KR19990009942A - How to automatically reset the fax modem function of the all-in-one - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for automatically resetting a fax modem function of a multifunction apparatus in which the central processor outputs a reset signal to force a reset of the fax modem function when the fax modem function cannot be normally performed.

The present invention provides a method for automatically resetting a fax modem function of a multifunction apparatus including a fax modem and a central processing unit, comprising: a command transmitting step of transmitting a fax transmission job execution start command to the fax modem when a fax transmission job execution command is received; A detection step of detecting a response message indicating a progress state of the fax transmission operation as the fax modem performs the fax transmission operation; And a reset step of outputting a reset signal to the fax modem when the response message is not detected in the detection step.

Therefore, if normal fax transmission can not be performed, it is inconvenient for the user to turn off the main power directly by automatically resetting the fax modem to restore the communication link between the central processing unit and the fax modem. There is an advantage that can be solved.

Description

How to automatically reset the fax modem function of the all-in-one

The present invention relates to a method for automatically resetting a fax modem function of a multifunction device, and more particularly, to a method in which a central processor outputs a reset signal when a fax modem function cannot be normally performed, thereby forcibly resetting the fax modem function. It is about automatic reset of fax modem function.

In general, in the field of data transmission technology, fax communication technology has been limited to a simple concept of communication method that unilaterally transmits image data through a public switching telephone network (PSTN). However, recently, due to the development of office automation (OA) devices and the increase in the distribution rate, multi-function products (MFPs) have been proposed to perform multiple functions simultaneously as a single device. Here, the definition of the complex function can be largely divided into two types.

First, it refers to the function of the office automation equipment (facsimile machine, copier, printer, scanner, etc.) required in the office environment as an integrated structure. Second, the computer that occupies a key position in the office environment (usually, a personal computer (PC). ) Is used to create new, more complex functions.

In a multifunction device that implements a fax function using a general fax modem, communication is performed between the central processor and the fax modem through an AT command. Here, the fax modem using the AT command is a modem with a built-in network control unit (NCU), and the command is made to be compatible with the command of Smartmodem of Haze Inc. in USA. The AT command fax modem can be automatically sent or received from a personal computer, and the protocol is generally X-modem or MNP protocol.

However, in the conventional multifunction apparatus as described above, the facsimile modem and the central processor may respond to the AT command output from the central processor according to the corresponding step as follows.

(1) Steady state responding immediately to AT command.

(2) A delayed state in which a response is delayed with respect to the occurrence of an AT command.

(3) An abnormal condition where the synchronization with the AT command is inconsistent and no response occurs.

Therefore, as in the case of (3) above, when the central processor completely lost the communication link with the fax modem, the user had to shut down and restart the main power supply of the multifunction device to reset the fax modem. In this case, there was a problem that the user feels uncomfortable.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to allow a central processor to automatically recover a communication link by resetting a fax modem when an error occurs in the communication state between the central processor and the fax modem. It provides an automatic reset method of a fax machine's fax modem function.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a multifunction apparatus applied to the present invention;

2 is an operation flowchart for performing a method for automatically resetting a fax modem function of a multifunction apparatus according to the present invention.

<Description of the code used in the main part of the drawing>

1: All-in-One 2: Printer Engine

3: scanner 4: operation panel

5: fax modem 6: control unit

7: central processor 8: ROM

9: RAM 10: input / output port

A feature of the present invention for achieving the above object is a method for automatically resetting a fax modem function of a multifunction device including a fax modem and a central processing unit: receiving a fax transmission operation and receiving a fax transmission operation to the fax modem. A command transmission step of transmitting a performance start command; A detection step of detecting a response message indicating a progress state of the fax transmission operation as the fax modem performs the fax transmission operation; And a reset step of outputting a reset signal to the fax modem when the response message is not detected in the detection step.

In the above aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the command for starting a fax transmission operation is an AT command.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a method for automatically resetting a fax modem function of a multifunction apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a multifunction apparatus applied to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction apparatus 1 applied to the present invention includes a printer engine 2 for printing image data, a scanner 3 for reading image data, and a plurality of functions for allowing a user to select various functions. And a control panel 6 for controlling each of the above components, and an operating panel 4 having four function keys arranged therein, an external facsimile apparatus and a fax modem 5 for transmitting and receiving various data.

Here, the control unit 6 includes a central processor 7 for controlling each component in the multifunction apparatus 1, a ROM 8 in which various programs of the multifunction apparatus 1 are stored, and various functions requiring memory such as a memory transmission function. And the input / output port 10 for inputting / outputting communication information with the fax modem 5 under the control of the RAM 9 and the central processor 7.

Referring to Figure 2 with respect to the operation of the present invention having the configuration as described above is as follows.

When a fax transmission request is received from the outside (S1), the central processor 7 outputs a control signal for the fax modem 5 to perform the fax function by using the AT command (S2). Accordingly, the fax modem 5 transmits a response message (progress status information of the fax transmission function) to the central processor 7, and the central processor 7 receives the response message from the fax modem 5. It is determined whether the fax transmission function is normally performed by checking whether it is (S3).

At this time, when the fax transmission function is not normally performed due to a misalignment between the central processor 7 and the fax modem 5 or for some other reason, the fax modem 5 cannot send a response message. The central processor 7 outputs a reset signal. This reset signal is transmitted to the fax modem 5 through the input / output port 10, and the fax modem 5 is initialized by the reset signal (S4). Therefore, the communication link between the central processor 7 and the fax modem 5 is restored so that the fax transmission operation can proceed normally.

As a result, according to the method for automatically resetting the fax modem function of the multifunction apparatus according to the present invention as described above, if an error occurs while performing the fax transmission function and a normal fax transmission operation cannot be performed, the fax modem is automatically reset to the center. By restoring the communication link between the processing unit and the fax modem, there is an advantage that the user can eliminate the inconvenience of having to turn the main power on and off directly.

Claims (2)

A method for automatically resetting the fax modem function of a multifunction device including a fax modem and a central processing unit: A command transmission step of transmitting a fax transmission job execution start command to the fax modem when a fax transmission job execution command is received; A detection step of detecting a response message indicating a progress state of the fax transmission operation as the fax modem performs the fax transmission operation; And And a reset step of outputting a reset signal to the fax modem when the response message is not detected in the detection step. According to claim 1, wherein the command to start the fax transmission operation, A method for automatically resetting a fax modem function of an all-in-one, characterized by an AT command.