When receiving the CFR indicating that reception is possible from the counterpart apparatus 50, the FAX apparatus 1 proceeds to a transmission sequence 34 for polling transmission of image data.

  In the transmission sequence 34, the FAX apparatus 1 transmits the polling transmission target image data associated with the password received from the counterpart apparatus 50 to the counterpart apparatus 50. Then, after transmitting the image data, the FAX apparatus 1 transmits an EOP indicating the end of the transmission of the image data to the counterpart apparatus 50. Then, when the partner apparatus 50 that has received the EOP responds with MCF, the transmission sequence 34 ends, and the FAX apparatus 1 proceeds to the disconnection sequence 33.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing executed in the FAX apparatus 1. This process is a process of executing FAX transmission based on a user instruction, and is repeatedly executed while the FAX apparatus 1 is activated.

  First, in step S402 (hereinafter, step is omitted), the CPU 11 displays a FAX number input screen (not shown) on the LCD 18 and accepts designation of the counterpart device (S402). When the FAX number is not input on the FAX number input screen (S404: No), the CPU 11 does not proceed to the next step.

  On the other hand, when the FAX number is input on the FAX number input screen (S404: Yes), if the start key of the operation keys 17 is not pressed (S406: No), the CPU 11 does not proceed to the next step.

  When the start key is pressed (S406: Yes), the CPU 11 next checks whether the status of the designated counterpart device 50 is a specific status. Specifically, whether a specific status, that is, a status indicating that the designated destination device 50 is in a memory full state or other error state is stored in the polling management table 14b or the retransmission management table 14c. Judgment is made (S408).

  When the status of the counterpart device 50 is not stored or is busy (S408: No), the CPU 11 requests the designated counterpart device 50 to start communication (S410). Specifically, an INVITE requesting the start of facsimile communication is transmitted to the counterpart device 50, and the communication start sequence 31 (FIG. 3) is executed. When the partner device 50 is not busy (S412: No), that is, when 180 Ringing and 200 OK are received from the partner device 50 via the SIP server 80, the communication start sequence 31 and the FAX device 1 are connected. A connection with the counterpart device 50 is established. Then, the process proceeds to the state confirmation sequence 32 (FIG. 3).

  When DIS and NSF are not received from the counterpart device 50 (S414: No), the CPU 11 does not proceed to the next step. On the other hand, when DIS and NSF are received from the counterpart device 50 (S414: Yes), the CPU 11 transmits the set document to the counterpart device 50 by causing the scanner 15 to read and generate image data. Image data to be acquired is acquired (S418). The acquired image data is stored in the image memory 14a.

  When the error code is not included in the NSF received from the counterpart device 50 (S420: No), the CPU 11 stores the acquired image data in the T.264 format. The data is transmitted to the partner apparatus 50 by 38 FAX communication (S422), the communication is disconnected by executing the disconnection sequence 33 described with reference to FIG. 3 (S424), and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the error code is included in the NSF received from the counterpart device 50 (S420: Yes), that is, if the counterpart device 50 is in a memory full state or in another error state, the CPU 11 further controls the counterpart device 50. It is determined whether or not the NSF received from the server includes function information indicating that the counterpart device 50 has a polling reception function (S426).

  When it is determined that the counterpart device 50 has a polling reception function (S426: Yes), the CPU 11 stores the image data to be transmitted to the counterpart device 50 as the polling transmission target image data (S428). Specifically, the CPU 11 sets the absolute path of the image data stored in the image memory 14a in S418 as the image path 21 of the polling management table 14b (FIG. 2A), and sets the FAX number of the partner apparatus 50 as the destination. These are stored in association with each other. Further, the CPU 11 stores the password included in the NSF in the polling management table 14b in association with the image path 21 and the destination 22. In this way, the image data that should have been transmitted to the counterpart device 50 can be associated with the password received from the counterpart device 50 (S429).

  Next, the CPU 11 stores in the polling management table 14b a status indicating that the counterpart device 50 is in a memory full or other error state (S430), and proceeds to S424.

  On the other hand, when the counterpart device 50 does not have a polling reception function (S426: No), the CPU 11 stores image data to be transmitted to the counterpart device 50 as image data to be retransmitted (S432). Specifically, the absolute path of the image data stored in the image memory 14a in S418 is stored as the image path 26 of the retransmission management table 14c (FIG. 2B), and the FAX number of the partner apparatus 50 is set as the destination. These are stored in association with each other. Further, the CPU 11 stores a status indicating that the counterpart device 50 is in a memory full or other error state in the retransmission management table 14c (S430), and disconnects the communication (S424).

  Next, a case where an error code based on the fact that the partner apparatus 50 is busy is received from the SIP server 80 will be described. In this case (S412: Yes), the CPU 11 causes the scanner 15 to read the original and obtains image data (S433). Then, the acquired image data is stored in the image memory 14a, and the absolute path is stored as the image path 26 of the retransmission management table 14c, thereby storing the image data as image data to be retransmitted (S434). . Further, the CPU 11 stores the FAX number of the counterpart device 50 and the status indicating busy in the retransmission management table 14c (S436). However, when the partner apparatus 50 is busy (S412: Yes), since the connection between the FAX apparatus 1 and the partner apparatus 50 has not been established, the CPU 11 executes the step of disconnecting communication (S424). This process is terminated without doing so.

  Next, a case where the designated counterpart apparatus 50 is in a specific status, that is, a memory full or other error state will be described. In this case (S408: Yes), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the counterpart device 50 has a polling reception function (S437). Here, in the communication before the previous time, when it is determined that the partner device 50 is in a memory full or other error state (S420: Yes) and has a polling reception function (S426: Yes), the partner device 50 statuses are stored in the polling management table 14b. Therefore, when the status of the counterpart device 50 is stored in the polling management table 14b, the CPU 11 determines that the counterpart device 50 has a polling reception function (S437: Yes). Then, the CPU 11 reads the original by the scanner 15 and stores the image data in the image memory 14a (S438), but does not immediately transmit the image data. Instead, the image data is stored as polling transmission target image data, the absolute path is stored in the polling management table 14b, and the designated FAX number of the destination apparatus 50 is stored in association with the image data (S440).

  Next, when passwords sent in the past from the partner apparatus 50 designated this time are stored in the polling management table 14b, that is, image data to be polled to be transmitted to the same partner apparatus 50. Is stored in the image memory 14a, the CPU 11 associates the password with the newly acquired image data. Specifically, the password received from the same counterpart device 50 is stored in association with the image path 21 newly stored in the polling management table 14b (S442). Then, the CPU 11 ends this process. If it is determined in S437 that the partner device 50 does not have the polling reception function (S437: No), that is, the partner device 50 is in a memory full or other error state in the communication before the previous time. However, if it is determined that there is no polling reception function (S426: No) and the status of the counterpart device 50 is stored in the retransmission management table 14c, the CPU 11 proceeds to S410. A communication start is requested (S410), and transmission of image data is attempted.

  According to the main processing, when the partner device 50 receives an error code indicating that the destination device 50 is in a memory full or other error state, the image data to be transmitted to the destination device 50 is stored as the polling transmission target image data. be able to. Therefore, in all cases where the counterpart device 50 has an error, it is possible to reduce image data to be stored as polling transmission targets compared to a case where image data that could not be transmitted is uniformly set as polling transmission target image data. As a result, it is possible to suppress the image memory 14a from being compressed with the image data to be polled and to improve user convenience.

  When receiving an error code based on the fact that the counterpart device 50 is busy, the image data to be transmitted to the counterpart device 50 is stored as image data to be retransmitted. That is, the image data to be transmitted is stored based on the transmission from the FAX apparatus 1, not the transmission from the counterpart apparatus 50. Therefore, the image data can be transmitted while suppressing the communication cost charged to the counterpart device 50, which is highly convenient for the user of the counterpart device 50.

  If it is determined that the counterpart device 50 does not have a polling reception function, the image data is stored as image data to be retransmitted. Therefore, even when the counterpart device 50 does not have a polling reception function, image data can be transmitted.

  If a status indicating that the destination device 50 is in a memory full state or other error state is stored for the designated destination device 50, the image data is not transmitted, and the image data Since it is stored as image data subject to polling transmission, even if a communication start request is transmitted, it is possible to wait for transmission of image data to the partner device 50 that is highly likely to cause an error, thereby suppressing unnecessary communication execution. it can.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing polling transmission processing executed in the FAX apparatus 1. This process is a process of transmitting image data to be polled in response to a request from the counterpart device 50, and is repeatedly executed independently of the main process.

  First, T.W. When the polling transmission request is received by 38 FAX communication (S502: Yes), specifically, the communication start sequence 31 (FIG. 3) is connected to the partner device 50, and the partner device 50 transmits the polling transmission. When the NSC requesting execution is received, the CPU 11 determines whether or not image data to be polled is associated with the password included in the NSC (S504).

  When the NSC requesting execution of polling transmission is received from the counterpart device 50 and the image data to be polled transmission associated with the password included in the NSC is stored (S504: Yes), the CPU 11 The image data subject to polling transmission associated with the password is set to T.P. It transmits to the other party apparatus 50 by 38 FAX communication (S506).

  In the main process (FIG. 4), when a partner device 50 that is in a memory full or other error state is designated, image data transmission to the partner device 50 is not executed. Then, the password associated with the polling transmission target image data to be transmitted to the same counterpart device 50 is also associated with the newly acquired password. Therefore, as the image data for polling transmission associated with the password received from the counterpart device 50, in addition to the image data that could not be transmitted due to an error of the counterpart device 50, the same counterpart device 50 thereafter. There may be image data that has been designated and is waiting to be transmitted. In step S <b> 506, these image data associated with the same password are collectively transmitted to the counterpart device 50.

  Next, the CPU 11 deletes the polled image data from the image memory 14a (S508), the image path 21, the address 22, the password 23, the reading date 24, the status corresponding to the image data in the polling transmission management table 14b. 25 is deleted (S510), and this process ends. In this way, the status stored in the polling management table 14b can be updated appropriately based on the error cancellation of the counterpart device 50.

  Here, functions available for communication via the NGN network 30 differ from country to country. Therefore, for example, polling transmission / reception via the NGN network 30 can be used in a certain country, and polling transmission / reception via the NGN network 30 may not be possible in another country. Therefore, T.W. When the polling transmission request is received by the normal FAX communication (S512: No) instead of the 38 FAX communication (S502: No), the CPU 11 transmits the polling transmission target image data to the partner apparatus 50 by the normal FAX communication ( S506) and the process proceeds to S508. Note that when a polling transmission request is received by normal FAX communication (S512: Yes), When the polling transmission request is received by 38 FAX communication (S502: Yes), the network through which the request passes and the communication standard are different. Since this is the same as when a polling transmission request is received by 38 FAX communication, FIG. 5 collectively illustrates the detailed description thereof. In this way, image data can be polled and transmitted to the partner apparatus 50 regardless of whether or not the NGN network 30 in the country where the FAX apparatus 1 is installed supports the polling transmission / reception function.

  If the polling transmission request is received from the counterpart device 50 but the image data to be polled associated with the password received from the counterpart device 50 is not stored (S504: No), the CPU 11 This processing is terminated without executing transmission of. Therefore, the security of polling transmission can be increased.

  When the polling transmission request is not received (S512: No), the CPU 11 determines whether there is image data that has passed a predetermined period (for example, three days) from the reading date and time among the image data to be polled. Judgment is made (S514). If there is no corresponding image data (S514: No), the CPU 11 ends this process. On the other hand, when the corresponding image data exists (S514: Yes), the CPU 11 deletes the image data from the image memory 14a (S516). Further, the CPU 11 deletes the image path 21, the destination 22, the password 23, the reading date 24, and the status 25 corresponding to the image data in the polling transmission management table 14b (S518), and ends this processing. In this way, it is possible to suppress the image memory 14a from being compressed with the image data to be polled.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a retransmission process executed in the FAX apparatus 1. This process is a process of transmitting image data to be retransmitted, and is repeatedly executed independently of the main process. When there is image data that has passed a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) from the transmission error date and time among the image data to be retransmitted (S602: Yes), the CPU 11 manages retransmission by associating with the image data. Based on the FAX number of the partner apparatus 50 stored in the table 14c (FIG. 2B), an INVITE is transmitted to the partner apparatus 50, and a communication start is requested again (S604).

  Based on this start request, T.P. When the 38 FAX communication is started, the CPU 11 transmits image data to be retransmitted to the partner apparatus 50 (S606). Then, the CPU 11 deletes the retransmitted image data from the image memory 14a (S608), and the image path 26, destination 27, transmission error date 28, status 29 corresponding to the image data in the retransmission management table 14c. Is deleted (S610), and this process ends. If there is no image data that has passed a predetermined time from the transmission error date and time (S602: No), the CPU 11 ends this process.

  Although illustration and detailed description are omitted, if communication cannot be started because the busy state continues in the counterpart device 50 even if communication start is requested in S604, processing for requesting communication start (S604). ) May be executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times). If communication cannot be started even after a predetermined number of executions, the image data to be retransmitted may be deleted, and the process may proceed to S610.

  According to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the counterpart device 50 does not have a polling reception function, or when the counterpart device 50 is busy and image data cannot be transmitted, this The partner apparatus 50 can be requested again to start communication, and image data can be transmitted. In particular, when image data cannot be transmitted when the counterpart device 50 is busy, there is a high possibility that an error based on busy will be resolved relatively early. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the image memory 14a from becoming full by attempting to retransmit the image data in a relatively short time and deleting the image data from the image memory 14a when the image data can be transmitted.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a reception process executed in the FAX apparatus 1. This process is repeatedly executed independently of the main process. First, the CPU 11 does not proceed to the next step while not receiving a communication start request (S702: No). On the other hand, when the communication start request (INVITE) sent from the partner apparatus 50 via the SIP server 80 is received by the network I / F 20 (S702: Yes), and the own apparatus is busy (S704: Yes), that is, when communicating with another counterpart device 50, the CPU 11 transmits an error code indicating an error based on busy to the SIP server 80 (S706), and ends this process. Note that the SIP server 80 transmits an error code to the callee device 50.

  On the other hand, when the own device is not busy (S704: No), the CPU 11 responds to the communication start request by transmitting 180 Ringing, 200 OK to the callee device 50 (S708). The specific content of this response has already been described as the communication start sequence 31 (FIG. 3), and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, when the own device is memory full or another error has occurred in the own device (S710: Yes), the CPU 11 generates a password for polling reception of image data corresponding to the communication start request (S712). And stored in the flash memory 14 in association with the FAX number of the partner apparatus 50 (S714).

  Then, the CPU 11 includes an error code indicating the type of error that is occurring in the own device and a password in the NSF, and transmits DIS and NSF to the counterpart device 50 (S716). Based on the transmission of the error code, the partner apparatus 50 sends a DCN, thereby disconnecting the communication between the partner apparatus 50 and the FAX apparatus 1 (S718). Next, the CPU 11 turns on an error flag (not shown) stored in the flash memory 14 (S720), and ends this process.

  If no error has occurred in the FAX apparatus 1 (S710: No), the CPU 11 converts the image data sent from the counterpart apparatus 50 into the T.30 format. A normal reception process (S722) for receiving by 38 FAX communication is executed, and this process ends.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing error processing executed in the FAX apparatus 1. This process is repeatedly executed independently of the main process and the reception process. First, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the error flag is on (S802). If the error flag is off (S802: No), this process ends. On the other hand, when the error flag is on (S802: Yes), the CPU 11 displays an error on the LCD 18 (S804). As a result, the user notices an error in the FAX apparatus 1 and can take measures for canceling the error, for example, deleting unnecessary data.

  And while an error is not cancelled | released (S806: No), CPU11 continues an error display. On the other hand, for example, when an error based on the memory full occurring in the own device or other errors are canceled (S806: Yes), the CPU 11 determines whether or not polling transmission / reception can be used by communication via the NGN network 30. Is determined (S808). Specifically, the manufacturer of the MFP 1 changes the function installed in the MFP according to which country the MFP is shipped. For example, the MFP 1 that is shipped to a country where the NGN network 30 supports polling transmission / reception is equipped with a polling transmission / reception function via the NGN network 30 from the time of shipment. On the other hand, the MFP 1 that is shipped to a country where the NGN network 30 does not support polling transmission / reception does not have a polling transmission / reception function via the NGN network 30. Furthermore, information regarding the presence / absence of such a function is stored in advance in, for example, the ROM 12 as on-board function information. Therefore, in the determination in S808, it is determined whether polling transmission / reception can be used in communication via the NGN network 30 based on the on-board function information stored in the ROM 12 of the own apparatus. For example, if the installed function information of the own device does not include the polling transmission / reception function via the NGN network 30, the determination in S808 is denied.

  When polling transmission / reception via the NGN network 30 is possible (S808: Yes), the CPU 11 sends an INVITE to the SIP server 80, thereby requesting the counterpart device 50 to start communication (S812). More specifically, the FAX number of the partner device 50 stored in association with the password (that is, the partner device 50 of the error code transmission destination) is read from the flash memory 14 and designated as the partner device 50. To start communication.

  Next, while the DIS and NSF are not received (S814: No), the CPU 11 does not proceed to the next step. On the other hand, if DIS or NSF is received from the counterpart device 50 (S814: Yes), it is determined based on the NSF whether the counterpart device 50 has a polling transmission function (S816).

  When the partner apparatus 50 has a polling transmission function (S816: Yes), the CPU 11 includes the password stored in the flash memory 14 in association with the FAX number of the partner apparatus 50 in the NSC and the partner apparatus 50. The polling transmission request is transmitted by transmitting to (S820). In response to the polling transmission request, when the FAX apparatus 1 receives image data sent from the partner apparatus 50 (S822), the CPU 11 disconnects communication (S824) and turns off the error flag. (S826), and this process ends.

  On the other hand, when the counterpart device 50 does not have the polling transmission function (S816: No), the CPU 11 transmits error release image data indicating error cancellation to the counterpart device 50 (S818), and proceeds to S824. . It is assumed that the error cancel image data is stored in advance in the flash memory 14. By transmitting the error-cancelled image data, the error-cancelled image data is output from the counterpart device 50, so that it is possible to reliably notify the counterpart device 50 of the cancellation of the error in the own device. As a result, the user of the partner apparatus 50 can recognize the cancellation of the error, and can take appropriate measures such as retransmitting the image data that could not be transmitted due to the error.

  If polling transmission / reception via the NGN network 30 is impossible (S808: No), the CPU 11 Switching from 38 FAX communication control to normal FAX communication control (S810), the exchange 90 is requested to start communication (S812), and a polling transmission request is transmitted by normal FAX communication via the PSTN 40. Note that when switching to normal FAX communication control, T.P. The network through which the communication is performed and the communication standard are different from 38 FAX communication control. Since this is the same as in the case of 38 FAX communication control, FIG. 8 shows them together, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

  According to the error processing of the present embodiment, image data can be polled and received via the PSTN 40 even when the NGN network 30 does not support polling transmission / reception. Further, when the error occurring in the own device is canceled, the polling transmission request is transmitted to the counterpart device 50, so that the polling transmission request can be transmitted at an appropriate timing.

  Further, the password transmitted to the destination device 50 that is the transmission destination of the error code is stored in the flash memory 14, and when the error is released, the password is transmitted to the destination device 50 and polling reception is performed. So security can be increased. In addition, since the user is not required to manually enter a password, it is convenient for the user.

  In the above embodiment, INVITE is an example of a request for starting facsimile communication. Busy is an example of a first type error. Memory full and other errors are examples of type 2 errors. An error code is an example of error identification information. NSF is an example of function information and capability information. The status is an example of state information. The flash memory 14 is an example of a storage unit, a state storage unit, and a password storage unit. The NGN network 30 is an example of an IP network. The network I / F 20 is an example of a first communication control unit and a request reception unit. PSTNI / F19 is an example of the second communication control means.

  The CPU 11 that executes S410 is an example of a request unit. The CPU 11 that executes S604 is an example of a re-request unit. CPU11 which performs S606 is an example of a 1st transmission means. The CPU 11 that executes S428 is an example of a first storage control unit. The CPU 11 that executes S506 is an example of a second transmission unit. The CPU 11 that executes S426 is an example of a function determination unit. The CPU 11 that executes S430 is an example of a state information storage unit. The CPU 11 that executes S402 is an example of a partner designation unit. The CPU 11 that executes S418, S433, and S438 is an example of an image data acquisition unit. The CPU 11 that executes S408 is an example of a state determination unit. CPU11 which performs S510 is an example of a status information deletion means.

  The CPU 11 that executes S716 is an example of an error transmission unit and a password transmission unit. The CPU 11 that executes S820 is an example of a polling request unit. The CPU 11 that executes S822 is an example of a polling reception unit. CPU11 which performs S712 is an example of a production | generation means. The CPU 11 that executes S714 is an example of a password storage unit. The CPU 11 that executes S816 is an example of a capability determination unit. CPU11 which performs S818 is an example of an error cancellation notification means. The CPU 11 that executes S718 is an example of a cutting unit.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  For example, in the re-transmission process (FIG. 6), when a communication start request is transmitted to the counterpart device 50 (S604), if the counterpart device 50 is in error, a transmission error occurs for the counterpart device 50. The above embodiment may be modified to update only the date and time.

  Further, in the reception process (FIG. 7), when the facsimile communication start request is received (702: Yes), and the own apparatus is memory full or other error (S710: Yes), the FAX apparatus 1 Transmits the error code and password in the NSF (S716). Alternatively, the above embodiment may be modified such that the error code and the password are transmitted in 180 Ringing or 200 OK transmitted in response to the communication start request. On the other hand, if the source device receives 180 Ringing or 200 OK including an error code, it stores the received error code and password, and then disconnects communication without waiting for DIS or NSF reception. Also good.

  In the error processing (FIG. 8), the FAX apparatus 1 transmits a polling transmission request to the counterpart apparatus 50 (S812), and then, based on the NSF sent from the counterpart apparatus 50, the counterpart apparatus 50. It is determined whether or not has a polling transmission function (S816). Instead, in the reception process (FIG. 7), when the FAX apparatus 1 and the partner apparatus 50 are connected (S708), the capability such as NSC (not shown) from the partner apparatus 50 to the FAX apparatus 1 is provided. When information is sent, it may be determined whether or not the counterpart device 50 has a polling transmission function based on the capability information. In that case, the determination result is stored, and in the error processing (FIG. 8), based on the stored determination result, a polling transmission request is transmitted to the counterpart device 50, or an error cancel image is displayed. You may decide whether to send data.

  Further, in the error processing (FIG. 8) of the above-described embodiment, it has been described that a polling transmission request or error-cancelled image data is transmitted to one counterpart device 50. However, if the FAX apparatus 1 has transmitted an error code to a plurality of partner apparatuses 50 during a memory full or other error, a polling transmission request or error cancellation to each partner apparatus 50 The error processing (FIG. 8) may be modified so that any one of the image data is transmitted.

  Moreover, although the FAX apparatus 1 of the said embodiment was capable of both FAX communication via the NGN network 30 and FAX communication via the PSTN 40, the present invention can also be applied to an apparatus capable of only one of them. It is.

  Further, in the main processing (FIG. 4) of the above embodiment, when the NSF received from the counterpart device 50 includes an error code (S420: Yes), that is, the counterpart device 50 is in a memory full or other error state. In some cases, it is further determined whether or not the NSF received from the counterpart device 50 includes function information indicating that the counterpart device 50 has a polling reception function (S426). However, if the determination in S420 is affirmative (S420: Yes), the determination in S426 is not performed, and the main process of the above embodiment is modified so as to proceed to the step of storing as image data to be polled (S428). You may do it. In this case, the determination of S437 in the main process of the above embodiment can be omitted.

  Further, in the main process (FIG. 4) of the above embodiment, when it is determined that the status of the counterpart device 50 is a specific status (S408: Yes), the counterpart device 50 has a polling reception function. Or not (S437). Alternatively, if the determination in S408 is affirmative (S408: Yes), the document may be read (S438), and then it may be determined whether the counterpart device 50 has a polling reception function. If it is determined by this determination that the partner device 50 has a polling reception function, the processing after S440 is executed. If it is determined that the counterpart device 50 does not have a polling reception function, the same as S432. Then, the read image data may be stored as image data to be retransmitted, and the process may be terminated.

1 FAX machine 14 Flash memory 14b Polling management table 19 PSTNI / F
20 Network I / F
30 NGN network 40 PSTN
50 Destination device

Claims (11)

Request means for transmitting a start request for requesting the start of facsimile communication to the counterpart device;
In response to the start request transmitted by the request means, when error identification information indicating a first type error based on the busy state of the counterpart device is received, a re-request for resending the start request to the counterpart device Means,
A first transmission unit configured to transmit image data to the counterpart device when facsimile communication is started with the counterpart device based on the start request transmitted by the re-request unit;
In response to the start request transmitted by the request unit, when error identification information indicating a second type error not based on the busy state of the counterpart device is received, polling transmission of image data to be transmitted to the counterpart device First storage control means for storing the target image data in the storage unit;
A second transmission unit configured to transmit the polling transmission target image data stored in the storage unit to the counterpart device when a polling transmission request for requesting the polling transmission target image data is received from the counterpart device; A facsimile machine. The first storage control means
When receiving error identification information indicating the second type error from the counterpart device and receiving a password, the password and the image data to be polled are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit,
The second transmission means includes
When the polling transmission request is received from the counterpart device and the password associated with the polling transmission target image data stored in the storage unit is received, the polling transmission target associated with the password is received. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is transmitted to the destination apparatus. When the error identification information is received from the counterpart device and the function information indicating the function of the counterpart device is received, it is determined whether the counterpart device has a polling reception function based on the function information. Equipped with function judgment means,
The re-request means includes
3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the function determining unit determines that the partner apparatus does not have a polling reception function, the start request is transmitted to the partner apparatus. When receiving error identification information indicating the second type error from the counterpart device, status information storage means for storing in the status storage unit status information indicating that the counterpart device is in the second type error state When,
Destination designation means for accepting designation of the destination device;
Image data acquisition means for acquiring image data to be transmitted to the counterpart device that has received designation by the counterpart designation means;
A state determination unit that determines whether or not the state information indicating that the second type error state is stored in the state storage unit with respect to the partner device that has received the designation by the partner designation unit;
The first storage control means
When the state determination unit determines that the state information indicating that the second type error state is stored in the state storage unit, the image acquired by the image data acquisition unit 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is stored in the storage unit as image data to be polled and transmitted without executing data transmission. 5.   When the image data to be polled is transmitted to the counterpart device by the second transmission means, state information indicating that the counterpart device is in the second type error state is deleted from the state storage unit 5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an information deleting unit. The first storage control means
When receiving error identification information indicating the second type error from the counterpart device and receiving a password, the password and the image data to be polled are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit,
A password that is determined to store the status information indicating that it is in the second type error state for the counterpart device that has been designated by the counterpart designation means, and that is sent from the counterpart device When the image data targeted for polling transmission is stored in the storage unit, the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit is associated with the password as image data targeted for polling transmission. To remember
The second transmission means includes
6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein when the polling transmission request is received from the counterpart device and the password is received, the image data to be polled and transmitted associated with the password is transmitted to the counterpart device. The described facsimile machine. First communication control means for controlling facsimile communication via an IP network;
Second communication control means for controlling facsimile communication via the public network,
The request means includes
Transmitting a facsimile communication start request controlled by the first communication control means to the counterpart device;
The second transmission means includes
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the polling transmission target image data is transmitted to the destination apparatus by facsimile communication controlled by the second communication control unit. Request receiving means for receiving a request for starting facsimile communication from the counterpart device;
When the request reception means receives the facsimile communication start request, and an error has occurred in its own device, an error transmission that transmits error identification information indicating the type of the error to the counterpart device Means,
A polling request unit that transmits a polling transmission request to the destination device that is the transmission destination of the error identification information by the error transmission unit when an error occurring in the own device is canceled;
8. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising polling receiving means for receiving image data sent from the counterpart apparatus in response to the polling transmission request transmitted by the polling request means. . If the request reception means receives the facsimile communication start request, and an error has occurred in its own device, it generates a password for polling reception of image data corresponding to the facsimile communication start request. Generating means for
Password transmitting means for transmitting the password generated by the generating means to the counterpart device that is the transmission destination of the error identification information by the error transmitting means;
A password storage unit for storing the password generated by the generation unit in a password storage unit in association with the destination device that is the transmission destination of the error identification information by the error transmission unit;
The polling request unit transmits the polling transmission request to the partner device that is the transmission destination of the error identification information by the error transmission unit, and is stored in the password storage unit in association with the partner device. 9. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said password is transmitted. When receiving capability information from the counterpart device, capability judging means for judging whether the counterpart device has a polling transmission function based on the capability information;
When it is determined by the capability determination means that the counterpart device does not have the polling transmission function, and an error occurring in the own device is canceled, an error cancel image indicating the cancellation of the error The facsimile apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising an error cancellation notification unit that transmits data to the destination apparatus. First communication control means for controlling facsimile communication via an IP network;
Second communication control means for controlling facsimile communication via the public network;
When the request receiving unit receives a request for starting facsimile communication via the IP network and an error has occurred in the own device, the error transmitting unit sends the error identification information to the counterpart device. Provided with a disconnecting means for disconnecting communication with the counterpart device on the condition that it is transmitted,
The polling request means includes
The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the polling transmission request is transmitted by facsimile communication controlled by the second communication control unit.

Images