JP3658988B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium in which a computer program for controlling them is stored, and has a function of changing maintenance contents set in, for example, a facsimile machine via communication means About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as the above-described facsimile apparatus, one having a function for performing maintenance such as switching of reception sensitivity is known.
This switch includes a memory switch for switching the reception sensitivity, for example, and the memory switch is switched by a signal transmitted via a communication line from a service center that performs maintenance.
At this time, when receiving a command signal for maintenance from the service center, the facsimile apparatus shifts from the normal state to the maintenance state and operates the timer, and when the timer count reaches a predetermined time, Return from the maintenance state to the normal state.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the time required for the service center to perform maintenance and the time set in the timer of the facsimile apparatus do not always coincide with each other.
In other words, if the maintenance time on the service center side is longer than the time set in the timer of the facsimile machine, the facsimile machine will return from the maintenance state to the normal state during the maintenance on the service center side. There is a problem that maintenance cannot be performed.
Further, since facsimile communication cannot be performed during the maintenance state, there is a problem that if the time set in the timer is increased, the time during which facsimile communication cannot be performed becomes longer.
[0004]
Therefore, the present invention eliminates a situation in which the operation side (service center) cannot change the settings when the operation side (facsimile device) is changed, and the operation side can be changed (maintenance state). It is an object of the present invention to realize a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium that can shorten the time during which the normal state cannot be recovered from.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the setting content storage means that stores the setting content that can be changed by the operation side operating through the communication means, and the setting content stored in the setting content storage device by the apparatus are stored. Return time setting means for setting the return time from the changeable changeable state to the return to the normal state before the changeable state, and when the return time set in this return time setting means is reached And a return device for returning the device from the changeable state to the normal state, and a communication device for operating the operated communication device,
An operation for changing the setting content stored in the setting content storage means provided in the operated communication device to a changeable state by transmitting an operation signal to the operated communication device. Means,
A change means for changing a setting content stored in the setting content storage means by transmitting a change signal to the operated communication device that has been changed by the operation means. In the device
By transmitting a signal that prohibits the operated communication device from returning from the changeable state to the normal state to the operated communication device, the normal state is changed from the changeable state by the return means. The technical means that the return prohibiting means for prohibiting the return to the state is provided is adopted.
[0006]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the first aspect, the return prohibiting means sends a reset signal for resetting the return time set in the return time setting means to the operated communication device. Adopt the technical means of transmitting.
[0007]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the second aspect, the return prohibiting unit transmits the reset signal to the operated communication device at first predetermined time intervals. Is adopted.
[0008]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is employed a technical means that the communication apparatus according to the third aspect includes a transmission timing changing means for changing the first predetermined time.
[0009]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a return signal transmission for transmitting a return signal for executing the return means to the operated communication device. Employ technical means that means are provided.
[0010]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the return prohibiting means rewrites the return time set in the return time setting means. A technical means is employed in which a return time rewrite signal is transmitted to the operated communication device.
[0011]
In the invention according to claim 7, the setting content storage means in which the setting content that can be changed by the operation side through the communication means is stored, and the setting content stored in the setting content storage means by the device are stored. Return time setting means for setting the return time from the changeable changeable state to the return to the normal state before the changeable state, and when the return time set in this return time setting means is reached And a communication device on the operated side having return means for returning the device from the changeable state to the normal state,
By transmitting an operation signal to the operated communication device, the setting content stored in the setting content storage means provided in the operated communication device is changed to a changeable state. Operating means;
An operation side communication comprising: a change means for changing a setting content stored in the setting content storage means by transmitting a change signal to the operated communication device that has been changed by the operation means. In a communication system provided with a device,
The operation-side communication device is provided with return prohibiting means for transmitting a signal for prohibiting the operation-side communication device from returning from the changeable state to the normal state to the operated-side communication device. And
When the operated communication device receives the signal transmitted from the operated communication device, the return stop temporarily stops the return from the changeable state to the normal state by the return means. Employ technical means that means are provided.
[0012]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the communication system according to the seventh aspect, a return signal for transmitting a return signal for executing a return means provided in the operated communication device to the operating side communication device. A signal transmission means is provided,
When the operation-side communication device receives a return signal transmitted from the operation-side communication device, the operation-side communication device is forced to return the return means regardless of the return time set by the return time setting means. A technical means is provided that includes a forcible return means for executing and returning the apparatus from the changeable state to the normal state.
[0013]
In the invention according to claim 9, the setting content storage means in which the setting content that can be changed by the operation side through the communication means is stored, and the setting content stored in the setting content storage means by the device are stored. Return time setting means for setting the return time from the changeable changeable state to the return to the normal state before the changeable state, and when the return time set in this return time setting means is reached And a return device for returning the device from the changeable state to the normal state, and a communication device for operating the operated communication device,
An operation for changing the setting content stored in the setting content storage means provided in the operated communication device to a changeable state by transmitting an operation signal to the operated communication device. Means,
A communication device comprising: a change unit that changes a setting content stored in the setting content storage unit by transmitting a change signal to the communication device on the operated side that has been changed by the operation unit. In a storage medium storing a computer program for controlling
By transmitting a signal that prohibits the operated communication device from returning from the changeable state to the normal state to the operated communication device, the normal state is changed from the changeable state by the return means. The technical means that the computer program including the return prohibition program for prohibiting the return to is stored is adopted.
[0014]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the communication device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the communication system according to the seventh or eighth aspect, or the storage medium according to the ninth aspect. In the above, a technical means is adopted in which the set contents are contents set for at least maintenance of the apparatus.
[0015]
[Action]
In the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the return prohibiting means changes the setting contents stored in the setting contents storage means from a changeable state in which the operated communication device can change the setting contents. By transmitting a signal prohibiting the return to the normal state before entering the operable state to the operated communication device, the operated communication device reaches the return time set in the return time setting means. Return from the changeable state to the normal state is prohibited.
That is, by transmitting the above signal from the operation side to the communication device on the operated side, the operated side can be prohibited from returning from the changeable state to the normal state.
Therefore, even when the return time set in the return time setting means of the operated communication device is shorter than the operation time on the operation side, the signal is transmitted from the operation side to the communication device on the operated side. As a result, the communication device on the operated side can be prohibited from returning the setting contents from the changeable state to the normal state, so that the operation side performs the operation without interruption during the operation. be able to.
[0016]
In addition, even if the communication device on the operated side sets the return time set in the return time setting means shorter, the operation side sends the signal to the communication device on the operated side before the return time is reached. By transmitting, the operation-side communication device can be prohibited from returning from the changeable state to the normal state, so that the operation can be continued.
Therefore, since the communication device on the operated side can set the return time short, the time during which communication is impossible due to the failure to return from the changeable state to the normal state can be shortened as much as possible.
[0017]
In particular, the return prohibiting means, as in the invention described in claim 2, includes a technical means for transmitting a reset signal for resetting the return time set in the return time setting means to the operated communication device. It can be realized by adopting it.
That is, by resetting the return time set in the return time setting means provided in the operated communication device, the return time setting means can count the time until return from the beginning, and until the return This is because the time can be extended.
[0018]
Further, it is preferable that the reset signal is transmitted to the operated communication device every first predetermined time, as in the third aspect of the invention.
In other words, when the return time set in the operated communication device is short, even if the reset signal is transmitted once to the operated communication device, the operated communication device during the operation on the operated side. May return to the normal state, but by sending a reset signal every first predetermined time, the reset of the return time can be repeated every first predetermined time. This is because the communication device can be continuously prohibited from returning to the normal state.
[0019]
Furthermore, in the invention according to claim 4, since the transmission timing changing means for changing the first predetermined time is provided, the return time set in the operated communication device is long or short. Even if it exists, since the timing which transmits a reset signal can be changed according to the length, it can prohibit continuously that the communication apparatus by the side of an operation returns to a normal state.
[0020]
Further, in the invention described in claim 5, since the return signal transmitting means for transmitting the return signal for executing the return means to the operated communication device is provided, the operated communication device can be changed. Even in the state, it is possible to return from the changeable state to the normal state by transmitting the return signal from the operation side to the communication device on the operated side.
Therefore, the operation side transmits the return signal to the operated communication device when the operation is completed, so that the operated communication device can immediately return to the normal state without waiting for the return time. Since it is possible to return, it is possible to minimize the time during which the operated communication device cannot communicate.
[0021]
Further, in the invention described in claim 6, the return prohibiting means transmits a return time rewriting signal for rewriting the return time set in the return time setting means to the operated communication device. Therefore, the return time can be changed by rewriting the return time itself.
Therefore, the operation side can rewrite the return time of the operated communication device to the time required until the operation is completed, so that the operated communication device is changed from the changeable state to the normal state before the operation is completed. Returning can be prohibited.
[0022]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the operation side communication device transmits a signal for prohibiting the operation side communication device from returning from the changeable state to the normal state to the operation side communication device. Return prohibiting means is provided, and when the operated communication device receives a signal transmitted from the operated communication device, it temporarily suspends the return from the changeable state to the normal state. Since the return canceling means is provided, the operation side can be operated to the end without interrupting the operation, and the communication device on the operated side is changed from the changeable state to the normal state. It is possible to realize a communication system that can shorten the time during which communication is impossible due to the failure to return.
[0023]
Particularly, in the invention according to claim 8, the operation side communication device is provided with a return signal transmission means for transmitting a return signal for executing the return means provided in the operated communication device, When the return signal is received, the communication device on the operated side forcibly executes the return means regardless of the return time set by the return time setting means, so that the apparatus is changed from the changeable state. Since the forced return means for returning to the normal state is provided, even if the operated communication device is in a changeable state, the return signal is transmitted from the operating side to the operated communication device. Thus, the changeable state can be returned to the normal state.
In other words, if the operation side transmits the return signal to the operated communication device when the work is completed, the operated communication device can immediately do not wait for the return time. Can return to normal state.
Therefore, it is possible to realize a communication system that can minimize the time during which the operated communication device cannot communicate.
[0024]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the signal can be changed by the return means by transmitting a signal for prohibiting the operated communication device from returning from the changeable state to the normal state to the operated communication device. Since the configuration is a storage medium storing a computer program including a return prohibition program that prohibits the return from the normal state to the normal state, the communication device according to claim 1 can be realized by using the storage medium.
That is, since the communication device is controlled by a CPU built in the communication device or a computer connected to the communication device, as described in the embodiment of the invention described later, for example, as the storage medium. This is because the invention according to claim 1 can be implemented by providing the ROM or installing the computer program stored in the storage medium in the computer.
[0025]
Further, the technical means according to claims 1 to 9 are suitable when the setting content is at least a content set for performing maintenance of the apparatus as in the invention according to claim 10. Adopted.
In other words, in communication devices represented by facsimile devices, there are important things such as setting the reception sensitivity as maintenance content, and if problems occur in the conventional technology occur, maintenance can not be performed, This is because there is a possibility that the time during which communication becomes impossible will become long, but such a situation can be avoided by using the above technical means.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a communication device and a communication system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the main configuration of the communication system according to the first embodiment in blocks.
In the following embodiments, a description will be given on the assumption that the service center on the operation side performs maintenance on the facsimile apparatus of the user who has a maintenance contract on the operated side.
[0027]
The communication device 60 in the service center is connected to the facsimile devices 10 of a plurality of users via a communication line 80. The communication device 60 is provided with a CPU 62 that controls communication performed with the facsimile apparatus 10, and a timer TA, ROM 64, RAM 66, and HDD 68 are connected to the CPU 62.
The timer TA counts the time during which the communication device 60 performs maintenance of the user's facsimile machine 10, and the timer TA can be built in the CPU 62. The HDD 68 stores a control program for the CPU 62 to execute various controls, which will be described later, a user name, a model name of the user's facsimile machine, a FAX number, and the like. A RAM 66 executes the various controls described above. In this case, the control program read from the HDD 68 is temporarily stored, or the data transmitted from the user's facsimile machine 10 is temporarily stored. The ROM 64 stores a basic control program for controlling the communication device 60.
Further, the CPU 62 includes a communication modem 70 for performing communication with the user's facsimile machine 10, a monitor television 72 for displaying maintenance contents of the user's facsimile machine 10, and data for changing the maintenance contents. And a keyboard 74 for inputting various commands to the CPU 62 are connected.
[0028]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the user's facsimile machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
The facsimile apparatus 10 is provided with a CPU 12 that performs control of communication with the communication apparatus 60 in the service center, control of facsimile communication with other facsimile apparatuses, and the like. The CPU 12 is connected to a return timer TB that counts a return time from when the maintenance is performed until the normal state before the maintenance is performed. The return timer TB resets the count when it receives a reset signal from the communication device 60 during counting, and starts counting from the beginning. The return timer TB can also be built in the CPU 12. The CPU 12 is connected to a maintenance memory switch 14 in which data for performing maintenance of the facsimile machine 10 is stored.
[0029]
Here, the configuration of the maintenance memory switch 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2B and 2C, with the reception sensitivity setting memory switch constituting a part thereof as a representative.
FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram showing the memory contents before the setting contents are rewritten, and FIG. 2C is an explanatory diagram showing the memory contents after the setting contents are rewritten.
The reception sensitivity setting memory switch 14a is composed of 3 bits, and “001” is set when the facsimile apparatus 10 is shipped from the factory as shown in FIG. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 2C, the bit configuration of “010” is switched by the setting content rewriting signal transmitted from the service center side.
That is, the reception sensitivity setting memory switch 14a is configured to be switched to a reception sensitivity suitable for the usage status of the facsimile machine 10 by an operation from the service center side.
[0030]
Although not shown, the maintenance memory switch 14 is designated with a memory switch and a list of memory switches for switching to a test print mode for causing the user's facsimile apparatus 10 to output data indicating the internal state of the facsimile apparatus 10. A memory switch for switching to a mode for transferring to a designated FAX number, a memory switch for switching to a mode for initializing the facsimile machine 10, and the like. Similarly, it can be switched by a setting content rewriting signal transmitted from the service center side.
By the way, the maintenance memory switch 14 corresponds to the set content storage means of the present invention, and the return timer TB corresponds to the return time setting means.
[0031]
Here, returning to the description of FIG. 2A, the RAM 12 and the ROM 18 are further connected to the CPU 12. The ROM 18 stores a control program for the CPU 12 to execute various controls. The RAM 16 stores a control program read from the ROM 18 when the CPU 12 executes the control program, a transmission destination name, a FAX number, and a service center. Data transmitted from the communication device 60 is temporarily stored.
The CPU 12 is connected to a gate array 20, an image scanner 30, a motor driver 32, various sensors 36, and an operation panel 38.
The image memory 24 develops and stores image information received by the communication modem 28 or recording information output from the PC 50 and input via the interface 26, and the gate array 20 is stored in the image memory 24. The information is expanded and output to the printer 22, and the printer 22 records the input information on a recording sheet.
[0032]
The motor driver 32 drives various motors 34 such as a paper feed motor and an image scanner drive motor. The various sensors 36 include a document sensor that detects that a transmission document is set and a recording sheet sensor that detects a recording sheet. Further, the operation panel 38 includes a numeric keypad for inputting a destination FAX number, various buttons such as abbreviated dial buttons, a transmission start button, a transmission stop button, a destination name, a destination FAX number, and an operation state of the apparatus. A liquid crystal display device or the like for displaying is provided.
The communication device 60 corresponds to the operation-side communication device of the present invention, and the facsimile apparatus 10 corresponds to the operated-side communication device.
[0033]
Next, a control (hereinafter referred to as maintenance control) executed by the CPU 62 of the communication device 60 in order to rewrite the maintenance contents of the user's facsimile device 10 by operating the communication device 60 of the service center, which is a feature of the present invention. ) And processing executed by the CPU 12 of the facsimile apparatus 10 (hereinafter referred to as rewriting processing) will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication procedure performed between the service center and the user. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of maintenance control executed by the CPU 62, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing contents of the rewriting process executed by the CPU 12.
In the following embodiment, a case where the setting contents of the reception sensitivity setting memory switch 14a provided in the maintenance memory switch 14 of the facsimile apparatus 10 are rewritten will be described as a representative.
Further, the time T1 set in the timer TA of the communication apparatus 60 is sufficiently shorter than the time T2 set in the return timer TB of the facsimile apparatus 10, and in this embodiment, T1 is 30 seconds. Yes, T2 is 60 seconds.
[0034]
First, when a person who operates the communication device 60 calls the facsimile device 10 (step 10 in FIG. 4), the facsimile device 10 detects the call (step 50: Yes in FIG. 5), and closes the line (step 50). Step 52). Subsequently, the communication device 60 detects the closing of the line (step 12: Yes in FIG. 4), and transmits a maintenance mode transition signal for shifting the facsimile device 10 from the normal mode to the maintenance mode to the facsimile device 10 ( Step 18). When the facsimile apparatus 10 receives the maintenance mode transition signal (step 54: Yes in FIG. 5), the facsimile apparatus 10 transmits a response signal indicating the reception to the communication apparatus 60 (step 56), and transitions from the normal mode to the maintenance mode. (Step 58), the return timer TB starts counting (Step 64).
[0035]
When the communication device 60 receives the response signal (step 20: Yes in FIG. 4), the communication device 60 sets the timer TA for counting the timing for transmitting the reset signal for resetting the return timer TB built in the facsimile device 10. Counting is started (step 22). Here, when the count of the timer TA reaches 30 seconds before the operation for transmitting the setting contents rewriting signal for rewriting the setting contents of the reception sensitivity setting memory switch 14a of the facsimile apparatus 10 to the facsimile apparatus 10 is performed. (Step 24: Yes), a reset signal is transmitted to the facsimile machine 10 (Step 26), the timer TA is reset, and the timer TA counts from the beginning.
On the other hand, when the facsimile apparatus 10 receives the reset signal (step 68: Yes in FIG. 5), it resets the return timer TB (step 70), and the return timer TB counts from the beginning.
In other words, the communication device 60 can transmit the reset signal to the facsimile device 10 before the count of the return timer TB of the facsimile device 10 reaches 60 seconds to extend the return of the facsimile device 10 to the normal mode. Thus, it is possible to avoid the situation in which the facsimile apparatus 10 returns to the normal mode during the operation and maintenance control cannot be performed.
[0036]
When the communication device 60 detects that a transmission operation has been performed (step 32: Yes), the communication device 60 transmits a setting content rewriting signal to the facsimile device 10 (step 34).
On the other hand, when the facsimile machine 10 receives the setting content rewriting signal (step 72 in FIG. 5), it rewrites the setting content of the reception sensitivity setting memory switch 14a according to the content indicated by the received setting content rewriting signal (step 74). .
By this rewriting, the setting contents of the reception sensitivity setting memory switch 14a are changed from “001” shown in FIG. 2B to the setting contents “010” shown in FIG. Be changed.
[0037]
Subsequently, when the facsimile apparatus 10 succeeds in rewriting the setting contents of the reception sensitivity setting memory switch 14a (step 76: Yes), the facsimile apparatus 10 transmits a setting end signal indicating that the setting of new data is ended to the communication apparatus 60 ( Step 80).
Then, the communication device 60 receives the setting end signal (step 36: Yes in FIG. 4), and when no other maintenance control remains, the maintenance control ends (step 38: Yes), and the line is released (step 38). Step 42). On the other hand, when the count of the return timer TB reaches 60 seconds (step 84: Yes in FIG. 5), the facsimile machine 10 returns from the maintenance mode to the normal mode (step 86).
[0038]
As described above, if the communication device 60 and the communication system of the first embodiment are used, a reset signal is transmitted from the communication device 60 to the facsimile device 10 before the return timer TB of the facsimile device 10 counts up and returned. Since the timer TB can be reset, the return of the facsimile apparatus 10 to the normal mode can be automatically extended.
Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which maintenance control cannot be performed because the facsimile apparatus 10 returns to the normal mode during the maintenance operation.
By the way, the maintenance mode corresponds to the changeable state of the present invention, and the normal mode corresponds to the normal state. The time T1 set in the timer TA corresponds to a first predetermined time according to claim 3.
[0039]
Next, a communication device and a communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The communication device and communication system of the second embodiment are characterized in that the reset signal transmission timing can be changed.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a part of the maintenance control of the communication apparatus and the rewriting process of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment.
The configuration of the communication apparatus and communication system of the second embodiment is the same as that of the communication apparatus 60 and communication system of the first embodiment except for a part shown in FIG. To do.
[0040]
When the communication device 60 detects the closing of the line (step 12: Yes), it determines whether or not an operation for changing the set time T1 of the timer TA has been performed (step 14). The set time T1 of the timer TA is changed by operating the keyboard 74 or operating a dedicated switch (not shown).
If it is determined that an operation for changing the set time T1 of the timer TA has been performed (step 14: Yes), the communication device 60 changes the set time T1 of the timer TA (step 16). Thereafter, the communication device 60 starts counting at the changed set time T1 in step 22, and transmits the reset signal to the facsimile device 10 when the set time T1 is reached (step 24: Yes) (step 26). ).
[0041]
As described above, if the communication device and the communication system according to the second embodiment are used, the transmission timing of the reset signal transmitted from the communication device 60 to the facsimile device 10 can be changed.
Accordingly, even when the return time T2 set in the return timer TB of the facsimile apparatus 10 is long or short, the timing for transmitting the reset signal can be changed according to the length of the return time T2. Thus, the facsimile apparatus 10 can be prohibited from returning from the maintenance mode to the normal mode.
[0042]
Next, a communication device and a communication system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The communication device and the communication system according to the third embodiment are characterized in that the return time T2 set in the return timer TB of the facsimile apparatus 10 can be rewritten by the operation of the communication device 60.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of the maintenance control of the communication apparatus and the rewriting process of the facsimile apparatus according to the third embodiment.
The configuration of the communication apparatus and communication system of the third embodiment is the same as that of the communication apparatus 60 and communication system of the first embodiment except for a part shown in FIG. To do.
[0043]
When receiving the response signal (step 20: Yes), the communication device 60 transmits a return time rewrite signal for rewriting the return time T2 set in the return timer TB to the facsimile machine 10 (step 30). The return time is determined by estimating a sufficient time required for completion of the maintenance operation. The return time rewriting signal is transmitted by operating the keyboard 74 or operating a dedicated switch (not shown).
When the facsimile apparatus 10 receives the return time rewrite signal (step 60), the facsimile apparatus 10 rewrites the return time T2 set in the return timer TB to the return time indicated by the received return time rewrite signal (step 62). .
[0044]
Subsequently, the facsimile apparatus 10 starts counting the return timer TB in which the rewritten return time T2 is set (step 64). When the changed return time T2 is reached in step 84 (step 84: Yes), the normal mode is restored from the maintenance mode (step 86).
As described above, when the communication apparatus and the communication system according to the third embodiment are used, the time for the facsimile apparatus 10 to return from the maintenance mode to the normal mode can be changed by an operation from the communication apparatus 60.
Therefore, even if the time required for the maintenance operation is long or short, the service center side can change the return time of the user's facsimile machine according to the time required for the maintenance operation. It is possible to prevent the facsimile apparatus from returning from the maintenance mode to the normal mode.
[0045]
Next, a communication device and a communication system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The communication apparatus and communication system of the fourth embodiment are characterized in that the facsimile apparatus can be returned from the maintenance mode to the normal mode by an operation from the communication apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing maintenance control of the communication apparatus according to the second embodiment.
The configuration of the communication device and the communication system of the second embodiment is the same as that of the communication device 60 and the communication system of the first embodiment except for a part shown in FIG. Omitted.
[0046]
When the maintenance control is finished (step 38: Yes), the communication device 60 transmits a return signal for returning the facsimile machine 10 from the maintenance mode to the normal mode (step 40). The return signal is transmitted by key operation of the keyboard 74 or by turning on a dedicated switch (not shown).
When the facsimile apparatus 10 receives the return signal (step 82: Yes), the facsimile apparatus 10 returns from the maintenance mode to the normal mode (step 86).
[0047]
As described above, if the communication apparatus and the communication system according to the fourth embodiment are used, the communication apparatus 60 maintains the facsimile apparatus 10 by transmitting the return signal to the facsimile apparatus 10 when the maintenance operation is completed. The mode can be returned to the normal mode.
Therefore, since the facsimile machine 10 can return to the normal mode without waiting until the return time is reached, the time during which communication is disabled can be minimized.
[0048]
Further, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the setting contents of the reception sensitivity setting memory switch 14a in the maintenance memory switch 14 built in the user's facsimile apparatus 10 is changed has been described as a representative. The setting contents of the memory switch can also be changed by the same maintenance control and rewriting process as in the above-described embodiments.
Further, the user's facsimile machine 10 may be configured to reset the return timer TB when receiving the setting content rewriting signal.
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which each rewriting process shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 to FIG. 8 is executed by the CPU 12 incorporated in the facsimile apparatus 10 is used. A CD-ROM, FD, or the like in which a return prohibition program is stored is driven by the PC 50 (FIG. 2), and the above rewriting process is performed by the CPU 52 of the PC 50 by installing the computer program in a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 54. You can also. In this case, the CD-ROM, the FD, or the like functions as a storage medium according to claim 9.
[0049]
By the way, step 86 executed by the CPU 12 functions as a return means of the present invention, step 18 executed by the CPU 62 functions as an operating means, and step 34 functions as a changing means.
Steps 20 to 28 executed by the CPU 62 function as a return prohibiting unit of the present invention. Further, step 14 and step 16 of FIG. 6 executed by the CPU 62 function as a transmission timing changing means.
Further, step 40 of FIG. 8 executed by the CPU 62 functions as a return signal transmission means according to claim 5, and step 82 executed by the CPU 12 functions as a forced return means according to claim 8.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first to eighth aspects of the invention, the operated communication device changes the setting content stored in the setting content storage means from the changeable state where the setting content can be changed. A return that prohibits the communication device on the operated side from returning from the changeable state to the normal state by sending a signal that prohibits the return to the normal state before entering the operable state to the communication device on the operated side. Since the prohibition means is provided, even if the return time set in the return time setting means of the operated communication device is shorter than the operation time of the operation side, the operation side to the operated communication device By transmitting a signal, it is possible to prevent the operated communication device from returning from the setting changeable state to the normal state. Do the operation until Door can be.
In addition, even if the communication device on the operated side sets the return time set in the return time setting means shorter, the operation side sends the signal to the communication device on the operated side before the return time is reached. By transmitting, the operation-side communication device can be prohibited from returning from the changeable state to the normal state, so that the operation can be continued.
Therefore, since the communication device on the operated side can set the return time short, the time during which communication is impossible due to the failure to return from the changeable state to the normal state can be shortened as much as possible.
[0051]
In particular, according to the second aspect of the present invention, since the reset signal for resetting the return time set in the operated communication device is provided to the operated communication device, the return time is provided. By causing the set return time setting means to count the time until return from the beginning, the time until return can be extended.
[0052]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, since the reset prohibiting means for transmitting the reset signal to the operated communication device at every first predetermined time is provided, the reset signal is sent at every first predetermined time. This is because it is possible to continuously prohibit the operated communication device from returning to the normal state by transmitting.
[0053]
Further, according to the invention described in claim 4, since the transmission timing changing means for changing the first predetermined time is provided, the return time set in the operated communication device is long or short. Even in this case, the timing at which the reset signal is transmitted can be changed according to the length, so that the operation-side communication device can be continuously prohibited from returning to the normal state.
[0054]
Further, according to the invention described in claim 5, since the return signal transmitting means for transmitting the return signal for executing the return means to the operated communication device is provided, the operation is completed when the operation is finished. By transmitting the return signal to the operated communication device, the operated communication device can immediately return to the normal state without waiting for the return time.
Therefore, it is possible to minimize the time during which the operated communication device cannot communicate.
[0055]
Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 6, there is provided return prohibiting means for transmitting a return time rewriting signal for rewriting the return time set in the return time setting means to the operated communication device. The operation side rewrites the return time of the operated communication device to the time required to complete the operation, so that the operated communication device returns from the changeable state to the normal state before the operation ends. Can be prohibited.
[0056]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the operation-side communication device receives a signal for prohibiting the operation-side communication device from returning from the changeable state to the normal state. Return-inhibiting means for transmitting to the operation-side communication device is provided, and when the operation-side communication device receives a signal transmitted from the operation-side communication device, it temporarily returns from the changeable state to the normal state. Since the return canceling means for canceling is provided, the operation side can be operated to the end without interrupting the operation, and the communication device on the operated side is normally changed from the changeable state. It is possible to realize a communication system that can shorten the time during which communication is impossible due to the failure to return to the state.
[0057]
Particularly, in the invention according to claim 8, the operation side communication device is provided with a return signal transmission means for transmitting a return signal for executing the return means provided in the operated communication device, When the return signal is received, the communication device on the operated side forcibly executes the return means regardless of the return time set by the return time setting means, so that the apparatus is changed from the changeable state. Since there is a forced return means to return to the normal state, it can be changed by sending the return signal from the operating side to the operated communication device before the operated communication device reaches the return time Can be restored to the normal state.
Therefore, if the operation side transmits the return signal to the operated communication device when the operation is completed, the operated communication device does not have to wait until the return time is reached. Since the normal state can be restored, it is possible to realize a communication system capable of minimizing the time during which the operated communication device cannot communicate.
[0058]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the return means transmits the signal that prohibits the operated communication device from returning from the changeable state to the normal state to the operated communication device. Since the configuration is a storage medium in which a computer program including a return prohibition program that prohibits the return from the changeable state to the normal state is stored, the storage medium is provided as a ROM in the communication device or stored in the storage medium The communication apparatus according to claim 1 can be realized by installing the computer program installed on the computer. Since the configuration is a storage medium, the communication apparatus according to claim 1 can be realized by using the storage medium.
[0059]
In addition, the invention described in claims 1 to 9 is suitably employed when the setting content is content set for at least maintenance of the apparatus as described in claim 10. .
In other words, in communication devices such as facsimile devices, there are important things such as setting the reception sensitivity as maintenance content. If a problem that has occurred in the past occurs, maintenance cannot be performed and communication is impossible. This is because such a situation can be avoided by using the above inventions.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the main configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention in blocks.
2A is an explanatory diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the facsimile apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 in blocks, and FIG. 2B is a rewrite of the setting contents of the reception sensitivity setting memory switch. FIG. 2C is an explanatory diagram showing the memory contents after the setting contents of the reception sensitivity setting memory switch are rewritten.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication procedure performed between a service center and a user.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of maintenance control executed by a CPU 62;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of a rewrite process executed by a CPU 12;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart in which a part of maintenance control of the communication apparatus and rewriting processing of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention are omitted.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart in which a part of maintenance control of a communication apparatus and rewriting processing of a facsimile apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention are omitted.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing maintenance control of a communication apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Facsimile device (operated communication device)
12 CPU
14 Maintenance memory switch (setting content storage means)
14a Reception sensitivity setting memory switch
60 Communication device
62 CPU
80 Communication line

Claims (10)

Setting content storage means in which setting contents that can be changed by the operation side being operated via the communication means are stored, and the apparatus is in a changeable state in which the setting contents stored in the setting content storage means can be changed. A return time setting means for setting a return time until returning to the normal state before changing to the changeable state, and when the return time set in the return time setting means is reached, the apparatus is moved from the changeable state. A communication device for operating the operated communication device provided with a return means for returning to the normal state,
An operation for changing the setting content stored in the setting content storage means provided in the operated communication device to a changeable state by transmitting an operation signal to the operated communication device. Means,
A change means for changing a setting content stored in the setting content storage means by transmitting a change signal to the operated communication device that has been changed by the operation means. In the device
By transmitting a signal that prohibits the operated communication device from returning from the changeable state to the normal state to the operated communication device, the normal state is changed from the changeable state by the return means. A communication apparatus comprising return prohibiting means for prohibiting the return to the above. The return prohibiting means is
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a reset signal for resetting a return time set in the return time setting unit is transmitted to the operated communication apparatus. The return prohibiting means is
The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reset signal is transmitted to the operated communication apparatus every first predetermined time. The communication apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising transmission timing changing means for changing the first predetermined time. 5. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a return signal transmission unit that transmits a return signal for executing the return unit to the operated communication device. The return prohibiting means is
6. The return time rewriting signal for rewriting the return time set in the return time setting means is transmitted to the operated communication device. The communication device according to one. Setting content storage means in which setting contents that can be changed by the operation side being operated via the communication means are stored, and the apparatus is in a changeable state in which the setting contents stored in the setting content storage means can be changed. A return time setting means for setting a return time until returning to the normal state before changing to the changeable state, and when the return time set in the return time setting means is reached, the apparatus is moved from the changeable state. A communication device on the operated side having return means for returning to the normal state;
By transmitting an operation signal to the operated communication device, the setting content stored in the setting content storage means provided in the operated communication device is changed to a changeable state. Operating means;
An operation side communication comprising: a change means for changing a setting content stored in the setting content storage means by transmitting a change signal to the operated communication device that has been changed by the operation means. In a communication system provided with a device,
In the communication device on the operation side,
A return prohibiting means for transmitting to the operated communication device a signal for prohibiting the operated communication device from returning from the changeable state to the normal state;
The operated communication device includes:
When a signal transmitted from the communication device on the operating side is received, there is provided return stop means for temporarily stopping the return from the changeable state to the normal state by the return means. Communications system. In the communication device on the operation side,
A return signal transmitting means for transmitting a return signal for executing the return means provided in the operated communication device;
The operated communication device includes:
When a return signal transmitted from the communication device on the operating side is received, the return means is forcibly executed regardless of the return time set by the return time setting means, and the device is changed from the changeable state. The communication system according to claim 7, further comprising forced return means for returning to the normal state. Setting content storage means in which setting contents that can be changed by the operation side being operated via the communication means are stored, and the apparatus is in a changeable state in which the setting contents stored in the setting content storage means can be changed. A return time setting means for setting a return time until returning to the normal state before changing to the changeable state, and when the return time set in the return time setting means is reached, the apparatus is moved from the changeable state. A communication device for operating the operated communication device provided with a return means for returning to the normal state,
An operation for changing the setting content stored in the setting content storage means provided in the operated communication device to a changeable state by transmitting an operation signal to the operated communication device. Means,
A communication device comprising: a change unit that changes a setting content stored in the setting content storage unit by transmitting a change signal to the communication device on the operated side that has been changed by the operation unit. In a storage medium storing a computer program for controlling
By transmitting a signal that prohibits the operated communication device from returning from the changeable state to the normal state to the operated communication device, the normal state is changed from the changeable state by the return means. A storage medium storing a computer program including a return prohibiting program that prohibits returning to a storage device. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the setting contents are contents set for at least maintenance of the apparatus. The communication system according to claim 10 or the storage medium according to claim 9.

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