JPH11191821A - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid a communication channel from being occupied for a long time on the occurrence of a fault in data communication with a computer during facsimile communication. SOLUTION: A system control section 2 releases a communication line 11 regardless of a progressing state of a communication procedure with a computer PC when the section 2 detects a fault of data communication with the PC 10 during facsimile communication, detects a line interrupt notice from an opposite FAX during the facsimile communication or detects polarity inversiorn of the communication line 11 during the facsimile communication. In this case, it is preferred to output a fault notice and history information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication device such as a facsimile device connected between a computer device and a communication line and providing a new facsimile transmission / reception function for the computer device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a computer device is connected so as to enable data communication via an interface and is also connected to a communication line so as to allow facsimile communication, and image data transmitted from the computer device is facsimile-transmitted via the communication line. A communication device that transmits image data received by facsimile via a line to a computer device and performs facsimile reception by itself when the power of the computer device is off at the time of facsimile reception (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
There is a communication device that responds to a facsimile transmission side with a predetermined message (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-32740).

[0003]

However, in the conventional communication apparatus, when an error occurs in data communication with a computer device during facsimile communication, an error occurs in facsimile communication and a communication line is secured for a long time. There was a problem of leaving it.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to prevent a communication line from being secured for a long time when an abnormality occurs in data communication with a computer device during facsimile communication. Aim.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is connected to a computer device via an interface so as to enable data communication and connected to a communication line so as to allow facsimile communication. A facsimile transmission of the received image data via the communication line, and a communication device for transmitting the facsimile-received image data to the computer device via the communication line, wherein an abnormality in data communication with the computer device during facsimile communication is detected. When detecting, when detecting the line disconnection notification from the other communication device during facsimile communication,
Alternatively, a means is provided for releasing the communication line when the polarity inversion of the communication line is detected during facsimile communication, regardless of the progress of the communication procedure with the computer device.

Further, when an abnormality in data communication with a computer device is detected during facsimile communication, when a line disconnection notification is detected from a communication device of the other party during facsimile communication, or when the polarity of the communication line is detected during facsimile communication. It is preferable to provide a means for outputting an abnormality notification when inversion is detected.

Further, when an abnormality in data communication with the computer device is detected during facsimile communication, when a line disconnection notification from a communication device of the other party is detected during facsimile communication, or when the communication line is detected during facsimile communication, When the polarity reversal is detected, image data of history information such as communication time information, communication partner identification information, identification information of facsimile transmission / reception, etc. is created and recorded, and data communication with the above computer device can be normally performed. It is preferable to provide a means for transmitting the image data of the history information to the computer device when is confirmed.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a communication device is connected to a computer device via an interface so as to be able to perform data communication and is also connected to a communication line so as to be capable of facsimile communication, and transmits image data transmitted from the computer device to the communication line. Facsimile transmission via a communication line, and facsimile reception of image data via a communication line to a computer device, and when an abnormality in data communication with the computer device is detected during the facsimile communication, the communication device of the other party during the facsimile communication When a line disconnection notification is detected, or when the polarity inversion of the communication line is detected during facsimile communication, the communication line is released regardless of the progress of the communication procedure with the computer device.

Therefore, if an error such as runaway occurs on the computer device during facsimile communication and data communication abnormality occurs, the line with the facsimile transmission side is immediately disconnected and the hold state in which the line is secured for a long time is set. Can be prevented.

[0010] Further, a communication device according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that:
When detecting an abnormality in data communication with a computer device during facsimile communication, when detecting a line disconnection notification from the other communication device during facsimile communication, or when detecting polarity reversal of the communication line during facsimile communication Since the abnormality notification is output, the user can be notified of the abnormality of the data communication during the facsimile communication by voice or display, and can prompt the user to remove the abnormal state.

Further, the communication apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, when detecting an abnormality in data communication with a computer device during facsimile communication, detects a line disconnection notification from the communication apparatus of the other party during facsimile communication. When the polarity reversal of the communication line is detected during facsimile communication, image data of history information such as communication time information, communication partner identification information, facsimile transmission / reception identification information is created and recorded, and the image data is transmitted to a computer device. When it is confirmed that the data communication can be normally performed, the image data of the history information is transmitted to the computer device.

Therefore, when the computer device cannot maintain the communication history due to the abnormality on the computer device side, the communication history is recorded and transmitted to the computer device in place of the computer device, so that the information on the abnormal communication is always managed on the computer device side. can do.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile communication apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. This facsimile communication device (hereinafter "FAX")
) 1 is a computer device (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 10 and an interface (I
/ F) to enable data communication via the communication line 7 and to enable facsimile communication with a communication line 11 such as a public line, and to transmit facsimile image data transmitted from the PC 10 via the communication line 11; A function of transmitting image data received by facsimile via the PC 11 to the PC 10 is provided.

The system control unit 2 is realized by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, has an LED, a speaker, and a character generator for notifying various abnormalities. Various processings such as a process of controlling line disconnection when a communication error occurs during facsimile communication, a process of notifying the communication error, a process of recording a communication history when the communication error occurs, and a process of transmitting the communication history to the PC 10 are executed.

The communication control unit 3 controls transmission of information such as image data during facsimile communication with the communication line 11. The modem 4 modulates and demodulates an analog signal of information such as image data between the communication control unit 3 and the communication line 11. The non-volatile memory 5 stores information on communication time at the time of communication abnormality and identification information of the communication partner (for example, called number, CSI, TSI
Etc.), and information such as image data of a communication history including information for identifying facsimile transmission / reception.

The PC / I / F unit 6 is connected to the PC 10 via an interface 7 such as RS232C so that data communication is possible, and absorbs a difference between a communication rate between the PC 10 and the apparatus itself and a facsimile communication rate. For receiving image data to be transmitted by facsimile transmitted from the PC 10 and transmitting the image data received by facsimile via the communication line 11 to the PC 10.
The communication procedure between the FAX 1 and the PC 10 adopts the G3 communication of the AT command class (Class 2).

That is, when the system control unit 2 or the like detects an abnormality in data communication with the computer device 10 during facsimile communication, or when a line disconnection notification from a communication device of the other party is detected during facsimile communication, Alternatively, when the polarity inversion of the communication line 11 is detected during the facsimile communication, the function of releasing the communication line 11 is performed regardless of the progress of the communication procedure with the computer device 10.

Further, when an abnormality in data communication with the computer device 10 is detected during facsimile communication, when a disconnection notification from a communication device of the other party is detected during facsimile communication, or when a communication line 11 is detected during facsimile communication, When the polarity reversal is detected, it also functions as a means for outputting an abnormality notification.

Further, when the system control unit 2, the non-volatile memory 5 and the like detect an abnormality in data communication with the computer device 10 during facsimile communication, a line disconnection notification from a communication device on the other side during facsimile communication. Or when the polarity inversion of the communication line 11 is detected during facsimile communication, image data of history information such as communication time information, communication partner identification information, facsimile transmission / reception identification information is created and recorded, The function of transmitting image data of history information to the computer device 10 when it is confirmed that data communication to the computer device 10 can be normally performed.

Next, FAX 1 and P at the time of facsimile communication
The data communication with C10 will be described. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating data exchange between a facsimile machine 1, a PC 10, and a facsimile communication destination facsimile machine. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process at the time of facsimile transmission of FAX1. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing the processing at the time of facsimile reception of FAX1. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the image data transmission processing of FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the image data receiving process of FIG.

The system control unit 2 of the FAX 1
Starts the facsimile transmission by receiving the [ATD] command from. First, the PC / I / F unit 6 decodes the calling number of the facsimile destination by the [ATD] command, and notifies the communication control unit 3 of the calling number.

The communication control unit 3 dials the communication line 11 via the modem 4 based on the calling number, and returns the CED and CSI / DIS returned from the facsimile transmission destination FAX responding to the dialing. When detected, P
The C / I / F unit 6 responds to the connection with the communication line 11.

The PC / I / F unit 6 transmits [+ FCON] to the PC 10 based on the response, and then [+ FCS].
I] and [+ FDIS]. Then, [AT +
FDT], the communication control unit 3 monitors the polarity reversal of the communication line 11 and the DCN from the facsimile transmission destination FAX, and the PC / I / F unit 6 sets a longer time than the third (3rd) try of the DCN. (For example, 15
Seconds), wait for [AT + FDT].

When the communication control unit 3 receives the DCN from the facsimile transmission destination FAX, the system control unit 2 determines whether the PC / I / F unit 6 is in any data processing sequence with the PC 10. It also immediately releases the connection with the communication line 11 and notifies the PC / I / F unit 6 of an abnormality in data communication during facsimile communication.

The PC / I / F section 6 receives [A
[T + FDT] and [+ FHNG: x] (x is a number notifying the PC 10 of the reason for disconnecting the line to the PC 10). [+ F] to the PC 10 when
HNG: x].

In the same manner, in other communication phases (including facsimile reception), when a DCN from a facsimile transmission source FAX is received, and when the communication line 1
1 is detected, the connection to the communication line 11 is immediately released, and when a command is received from the PC 10 or when the waiting time is out, the PC 10 is disconnected.
To the communication line 11 [+ FHNG: x].

Next, in the facsimile transmission of the facsimile 1 image data, the image data (transmitted in a compressed state) from the PC 10 is transferred by a facsimile communication procedure. First,
The PC / I / F unit 6 receives the image data from the PC 10, sequentially stores the image data in a buffer, and transfers the image data in accordance with the facsimile communication data collection timing by the communication control unit 3. Then, the PC / I / F unit 6 monitors the delay of the image data from the PC 10.

In the G3 procedure, the time limit between the lines of the image data is 6 seconds, so if there is more than 6 seconds, the line may be disconnected. Therefore, P
The EOL of the image data from C10 is detected and transmitted to the communication line 11 every time one line is established, and an inter-line flag is transmitted while the image data from the PC 10 is delayed.

When the polarity reversal is detected by the communication control unit 3, the connection with the communication line 11 is immediately released, and the PC / I / F unit 6 is notified of an abnormality in data communication during facsimile communication. When detecting the delay of the image data for 6 seconds or more, the PC / I / F unit 6 determines that the PC 10 has stopped transmitting the image data, shifts to the AT command receiving mode, and sends the PC 10 [+ FHNG: x ]
This is also notified to the communication control unit 3.

At that time, if the connection with the communication line 11 has not been released yet, the communication control unit 3 stops the transmission of the image data, transits to the v21 mode, transmits DCN and connects with the communication line 11. To release.

Further, even if the reception of image data from the PC 10 during transmission of image data is normal and there is no delay, the communication control unit 3
When the polarity reversal is detected, the connection to the communication line 11 is released in the same manner as described above, and the PC / I / F unit 6 is notified of that fact. Until all of the image data is sent, the image data receiving process is performed, and after the PC 10 transits to the AT command mode, [+ FHNG: x] is transmitted.

Next, the facsimile reception of the image data of the facsimile 1 is performed by transmitting the image data received from the facsimile transmission source FAX in accordance with the flow control (Xon / Xoff).
Send to C10.

First, the image data received by facsimile by the communication control unit 3 is transparently transferred to the PC / I / F unit 6, and the PC / I / F unit 6 stores the received image data in the buffer buffer to the PC 10. Send sequentially. At this time,
Xon from the PC 10 is a predetermined time (for example,
30 seconds), or PC ・ I
When the / F unit 6 detects that an AT command has been received from the PC 10, it is determined that the PC 10 has terminated the image information phase due to some cause of abnormality, the image data transfer is stopped, and [+ FHNG: x] is transmitted. Then, the communication control unit 3 is notified of the fact. Then, the communication control unit 3 immediately releases the connection with the communication line 11.

Next, when the connection with the communication line 11 is released due to the occurrence of the above-described abnormality during the facsimile communication, the communication control unit 3 notifies the system control unit 2 of the release, and the system control unit 2 Is sounded for 3 seconds, and the LED is turned on to notify the user of an alarm, and the non-volatile memory 5 is notified of communication time, communication partner identification information (call destination number, CSI / TSI), facsimile transmission / reception identification information, etc. Record history information.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of history information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 5. As described above, the cause when the connection to the communication line 11 is released due to the occurrence of an abnormality during the facsimile communication, the date and time, and the telephone number of the destination of the facsimile communication are recorded in association with each other.

Next, a process of creating a report based on the history information and transmitting the report to the PC 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Then, the system control unit 2 includes the nonvolatile memory 5
When the history information reaches a preset number (for example, 30), the PC / I / F unit 6 is notified of the fact, and the image data of the report based on a predetermined report format is obtained from the history information using a character generator. Then, the image data is compressed (encoded), and after confirming that the data communication with the PC 10 can be normally performed through the PC / I / F unit 6, the image data of the report is transmitted to the PC 10.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the format of a report created from history information. And the system control unit 2
Deletes the history information from the nonvolatile memory 5 after confirming that the report has been transmitted to the PC 10 normally.

As described above, the FAX 1 immediately releases the line with the facsimile communication destination when the image data communication cannot be performed normally due to an abnormality such as runaway of the PC 10 during the facsimile communication. It is possible to avoid wasting time.

Further, in the case of the above-mentioned abnormality, the user can be quickly notified of the occurrence of the abnormality by an alarm sound by a buzzer or a warning display by turning on an LED, and the user can cancel the abnormal state early.

Further, since the communication time at the time of occurrence of the above-mentioned abnormality, the communication partner identification information, and the history information of the identification information of facsimile transmission / reception are recorded and transmitted to the PC 10, even if the history information cannot be obtained on the PC 10, the accurate abnormality is obtained. Communication information can be obtained.

[0041]

As described above, according to the communication apparatus of the present invention, when an error occurs in data communication with a computer device during facsimile communication,
The communication line can be released immediately so that the line is not wasted for a long time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing data exchange between the facsimile machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, the PC 10, and a facsimile communication destination facsimile machine.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process at the time of facsimile transmission of FAX 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subsequent process at the time of facsimile transmission of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process at the time of facsimile reception of FAX 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subsequent process at the time of facsimile reception of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an image data transmission process shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the image data receiving process shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of history information recorded in the nonvolatile memory shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of a report created from the history information illustrated in FIG. 9;

11 is a block diagram for explaining a process of generating a report based on the history information shown in FIG. 10 and transmitting the report to a PC.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: FAX 2: System control unit 3: Communication control unit 4: Modem 5: Non-volatile memory 6: PC / I / F unit 7: Interface 10: PC 11: Communication line

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A computer device connected to a computer device via an interface so that data communication is possible, and a facsimile communication connection with a communication line, facsimile transmission of image data transmitted from the computer device via the communication line, In a communication device for transmitting image data received by facsimile via a communication line to the computer device, when an abnormality in data communication with the computer device is detected during facsimile communication, a communication device from a partner communication device during facsimile communication detects When detecting a line disconnection notification, or when detecting polarity reversal of the communication line during facsimile communication, means for releasing the communication line regardless of the progress of the communication procedure with the computer device is provided. Characteristic communication device. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein an abnormality in data communication with the computer device is detected during facsimile communication, and a line disconnection notification from a communication device of the other party is detected during facsimile communication. Or a means for outputting an abnormality notification when the polarity reversal of the communication line is detected during facsimile communication. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein when an abnormality in data communication with the computer device is detected during facsimile communication, a line disconnection notification from a communication device on the other side is detected during facsimile communication. Or when the polarity inversion of the communication line is detected during facsimile communication, creates and records image data of history information such as communication time information, communication partner identification information, facsimile transmission / reception identification information, A communication device, comprising: means for transmitting image data of the history information to the computer device when it is confirmed that data communication to the device can be normally performed.