JPH09219758A - Remote operating method of facsimile equipment, facsimile equipment and its remote operation computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute the same operation as the one when an operation key corresponding to a signal received by a facsimile equipment is operated by generating a signal indicating it that the corresponding input means of the facsimile equipment is operated when the input means of a computer is operated. SOLUTION: The respective operation keys of the facsimile equipments 2-4 are previously made to correspond to the respective keys on the keyboard of a host computer 1. When a certain key in the keyboard of the host computer is operated, a signal being equivalent to the case when one of the operation keys of the facsimile equipments 2-4, which are previously made to correspond to the operated key, is generated and transmitted to the facsimile equipments 2-4 so that the facsimile equipments 2-4 are operated from the remote host computer 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control method for a facsimile machine, and more particularly to a facsimile machine to be operated by using a non-standard function defined by ITU (International Telecommunication Union) -T recommendation. The present invention relates to a remote control method for a facsimile machine in which a facsimile machine is operated from a remote host computer by communicating between the host machine and a host computer. It also relates to a remote control computer for that purpose and a facsimile machine operated by the computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Regarding facsimile communication, ITU defines standard procedures and functions (standard procedures and standard functions). However, it is also permitted to set a function other than the standard (non-standard function) within a range that does not interfere with such a standard, and use it by executing a non-standard procedure. Under such circumstances, each manufacturer often manufactures a facsimile device incorporating a unique function, and the facsimile devices manufactured by the same manufacturer use such a unique non-standard function. Facsimile communication is possible.

By communicating with a facsimile machine by utilizing such a non-standard function of facsimile communication, it is possible to manage the facsimile machine from a remote host computer. For example, the speed dial settings can be set from the host computer by operating individual facsimile devices, or the communication management reports of individual facsimile devices can be collected and collectively managed by the host computer on behalf of the user. It is possible to do.

In the general prior art, the address information of the RAM of the facsimile apparatus, that is, the information indicating what kind of data is stored at which address is registered in advance in the host computer, and based on the address information. Data is read and written from the host computer to each facsimile machine. By such a method, it becomes possible for the host computer to manage various settings and the like for each facsimile apparatus based on the user's request of each facsimile apparatus.

[0005]

However, since the address allocation of the memory differs depending on the model of the facsimile machine, it is necessary to create a maintenance program in which the memory address is made to correspond to each model in the conventional method as described above. Occurs. If the number of models is small, such a method does not cause much problems, but as the number of models increases, the work of creating a maintenance program corresponding to each model becomes very complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and there is a keyboard of the host computer in which each operation key of the facsimile apparatus is associated in advance with the input means of the host computer, for example, each key of the keyboard. When a key is operated, the facsimile machine operates from a remote host computer by causing the facsimile machine to perform the same operation as when the operation key of the facsimile machine previously associated with the key is operated. It is an object of the present invention to provide a remote control method of a facsimile apparatus, a facsimile apparatus and a computer for remote control thereof that can be managed by the above method.

[0007]

A remote control method for a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention associates an operation key of a computer with an operation key of a facsimile apparatus in advance, and when the input means of the computer is operated, It is characterized in that a signal indicating that the input means of the corresponding facsimile device is operated is generated, and the same operation as when the operation key corresponding to the received signal is operated is performed.

Further, the computer for remote control of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention stores the operation key of the facsimile apparatus to be operated and the input means of the storage apparatus in association with each other in advance, and the storage means when the input means is operated. It is characterized in that it comprises means for generating a signal indicating that the corresponding operation key of the facsimile apparatus has been operated, and means for receiving and displaying the display information displayed on the display means of the facsimile apparatus.

Further, in the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, the receiving means for receiving the signal transmitted from the remote control computer and the operation key of itself which is associated with the signal received by the receiving means are operated. It is characterized by comprising control means for performing the same operation as that of the case and means for transmitting the display information displayed on the display means by the control means to the computer.

In the remote control method of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, when the operation key of the computer is operated, a signal indicating that the corresponding input means of the facsimile apparatus is operated is generated, and the received facsimile signal is received. The device performs the same operation as when the corresponding operation key is operated.

Further, the remote control computer of the facsimile machine according to the present invention generates a signal indicating that the corresponding operation key of the facsimile machine is operated when its own input means is operated, and at the same time the facsimile machine is operated. It receives the display information displayed on the display means and displays it on its own display device.

Further, when the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention receives a signal transmitted from the above-mentioned remote control computer, it performs the same operation as when its own operation key is operated. At the same time, the display information displayed on the display means is transmitted to the computer.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus and a remote control computer for implementing a remote control method for a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is realized by a system in which one host computer 1 functioning as a remote control computer and at least one facsimile device 2 are connected via a communication network 40. To be done. However, in practice, a plurality of facsimile machines 2, 3, 4 are generally connected to the communication network 40. It is assumed that the plurality of facsimile machines 2, 3 and 4 are different models.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the host computer 1. Reference numeral 51 is a CPU which functions as a control device, and a CRT display 58 which is a display device via a bus 50, a keyboard 57 which functions as an input device, and a ROM in which a program for operating procedures of the host computer 1 and the like are stored. 52, Functions as a storage means for temporarily storing received data, data to be transmitted, etc.
The RAM 53 and the external storage device 54, the printer 59 that functions as an output device, the network control unit (NCU) 56 that connects the host computer 1 to the communication network 40, the modem 55, and the like are connected.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the facsimile apparatus 2 (3, 4), and the basic structure is common even though the models are different.

Reference numeral 11 is a CPU that functions as a control means.
An LCD (liquid crystal display device) 12 functioning as a display device via a bus 10 and its driver 13, a key matrix 14 functioning as an input device, and its interface (I
/ F) 15, ROM 16 in which programs such as the operating procedure of this facsimile device 2 (3, 4) are stored 16, RAM 17, which functions as a storage means for temporarily storing received data, data to be transmitted, etc. It is connected to a portion that controls digital signal processing such as a codec (CODEC) 18 that functions as a value image signal encoding / decoding device.

As will be described later, the operation panel 100 is composed of the LCD 12, the key matrix 14 and some indicator lights not shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the operation panel 100. In FIG.
Reference numeral 12 is the LCD shown in FIG.
101 is a numeric keypad for inputting numbers "0" to "9" and "*", "#", and reference numeral 102 is a character key for inputting alphabets such as "A" to "Z". is there. The operation panel 100 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with various other keys and indicators, but the keys related to the present invention are the function key 103 and the set key 10.
4, Clear key 105 is important.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of the key conversion table registered in advance in the ROM 52 or the RAM 53 of the host computer 1. Now, for example, the function key “f” on the keyboard 57 of the host computer 1
1 "," f2 "," f3 "are the operation panel of the facsimile machine 1
It is assumed that the 00 function key 103, the set key 104, and the clear key 105 are associated with each other.

When the "f1" key of the keyboard 57 is operated in the host computer 1 having such a table, the signal "X" is transmitted to the facsimile machines of models A, B and C, and the facsimile machine of model D is sent. The signal "Y" is transmitted to the device. As a result, models A, B,
When the facsimile machine of C receives the signal "X" transmitted from the host computer 1 and the facsimile machine of model D also receives the signal "Y", the function key 103 of its own operation panel 100 is changed in any model. When operated, each is analyzed to perform a predetermined process.

Similarly, when the "f2" key of the keyboard 57 is operated in the host computer 1, a signal "Y" is transmitted to the model A and B facsimile machines, and to the model C facsimile machine. The signal "Z" is transmitted, and the signal "W" is transmitted to the facsimile machine of model D. As a result, the signals transmitted from the host computer 1 in the facsimile machines of the model A and B "
Y ”is the same as the signal in the model C facsimile machine
Z "is the same as the signal in the facsimile machine of model D"
When W "is received, it is analyzed that the set key 104 of its own operation panel 100 is operated in any model, and a predetermined process is performed.

Further, when the "f3" key of the keyboard 57 is operated in the host computer 1, a signal "Z" is transmitted to the facsimile machines of models A, B and D, and the facsimile machine of model C is transmitted. Signal "W" is transmitted. As a result, in the facsimile machines of models A, B and D, the signal "Z" transmitted from the host computer 1 is sent.
When the facsimile signal of model C similarly receives the signal "W", it analyzes that the clear key 105 of the operation panel 100 of its own is operated in any model and performs a predetermined process.

Regarding the ten-key pad 101 and the character key 102, the same signal is used in both the host computer 1 and other various types of facsimile machines.

Next, the operation for setting the speed dial in the facsimile apparatus 2 (3, 4) will be described with reference to the schematic view of FIG. 6 showing the display state of the LCD 12. In this example, a case where the telephone number "012-34-5678" is registered as the shortened number "10" will be described.

When the operator operates the function key 103 of the operation panel 100 of the facsimile apparatus 2 (3, 4) and the alphabet "S" key of the character keys 102 in order, the CPU 11 causes the program stored in the ROM 16 in advance. According to FIG.
The LCD 12 will display "Tanshuk Nou / Set" as shown in (a). When the operator operates the set key 104 in this state, the CPU 11 displays “Denwabangou?” On the LCD 12 as shown in FIG. 6 (b), and the operator operates the ten-key pad 101. : ”And then enter the phone number.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the operator operates the ten-key pad 101 to operate the telephone number "0123456.
Enter "78" and then operate the set key 104, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (d), the CPU 11 displays on the LCD 12 "Tansubangou?", and the operator operates the ten-key pad 101 to input the abbreviated number after ":". As shown in FIG. 6 (e), when the operator inputs the abbreviated number “10” and operates the set key 104, FIG.
As shown in (f), the CPU 11 causes the LCD 12 to display "Kakunin", "Denwabangou: 0123345678", and "Tanshukbangou: 10". When the operator operates the set key 104, the telephone number "012345678" is registered as the shortened number "10".

The procedure for remotely operating the facsimile apparatus 2 from the host computer 1 to perform the above-described speed dial registration operation is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 showing the operation procedure of the host computer 1, and the keys of the host computer 1. 8 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8 showing the operation procedure of the host computer performed each time is operated and the flowchart of FIG. 9 showing the operation procedure of the corresponding facsimile apparatus.

The operator of the host computer 1 first sets up the call to connect the NCU 56 to the communication network 40 to call the facsimile apparatus 2. In response to this, when the facsimile device 2 accepts the incoming call, the host computer 1 and the facsimile device 2 are connected via the communication network 40. Then, the operator operates the keyboard 57 of the host computer 1 to input the model code "A" of the facsimile apparatus 2 (step S11). As a result, the CPU 51 of the host computer 1 is set to ROM 52 or RAM.
The correspondence of the key signal of the model "A" is read from the table such as shown in FIG. Needless to say, the facsimile machine 2 may transmit its model code to the host computer 1 after the host computer 1 and the facsimile machine 2 are connected.

Next, the operator is the host computer 1
The "f1" key and the "S" key of the keyboard 57 are operated in this order. When the CPU 51 of the host computer 1 detects a command input (step S21), it sends a signal corresponding to the input command (f1, S) to the facsimile apparatus 2 according to the nonstandard procedure of facsimile communication (step S22).

When the facsimile device 2 receives this,
(Step S31), CPU 11 is function key 103 and character key 10
It is analyzed that the "S" key 2 is operated, and the corresponding processing is performed (step S32). Specifically, the CPU 11 causes the LCD 12 to display “Tanshukkinou / Set” in accordance with a program stored in advance in the ROM 16, and the information indicating the displayed content (hereinafter, referred to as display information) is not a standard. Follow the procedure to send to the host computer 1 (step S3
3).

The host computer 1 receives this
(Step S23), the CPU 11 displays the received information on the CRT display 58 (step S24). As a result, the CRT display 58 of the host computer 1 will be displayed on the CRT display 58 as well as the LCD 12 of the facsimile device 2.
Is displayed.

Looking at this display state, the host computer 1
The operator then operates the "f2" key on the keyboard 57 (step S13). The host computer 1 is "f1" first
The same as when the key, "S" key is operated, the model "A"
The signal corresponding to the "f2" key of is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 2 (steps S21 and S22). Upon receipt of this, the CPU 11 of the facsimile apparatus 2 analyzes that the set key 104 has been operated, and displays "Denwabangou?" On the LCD 12 as shown in FIG. 6 (b) (steps S31, S32). ), And transmits the display information to the host computer 1 (step S3
3).

Since the host computer 1 receives the transmission from the facsimile apparatus 2 and displays "Denwabangou?" On the display 58 (steps S23, S24), the operator operates the keyboard 57 to display ":" Enter "012345678" as the phone number (step S1
Four). The operation of the numeric keys on the keyboard 57 of the host computer 1 is transmitted to the facsimile device 2 (step
S21, S22), and in the facsimile apparatus 2, the CPU 11 receives and analyzes it, and as shown in FIG.
"012345678" is displayed on the screen (step S32).
This display information is also sent to the host computer 1 and the CRT
Displayed on display 58 (steps S33, S23, S2
Four).

In this state, the operator operates the keyboard 57
When the "f2" key is operated (step S15), the corresponding signal is transmitted to the facsimile device 2 (steps S21, S22).
. Upon receiving this, the fax machine 2 receives the set key 1
It was analyzed that 04 was operated (step S31, S32), and
As shown in (d), "Tanskbangou?"
Is displayed on the LCD 12 and the display information is transmitted to the host computer 1 (step S33).

This display information is the C of the host computer 1.
The same is displayed on the RT display 58, so the operator operates the keyboard 57 to enter ":" followed by the shortened number "1".
Input "0" (step S16). The operation of the numeric keys on the keyboard 57 of the host computer 1 is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 2 (steps S21 and S22). In the facsimile apparatus 2 which received this, it is analyzed that "1" and "0" of the ten-key pad 101 have been operated (steps S31, S32),
As shown in FIG. 6 (e), "10" is displayed on the LCD 12). This display information is also transmitted to the host computer 1 and displayed on the CRT display 58 (step S33,
S23, S24).

In this state, the operator operates the keyboard
When the "f2" key of 57 is operated (step S17), the corresponding signal is transmitted to the facsimile device 2 (step S21,
S22). Upon receiving this, the facsimile apparatus 2 analyzes that the set key 104 has been operated (steps S31, S32),
As shown in FIG. 6 (f), the LCD 12 displays “Kakunin”, “Denwabangou: 0123345678” and “Tanshubangango: 10”.

This display information is the C of the host computer 1.
It is also displayed on the RT display 58, so if the operator presses the "f2" key again here, the facsimile machine 2
Then, it is analyzed that the set key 104 has been operated, and the telephone number “012345678” is correspondingly shortened to “1”.
0 ".

The keyboard of the host computer 1
The “f3” key of 57 is the clear key 105 of the facsimile device 2.
This is a key for canceling the last key operation when there is an input error. The operation of the host computer 1 and the facsimile apparatus 2 when the "f3" key is operated also follows the procedure of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 as in the case of the "f1" and "f2" keys.

In the above embodiment, the case where both the host computer 1 and the facsimile apparatus 2 (3, 4) are provided with operation keys as hardware has been described. Needless to say, includes keys displayed on the touch panel, keys displayed on the screen of the display device, and the like. Therefore, by displaying a schematic diagram of the operation panel 100 of the facsimile apparatus 2 (3, 4) on the screen of the CRT display 58 of the host computer 1 and designating the keys displayed there with a pointing device such as a mouse, It is needless to say that the same effect as that of the embodiment can be obtained by devising software.

[0040]

As described above in detail, according to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, each operation key of the facsimile apparatus is associated with each key of the keyboard of the host computer, which is a computer for remote operation, in advance. By generating a signal equivalent to that when an input means of a computer, for example, a key on a keyboard is operated, and an operation key of a facsimile device that is previously associated with the key is operated, and the signal is transmitted to the facsimile device. ,
It is possible to operate the facsimile machine from a remote host computer. Therefore, it is not necessary to create a maintenance program that corresponds to the memory address for each model to be operated, and since no special operation program as in the past is used, there is no special knowledge and special training is required. Even an unattended operator can perform various operations in the same state as when a remote facsimile machine is in front of him.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a facsimile apparatus and a remote control computer for implementing a remote control method for a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a host computer which is a remote control computer of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a facsimile apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an operation panel of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of a key conversion table provided in the remote control computer of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a display unit of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention.
It is a schematic diagram which shows the display state of LCD.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a storage computer which is a remote control computer of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a host computer which is a remote control computer of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Host computer 2 Facsimile device 11 CPU 12 LCD 14 Key matrix 16 ROM 17 RAM 51 CPU 52 ROM 53 RAM 57 Keyboard 58 CRT display 100 Operation panel 101 Numeric keypad 102 Character key 103 Function key 104 Set key 105 Clear key

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A signal indicating that the input means of the computer and the operation key of the facsimile machine are associated in advance, and that when the input means of the computer is operated, the operation key of the corresponding facsimile machine is operated. And causing the facsimile apparatus to perform the same operation as when the operation key corresponding to the received signal is operated. 2. A storage means for storing the operation key of the facsimile apparatus to be operated and its own input means in association with each other in advance, and when the input means is operated, the operation key of the corresponding facsimile apparatus is operated. A computer for remote control of a facsimile apparatus, comprising: a means for generating a signal indicating that the display information is displayed, and a means for receiving and displaying display information displayed on the display means of the facsimile apparatus. 3. A receiving means for receiving a signal transmitted from the remote control computer according to claim 2, and a case where an operation key of itself which is associated with the signal received by the receiving means is operated. A facsimile apparatus comprising: control means for performing the same operation as that of the operation; and means for transmitting the display information displayed on the display means by the control means to the computer.