JP3537665B2 - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to the ITU-T Recommendation V. 34 modem function, Recommendation V.34. 17 / V. 29 modem function and Recommendation V.29. The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having a 27 ter modem function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in data transmission such as facsimile communication, there is a demand for further reduction in transmission time. Therefore, a high-speed modem function applied to image information transmission has a higher transmission speed. Is being applied. For example, the relatively latest modem recommendation, ITU-T Recommendation V. In a modem conforming to V.34 (hereinafter referred to as a V.34 modem), the maximum is 33.4 Kbp.
A very high data transmission rate of s can be applied.

[0003] However, this V.I. 34 modems use other modems, such as V.34. 17 / V. 2
9 and V.9. Depending on the state of the communication line, communication may not be possible at the maximum speed, and transmission errors may occur frequently and communication time may be undesirably increased.

[0004] In order to solve such a situation, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-289577 ("Facsimile apparatus"). If an error occurs during modem communication, and if retransmission is performed, V.34 34 modem is prohibited, or A proposal has been made to use 34 modems but to limit the baud rate (symbol rate) or bit rate.

[0005]

However, in such a conventional technique, the V.V.
In order to prohibit the use of the V.34 modem, for example, even when the band characteristic of the communication line is poor from the beginning, such as when an extension is connected, the V.34 modem is used for the first communication. This is not preferable because 34 modems are used and an error occurs.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-242221 (“Data Communication Apparatus”) discloses a method described in US Pat. If an error occurs during the initial procedure when using the V.34 modem, the V.34 mode is used when retrying. The use of a one-touch dial V.34 with the destination registered and the use of the V.34 modem prohibited. 34 prohibition flag is set, and V.34 of the one-touch dial is set. For destinations for which the F.34 prohibition flag is set, V.34 is set from the beginning. The use of a 34-modem is prohibited.
Although it is possible to solve the problem that occurs in US Pat. In some cases, the use of V.34 modems is not prohibited. 3
In some cases, control of the 4 prohibition flag cannot be performed.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to provide a facsimile apparatus capable of performing efficient image information communication.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is based on ITU-T Recommendation V.3. 34 modem function, Recommendation V.34. In a facsimile apparatus having a modem function or the like, each of the call destinations is set to V.29. The number of occurrences of errors when using the V.34 modem function is Error storage means stored for each phase of the V.34 modem; If an error occurs when using the 34 modem function,
An error frequency updating means for determining the phase of the error that has occurred, and updating the error frequency stored in the error storage means based on the determination result. If the number of error occurrences in the predetermined phase stored in the means is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the destination is determined by V.E. The use of a 34 modem is prohibited.

Further, according to ITU-T Recommendation V. 34 modem function, Recommendation V.34. 17 / V. 29 modem function and Recommendation V.29. In a facsimile apparatus having a 27 ter modem function, each of the call destinations is set to the V.27. The number of occurrences of errors when using the V.34 modem function is The error storage means stored for each phase of the F.34 modem and the calling destination of each are described in V.34. 17 Modem function use or V.17 V.29 storing the error occurrence when using the modem function 17 / V.
29 mode error storage means; If an error occurs during the use of the modem function, the phase of the error that has occurred is determined, and based on the result of the determination, the error count updating means updates the error occurrence count stored in the error storage means; 17 Modem function use or V.17 29
If an error occurs during the use of the modem function, the above-described V.100 is used. 17
/ V. An error occurrence storage means for storing an error occurrence in the 29-time mode error storage means is provided. When a call is made, the number of error occurrences in a predetermined phase stored in the error storage means for a designated destination becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value. The destination, the V.D. 34 modem is prohibited, and V.34 17 /
V. When an error occurrence is stored in the error storage means at the time of the 29th mode, V.29. While communication is started using the 27.ter. 17
/ V. If no error occurrence is stored in the error storage means in the 29th mode, 17 modem function or V.17.
The communication is started using the 29 modem function.

[0010] Also, according to ITU-T Recommendation V. 34 modem function, Recommendation V.34. In a facsimile apparatus having a modem function or the like, each of the call destinations is set to V.29. The number of occurrences of errors when using the V.34 modem function is Error storage means stored for each phase of the V.34 modem; 34, when an error occurs during the use of the modem function, the phase of the error that has occurred is determined, and based on the determination result, the number of error updating means that updates the number of error occurrences stored in the error storage means is provided. Communication destination transmission speed storage means for storing the transmission speed at which communication was possible for the destination, and when calling, for a specified destination, the number of occurrences of errors in the predetermined phase stored in the error storage means is a predetermined value. If the above is true, the destination is set to V. In addition to prohibiting the use of the 34 modem, the communication is started at the transmission speed stored in the communicable transmission speed storage means, and the transmission speed when the communication is normally completed is stored in the communicable transmission speed storage means. It was made.

When there is a destination in which the number of occurrences of errors in a predetermined phase stored in the error storage means is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the V.V. 34, a report notifying that use of the modem function is prohibited is created and visually output. When there is a destination in which the number of occurrences of errors in a predetermined phase stored in the error storage means is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, the destination is set to V.S. 34, a report notifying that the use of the modem function is prohibited is created, and the report is transmitted to a center device stored in advance.

[0012]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 shows a group 3 facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a system control unit 1 performs a control process of each unit of the facsimile apparatus and a facsimile transmission control procedure process. A system memory 2 stores a control process program executed by the system control unit 1. , And various data required when executing the processing program, and constitutes a work area of the system control unit 1. The parameter memory 3 stores various information unique to the group 3 facsimile apparatus. The clock circuit 4 is for outputting current time information.

The scanner 5 is for reading a document image at a predetermined resolution, the plotter 6 is for recording and outputting an image at a predetermined resolution, and the operation display unit 7 is a facsimile apparatus. To operate,
It consists of various operation keys and various indicators.

The encoding / decoding section 8 encodes and compresses the image signal and decodes the encoded and compressed image information into the original image signal.
This is for storing a large number of image information in a coded and compressed state.

The group 3 facsimile modem 10 is for realizing a group 3 facsimile modem function. The group 3 facsimile modem 10 has a low-speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals, and mainly exchanges image information. High-speed modem function (V.17 modem,
V. 34 modem (including V.8 modem function); 29
Modem, 27ter modem etc.).

The network control device 11 is for connecting the facsimile machine to a public telephone line network and has an automatic transmission / reception function.

The system control unit 1, system memory 2, parameter memory 3, clock circuit 4, scanner 5, plotter 6, operation display unit 7, encoding / decoding unit 8, image storage device 9, group 3 facsimile modem The network controller 10 and the network controller 11 are connected to an internal bus 12, and data exchange between these elements is mainly performed through the internal bus 12.

Data exchange between the network controller 11 and the group 3 facsimile modem 10 is directly performed.

FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) show the V.V. 34 shows an example of a transmission procedure when transmitting image information using the modem function. In this case, The transmission procedure in the half duplex mode of the T.34 modem is performed.

That is, when the transmitting terminal TX calls the receiving terminal RX and the receiving terminal RX answers the incoming call, the transmitting terminal TX
Is a ring tone signal CNG which is a single tone signal of a predetermined frequency.
, And firstly, phase 1 for establishing a session between the modems is started.

In this phase 1, receiving terminal RX receives signal ANSam, which is a predetermined tone signal subjected to amplitude modulation.
To notify the start of the phase 1 and the transmitting terminal TX
When receiving the signal ANSam, it sends out a calling menu signal CM mainly for displaying a modulation method such as a modem type provided in its own terminal.

When receiving the calling menu signal CM, the receiving terminal RX selects a modulation method such as a modem type to be used at that time from a modulation method such as a modem type notified by the calling menu signal CM, A common menu signal JM for notifying the modulation method such as the selected modem type.
Is sent. In this case, the receiving terminal RX receives V. 34, and is notified to the transmitting terminal TX.

When receiving the common menu signal JM, the transmitting terminal TX sends out the CM terminator CJ and sets the function of the modem device so as to apply the modulation method such as the modem type notified by the common menu signal JM. .

After receiving the CM terminator CJ, the receiving terminal RX ends the output of the common menu signal JM.

When the type of the modem to be used is set in this way, the transmitting terminal TX starts a phase 2 for performing line probing for investigating the characteristics of the line to be used. Here, the signals indicated by A * and B * in the figure are signals obtained by inverting the signals A and B, respectively. Similarly, in the subsequent phases, a signal to which “*” is added is a signal obtained by inverting a signal having the same signal name without adding “*”. If the type of modem used is V. In the case other than the 34 modem, when the phase 1 is completed, the process shifts to a transmission procedure according to the modem type set to be used. If the other terminal has a modem type different from that of the own terminal, the phase 1 ends with an error.

In this phase 2, both modem information is exchanged (signal INFO sequence), and the line test tone (B, B *) transmitted by the transmitting terminal TX is received by the receiving terminal RX.
, The line characteristics are determined, and the determination result is notified to the transmitting terminal TX. Therefore, if the line characteristics are poor, this phase 2 ends in error.

Next, the phase 3 for the primary channel equalizer training is executed. Here, the transmitting terminal TX transmits a signal (S,
S *, TRN), and the receiving terminal RX adjusts the equalizer of the primary channel for receiving image information according to the received signal. Therefore, if the equalization of the primary channel cannot be converged, this phase 3 ends in error. If the receiving terminal RX cannot detect the training signal TRN, the process returns to phase 2 and the line probing is executed again.

Next, the phase 4 for starting up the control channel is executed. Here, the transmitting terminal TX and the receiving terminal RX each transmit the signal PPh, and the signal M
This is a procedure for responding to the Ph sequence. Among them, the transmission speed of the control channel and the transmission speed of the primary channel are exchanged by the signal MPh sequence. Also, the transmission speed of each channel is the same as that of both signals MP.
The maximum possible transmission rate is set among the transmission rates less than or equal to the transmission rate indicated by the h sequence. That is, in this phase 4, the transmission speed of the image information is set.

Thus, the process is completed up to the phase 4,
When the transmission speeds of the control channel and the primary channel are set, in the next phase 5, exchange of a pre-facsimile transmission procedure signal is performed using the control channel.

That is, using the control channel,
The receiving terminal RX includes a digital identification signal DIS for notifying a standard function provided in the terminal itself, a non-standard function identification signal NSF for notifying a non-standard function set in the terminal, Also, it transmits a called terminal identification signal CSI for displaying its own terminal.

The transmitting terminal TX transmits the non-standard function identification signal NS
F, upon receiving the digital identification signal DIS and the called terminal identification signal CSI, determines the transmission function to be used at that time, such as the image size, based on the value of the reception capability parameter notified by the digital identification signal DIS. I do. Then, it transmits a transmitting terminal identification signal TSI for displaying its own terminal and a digital command signal DCS for notifying the transmission function determined at that time.

The receiving terminal RX receives the digital command signal DCS
Is received, a reception preparation confirmation signal CF indicating that fact is received.
Responds with R and shifts to preparation for receiving image information.

In the next phase 6, using the primary channel, the transmitting terminal TX transmits image information PIX after retraining the modem by the signals S and S *. The receiving terminal RX performs the above-described error detection on the received image information PIX. In this case, since no error frame has been detected, in the next phase 4, the modem speed is not reset, and In phase 5 for transmitting a facsimile transmission procedure signal, a message confirmation signal MCF is transmitted in response to a signal PPS-NULL (indicating the end of one block) transmitted from the transmitting terminal TX.

Thereafter, the necessary number of phases 6 for transmitting the image information and phases 4 and 5 for exchanging the post-message signal are repeated.

Then, after transmitting the final image information PIX (m), in phase 5, the transmitting terminal TX transmits a signal PPS-EOP indicating the end of the procedure, while the receiving terminal RX transmits a message confirmation signal MCF. Send out. As a result, the transmitting terminal TX sends out the disconnection command signal DCN to restore the line. Further, receiving the disconnection command signal DCN, the receiving terminal RX restores the line.

Here, V.I. When the 34 modem function is used, an ECM (error correction mode) mode is applied as an image information transmission mode. The outline of the ECM mode is as follows.

First, the transmission image information is 256 (or 64).
The data is divided into data for each byte, and the divided data is shaped into frame data of a predetermined format (with an error detection code).
The data is transmitted in units of blocks in which 256 or less frame data are sequentially arranged.

On the receiving side, each received frame is checked for a data error. When an error is detected in one or more frames, a transmission control signal notifying the error is sent to the transmitting side, and the transmission Information for notifying a frame number in which a data error has been detected is added to the control signal. On the receiving side, if no data error is detected in all the received frames,
A transmission procedure signal indicating this is transmitted to the transmitting side.

On the other hand, when the transmitting side is notified that a frame error has been detected from the receiving side, it retransmits the frame data of the frame number notified at that time. Also,
When it is notified that no data error has been detected, the image data of the next block is transmitted.

By repeating this retransmission operation, image information for one block without error can be obtained on the receiving side.

The ECM mode is a basic transmission mode of another data transmission mode of the group 3 facsimile apparatus which guarantees no data error, such as a binary data transmission mode.

Here, V.I. 34 modem, V.34. 17 modem, V.I. 29 modem and V.29. The symbol rate, carrier frequency,
Examples of the used band and the maximum bit rate are shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG.

As described above, V.I. The used bandwidth of the modems is 1.5 to 2 times as wide as that of other modems. If the frequency characteristics of the communication line using the V.34 modem are not good, The high speed data communication which is an advantage of the 34 modem cannot be performed.

If the frequency characteristic of the communication line used is poor, Signaling fails during 34-modem phase 2 line probing procedure. Further, even after passing through phase 2, an error may occur in phase 3.

Therefore, phase 2 or phase 3
When an error occurs, it can be determined that the frequency characteristic of the communication line with the partner terminal is poor. It is preferable to use another modem without using the 34 modem. In particular, in the case of extension communication, such a measure is effective because the frequency characteristic of the communication line is almost fixed with respect to the destination.

Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the V.V.
An error occurrence frequency table is provided for storing the number of error occurrences when using the 34 modem for each phase. In addition, this error occurrence number table indicates that A V34 prohibition flag for storing whether to prohibit the use of the 34 modem is also stored.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
V. There is also provided a criterion value table storing a threshold value of the number of times of error for making a determination to prohibit the use of the 34 modem, and is stored in the parameter memory 3 or the like.

FIG. 9 shows a main part of a part of the processing executed by the system control unit 1 at the time of making a call for determining the type of modem to be used and the like.

First, when a call is designated (result of determination 101 is YES), the above-mentioned error occurrence count table is referred to, and whether the V34 prohibition flag is set for the designated call destination at that time is determined. Check (Judgment 1
02). At this time, if a new destination that is not registered in the error occurrence table is specified, an element of the error occurrence table is newly generated for the new destination.

When the result of the decision 102 is NO,
Group 3 facsimile modem 10 has V. 34 modem mode, and 34 modem communication is started (processing 1).
03).

Thus, a call is made to the designated destination,
A predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission procedure is executed with the destination, and, for example, designated transmission image information is transmitted to the destination.

During this communication operation, it is monitored whether or not a communication error occurs before the communication is completed (NO loop of judgments 104 and 105). If a communication error has occurred and the result of determination 104 is YES, the phase in which the communication error occurred at that time is determined (process 106), and the destination at that time is stored in the error occurrence frequency table. Among the number of errors, the number of errors in the determined phase is increased by one, and newly generated error information is set in the error occurrence table (step 107).

Then, with respect to the contents of the error occurrence number table corresponding to the destination, each threshold value of the judgment criterion table is applied to each corresponding phase, and the value of the error occurrence number of each phase becomes larger than the threshold value. Is checked to see if It is checked whether the use of the T.34 modem is prohibited (decision 108).

If the result of determination 108 is YES, V3 of the error frequency table corresponding to the destination
4 A prohibition flag is set (processing 109), and this processing ends.

If the result of determination 108 is NO, the V34 prohibition flag is not set, and this processing ends. If no communication error has occurred by the end of communication and the result of determination 105 is YES, this process is immediately terminated.

For the specified call destination, V34
When the prohibition flag is set and the result of determination 102 is YES, Modems other than the V.34 modem, for example, V.34. 17 modem or V.17. The 29 modem is set as the group 3 facsimile modem 10, the group 3 facsimile communication is started (process 110), and this process ends.

As described above, in this embodiment, the V.V. 34
If a communication error occurs when communication is started with the modem function set, and the number of occurrences becomes larger than the threshold value stored in the determination criterion table, when a call is made to the destination, V.V. Since the use of the V.34 modem is prohibited, when performing facsimile communication with a destination having poor communication line characteristics, V.34. By using the 34 modem function, it is possible to avoid a situation where useless communication time is required.

Further, the number of occurrences of communication errors 34 is counted for each phase of the modem and compared with the threshold value stored in the criterion table. Since it is determined that the use of the modem is prohibited, if an error occurs in a specific phase due to the frequency characteristic of the communication line becoming bad, the V.34 modem is used. If the frequency characteristics of the communication line are always poor, as in the case of extension communication, the use of V.34 modem is not prohibited. V.34 modem is prohibited. The prohibition timing of the 34 modem can be appropriately set, and efficient facsimile communication can be performed.

By the way, in the above-described embodiment, the V.V. 34
Although only the use of modems is prohibited, 17 modem or V.17. In some cases, it is preferable to prohibit the use of the 29 modem. For example, in the case of extension communication.

FIG. 10 shows an example of an error occurrence frequency table applied in this case. The table of the number of times of occurrence of an error includes a V.V.
In addition to storing the number of times of error occurrence when using the V.34 modem for each phase, A V34 prohibition flag for storing whether or not to prohibit use of the F.34 modem; and
V. 17 / V. A V17 / V29 prohibition flag for storing whether to prohibit the use of the V.29 modem is stored.

In this case, FIG. 11 shows a main part of a part of the processing executed by the system control unit 1 at the time of making a call for determining the type of modem to be used and the like.

First, when a call is specified (result of determination 201 is YES), the above-mentioned error occurrence table is referred to, and whether the V34 prohibition flag is set for the call destination specified at that time is determined. To check (decision 2
02). At this time, if a new destination that is not registered in the error occurrence table is specified, an element of the error occurrence table is newly generated for the new destination.

When the result of the determination 202 is NO,
Group 3 facsimile modem 10 has V. 34 modem mode, and 34 modem communication is started (processing 2).
03).

Thus, a call is made to the designated destination,
A predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission procedure is executed with the destination, and, for example, designated transmission image information is transmitted to the destination.

During this communication operation, it is monitored whether or not a communication error occurs before the communication is completed (NO loop of determinations 204 and 205). If a communication error has occurred and the result of determination 204 is YES, the phase in which the communication error occurred at that time is determined (process 206), and the destination at that time is stored in the error occurrence frequency table. Among the number of errors, the number of errors in the determined phase is increased by one, and the newly generated error information is set in the error frequency table (process 207).

Then, with respect to the contents of the error occurrence frequency table corresponding to the destination, each threshold value of the judgment criterion table is applied to each corresponding phase, and the value of the error occurrence frequency of each phase becomes larger than the threshold value. Is checked to see if It is checked whether the use of the T.34 modem is prohibited (decision 208).

If the result of decision 208 is YES, V3 of the error occurrence table corresponding to the destination
4) A prohibition flag is set (processing 209), and this processing ends.

When the result of determination 208 is NO, the V34 prohibition flag is not set, and this processing ends. If no communication error has occurred by the end of the communication and the result of determination 205 is YES, this process is immediately terminated.

Further, for the designated call destination, V34
When the prohibition flag is set and the result of determination 202 is YES, it is further checked whether the V17 / V29 prohibition flag is set (decision 2).
10).

When the result of decision 210 is YES, the slower V.V. The 27 ter modem is set as the group 3 facsimile modem 10, the group 3 facsimile communication is started (process 211), and this process ends.

If the result of determination 210 is NO, V.V. 17 modem or V.17. 29, the modem 3 is set as the group 3 facsimile modem 10, and the group 3 facsimile communication is started (step 212). If an error occurs in the group 3 facsimile communication, the error occurrence count table corresponding to the destination is set. V1
The 7 / V29 prohibition flag is set (processing 213), and this processing ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the V.V. 34
If a communication error occurs when communication is started with the modem function set, and the number of occurrences becomes larger than the threshold value stored in the determination criterion table, when a call is made to the destination, V.V. Since the use of the V.34 modem is prohibited, when performing facsimile communication with a destination having poor communication line characteristics, V.34. By using the 34 modem function, it is possible to avoid a situation where useless communication time is required.

Further, the number of occurrences of communication errors 34 is counted for each phase of the modem and compared with the threshold value stored in the criterion table. Since it is determined that the use of the modem is prohibited, if an error occurs in a specific phase due to the frequency characteristic of the communication line becoming bad, the V.34 modem is used. If the frequency characteristics of the communication line are always poor, as in the case of extension communication, the use of V.34 modem is not prohibited. V.34 modem is prohibited. The prohibition timing of the 34 modem can be appropriately set, and efficient facsimile communication can be performed.

Further, V.I. 17 modem or V.17. Since the use of 29 modems is also prohibited, for example, if the frequency characteristics of the communication line are extremely poor, such as in the case of extension communication, an appropriate modem type is selected and efficient facsimile communication is performed. It becomes possible.

By the way, in the above-described embodiment, V.V. 34
When the use of the modem is prohibited, 17 modem or V.17. 2
9 The use of modems is prohibited to deal with the case where the frequency characteristics of the communication line are poor. However, the communication rate (communication speed; modem speed) when group 3 facsimile communication ends normally is stored. , V. When the use of the 34 modem is prohibited, the stored communication rate can be used.

FIG. 12 shows an example of an error occurrence frequency table applied in this case. The table of the number of times of occurrence of an error includes a V.V.
In addition to storing the number of times of error occurrence when using the V.34 modem for each phase, A V34 prohibition flag for storing whether to prohibit the use of the 34 modem and a communication rate (modem speed) are stored.

In this case, FIG. 13 shows a main part of a part of the processing executed by the system control unit 1 at the time of making a call for determining the type of modem to be used and the like.

First, when a call is designated (result of determination 301 is YES), the above-mentioned error occurrence table is referred to, and whether the V34 prohibition flag is set for the designated call destination at that time is determined. Check (decision 3
02). At this time, if a new destination that is not registered in the error occurrence table is specified, an element of the error occurrence table is newly generated for the new destination.

When the result of determination 302 is NO,
Group 3 facsimile modem 10 has V. 34 modem mode, and 34 modem communication is started (process 3).
03).

Thus, a call is made to the designated destination,
A predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission procedure is executed with the destination, and, for example, designated transmission image information is transmitted to the destination.

During this communication operation, it is monitored whether or not a communication error occurs before the communication is completed (NO loop of determinations 304 and 305). If a communication error has occurred and the result of determination 304 is YES, the phase in which the communication error has occurred at that time is determined (step 306), and the destination at that time is stored in the error occurrence count table. Among the number of errors, the number of errors in the determined phase is increased by one, and the newly generated error information is set in the error frequency table (process 307).

Then, with respect to the contents of the error occurrence frequency table corresponding to the destination, each threshold value of the judgment criterion table is applied to each corresponding phase, and the value of the error occurrence frequency of each phase becomes larger than the threshold value. Is checked to see if It is checked whether the use of the T.34 modem is prohibited (decision 308).

If the result of determination 308 is YES, V3 of the error occurrence table corresponding to the destination
4 The prohibition flag is set (process 309), and this process ends.

When the result of determination 308 is NO, the V34 prohibition flag is not set, and this processing ends. If no communication error has occurred by the end of communication and the result of determination 305 is YES, this process is immediately terminated.

For the specified call destination, V34
If the prohibition flag is set and the result of determination 302 is YES, if the previous communication rate is stored in the error occurrence count table, the group is set to use the modem speed of that communication rate. If a 3 facsimile communication operation is performed and the previous communication rate is not stored in the error occurrence count table,
V. 17 modem or V.17. 29 modem is set as the group 3 facsimile modem 10, and the group 3 facsimile communication operation is performed (process 310).

When the group 3 facsimile communication operation at that time ends normally, the modem speed at that time is stored in an error occurrence frequency table (step 3).
11), this process ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the V.V. 34
If a communication error occurs when communication is started with the modem function set, and the number of occurrences becomes larger than the threshold value stored in the determination criterion table, when a call is made to the destination, V.V. Since the use of the V.34 modem is prohibited, when performing facsimile communication with a destination having poor communication line characteristics, V.34. By using the 34 modem function, it is possible to avoid a situation where useless communication time is required.

Further, the number of occurrences of communication errors 34 is counted for each phase of the modem and compared with the threshold value stored in the criterion table. Since it is determined that the use of the modem is prohibited, if an error occurs in a specific phase due to the frequency characteristic of the communication line becoming bad, the V.34 modem is used. If the frequency characteristics of the communication line are always poor, as in the case of extension communication, the use of V.34 modem is not prohibited. V.34 modem is prohibited. The prohibition timing of the 34 modem can be appropriately set, and efficient facsimile communication can be performed.

Further, V.I. When the 34 modem is prohibited, the group 3 facsimile communication operation is started at the modem speed at the time of normal termination, so that the modem training during the group 3 facsimile transmission procedure can be quickly completed, and efficient facsimile communication can be performed. .

By the way, with respect to a certain destination, When the use of the V.34 modem is prohibited, the V.34 modem shown in FIG.
When a V34 prohibition report for notifying the user that the use of the 34 modem is prohibited is created and recorded and output from the plotter 6, the user can clearly know that fact.
Appropriate measures can be taken.

In this case, FIG. 15 shows a main part of a part of the processing executed by the system control unit 1 at the time of making a call for determining a modem type to be used and the like.

First, when a call is designated (the result of decision 401 is YES), the above-mentioned error occurrence table is referred to and whether or not the V34 prohibition flag is set for the designated call destination at that time. To check (decision 4
02). At this time, if a new destination that is not registered in the error occurrence table is specified, an element of the error occurrence table is newly generated for the new destination.

When the result of decision 402 is NO,
Group 3 facsimile modem 10 has V. 34 modem mode, and 34 modem communication is started (process 4).
03).

As a result, a call is made to the designated destination,
A predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission procedure is executed with the destination, and, for example, designated transmission image information is transmitted to the destination.

During this communication operation, it is monitored whether or not a communication error occurs before the communication is completed (NO loop of judgments 404 and 405). If a communication error has occurred and the result of determination 404 is YES, the phase in which the communication error occurred at that time is determined (process 406), and the destination at that time is stored in the error occurrence count table. Among the number of errors, the number of errors in the determined phase is increased by one, and newly generated error information is set in the error occurrence table (process 407).

Then, with respect to the contents of the error occurrence frequency table corresponding to the destination, each threshold value of the judgment criterion table is applied to each corresponding phase, and the value of the error occurrence frequency of each phase becomes larger than the threshold value. Is checked to see if A check is made to determine whether the use of the T.34 modem is prohibited (decision 408).

If the result of decision 408 is YES, V3 of the error occurrence frequency table corresponding to the destination
4) The prohibition flag is set (process 409), the above-described V34 prohibition report is created and recorded and output from the plotter 6 (process 410), and this process ends.

When the result of determination 408 is NO, this process is terminated without setting the V34 prohibition flag. If no communication error has occurred by the end of communication and the result of determination 405 is YES, this process is immediately terminated.

Further, for the designated call destination, V34
When the prohibition flag is set and the result of determination 402 is YES, Modems other than the V.34 modem, for example, V.34. 17 modem or V.17. The 29 modem is set as the group 3 facsimile modem 10, the group 3 facsimile communication is started (process 411), and this process ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the V.D. V3 if the use of a 34 modem is prohibited
Since the 4 prohibition report is created and recorded and output, the user can clearly know that fact, and can take appropriate measures.

Further, when such a V34 prohibition report is transmitted to a service center or the like designated in advance, V.V. The fact that the use of the 34 modem has been prohibited is notified to the maintenance service or the like through the service center, which is convenient for maintenance and inspection.

In this case, FIG. 15 shows a main part of a part of the processing executed by the system control unit 1 at the time of making a call for determining the type of modem to be used.

First, when a call is specified (the result of determination 501 is YES), the above-mentioned error occurrence table is referred to, and whether the V34 prohibition flag is set for the call destination specified at that time is determined. Check (decision 5
02). At this time, if a new destination that is not registered in the error occurrence table is specified, an element of the error occurrence table is newly generated for the new destination.

When the result of decision 502 is NO,
Group 3 facsimile modem 10 has V. 34 modem mode, and 34 modem communication is started (processing 5).
03).

As a result, a call is made to the designated destination,
A predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission procedure is executed with the destination, and, for example, designated transmission image information is transmitted to the destination.

During this communication operation, it is monitored whether or not a communication error occurs before the communication is completed (NO loop of judgments 504 and 505). If a communication error has occurred and the result of determination 504 is YES, the phase in which the communication error occurred at that time is determined (process 506), and the destination at that time is stored in the error occurrence count table. Among the number of errors, the number of errors in the determined phase is increased by one, and the newly generated error information is set in the error frequency table (process 507).

Then, with respect to the contents of the error occurrence frequency table corresponding to the destination, each threshold value of the judgment criterion table is applied to each corresponding phase, and the value of the error occurrence frequency of each phase becomes larger than the threshold value. Is checked to see if A check is made to determine whether the use of the T.34 modem is prohibited (decision 508).

If the result of decision 508 is YES, V3 of the error occurrence table corresponding to the destination
4 The prohibition flag is set (process 509), and the above-described V34 prohibition report is created and recorded and output from the plotter 6 (process 510), and a call is made to the service center to transmit the image information of the V34 prohibition report. (Process 51
1), this process ends.

When the result of determination 508 is NO, this process is terminated without setting the V34 prohibition flag. If no communication error has occurred by the end of communication and the result of determination 505 is YES, this process is immediately terminated.

For the specified call destination, V34
When the prohibition flag is set and the result of determination 502 is YES, Modems other than the V.34 modem, for example, V.34. 17 modem or V.17. The 29 modem is set as the group 3 facsimile modem 10, the group 3 facsimile communication is started (process 512), and this process ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, V.D. V3 if the use of a 34 modem is prohibited
4 prohibition report is created and recorded and output, and this V34 prohibition report is transmitted to a service center designated in advance. The fact that the use of the 34 modem has been prohibited is notified to the maintenance service or the like through the service center, which is convenient for maintenance and inspection.

The above-described recording and output of the V34 prohibition report or the notification of the V34 prohibition report to the service center can be similarly applied to the embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 13. In addition, the method of notifying the service center of the V34 prohibition report can apply not only the image information communication but also the communication mode of the code information.

[0115]

As described above, according to the present invention,
V. If a communication error occurs when communication is started with the modem function set and the number of occurrences exceeds the threshold value stored in the determination criterion table, when calling the destination, V . Since the use of the V.34 modem is prohibited, when performing facsimile communication with a destination having poor communication line characteristics, V.34. By using the 34 modem function, it is possible to avoid a situation where useless communication time is required. Also,
The number of occurrences of communication errors 34 is counted for each phase of the modem and compared with the threshold value stored in the criterion table. Since it is determined that the use of 34 modems is prohibited,
If an error occurs in a specific phase due to the frequency characteristic of the communication line becoming bad, the V.11. If the frequency characteristics of the communication line are always poor, as in the case of extension communication, the use of V.34 modem is not prohibited. The use of V.34 modems is prohibited. The prohibition timing of the T.34 modem can be appropriately set, and the effect of enabling efficient facsimile communication can be obtained.

Further, V.I. 17 modem or V.17. Since the use of 29 modems is also prohibited, for example, if the frequency characteristics of the communication line are extremely poor, such as in the case of extension communication, an appropriate modem type is selected and efficient facsimile communication is performed. The effect that it becomes possible is also obtained.

In addition, V.I. When the 34 modem is prohibited, the group 3 facsimile communication operation is started at the modem speed at the time of normal termination, so that the modem training during the group 3 facsimile transmission procedure can be quickly completed, and efficient facsimile communication can be performed. The effect is also obtained.

In addition, a V.D. When the use of the V.34 modem is prohibited, a V34 prohibition report is created and recorded and output, so that the user can clearly know the fact and take an appropriate action.

In addition, a V.D. When the use of the V.34 modem is prohibited, a V34 prohibition report is created and recorded and output, and the V34 prohibition report is transmitted to a service center designated in advance. V. The fact that the use of the 34 modem has been prohibited is notified to the maintenance service or the like through the service center, so that the effect that the maintenance is convenient is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a group 3 facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a timing chart showing an example of a transmission procedure when transmitting image information using the modem function.

FIG. Symbol rate applied at 34 modems,
5 is a table showing an example of a carrier frequency, a used band, and a maximum bit rate.

FIG. The symbol rate applied by the 17 modems,
5 is a table showing an example of a carrier frequency, a used band, and a maximum bit rate.

FIG. The symbol rate applied by the 29 modem,
5 is a table showing an example of a carrier frequency, a used band, and a maximum bit rate.

FIG. 9 is a chart showing an example of a symbol rate, a carrier frequency, a used band, and a maximum bit rate applied in a 27ter modem.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an error occurrence number table.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a determination reference value table.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a main part of a part of a process executed by the system control unit 1 at the time of making a call for determining a type of a modem to be used;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of an error occurrence number table.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of a main part of a part of the processing executed by the system control unit 1 at the time of outgoing call for determining a modem type to be used and the like.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of the error occurrence count table.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing still another example of a main part of a part of the processing executed by the system control unit 1 at the time of making a call for determining a modem type to be used and the like.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a V34 prohibition report.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing still another example of the main part of the part that determines the type of modem to be used, among the processing executed by the system control unit 1 when making a call.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing yet another example of a main part of a part of the processing executed by the system control unit 1 at the time of calling when determining a modem type to be used;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 System control unit 2 System memory 3 Parameter memory 10 Group 3 facsimile modem

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-9-289577 (JP, A) JP-A-10-327309 (JP, A) JP-A-10-42116 (JP, A) JP-A 8- 242221 (JP, A) JP-A-2-226940 (JP, A) JP-A-7-115532 (JP, A) JP-A-4-312064 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 H04N 1/32-1/36 H04N 1/42-1/44

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An ITU-T Recommendation V. 34 modem function, Recommendation V.34. In a facsimile apparatus having a modem function and the like, each of the calling destinations is set to V.29. The number of occurrences of errors when using the V.34 modem function is Error storage means stored for each phase of the V.34 modem; 34, when an error occurs during use of the modem function, an error frequency updating means for determining the phase of the generated error and updating the error occurrence number stored in the error storage means based on the determination result. For a specified destination, when the number of error occurrences in the predetermined phase stored in the error storage means is equal to or more than a predetermined value,
V. 34. A facsimile apparatus wherein use of a modem is prohibited. 2. An ITU-T Recommendation V. 34 modem function, Recommendation V.34. 17 / V. 29 modem function and Recommendation V.29. 2
In a facsimile apparatus having a 7 ter modem function, each of the call destinations may The number of occurrences of errors when using the V.34 modem function is Error storage means stored for each phase of the V.34 modem, 17 Modem function use or V.17 V.29 storing the error occurrence when using the modem function 17 / V. 29 mode error storage means; If an error occurs when the modem function is used, an error frequency updating means for determining the phase of the generated error and updating the error occurrence number stored in the error storage means based on the determination result; 17 Modem function use or V.17 If an error occurs when the modem function is used, the above V.29 is used. 17 / V. An error occurrence storage means for storing the occurrence of an error in the 29-time mode error storage means. When a call is made, the number of errors in a predetermined phase stored in the error storage means for a designated destination becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value. The destination, the V.D. 3
4 modem is prohibited, and the V.4 17 / V. When an error occurrence is stored in the error storage means at the time of the 29th mode, V.29. 27ter
While the communication is started using the modem function, the destination is set to the above V.11. 17 / V. If no error occurrence is stored in the error storage means in the 29th mode, 17 modem function or V.17. 29. A facsimile apparatus which starts communication using a modem function. 3. The method according to ITU-T Recommendation V.3. 34 modem function, Recommendation V.34. In a facsimile apparatus having a modem function or the like, each of the call destinations is set to V.29. The number of occurrences of errors when using the V.34 modem function is Error storage means stored for each phase of the V.34 modem; 34, when an error occurs during the use of the modem function, the phase of the error that has occurred is determined, and based on the determination result, the number of error updating means that updates the number of error occurrences stored in the error storage means is provided. Communication destination transmission speed storage means for storing the transmission speed at which communication was possible for the destination, and when calling, for a specified destination, the number of occurrences of errors in the predetermined phase stored in the error storage means is a predetermined value. If the above is true, the destination is set to V. 34 prohibiting the use of a modem, starting communication at the transmission speed stored in the communicable transmission speed storage means, and storing the transmission speed when the communication is normally completed in the communicable transmission speed storage means. Facsimile machine characterized by the above-mentioned. 4. When there is a destination in which the number of occurrences of an error in a predetermined phase stored in the error storage means is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the V.V. 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a report notifying that use of the modem function is prohibited is generated and visually output. 5. When there is a destination in which the number of occurrences of an error in a predetermined phase stored in the error storage means is equal to or more than a predetermined value, V.V. 34. A report for notifying that use of the F.34 modem function is prohibited, and transmitting the report to a center device stored in advance. A facsimile machine as described.