JP6185749B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, ITS CONTROL METHOD, PROGRAM, AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

    The present invention relates to a communication device, a control method thereof, a program, and a communication system.

  Current facsimile apparatuses are sometimes connected to a PBX (Private Branch Exchange), but most of them are connected to a public line network (hereinafter referred to as PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network)). Strict management is performed so that a facsimile apparatus connected to the PSTN (hereinafter referred to as a FAX apparatus) or an apparatus introduced as an exchange on the PSTN side conforms to a predetermined technical standard. On the other hand, in recent years, a technology called VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), which transmits and receives voice data using an IP network having a broadband transmission path such as a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) line or an optical line, has become widespread. Have been doing.

  When a PSTN communication apparatus (hereinafter, described as an example of a facsimile machine) is connected to an IP network and voice communication is performed using VoIP with a telephone connected to the communication apparatus. Has the following problems. For example, an adapter that functions as an interface that converts an audio signal output from the device into a signal in a format suitable for an IP network is required. Such an adapter is generally referred to as a VoIP adapter. Since the adapter connected to the facsimile apparatus is not connected to the PSTN, it is not necessary to satisfy a predetermined technical standard required for connecting to the PSTN. Therefore, compared with PSTN, what flows a big electric current and what applies a big voltage are prevailing in the market. On the other hand, in a business phone system having a call function between extension lines, the VOIP adapter function provided on the main device side is widespread.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an access gateway device as a technique for detecting an abnormal current on a line. Specifically, the current and voltage immediately after off-hook are detected by an access gateway (so-called TA = terminal adapter) to which the telephone is connected. Also, a server that detects a power supply abnormality is known.

JP 2010-74459 A

  However, the above prior art has the following problems. In the above prior art, the abnormal voltage and current of the access gateway on the line side are not detected on the terminal side such as a FAX apparatus or a telephone. In addition, the terminal operation after the detection is not detected. Therefore, when an abnormality is detected on the terminal side and the operation is performed on the terminal side to disconnect and protect the line side based on the abnormality, the operation information cannot be collected.

  Therefore, there is no method for recognizing the state on the terminal side when a mismatch occurs between the voltage, current, current limiting resistor on the line side and the protection function on the terminal side. As a result, when the protection function is activated on the terminal side and communication becomes impossible, there arises a problem that the cause cannot be specified. In addition, since there is no information on the line environment on the terminal provider side, accurate information cannot be obtained, and a great deal of time and effort are required for handling.

  For example, the main device of the business phone system and the interface (hereinafter referred to as IF) of the business phone connected thereto are unique to the manufacturer and are different from the conventional PSTN electrical standards. In addition, the main apparatus may be provided with a conventional PSTN telephone or an IF for connecting a FAX apparatus. The PSTN telephone or the IF for connecting the FAX apparatus uses a general telephone connector called RJ11. Further, these IFs for business phones also use a general connector called RJ11 and use the same signal pins.

  Because this business phone IF is the same as the IF for facsimile machines, there is a possibility of incorrect connection. In the case of incorrect connection, excessive current and voltage are applied to the facsimile machine, causing damage to the machine. It is possible to give. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the facsimile apparatus with a protection function that is generally responsive to the application of an excessive current and an excessive voltage.

  However, when a facsimile machine with a protection function is connected to a terminal adapter that applies a larger current and voltage than PSTN, the protection function reacts excessively, disconnecting the facsimile machine from the line, and There is also the harmful effect of being unable to do so. For this reason, it is necessary to adapt the protection function to a terminal adapter connected to a facsimile machine, but there are many types of terminal adapters on the market. In many cases, the terminal adapter is arranged in a place where the user of the facsimile apparatus does not usually look at the apartment house or the residential building. For this reason, the type of terminal adapter is often unknown, and it has been difficult to investigate the characteristics and optimize the protection function.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and automatically releases a captured line when a line environment connected to the communication apparatus is abnormal, and sets parameters related to the line to the communication apparatus. It aims at providing the mechanism which memorizes as history information on the side.

The present invention is a communication device, a storage means for preliminarily storing a first threshold value of a parameter related to the line between the communication apparatus and a connection destination device, which indicates a condition for releasing the line after capturing the line; After capturing the line, a detecting means for periodically detecting parameters related to the line between the communication apparatus and the connected apparatus, the first threshold value of the parameter stored in the storage means, and the detection Comparison means for comparing the parameters detected by the means, control means for automatically releasing the line based on the result of the comparison by the comparison means, and when the line is automatically released by the control means, and history means for storing the parameters detected by the detection means as history information, based on the history information, the first threshold parameter stored in the storage means Characterized in that it comprises a changing means for changing.

  Further, the present invention is a communication system including the communication device, an externally connected device capable of communicating with the communication device, and a server, wherein the externally connected device automatically releases the line, An acquisition unit that acquires the history information and a threshold value of the parameter from the communication device, a display unit that displays information acquired by the acquisition unit according to predetermined setting information, and the predetermined And transfer means for transferring the information acquired by the acquisition means to the server in accordance with setting information.

  The present invention can automatically release a captured line when a line environment connected to the communication apparatus is abnormal, and can provide a mechanism for storing parameters relating to the line as history information on the communication apparatus side.

1 is an overall block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus according to a first embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the business phone system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram in which a terminal adapter is connected to a facsimile apparatus according to a first embodiment. The figure which shows the internal structural example of the direct current | flow capture circuit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flow of information in the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart of an SOC main program of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart of a modem DSP program of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment. The flowchart of the SOC main program at the time of carrying out automatic on-hook transfer concerning 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for displaying, printing, and transferring information when shifting to automatic on-hook according to the first embodiment. The operation | movement flowchart of externally connected PC which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 12 is a flowchart when printing a communication result report according to the third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the present embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the present invention. .

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the overall configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, a facsimile apparatus (FAX apparatus) will be described as an example of a communication apparatus.

  A system on chip (SOC) 101 controls the entire system of the facsimile apparatus 100. The CPU 200 in the facsimile apparatus 100 is mounted on the SOC 101. A memory 140 connected to the SOC 101 is a main storage device, and functions as a system work memory for the CPU 200 of the SOC 101 and a memory for storing a control program for executing the processing of the present invention. The memory 140 also functions as a memory for temporarily storing image data and various types of information during facsimile transmission or facsimile reception. Also, information set by the user is stored. The memory 140 includes an SDAA program 202. The SDAA program 202 is a program executed by the DSP 205 after being transferred to the modem 102 and expanded in the RAM 204.

  An operation panel 118, a reading unit 121, a recording unit 122, and an interface (IF) unit 123 are connected to the SOC 101. The operation panel 118 includes a display 119 and a keyboard 120, which function as a user interface. The display device 119 performs display related to the device status and menu. The keyboards 120 are keyboards such as buttons and numeric keys that accept input of various instructions from the user. The user can input user setting information using this keyboard.

  The reading unit 121 reads an image from a document and generates image data. The generated image data may be transmitted by facsimile to the counterpart apparatus via the communication line 130 or may be printed by the recording unit 122. The interface (IF) unit 123 functions as an interface when various information devices are connected from the outside.

  The modem 102 is a modem that is connected to the SOC 101 and operates based on control by the SOC 101. The modem 102 performs a modulation process using the image data read by the reading unit 121 and a demodulation process for a signal received via the communication line 130, which are targets of facsimile transmission. The modem 102 is connected to the SDAA (silicon DAA) 104 through the insulating element 103. The modem 102 includes a ROM 203, a RAM 204, a DSP 205, and a register 206. The ROM 203 is a ROM that stores a program that is expanded in the RAM 204 and executed by the DSP 205. The RAM 204 is a RAM for expanding the contents of the program 202 and the ROM 203 transferred from the host and causing the DSP 205 to execute them. The DSP 205 controls the operation of the modem 102 based on the contents of the RAM 204. The register 206 stores the state of the SDAA 104 or an instruction from the SOC 101.

  The SDAA 104 is a semiconductor NCU (network control unit). The SDAA 104 is a network control device that is connected to the communication line 130 and functions as an interface between the facsimile apparatus 100 and an external public line (communication line) 130. Also, the SDAA 104 controls the connection (capture) state of the line when communicating with the counterpart device via the communication line 130. A telephone 128 externally attached to the facsimile apparatus 100 is also connected to the communication line 130. The telephone 128 is connected to the communication line 130 via the H relay 110, and the SDAA 104 is connected to the communication line 130 in parallel with the telephone 128. The SDAA 104 not only captures the line and controls the communication when performing facsimile transmission / reception, but also when the telephone 128 performs voice communication with the other apparatus via the communication line 130. Control the capture state. The SDAA 104 executes these controls based on the control of the SOC 101.

  The SDAA 104 controls the DC capture state of the line using the line capture unit 105. The direct current impedance when the direct current is captured by the line capturing unit 105 is variable. This impedance is obtained by being controlled by a preset current characteristic with respect to a DC voltage (hereinafter referred to as DC-VI characteristic). The voltage detector 150 monitors the voltage on the line. The current detection unit 151 monitors the current on the line.

  The AC filter unit 201 is connected to the previous stage of the voltage detection unit 150 or the current detection unit 151, and prevents erroneous detection due to an AC component when the voltage detection unit 150 or the current detection unit 151 detects a DC voltage or current. Is. The DC capture circuit 152 is a peripheral circuit 104 configured by transistors and the like, and adjusts the DC impedance by controlling the SDAA 104 while performing DC capture. It is also used to create a line release state and to send a dial pulse, which is a kind of selection signal for the line. Reference numeral 241 denotes a line through which a current flows from the PSTN, and reference numeral 240 denotes a line through which the current returns to the PSTN. The SDAA 104 can detect the current value of the line 241 or the line 240 and the voltage value between the line 241 and the line 240.

  The rectifier circuit 155 is composed of a diode bridge or the like, and rectifies a signal from the line and transmits it to the 104 side. The reception IF circuit 153 is an interface circuit for receiving a facsimile reception signal received via the communication line 130. For example, in the case of Japan, the AC impedance matching circuit 154 adjusts the AC impedance to 600 ohms. This is a circuit for adjusting the AC impedance during communication.

  The noise removal circuit 156 is a circuit that suppresses lightning surge, electromagnetic noise, and the like from the communication line 130, and conversely prevents noise from the facsimile apparatus 100 being transmitted via the communication line 130. The CI detection circuit 108 is connected to the communication line 130 and detects a call signal (hereinafter referred to as “CI signal”) received from the communication line 130. When detecting the CI signal from the communication line 130, the CI detection circuit 108 transmits a CI detection signal 109 indicating that to the SOC 101. The SOC 101 can determine whether or not a CI signal is received from the communication line 130 based on the CI detection signal 109.

  The H relay 110 is a circuit for connecting an external telephone 128 connected via the hook detection circuit 117 to the DC power supply 113 or the communication line 130. The H relay 110 is an example of a switching unit, and performs switching between a connection state in which the external telephone 128 is connected to the communication line 130 and a disconnection state in which the communication line 130 is disconnected. The H relay 110 is controlled by the SOC 101 using the H relay drive signal 111. As shown in FIG. 1, when the telephone is disconnected from the communication line 130 by the H relay 110, the telephone does not ring even when a CI is received. The so-called no-sound incoming state of the facsimile apparatus 100 is set. The DC power supply 113 is a circuit that supplies current to the hook detection circuit 117.

  The hook detection circuit 117 is an example of a detection unit, and is connected to the telephone 128 and is a circuit that detects an off-hook or on-hook of the telephone 128. Hook detection circuit 117 transmits the off-hook or on-hook detection result of telephone 128 to SOC 101 using hook detection signal 114. The SOC 101 can determine the state of the hook in the telephone 128 based on the hook detection signal 114. The hook detection circuit 117 detects the current flowing through the telephone 128 both when connected directly to the communication line 130 by the H relay 110 and when connected to the DC power supply 113. Thereby, the off-hook state or the on-hook state of the telephone 128 is detected.

  The pseudo CI transmission circuit 116 is a circuit that transmits a pseudo CI signal to the telephone 128. The pseudo-CI signal is a signal sent to the telephone 128 in order to ring the telephone 128 that is disconnected from the line when a CI incoming call is received from the partner apparatus via the communication line 130. is there. The pseudo CI transmission circuit 116 transmits a pseudo CI signal to the telephone 128 in response to a transmission instruction by the pseudo CI drive signal 115 from the SOC 101. 210 is a public line network PSTN. 220 is a partner FAX. Reference numeral 230 denotes a current protection element composed of a fuse or the like.

<Connection to terminal adapter>
Next, a state when the facsimile apparatus 100 is connected to the terminal adapter will be described with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 305 denotes a current flowing into the DC capturing circuit 152 from the line side. Reference numeral 307 denotes a voltage applied to the DC capturing circuit 152 after the voltage applied from the line side is rectified by the rectifying circuit 155.

  Reference numeral 308 denotes a terminal adapter (TA) connected to the facsimile machine 100. The TA 308 includes a limiting resistor 309 and a DC application circuit 310. The limiting resistor 309 is a limiting resistor RB that limits the maximum current value flowing from the DC application circuit 310, and is connected to the DC application circuit 310 and the rectifier circuit 155 of the facsimile apparatus 100. The direct current application circuit 310 applies direct current to the connected facsimile machine 100. Reference numeral 311 denotes a voltage VA applied by the DC application circuit 310. Reference numeral 320 denotes a personal computer PC connected to the facsimile apparatus 100. Reference numeral 321 denotes an application program that runs on the PC 320. A server 322 is connected to the PC 320. Further, the optical network 330 is connected to the TA 308.

<Data flow>
Next, the flow of information in the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The memory 140 includes DC-VI characteristic information 5003, on-hook after-hook transition conditions 5004, after-off-hook on-hook detection information 5008, automatic on-hook transition information 5012, and second after-off-hook on-hook transition conditions 5044. The off-hook on-hook transition condition 5004 is an on-hook transition condition after the initial off-hook. Assuming an erroneous connection to the business phone IF, the threshold is set to a strict value. That is, when each parameter (voltage value, current value, limiting resistance value) exceeds these threshold values, the modem 102 of the facsimile machine 100 automatically shifts to the on-hook state. When shifting to automatic on-hook, the modem 102 detects the value of each parameter and stores it in a predetermined area. Reference numeral 5005 denotes a limiting resistance threshold value. It is set higher in case of incorrect connection. 5006 is a line voltage threshold value. It is set to a low value in case of incorrect connection. 5007 is a line current threshold value. It is set to a low value in case of incorrect connection.

  On-hook post-off-hook detection information (history information) 5008 is data transferred from the modem 102. Reference numeral 5009 denotes a limiting resistance value. The current limit resistance value on the line side when the automatic on-hook transition is made, and is calculated by the modem 102 and transferred via the SOC 101. Reference numeral 5010 denotes a detected line side voltage value at the time of automatic on-hook transition. Reference numeral 5011 denotes a detected line-side current value when shifting to automatic on-hook. Reference numeral 5012 denotes automatic on-hook transition information. This is information indicating that automatic on-hook transfer has been transferred from the modem 102.

  Reference numeral 5013 denotes an arrow indicating that the SOC 101 loads the DC-VI characteristic information 5003 from the memory 140. Reference numeral 5014 denotes an arrow indicating that the SOC 101 loads the on-hook transition condition (first threshold value) 5004 from the memory 140. Reference numeral 5015 denotes an arrow indicating that the SOC 101 stores the on-hook detection information 5008 after the off-hook in the memory. Reference numeral 5016 denotes an arrow indicating that the SOC 101 stores 5012 in the memory.

  Reference numeral 5018 denotes an arrow indicating that the DC-VI characteristic information 5026 is transferred from the SOC 101. Reference numeral 5019 denotes an arrow indicating that the post-off-hook on-hook transition condition (first threshold) 5027 is transferred from the SOC 101. Reference numeral 5020 denotes an arrow indicating that on-hook detection information 5031 is transferred to the SOC 101. Reference numeral 5021 denotes an arrow indicating that automatic on-hook transition information 5035 is transferred to the SOC 101.

  Reference numeral 5026 denotes DC-VI characteristic information transferred from the memory 140. At the time of line acquisition, the modem 102 controls the SDAA 104 to have a predetermined impedance based on this information. The control is performed while detecting the line current and line voltage from the SDAA 104 and feeding them back. Reference numeral 5027 denotes an on-hook transition condition after off-hook transferred from the SOC. Reference numeral 5028 denotes a limiting resistance threshold value transferred from the SOC. Reference numeral 5029 denotes a line voltage threshold value transferred from the SOC. Reference numeral 5030 denotes a line current threshold value transferred from the SOC.

  Reference numeral 5031 denotes off-hook on-hook detection information (history information). This is information based on current and voltage at the time of automatic on-hook transition. Reference numeral 5032 denotes a current-limiting resistance value on the line side calculated based on the current and voltage at the time of automatic on-hook transition. Reference numeral 5033 denotes a line voltage value transferred from the SDAA 104. Reference numeral 5034 denotes a line current value transferred from the SDAA 104. Reference numeral 5035 denotes information such as a flag that is set when the modem automatically shifts to on-hook after being off-hook based on voltage and current information of the SDAA 104.

  Reference numeral 5037 denotes an arrow indicating that 5039 is transferred from the SDAA 104 to the modem 102. Reference numeral 5039 denotes detection information after off-hook. This is information that the SDAA 104 detects. Reference numeral 5041 denotes a line voltage value. Reference numeral 5042 denotes a line current value.

  Reference numeral 5040 denotes a second after-hook on-hook transition condition (second threshold) stored in the memories 204 and 205. Reference numeral 5044 denotes a second post-off-hook on-hook transition condition (second threshold) stored in the memory 140. This is a relaxed condition with respect to the on-hook transition condition 5004 after off-hook. A terminal adapter connection is assumed. 5045 is a second limiting resistance threshold value. Reference numeral 5046 denotes a second line voltage threshold value. 5047 is a second line current threshold value. Reference numeral 5048 denotes an arrow indicating how the second on-hook transition condition 5044 is transferred from the memory 140 to the SOC 101. Reference numeral 5049 denotes an arrow indicating that the second on-hook transition condition 5044 is transferred from the SOC 101 to the modem 102. 5050 is a second limiting resistance threshold value. Reference numeral 5051 denotes a second line voltage threshold value. Reference numeral 5052 denotes a second line current threshold value.

<Processing procedure>
Next, processing executed by the SOC 101 of the facsimile machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The process described below is realized by the CPU 200 executing a control program stored in the memory 140.

  First, in S <b> 102, the SOC 101 transfers the DC-VI characteristic information 5003 to the modem 102. In S103, the SOC 101 transfers the limiting resistance threshold value 5005 to the modem. In S <b> 104, the SOC 101 transfers the line voltage threshold value 5006 to the modem 102. Further, in S <b> 105, the SOC 101 transfers the line current threshold value 5007 to the modem 102.

  In S106, the SOC 101 detects whether or not a request for off-hook processing has been received from another main program task upon reception or transmission start of a facsimile. If an off-hook processing request has not been received, the determination in S106 is repeated periodically, and if received, the process proceeds to S107.

  In S107, the SOC 101 instructs the modem 102 to shift to off-hook. In S108, the SOC 101 detects whether or not the modem 102 has shifted to automatic on-hook. If automatic on-hook transition is detected, the process proceeds to S110, and if not detected, the process proceeds to S109. In S109, the SOC 101 detects whether there is a communication / call end request from another main program task. If the communication / call end request has not been received, the process returns to S108, and if received, the process proceeds to S111.

  In S110, the SOC 101 acquires the limiting resistance value 5032, the voltage 5033, and the current 5034 detected by the modem 102 from the modem 102 and stores them in the memory 140. Subsequently, in S112, the SOC 101 associates the information 5012 that the automatic on-hook transition has been made with the limit resistance value 5009, the line current value 5011, the line voltage value 5010, and the threshold value information 5004 at that time, and stores them in the memory 140. To finish the process. These pieces of information are desirably controlled to be accessible from an external device. On the other hand, in S111, the SOC 101 instructs the modem 102 to shift to the on-hook state, and ends the process.

  Next, processing of the DSP 205 in the modem 102 of the facsimile apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The processing described below is realized by the DSP 205 reading out the control program stored in the ROM 203 to the RAM 204 and executing it.

  First, in S202, the DSP 205 performs initial setting and sets a counter threshold A of the voltage detection interval timer 1 that determines an interval for monitoring the line voltage and the limiting resistance. In addition, a threshold B of the current detection interval timer 2 that determines an interval for monitoring the line current is set. For example, the counter threshold A is set to 50 ms, and the counter threshold B is set to 200 ms. Then, the automatic on-hook transition information 5035 is reset.

  In S203, the DSP 205 receives the DC-VI characteristic information 5026, the limiting resistance threshold 5028, the line voltage threshold 5029, and the line current threshold 5030 that are transferred from the SOC 101 to the modem 102. In step S <b> 204, the DSP 205 determines whether there is an off-hook instruction from the SOC 101. If there is no off-hook instruction, the determination of S204 is periodically repeated, and if there is an off-hook instruction, the process proceeds to S205.

  In step S <b> 205, the DSP 205 detects line voltage when on-hook, and detects VA of the voltage 311 when the DC application circuit 310 is released. Since the current 305 does not flow when the line is released, the voltage drop due to the rectifier circuit 155 and the limiting resistor 309 is regarded as almost zero. Therefore, by measuring the voltage 307 at the time of line release, it is possible to detect the VA of the voltage 311 at the time of release.

  In step S206, the DSP 205 proceeds to off-hook. Subsequently, in S207, the DSP 205 controls the impedance at the time of line acquisition according to the DC-VI characteristic information 5026. In step S208, the DSP 205 waits until a predetermined time has elapsed (WAIT). In step S209, the DSP 205 starts a limiting resistor (not shown) and the voltage detection interval timer 1. Furthermore, in S210, the DSP 205 starts the current detection interval timer 2.

  In step S211, the DSP 205 determines whether or not the value of the limiting resistor and the voltage detection interval timer 1 has reached A (for example, a time interval of 50 mS). If the value of timer 1 has reached A, the process proceeds to S216, and if not, the process proceeds to S212. In S212, the DSP 205 determines whether or not the value of the current detection interval timer 2 has reached B (for example, a time of an interval of 200 mS). If the value of timer 2 has reached B, the process proceeds to S212, and if not, the process proceeds to S213. In step S <b> 213, the DSP 205 determines whether there is an instruction to shift from the SOC 101 to on-hook. If there is an instruction for on-hook, the process proceeds to S214, the process proceeds to on-hook, and the process ends. On the other hand, if there is no on-hook instruction, the process returns to S205.

  When the value of the timer 1 has reached A, in S216, the DSP 205 resets the timer 1, detects the current 305 and the voltage 307, sets the limiting resistance as the current value = IB and the voltage value = VB, and sets the limiting resistance. Calculate as RB = (VA−VB) / IB. In step S217, the DSP 205 determines whether the calculated limiting resistance RB is equal to or less than the limiting resistance threshold 5028. If the calculated limiting resistance RB is not more than the limiting resistance threshold 5028, the process proceeds to S213, and if not, the process proceeds to S218. In step S218, the DSP 205 determines whether or not VB, which is a value obtained by detecting the voltage 307 during off-hook, is equal to or higher than the line voltage threshold 5029. If the voltage value VB is greater than or equal to the line voltage threshold 5029, the process proceeds to S223, and if not, the process proceeds to S219. In step S219, the DSP 205 restarts the timer 1.

  When the value of the timer 2 has reached B, in S220, the DSP 205 resets the timer 2 and detects the current 305. Subsequently, in S221, the DSP 205 determines whether or not the detected current value is equal to or greater than the line current threshold 5030. If the detected current value is greater than or equal to the line current threshold 5030, the process proceeds to S223, and if not, the process proceeds to S222. In S222, the DSP 205 restarts the timer 2 and proceeds to S213. The processing after S213 is the same as the processing described above.

  In S223, the DSP 205 shifts to automatic on-hook, sets automatic on-hook shift information 5035, and stores the line current value 5034, line voltage value 5033, and limiting resistance value 5032, that is, IB, VB, and RB, in the memories 203 and 204. Store and finish the process.

  Next, display, printing, and transfer of information at the time of automatic on-hook transition will be described with reference to FIG. The process described below is realized by the SOC 101 executing a control program stored in the memory 140.

  First, in S402, the SOC 101 determines whether there is a display instruction from the operation panel 118. If there is a display instruction, the process proceeds to S402, and if there is no display instruction, the process proceeds to S404. In S <b> 403, the SOC 101 displays the automatic on-hook transition, the voltage threshold, the limiting resistance threshold, the current threshold, the detection voltage, the detection current, and the calculated limiting resistance on the display 119. In S404, the SOC 101 determines whether there is a print request. If there is a print request, the process proceeds to S405, and if there is no print request, the process proceeds to S406. In step S <b> 405, the SOC 101 causes the recording unit 122 to print the automatic on-hook transition, the voltage threshold value, the limiting resistance threshold value, the current threshold value, the detection voltage, the detection current, and the calculated limiting resistance.

  In S406, the SOC 101 determines whether there is a data transfer request from the external device. In S407, the SOC 101 transfers the automatic on-hook transition and the voltage threshold, the limiting resistance threshold, the current threshold, the detection voltage, the detection current, and the calculated limiting resistance information to the external device.

  As described above, the facsimile apparatus (communication apparatus) 100 according to the present embodiment indicates the parameters related to the line between the facsimile apparatus 100 and the connection destination apparatus (TA) indicating the condition for releasing the line after capturing the line. The first threshold value is stored in advance. Further, after capturing the line, the facsimile apparatus 100 periodically detects the parameter, and automatically releases the line based on a comparison result between the detected parameter and the corresponding first threshold value. Specifically, when the detected line voltage value is equal to or higher than the corresponding first threshold value, or when the detected line current value is equal to or higher than the corresponding first threshold value, or the detected limiting resistance is detected. When the value of is less than or equal to the corresponding first threshold, the line is automatically released. Further, when the line is automatically released, the facsimile machine 100 stores the detected parameter as history information.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the facsimile apparatus 100 automatically releases the line and applies the current from the line side when an excessive current and an excessive voltage are applied to the facsimile apparatus 100 from the line side. , Instantaneously detect and store the voltage and line side limiting resistance. As a result, it becomes possible to acquire data of a line environment connected to a facsimile, which has been impossible in the past. The line side current, voltage, and limiting resistance information can be transmitted to the provider side of the facsimile apparatus 100. As a result, by optimizing the protection function on the provider side of the facsimile apparatus, it is possible to prevent a communication error due to an excessive protection function when connected to the terminal adapter. Hereinafter, the threshold value changing method described above as a mechanism for preventing a communication error due to an excessive protection function will be described.

<Change threshold>
Hereinafter, the threshold value changing method will be described with reference to FIGS. When the facsimile apparatus 100 is erroneously connected to the cable 2009 shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later, the DC capture transistor 3003 shown in FIG. 4 enters an avalanche state in a short time of about 100 ms, for example, and remains on without control. For this reason, the on-hook transition condition 5027 after off-hook is set to a strict threshold in order to be effective immediately. Therefore, when connected to the TA as shown in FIG. 3, there is a concern about adverse effects that communication cannot be performed. In the present embodiment, a threshold value changing method for solving such a problem will be described.

  First, the configuration of the business phone system (communication system) in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 2001 denotes an optical network. Reference numeral 2002 denotes a line terminator, which is a unit that changes an optical signal into an electrical signal such as a LAN. 2003 is the main device of the business phone system. 2004 is a dedicated business phone.

  The business phone system main apparatus 2003 includes a business phone connection unit 2006 and a FAX / TEL connection unit 2007. The business phone connection unit 2006 is a connection unit for connecting the dedicated business phone 2004. A FAX / TEL connection unit 2007 is a connection unit for connecting a FAX apparatus or a telephone. 2009 is a cable for connecting the dedicated business phone 2004 and the business phone connection unit 2006 to transmit signals. Reference numeral 2010 denotes a cable for connecting the FAX / TEL connection unit 2007 and the facsimile apparatus 100 and transmitting signals. Here, the cable 2010 and the cable 2009 use the same modular jack connector cable RJ11. The same signal pin is used. While the current from the cable 2010 is limited in the range of about 20 mA to 120 mA based on the PSTN technical standards, the current in the cable 2009 is not limited in the same way as that of the PSTN, and is about 600 mA, which is more than four times the PSTN. Current may flow.

  Next, the internal configuration of the DC capture circuit 152 will be described with reference to FIG. The DC capture circuit 3001 includes a DC resistor 3002 that captures a line during DC capture. The resistance value of the DC resistor 3002 is set to about 50Ω to 300Ω. The DC capture transistor 3003 allows a base current to flow according to a control signal, and can be captured by the DC resistor 3002 when the voltage is close to 0Ω when the collector-emitter is saturated due to the ON state. It is.

  Next, the processing procedure of the SOC 101 when the automatic on-hook transition is made will be described with reference to FIG. The process described below is realized by the CPU 200 executing a control program stored in the memory 140.

  In S302, the SOC 101 detects a line current value 5011, a line voltage value 5010, and a limiting resistance value 5009 at the time of automatic on-hook. In S303, the SOC 101 determines whether or not the line current value 5011 is equal to or smaller than the second line current threshold 5047. If the line current value 5011 is equal to or smaller than the second line current threshold value 5047, the process proceeds to S304, and if not, the process ends.

  In S304, the SOC 101 determines whether or not the line voltage value 5010 is equal to or lower than the second line voltage threshold 5046. If the line voltage value 5010 is equal to or lower than the second line voltage threshold 5046, the process proceeds to S305, and if not, the process ends. In S305, the SOC 101 determines whether or not the limiting resistance value 5009 is greater than or equal to the second limiting resistance threshold 5045. If the limiting resistance value 5009 is the second limiting resistance threshold 5045, the process proceeds to S306, and if not, the process ends.

  In S306, the SOC 101 sets the second line voltage threshold 5046, the second limiting resistance threshold 5045, and the second line current threshold 5047 in the modem 102, and ends the process.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the line current value 5011, the line voltage value 5010, and the limiting resistance value 5009 detected at the time of automatic on-hook are compared with the threshold values 5045 to 5047, and the detected line voltage value and line current are compared. When the value is not more than a certain value and the calculated limiting resistance value is not less than the certain value, the line current value, the line voltage value, and the threshold value of the limiting resistance value can be changed. Thereby, when it is determined that the connection to the cable 2009 is not an erroneous connection, the threshold value is relaxed according to the TA 308, and a communication error due to an excessive protection function can be prevented.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The mismatch between the terminal and the line side is likely to occur in a place far from the device provider side. There is a need for a method for quickly and accurately collecting such remote information. In the present embodiment, the facsimile apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, a PC (external connection device) 320 connected to the facsimile apparatus 100, and a server connected to the PC 320 via a network, which collect such information. A communication system composed of 322 will be described.

  With reference to FIG. 10, the processing procedure of PC 320 connected to be communicable will be described. The process described below is realized by the CPU of the PC 320 reading and executing a control program stored in advance in a ROM, a RAM, or the like.

  In S502, the PC 320 activates the application 321. Subsequently, in S503, the application 321 determines that the automatic on-hook transition information 5012, the line current threshold 5007 or the second line current threshold 5047, the line voltage threshold 5006 or the second line voltage threshold 5046, the limiting resistance threshold 5005, or the second The facsimile apparatus 100 is requested to transfer data of the limiting resistance threshold 5045, the detected line current value 5011, the detected line voltage value 5010, or the calculated limiting resistance value 5009.

  In step S <b> 504, the application 321 determines whether there has been data transfer from the facsimile apparatus 100. If there is data transfer, the process proceeds to S505, and if not, the determination in S504 is periodically repeated. In step S <b> 505, the application 321 determines whether it is a setting for displaying the transferred information on the display provided in the PC 320. If it is set, the process proceeds to S506, and the application 321 displays the transferred data on the display, and proceeds to S507. On the other hand, if it is not set, the process proceeds to S507 as it is.

  In step S <b> 507, the application 321 determines whether the setting is to transfer data to the server 322. If it is set, the process advances to step S508 to transfer the data to the server, and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is not set, the process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the automatic on-hook shift information 5012 of the facsimile apparatus 100 and the detected line voltage, current, or calculated limiting resistance are specified by an instruction from the application 321 operating on the PC 320. The value (5008) and the current, voltage, or limiting resistance threshold value (5004) for automatic on-hook transition are collected by the PC 320. The collected data can be transferred to the server 322. As a result, the error status can be confirmed instantaneously by the device user or the device supplier, and an accurate and quick countermeasure can be made possible. Further, by collecting data by the operation of the application program side of the PC 320, the facsimile apparatus 100 does not need a special program. Further, it is not necessary to connect the facsimile apparatus to the network. Therefore, when data is collected by this method, the cost of the facsimile apparatus 100 can be reduced and an inexpensive apparatus can be provided to the user.

<Third Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Conventionally, the information described in the first and second embodiments has not been printed on the communication result report. For this reason, even if a communication error occurs, it is impossible to recognize the current / voltage mismatch between the terminal side and the line side. Therefore, in the present embodiment, control for printing such information will be described. The processing described with reference to FIG. 11 is realized by the SOC 101 executing a control program stored in the memory 140.

  In S602, the SOC 101 determines whether there is automatic on-hook transition information. If there is such information, the process proceeds to S603, and if not, the process is terminated. In S603, the SOC 101 prints the automatic on-hook transition, the line current threshold, the line voltage threshold, the limiting resistance threshold, the detected line current value, the detected line voltage value, and the calculated limiting resistance value on the report by the recording unit 122. These pieces of information may be displayed on the display 119, or both display and printing may be performed.

  As described above, in the facsimile apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when the communication result report summarizing the communication result history of the facsimile apparatus 100 is printed, the information that the facsimile apparatus 100 has shifted to automatic on-hook is detected. The line voltage, current, and calculated limiting resistance are printed together with the current, voltage, and limiting resistance threshold for automatic on-hook transition. Thereby, according to the facsimile apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the user can recognize the current and voltage mismatch between the terminal side and the line side quickly and accurately by checking the communication result report. it can.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (10)

A communication device,
Storage means for preliminarily storing a first threshold value of a parameter related to the line between the communication apparatus and a connection destination apparatus, which indicates a condition for releasing the line after capturing the line;
Detecting means for periodically detecting parameters relating to the line between the communication device and the connection destination device after capturing the line;
Comparison means for comparing the first threshold value of the parameter stored in the storage means with the parameter detected by the detection means;
Control means for automatically releasing the line based on the result of comparison by the comparison means;
History means for storing parameters detected by the detection means as history information when the control means automatically releases the line;
A communication device comprising: a changing unit that changes a first threshold value of a parameter stored in the storage unit based on the history information . The parameters relating to the line include a line voltage, a line current, and a limiting resistance in a line between the communication device and a connection destination device
The control means includes
If the detected line voltage value is greater than or equal to the corresponding first threshold value stored in the storage means, the detected line current value is stored in the storage means. The line is automatically released when the threshold value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, or when the value of the detected limiting resistance is equal to or less than the corresponding first threshold value stored in the storage means. Item 4. The communication device according to Item 1. Before term memory means further indicates the condition for changing the first threshold value, pre-storing a second threshold parameters for該回line between the communication device and the destination device,
When the control means automatically releases the line, the changing means has a value of the detected line voltage equal to or less than a corresponding second threshold stored in the storage means, and the detection The corresponding line current value stored in the storage means is equal to or less than the corresponding second threshold value, and the detected limiting resistance value is stored in the storage means. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first threshold value of the parameter stored in the storage means is changed to a value of each detected parameter if the threshold value is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The history means
4. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein history information stored in the history unit is displayed by a display unit or printed by a printing unit. 5. The history means
As a communication result report of the communication device, information on automatically releasing a line, the history information, and a threshold value of the parameter are displayed by a display unit or printed by a printing unit. The communication apparatus according to claim 4.   6. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the history information stored in the history unit is accessible from an external device. The communication device is a facsimile device;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection destination apparatus is a terminal adapter. A communication system including the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, an external connection device capable of communicating with the communication device, and a server.
The external connection device is:
Acquisition means for acquiring information automatically releasing the line, the history information, and a threshold value of the parameter from the communication device;
Display means for displaying information acquired by the acquisition means in accordance with predetermined setting information;
A communication system comprising: transfer means for transferring information acquired by the acquisition means to the server in accordance with the predetermined setting information. A method for controlling a communication apparatus, comprising storage means for preliminarily storing a first threshold value of a parameter related to a line between the communication apparatus and a connection destination apparatus, which indicates a condition for releasing the line after capturing the line,
A detection step in which, after the detection means captures the line, a parameter related to the line between the communication device and the connection destination device is periodically detected;
A comparison step in which the comparison unit compares the first threshold value of the parameter stored in the storage unit with the parameter detected in the detection step;
A control step in which the control means automatically releases the line based on the result of the comparison in the comparison step;
When the history unit automatically releases the line in the control step, the history step stores the parameter detected in the detection step as history information;
A communication device control method , wherein the changing means executes a changing step of changing a first threshold value of a parameter stored in the storage means based on the history information .   The program for making a computer perform each step in the control method of the communication apparatus of Claim 9.

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