JPH0595444A - Data backup system for facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To save data of a general facsimile equipment by saving temporarily its data in a backup facsimile equipment, when the general facsimile equipment breaks down, and returning the data, after the repair is completed. CONSTITUTION:When a general facsimile equipment breaks down and is repaired, a main control part 11, a communication control part 16, and a circuit control part 17 which are required for a backup operation operate normally, and when a fault is generated in a reading mechanism 14, a recording mechanism control part 15, a compression/restoration processing part 13, etc., the maintenance is executed by turning off a power source. In this case, picture data of a picture data file 21 is annihilated by turning off the power source due to a volatile memory, and when a change of a control system printed board is required, as well, an equipment information storage part 18, an abbreviated dialing storage part 19, and an operating information storage part 20 are also annihilated. In such a case, by saving temporarily these data and information in a backup equipment in a remote place, and returning them to a general equipment again after the repair is completed, the annihilation of data and information can be prevented.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data backup system for a facsimile machine which temporarily saves the memory contents of the facsimile machine to another facsimile machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an increasing number of facsimile machines have various types of system data in a memory due to their multifunctionality and high functionality. Further, business facsimile machines used by companies and the like are increasingly provided with a memory for accumulating image information aiming at efficient operation, easy operation, and high-speed communication. When these facsimile machines are out of order, maintenance is performed with care so as not to lose various registered data and information and image information remaining in the memory. However, the memory for storing image information uses a memory that disappears when the power is turned off except for some high-end models and expensive models, and when the accumulated image information remains It was difficult to maintain.

[0003]

When a failure occurs in a facsimile machine, a maintenance person visits the site to repair the facsimile machine. However, depending on the degree of the failure, the printed circuit board of the main control section, the reading section, and the recording section are replaced. May be replaced. In this case, the registration data of the facsimile device and the setting information of the device are stored in the non-volatile memory.However, when the main control unit fails, the printed board including the non-volatile memory is inevitably replaced, and the registration / setting of the data and the setting of the data are performed again. It was necessary to input information.

Further, during the repair work, the power is often turned off for safety, and when the transmission reservation or the received image information remains in the memory, it is lost, so that the transmission reservation information is input again. When the received information remains, it is necessary to check the other party from the communication history and contact the other party to request retransmission. Therefore, once a failure occurs, it takes considerable effort to restore these devices to their original state.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and since communication is possible when the faulty part of the facsimile device is other than the communication system, it is registered in the backup facsimile device connected by the exchange network. By temporarily saving the data and the setting information of the device, or the transmission / reception image information remaining in the memory, and restoring these data and various information temporarily saved after the repair of the failure to the original state, It is an object of the present invention to provide a data backup method for a facsimile device, which saves labor for a troublesome re-registration operation and re-input operation or a retransmission request.

[0006]

FIG. 1 shows the principle of the present invention. This data backup method uses the center facsimile machine 1 and the general facsimile machine 2 via the exchange network 3.
The center facsimile apparatus 1 has a memory having a predetermined storage capacity, and after temporarily saving the information stored in the memory of the general facsimile apparatus 2, the information is returned to the original state. Try to restore.

Further, the center facsimile machine 1
However, a correction process including at least one of addition / change / deletion to the saved information is performed.

Further, the center facsimile machine 1
However, the information saved or modified is recorded and output.

Further, the center facsimile machine 1
However, after returning the saved information, the information is automatically erased from the memory holding the information.

Further, after returning the saved information from the general facsimile apparatus 2 to the center facsimile apparatus 1, the information is erased from the memory holding it.

[0011]

[Function] When the general facsimile machine 2 fails,
The information stored in the memory is temporarily saved in the center facsimile machine 1 via the exchange network 3, and after the repair of the failure is completed, the saved information is returned to restore the state before the failure. By this, data registration and setting again,
The operation of inputting information is not required, and quick recovery is possible.

Even in the case of no malfunction, the center facsimile machine 1 entrusted with the maintenance service etc. from the general facsimile machine 2 side transmits the sender data, system data such as subscriber's telephone number, speed dial or one-touch dial. Since registration data and the like can be added, changed, and deleted, these pieces of information are temporarily transferred from the corresponding general facsimile machine 2 to the center facsimile machine 1.
By saving the data to the general facsimile machine 2 and performing these correction processes, the data can be transferred to the corresponding general facsimile machine 2 to reduce the work load on the operator of the general facsimile machine.

This is effective, for example, when it is desired to save the data in the center facsimile machine 1 and to record and output the correction result on the side of the center facsimile machine 1 to check whether the corrected information is set correctly.

In the center facsimile apparatus 1, after the saved information is returned to the corresponding general facsimile apparatus 2, the information becomes unnecessary, so that the information can be automatically erased to effectively utilize the memory. ..

After returning the information saved by the center facsimile machine 1 from the general facsimile machine 2, the memory holding this information is erased.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a general facsimile apparatus. The center facsimile machine (referred to as a backup facsimile machine in the embodiment) is basically the same as this figure, but the memory for storing the data sucked from each general facsimile machine is referred to as a memory holding unit.

In FIG. 2, 11 is a main control section for controlling the whole, 12 is an operation panel and key control section, 13 is a compression / compression for compressing data to be transmitted and restoring the compressed data received.
A restoration processing unit, 14 is a reading mechanism control unit that controls a reading mechanism such as a scanner, 15 is a recording mechanism control unit that controls a recording mechanism such as a printer, 16 is a communication control unit that controls facsimile communication, and 17 is a telephone line. It is a line control unit that performs the interface.

Reference numeral 18 is a device information storage unit for storing device information including system data such as a type of push line or dial pulse line as a subscriber line, source data, subscriber telephone number, device operating condition parameter, and 19 is a destination. Speed dial / one-touch dial storage unit that stores the dial number and name registered for each item, capability information of the partner model, 20 is communication management / operation information storage that stores transmitted / received communication management record information, device operating status information, etc. Part 21 is transmission reservation data (timer transmission, polling transmission) and bulletin board data,
This is an image data file that stores confidential reception data, proxy reception data, and the like.

As a first embodiment, a case in which a general facsimile apparatus fails and is repaired will be described. As for the degree of failure, at least the main control unit 11 required for backup operation,
It is assumed that the communication control unit 16 and the line control unit 17 operate normally. When a failure occurs in the reading mechanism control unit 14, the recording mechanism control unit 15, the compression / decompression processing unit 13, etc., the power of the apparatus is turned off and maintenance is performed.

Since the data in the device information storage section 18 to the communication management / device information storage section 20 is stored in the non-volatile memory, the data is retained, but the image data in the image data file 21 is stored in the volatile memory. Since it is stored, it generally disappears when the power is turned off. Depending on the degree of failure, the printed circuit board of the control system including the main control unit 11 of the device may be replaced, and at this time, the device information storage unit 18
~ All the data and information in the communication management / device information storage unit 20 and the image data file 21 will be lost.

First, a transmission method and procedure for saving the data and information in the device information storage section 18 to the image data file 21 to a backup facsimile machine at a remote location will be described. I. If the machine is out of order but is ready for transmission from this facsimile machine: a) From the operation panel 12, select the system data backup process in the maintenance service mode. Enter the destination dial number for the backup fax machine. Complete the input by pressing the "Start" or "Complete" key.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which data is transmitted from the faulty facsimile machine to the backup facsimile machine and saved in the storage holding unit. FIG. 4 shows the communication means for transmitting these data, which will be described below.

B) Transmission means Dial the destination entered in step a). When the backup facsimile device responds, a transmission command notifies that the device serial number and subscriber telephone number preset in the device and the contents to be transmitted are the system data specified in step a). When the backup facsimile device returns a response indicating that the reception is possible in response to the transmission command, the contents of the device information storage unit 18 to the image data file 21 are transmitted without conversion. At this time,
At the beginning of each data and information, the data type, start address and end address information in the memory, etc. are added and transmitted. The data that is transmitted without conversion is the data in the device information storage unit 18 to the communication device / device information storage unit 20 that is code data and does not need to be compressed, and the image data file 21 stores already compressed data. This is because it is code data.

The faulty facsimile machine confirms that the transmission has been completed normally. Turn off the power and repair the malfunction. c) Backup processing on the side of the backup facsimile device. Based on the system data instruction information in the transmission command in b), the received device information storage unit 18 to image data file.
Stores 21 data and information in storage area without conversion.
At this time, the other party's manufacturing number and subscriber's telephone number sent by the sending command are also stored. The manufacturing number is the ID number (identification number) of the device. This is because each facsimile machine may not be identified in the case of a representative number using only the subscriber telephone number.

II. If the fax machine is out of order and transmission is not possible from this fax machine: a) Send a request to the backup fax machine by telephone. b) Receiving operation on the backup facsimile machine side Select system data backup processing in maintenance service mode. Select the polling reception process in the communication service mode. Enter the destination dial number of the faulty fax machine. Complete the input by pressing the "Start" or "Complete" key. Dial the destination entered in.

C) Transmission process of faulty facsimile device When a polling command for system data backup is received from the other party, it is transmitted that the serial number and subscriber telephone number preset in this device and the contents to be transmitted are system data. Notify by instruction. When the backup facsimile device returns a response indicating that the reception is possible in response to the transmission command, the device information storage unit 18 to the image data file 21 are transmitted without conversion. At this time, the type of data, the start address in memory and the end address information are added to the head of each data and information and transmitted. The faulty fax machine confirms that the transmission was completed normally. Turn off the power and repair the malfunction.

D) Reception process on the side of the backup facsimile device: Based on the system data instruction information in the transmission command of c), the received device information storage section 18-image data file
Stores 21 data and information in storage area without conversion.
At this time, the other party's manufacturing number and subscriber's telephone number are also stored.

Next, an operation method and a procedure for setting the original state by performing an operation for sucking up the data and information temporarily saved in the backup facsimile apparatus to the facsimile apparatus after the failure repair is described. FIG. 5 shows a state in which data and information are sucked up from the backup facsimile machine to the facsimile machine after repair. a) Select the system data save process in the maintenance service mode from the operation panel 12. Select the polling reception process in the communication service mode. Enter the destination dial number for the backup fax machine. Complete the input by pressing the "Start" or "Complete" key.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a restoration communication procedure. b) Transmission procedure Dial the destination entered in step a). When the backup facsimile device responds, a polling command notifies that the device serial number and subscriber telephone number preset in the device and the received contents are the system data specified in a). If the manufacturing number and the subscriber telephone number match from the backup facsimile machine in response to the above instruction,
Since the transmission command is returned, a response indicating that reception is possible is returned. Since the data type and the start address and end address information in the memory are added to the head of each received data and information, the data is written in the corresponding memory area. The repaired facsimile machine outputs a registration list to confirm that the reception has been completed normally.

C) Transmission process on the backup facsimile machine side After receiving the receivable response of b) from the repaired facsimile machine, the data and information saved from this facsimile machine are read out from the memory holding section and converted without conversion. Send.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a procedure for erasing the saved data. Next, after the restoration of the saved data and information is completed, the storage area saved in the backup facsimile apparatus is erased by the following communication procedure. a) From the operation panel 12, select the system data backup deletion processing in the maintenance service mode. Enter the destination dial number for the backup fax machine. Complete the input by pressing the "Start" or "Complete" key.

B) Transmission procedure Dial the destination entered in step a). When the backup facsimile machine responds, it is notified by a transmission command that erases the system data designated by the manufacturing number and subscriber telephone number preset in the apparatus. When the backup facsimile device returns a response indicating that the process is completed in response to the transmission command, the repaired facsimile device confirms that the process is completed normally.

C) Receiving process on the backup facsimile machine side. By comparing the manufacturing number &subscriber's telephone number of the defective facsimile machine notified by the transmission command of b) with these numbers stored in the storage area. After confirming that this is done, the data and information storage areas of the device information storage unit 18 to the image data file 21 stored based on the system data erase instruction information are erased.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this example,
The backup facsimile machine corrects the device information and shortened / one-touch dial information of a general facsimile machine.

FIG. 8 shows the operation of the second embodiment.
Backup facsimile of system data such as sender data, subscriber telephone number, dial number and name registered for each destination, capability information of the destination model, etc. After the data is downloaded by the device and added / deleted / corrected, etc., the status of setting these data to the corresponding general facsimile device again is displayed.

FIG. 9 shows a communication procedure for sucking device information and shortened / one-touch dial information from a corresponding general facsimile device to a backup facsimile device. a) Shortcut / one-touch dialing from the applicable general facsimile machine to the backup facsimile machine, change of machine information, and work request by telephone. b) Receiving operation of backup facsimile machine Select system data backup processing in maintenance service mode. Select the polling reception process in the communication service mode. Enter the destination dial number of the applicable general facsimile machine. Complete the input by pressing the "Start" or "Complete" key. Dial the destination entered in.

C) Transmission processing of the corresponding general facsimile machine When a polling command for system data backup is received from the backup facsimile machine, the manufacturer's serial number, subscriber's telephone number, and the transmission command notify that the contents to be transmitted are system data. To do. When the backup facsimile device sends a response indicating that the transmission is possible, the device information 18 and the shortened / one-touch dial information 19 are transmitted without conversion. At this time, the type of data, the start address in memory and the end address information are added to the head of each data and information and transmitted. Notify that the transmission is completed in response to the normal reception response from the backup facsimile machine.

D) Processing on the side of the backup facsimile device: After storing the device information 18 and the shortened / one-touch dial information 19 received in c) in the memory holding unit, the data notified by the keys and the display unit from the operation panel in a). Are added, changed, and deleted, and then stored again in the storage holding unit.

FIG. 10 shows a communication procedure for returning the corrected data stored in the backup facsimile apparatus to the corresponding general facsimile apparatus again. a) Notify by telephone from the backup facsimile machine that the modified data will be set in the corresponding general facsimile machine. b) Backup facsimile machine transmission operation. Select system data download processing in maintenance service mode. Select the transmission process in the communication service mode. Enter the destination dial number of the applicable general facsimile machine. Complete the input by pressing the "Start" or "Complete" key.

C) Receiving process of the corresponding general facsimile machine When receiving the maintenance service mode transmission command from the backup facsimile machine, the reception enable notification is transmitted. The modified update data is received from the backup facsimile machine and this data is set in the storage section of the corresponding general facsimile machine. It responds to the transmission end signal that the data is normally received.

Next, a third embodiment will be described. This embodiment shows a case in which the backup facsimile machine records and outputs the data taken up from the general facsimile machine to the backup facsimile machine. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the data downloaded from the image data file 21 is recorded and output, and FIG. 12 shows the communication procedure of this download. The communication procedure in FIG. 12 is the same as the communication procedure in FIG. 9 except that the object to be downloaded is the image data file 21.

FIG. 13 shows image file data 21 downloaded from a general facsimile machine to a backup facsimile machine.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart for recording and outputting First, instruct the memory output from the operation panel (step 30), enter the image information number stored in the storage unit (step 31), and click "Start".
Press the key (step 32). Then, the image information is read and recorded and output (step 33).

Although the above-mentioned embodiment merely refers to the backup facsimile apparatus, a personal computer system having a function equivalent to that of the facsimile apparatus makes it easy to remotely perform the following data updating and additional registration functions. Change the device setting information of the facsimile machine. It is possible to poll and receive the information of the corresponding facsimile device, make a change / correction, and then send the information to this facsimile device again to make a remote change. Speed dial / one-touch dial change and additional registration.
After the data of the corresponding facsimile apparatus is polled and changed / corrected, the data can be transmitted again to this facsimile apparatus for remote change. Collect communication information and create statistical information. Collection of device operating status and maintenance information.

[0044]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the data of the general facsimile machine is temporarily saved in the backup facsimile machine and then transmitted again to the general facsimile machine. Therefore, the general facsimile machine is repaired. You can save the data even in such cases,
It can be started up quickly after correction.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a principle diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of saving data and information in a backup facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a save communication procedure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of restoring and transferring saved data after completion of repair.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a restoration communication procedure.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an erase communication procedure of a storage area of a backup facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of additional correction of data downloaded to a backup facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 9 shows a procedure diagram of data download.

FIG. 10 is a diagram that is set after updating the downloaded data.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which data is taken up by a backup facsimile apparatus and recorded and output.

FIG. 12 is a communication procedure diagram for downloading image information.

FIG. 13 is an operation flow diagram of recording and outputting the sucked-up image information from the backup facsimile apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Main control unit 12 Operation panel key control unit 13 Compression / decompression processing unit 14 Reading mechanism control unit 15 Recording mechanism control unit 16 Communication control unit 17 Line control unit 18 Device information storage unit 19 Speed dial / One-touch dial storage unit 20 Communication management・ Operation information storage unit 21 screen data file

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Koichi Kawada 1015 Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Fujitsu Limited

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A center facsimile machine (1) and a general facsimile machine (2) are connected via an exchange network (3), and the center facsimile machine (1) has a memory having a predetermined storage capacity, Facsimile machine (2)
The data backup method for the facsimile machine is characterized in that the information stored in the memory is temporarily saved and then returned to the original state. 2. The center facsimile machine (1)
2. The data backup method for a facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the saved information is subjected to a correction process including at least one of addition, change and deletion. 3. The center facsimile device (1)
3. The data backup method for a facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the save or the information obtained by modifying the save is recorded and output. 4. The center facsimile machine (1)
3. The data backup method for a facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after saving the returned information, the saved information is automatically erased from the memory holding the information. 5. The general facsimile machine (2) is configured to erase the saved information from the memory holding it after the saved information has been returned to the center facsimile machine (1). A data backup method for a facsimile apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.