JP2599530B2 - Network communication system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile communication system in which facsimile terminals are connected by a telephone network, and more particularly to a network communication system having an image storage device at the center for storing and reading images from each facsimile terminal. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The use of facsimile machines has been rapidly increasing in recent years, and large facsimile networks have been constructed. In such a network, a facsimile terminal is connected to a telephone network, a facsimile storage / conversion device is provided, and a single facsimile terminal broadcasts the same message to a number of facsimile terminals at a designated time. Many use methods have been developed, such as mailbox communication in which a message is registered in the storage and conversion device with the same ID number, and the registered message is retrieved from another facsimile terminal using the same ID number.

[0003]

[0004]

[0005]

[0006]

THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved] Such a network
To the center using mailbox communication
For registration of image information and retrieval of image information from the center
Charges are set per information amount, not communication time.
I was However, for registration and retrieval of image information
If charging is performed in units of the amount of image information uniformly, abnormal termination
Upon completion, the following issues arise. That is, register
Image information is often taken out by many unspecified people.
Of the registered image information,
It is not permissible for both users. one
On the other hand, missing image information is allowed even in the case of retrieval
Although it should not be, for the information provider (registrant)
Even if extraction of all image information has not been completed, important
Some information may have been taken out, so billing is performed
If not, there is a risk of providing image information for free
is there. The present invention has been made in view of these problems.
In the communication using the mailbox, the registrant,
Implement a billing method that appropriately considers the interests of both parties.
To provide a network communication system that runs
And

[0007]

The present invention achieves the above object.
To establish a connection between a terminal in the network and the terminal.
Register the image information sent from the terminal and
Before retrieving the image information accumulated by the request from the terminal
A network center for transmitting to the terminal, and the terminal
Image information unit for registration of image information from
When registration of image information ends abnormally while charging by
The terminal without charging the registered image information
Charging means for outputting an abnormal state notification to the terminal, and the terminal
To retrieve the image information stored in the center from
If all image information has not been successfully retrieved
Charge even according to the amount of image information received by the terminal
And a second billing means.

[0008]

[0009]

[0010]

According to the present invention, the present invention has two configurations,
Registration of image information by providing charging means with different formulas
If the process ends abnormally, the registrant
Notification of the abnormality,
Charge for image information retrieved even if it is normally terminated
Perform the process, so that both the registrant and the retriever
Mailbox communication that provides appropriate benefits to
It is possible to manifest.

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a main control processor (hereinafter, referred to as an MCP) for controlling the entire system, storing images, calculating charges, collecting charges, and collecting statistics. 2 is F
It stores telegrams from the AX terminal and the MCPI, has a telephone function of PB tone (tone of a push-button telephone), and stores and transmits telegrams transmitted from the FAX terminal according to the MCPI instruction to the FAX terminal that has requested it. A storage device functioning as a facsimile server for transmitting stored telegrams, 3
Recognizes various instruction information from FAX terminal to MCPI by PB tone, notifies MCPI, converts instruction from MCPI to PB tone, sends out to FAX terminal, and accumulates instruction to FAX operator by voice Device 2 and FAX
A voice response device (hereinafter VR) that controls disconnection of a connection with a terminal
U), 4 is an intelligent modem, after which ITDM (Intelligence Time Division Multiplexer)
Called. 5 is a public telephone network, 6 is a subsequent facsimile (hereinafter referred to as FAX) 7 is a telephone network 5 and a voice response device (V
RU) Dial function to access 3 and FAX7
Is a terminal adapter (hereinafter, referred to as ADP) that receives a notification from the MCP 1 of a charge for the communication of the client and prints out the charge. Reference numeral 8 denotes a general FAX which communicates with the VRU 3 via the telephone network 5 without passing through the ADP 6 unlike the FAX 7, and 9 denotes a push-button telephone (hereinafter referred to as PB telephone) which communicates with the VRU via the telephone network 5. is there. Note that the above-described FAX terminal is a generic name of ADP6, FAX7, and general FAX8.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the voice response device. The VRU 3 includes a communication management system and a voice response system, and the communication management system is controlled by the exchange control CPU 31.
A line circuit 32 connected to the telephone network 5, an extension circuit 33 connected to the storage device 2, a speech circuit switch 34 connecting or connecting the line circuit 32 and the extension circuit 33, and an RS-232C interface connected to the MCP1. Consists of 35.

The voice response system is controlled by a voice control CPU 36, and MC input from an RS-232C interface 35
The voice stored in the voice response ROM 37 according to the instruction from the P1 is transmitted to the FAX 7 and the general FA via the local line circuit 32 and the telephone network 5.
Send to X8 or PB phone 9. The voice processing PB tone processing unit 38 communicates with the FAX 7 using PB tones (0 to 9).
Signal, consisting of numbers, #, *, and English letters A to D), and communication with the MCP1 is performed using ASCII codes.
Since conversion between tones and ASCII codes is required, this conversion processing is performed. The office line circuit 32, extension circuit 33, speech path switch 34, and voice processing PB tone processing unit 38 are provided in four lines.

The VRU 3 also performs the following operation together with the MCP 1. After the voice guidance is transmitted, the interval between each tone of the PB tone transmitted from the FAX 7 is monitored with a fixed timer value. If the next PB tone is not detected within the timer value, an error notification is sent to the MCP 1 and the error is notified. Follow directions. This timer value can be set to a predetermined value. However, depending on whether the transmitted PB tone is generated by ADP6 or FAX7, that is, generated by the operator, the timer value differs. It is desirable to make it. Specifically, the PB generated by ADP6
The tone is T1 and the PB tone generated by FAX7 is T2.
Then, T1 <T2. This is because the response from the ADP 6 is performed more quickly than the response from the FAX 7 (operator), so that T1 is shortened and communication is performed efficiently.

Hereinafter, VR in the detection of the PB tone will be described.
The operation of U3 and MCP1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the VRU3 and the MCP1 when detecting the PB tone.
Alternatively, when the PB tone transmitted from the FAX 7 is received (ST1), the PB tone is immediately notified to the MCP 1 side (S1).
T2).

On the other hand, when MCP 1 receives a signal notifying that the PB tone has been received from VRU 3 (ST
3) It is determined whether the PB tone is transmitted from the ADP 6 or FAX 7 (ST4), and if the PB tone is transmitted from the ADP 6, the timer value T1 is set.
In the case of FAX 7, the timer value T2 is set (ST5). In the case of the PB tone from ADP6, a signal is sent to VRU3 to instruct PB detection and to set timer value T1, and a timer value for detection in MCP1 is set (ST6). FAX
Similarly, in the case of the PB tone from No. 7, the detection timer value in the MCP 1 is set (ST7), and this operation will be described later.

Note that the detection timer value in the MCP 1 is equal to all PBs transmitted from the FAX 7 or the ADP 6.
This is a monitoring time until a tone is detected, and substantially coincides with a value obtained by multiplying the inter-digit timer (T1 or T2) by the number of digits of the PB tone.

If the VRU 3 receives the PB detection instruction signal from the MCP 1 (ST 8), it sets the timer value T 1 (ST 9), and determines from the ADP 6 that the PB tone is transmitted from the ADP 6. PB tones transmitted thereafter (the PB tones indicate registration or retrieval and indicate the terminal number of the requester, etc.
(Generated by ADP6) in a receiving state. Then, it is determined whether or not a subsequent PB tone (one subsequent sound) from the ADP 6 has been received (ST10). If it is determined that the PB tone has been received, the PB tone indicates an end code. Is determined. If it is not the end code, the process returns to the upstream of ST10 again, and waits in a receiving state for a PB tone transmitted from the ADP 6 in the same manner as the above-described operation. If it is the end code, the reception of the PB tone is immediately terminated. To MCP1 (ST
11).

If no subsequent PB tone is received in ST10, the reception pause time is set to the timer value T1.
It is determined whether or not the time has reached (ST12). If T1 has not been reached, the reception state is kept in the standby state, but if the time has reached (timeout), a timeout notification is sent to the MCP 1 (ST13).

On the other hand, in MCP1, all P
If a signal notifying that the B tone has been received normally is waiting (ST14) and the signal is still not received even if the signal exceeds the timer value set in ST6 (ST15), error processing is performed. Is executed (ST16).

The PB tone received in ST1 is F
In the case of the PB tone from AX7, MCP1 sets the timer value T2 in ST5 as described above, and
Similarly to the operation of detecting the PB tone from P6, a signal is sent to VRU3 to instruct PB detection and to set timer value T2. Thereafter, the timer value for detection in the MCP 1 is set, and a signal notifying that all the PB tones transmitted from the VRU 3 have been normally received is awaited in a receiving state (ST14).

The operation of the VRU 3 from the reception of the T2 set instruction signal to the transmission of a signal notifying that all the PB tones are normally received is the same as the operation when the PB tone is detected from the ADP 6 described above. The same is true.

As described above, if the timer value for monitoring the interval of each sound of the PB tone is different between the case of the PB tone from the ADP 6 and the case of the PB tone from the FAX 7,
Since the PB tone transmitted from the ADP 6 has a faster response than the PB tone transmitted from the FAX 7, efficient monitoring of the PB tone can be performed.

The VRU 3 is disconnected from the MCP 1 due to a line disconnection between the VRU 3 and the MCP 1 or the like.
When the normal processing is not enabled according to the instruction from CP1, a message indicating that the present communication system is currently unavailable is output.

Further, there is a reading request of the registered message from the FAX terminal, and music is transmitted to the FAX terminal, for example, when preparing for transmission of the message. This music response is M
The operation is automatically stopped when the VRU 3 receives the next command from the CP 1. This operation will be described in more detail below with reference to the operation flowchart of FIG.

In FIG. 4, when the VRU 3 receives a signal instructing to output an image from the facsimile 7, the VRU 3 immediately sends the signal to the MCP 1 (ST1). Upon receiving this signal (ST2), the MCP 1 sends a signal instructing to play music to the VRU 3 (ST3), and searches for a designated image (ST4). Then, the searched image is transferred to the storage device (ST5), and when this transfer is completed (ST6), the VRU 3 is instructed to transmit the image to the FAX 7 (ST7).

On the other hand, when the VRU 3 receives the music reproduction instruction signal of ST 3 (ST 8), the VRU 3 reproduces music and performs FA.
The music is transmitted to X7 (ST9). When the FAX transmission instruction signal transmitted from the MCP 1 is received in ST7 (ST10), the reproduced music is stopped (ST1).
1) The storage device 2 for transmitting the designated image and the F
The line with AX7 is connected (ST13). If no FAX transmission instruction signal has been received, it is determined whether or not another command has been received (ST12). If no other command has been received, music playback is further performed.

As described above, the image information specified by the MCP 1 is searched, and while the image information is being transferred to the storage device,
Since the RU 3 reproduces the music and sends it to the FAX 7, the operator can stand by without feeling uncomfortable during the search and transfer. This search,
The transfer time takes a great deal of time among the entire communication time, and the above-mentioned effect becomes remarkable.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the adapter (ADP) 6, and FIG. 6 is a detailed explanatory diagram of FIG. In FIG. 5, the communication unit 62 is connected to the VAX via the FAX 7 and the telephone network 5.
The communication with the RU3 is performed. The communication unit 62 has a dial editing function and an incoming call processing function as shown in FIG.
Perform the following dial operation.

1 Registering a message in the storage device 2 or reading a message from the storage device 2 2 Dialing restriction 3 Sending an ID (identification signal) of the FAX 7 4 Direct communication in which the FAX 7 directly communicates with another FAX 7 or a general FAX 8 , ADP6 body has FAX use start button,
By pressing this button, the line between FAX 7 and ADP 6 is connected.

In the incoming call processing function, the ADP 6 passes through the incoming call from the telephone network 5 and does not perform any processing. However, the incoming call is ignored while the ADP 6 is in use and when the power is turned off.

As shown in FIG. 6, the charge management unit 63 has a function of requesting the use charge calculation to the MCP 1 and receiving the result, a direct communication charge calculation function, and a use charge accumulation function. After the FAX 7 registers a message in the storage device 2 or reads out a message of the registered message, the M via the VRU 3
Requests calculation of usage fee from CP1, receives usage fee and usage time from MCP1, and displays usage fee on LCD (Llquid Cryst
al Display) 66, and print out a settlement statement of the usage fee and usage time from the recording unit 65. FAX7
When a direct communication is performed with another FAX 7 or a general FAX 8, after receiving a direct communication command, the communication time is monitored, a charge is calculated, and the same display and printout on the LCD 66 as described above are performed. This printout is held in a memory (not shown) until the next usage charge data arrives, and can be reprinted at any time by a user operation while being held. In addition, it has a function of totaling usage charges for a predetermined time, that is, from what time to what time, or for one day, for one month, etc., and prints out the recording data from the recording unit 65 and collects the total data for a predetermined period (for example, one month) in the MCP
Send to When printing out the usage fee, a bar code is displayed as well as the fee.

The bar code includes items indicating the location where the FAX 7 is installed, items indicating that the fax communication is performed,
Items indicating communication charges are included. This allows
When the FAX 7 is installed in a superstore or the like, the usage fee can be processed by a barcode reader together with the settlement of the purchased product.

The above-described usage fee calculation request / reception function and direct communication fee calculation will be described in further detail below with reference to the operation flowchart.

FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the ADP 6 for executing the function of requesting / receiving a usage charge calculation. In FIG. 7, first, the ADP 6 receives a signal indicating Off Hook from the FAX 7 (ST1), and then receives a command from the FAX 7 (ST2). This command is a command for registering or taking out the stored image. Upon receiving this command, the ADP 6 generates a command for access to the center (MCP1) including the terminal ID, stores the command, and (ST3) faxes the command to the MCP1 via the telephone network.
Then, a call is made to notify that a registration or removal request has been received from ST7 (ST4). Thereafter, when a signal indicating incoming call permission is received from the MCP 1 within a fixed time (ST
5) Once the line with FAX 7 is disconnected (ST
6). This is to disconnect the line with the FAX 7 so that the user does not know the sound of the PB tone generated when the ADP 6 transmits the terminal ID or the like that has been stored and edited later. In addition, the MCP
If no incoming call permission signal is received from No. 1, the error report is edited (ST7) and this report is output (S7).
T8). After the line disconnection processing with the FAX 7 is completed, a PB tone indicating the center access command is transmitted to the MCP 1 (ST9). After that, when a signal indicating that the line with the MCP 1 is connected is received (ST10), the line is disconnected at ST6. The connected line to the FAX 7 is again connected (ST11). Then, image information is registered to the designated BOX number from the FAX 7 or image information is extracted from the designated BOX number. After the execution of this processing, the ADP 6 becomes the FAX 7
Receiving a signal indicating On Hook from the MCP (ST12),
1 sends a signal to request a charge notification (ST1).
3). Then, upon receiving a signal returned from the MCP 1 to notify the charge for this communication (ST14),
This notification data is checked (ST15), and if correct, it is edited into a barcode (ST16). A barcode is output using the edited data as a fee settlement report (ST17), and this is further added to the totalized data (ST18). This total data is used when totaling the usage charges for the above-mentioned predetermined time, that is, from what time to what time, or for one day, one month, or the like. The charge settlement report output in ST17 is held in the memory (not shown) in the ADP 6 until the arrival of the charge settlement data by the next communication, and can be output at any time by the operation of the user while it is held.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the output of the fee report using the barcode calculated by the above operation. By outputting with a barcode, the fee for communication can be processed by the barcode reader together with the payment of the purchased product, and it is not necessary for the user to separately pay only the communication fee. It will be useful.

A specific description will be given. FIG. 8A shows an output example when information is registered in the center, in which a character display of 50 yen per sheet and a corresponding bar code are printed. As a result, the user can use the output form as a settlement report and the terminal provider for inputting the amount of money. Further, a terminal ID number is printed on a lower part thereof. This allows
The terminal provider can use the output form later to confirm the charge with the center. FIG. 8 (b) is an output example in the case where time charging is performed during direct communication. Since the communication time is displayed, it is a guide for the next and subsequent uses. FIG. 8 (c) shows an output example in the case where the usage fee is 0 yen.
By editing this instead of a circle and displaying it as "free", the visibility is improved. FIG. 8 (d) shows an output example of an error report, in which the output paper can be used for confirmation of charges with the center by displaying the ID number.

FIG. 8 (e) shows bar code arrangement rules. An in-store code indicating a terminal provider, a product item code indicating a terminal use service, etc.,
It is composed of a price code indicating a service charge, a price check code for checking the amount of money, and a check digit. In particular, the product item code indicates that the service is a terminal use service, and the price code indicates the usage fee.However, this amount is different for each communication, even though the service is the same terminal use service. There are features. That is, generally, the barcode has a fixed amount corresponding to the product type, and the amount is usually stored in the memory on the register side, and the barcode does not directly indicate the amount. In other words, by including the product item code and the price code for directly displaying the usage fee in the barcode, the fee can be settled by the barcode just like the purchase of a product at a retail store.

Next, A in the direct communication charge calculation
The operation of DP6 will be described. Here, in the direct communication, the following charging process is performed in order to cope with an erroneous operation such as a wrong telephone call by the user.
Before describing the operation of the DP 6, the accounting process will be described. This billing process corresponds to cases 1 to 6 as described below.

1 Case 1 (Polarity inversion 1 after Off hook of FAX7, 2100 Hz is detected within 60 seconds, and then On Hook or Polarity inversion 2 is detected more than 10 seconds thereafter) In this case, normal direct communication Is charged based on the communication time and the communication distance.

2 Case 2 (Polarity inversion 1 after FAX 7 On Hook, 2100 Hz is detected within 60 seconds, and then On Hook or Polarity inversion 2 is detected within 10 seconds thereafter) In this case, use immediately after transmission starts The person noticed an error in the dial or manuscript, etc.
Do not charge.

3 Case 3 (Position inversion 1 after Off hook of FAX7, then OnHook or polarity inversion 2 within 60 seconds)
In this case, it is assumed that the user has noticed that the user has erroneously called the telephone and the transmission has been stopped, and no billing is performed.

4 Case 4 (Polarity reversal 1 after Off Hook of FAX7, 2100 Hz is not detected even after 60 seconds) In this case, an error report is output without charging assuming that some trouble has occurred I do.

5 Case 5 (2100 Hz is detected without detecting the polarity reversal after Off Hook of FAX 7 and then On Hook is detected for more than 10 seconds) In this case, the On Hook starts from the 2100 Hz detection.
Up to “free-dial communication” and bill the information provider.

6 Case 6 (2100 Hz is detected without detecting polarity reversal after Off Hook of FAX 7 and On Hook is detected within 10 seconds thereafter) In this case, “free dial communication”
In this case, immediately after the transmission is started, it is assumed that the user has noticed an error such as a dial operation and stopped the transmission, and no charge is performed.

As described above, by performing the accounting process corresponding to each situation, it is possible to realize an excellent communication system that does not charge the user unfairly.

The operation of the ADP 6 when calculating the direct communication fee will be described below with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 9, first, ADP 6 is connected to FAX 7
Receiving a signal indicating Off Hook from (ST1),
A PB tone indicating a dial number from FAX 7 is received (ST2). The number based on the PB tone is closely examined (ST3), and if it is NG, an alarm sound is sent to the FAX 7 (ST4), and no billing process is performed. As a result of the number inspection, N
If it is determined that there is no G, a call is made to the input dial number (ST5), and thereafter, the presence or absence of polarity reversal indicating an incoming call from the receiving side is detected (ST6). When the polarity inversion is detected, it is detected whether or not a signal of 2100 Hz is detected within 60 seconds after the detection of the polarity inversion (ST7). If it is determined that a signal of 2100 Hz has been detected, a line with the FAX 7 is connected (ST8), and charging processing is started (ST9).
Thereafter, time charging is performed until the On Hook of the FAX 7 is detected (ST10), and if detected, the charging process is terminated (ST11). The time from the detection of the 2100 Hz signal in ST7 to the detection of the On Hook in ST10 is T3.
It is determined whether or not the time exceeds (10 seconds) (ST12). Here, if it is determined that it exceeds, it corresponds to the above-mentioned case 1, and the charge is calculated based on the communication time (ST13), and the barcode editing as described in FIG. Outputs a settlement report using a barcode.

From the detection of the 2100 Hz signal (ST7)
If it is determined that the time T3 until the detection of the On Hook (ST10) is within 10 seconds (ST12), the charging process is canceled as corresponding to Case 2 described above (ST14).

If the signal of 2100 Hz is not detected in ST7, it is determined whether or not the period in which the signal is not detected exceeds a predetermined time T4 (60 seconds) after detecting the polarity inversion (ST15). If the result of this determination is that T4 (60 seconds) has not been exceeded and On Hook has been detected (ST16), this corresponds to Case 3 above, and no billing process is performed. If the signal of 2100 Hz is still not detected even after 60 seconds, error report editing and error report output processing as described in FIG.

If the signal of 2100 Hz is detected without detecting the polarity reversal in ST6 (ST17), it is processed as toll-free communication, but is followed by processing such as line connection processing with FAX 7 (ST8). The steps up to ST12 of the billing process are the same as those in Case 1 described above. Then, in this case, similarly to Case 1 in ST12, it is determined whether or not the time from the detection of the 2100 Hz signal to the detection of the On Hook exceeds 10 seconds, and if it is determined that the time exceeds 10 seconds, In the above case 5, that is, assuming that "free-dial communication" has been performed, the information provider is charged, and the user is charged a small terminal usage fee (ST1).
8) Output the barcode.

Similarly to Case 5, when the polarity inversion is not detected in ST6, a signal of 2100 Hz is detected in ST17, and the On Hook is detected within 10 seconds in ST12, the above-mentioned case 6 is assumed. The accounting process is canceled as equivalent (ST14).

If there is no polarity reversal within a certain period of time and no 2100 Hz signal is detected, error processing is performed as described above.

As described above, at the time of calculating the direct communication fee, whether or not to execute the accounting process is determined according to various situations. It is possible to prevent billing when the user notices immediately after the transmission and stops the transmission, for example.

The main functions of the fee management unit 63 have been described above. Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the error management section 64 has a power loss, recording paper break processing function, communication error fee processing function, and error totaling function. When the power is turned off due to a power failure or disconnection of the outlet, the connection between the FAX 7 and the telephone network 5 is disconnected. Further, even when there is no recording paper in the recording section 65, the cutting state is maintained after detecting the paper breakage. Also, VR
The U3 recognizes the essay command notified by the PB tone and outputs an error report. An error report is also output when the process ends without receiving an error command or when the FAX 7 hangs up during the procedure. Also, if a communication error occurs during direct communication, an error report is output and free adjustment is performed. These error reports are tabulated for a predetermined period and printed out from the recording unit 65.

An instruction such as printing out a fee for a predetermined period is input from the keyboard 67. The control unit 61 controls the above devices.

The configuration and operation of each part of the ADP 6 have been described above. Here, in order to describe the above usage charge calculation in more detail, registration and retrieval of image information are divided into normal and abnormal cases. VRU3, MCP1
Each operation will be described.

FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart showing the operation of the billing process of each of these devices when the registration and extraction of the image information are normally performed. In FIG. 10, ADP6 is FA
When the On Hook of X7 is detected (ST1), a signal requesting a charge notification is sent to VRU3 (ST2).

On the other hand, the VRU 3 always sends a connection state signal to the MCP 1 during connection with the FAX 7 (ST3).
FAX from the signal indicating On-Hook from the storage device 2
Detects the end of communication (ST4) and sends a FAX end notification to the MCP
1 (ST5). After that, it waits in a receiving state for a signal for requesting a charge notification from the ADP 6, and when detecting that the signal is received (ST6), immediately sends a PB notification notifying the MCP 1 of the notification of the charge request. (ST7).

The MCP 1 monitors the communication status, that is, the operation of registering or retrieving image information (ST8).
This is performed by receiving the signal of T3. When the FAX end notification signal from the VRU 3 is detected (ST9), the number of communication is counted (ST10), and the charge is calculated according to the number of communication (ST11). After this operation is completed, the PRU from the VRU3
In a state of receiving the B notification (the signal transmitted in ST7) in a receiving state, and when this signal is detected (ST12), ST11
Is transmitted to the VRU3 (S
T13).

When the VRU 3 receives the communication charge data (ST14), it sends it to the ADP 6 (S14).
T15). When the ADP 6 receives the communication charge data from the MCP 1 and VRU 3 (ST16), it checks the communication charge data as in FIG. 7 (ST17), edits the data as bar code data (ST 18), and calculates a bar code charge statement. Is output (ST19).

FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart showing the operation of the accounting process of each device when there is an abnormality at the time of registration of image information. In this case, no billing is performed unless all images are registered as described later.

That is, the ADP 6 has the VRU as in FIG.
3 sends a signal instructing a charge notification request to VRU
3 receives this (ST6) and immediately sends a PB notification notifying the MCP 1 of the notification of the charge request (ST7) (this operation is also the same as the operation described in FIG. 10).

On the other hand, if the MCP 1 determines that an abnormality has occurred during the monitoring of the image information registration operation (ST8),
After detecting the FAX end notification signal from RU3 (ST9),
The error contents are checked (ST10). In the checking of the error content, in particular, when registering a plurality of pages, if a communication error occurs in the middle page, the normally received page is discarded, and the error content is analyzed without performing the accounting process. Then, when a signal indicating a charge notification request is received from VRU3, the fact that the registration processing has failed is sent to VRU3 (ST11).

When the VRU 3 receives this error notification (ST12), it sends it to the ADP 6 (ST1).
3).

The ADP 6 receives this (ST1).
4) Check the notification data and output an error report.

As described above, when an abnormality occurs during the registration process, the image is discarded and the fee is free.

Next, FIG. 12 shows a billing process when an abnormality occurs during the take-out process. In FIG. 12, VRU3 is A
Upon receiving a signal requesting a charge notification from DP6 (ST6), the signal is immediately transmitted to MCP1 (ST6).
7).

On the other hand, if the MCP 1 determines that an abnormality has occurred during the monitoring of the image information extraction operation (ST 8), the MCP 1 detects the facsimile end notification signal from the VRU 3 (S 8).
T9), the number of normally transmitted images is counted (S9).
T10) (This operation is different from the operation when the registration is abnormal in FIG. 11). In this counting operation, for example, when a plurality of pages are fetched, if a communication error occurs in the middle of a page, counting is performed for a page that is normally fetched in order to perform a charging process. If it cannot be taken out, it is not counted.

Thereafter, a communication charge is calculated based on the count value (ST11), and the above-mentioned signal for instructing a charge request from the VRU 3 is awaited in a receiving state. Then, ST
7 (ST12), the communication charge data calculated in ST11 is sent to the VRU3 (ST1).
3). After that, the ADP 6 receives the communication charge data via the VRU 3 (ST14, ST15) in the same manner as the operation of FIG. 10 (ST16), edits a bar code (ST18), and outputs a balance sheet (ST19).

That is, unlike the case of abnormal registration, the number of sheets successfully extracted is charged in the case of abnormal removal.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a facsimile message board which is one of the usage modes of the present embodiment. Users A and B know the message board number in advance, and one of them registers the message on the message board. Then, the other party reads out the registered message based on the message NO. At this time, it is preferable that the other party reads out the message after confirming whether the message of the message board NO is registered by the PB phone 9. As described above, the registrant and the take-out person are charged. The period during which the message is registered in the MCP 1 is predetermined, and when the period has elapsed, the registered message is deleted. Therefore, P
When making an inquiry on the B telephone 9, the registration date and time and the expiration date can be confirmed.

The operation of this inquiry will be described below with reference to FIG. In FIG. 14, first, the user sends a signal (ST1) requesting an inquiry to the center (MCP1) and a signal (ST2) designating a BOX number to be inquired to the center (MCP1) through the PB telephone 9.

On the other hand, immediately after completing the message registration processing (ST3), the center finishes writing the registration date and time and the retrieval time limit of the message to the BOX management database (ST4). When the signals transmitted in ST1 and ST2 are received (ST5, ST6), the designated BO
A process for reading information about the X number from the BOX management database is performed (ST7). Then, based on the read data, the registration date and time of the designated BOX number and the extraction deadline are checked (ST8), and these are edited as voice guidance (ST9). The edited voice guidance is transmitted to the user (PB phone 9) (ST10), and the line with the PB phone 9 is disconnected (ST11).

By listening to the sent voice guidance (ST12), the user can easily confirm the registration date and time and the removal deadline.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the inquiry process by the PB telephone in order to describe it in more detail. In FIG. 15, when the handset of the PB phone 9 is lifted in (a) and the numeric keypad is pressed (b), the RBT
A signal is sent from the telephone network 5 (c), and then in (d) a guidance is sent from the public telephone network that this service will be charged. Then, at (e), 16 Hz from the telephone network 5 to VRU3.
And the VRU3 informs the MCP1 as an incoming call notification. If reception is permitted in (f) from MCP1, VRU
Reference numeral 3 gives voice guidance on how to send a mail box number. (g)
When the PB telephone 9 notifies the MCP 1 of the mail box number via the VRU 3, the MCP 1 checks this and if it is OK, the message of the mail box number is registered in (h) and the registration date and time Guidance is given by voice when the expiration date is reached. Then, the communication ends in (i). Next, a general operation (registering and extracting a message) of the present embodiment will be described using the communication procedure. FIG.
Shows a communication sequence when a message is registered from FAX7. In FIG. 16, the original is set on the facsimile 7 and the receiver is raised in (a). Then, FAX 7 and ADP 6 are connected,
In (b), a DT (dial tone) of 400 Hz called "Boon" is returned from the telephone network 5. Next, when a message registration button (dial 1) is pressed from the FAX 7 side in (c), ADP 6
In accordance with this command, a registration request command including a terminal ID number is stored and edited, and communicates with the VRU 3 via the telephone network 5, and
RU3 sends an incoming call notification to MCP1. MC in (d)
When P1 accepts the incoming call, the incoming call is transmitted to the ADP 6 via the VRU3. Then, when the ADP 6 sends a command (dial 2) including the identification (ID) of the outgoing FAX 7 stored and edited in (e) to the MCP 1 via the VRU 3,
The MCP 1 checks this ID, and determines in (f) that communication is possible by VR.
ADP6 is notified via U3. When the communication is permitted, the VRU 3 requests the input of the service type by voice 1 in (g). In response to this, the facsimile machine 7 inputs the service type using the numeric key at (h). Further, upon receiving the PB tone indicating this service type, VRU3 transmits this to the MCP.
1 and the MCP 1 scrutinizes this, and as a result returns a signal to the VRU 3 to the effect that it is OK. In response to this, the VRU 3 requests the FAX 7 to input a BOX number again by voice 2 in (i). When the FAX 7 inputs the mail box number using the numeric keypad in (j), the VRU 3 receives this and transmits it to the MCP 1. In (k), MCP1 sends this mail BO
The X number is checked, and if it is a correct value, an instruction to check OK is issued to the VRU 3, and the VRU 3 requests the FAX 7 to confirm the BOX number by voice 3 based on the instruction. If the BOX number is correct, the FAX 7 inputs a response indicating that the number is correct in (i) using the numeric keypad.
The VRU3 notifies the MCP1 of this, and when the MCP1 transmits the registration OK to the VRU3 in (m), the VRU3 notifies the storage device 2 in (n), and the storage device 2 is ready for operation in the MCP1.
Notify that it is K. MCP1 receives this notification (o)
To allow communication between the FAX 7 and the storage device 2,
Establishes a connection with VRU3. Then VRU3 is FAX
Guidance of registration start is provided to the side 7 by voice 4. VRU3
In (p), the MCP 1 is notified that the connection between the storage device 2 and the FAX 7 has been established. In (q), the MCP 1 permits image reception (MI
When D) is given to the storage device 2, the storage device 2 outputs a called terminal identification signal (CED) to the FAX 7. This allows FA
X7 sends a message (document) to the storage device 2 in (r), and the storage device 2 sends a page signal (PED) to the MCP 1
CP1 confirms reception. When the transmission of the original is sent, (s) a procedure end signal (EOP) is sent from the facsimile 7 via the storage device 2 to the M
Sent to CP1. Next, a message confirmation signal (MOF) is sent from the storage device 2 to the FAX 7 in (t), a disconnection command signal (DON) is sent from the FAX 7 to the storage device 2 in (U), and the FAX 7 is connected to the ADP 6 in (v). Disconnect the MCP
1 sends a transmission end confirmation signal (MCF) to the storage device 2, and the storage device 2 disconnects the connection with the VRU 3. In (w), the VRU 3 informs the MC that the connection with the storage device 2 has been disconnected.
Notify P1. Next, at (x), ADP6 inquires of MCP1 via VRU3 about the communication charge, and MCP1
The charge is calculated in (y) and the charge is notified to the ADP 6 via the VRU3. Next, in (z) and (A), a procedure end notification and its confirmation are performed, and in (B), the ADP 6 and the VRU 3 disconnect from the telephone network 5, and the ADP 6 prints out a bill of payment. Next, the image stored in the storage device 2 is transmitted to the MCP 1 and stored and managed in (c).

For reference, an example of the above-mentioned voice guidance will be described below. Voice Response 1 ... This is the FAX Center. Registration. Please check the manuscript set. After the beep, the message board is 1 and #, the post office box is 2 and #, and the bulletin board is 3
Press # and #, Mark Sheet PO Box 4 and #.
"Beep" Voice response 2 ... If you make a mistake after the beep, press * and #. The correct time is 1 to 12 digits B
Enter OX No. and press #. "Pip" Voice response 3 ... The BOX No is xxxxxx. A manuscript can be registered n sheets at a time. Press # for correct and * and # for incorrect. “Beep” Voice response 4 …… Start registering the manuscript. Press the start button after the beep, and put the handset back on. "Pee" (CED signal) Next, a process of extracting a registered telegram will be described. FIG. 17 shows a communication sequence when a message is taken out from the FAX 7. In FIG. 17, the receiver is raised to request the FAX 7 to take out the original in (a). Then FAX7
And the ADP 6 are connected, and a 400 Hz DT (dial tone) called "Boon" is returned from the telephone network 5 in (b). Next, when the message retrieval button (dial 1) is pressed from the FAX 7 side in (c), the ADP 6 accumulates and edits a retrieval request command including the terminal ID number from this command, communicates with the VRU 3 via the telephone network 5, and communicates with the VRU 3. MC
Notify P1 of the incoming call. In (d), when the MCP 1 accepts the incoming call, the accepting of the incoming call is transmitted to the ADP 6 via the VRU 3.
Then, the ADP6 sends out the FAX stored and edited in (e) above.
Command (dial 2) including the identification (ID) of No. 7 in VR
When sending to MCP1 via U3, MCP1 checks this ID, and in (f), enables communication via VRU3 to ADP6.
Notify. When the communication is permitted, the VRU 3 requests the input of the BOX number by voice 1 in (g). FAX7 side
Enter the mail box number using the numeric keypad in (h)
RU3 receives this and transmits it to MCP1. MC at (i)
P1 checks this mail BOX number, and if correct, sends an instruction to VRU3 indicating that checking is OK.
U3 requests the FAX 7 to confirm the BOX number by voice 2 based on this instruction. If the BOX number is correct, the FAX 7 inputs a response indicating that the number is correct in (j) using the numeric keypad. VRU3 notifies MCP1 of this, and in response, MCP1 issues a music playback instruction to VR in (k).
When transmitted to U3, VRU3 becomes B specified by voice 3.
Notifying that OX number is being searched and FAX7
Send music to. From here, MCP1 is designated B
The OX number is searched, and after the search is completed, a signal of OK for taking out the registered document is sent to the VRU 3 in (l). In the VRU3, the number of originals to be taken out upon receipt of the information is FA
Notify X7.

On the other hand, when the MCP 1 finishes preparing for taking out the document, it notifies the VRU 3 to that effect in (m), and the VRU 3 sends a voice 5 to the FAX 7 to press the start button and put the handset. Then, in (n), the original is faxed from the storage device.
7, and finally the image transmitted from the MCP 1 to the storage device 2 is deleted in (o).

For reference, an example of the above-mentioned voice guidance is shown below. Voice response 1 ... This is the message fax center. It is removal. 1-12 digits of BO after the beep
Enter X No and press #. "Pip" Voice response 2 ... BOX NO is xxxxxx. If you make a mistake, press * and #. Press # if correct. "Beep" Voice response 3 ... I am just investigating. Voice Response 4: There are a total of × manuscripts x sheets. Among them, there are 〇 sheets of manuscripts with ID. To retrieve all, press #. To specify and retrieve, press ID No. and #. “Beep” Voice response 5 …… Retrieve the original. The removal fee is *
* It is a circle. Press the start button after the beep, and put the handset back on. "Pee" FIGS. 18A and 18B show a communication procedure of message registration from the general FAX 8 to the storage device 2. FIG. In the case of the general FAX 8, since there is no ADP 6, communication between the general FAX 8 and the telephone network 5 and the VRU 3 is performed. Except for this point, the procedure is almost the same as the procedure shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In FIG. 8A, RBT is a ringback tone, a call signal of the other party, and is a 400 Hz signal "Tururu ..." that can be heard when making a call.

Next, another use form of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 shows the case of using as a post office box. To become a PO Box owner, register a PO Box number that is valid for a prescribed period and receive a password. The registration in the post office box is performed using the post office box number as a key. A, B, and C in FIG. 19 represent the registrant. The manuscript extractor D takes out the manuscript based on the post office box number and the password. In this case, the registrant and the extractor are charged together.

FIG. 20 shows a case where the information is used as a bulletin board.
To register on the bulletin board, the bulletin board number is registered and a password is given, the registrant registers the document using the bulletin board number and the password as a key, and the retriever retrieves the document based on the bulletin board number. In FIG. 20, A is a registrant, and B, C, and D are extractors. Note that both the registrant and the take-out person are charged.

[0085]

As described above, the present invention has two aspects.
Of different types of image information
If the registration is abnormally terminated, the registration
Notify the writer of the abnormality,
Even if it ends abnormally,
A billing process can be executed. As a result,
An email that provides appropriate benefits to both users of the extractor
Box communication can be realized.

[0086]

[0087]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a voice response device used in the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a VRU and an MCP when a PB tone is detected.
Flow chart showing the operation of

FIG. 4 VRU and MC for sending music to FAX
Flow diagram showing the operation of P

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an adapter used in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the function of each component in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an ADP for executing a usage fee calculation request / reception function.
Operation flow chart

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an output of a charge estimation sheet using a barcode.

FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of an ADP when calculating a direct communication fee.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire network system when image information is registered and taken out normally;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire network system when an error occurs during registration of image information.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire network system when there is an abnormality when extracting image information;

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a use mode of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an operation for confirming a registration date and time and a retrieval deadline of registered image information by a PB phone;

FIG. 15 is a communication sequence diagram showing an inquiry procedure by a PB telephone.

FIG. 16 is a communication sequence diagram when registering a message.

FIG. 17 is a communication sequence diagram for extracting a message.

FIG. 18 is a communication sequence diagram when registering a message from a general FAX to a storage device.

FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a case where the present invention is used as a post office box.

FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a case where the present invention is used as a bulletin board;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 MCP 2 Storage device 3 VRU 4 ITDM 5 Telephone network 6 ADP 7 FAX 8 General FAX 9 PB telephone

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] A terminal connected to a network and connected to the terminal.
Register the image information sent from the terminal and
Before retrieving the image information accumulated by the request from the terminal
A network center for transmitting to the terminal, and the terminal
Image information unit for registration of image information from
When registration of image information ends abnormally while charging by
The terminal without charging the registered image information
Charging means for outputting an abnormal state notification to the terminal, and the terminal
To retrieve the image information stored in the center from
If all image information has not been successfully retrieved
Charge even according to the amount of image information received by the terminal
A network communication system comprising a second billing unit .