JP2013077919A - Facsimile device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile device capable of performing suitable communication with a communication device, which is a facsimile data transmission source, in an established session.SOLUTION: The facsimile device communicates with the communication device connected to a bandwidth-secured IP network and receives a facsimile data (step A8). The facsimile device acquires a lapse time from the establishment of a session (step A3) to the reception of a second signal transmitted when the facsimile data transmission is completed (step A9). According to the lapse time, the facsimile device transmits to the communication device either a third signal to continue the established session or a fourth signal to terminate the established session. When the third signal is transmitted (step A10), communication by the established session is continued (steps A13-A20), whereas when the fourth signal is transmitted, communication by the established session is terminated.

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus compatible with a bandwidth reservation type IP network.

  Conventionally, a technique related to a facsimile apparatus has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the facsimile apparatus of Patent Document 1, when the calling data processing apparatus transmits an EOP signal indicating that transmission of the final page of FAX data has been completed to the called side, the called data processing apparatus receives the MCF signal. (Re-) INVITE is sent instead of returning. This process prevents call disconnection from the calling side, and further transmits T.F. for transmitting FAX data from the called side data processing device to the calling side data processing device. 38 media channels can be established. In addition, a bandwidth securing type data communication service using a telephone number starting from an area code is provided (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). NGN is used for this service.

JP 2007-324939 A

East Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, “Providing Data Connect, a Bandwidth-Reserved Data Communication Service Using News Release“ Hikari Telephone ”, and“ Hikari Telephone Number Gate ”for Realizing Large Capacity and Multi-Channel Communications” , [Online], May 31, 2010, [Search September 7, 2011], Internet <http://www.ntt-east.co.jp/release/detail/20100531_05.html>

  In the bandwidth reservation type data communication service in Non-Patent Document 1, the time required for communication is charged every time a unit time as a reference unit elapses. Currently, in the bandwidth securing data communication service according to Non-Patent Document 1, the unit time is set to 30 seconds. It is assumed that the user transmits facsimile data using this data communication service. In this case, for example, if the communication exceeds 60 seconds, the billing amount does not increase until 90 seconds. In the above example, it is assumed that communication takes 61 seconds. In this case, theoretically, the remaining 29 seconds can be communicated within the same charge. By the way, when the facsimile data is transmitted to the partner apparatus using the bandwidth reservation type data communication service as in Non-Patent Document 1, it becomes uncertain whether the transmitted facsimile data is correctly received together with the charge amount. There is a case.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus capable of performing suitable communication with a counterpart apparatus that is a transmission source of facsimile data in an established session.

  One aspect of the present invention made in view of the above-described conventional problems is a facsimile apparatus that communicates with a partner apparatus connected to a bandwidth reservation type IP network and receives facsimile data transmitted from the partner apparatus. A communication unit that is connected to the IP network and communicates with the counterpart device via the IP network, a communication control unit that controls communication with the counterpart device via the communication unit, and a time count that measures the passage of time And a timing control unit that controls the timing unit, and the communication control unit establishes a session with a counterpart device when a first signal requesting establishment of a session is received by the communication unit. Facsimile data transmitted from the counterpart device and facsimile data in the session established by the communication start process. Control the reception of the second signal transmitted when the transmission is completed, so that the timing control unit starts measurement in the timing unit on condition that a session is established by the communication start process. Control, on condition that the second signal is received, control so that the measurement in the timekeeping unit is terminated, obtain an elapsed time from the start to the end measured by the timekeeping unit, and the communication control unit Is one of a third signal for continuing the established session and a fourth signal for terminating the established session, according to the elapsed time acquired by the timing control unit. When the third signal is transmitted from the communication unit to the destination device, the communication by the established session is continued. When the fourth signal is transmitted, the communication by the established session is performed. End To, is a facsimile machine. According to this, it is possible to determine the continuation or termination of the established session according to the elapsed time until the second signal transmitted when the transmission of the facsimile data is completed. When the session is continued, communication with the counterpart device can be continued.

  This facsimile apparatus can also be configured as follows. A generation unit that generates return data including predetermined information that is transmitted to the counterpart device in response to reception of the second signal, and that is required to transmit the return data from the communication unit to the counterpart device. An acquisition unit for acquiring a return time; the elapsed time acquired by the timing control unit; a unit time defined as a reference unit for managing an established session; and the acquisition unit acquired by the acquisition unit A first determination unit that determines a relationship with a return time, and the communication control unit relates to the relationship between the elapsed time determined by the first determination unit, the unit time, and the return time. When the time corresponding to the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the minimum reference time exceeding the elapsed time is a time that is an integral multiple of the unit time, is longer than the return time, Third trust Is transmitted from the communication unit to the partner device, and on the condition that the third signal is transmitted, the return data is controlled to be transmitted from the communication unit to the partner device. Regarding the relationship between the elapsed time, the unit time, and the return time determined by the determination unit, when the time corresponding to the remaining time is shorter than the return time, the fourth signal is It controls so that it may be transmitted to the other party apparatus from the said communication part. According to this, it is possible to notify the partner apparatus that the facsimile data has been received by transmitting the return data to the partner apparatus in the same established session. The return data can be transmitted to the counterpart device in a state where communication within a new unit time does not occur.

  A storage unit that stores facsimile data transmitted from the communication unit to the partner device in association with partner information corresponding to the partner device, and a partner that matches the partner information corresponding to the partner device in the established session. A second determination unit that determines whether destination information is stored in the storage unit, and the generation unit stores the matching counterpart information in the storage unit in the second determination unit. If it is determined that there is, the return data including the predetermined information and the facsimile data associated with the matching destination information is generated, and the acquisition unit adds the matching destination information to the matching destination information. The transmission time required for transmitting the associated facsimile data from the communication unit to the counterpart device is acquired, and the communication control unit is configured to determine the elapsed time determined by the first determination unit. Regarding the relationship between the unit time and the return time, when the time corresponding to the remaining time is longer than the return time to which the transmission time is added, the third signal is sent from the communication unit. The return data including the predetermined information and the facsimile data associated with the matching counterpart information on the condition that the third signal is transmitted under control of transmission to the counterpart device. It controls so that it may be transmitted to the other party apparatus from the said communication part. According to this, it is notified to the partner apparatus that the facsimile data has been received, and the facsimile data that has not been transmitted to the partner apparatus is communicated in the same established session and within a new unit time. In this state, it is possible to transmit to the counterpart device. When return data including predetermined information and facsimile data is received by the counterpart device, the user of the counterpart device knows that the facsimile data has been received and corresponds to the facsimile data included in the return data. Information contained in the image can be obtained.

  The communication control unit relates to the relationship between the elapsed time determined by the first determination unit, the unit time, and the return time, and the time corresponding to the remaining time is not added to the transmission time. When the relationship is longer than the return time and shorter than the return time to which the transmission time is added, the third signal is controlled to be transmitted from the communication unit to the counterpart device, Control that the return data including the predetermined information and not including the facsimile data associated with the matching destination information is transmitted from the communication unit to the destination device on condition that three signals are transmitted To do. According to this, even if it is determined not to send return data including predetermined information and facsimile data, return data whose data amount is reduced by the amount of facsimile data is reduced within a new unit time. It is possible to transmit to the counterpart device without communication.

  The unit time is a time determined as a reference unit for charging in communication by the IP network. According to this, an increase in billing amount can be prevented.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a facsimile apparatus capable of performing suitable communication with a counterpart apparatus that is a transmission source of facsimile data in an established session.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a facsimile apparatus. (A) is a figure showing an example of a transmission waiting table. (B) is a figure showing an example of a report information table. It is a figure which shows an example of a reception confirmation report. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram in a case where return data is transmitted in an established session. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram when return data is not transmitted in an established session. It is a flowchart of a transmission standby process. It is a flowchart (the 1) of a reception process. It is a flowchart (the 2) of a reception process. It is a flowchart of a FAX information acquisition process.

  Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the configurations described below, and various configurations can be employed in the same technical idea. For example, some of the configurations shown below may be omitted or replaced with other configurations. Moreover, you may make it include another structure.

<Facsimile communication system>
A facsimile communication system (hereinafter referred to as “FAX communication system”) 1 including a facsimile apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “FAX apparatus”) 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The FAX communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is constructed by a next generation network (hereinafter referred to as “NGN”) network 3. Specifically, the FAX communication system 1 is based on a bandwidth reservation type data communication service using a telephone number starting from an area code (hereinafter referred to as “dial number”) as shown in Non-Patent Document 1, for example. Built. That is, the FAX communication system 1 is constructed by a bandwidth-reserved data communication service using the NGN network 3 already provided by East Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation and West Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation. This bandwidth-reserved data communication service is called Data Connect (registered trademark). In this bandwidth reservation type data communication service, an established session is managed for each unit time as a reference unit. In other words, in the bandwidth reservation type data communication service, a fee is charged every time a unit time elapses after the session is established. Currently, the unit time is 30 seconds. Since the bandwidth-reserved data communication service using the NGN network 3 is a technology that has already been put into practical use, other explanations are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the FAX communication system 1 includes a FAX apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “partner apparatus”) 50 and a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) server 80 in addition to the FAX apparatus 10. The FAX apparatus 10, the partner apparatus 50, and the SIP server 80 are connected to the NGN network 3. In the present embodiment, first, facsimile data (hereinafter referred to as “FAX data”) is transmitted from the partner apparatus 50 to the FAX apparatus 10 using the partner apparatus 50 as a transmission source. The FAX apparatus 10 receives FAX data from the counterpart apparatus 50. The counterpart device 50 is a conventionally used FAX device. A description of the counterpart device 50 is omitted. The SIP server 80 stores the IP address of the FAX apparatus 10 and SIP URI (SIP Uniform Resource Identifier) in association with each other, and stores the IP address and SIP URI of the partner apparatus 50 in association with each other. The SIP server 80 controls communication between the FAX apparatus 10 and the counterpart apparatus 50 using SIP. Various signals (commands) based on SIP procedures are transmitted and received between the FAX apparatus 10 and the partner apparatus 50 via the SIP server 80.

<FAX machine>
The FAX apparatus 10 is a T.D. It has a function for performing 38-based IPFAX (Internet Protocol FAX) communication (hereinafter referred to as “T.38 FAX communication”). T.A. 38 is a transmission control protocol for performing G3 FAX communication using the IP protocol. T.A. In 38 FAX communication, FAX data is communicated (transmitted / received) via the NGN network 3 using SIP URI. The FAX data is data obtained by encoding image data by an encoding method to be described later. The FAX data will be described later. T.A. In 38 FAX communication, a dial number is used as destination information corresponding to the destination device 50. As a dial number, for example, 0ABJ, E.I. The 164 format is exemplified and assigned from East Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation and West Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation. The FAX apparatus 10 is a T.D. The FAX data from the partner apparatus 50 is received by 38 FAX communication, and the FAX data is transmitted to the partner apparatus 50. The FAX apparatus 10 supports monochrome and color transmission. In monochrome transmission, for example, MMR, MR, MH, and JBIG are used as encoding methods. In color transmission, for example, JPEG is used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the FAX apparatus 10 includes a display unit 12, an operation unit 14, a reading unit 16, a printing unit 18, a network interface (network I / F) 20, and a time measuring unit 22. The FAX apparatus 10 includes a CPU 30, a program ROM 32, a RAM 34, and a flash ROM 36. These units 12 to 36 are connected to a bus line 38. The display unit 12 is a display for displaying various information. The operation unit 14 includes a plurality of keys. The operation unit 14 includes a numeric keypad such as 0-9, a start key, a selection key, and the like. The numeric keypad is pressed, for example, when inputting a dial number. The start key is pressed when performing transmission. The user can input various instructions to the FAX apparatus 10 by operating keys associated with various processes constituting the operation unit 14. The selection key is pressed when selecting a predetermined option. For example, it is used when a desired dial number is selected from dial numbers corresponding to a destination apparatus 50 registered in an address book database described later. A dial number can also be input by selecting a desired dial number using a selection key. The reading unit 16 reads a document. The printing unit 18 prints an image corresponding to the encoded image data received by the FAX apparatus 10 on a recording sheet. The network I / F 20 is connected to the NGN network 3 and connects the FAX apparatus 10 to the NGN network 3. The timer unit 22 measures the passage of time. The timer unit 22 has a clock function with a calendar function.

  CPU30 performs arithmetic processing. The program ROM 32 stores computer programs for various processes including processes described later (see FIGS. 6 to 9). The RAM 34 is a storage area used when the CPU 30 executes various computer programs. In the RAM 34, an area for information (data) used in processing to be described later is secured. The CPU 30 executes various computer programs stored in the program ROM 32 and controls the FAX apparatus 10. As a result, the FAX apparatus 10 executes various processes and implements various functions.

  The flash ROM 36 stores various data. For example, the domain name of the SIP server 80 is stored in the flash ROM 36. The user operates the operation unit 14 to store the domain name of the SIP server 80. The flash ROM 36 stores an address book database in which dial numbers and the like corresponding to the counterpart device 50 are registered in association with the counterpart device 50. The flash ROM 36 stores FAX data waiting for transmission and a transmission waiting table. The FAX data waiting for transmission also becomes FAX data (return data) transmitted from the FAX apparatus 10 to the counterpart apparatus 50 in a session established when the FAX data is transmitted from the counterpart apparatus 50. This point will be described later. The FAX data waiting for transmission is data obtained by previously reading a document set on the FAX apparatus 10 with the reading unit 16 and encoding image data corresponding to the read document with an encoding method such as MMR, for example. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the transmission standby table stores FAX data waiting for transmission and the dial number of the destination apparatus 50 that is the transmission destination of the FAX data in association with each other. Regarding the storage of FAX data in the transmission standby table, in detail, information that can specify FAX data such as an address of the flash ROM 36 in which each FAX data is stored is stored. In the transmission standby table, a dial number and FAX data are stored with a transmission time required for transmitting the FAX data in association with each available communication band, for example, 1 Mbps, 512 kbps, and 64 kbps. In the transmission standby table, the reserved time for transmitting the FAX data to the counterpart apparatus 50 of the dial number associated therewith is stored in association with it. When the FAX data stored in the transmission standby table cannot be transmitted to the counterpart apparatus 50 associated therewith in the process described later (eg, procedure A17 in FIG. 4), and the current time becomes the reserved time, The FAX data stored in the transmission standby table is transmitted to the destination device 50 of the dial number.

  The flash ROM 36 stores data (hereinafter referred to as “report source data”) for generating FAX data corresponding to the reception confirmation report. The reception confirmation report includes each piece of information as shown in FIG. The reception confirmation report is transmitted to the destination apparatus 50 by the processing described later (see, for example, step A17 in FIG. 4) alone or together with the above-described FAX data waiting for transmission. That is, the FAX data corresponding to the reception confirmation report becomes return data transmitted from the FAX apparatus 10 to the counterpart apparatus 50 in a session established when the FAX data is transmitted from the counterpart apparatus 50. The flash ROM 36 stores a report information table. The report information table stores the return time required when the return data corresponding to the reception confirmation report is transmitted in each communication band of 1 Mbps, 512 kbps, and 64 kbps. Since the return data corresponding to the reception confirmation report has a format as shown in FIG. 3, the data amount is substantially constant (for example, about 5 kbytes). The return time for each communication band stored in the report information table is a time based on a predetermined amount of data.

  The flash ROM 36 stores an operation mode related to transmission of return data. The operation mode includes a first operation mode to a third operation mode. The first operation mode is a mode in which return data corresponding to the reception confirmation report is transmitted to the counterpart device 50 after FAX data from the counterpart device 50 is received in the already established session. In the second operation mode, after the FAX data from the partner apparatus 50 is received in the already established session, the dial number that matches the dial number of the partner apparatus 50 is the transmission standby shown in FIG. When stored in the table, this is a mode in which return data including FAX data associated with the dial number is transmitted to the destination device 50 together with the reception confirmation report. The third operation mode is a mode in which return data is not transmitted to the counterpart device 50 as in the first operation mode or the second operation mode.

<Processing sequence>
In the FAX communication system 1, T.P. performed between the FAX apparatus 10 and the partner apparatus 50. Two embodiments will be described for each processing procedure in 38 FAX communication. 4 and 5 relating to the first and second embodiments, the SIP server 80 is omitted. For the procedure according to SIP, transmission / reception of signals and the like is performed via the SIP server 80. Various signals transmitted and received in the first and second embodiments are SIP and T.264. Since the signals are in accordance with both protocols 38, the description of each signal is omitted.

<First Example>
The first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is an embodiment under the following assumptions. That is, in the first embodiment, after the FAX data transmitted from the partner apparatus 50 is received by the FAX apparatus 10, re-INVITE is transmitted from the FAX apparatus 10 to the partner apparatus 50, and the established session is displayed. This is an example in the case of continuing. The re-INVITE includes SDP (Session Description Protocol) that has already been put into practical use. The description regarding this is omitted. The SDP is used together with the SIP to provide a function for exchanging capabilities necessary for media packet transmission for communication. According to re-INVITE, the established session can be continued.

  When transmitting FAX data from the partner apparatus 50 to the FAX apparatus 10, procedures A1 to A3 are sequentially executed between the partner apparatus 50 and the FAX apparatus 10, and INVITE, 200OK, and ACK are transmitted and received. When the FAX apparatus 10 understands and accepts INVITE as a request (procedure A1), it transmits 200 OK to the counterpart apparatus 50 (procedure A2). The counterpart apparatus 50 that has received 200 OK transmits ACK to the FAX apparatus 10 in order to notify that the 200 OK has been received (procedure A3). Procedures A1 to A3 are performed by SIP. When ACK is received by the FAX apparatus 10, T.P. A session (media session) in 38 FAX communication is established. That is, the procedure A1 to the procedure A3 can be said to be a communication start process for establishing a session. After the session is established, procedures A4 to A9 are sequentially executed between the FAX apparatus 10 and the counterpart apparatus 50, and DIS, DCS, TCF, CFR, PIX, and EOP are transmitted and received. FAX data is transmitted from the partner apparatus 50 to the FAX apparatus 10 by PIX transmitted and received in step A8. That is, the FAX apparatus 10 receives FAX data in procedure A8. Procedures A4 to A9 are described in T.W. At 38.

  The FAX apparatus 10 starts timer measurement at the timing when ACK is received in procedure A3 and a session is established. The started measurement ends at the timing when EOP is received in step A9. The FAX apparatus 10 acquires the elapsed time from the start to the end. In the FAX apparatus 10, either re-INVITE or MCF is transmitted to the counterpart apparatus 50 according to the acquired elapsed time. Specific determination of which signal is transmitted will be described later. In the first embodiment, as described above, re-INVITE is transmitted, and counterpart device 50 receives re-INVITE (procedure A10). Thereafter, 200 OK and ACK are transmitted and received between the partner apparatus 50 and the FAX apparatus 10 (procedures A11 and A12). When the partner apparatus 50 understands and accepts re-INVITE, it transmits 200 OK to the FAX apparatus 10 (procedure A11). The FAX apparatus 10 that has received 200 OK transmits ACK to the counterpart apparatus 50 in order to notify that the 200 OK has been received (procedure A12). Procedures A10 to A12 are performed by SIP. Thus, the FAX apparatus 10 that has been the receiving side so far becomes the transmitting side, and the counterpart apparatus 50 that has been the transmitting side becomes the receiving side.

  Subsequently, steps A13 to A18 are sequentially executed between the FAX apparatus 10 and the counterpart apparatus 50, and DIS, DCS, TCF, CFR, PIX, and EOP are transmitted and received. Return data is transmitted from the FAX apparatus 10 to the partner apparatus 50 by PIX transmitted and received in step A17, and the partner apparatus 50 receives the return data. Although details of the return data will be described later, the return data includes FAX data corresponding to the reception confirmation report as shown in FIG. Thereafter, procedures A19 and A20 are sequentially executed between the FAX apparatus 10 and the counterpart apparatus 50, and transmission of FAX data from the FAX apparatus 10 to the counterpart apparatus 50 is completed. Procedures A13 to A20 are described in T.W. At 38. After the procedure A20 is executed, the procedures A21 and A22 are sequentially executed between the FAX apparatus 10 and the partner apparatus 50, and BYE and 200OK are transmitted and received. As a result, the T.P. 38 FAX communication ends.

<Second Example>
The second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is an embodiment under the following assumptions. That is, in the second embodiment, after the FAX data transmitted from the partner apparatus 50 is received by the FAX apparatus 10, the MCF is transmitted from the FAX apparatus 10 to the partner apparatus 50, and the established session is terminated. Example of the case. In the second embodiment, the procedure common to the first embodiment is clearly indicated as the correspondence with each procedure in the first embodiment, and the description regarding each common procedure is omitted.

  When FAX data is transmitted from the partner apparatus 50 to the FAX apparatus 10, procedures B <b> 1 to B <b> 9 are sequentially executed between the partner apparatus 50 and the FAX apparatus 10. Procedures B1 to B9 correspond to procedures A1 to A9 of the first embodiment, respectively. The FAX apparatus 10 starts timer measurement at the timing when ACK is received in procedure B3, and ends timer measurement at the timing when EOP is received in procedure B9. The FAX apparatus 10 acquires the elapsed time from the start to the end. In the FAX apparatus 10, either re-INVITE or MCF is transmitted to the counterpart apparatus 50 according to the acquired elapsed time. Specific determination of which signal is transmitted will be described later. In the second embodiment, as described above, the MCF is transmitted (procedure B10).

  The counterpart device 50 receives the MCF in procedure B10. Thereafter, DCN transmission / reception is performed between the partner apparatus 50 and the FAX apparatus 10 (procedure B11). Similar to the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, in steps A19 and A20, transmission and reception of MCF and DCN are performed between both apparatuses. However, the transmitting side and the receiving side of each signal are reversed between the first embodiment and the second embodiment. This is because the sending side and the receiving side of FAX data (return data) are reversed in the procedure A17 and the procedure B8. Procedures B10 and B11 are also similar to procedures B4 to B9. At 38. After the procedure B11 is executed, the procedures B12 and B13 are sequentially executed between the counterpart device 50 and the FAX device 10, and BYE and 200OK are transmitted and received. As a result, the T.P. 38 FAX communication ends. As in the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, BYE and 200 OK are transmitted and received between both devices in steps A21 and A22. However, the transmitting side and the receiving side of each signal are reversed between the first embodiment and the second embodiment. This is the same as the case of MCF and DCN described above. Procedures B12 and B13 are performed by SIP.

<Transmission standby processing>
The transmission standby process will be described with reference to FIG. The transmission standby process is started when the reservation time and the dial number are input and the start key of the operation unit 14 is pressed. For example, the user sets a document to be transmitted on the FAX apparatus 10. Subsequently, the user operates the operation unit 14 to input a reservation time and a dial number of the partner apparatus 50 that is a transmission destination of FAX data. The dial number can be input by pressing the dial key of the operation unit 14 or operating the selection key of the operation unit 14 and corresponding to the partner device 50 displayed on the display unit 12 based on registration in the address book database. A desired dial number is selected from the dial numbers to be performed. Thereafter, the user presses the start key of the operation unit 14. The transmission standby process is started in response to pressing of the start key. CPU30 which started the transmission start process acquires the input reservation time (S100). The acquired reservation time is stored in a reservation time area secured in the RAM 34. The CPU 30 acquires the entered dial number (S102). The acquired dial number is stored in a dial number area secured in the RAM 34.

  Next, the CPU 30 generates FAX data (S104). In step S <b> 104, the CPU 30 controls the reading unit 16 to read the original set on the FAX apparatus 10. The reading unit 16 reads a document set on the FAX apparatus 10. The CPU 30 encodes the image data corresponding to the document read by the reading unit 16 by an encoding method such as MMR, and generates FAX data for all the read pages. The generated FAX data for all pages is stored in a coding area secured in the RAM 34. After all the originals set in the FAX apparatus 10 are read in S104 and FAX data for all pages is stored in the encoding area of the RAM 34, the CPU 30 stores the FAX data stored in the encoding area. Is acquired (S106). Subsequently, the CPU 30 divides the data amount acquired in S106 by the communication band that can be used in the data communication service using the NGN network 3, and acquires the transmission time for each communication band (S108). For example, it is assumed that the available communication bands are 1 Mbps, 512 kbps, and 64 kbps as shown in FIG. In this case, the CPU 30 divides the data amount acquired in S106 by each communication band, and acquires the transmission time when 1 Mbps, 512 kbps, and 64 kbps are used. The acquired transmission time is stored in a transmission time area secured in the RAM 34.

  After executing S108, the CPU 30 stores the reservation time stored in the reservation time area of the RAM 34, the dial number stored in the dial number area, the FAX data stored in the encoding area, and the transmission time area. Each transmission time is associated with each other and stored (additionally stored) in a transmission standby table stored in the flash ROM 36 (S110). At this time, the CPU 30 reads the transmission standby table from the flash ROM 36 into the RAM 34, and additionally stores the above-described data in the transmission standby table read out to the RAM 34. That is, the CPU 30 additionally stores one record associated with each piece of data in the transmission standby table. Thereafter, the CPU 30 updates the transmission standby table stored in the flash ROM 36 to a new transmission standby table to which one record is added. For example, it is assumed that the reserved time at S100 is “2011/08/09/23: 00”, the dial number at S102 is “45678890123”, and the FAX data at S104 is “ddd”. The data amount in S106 is 15 Mbytes, the transmission rate of 1 Mbps is “15” (sec), the transmission rate of 512 kbps is “30” (sec), and the transmission rate of 64 kbps is “240”. Suppose. In such a case, the CPU 30 additionally stores a record associated with each piece of information (value) as included in the final record (fourth record) shown in FIG. 2A, and the transmission stored in the flash ROM 36. The standby table is updated to a transmission standby table in which such a record is stored. After executing S108, the CPU 30 ends the transmission standby process.

<Reception processing>
The reception process will be described with reference to FIGS. The reception process starts with an incoming call. The CPU 30 that has started the reception process controls the network I / F 20 to receive the INVITE transmitted from the counterpart device 50 via the SIP server 80 (S200). The CPU 30 performs control so that 200 OK is transmitted from the network I / F 20 according to INVITE (S202). The CPU 30 controls the network I / F 20 to receive the ACK transmitted from the partner device 50 that has received 200 OK via the SIP server 80 (S204). S200 to S204 correspond to procedures A1 to A3 in FIG. 4 or procedures B1 to B3 in FIG. When the ACK is received, the T.P. A session in 38 FAX communication is established. That is, S200 to S204 correspond to a communication start process for establishing a session. After S204 is executed and the session is established, the CPU 30 performs control so that measurement (timer measurement) in the timer unit 22 is started (S206). Subsequently, the CPU 30 performs T.P. It controls so that communication with the other party apparatus 50 by 38 is performed via network I / F20 (S208). S208 corresponds to steps A4 to A9 in FIG. 4 or steps B4 to B9 in FIG. That is, in S208, for example, the network I / F 20 receives FAX data, and then receives EOP (see procedures A8 and A9 in FIG. 4 and procedures B8 and B9 in FIG. 5). The received FAX data is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 34, and is printed on a recording paper set in the FAX apparatus 10 by the printing unit 18. When the EOP is received in S208, the CPU 30 controls the measurement started in S206 to be completed (S209). CPU30 acquires the elapsed time from a start to an end (S210). The acquired elapsed time is stored in the elapsed time area secured in the RAM 34.

  After executing S210, the CPU 30 determines the operation mode of the FAX apparatus 10 (S212). The CPU 30 determines S212 based on the operation mode stored in the flash ROM 36. When the first operation mode is stored in the flash ROM 36 (S212: first operation mode), the CPU 30 acquires report information (S214). The report information is information necessary for generating a reception confirmation report. Taking the reception confirmation report shown in FIG. 3 as an example, report information includes reception date and time, recipient name, recipient number, number of pages of received fax data, image quality, and images corresponding to received fax data. The image data of the first page image and the transmission source information.

  As the reception date and time, for example, the time when timer measurement is started in S206 or the time when timer measurement is ended in S209 is acquired. The sender information is acquired as the recipient name. Although the description of the transmission source information is omitted above, the FAX apparatus 10 has a FAX data header portion when the FAX data is transmitted from the network I / F 20 to the destination apparatus 50 as in the conventional FAX apparatus. Source information is given. The sender information is information that can identify the FAX apparatus 10 and is the name of the user of the FAX apparatus 10 or the name of the place where the FAX apparatus 10 is installed. The user operates the operation unit 14 to store the sender information in the flash ROM 36. As the recipient number, the dial number of the FAX apparatus 10 is acquired. The dial number is also stored in the flash ROM 36. The number of pages of FAX data and the image of the first page are acquired from the FAX data (see step A8 in FIG. 4) received in S208. The image quality is acquired from the DCS (see procedure A5 in FIG. 4) transmitted from the counterpart device 50 and received by the network I / F 20. The transmission source information is acquired from the INVITE received in S200 (see procedure A1 in FIG. 4). The transmission source information is information that can identify the partner apparatus 50 that is the transmission source of the FAX data in the established session. The transmission source information is, for example, a dial number of the counterpart device 50. Based on FIG. 3, the reception date and time “2011/08/08 11:11”, the recipient name “XXX”, the recipient number “98765443210”, the number of received pages “30”, the image quality “standard”, and the source information “1234556790” Is acquired. The report information acquired in S214 is stored in the reception confirmation information area secured in the RAM 34.

  Next, the CPU 30 generates return data corresponding to the reception confirmation report in which the report information stored in the reception confirmation information area of the RAM 34 is arranged as shown in FIG. 3 (S216). At this time, the CPU 30 generates image data corresponding to the reception confirmation report from the report source data stored in the flash ROM 36 and the report information stored in the reception confirmation information area of the RAM 34, and the generated image data is generated. The return data is generated by encoding with the same encoding method as the received FAX data (see procedure A8 in FIG. 4). The generated return data is stored in a return data area secured in the RAM 34. Subsequently, the CPU 30 acquires a return time required when the generated return data is transmitted from the network I / F 20 to the counterpart device 50 (S218). At this time, the CPU 30 accesses the report information table stored in the flash ROM 36, and acquires a return time corresponding to the communication band used in the established session. The acquired return time is stored in a return time area secured in the RAM 34.

  After executing S218, the CPU 30 obtains the elapsed time acquired in S210 and stored in the elapsed time area of the RAM 34, and the unit time (30 seconds) in the bandwidth reservation type data communication service using the NGN network 3 described above. The relationship with the return time stored in the return time area of the RAM 34 is determined (S220). Specifically, the CPU 30 is a time obtained by multiplying the unit time by an integer, and the time corresponding to the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the minimum reference time exceeding the elapsed time is longer than the return time (corresponding to the remaining time). Judgment time> return time). Here, the time corresponding to the remaining time is, for example, a time obtained by subtracting a certain amount (α) from the remaining time. The certain amount (α) is determined in advance, for example, corresponding to the time required for the procedures A10 to A12 in FIG. Specifically, the time is about 1 second to 2 seconds or less. When the time corresponding to the remaining time is longer than the return time (S220: Yes), the CPU 30 shifts the processing to S300 in FIG. When the time corresponding to the remaining time is equal to or shorter than the return time (S220: No), the CPU 30 shifts the processing to S308 in FIG.

  Returning to S212, when the third operation mode is stored in the flash ROM 36 (S212: third operation mode), the CPU 30 proceeds to S308 in FIG. When the second operation mode is stored in the flash ROM 36 (S212: second operation mode), the CPU 30 sequentially executes S222 to S228. Here, S222 to S228 are the same processes as S214 to S220, and are executed in the same manner as described above. Therefore, the description regarding this is abbreviate | omitted. When the time corresponding to the remaining time is longer than the return time (S228: Yes), the CPU 30 executes a FAX information acquisition process. The FAX information acquisition process will be described later. After executing the FAX information acquisition process, the CPU 30 shifts the process to S300 of FIG. When the time corresponding to the remaining time is equal to or shorter than the return time (S228: No), the CPU 30 shifts the processing to S308 of FIG.

  In S300 of FIG. 8, the CPU 30 controls re-INVITE to be transmitted from the network I / F 20 (see procedure A10 of FIG. 4). The re-INVITE is transmitted by SIP. By sending re-INVITE, T.B. 38 FAX communication can be continued. Note that after transmitting re-INVITE, the CPU 30 performs control so that 200 OK is received by the network I / F 20 and ACK is transmitted from the network I / F 20 (see steps A11 and A12 in FIG. 4). Subsequently, the CPU 30 performs T.P. It controls so that communication between 38 and the other party apparatus 50 is performed via network I / F20 (S302). S302 corresponds to steps A13 to A20 in FIG. That is, in S302, the return data generated in S216 of FIG. 7 or updated in S414 of FIG. 9 to be described later and stored in the return data area of the RAM 34 is transmitted from the network I / F 20 to the partner apparatus 50 (FIG. 4 procedure A17). After the return data is transmitted, EOP and DCN are transmitted from the network I / F 20 to the counterpart device 50 (see procedures A18 and A20 in FIG. 4). Thereafter, the CPU 30 controls the BYE to be transmitted from the network I / F 20 (S304). The CPU 30 controls the network I / F 20 to receive 200 OK transmitted from the partner device 50 that has received BYE via the SIP server 80 (S306). S304 and S306 are performed by SIP. S304 and S306 correspond to procedures A21 and A22 of FIG. 4, respectively. Upon reception of 200 OK, the T.P. The 38 FAX communication ends. After executing S306, the CPU 30 ends the reception process.

  In S308, the CPU 30 controls the MCF to be transmitted from the network I / F 20. Thereafter, the CPU 30 controls so that the DCN transmitted from the counterpart device 50 that has received the MCF is received by the network I / F 20 (S310). S308 and S310 are the same as T.S. 38. S308 and S310 correspond to procedures B10 and B11 in FIG. 5, respectively. Subsequently, the CPU 30 controls the network I / F 20 to receive BYE transmitted from the counterpart device 50 via the SIP server 80 (S312). Thereafter, the CPU 30 controls so that 200OK is transmitted from the network I / F 20 (S314). S312 and S314 are performed by SIP. S312 and S314 correspond to procedures B12 and B13 in FIG. 5, respectively. When the partner apparatus 50 receives the 200 OK transmitted in S <b> 314, the T.D. of the established session between the FAX apparatus 10 and the partner apparatus 50 is established. The 38 FAX communication ends. T.A. In 38 FAX communication, DCN is transmitted / received as described above by transmitting MCF in S308, and then BYE and 200OK are transmitted / received by SIP, and the established session is terminated. Therefore, the MCF can also be referred to as a signal for executing transmission / reception of BYE and 200 OK and terminating an established session (a signal serving as a condition for terminating an established session). After executing S314, the CPU 30 ends the reception process.

<Fax information acquisition process>
The FAX information acquisition process executed in S230 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. CPU30 which started the FAX information acquisition process acquires transmission source information (S400). Since the transmission source information is related to S214 (S222) in FIG. 7 and is stored in the reception confirmation information area of the RAM 34, the CPU 30 acquires the transmission source from the reception confirmation information area. Again, the transmission source information may be acquired from the INVITE received in S200 of FIG. The acquired transmission source information is stored in a FAX information area secured in the RAM 34. The transmission source information is a dial number (see S214 (S222) in FIG. 7). Subsequently, the CPU 30 acquires a communication band used in the established session (S402). The acquired communication band is the communication band set to 200 OK transmitted in S202 of FIG. The acquired communication band is stored in the FAX information area of the RAM 34.

  After executing S402, the CPU 30 reads the transmission standby table from the flash ROM 36 to a predetermined area of the RAM 34, and determines whether the processing after S404 has been executed for all records stored in the transmission standby table (S404). . When all the records have been processed (S404: Yes), the CPU 30 ends the FAX information acquisition process, and the process proceeds to S300 in FIG. At this time, the CPU 30 updates (overwrites) the transmission standby table stored in the flash ROM 36 to the transmission standby table stored in the RAM 34. This is because the transmission standby table stored in the RAM 34 may be updated in S416 described later. When all the records are not processed and there are unprocessed records (S404: No), the CPU 30 sets one of the unprocessed records as a processing target, the dial number included in the processing target record, and S402. In step S406, it is determined whether the transmission source information (dial number) acquired in step S3 and stored in the FAX information area of the RAM 34 is the same. Regarding the selection order of the records to be processed, for example, the order is from the upper record to the lower record in the transmission standby table. Based on FIG. 2A, first, the dial number “1234567890” is selected as a processing target, and thereafter, “2345678901”... “45678890123” is selected. If the two dial numbers are not the same (S406: No), the CPU 30 returns the process to S404 and repeats the processes after S404. When there are more unprocessed records (S404: No), the CPU 30 sets the unprocessed records as processing targets, and executes the processing from S406 onward.

  When both dial numbers are the same (S406: Yes), the CPU 30 acquires the transmission time of the communication band that matches the communication band stored in the FAX information area of the RAM 34 among the transmission times associated with the dial number. (S408). Subsequently, the CPU 30 obtains the elapsed time acquired in S210 of FIG. 7 and stored in the elapsed time area of the RAM 34, and the unit time (30 seconds) in the bandwidth reservation type data communication service using the NGN network 3 described above. The relationship with the return time is determined (S410). The return time which is a condition for the determination is a return time when it is assumed that S410 is affirmed (S410: Yes) and S412 described later is executed. That is, the return time that is a condition for the determination is a time (return time + transmission time) obtained by adding the transmission time acquired in S408 to the return time stored in the return time area of the RAM 34 at the time of execution of S410. . Specifically, in S410, the CPU 30 is a time obtained by multiplying the unit time by an integer, and the time corresponding to the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the minimum reference time exceeding the elapsed time is set as a return time and a transmission time. It is determined whether it becomes longer than the total time (time corresponding to remaining time> return time + transmission time). Here, the time corresponding to the remaining time is the same as S220 in FIG. The description regarding this is omitted. When the time corresponding to the remaining time is equal to or shorter than the total of the return time and the transmission time (S410: No), the CPU 30 returns the process to S404 and repeatedly executes the processes after S404.

  When the time corresponding to the remaining time is longer than the sum of the return time and the transmission time (S410: Yes), the CPU 30 updates the return time stored in the return time area of the RAM 34 (S412). Specifically, at the time of execution of S410, the transmission time acquired in S408 is added to the return time stored in the return time area of the RAM 34, and the time after the addition (the total of the return time and the transmission time) Is the new return time. The return time stored in the return time area of the RAM 34 is updated (overwritten) to this new return time. When S412 is executed for the first time after the FAX information processing is started, the return time stored in the return time area of the RAM 34 to be updated is acquired in S226 of FIG. 7 and stored in the return time area of the RAM 34. It was time.

  After executing S412, the CPU 30 updates the return data stored in the return data area of the RAM 34. Specifically, the CPU 30 reads the FAX data associated in the processing target record from the flash ROM 36 to a predetermined area of the RAM 34. The CPU 30 adds the read FAX data to the return data stored in the return data area of the RAM 34, and generates new return data to which the FAX data is added. The return data stored in the return data area of the RAM 34 is updated to this new return data (S414). When S414 is executed for the first time after the FAX information processing is started, the return data stored in the return data area of the RAM 34 to be updated is generated in S224 of FIG. 7 and stored in the return data area of the RAM 34. Data. Subsequently, the CPU 30 deletes the record to be processed from the transmission standby table stored in the RAM 34 (S416). Thereafter, the CPU 30 returns the process to S404 and repeats the processes after S404.

<Effects of this embodiment>
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) In the above, in the reception processing shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the FAX apparatus 10 is in the first operation mode (see S212: first operation mode), it is a time obtained by multiplying the unit time by an integer, and has elapsed. The time corresponding to the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time acquired in S210 from the minimum reference time exceeding the time is sent to the counterpart device 50 return data corresponding to the reception confirmation report as shown in FIG. It is determined whether it is longer than the return time required for (time corresponding to the remaining time> return time) (see S220). In addition, when the time corresponding to the remaining time is longer than the return time (see 220: Yes), re-INVITE is transmitted from the FAX apparatus 10 (network I / F 20) to the counterpart apparatus 50 (see S300). In the already established session, the return data is transmitted to the counterpart device 50 (see steps A17 and S302 in FIG. 4).

  In the bandwidth reservation type data communication service using the NGN network 3, a billing amount is added every unit time (30 seconds). In other words, the charge amount is not added within the unit time range. For example, when the above-mentioned elapsed time exceeds 31 seconds (unit time: second cycle), the charge amount is constant up to 60 seconds. From the user's point of view regarding billing, the T.D. When 38 FAX communication is terminated, the remaining time up to 60 seconds is wasted. In addition, the user of the partner apparatus 50 may be worried whether the transmitted FAX data is properly received by the FAX apparatus 10. According to the FAX apparatus 10, even if the relationship between the elapsed time, the unit time, and the return time satisfies “time corresponding to remaining time> return time” (see S220: Yes) and the session is continued, If the number does not increase, return data corresponding to the reception confirmation report as shown in FIG. 3 can be transmitted from the FAX apparatus 10 (network I / F 20) to the destination apparatus 50. It is possible to notify the partner apparatus 50 (the user of the partner apparatus 50) that the FAX data has been properly received while suppressing an increase in the billing amount.

  (2) In the above, in the transmission standby process shown in FIG. 6, the dial number and the FAX data are associated and stored in the transmission standby table (see S110). In addition, in the reception processing shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the FAX apparatus 10 is in the second operation mode (see S212: second operation mode), and the time corresponding to the remaining time is longer than the return time (remaining time). If time corresponding to time> return time (see S228: Yes), the FAX information acquisition process is executed (S230, see FIG. 9 for details). In the FAX information acquisition process, the remaining time is handled based on the time (return time + transmission time) required when the FAX data associated with the dial number that matches the dial number of the partner device 50 in the established session is added. It is determined whether the received time is longer than the sum of the return time and the transmission time (see S410). When the time corresponding to the remaining time is longer than the total time of the return time and the transmission time (see S410: Yes), the total time of the return time and the transmission time is set as a new return time (see S412). FAX data is added to the return data and updated to new return data (see S414). Accordingly, it is assumed that the relationship between the elapsed time, the unit time, and the return time (transmission time is added) satisfies “time corresponding to remaining time> return time + transmission time” (see S410: Yes) and the session is continued. If the charge amount does not increase, for example, return data (see S414) in which the FAX data scheduled to be transmitted is added to the reception confirmation report as shown in FIG. (See steps A17 and S302 in FIG. 4). While suppressing the increase of the billing amount, information indicating that the FAX data has been properly received and information (image) corresponding to the FAX data stored in the transmission standby table are displayed as the destination device 50 (the user of the destination device 50). ) Can be notified. By the way, depending on the length of time corresponding to the remaining time, it may be assumed that the FAX data stored in the transmission standby table cannot be added at all (see S410: No, S404: Yes). Even in such a case, if S228 is affirmative (see S228: Yes), only the return data corresponding to the reception confirmation report is sent to the counterpart device as in the case of (1) above. 50 (see steps A17 and S302 in FIG. 4).

<Modification>
This embodiment can also be performed as follows.

  (1) In the above description, re-INVITE has been described as an example of a signal for continuing an established session. UPDATE can be adopted as a signal for continuing the established session. UPDATE can set the same content (information) as re-INVITE, and both signals are similar signals. UPDATE also conforms to SDP, similar to re-INVITE. The description regarding this is omitted.

  (2) In the above description, the transmission standby process shown in FIG. 6 is started when a reservation time is input. The transmission standby process may be started as follows. For example, the transmission standby process may be started when the user sets the FAX apparatus 10 to the transmission standby process mode. In this case, the user sets a document to be transmitted on the FAX apparatus 10. The user operates the operation unit 14 to set the FAX apparatus 10 to the transmission standby processing mode. Thereafter, the operation unit 14 is operated to input the dial number of the partner apparatus 50 that is the transmission destination of the FAX data. The dial number is input by pressing a dial key of the operation unit 14 or the like. Thereafter, the user presses the start key of the operation unit 14. The transmission standby process is started in response to pressing of the start key. The transmission standby process may be started when a start key for the transmission standby process is provided in the operation unit 14 and the start key is pressed. The user sets a document to be transmitted on the FAX apparatus 10, inputs a dial number, and then presses a start key for transmission standby processing. In addition, it may be executed in the case of polling transmission. When the reservation time is not a condition for the transmission standby process, S100 in FIG. 6 is omitted, and the storage of the reservation time in the transmission standby table can be omitted. The configuration of the modification (2) described above and the reservation time may be used together.

  (3) In the above, the reception confirmation report has been described by taking the aspect shown in FIG. 3 as an example. The reception confirmation report may be different from this. For example, the first page image of the received FAX data may be omitted. In this case, a message may be included that indicates that the FAX data from the counterpart device 50 (refer to “transmission source information: 987-654-3210” based on FIG. 3) has been properly received.

  (4) In the above, the return time required for sending the return data corresponding to the reception confirmation report generated in S216 or S224 of the reception process shown in FIG. 7 is acquired from the report information table shown in FIG. It was. In addition, the return time may be calculated by dividing the data amount of the generated return data by the used communication band. For example, when there is a factor that changes the data amount of the return data, such as when a part or all of the received FAX data is included in the return data, a more preferable return time can be acquired. . Note that the transmission time in S108 of FIG. 6 is obtained from a table corresponding to the data amount acquired in S106 by preparing a plurality of tables in the form as shown in FIG. 2B for each data amount. May be. In this case, a plurality of prepared data amount tables are stored in the flash ROM 36, for example.

  (5) In the above, in S220 and S228 of the reception process shown in FIG. 7, the unit time is an integral multiple, and the time corresponding to the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the minimum reference time exceeding the elapsed time ( The relationship between the elapsed time, the unit time, and the return time is determined based on whether the remaining time + a fixed amount (α)) is longer than the return time. Similarly, in S410 of the FAX information acquisition process shown in FIG. 9, based on whether the time corresponding to the above-mentioned remaining time (remaining time + a fixed amount (α)) is longer than the sum of the return time and the transmission time. The relationship between the elapsed time, the unit time, and the return time (the transmission time in this case includes the transmission time) is determined. The condition for determining the relationship between the elapsed time, the unit time, and the return time may be the following condition. For example, this condition is that the remaining time is longer than the time obtained by adding a fixed amount (α) to the return time (the time obtained by adding the transmission time in S410; the same applies hereinafter) (remaining time> return time + the fixed amount (α )) Or may be.

  In addition, this condition is obtained by subtracting the time (seconds) that is the remainder of the calculation result obtained by dividing the elapsed time by the unit time from the unit time, and further subtracting a certain amount (α) (unit time-time to be left). The fixed amount (α)) may be longer than the return time. Further, this condition may be that the time obtained by subtracting the above-mentioned excess time from the unit time is longer than the time obtained by adding a certain amount (α) to the return time. If the time obtained by subtracting the extra time and the fixed amount (α) from the unit time is longer than the return time, or the time obtained by subtracting the extra time from the unit time, the fixed amount (α) is added to the return time. If it is longer than the time, the CPU 30 affirms the determination of each process in the same manner as S220, S228, and S410, and shifts the process to S300 in FIG. 8, S230 in FIG. 7, or S412 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is not the case as described above, the CPU 30 shifts the processing to S308 in FIG. 8 or S404 in FIG. Under any of the conditions exemplified here, the same relationship as the above-mentioned “remaining time + constant amount (α)> return time” (“remaining time + constant amount (α)> return time + transmission time” in S410). It is possible to determine the relationship between the elapsed time, the unit time, and the return time. The specific condition of the above-described modification (5) is an exemplification, and any condition can be adopted as long as the same relationship can be determined.

  (6) In the above, when S410 of the FAX information acquisition process shown in FIG. 9 is negative (see S410: No), the CPU 30 returns the process to S404. In such a case, the FAX information acquisition process may be terminated and the process may be returned to S300 in FIG.

3 Next generation network (NGN network), 10 Facsimile equipment (FAX equipment)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Display part, 14 Operation part, 16 Reading part, 18 Printing part 20 Network interface (network I / F), 22 Time measuring part 30 CPU, 32 Program ROM, 34 RAM
36 flash ROM, 38 bus lines, 80 SIP server

Claims (5)

A facsimile apparatus that communicates with a partner apparatus connected to a bandwidth reservation type IP network and receives facsimile data transmitted from the partner apparatus,
A communication unit connected to the IP network and communicating with a counterpart device via the IP network;
A communication control unit for controlling communication with the counterpart device via the communication unit;
A timekeeping section that measures the passage of time;
A time control unit for controlling the time measuring unit,
The communication control unit
When the communication unit receives a first signal for requesting establishment of a session, it controls communication start processing for establishing a session with the counterpart device,
In the session established by the communication start process, control reception of facsimile data transmitted from the counterpart device and a second signal transmitted when the transmission of the facsimile data is completed,
The timing control unit is
On condition that the session is established by the communication start process, control so that the measurement in the time measuring unit is started,
Under the condition of receiving the second signal, control so that the measurement in the time measuring unit is terminated,
Obtain the elapsed time from the start to the end measured by the timekeeping unit,
The communication control unit
Either the third signal for continuing the established session or the fourth signal for terminating the established session according to the elapsed time acquired by the timing control unit is the communication. Control to send to the other device from the
A facsimile apparatus that continues communication by the established session when the third signal is transmitted and terminates communication by the established session when the fourth signal is transmitted. A generator for generating return data including predetermined information transmitted to the counterpart device in response to reception of the second signal;
An acquisition unit for acquiring a return time required for transmitting the return data from the communication unit to a counterpart device;
Judging the relationship between the elapsed time acquired by the timing control unit, the unit time defined as a reference unit for managing the established session, and the return time acquired by the acquisition unit A first determination unit,
The communication control unit
Regarding the relationship between the elapsed time determined by the first determination unit, the unit time, and the return time, the unit time is an integral multiple of the minimum reference time exceeding the elapsed time, If the time corresponding to the remaining time after subtracting the elapsed time is longer than the return time, the third signal is controlled to be transmitted from the communication unit to the counterpart device, and the third Under the condition of signal transmission, control so that the return data is transmitted from the communication unit to the counterpart device,
Regarding the relationship between the elapsed time, the unit time, and the return time determined by the first determination unit, if the time corresponding to the remaining time is shorter than the return time, The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein four signals are controlled to be transmitted from the communication unit to a partner apparatus. A storage unit that stores facsimile data to be transmitted from the communication unit to a partner device in association with partner information corresponding to the partner device;
A second determination unit that determines whether destination information that matches destination information corresponding to the destination device in the established session is stored in the storage unit;
When the second determination unit determines that the matching destination information is stored in the storage unit, the generation unit is associated with the predetermined information and the matching destination information. Facsimile data and the return data including
The acquisition unit acquires a transmission time required to transmit the facsimile data associated with the matching counterpart information from the communication unit to the counterpart device;
The communication control unit relates to the relationship between the elapsed time determined by the first determination unit, the unit time, and the return time, and the return corresponding to the remaining time is added to the return time. If the relationship is longer than time, the third signal is controlled to be transmitted from the communication unit to the counterpart device, and the predetermined information is transmitted on the condition of the transmission of the third signal, and The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the return data including facsimile data associated with the matching counterpart information is controlled to be transmitted from the communication unit to the counterpart apparatus.   The communication control unit relates to the relationship between the elapsed time determined by the first determination unit, the unit time, and the return time, and the time corresponding to the remaining time is not added to the transmission time. When the relationship is longer than the return time and shorter than the return time to which the transmission time is added, the third signal is controlled to be transmitted from the communication unit to the counterpart device, Control that the return data including the predetermined information and not including the facsimile data associated with the matching destination information is transmitted from the communication unit to the destination device on condition that three signals are transmitted The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3.   The facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the unit time is a time determined as a reference unit for charging in communication by the IP network.

Images