JP5402902B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND CALL DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication system, and a communication device.

  Patent Document 1 describes a private branch exchange (PBX) that accommodates a private line that can be wirelessly connected to a facsimile machine and is connected to a plurality of telephone lines. In Patent Document 1, when a call is selected from a wirelessly connected facsimile apparatus, this private branch exchange searches for a free line from a plurality of telephone lines and makes a call through the found free line. A technique for calling and transmitting facsimile data is described.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-25040

  However, since the private branch exchange described in Patent Document 1 makes a call through an empty line, a user of a facsimile apparatus desires from among a plurality of telephone lines as a line to be used for making a call. One line associated with the line number cannot be selected. Further, since the line number of the line used for the call is notified to the callee apparatus by means of number display information, for example, according to the configuration of Patent Document 1, the private branch exchange selects The line number of the line is notified to the counterpart device. Therefore, even if there is a situation in which the user of the facsimile apparatus does not want to notify the user of the other apparatus of the use of a line other than the specific line among the plurality of telephone lines, the situation cannot be dealt with.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when a user selects one line from among a plurality of lines but has a situation in which another line must be used, It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device, a communication system, and a communication device that can prevent inconvenience that is known to the user of the counterpart device.

In order to achieve this object, the communication device of the present invention is configured to be network-connectable to a communication control device that controls communication with a partner device via a line, and the partner side via the communication control device and the line Transmitting image data to the apparatus, a transmission instruction means for instructing transmission of the image data to the counterpart apparatus specified by the predetermined identification information, and a plurality of units each associated with the identification information When there is a communication control device, a selection means for selecting one communication control device as the first communication control device from among the plurality of communication control devices, and selection of the first communication control device by the selection means When the transmission instruction is issued by the transmission instruction means, the image data is sent from the first communication control device to the counterpart device specified by the predetermined identification information via a line. As signal, a first transmission means for transmitting said predetermined identification information and the image data to the first communication control unit, notifies the partner apparatus identification information of the transmission source from the relay device of the line The first transmission means for transmitting the predetermined identification information to the first communication control device without adding the predetermined additional information for preventing the transmission from being performed, and the transmission by the first transmission means is unsuccessful If so, another communication control device is selected from the plurality of communication control devices as a second communication control device to replace the first communication control device, and a line is connected from the second communication control device. Second transmitting means for transmitting the predetermined identification information and the image data to the second communication control device so that the image data is transmitted to the counterpart device specified by the predetermined identification information via To the second transmission means Ri said predetermined identification information transmitted, and a control means for adding the predetermined additional information.

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

  According to the communication device of claim 1, when data transmission to the first selected communication control device (first communication control device) is unsuccessful for some reason, another communication control device Is selected and used as a second communication control device that replaces the first communication control device, but in this case, the transmission source identification information is relayed on the line as the predetermined identification information for identifying the counterpart device. Information added with predetermined additional information for preventing notification from the device to the counterpart device is transmitted by the control means to the other communication control device. Therefore, the identification information of the other communication control apparatus (second communication control apparatus) used alternatively is not notified to the counterpart apparatus from the line relay apparatus, and the identification of the second communication control apparatus is not performed. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent inconvenience that the information is known to the user of the counterpart device.

  According to the communication device of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the second communication control device is actually installed even though the second communication control device is the transmission source of the image data. Since the information stored in the first information storage means (that is, information indicating the first communication control device) is transmitted to the counterpart device as the transmission source information of the image data, the second communication control device It is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the information indicating the information is known to the user of the counterpart device.

  According to the communication device of the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, the second information storage means is actually used even though the second communication control device is the transmission source of the image data. Since the image data to which the information stored in (i.e., information indicating the first communication control device) is added is transmitted to the counterpart device via the second communication control device, There is an effect that it is possible to prevent inconvenience that information indicating the second communication control device is known to the user of the counterpart device from the output image. The “second information storage unit” in claim 3 may be the same as or different from the “first information storage unit” in claim 2.

  According to the communication device of claim 4, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 3, when transmitting image data to a counterpart device whose identification information is not stored in the counterpart device storage means, When data transmission to the first communication control device selected first is unsuccessful, data transmission to the second communication control device is prohibited. There is an effect that can be dealt with. In addition, since the notification is performed, there is an effect that the user of the communication apparatus can quickly recognize that fact.

  According to the communication device of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the counterpart device storage means transmits the identification information of the counterpart device and the identification information to which the additional information is added. Since the second information indicating that the first information indicating that the additional information is added or the second information indicating that the additional information is not transmitted is associated and stored, the counterpart device There is an effect that the notification content can be freely set.

  According to the communication device of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to fifth aspects, the first communication first selected when the image data is transmitted to the counterpart device via the telephone line. When the data transmission to the control device is unsuccessful, the predetermined additional information for preventing the identification information of the transmission source from being notified from the exchange to the counterpart device is added to the identification number of the counterpart device. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent inconvenience that the identification information of the second communication control device used alternatively is notified to the user of the counterpart device.

  According to the communication system of the seventh aspect, the same effect as that of the communication apparatus according to the first aspect is obtained. Moreover, according to the telephone apparatus of Claim 8, there exists an effect similar to the communication apparatus of Claim 1.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication system 1 which is one Embodiment of the communication system of this invention. (A)-(d) is a schematic diagram which shows the content of the BOX information memory, the telephone directory memory, the transmission log | history memory, and the reception log | history memory, respectively. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a FAX transmission process executed by the CPU of the MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the communication control process performed by CPU of BOX.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system 1 which is an embodiment of a communication system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a communication system 1 includes a multifunction peripheral device (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) 10 which is an embodiment of a communication device of the present invention, and a communication control device (hereinafter referred to as “BOX”). 30).

  In the present embodiment, one MFP 10 can be connected to one or more BOX 30. FIG. 1 illustrates a communication system 1 including one MFP 30 and three BOXs 30. One BOX 30 is associated with one line number. Therefore, the MFP 10 can transmit image data from lines with different line numbers by appropriately selecting the BOX 30 used when transmitting image data to the counterpart apparatus 500.

  The MFP 10 has various functions such as a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile (FAX) function. When the MFP 10 functions as a FAX, the MFP 10 creates image data to be transmitted to the counterpart apparatus 500 (hereinafter referred to as “FAX transmission data”), and transmits the FAX transmission data to the BOX 10.

  Although details will be described later, the MFP 10 according to the present embodiment has a communication error (for example, a connection failure between the MFP 10 and the BOX 30) with the BOX 30 that is first selected as the transmission source of the FAX transmission data. In addition, FAX transmission data is transmitted using another BOX 30 instead. When the FAX transmission data is transmitted using the alternative BOX 30, the MFP 10 performs control to prevent the BOX 30 that is alternatively used from being specified by the user of the counterpart apparatus 500.

  The MFP 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an EEPROM 14, a wireless LAN communication control circuit 15, a printer 16, a scanner 17, a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as “LCD”) 18, and a button input unit 19. Have These components are connected to each other via the input / output port 20.

  The CPU 11 controls each function and each unit connected via the input / output port 20 according to a fixed value or program stored in the ROM 12 or the like.

  The ROM 12 is a non-rewritable memory that stores a control program executed by the CPU 11, and stores a program that executes a FAX transmission process to be described later with reference to FIG.

  The RAM 13 is a rewritable volatile memory, and is provided with a destination number buffer 13a, a transmission source information buffer 13b, a BOX number memory 13c, and a BOX number counter 13d.

  The destination number buffer 13a is an area for storing the destination number (that is, the line number of the counterpart device 500) input by the user as the destination of the FAX transmission data in the FAX transmission process (see FIG. 3). The transmission source information buffer 13b is an area for storing the transmission source information of one BOX 30 that is first selected as the transmission source of the FAX transmission data in the FAX transmission processing.

  The BOX number memory 13c is an area for storing a variable (hereinafter, this variable is referred to as “BOX number”) for specifying the BOX 30 used as a transmission source of the FAX transmission data in the FAX transmission processing. The BOX number counter 13d is a counter for counting the number of searched BOX 30 when searching for the BOX 30 used as a transmission source of FAX transmission data in the FAX transmission process.

  The EEPROM 14 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and is provided with a BOX information memory 14a, a telephone directory memory 14b, a transmission history memory 14c, and a reception history memory 14d.

  The BOX information memory 14 a is an area for storing information related to the BOX 30 to which the MFP 10 can be connected (this information is referred to as “BOX information”) for each BOX 30. The detailed configuration of the BOX information memory 14a will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The phone book memory 14b is an area for storing information related to the partner device 500 registered by the user (this information is referred to as “partner information”). A detailed configuration of the telephone directory memory 14b will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The transmission history memory 14c is an area for storing a transmission history of FAX transmission data transmitted (transmitted) from the MFP 10, and the reception history memory 14d stores a history of image data (that is, reception history) received from the counterpart apparatus 500. This is the area to be stored. The detailed configuration of the transmission history memory 14c will be described later with reference to FIG. 2C, and the detailed configuration of the reception history memory 14d will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The wireless LAN communication control circuit 15 is a circuit for performing wireless communication 50 using the 2.4 GHz band by a wireless LAN compliant with the IEEE802.11b / g standard. The wireless LAN communication control circuit 15 forms a wireless LAN connection between the MFP 10 and the BOX 30. An antenna unit (not shown) is connected to the wireless LAN communication control circuit 15, and digital signals constituting various data are transmitted and received through this antenna unit.

  The printer 16 executes printing, and the scanner 17 executes reading of a document. The LCD 18 displays various function information of the MFP 10, and the button input unit 19 is a key group used to execute each function of the MFP 10. The button input unit 19 includes a numeric keypad for inputting a destination number and a start key for instructing start of operations in various functions.

  The BOX 30 is a communication control device that controls communication using the telephone line network 100. As described above, in this embodiment, one MFP 10 can be connected to one MFP 10, and one line number is associated with each BOX 10. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the three BOXes 30 that can be connected to the MFP 10 include a line number “052-824-1111”, a line number “052-824-2222”, and a line number “052-824-3333”, respectively. ". In the following description, for convenience, the BOX 30 associated with the line number “052-824-1111” is referred to as “BOX30a”, and the BOX30 associated with the line number “052-824-2222” is referred to as “BOX30b”. The BOX 30 associated with the line number “052-824-3333” may be referred to as “BOX 30c”.

  The BOX 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a wireless LAN communication control circuit 34, a modem 35, and an NCU 36. These components are connected to each other via an input / output port 37.

  The CPU 31 controls each unit connected via the input / output port 37 according to a fixed value or program stored in the ROM 32 or the like. The ROM 32 is a non-rewritable memory, and stores a program for executing a communication control process described later with reference to FIG. The RAM 33 is a rewritable volatile memory.

  The wireless LAN communication control circuit 34 is a circuit configured similarly to the wireless LAN communication control circuit 15 described above, and forms a wireless LAN connection with the MFP 10. Note that an antenna unit (not shown) is connected to the wireless LAN communication control circuit 34, and digital signals constituting various data are transmitted and received through the antenna unit.

  The modem 35 modulates FAX transmission data to be transmitted by the FAX function into a signal that can be transmitted to the telephone network 100 and transmits it via a telephone line connection unit (hereinafter referred to as “NCU”) 36, or a telephone line A signal input from the network 100 via the NCU 36 is received and demodulated into image data. The NCU 36 connects between the BOX 30 and the telephone line network 100. By closing or opening the line, the NCU 36 can be connected to or disconnected from the counterpart device 500 via the telephone line network 100. To do.

  FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the BOX information memory 14a described above. In the BOX information memory 14a, BOX information is stored in a number corresponding to the number of BOX 30 set in the communication system 1. The BOX information 1 includes a BOX number 14a1, a BOX user 14a2, and a line number 14a3. One BOX information (the information 14a1 to 14a3) is added to the BOX information memory 14a when the user performs a predetermined setting operation to add the BOX 30 to the communication system 1.

  The BOX number 14a1 is a BOX number (variable) that individually specifies the BOX 30 provided in the communication system 1. The BOX user 14a1 is information indicating a user (individual, group, company name, etc.) of the BOX 30 specified by the BOX number 14a1. The line number 14a3 is a line number associated with the BOX 30 specified by the BOX number 14a1.

  According to FIG. 2A, the BOX 30a (see FIG. 1) whose line number is “052-824-1111” is BOX number 14a1 is “1”, and the BOX user 14a2 is “Taro Yamada”. . Similarly, in the BOX 30b, the BOX number 14a1 is “2”, and the BOX user 14a2 is “Yamada Dental”. In the BOX 30c, the BOX number 14a1 is “3”, and the BOX user 14a2 is “Ichiro Yamada”.

  FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the above-described phone book memory 14b. The telephone directory memory 14b stores destination information registered by the user. One destination information includes a destination name 14b2, a destination number 14b2, a BOX number 14b3, and a 184 flag 14b4. One destination information (the information 14b1 to 14b4) is appropriately added to the telephone directory memory 14b when the user performs a predetermined registration operation.

  The partner name 14b1 is information indicating a user (individual, group, company name, etc.) of one partner apparatus 500. The other party number 14b2 is a line number of the other party device 500 having the other party name 14b1 as a user.

  The BOX number 14b3 is a BOX number that identifies a BOX 30 (30a to 30c) that is used as a transmission source when performing communication with the counterpart device 500 identified by the partner number 14b2, and is a BOX 30 that is used (that is, used) BOX number corresponding to the line number) is set. Thus, since the telephone directory memory 14b is configured so that the BOX number 14b3 can be set for each destination information, the BOX 30 corresponding to the counterpart device 500 (more specifically, the user) is transmitted. It can be easily selected as a source.

  The 184 flag 14b4 defines whether or not “184” is added to the head of the destination number 14b2 when the BOX 30 specified by the BOX number 14a3 cannot be used due to a communication error and another BOX 30 is used instead. It is a flag to do. If the value of the 184 flag 14b4 is “1”, it indicates that “184” is added to the head of the destination number 14b2, and if “0”, “184” is added to the head of the destination number 14b2. Indicates not to.

  Therefore, when the BOX 30 having a BOX number other than the BOX number 14b3 associated with one partner (partner name 14b1, partner number 14b2) is used, the line number is notified to the partner apparatus 500. Since it can be set in advance by the 184 flag 14b4, the content of notification to the counterpart device 500 can be freely set. Further, notification / non-notification other than the line number of the specific BOX 30 can be appropriately and easily controlled according to the convenience of the registrant of the partner information (user of the MFP 10).

  FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the transmission history memory 14c described above. Each time transmission of FAX transmission data is performed, the transmission history memory 14c stores transmission history data including a destination number (transmission destination number) 14c1 and a BOX number 14c2.

  The other party number (transmission destination number) 14c1 is the other party number of the counterpart apparatus 500 that is the transmission destination of the FAX transmission data. The BOX number 14c2 is a BOX number that identifies the BOX 30 (30a to 30c) that is initially selected as a transmission source when transmitting FAX transmission data, and a BOX number corresponding to the BOX 30 to be used is set.

  The MFP 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to select a partner apparatus 500 as a destination of FAX transmission data from a partner number 14c1 stored as transmission history data in the transmission history memory 14c. If the destination partner device 500 is selected from the transmission history data, the BOX 30 (30a-30c) specified by the BOX number 14c2 corresponding to the selected partner number 14c1 is set as the source BOX. It is configured to be selected first. Generally, since there is a tendency to transmit FAX transmission data from the same line number to the same counterpart apparatus 500, the BOX 30 having an appropriate line number is easily selected as the source BOX for the counterpart apparatus 500. be able to.

  FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the reception history memory 14d described above. In the reception history memory 14d, every time image data (FAX reception data) is received from the counterpart apparatus 500, a reception history including a destination number (source number) 14d1 and a BOX number 14d2 is received as a reception history. Data is stored.

  A partner number (sender number) 14d1 is a partner number of the partner apparatus 500 that is a sender of image data. The BOX number 14d2 is a BOX number that identifies the BOX 30 (30a to 30c) that has received the image data, and a BOX number corresponding to the BOX 30 to be used is set.

  The MFP 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to select a partner apparatus 500 as a transmission destination of FAX transmission data from a partner number 14d1 stored as reception history data in the reception history memory 14d. If the destination partner device 500 is selected from the reception history data, the BOX 30 (30a-30c) specified by the BOX number 14d2 corresponding to the selected partner number 14d1 is set as the sender BOX. It is configured to be selected first. In general, when image data is received from the counterpart apparatus 500, FAX transmission data tends to be transmitted from the line number used by the counterpart apparatus 500. The BOX 30 of the number can be easily selected as the BOX of the transmission source.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a FAX transmission process executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 10. This FAX transmission process is a process of transmitting FAX transmission data to one BOX 30 as a transmission source in order to transmit FAX transmission data to the destination partner apparatus 500, and the user performs a predetermined FAX transmission operation. It starts when it is done.

  In the present embodiment, there are four types of FAX transmission operations that trigger the FAX transmission process according to the method of inputting the destination number. The first method is a method of inputting a destination number from a numeric keypad (a part of the button input unit 19). Specifically, the user first inputs the destination number of the destination apparatus 500 desired as the destination directly from the numeric keypad, and then the BOX 30 used as the source (that is, for transmitting FAX transmission data). This is a method of operating a start key (part of the button input unit 19) after selecting a line number to be used) by a predetermined operation.

  The second method is a method of inputting a destination number from the destination number 14b2 stored in the telephone directory memory 14b. Specifically, first, the MFP 10 displays the contents of the phone book memory 14b on the LCD 18, and then the user performs an operation of selecting one destination information based on the display contents, and then presses the start key. How to operate. In this method, the destination number 14b2 included in the selected destination information is input as the destination destination number, and the BOX number 14b3 is selected as the BOX 30 to be used as the source.

  The third method is a method of inputting a destination number from the destination number 14c1 stored in the outgoing call history memory 14c. Specifically, first, the MFP 10 displays the content of the outgoing call history memory 14c on the LCD 18, and then the user performs an operation of selecting one outgoing call history data based on the display content, and then presses the start key. How to operate. In this method, the destination number 14c1 included in the selected outgoing history data is input as the destination destination number, and the BOX number 14c2 is selected as the BOX 30 to be used as the source.

  The fourth method is a method of inputting a partner number from the partner number 14d1 stored in the reception history memory 14d. Specifically, the MFP 10 first displays the contents of the reception history memory 14d on the LCD 18, and then the user performs an operation of selecting one reception history data based on the display contents, and then presses the start key. How to operate. In this method, the destination number 14d1 included in the selected reception history data is input as the destination destination number, and the BOX number 14d2 is selected as the BOX 30 to be used as the source.

  When the FAX transmission process is started by the user performing a predetermined FAX transmission operation, first, the CPU 11 determines a destination number input method (S301). When the CPU 11 determines that the destination number input method is by the ten key (S301: numeric keypad), it sets the destination number input from the numeric keypad in the destination number buffer 13a (S302). Next, the CPU 11 acquires the BOX number (BOX number 14a1) corresponding to the BOX selected by the user with reference to the BOX information memory 14a, sets the BOX number in the BOX number memory 13c (S303), The process proceeds to S308.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the destination number input method is based on the contents of the phone book memory 14b (S301: phone book), the destination of the destination information selected from the phone book memory 14b. The number 14b2 is set in the destination number buffer 13a (S304). Next, the BOX number 14b3 of the selected destination information is set in the BOX number memory 13c (S305), and the process proceeds to S308.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 determines that the destination number input method is based on the contents of the transmission history memory 14c or the reception history memory 14d (S301: transmission / reception history), the transmission history memory 14c or the reception history The destination number 14c1 or the destination number 14d1 of the history data (transmission history data or reception history data) selected from the memory 14d is set in the destination number buffer 13a (S306). Next, the BOX number 14c2 or BOX number 14d2 of the selected history data is set in the BOX number memory 13c (S307), and the process proceeds to S308.

  In S308, the CPU 11 adds the contents of the destination number buffer 13a and the BOX number memory 13c to the transmission history memory 14c as transmission history data (S308). As a result of this processing, transmission history data in which the content of the destination number buffer 13a is the destination number 14c1 and the content of the BOX number memory 13c is the BOX number 14c2 is added to the transmission history memory 14c.

  After the process of S308, the CPU 11 clears the BOX number counter 13d to 0 (S309). Next, the CPU 11 sets transmission source information corresponding to the BOX number set in the BOX number memory 13c in the transmission source information buffer 13b (S310). Specifically, referring to the BOX information memory 14a, the BOX user 14a2 and the line number 14a3 corresponding to the BOX number set in the BOX number memory 13c are acquired as transmission source information, and the acquired transmission source information is transmitted from the transmission source Set in the information buffer 13b.

  Although details will be described later, when the FAX transmission data is output to the counterpart device 500, the source information set in the source information buffer 13b is output to the counterpart device 500 as a TSI signal. The sender information set in the sender information buffer 13b in S310 is assumed that a communication error occurs with the BOX 30 initially selected as the sender, and another BOX 30 is used instead. However, since it is not changed, it is possible to prevent the identification information indicating the alternatively used BOX 30 from being known to the user of the counterpart apparatus 500 by the TSI signal.

  In the present embodiment, the pair of the BOX user 14a2 and the line number 14a3 is set as the transmission source information. However, only the BOX user 14a2 may be set as the transmission source information, and only the line number 14a3 may be set as the transmission source information. In addition to the BOX user and the line number, any information indicating the BOX 30 specified by the BOX number set in the BOX number memory 13c can be used as transmission source information.

  Next, the CPU 11 reads the original by the scanner 17 (S311), and adds the transmission source information set in the transmission source information buffer 13b as a header to the obtained image data to generate FAX transmission data. (S312).

  Here, the sender information set in the sender information buffer 13b is first selected as the sender information corresponding to the BOX number set in the BOX number memory 13c in S303, S305, or S307, that is, as the sender. Information of the transmitted BOX 30 (30a to 30c). Therefore, the facsimile image output from the counterpart apparatus 500 that has received the FAX transmission data generated in S312 includes the transmission source information of the BOX 30 that is initially selected as the transmission source (in this embodiment, the BOX user and the line). Number).

  Therefore, even if a communication error occurs with the BOX 30 that is initially selected as the transmission source and another BOX 30 is used instead, the facsimile image output from the counterpart device 500 is first displayed. Since only the sender information of the selected BOX 30 is displayed, it is possible to prevent the identification information indicating the alternatively used BOX 30 from being known to the user of the counterpart device 500.

  After the processing of S312, the CPU 11 transfers the contents of the destination number buffer 13a to the BOX 30 of the BOX number set in the BOX number memory 13c, the transmission source information set in the transmission source information buffer 13b, and the S312. The generated FAX transmission data is transmitted (S313). Although details will be described later, the BOX 30 that has received each data transmitted in the process of S313 calls (connection request) the partner apparatus 500 based on the contents of the partner number buffer 13a, and stores it in the sender information buffer 13b. The set transmission source information is output as a TSI signal to the counterpart apparatus 500, and FAX transmission data is transmitted to the counterpart apparatus 500.

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the transmission of each data in S313 is normally completed (S314), and if it is determined that the transmission is normally completed (S314: Yes), the FAX transmission process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the transmission of each data in S313 did not end normally due to, for example, a wireless LAN connection failure between the MFP 10 and the BOX 30 (S314: No), the CPU 11 Determines the input method of the destination number (S315).

  If the CPU 11 determines that the destination number input method is based on the contents of the telephone directory memory 14b (S315: telephone directory), the CPU 11 executes the processes of S316 to S323, which will be described later, and is set in the communication system 1. Attempt to send data to another BOX 30 that is currently on.

  Specifically, the CPU 11 first adds 1 to the value of the BOX number counter 13d (S316), and the value of the BOX number counter 13d is a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of BOX 30 set in the communication system 1. It is determined whether it is larger (S317). In S317, “the number of BOX 30 set in the communication system 1” can be obtained from the maximum value of the BOX number 14a1 in the BOX information memory 14a, for example. Each time a BOX 30 is added to the communication system 1, a counter or memory for counting or storing the number of BOX 30 set in the communication system 1 may be provided, and the value may be referred to.

  If the CPU 11 determines that the value of the BOX number counter 13d is equal to or less than the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of BOX 30 set in the communication system 1 (S317: No), the BOX 30 that has not yet attempted data transmission. In order to select the next BOX 30, 1 is added to the value of the BOX number memory 13c (S318).

  After the processing of S318, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the value in the BOX number memory 13c is larger than the number of BOX 30 set in the communication system 1 (S319). At this time, if the value in the BOX number memory 13c is larger than the number of BOX 30 set in the communication system 1 (S319: Yes), the value in the BOX number memory 13c is set to 1 (S320).

  Next, the CPU 11 stores the value of the 184 flag 14b4 associated with the destination number set in the destination number buffer 13a (that is, the destination number selected as the transmission destination) in the telephone directory memory 14b. (S321), and it is determined whether or not the value of the acquired 184 flag 14b4 is 1 (S322).

  When the CPU 11 determines that the value of the 184 flag 14b4 is 1 (S322: Yes), it adds “184” to the head of the destination number set in the destination number buffer 13a (S323), and the processing is S313. Migrate to After that, in S313, data transmission to the next BOX 30 that is alternatively selected is executed, and when the data transmission is successful, the BOX 30 that is the transmission destination is prefixed with “184”. Call the other party number. An exchange (not shown) that is a relay device of the telephone line network 100 does not notify the caller's line number when “184” is added to the head of the destination number. The line number of the used BOX 30 is not displayed by the number display function of the counterpart device 500.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 determines that the value of the 184 flag 14b4 is 0 (S322: No), the CPU 11 skips the process of S323 and shifts the process to S313. In such a case, the BOX 30 that is the data transmission destination makes a call to the other party number without adding “184” at the head, so if the number display function is set in the other party apparatus 500, The line number of the BOX 30 is displayed on the LCD of the counterpart device 500.

  If the CPU 11 determines in S317 that the value of the BOX number counter 13d is larger than the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of BOX 30 set in the communication system 1 (S317: Yes), the communication system. Since data transmission was not successful for all the BOX 30 set within 1, an error is displayed on the LCD 18 (S324), and the FAX transmission process is terminated.

  If the CPU 11 determines in S315 that the destination number input method is a method other than the method based on the contents of the phone book memory 14b (S315: other than the phone book), the process also proceeds to S324. Then, an error is displayed on the LCD 18 (S324), and the FAX transmission process is terminated.

  In this way, when the destination number input method is other than the method based on the contents of the telephone directory memory 14b, whether or not the line number of the BOX 30 used alternatively may be notified depends on the user of the MFP 10 (FAX May be different depending on who the user of the other device 500 is. When the destination number is input by an input method other than the method based on the contents of the telephone directory memory 14b including the 184 flag 14b4, the MFP 10 according to the present embodiment transmits data to the BOX 30 that is initially selected as the transmission source. If it is unsuccessful, the FAX transmission process is configured to end, so that appropriate measures can be taken in accordance with the counterpart apparatus 500 of the transmission destination each time. Further, since the error display is performed, the user of the MFP 10 can quickly recognize that (that is, the data transmission to the BOX 30 initially selected as the transmission source was unsuccessful).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a communication control process executed by the CPU 31 of the BOX 30. This communication control process is a process for performing communication with the counterpart apparatus 500 via the telephone network 100, and as a part thereof, a process of transmitting the FAX transmission data received from the MFP 10 to the counterpart apparatus 500. Including. This communication control process starts when the BOX 30 is powered on.

  First, the CPU 31 places the BOX 30 in a standby state (S401). Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the destination number, source information, and FAX transmission data are received from the MFP 10 (S402). If the CPU 31 determines that these data have not been received from the MFP 10 (S402: No), the process proceeds to S403.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that these data have been received from the MFP 10 (S402: Yes), it calls the received destination number (S404). At this time, if the destination number received from the MFP 10 is a number with “184” added to the head, the line number associated with the BOX 30 is the exchange (not shown) of the telephone line network 100. ) To the counterpart device 500.

  After the process of S404, based on the G3 FAX protocol, upon receiving a CED signal for establishing a call from the counterpart device 500 or a signal (NSF signal or DIS signal) indicating the reception capability of the counterpart device 500, the CPU 31 receives the signal from the MFP 10. The received transmission source information is transmitted as a TSI signal (transmission / reception terminal signal) (S405). Here, in this embodiment, even if the BOX 30 (for example, BOX 30b) which received the transmission source information is used alternatively, the BOX 30 (for example, BOX 30a) first selected as the transmission source is used. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the identification information indicating the alternatively used BOX 30 from being known to the user of the counterpart device 500 by the TSI signal.

  Subsequently, after transmitting and receiving several signals based on the G3 FAX protocol, when receiving a signal (CFR signal) indicating completion of reception preparation from the counterpart device 500, the CPU 31 receives the FAX transmission data received from the MFP 10. The data is transmitted to the counterpart device 500 (S406). At this time, since the sender information of the BOX 30 (for example, BOX 30a) first selected as the sender is added to the header of the FAX transmission data, the alternative BOX 30 (for example, BOX 30b) is used. Even if it exists, it can prevent that the identification information which shows the alternative BOX30 is known to the user of the other party apparatus 500. FIG.

  When the transmission of the FAX transmission data is completed after the process of S406, the CPU 31 proceeds to S403. In S403, for example, when receiving image data from the counterpart apparatus 500, the CPU 31 executes a facsimile reception process as each process (S403). Thereafter, the CPU 31 shifts the processing to S401, and sets the BOX 30 in a standby state. If there is no process to be executed in S403, the CPU 31 shifts the process to S401.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a communication error occurs between the MFP 10 and the BOX 30 that is initially selected as the transmission source of the FAX transmission data, the MFP 10 uses another BOX 30 instead. Since transmission of FAX transmission data is performed, the success probability of transmission of FAX transmission data (image data) to the counterpart apparatus 500 via the BOX 30 can be increased. When transmitting the FAX transmission data using the alternative BOX 30, the MFP 10 adds “184” to the head of the destination number or sends the identification information of the BOX 30 selected first as the sender information. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the identification information for specifying the BOX 30 used alternatively is known to the user of the counterpart device 500.

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

  For example, in the above embodiment, the BOX 30 is described as performing FAX transmission based on the G3 FAX protocol, but may be configured to perform FAX transmission based on the G4 FAX protocol.

  In the above-described embodiment, the BOX 30 and the counterpart device 500 are communicated via the telephone line network 100. However, the BOX 30 and the counterpart device 500 may be a network line. That is, the BOX 30 may perform FAX transmission by IPFAX or InternetFAX. In such a case, when the alternative BOX 30 is used, control may be performed so that identification information (for example, an IP address or an e-mail address) specifying the BOX 30 is not transmitted to the counterpart device 500. For example, identification information (for example, an IP address or an e-mail address) for identifying the counterpart device 500 is prevented so that identification information for identifying the BOX 30 is not notified to the counterpart device 500 from a server device that is a line relay device. Predetermined information may be added. Alternatively, even when an alternative BOX 30 is used, the identification information that identifies the BOX 30 selected first may be configured as source information that causes the counterpart device 500 to recognize.

  In the above embodiment, the MFP 10 and the BOX 30 are configured to be connected by wireless LAN, but may be connected by a wired LAN.

  In the above embodiment, when the destination number input method is a method other than the method based on the contents of the telephone directory memory 14b, the transmission of FAX transmission data from the MFP 10 to the BOX 30 is unsuccessful. In this configuration, the error is notified without searching for the next BOX 30 and the process is terminated. However, regardless of the input method of the destination number, if the transmission of the FAX transmission data from the MFP 10 to the BOX 30 is unsuccessful, The BOX 30 may be searched for.

  In the above embodiment, when the MFP 10 transmits facsimile transmission data to the counterpart apparatus 500 via the BOX 30, the transmission of the facsimile transmission data to the BOX 30 initially selected as the transmission source is unsuccessful. In addition, although “184” is added to the head of the destination number, the present invention can be applied even when the MFP 10 has a handset and is a telephone device having an off-hook key as one of the button input units 19. It is. That is, for example, an off-hook key is operated in a state where a desired destination number is selected from the destination number 14b2 stored in the telephone directory memory 14b, and the counterpart device of the selected destination number is selected via the BOX 30. When making a call with 500, if communication with the BOX 30 that is initially selected as the caller is unsuccessful (for example, if transmission of the line number is unsuccessful), the caller number is added to the head of the destination number. “184” may be added. Also in this case, as in the above embodiment, the line number of the BOX 30 that is used alternatively is not notified to the counterpart apparatus 500, and the information of the BOX 30 that is used alternatively is not known to the user of the counterpart apparatus 500. .

  In the above embodiment, the communication system 1 is configured by the MFP 10 and the BOX 30. However, the communication system 1 is connected to the BOX 30 by a wireless LAN or a wired LAN, and is connected to the counterpart device 500 via the BOX 30. It is good also as a structure which has the subunit | mobile_unit which can talk. In such a case, when communication between the slave unit and the BOX 30 initially selected as the transmission source is unsuccessful, “184” may be added to the head of the destination number.

1 Communication system 10 MFP (an example of a communication device)
13b Source information buffer (an example of the first information storage means, an example of the second information storage means)
14b Phonebook memory (an example of the counterpart device storage means)
19 Button input part (an example of transmission instruction means)
30 BOX (an example of a communication control device)
100 telephone line network (example of line, example of telephone line)
500 Counterpart Device S302 Example of Selection Unit S305 Example of Selection Unit S307 Example of Selection Unit S312 Example of Information Adding Unit S313 Example of First Transmission Unit, Example of Second Transmission Unit S321 Example of Control Unit S324 Example S404 Example of connection request means S406 Example of image data transmission means

Claims (8)

A communication device configured to be network-connectable to a communication control device that controls communication with a counterpart device via a line, and that transmits image data to the counterpart device via the communication control device and the line,
Transmission instruction means for instructing transmission of image data to a counterpart apparatus specified by predetermined identification information;
Selecting means for selecting one communication control device as the first communication control device from the plurality of communication control devices when there are a plurality of communication control devices each associated with identification information; ,
When the selection of the first communication control device by the selection means and the transmission instruction of the image data by the transmission instruction means are performed, the first communication control device specifies the predetermined identification information via a line. First transmission means for transmitting the predetermined identification information and the image data to the first communication control device so that the image data is transmitted to the other device, wherein the identification information of the transmission source is a line The first transmission means for transmitting the predetermined identification information to the first communication control device without adding predetermined additional information for preventing notification from the relay device to the counterpart device ;
If the transmission by the first transmission means is unsuccessful, another communication control device is selected from the plurality of communication control devices as a second communication control device replacing the first communication control device. Then, the second communication control unit controls the second communication control so that the image data is transmitted from the second communication control device to the counterpart device specified by the predetermined identification information via a line. A second transmission means for transmitting to the device;
A communication apparatus comprising: control means for adding the predetermined additional information to the predetermined identification information transmitted by the second transmission means. When the first communication control device is selected by the selection unit, the first transmission unit includes first information storage unit that stores information indicating the first communication control unit. The second transmission unit includes the predetermined identification information and The image data is transmitted to the second communication control device, and information stored in the first information storage means is used as the source information output from the second communication control device to the counterpart device. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication apparatus transmits the information to a control apparatus. A second information storage means for storing information indicating the first communication control device when the first communication control device is selected by the selection means;
Information adding means for adding the information stored in the second information storage means to the image data to be transmitted;
The first transmission unit or the second transmission unit transmits the image data to which information is added by the information addition unit as image data to be transmitted to the first communication control device or the second communication control device. The communication apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: For each of a plurality of counterpart devices, counterpart device storage means capable of storing identification information of the counterpart device;
The first transmission means selects the identification information of one counterpart device from among the counterpart devices stored in the counterpart device storage means, and sends the image data to the transmission instruction means. When an instruction to transmit image data is given, the selected identification information is transmitted to the first communication control device as the predetermined identification information.
When the identification information of the counterpart device that is the transmission destination of the image data by the transmission instruction means is identification information other than the identification information stored in the counterpart device storage means, the first transmission means 4. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that prohibits transmission by the second transmission unit and performs notification if the transmission is unsuccessful. 5. For each of a plurality of counterpart devices, the first information indicating that the identification information of the counterpart device and the identification information to which the additional information is added by the second transmission means are transmitted, or the additional information is A counterpart device storage means capable of storing in association with any of the second information indicating that the added identification information is not transmitted;
The first transmission means selects the identification information of one counterpart device from among the counterpart devices stored in the counterpart device storage means, and sends the image data to the transmission instruction means. When an instruction to transmit image data is given, the selected identification information is transmitted to the first communication control device as the predetermined identification information.
The second transmission means is selected when the identification information of one counterpart device is selected as the destination of the image data from the counterpart devices stored in the counterpart device storage means. When the first information is associated with the identification information in the counterpart device storage means, the selected identification information to which the predetermined additional information is added is used as the predetermined number. While transmitting to the second communication control device, when the second information is associated, the selected identification information is transmitted to the second communication control device as the predetermined number. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The line is a telephone line;
The control means adds predetermined additional information for preventing the sender's identification information from being notified from the exchange to the counterpart apparatus to the predetermined identification information transmitted by the second transmission means. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication apparatus is characterized in that: A communication control device for controlling communication with a counterpart device via a line, and a communication device configured to be connected to the communication control device via a network and transmitting image data to the counterpart device via the communication control device and the line A communication system comprising:
The communication device
Transmission instruction means for instructing transmission of image data to a counterpart apparatus specified by predetermined identification information;
Selecting means for selecting one communication control device as the first communication control device from the plurality of communication control devices when there are a plurality of communication control devices each associated with identification information; ,
When the selection of the first communication control device by the selection means and the transmission instruction of the image data by the transmission instruction means are performed, the first communication control device specifies the predetermined identification information via a telephone line. First transmission means for transmitting the predetermined identification information and the image data to the first communication control device so that the image data is transmitted to the counterpart device to be transmitted, wherein the transmission source identification information is a line The first transmission means for transmitting the predetermined identification information to the first communication control device without adding predetermined additional information to prevent the relay device from notifying the counterpart device ;
If the transmission by the first transmission means is unsuccessful, another communication control device is selected from the plurality of communication control devices as a second communication control device replacing the first communication control device. Then, the predetermined identification information and the image data are transmitted to the second communication so that the image data is transmitted from the second communication control device to the counterpart device specified by the predetermined identification information via a telephone line. A second transmission means for transmitting to the control device;
The predetermined identification information transmitted by the second transmitting means, and control means for adding the predetermined additional information,
The communication control device includes:
A connection requesting unit that makes a connection request to the counterpart device specified by the predetermined identification information transmitted from the communication device by the first transmitting unit or the second transmitting unit;
When the counterpart apparatus is connected to the line based on the connection request by the connection request means, the image data transmitted from the communication apparatus by the first transmission means or the second transmission means is transmitted to the counterpart apparatus. A communication system comprising: image data transmission means for transmitting to the network. A telephone device configured to be connected to a network to a communication control device that controls a call with a counterpart device via a line, and to perform a call with the counterpart device via the communication control device and the line,
Call instruction means for instructing the start of a call with a counterpart device specified by predetermined identification information;
Selecting means for selecting one communication control device as the first communication control device from the plurality of communication control devices when there are a plurality of communication control devices each associated with identification information; ,
When the selection of the first communication control device by the selection means and the start instruction of the call by the call instruction means are performed, the first communication control device specifies the predetermined identification information via a line. A first transmission unit configured to transmit the predetermined identification information to the first communication control unit in order to make a call with the counterpart device, wherein the source identification information is transmitted from the line relay device to the counterpart device; The first transmission means for transmitting the predetermined identification information to the first communication control device without adding predetermined additional information for preventing notification ;
If the transmission by the first transmission means is unsuccessful, another communication control device is selected from the plurality of communication control devices as a second communication control device replacing the first communication control device. The second communication control device transmits the predetermined identification information to the second communication control device in order to make a call with the counterpart device specified by the predetermined identification information via the line. Means for sending
Wherein the second predetermined identification information transmitted by the transmission means, the communication device being characterized in that a control means for adding the predetermined additional information.

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