JPH077590A - Facsimile adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To rewrite user data through remote operation without going to the installation place of an adapter when the facsimile adapter is used by plural users or used at a different installation place by rewriting the user data of the adapter with a DTMF signal inputted from a facsimile terminal. CONSTITUTION:An actuation part 15 having received the DTMF signal from the facsimile terminal 20 starts a maintenance mode. In this maintenance mode, the DTMF signal is inputted successively from the facsimile terminal 200, a rewriting part 16 rewrites the user data registered in a storage part 13 according to the DTMF signal.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile adapter which is interposed between a facsimile terminal and a line (exchange) to perform processes such as line selection and dial conversion, and particularly to line selection and dial conversion. The present invention relates to a facsimile adapter that stores various user data regarding operation specifications such as.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a facsimile adapter which is interposed between a facsimile terminal and a line to expand a communication function has been widely used. This facsimile adapter uses a dial number sent from a facsimile terminal, for example. It is possible to make a call directly to the destination terminal or convert it to a predetermined number and request the delivery to, for example, a facsimile storage exchange device.

As a conventional facsimile adapter of this type, for example, JP-A-4-213253 and JP-A-4-21353 are available.
There is one described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 70041, etc., and whether to judge the dial number input from the connected facsimile terminal and convert it as necessary, use it as it is, or dial another system, etc. It is possible to determine various operation specifications of the above according to the user's desire. The user data for determining such operation specifications includes, for example, a telephone number, a route selection method, line control information (line type PB / DP, outside line access number, leased line access number, pause time, etc.). It is preset in a predetermined storage unit.

[0004]

However, in such a conventional facsimile adapter, the adapter itself may be used by a plurality of users or the connection may be changed to a facsimile terminal at another place. , It is necessary to rewrite the user data once set. In such a case, the user operates the facsimile adapter to rewrite the user data. However, if the distance between the facsimile terminal and the adapter is large or the number of adapters is large, go to the installation location of the adapter and rewrite it. Must be carried out,
This is a heavy burden on the user who rewrites or the serviceman of the management company who provides the rewriting service.

Therefore, the invention according to claim 1 makes it possible to rewrite the user data of the adapter by the DTMF signal input from the facsimile terminal, so that the user data can be used by a plurality of users or at different installation locations. It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile adapter that can rewrite user data by remote control without going to the installation location of the adapter.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the user data of the adapter can be rewritten by the DTMF signal input through the line, so that it is possible to remotely access from the control center without having to visit the user who installed the adapter one by one. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a facsimile adapter in which user data can be rewritten by operation and centralized management can be performed at one station.

Further, according to the third aspect of the invention, the rewriting mode is activated by the tone signal and the rewriting data is directly set in the adapter through the data modem, whereby the time required for the data transfer and the rewriting can be greatly shortened. The purpose is to provide a facsimile adapter. It is another object of the present invention to provide a facsimile adapter in which a data modem is built in the facsimile adapter to improve functional cost performance and realize cost reduction.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a facsimile adapter which improves operability and noise resistance by activating a rewriting mode by a DTMF signal instead of a tone signal. Also,
The invention according to claim 6 makes it possible to read the data of each adapter from a central station that centrally manages the adapters by providing a data read mode which is another maintenance mode in addition to the rewrite mode by remote control. The purpose is to provide a facsimile adapter that can improve serviceability.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a facsimile adapter capable of independently receiving maintenance regardless of transmission / reception of a facsimile by providing a dedicated line for maintenance. It is another object of the present invention to provide a facsimile adapter which can always receive maintenance without burden of line usage fee by providing an external interface for receiving maintenance.

According to the invention of claim 9, by providing a switch for requesting maintenance, not only the remote center can receive the maintenance unilaterally but also the adapter can actively receive the maintenance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile adapter that can improve performance. Further, in the invention according to claim 10, when the adapter is reset due to a malfunction, the remote center is automatically requested for maintenance, so that if the cause of the malfunction is damage to user data, the data can be promptly restored. The purpose is to provide a facsimile adapter that can improve serviceability.

[0011]

The invention according to claim 1 is
In order to achieve the above object, in a facsimile adapter having a storage unit for storing various user data relating to operation specifications, and using these stored data to extend a communication function between a facsimile terminal and a line, the facsimile An activation unit that activates the maintenance mode by the DTMF signal input from the terminal, and a DTMF that is input from the facsimile terminal during the activated maintenance mode.
And a rewriting unit that rewrites the user data in the storage unit with a signal.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 has a storage unit for storing various user data relating to operation specifications, and uses the stored data to connect the facsimile terminal and the line. In a facsimile adapter for expanding the communication function between terminals, an activation unit that activates a maintenance mode by a DTMF signal input from the line, and user data in the storage unit by a DTMF signal input from the line during the activated maintenance mode And a rewriting unit that rewrites.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 3 has a storage unit for storing various user data relating to operation specifications, and uses the stored data to communicate between the facsimile terminal and the line. In a facsimile adapter for expanding the communication function between terminals, an activation unit that activates a maintenance mode by a tone signal input from the line, and an external data modem that demodulates rewrite data input from the line during the activated maintenance mode And a rewriting unit that rewrites the user data in the storage unit with the rewriting data demodulated by the external data modem.

Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the facsimile adapter according to claim 3 has a built-in data modem.
Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention of claim 5 is the facsimile adapter of claim 3 or 4, wherein the start-up unit is in a maintenance mode when a DTMF signal is input from the line instead of the tone signal. It is characterized by starting.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 6 provides the facsimile adapter according to any one of claims 2 to 5 in which two types of DTMF signals or tone signals for activating the maintenance mode are provided. ,
One of the signals is to activate a rewriting maintenance mode for rewriting the user data in the storage unit, and the other signal to activate a read maintenance mode for reading the user data in the storage unit.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the facsimile adapter according to any one of claims 2 to 7 is provided with a dedicated maintenance line. In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in the facsimile adapter according to any one of claims 2 to 7, an interface corresponding to an external terminal for performing maintenance is provided. .

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 9 distinguishes the self-adapter from a maintenance center which performs maintenance via a line in the facsimile adapter of any of claims 2 to 7. It is characterized by comprising a registration unit for registering a user number, and a maintenance switch for calling a registered maintenance center to notify the user number and request maintenance.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 10 provides the facsimile adapter according to claim 9 in which a reset switch for resetting a defective operation is provided, and when the operation is reset by this reset switch. The maintenance switch is automatically activated.

[0019]

According to the present invention having the above-mentioned structure, the start-up section starts the maintenance mode by the DTMF signal input from the facsimile terminal, and the DTMF signal input from the facsimile terminal during the started maintenance mode. The rewriting unit rewrites the user data in the storage unit.

Further, in the invention of the second aspect having the above-mentioned structure, the starting unit starts the maintenance mode by the DTMF signal input from the line, and the DTMF signal input from the line is input during the activated maintenance mode. The rewriting unit rewrites the user data in the storage unit.
Further, in the invention according to claim 3 having the above configuration, the start-up unit starts the maintenance mode by the tone signal input from the line, and the rewriting data input from the line during the activated maintenance mode is the external data. The data is demodulated by the modem, and the rewriting unit rewrites the user data in the storage unit with the rewritten demodulated data.

Further, in the invention having the above-mentioned structure, the rewriting data is demodulated by the built-in data modem. Further, in the invention of the fifth aspect having the above configuration, when the DTMF signal is input from the line instead of the tone signal, the activation unit activates the maintenance mode.

Further, in the invention having the above-mentioned structure, the DTM for activating the maintenance mode is provided.
Two types of F signals or tone signals are provided, one signal activates a rewriting maintenance mode for rewriting user data in the storage unit, and the other signal activates a read maintenance mode for reading user data in the storage unit. In the invention according to claim 7 having the above structure,
The maintenance mode is activated using the dedicated maintenance line to rewrite the data.

Further, in the invention having the above structure, the interface corresponding to the external terminal is provided, and the maintenance is performed by the external terminal connected to this interface. Further, in the invention according to claim 9 having the above-mentioned configuration, when a maintenance center performing maintenance via a line and a user number for identifying the own adapter are registered in advance in the registration unit, and the maintenance switch is operated. , The registered maintenance center is called, the user number is notified, and maintenance is requested.

Further, in the invention having the above-mentioned structure, a reset switch for resetting a defective operation is provided, and when the operation is reset by the reset switch, the maintenance switch is automatically activated to perform maintenance. Request.

[0025]

EXAMPLES Each invention of the present application will be described below based on examples. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a facsimile adapter according to an embodiment of the invention described in claim 1. First, the configuration will be described. In the figure, a facsimile adapter 100 is connected between the facsimile terminal 200 and the communication line 300 to extend the communication function of the facsimile terminal 200. For example, dial data input from the facsimile terminal 200 is converted into dial number / DTMF. Signal discrimination unit 11
Understand in, dial this dial data 1
Output to 2. The dial number conversion unit 12 converts the conversion data into a corresponding dial number based on a conversion table (for example, a number conversion table) registered in the storage unit 13 as an internal table, and outputs this conversion data to the dial number transmission unit 14. . The dial number sending unit 14 sends the dial number obtained from the dial number converting unit 12 to the communication line 300 and makes a call. The communication line 300 includes not only the ordinary public line network PSTN but also the storage and exchange device PABX. Further, the dial number conversion unit 12 is
If the dialed number is not registered in the storage unit 13,
It is directly output to the dial number sending unit 14. Further, the dial number conversion unit 12 has an erroneous number check function for determining whether or not the number of digits of the input dial number matches a preset number of digits. If the number is incorrect, a call is made. Control not to.

Here, using the ten-key TN of the facsimile terminal 200, a DTMF different from a normal dial number is used.
When a signal is input, the dial number / DTMF signal discrimination unit 11 outputs this DTMF signal to the activation unit 15. The DTMF of the DTMF signal is Dial Tone Ma
Abbreviation for trix frequency, PB such as numeric keypad TN
Means signal tones defined using buttons like a matrix. The starting unit 15 which has received this DTMF signal
Starts the maintenance mode of the facsimile adapter 100. When the DTMF signal is continuously input from the facsimile terminal 200 during the maintenance mode, the rewriting unit 16 rewrites the user data registered in the storage unit 13 according to the DTMF signal. The user data to be rewritten here is not limited to the conversion data of the dial number, but may be, for example, a route selection method, line control information (line type PB / DP,
External line access number, leased line access number, pause time, etc.).

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram showing an embodiment of the user data rewriting operation according to the first aspect of the present invention, in which the user data of the FAX adapter 100 is transferred by the numeric keypad TN of the facsimile terminal 200.
The operation of rewriting with the TMF signal is shown. First, when the FAX adapter 100 is in the idle state (step S1), the facsimile terminal 200 is off-hooked and, for example, from the ten-key TN,

[0028]

[Outer 1]

Input "#". In addition, the following

[0030]

[Outside 2]

The symbol * shall be described. The FAX adapter 100 is provided with a "*" from the facsimile terminal 200,
When "#" is input, the maintenance mode is entered and the internal setting menu is displayed (step S2). Since there are a plurality of menus, if "8" is input, the menu is incremented (step S3). On the other hand, for example, when "2" is input, the menu is decremented (step S4).

When the menu to be set is reached, for example, "#" is input. By inputting this “#”, the internal setting data of the menu to be set is displayed (step S5),
The display data can be rewritten by the DTMF signal input by the ten-key TN (step S6). When the rewriting of data is completed, for example, by inputting the "#" key to confirm the setting, the rewriting mode from step S6 to step S5
Return to display state. If, for example, "#" is input in the content display state of step S5, the process returns to the main menu display state of step S2. This step S
In the main menu display state of 2, "8" as described above
Alternatively, by inputting “2”, the menu can be incremented or decremented and other data can be rewritten. If, for example, "*" is input in the main menu display state of step S2, it returns to the idle state of step S1 and the maintenance mode is cleared.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the user data of the FAX adapter 100 is rewritten by the DTMF signal input from the facsimile terminal 200, the FAX data can be used by a plurality of users or when the installation locations are changed. The user data can be rewritten remotely without going to the place where the adapter 100 is installed, and the user data such as the telephone number, route selection method, line control information (line type PB / DP, outside line access number,
It is possible to change the operation specifications by the leased line access number, pause time, etc.).

The invention according to claim 2 will be described below based on embodiments. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a facsimile adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition,
In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-mentioned example are designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted. First, the configuration will be described. In the figure, the DTMF signal receiving section 21 is
The DTMF signal input from the communication line 300 is received, and the dial number / DTMF signal discrimination unit 11 of FIG.
It has a function equivalent to the DTMF signal discrimination function in.
Therefore, it is sufficient for the signal discriminating unit 11 of the present embodiment to have only the dial number discriminating function. D received
When the TMF signal is output to the activation unit 22, the activation unit 22
Activates the maintenance mode of the facsimile adapter 101. When the DTMF signal is continuously input from the communication line 300 during the maintenance mode, the rewriting unit 23 follows the storage unit 1 according to the DTMF signal.
The user data registered in 3 is rewritten. In addition,
The user data to be rewritten here is not limited to the dial number conversion data as in the above embodiment,
For example, route selection method, line control information (line type PB /
Data such as DP, outside line access number, leased line access number, pause time, etc.) is included.

A personal computer 24 and a DTMF adapter 25 are installed in a control center (remote maintenance center) or the like in order to input a DTMF signal to the FAX adapter 101 through the communication line 300. The DTMF adapter 25 is an NC that can make and receive calls.
It is a DTMF signal conversion device having a U (network control device) function, and rewrites data created by the personal computer 24 into the DTM.
Convert to F signal.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of operating remote maintenance through a communication line. First, the personal computer 24 installed in a remote center or the like makes a call to the FAX adapter 101 and sends out a maintenance mode start-up signal by a DTMF signal. Upon receiving this DTMF activation signal, the FAX adapter 100 returns a response signal for accepting maintenance, for example, “#”, to the personal computer 24. The personal computer 24 receiving the "#"
The rewriting data converted into the DTMF signal by the DTMF adapter 25 is transmitted, and the "*" signal is added to the end of the data. The FAX adapter 101 which has received the rewriting data or has finished rewriting sends a response signal “#” to the personal computer 24 to end the remote data rewriting.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the user data of the FAX adapter 101 is rewritten by the DTMF signal input through the communication line, the user who installs the FAX adapter 101 does not need to visit the control center or the like. User data can be rewritten remotely and centralized management is possible at one station. Therefore, when rewriting the user data of hundreds to thousands, or in some cases, ten thousand units of the FAX adapter 101, the service person can change the user data without going to the site, which can greatly reduce the business trip cost. , The more terminals, the more effective.

The invention according to claim 3 will be described below based on embodiments. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a facsimile adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition,
In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-mentioned example are designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted. First, the configuration will be described. The FAX adapter 101 shown in FIG. 5 is an embodiment in which the data modem unit 31 is externally attached and the setting data of the internal table is rewritten. The FAX adapter 101 is provided with a line connector 32 and a TEL connector 33, and the line connector 32 has a PST.
The communication line 300 such as N is connected, and the line connector 3 of the data modem unit 31 is connected to the TEL connector 33.
Connect 4 Then, in order to control the modem unit 31, the modem unit 31 and the FAX adapter 10
1 and the serial interface (for example, RC23
2C) Connect by 35. On the other hand, FAX adapter 1
The facsimile terminal 200 is connected to the facsimile line connector 36 of 01.

A personal computer 24 and a modem unit 37 are installed in, for example, a control center (remote maintenance center) in order to input the rewriting data to the FAX adapter 101 through the communication line 300.
The modem unit 37 is for modulating the rewriting data created by the personal computer 24 and sending it to the FAX adapter 101. Before sending the rewriting data, a tone signal is sent to activate the maintenance mode of the FAX adapter 101. To do.

For this reason, the FAX adapter 101 has
An activation unit 22 as shown in FIG. 3 is provided. However, in the case of the present embodiment, the tone signal is transmitted to the activation unit 22 via the data modem unit 31. Starting unit 22
When the maintenance mode is activated by, the rewriting data continuously input from the control center side through the communication line 300 is demodulated by the external data modem unit 31, and the rewriting unit 23 stores the demodulated rewriting data. The user data of the section 13 is rewritten.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an embodiment of a user data rewriting operation using a data modem. First, the personal computer 24 on the remote center side dials the telephone number of the facsimile terminal 200 using the modem unit 37. The modem unit 37 is AA-NC
Since there is a U (automatic calling function) function, dialing is possible by outputting a control command from the personal computer 24 to the modem 37. As the control command, for example, AT
A command can be given, and if the dial is "0312345678", "ATD0312345678" is output.

The FAX adapter 101 detects an incoming call signal (ringing signal) from the line and gives the ringing signal to the facsimile terminal 200 as usual. The facsimile terminal 200 automatically receives the call and sends out CED (2100 Hz) + DIS (function information frame of G3 protocol) according to the incoming operation of G3. CED + DIS is a movement that repeats at 3 second intervals.

The modem unit 37 of the personal computer 24 is
When CED and DIS are detected, a remote maintenance signal (single tone example: 1650 Hz) is sent to the FAX adapter 10.
Send to 1. When the FAX adapter 101 detects a tone signal of 1650 Hz, it determines that it is a remote maintenance operation, disconnects the facsimile terminal 200, and connects the line to the TEL line (data modem unit 31). Then, a modem control command is output to output a data modem (eg V.22b).
It receives and responds by is 2400 BPS).

The modem 37 on the personal computer 24 side is a FAX
Adapter 101 to V.I. 22bis carrier is detected and I myself It operates to set the link of 22 bis. As a result of the establishment of the link, "C
The result code of "ONECT" will be returned. Since the character transmission will be possible if the link can be set up, the predetermined format is set in the personal computer 24.
From the FAX adapter 10 via the modem unit 37
1 to the data modem 31. FAX adapter 10
1 receives a character signal input from the modem 31 and writes data in the internal table (storage unit 13) according to a predetermined rule.

The FAX adapter 101 checks the format transmitted from the personal computer 24, and if it is correct, "ACK" is given, and if it is defective, "NAK" is given.
It will be returned to the 4 side and the data quality will be improved. When all the table data was received correctly, V. 22
Release the bis link to complete the remote maintenance operation.

As described above, in this embodiment, by using the data modem 31, the rewriting data is directly transmitted to the FA.
Since the data can be sent to the X adapter 101, the time required for the data transfer can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where the data transfer is performed using the DTMF signal. This becomes more remarkable as the number of FAX adapters 101 increases. For example, one digit of DTMF signal is 200m
In s, the table data to be rewritten is 1000 bytes,
And the number of terminals of the FAX adapter 101 for rewriting is 5
In the case of 00 units, it becomes 200 ms × 1000 × 500 = 100000 sec = 27.7H, which means that four days are required for normal work (8 hours a day).

On the other hand, by using the data modem 31, for example, one digit of rewriting data is 11 bits.
The table data to be rewritten is 1000 words, and the number of FAX adapter 101 terminals to be rewritten is 500.
In the case of a stand, at a modem rate of 2400 BPS, (11 × 1000 × 500) / 2400 = 2291 sec≈40 minutes, which is an effect that the work can be completed within about one hour.

The invention according to claim 4 will be described below based on embodiments. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a facsimile adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition,
In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-mentioned example are designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted. First, the configuration will be described. The FAX adapter 101 shown in FIG. 7 has a built-in data modem 41, and operates similarly to the data modem unit 31 shown in FIG. Since the operation in this case is the same as that described above with reference to FIG. 6, the description thereof is omitted here. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the data modem 41 is incorporated, functional cost performance is improved, and cost reduction and miniaturization can be achieved.

The invention according to claim 5 will be described below based on embodiments. First, the configuration will be described. In this embodiment, the activation unit 22 shown in FIG. 3 is not activated by a tone signal but activated by a DTMF signal. Therefore, the maintenance signal shown in FIG. 6 becomes the DTMF signal. Next, the operation will be described.

FIG. 8 shows a sequence diagram when the DTMF signal is used as the maintenance signal instead of the tone signal. A call is made to the G3 FAX terminal 200 from the remote center. When CED / DIS is returned from the G3 FAX terminal 200, the remote center sends a remote maintenance signal by a DTMF signal and DCN.

The G3 FAX terminal 200 receives the DCN and goes on hook. When the FAX adapter 101 detects the remote maintenance signal based on the DTMF signal and detects the on-hook of the G3 FAX terminal 200, the V.V. Start the handshake sequence on the 22bis modem. The FAX adapter 101 calculates the check SUM of the rewrite data DATA sent from the remote center and returns it to the remote center.

At the remote center, the returned check SUM value is compared with its own value, and if it is incorrect, the rewriting data DATA is retransmitted. As described above, in this embodiment, since the start-up signal (maintenance signal) of the maintenance mode is the DTMF signal instead of the tone signal, the operability is improved and the noise is also improved.

The invention according to claim 6 will be described below based on embodiments. First, the configuration will be described. 6 and 8
2, two kinds of DTMF signals or tone signals as maintenance signals for activating the maintenance mode are provided, and the activation unit 22 shown in FIG. 3 activates the rewriting maintenance mode in which the user data in the storage unit 13 is rewritten by one signal, and the other. The read maintenance mode for reading the user data in the storage unit 13 is started by the signal of.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 9 shows a sequence diagram for uploading data from the facsimile adapter 101 to the remote center. At the time of receiving the maintenance signal by the DTMF signal or the tone signal, the facsimile adapter 101 determines whether to download (write) or upload (read),
If it is an upload request, the procedure moves to transmitting internal data when the link between the modems is set. In FIG. 9, because of the upload operation, data is transferred in the direction opposite to the data transfer direction shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the information of each facsimile adapter 101 can be retrieved from the remote center that centrally manages the facsimile adapter 101, the present setting contents can be confirmed remotely and the serviceability is improved. To do. Hereinafter, the invention according to claim 7 will be described based on examples. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a facsimile adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the above-mentioned example are designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted. First, the configuration will be described. In the figure, F of the present embodiment
The AX adapter 101 includes a dedicated line 51 for remote maintenance.

Next, the operation will be described. Normally, during the facsimile communication, the line 300 and the facsimile terminal 200 are directly connected, the facsimile adapter 101 only monitors the on-hook of the facsimile terminal 200, and the data modem 41 is in a free state. Therefore, by having the remote maintenance dedicated line 51, remote maintenance can always be performed. When performing remote maintenance on the facsimile terminal 200 having a large amount of communication, the line 300 may not be connected at one time, and the line may have to be retried many times. Emergency maintenance (F
If the above situation occurs, a difference of about one day may occur depending on the conditions such as maintenance of a large number of places when the MS is down). On the other hand, since the maintenance is always performed, the above situation can be avoided and the serviceability is improved.

In this way, in this embodiment, by providing the dedicated line 51 for remote maintenance,
Remote maintenance can be accepted at any time regardless of whether the facsimile is sent or received. Hereinafter, the invention according to claim 8 will be described based on examples. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a facsimile adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the above-mentioned example are designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

First, the structure will be described. In the figure, an external telephone interface 61 is an interface corresponding to an external terminal for performing maintenance, for example, a telephone 62. Next, the operation will be described. In this embodiment, an external telephone interface 61 dedicated for maintenance is provided instead of the dedicated line 51 shown in FIG.
Perform maintenance using. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, since the line 51 dedicated to remote maintenance is prepared, there is an advantage that constant maintenance can be received. However, since it is necessary to provide one extra line, the network is constructed by a dedicated line. Except when there is, the cost will be high. On the other hand, by providing the external telephone interface 61, it is possible to avoid cost increase and improve serviceability.

As described above, in this embodiment, by providing the external interface 61 for receiving the maintenance, it is possible to always receive the maintenance without burdening the line usage fee. Hereinafter, the invention according to claim 9 will be described based on examples. First, the configuration will be described.
In FIG. 3, a storage center 13 serving as a registration unit is registered with a maintenance center for performing maintenance via a communication line 300 and a user number for identifying the own adapter 101, and a call is made to the registered maintenance center. A maintenance switch (not shown) for notifying the user number and requesting maintenance of writing or reading is provided.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a calling procedure when the facsimile adapter 101 requests maintenance. When a remote maintenance switch (not shown) is pressed, the facsimile adapter 101 sends out the telephone number of the remote center registered in the storage unit 13 in advance to the line 300 to make a call. When the link with the modem 37 of the remote center is established, the normal data transfer means is started.

As described above, in this embodiment, by providing the function of calling from the facsimile adapter 101, not only the remote center receives the maintenance unilaterally but also the facsimile adapter 101 positively receives the maintenance. Therefore, the maintenance can be performed from the facsimile adapter 101 that enables remote maintenance. Further, there is a merit that the remote center can be unmanned, and the serviceability is improved.

The invention according to claim 10 will be described below based on embodiments. First, the configuration will be described. In FIG. 3, a reset switch (not shown) for resetting defective operation is provided, and when the operation is reset by this reset switch, the maintenance switch described in the embodiment according to the invention of claim 9 is automatically operated. To start.

Next, the operation will be described. If the facsimile adapter 101 has some abnormality and the user presses the reset switch, the cause of the failure may be that the internal data of the storage unit 13 has been destroyed for some reason. Therefore, when the reset switch is pressed, the maintenance switch is turned on in cooperation with the remote switch to automatically start the remote maintenance, which saves the trouble of requesting the remote maintenance and improves the serviceability.

As described above, in this embodiment, by always performing the remote maintenance after the reset, the automatic restoration of the facsimile adapter 101 is completely performed, and the serviceability is improved.

[0065]

As described above, according to the facsimile adapter of the present invention, the activation unit activates the maintenance mode by the DTMF signal input from the facsimile terminal, and the maintenance mode is activated during the activated maintenance mode. Since the rewriting unit rewrites the user data in the storage unit by the DTMF signal input from the facsimile terminal, when used by multiple users or when changing the installation location, remote operation is possible without going to the installation location of the facsimile adapter. The user data can be rewritten with, and the user data is a telephone number, route selection method, line control information (line type PB / DP, outside line access number,
It is possible to change the operation specifications by the leased line access number, pause time, etc.). Further, according to the facsimile adapter of the second aspect of the present invention, the activation unit activates the maintenance mode by the DTMF signal input from the line, and the rewriting unit is activated by the DTMF signal input from the line during the activated maintenance mode. Since the user data in the storage unit is rewritten, the user data can be rewritten by remote control from the control center or the like without having to visit the user who installed the facsimile adapter one by one, and centralized management can be performed by one station. For this reason, hundreds of
When rewriting the user data of thousands or even ten thousand units of the facsimile adapter, the service person can change the user data without going to the site, which can greatly reduce the travel expenses and increase the number of terminals. So effective.

According to the facsimile adapter of the third aspect of the present invention, the activation unit activates the maintenance mode by the tone signal input from the line, and the rewrite data input from the line during the activated maintenance mode. Is demodulated by an external data modem, and the rewriting unit rewrites the user data in the storage unit with the demodulated rewriting data. Therefore, the rewriting data can be directly sent to the facsimile adapter, and the data transfer is performed using the DTMF signal. It is possible to significantly reduce the time required for data transfer as compared with the case.

Further, according to the facsimile adapter of the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the rewriting data is demodulated by the built-in data modem, the functional cost performance is improved, and the cost reduction and the size reduction can be achieved. it can. Further, according to the facsimile adapter of the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the DTMF signal is input from the line instead of the tone signal, the activation unit activates the maintenance mode, which improves operability and reduces noise. Also becomes stronger.

According to the facsimile adapter of the present invention, two types of DTMF signal or tone signal for activating the maintenance mode are provided, and the rewriting maintenance mode for rewriting the user data in the storage section by one signal is activated. However, since the reading maintenance mode for reading the user data in the storage section is activated by the other signal, the information of each facsimile adapter can be retrieved from the remote center that centrally manages the facsimile adapter, and the current settings can be checked. It is possible remotely and the serviceability is improved.

Further, according to the facsimile adapter of the present invention, since the maintenance mode is activated and the data is rewritten by using the dedicated maintenance line, the remote maintenance is accepted at any time regardless of the transmission / reception of the facsimile. It will be possible. According to the facsimile adapter of the present invention, the interface corresponding to the external terminal is provided,
Since the maintenance is performed by the external terminal connected to this interface, the line usage fee is not burdened and the maintenance can be accepted at all times.

Further, according to the facsimile adapter of the present invention, the maintenance center for performing maintenance via the line and the user number for identifying the own adapter are registered in advance in the registration section, and the maintenance switch is When operated, the registered maintenance center is called to notify the user number and request maintenance, so not only unilateral maintenance is received from the remote center, but also active maintenance from the facsimile adapter. The maintenance can be performed from a facsimile adapter that can receive the remote maintenance. Further, there is a merit that the remote center can be unmanned, and the serviceability is improved.

According to the facsimile adapter of the tenth aspect of the present invention, a reset switch for resetting a defective operation is provided, and when the operation is reset by this reset switch, the maintenance switch is automatically activated to perform maintenance. Since it requires a remote maintenance after reset, the facsimile adapter will be fully restored automatically.
Serviceability can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a facsimile adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram showing an embodiment of a user data rewriting operation according to the invention of claim 1;

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a facsimile adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of operating remote maintenance through a communication line.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a facsimile adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a user data rewriting operation using a data modem.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a facsimile adapter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an embodiment of a user data rewriting operation according to the invention of claim 5;

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an embodiment of a user data read operation according to the invention of claim 6;

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a facsimile adapter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a facsimile adapter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an embodiment of a maintenance request operation according to the invention of claim 9 or 10;

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 dial number / DTMF signal discriminating unit 13 storage unit 15 starting unit 16 rewriting unit 100, 101 facsimile adapter 200 facsimile terminal 300 communication line

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile adapter which has a storage unit for storing various user data relating to operation specifications, and which uses the stored data to extend a communication function between a facsimile terminal and a line, which is input from the facsimile terminal. And a rewriting unit for rewriting the user data in the storage unit by the DTMF signal input from the facsimile terminal during the activated maintenance mode. Facsimile adapter. 2. A facsimile adapter which has a storage unit for storing various user data relating to operation specifications, and which uses the stored data to expand a communication function between a facsimile terminal and a line, and which is input from the line. Facsimile adapter, comprising: a starting unit for starting the maintenance mode by a DTMF signal according to the DTMF signal, and a rewriting unit for rewriting the user data in the storage unit by the DTMF signal input from the line during the activated maintenance mode. . 3. A facsimile adapter which has a storage unit for storing various user data relating to operation specifications, and which uses the stored data to extend a communication function between a facsimile terminal and a line, and which is input from the line. Start-up section for activating the maintenance mode by the tone signal that is generated, an external data modem for demodulating rewrite data input from the line during the activated maintenance mode, and the storage by the rewrite data demodulated by the external data modem. And a rewriting unit for rewriting user data of the facsimile unit. 4. A facsimile adapter according to claim 3, wherein a data modem is incorporated. 5. The facsimile adapter according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the activation unit activates the maintenance mode when a DTMF signal is input from the line instead of the tone signal. 6. The facsimile adapter according to claim 2, wherein two types of DTMF signals or tone signals for activating the maintenance mode are provided, and a rewriting maintenance mode in which user data in the storage section is rewritten by one of the signals is provided. A facsimile adapter characterized by being activated and activating a read maintenance mode in which the user data in the storage section is read by the other signal. 7. The facsimile adapter according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising a maintenance dedicated line. 8. The facsimile adapter according to claim 2, further comprising an interface corresponding to an external terminal for performing maintenance. 9. The facsimile adapter according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a maintenance center for performing maintenance via a line and a registration unit for registering a user number for identifying the own adapter are provided in the registered maintenance center. A facsimile adapter, comprising: a maintenance switch for calling, notifying a user number, and requesting maintenance. 10. The facsimile adapter according to claim 9, further comprising a reset switch for resetting a defective operation, and when the operation is reset by the reset switch, the maintenance switch is automatically activated. .