KR20000050365A - Communication system and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A communication system is provided to perform diverse function through the independent operations from a computer system by providing a communication system of enabling remote communications to be performed through a telephone network. CONSTITUTION: A modem unit(80) is connected to the modem unit to perform facsimile, data, and voice communications with remote places. A microcomputer(70) is connected to the modem unit and controls the operations of a communication system. An interface unit(82) interfaces with external devices. The interface unit(82) includes a first interface for outputting received facsimile data to a printer, a second interface for receiving transmitted facsimile data from a scanner, and a third interface for interfacing with external data processing devices.

Description

Communication system and its control method {COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication system and a control method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a communication system and a method for controlling the communication system and a method of transmitting and receiving voice and data to and from a remote location by using a modem. It is about.

With the development of semiconductor technology, the functions of computer systems have been rapidly improved. Computer systems are equipped with various types of semiconductor devices such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and a controller. Recently, various functions such as a video / audio playback function and a communication function have been added to a computer system. Computers having such various functions are called "multimedia computers".

Currently, communication using computer systems is becoming very popular, and information service providers (ISPs) that provide various types of information to subscribers through a telephone network are increasing. Users join the ISP and receive various kinds of information and use it usefully. 1 is a diagram illustrating a general personal computer connected to a telephone network using an external modem device.

Referring to FIG. 1, an external modem 30 (or internal modem) connected to the personal computer 20 is connected to a public switching telephone network (PSTN) (hereinafter, abbreviated as telephone network). Using the modem 30 and the personal computer 20 connected to the telephone network 50, the user can communicate with remote communication devices connected to the telephone network 50. For example, the ISP server 60 may be connected to receive various information services, and the facsimile 64 may transmit facsimile data. In addition, to perform the answering machine, it is possible to perform the answering machine for the call from the remote telephone 62. The modem 66 can also communicate with the remote personal computer 67 connected to the telephone network.

As described above, various communications can be performed using a computer system provided with a modem. Early modem devices only provided the basic functions for data communication over the telephone network. However, its functionality has been improved and now has various types of additional functions such as facsimile data transmission / reception function, data transmission / reception function, and answering machine function.

By the way, modem devices up to now have some use problems. In conclusion, the modem device is operated under the control of the computer system so that the modem device can be operated only when the computer system is operating. Therefore, there is a problem that the modem device cannot operate when the computer system is not in operation and thus cannot transmit data with the remote site. For example, facsimile reception, answering machine, and the like are functions that can only be performed by the computer system. Therefore, the computer system must be in operation at all times in order for such a function to operate, which causes a problem of generating more power than necessary.

In order to solve this problem, a modem device having a function of driving a computer system by detecting data reception from the outside by itself is developed and used. However, even in such a modem device, the corresponding functions of the modem can be operated only after the computer system is operated. There is also a problem in that the time required for the computer system to be driven is required for a predetermined time or more so that the operation of responding to external data input is very slow. In addition, the entire computer system operates in order for the modem device to operate normally.

On the other hand, as the number of users using computer communication is increasing, many problems arise in the use of ISP. First, the problem is caused by illegal users. Users who receive the information service from the ISP register the user with the ISP in advance and receive and use their own ID and password. However, an increasing number of illegal users use and steal other people's IDs and passwords. There is no effective solution yet to prevent such illegal use. In addition, the use of the ISP is concentrated in a specific time period, and there is a problem that communication with the ISP is not well performed.

Therefore, there is a need for a new type of modem device that can solve these problems.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication system that can be operated in conjunction with a computer system, and can be operated independently, and communicates with remote sites through a telephone network as proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems.

1 shows a typical personal computer connected to a telephone network using an external modem device;

2 is a diagram illustrating a computer and peripheral device connected to a standalone modem device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and showing that the standalone modem device is connected to a telephone network;

3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the standalone modem device shown in FIG.

4 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of the power supply unit shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of the interface unit shown in FIG. 3; FIG.

6 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of the microcomputer shown in FIG. 3;

7 is a block diagram showing the software hierarchy of the microcomputer shown in FIG. 3;

8 is a block diagram showing that peripheral devices connected to the standalone modem device shown in FIG. 2 are connected to the peripheral device of the personal computer;

9 is a view showing an example of a storage area structure of the auxiliary storage device shown in FIG. 3;

10 to 17 are flowcharts showing the operation of the standalone modem device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a main flowchart showing the overall operation of a standalone modem device;

FIG. 11 is a sub flowchart illustrating a process of a system management mode of FIG. 10;

12 is a sub flowchart showing a data management process of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a sub flowchart illustrating a computer peripheral operation process of FIG. 10; FIG.

14 is a sub-flow chart showing the facsimile reception process shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a sub flowchart showing a data receiving process of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is a sub-flow chart showing the direct facsimile transmission process of FIG. 10; FIG. And

FIG. 17 is a subflow chart illustrating a time reservation service process of FIG. 10.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

10: scanner 20, 70, 67: personal computer

30, 66: external modem device 40: printer

50: public switched telephone network 60: ISP server

62: telephone 64: fax

81b, 81c, 81d: power switching circuit

According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the object of the present invention as described above, a communication system for performing facsimile, data, voice communication with a remote site via a public switched telephone network is: A modem unit for performing facsimile, data, and voice communications; A microcomputer connected with the modem unit and controlling an operation of a communication system; An interface unit for interfacing with an external device, the interface unit comprising: a first interface connected with the microcomputer and outputting received facsimile data to a printer; A second interface connected with the microcomputer and receiving transmitted fax data from a scanner; A third interface connected with the microcomputer and for interfacing with an external data processing apparatus; And

And an auxiliary storage device, connected to the microcomputer, for storing the facsimile, data, and voice information to be received / transmitted.

In this embodiment, the communication system includes a power supply unit for supplying power of the communication system.

In this embodiment, the power supply unit comprises: a power supply circuit for supplying power to the power supply of the communication system and an external device connected to the interface unit; First switch means for supplying / blocking power to a printer connected to said first interface unit under control of said microcomputer; Second switch means for supplying / blocking power to a scanner connected to the second interface unit under control of the microcomputer; And third switch means for supplying / blocking power to an external data processing apparatus connected to the third interface unit under the control of the microcomputer.

In this embodiment, the power supply unit includes a battery for supplying power to the communication system when no external power is applied.

In this embodiment, the microcomputer: when the external data processing apparatus inputs print information through the third interface, outputs the print information input to a printer connected to the first interface.

In this embodiment, the microcomputer: when the external data processing device waits for a scanner input, the image data scanned through the scanner connected to the second interface to the external data processing device via a third interface; Enter it.

In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage device has a data storage area allocated to allow data writing by a remote communication system.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a modem unit connected to a public switched telephone network for performing communication with a remote site, a microcomputer controlling the operation of the communication system, an interface unit for interfacing with external devices, and received A control method of a communication system comprising an auxiliary storage device for storing information to be transmitted / transmitted, comprising: determining whether there is a connection request from an external data processing device connected to the interface unit; Performing a control operation according to a connection request of the external data processing apparatus; Determining whether there is a connection request from a remote location through the public switched telephone network; Performing a control operation according to a remote connection request; Determining whether to send the facsimile data to a remote location; Performing control for transmitting the facsimile data.

In this embodiment, the performing of the control operation according to the connection request of the external data processing apparatus may include: in the case of a connection request for system management, performing control for managing the communication system by the data processing apparatus; Steps; Performing a control operation for operating the printer or scanner connected to the interface unit when the connection request for operating the printer or scanner connected to the interface unit is performed; If the communication system is a connection request for operating as a modem of the external data processing apparatus, controlling the communication system to operate as a modem of the external data processing apparatus.

In this embodiment, the performing of the control operation according to the connection request from the remote location includes: performing a control operation for facsimile reception when the connection request from the remote location is for facsimile reception; If a request for connection from a remote location is for data reception, performing a control operation for data reception; If the connection request from the remote location is a telephone connection, performing a control operation for an answering machine.

In this embodiment, the control method of the communication system includes a control step of performing a reserved function at a scheduled time.

(Example)

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The novel communication system (hereinafter, referred to as a stand-alone modem device) of the present invention can operate under the control of a computer system, and also operate independently of the computer system to transmit and receive data, facsimile data, and remotely through a telephone network. Various functions such as response service can be performed independently.

2 is a diagram illustrating a computer and peripheral device connected to a standalone modem device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and showing that the standalone modem device is connected to a telephone network. Referring to FIG. 2, the modem device 80 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is operable independently or dependently of the computer 70 to connect various communication devices connected to the telephone network 50, for example, the ISP 60. And voice, facsimile and data communication with a remote telephone 62, a facsimile 64, a computer 67 connected to a remote modem device 66, and the like. The scanner 10 and the printer 40 are connected to the modem device 80 and used for fax transmission and reception. The scanner 10 and the printer 40 are connected to the computer 70 by an emulation function provided in the modem device 80. It also works as a peripheral device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the standalone modem device shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the standalone modem device 80 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is largely provided with a power supply unit 81, an interface unit 82, a microcomputer 83, and a modem unit 84. , A display 85, an input key 86, and an auxiliary memory device 87.

The power supply unit 81 operates under the control of the microcomputer 83. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply unit 81 in detail. As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply unit 82 includes a power supply circuit 81a, first to third switching circuits 81b, 81c, 81d, and a battery 81e. The power supply circuit 81a receives an AC power source from the outside and outputs first to fourth power sources V1, V2, V3, and V4. The first to third power sources V1, V2, and V3 are respectively supplied to the computer 70, the printer 40, and the scanner 10 through the first to third switching circuits 81b, 81c, and 81d. Each is supplied. The fourth power source V4 is a power source supplied to the modem device 80. The battery 81e supplies power for operating the modem device 80 when no external AC power is input due to a power failure or the like. The microcomputer 83 controls the first to third switching circuits 81b, 81c, and 81d to turn on the switching circuit when the computer 70, the printer 40, and the scanner 10 should be operated. Supply power. In addition, the user may remotely access the modem device 80 through the telephone network 50 to operate the computer 70 connected to the modem device 80.

The interface unit 82 is for connection between the modem device 80, the computer 70, the printer 40, and the scanner 10, and a block diagram showing the configuration of the interface unit 82 in detail in FIG. . As shown in Fig. 5, the interface unit 82 is composed of a computer interface 82a, a printer interface 82b and a scanner interface 82c. The microcomputer 83, the computer 70, the printer 40, and the scanner 10 input and output respective data through the interface unit 82. The interface unit 82 may be configured using any one of various interfaces such as a universal synchronous bus (USB), a small computer system interface (SCSI), a serial, a parallel, and the like. It is obvious to the engineers.

The microcomputer 83 performs overall control of the modem device 80. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the microcomputer 83 in detail. As shown in FIG. 6, the microcomputer 83 includes a CPU 83a, a ROM 83b, and a RAM 83c, and is not shown in detail but includes a general microcomputer configuration. The ROM 83b is equipped with a Real Time Operating System (RTOS). The RTOS is an operating system for controlling the overall operation of the modem device 80.

7 shows a block diagram showing the software hierarchy of the microcomputer 83. As shown in FIG. 7, the software hierarchy of the microcomputer 83 is an input / output device driver 92a, a power control driver 92b, a printer driver 92c, and a plurality of drivers based on the RTOS 90. Scanner driver 92d, modem driver 92e, and computer interface driver 92f. In addition, the software hierarchy of the microcomputer 83 is a plurality of managers as input / output device manager 94a, power control manager 94b, printer manager 94c, scanner manager 94d, modem manager 94e, and peripheral device emulation. The manager 94f, the system connection manager 94g, and the time reservation manager 94h are configured. And an event handler 96 and various application programs 98.

The modem unit 84 has a facsimile / data / voice transmission and reception function and is connected to the telephone network 50 via a telephone line. Modems with facsimile / data / voice transmission and reception are generally well known techniques.

The stand-alone modem device 80 having the above configuration operates independently without computer control to communicate with remote communication devices via the telephone network 50. In addition, it is connected to the computer 70 through the computer interface 82a and can be operated as a modem device as in the prior art under the control of the computer 70. And the peripheral device scanner 10, the printer 40 is connected to the modem device 80, these peripheral devices can be operated as a peripheral device of the computer 70 as described above. 8 is a block diagram showing that peripheral devices connected to stand-alone modem device 80 are connected to the peripheral device of the personal computer. Referring to FIG. 8, the microcomputer 83 is connected to the computer 70 through the computer interface 82a, and the scanner 10 and the printer 40, respectively, through the scanner interface 82c and the printer interface 82d. Connected with

The auxiliary storage device 87 is composed of a large capacity hard disk. The auxiliary storage device is encrypted by the unique number of the stand-alone modem 80 and the RTOS. Cannot be obtained. 9 shows an example of a storage area structure of the auxiliary storage device 87. As shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 9, the auxiliary storage device 87 includes a system area 87a, an e-mail area 87b, a FAX area 87c, a first ISP area 87d, a second ISP area 87e, The third ISP area 87f and the non-registered service area 87g are configured. The system area 87a is an area used by the RTOS. The electronic mail area 87b is an area in which electronic mail data is stored. The FAX area 87c is an area in which facsimile data is stored. The first to third ISP areas 87d, 87e and 87f are areas allocated to the ISP for which the user has been registered. The non-registered service area 87g is an area allocated to an ISP or the like which has not been registered with a user.

The display 85 is operated by the microcomputer 83, and the operation state of the modem device is displayed. The input key 86 is used by the user to select various functions of the modem device 80, and the input key data is input to the microcomputer 83.

The stand-alone modem device configured as described above has various functions. The functions are as follows.

First, the modem device 80 has a) function as a general facsimile / data / voice modem. That is, it has a function of operating under the control of a computer like a normal modem device. At this time, the modem device 80 does not operate independently and performs facsimile / data / voice communication through the telephone network 50 in connection with the computer 70. The modem device 80 has the function of b) emulating a printer and a scanner with a peripheral device of the computer. That is, the printer 40 and the scanner 10 connected to the modem device 80 are emulated to operate under the control of the computer 70. The modem device 80 has a function of c) operating independently to transmit and receive facsimile data. In the case of facsimile reception, the received facsimile data is temporarily stored in the auxiliary storage device 87 and outputted to the printer 40 or provided to the computer 70. In the case of facsimile transmission, facsimile data to be transmitted via the scanner 10 is input, which is temporarily stored in the auxiliary storage device 87 and transmitted to the remote place via the modem unit 84. D) Modem device 80 operates independently when dialing from remote location to perform auto answer function. When the answering machine is activated, when a telephone connection is made from a remote place, the answering machine is performed, and the received voice message is stored in the auxiliary memory 87 and can be played back later.

The modem device 80 has a function of transmitting and receiving data by operating independently. The user can get necessary information by accessing the ISP 60 as in the related art, and can also provide a service by connecting to the modem device 80 from the ISP 60. Therefore, the ISP 60 can transmit data, e-mail, electronic advertisement, etc. to the modem device 80 at a time when communication is smooth. This feature allows users to get high-quality services, avoiding the time frame when ISP usage is concentrated. The modem apparatus 80 is provided with f) original document prohibition function. The original offer prohibition function is such that data provided from the ISP 60 and stored in the auxiliary storage device 87 can be accessed by a dedicated application program. In other words, the data provided from the ISP 60 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 87 and can be provided to the computer 70 only by dedicated applications provided by the corresponding ISP 60. The modem device 80 has a g) reservation function. For example, at a scheduled time, functions such as facsimile transmission or data transmission can be performed. In addition, when a facsimile, a telephone, an e-mail or the like is received, a service is provided to a user in case a service is provided from a specific ISP. In other words, when the scheduled function is performed, the mobile device has a function of transmitting a message to a phone set by a user. This reservation function can be applied in various ways.

Next, the operation of the modem device 80 as described above will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart showing the operation of the stand-alone modem device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. First, the overall operation of the stand-alone modem device will be described with reference to FIG. 10, and the step-by-step subroutine will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 11 to 17.

10 is a main flowchart showing the overall operation of the stand-alone modem device 80. Referring to FIG. 10, when the standalone modem device starts operation in step S100, it is first determined in step S110 whether there is a connection request from the computer 70. If there is a connection request from the computer 70, the flow advances to step S115 to determine whether the connection request is due to a system management request. In the case of a system management request, the subroutine for the system management mode is performed in step S200. Otherwise, the subroutine for the computer peripheral operation processing is performed in step S300.

In step S120, it is determined whether there is a connection attempt from a remote place through the telephone network 50. If there is a connection attempt, the type of connection attempt is determined in steps S121, S122, S123, and S125. If it is determined in step S121 that the fax is received, the flow proceeds to step S400 to perform a subroutine for receiving the fax. If it is determined in step S122 that the data has been received, the process proceeds to step S500 to perform a subroutine for data reception processing. If it is determined in step S123 that the computer is directly connected, the flow advances to step S124 to operate as a modem. If it is determined in step S125 that the telephone connection is made, the flow proceeds to step S126 where an answering machine is performed. In step S127, it is determined whether or not a notification function for displaying the processing result is set for the remote connection. If so, the processing proceeds to step S128 to notify the processing result by the reserved means.

In step S130, it is determined whether control for direct facsimile transmission is performed. If facsimile transmission is performed, the flow proceeds to step S600 to perform a subroutine for direct facsimile transmission processing. In step S140, it is determined whether it is a reserved time, and when it is the reserved time, the flow proceeds to step S700 to perform a subroutine for time reservation service processing.

The following describes the control steps performed by each subroutine in the standalone modem device as described above.

11 is a sub flowchart showing a process of a system management mode. Referring to FIG. 11, in step S210, a subroutine for the system management mode is started. If it is determined in step S220 to replace the RTOS, the process proceeds to step S225 to upgrade the RTOS. If it is determined in step S230 that the application management request, the flow proceeds to step S235 to add a new application or delete unnecessary applications. If it is determined in step S240 that the service provider management request is made, the process proceeds to step S245 in which new service provider registration or unnecessary service provider registration is removed. If it is determined in step S250 that data management, the flow proceeds to step S260 to perform data management. In step S270, the system management mode processing is completed.

12 is a sub flowchart showing a data management process. Referring to Fig. 12, in step S261, a subroutine for data management processing is started. In step S262, it is determined whether or not original providing prohibition data. If it is original providing prohibition data, the flow advances to step S263 to execute an application for providing data. In step S264, data is provided to the computer 70, and the data management process is completed in step S265.

FIG. 13 is a sub flowchart illustrating a computer peripheral operation process. Referring to Fig. 13, in step S310 computer peripheral device operation processing is started. If it is determined in step S320 that the computer 10 operates the scanner 10, the process proceeds to step S321 to determine whether the scanner 10 is in the power-on state, and if it is in the power-off state, the process proceeds to step S321 and the scanner 10 Power on In operation S323, the scanner 10 is operated as a peripheral device of the computer 70. If it is determined in step S330 that the computer 40 operates the printer 40, the process proceeds to step S331 to determine whether the printer 40 is in the power-on state, and if the power-off state proceeds to step S332 to the printer 40 Power on In operation S333, the printer 40 is operated as a peripheral device of the computer 70. If it is determined that the modem unit 84 is operated in the computer 70 in step S340, the flow advances to step S341 to operate the modem unit 84 as a peripheral device of the computer 70. As such, the scanner 10, printer 40, and modem unit 84 may operate as peripherals of the computer 70.

14 shows a sub-flow chart showing a facsimile receiving process. Referring to Fig. 14, in step S410, the facsimile reception process is started. In step S420, the received facsimile data is stored in the auxiliary memory device 87. When reception of the facsimile data is completed, it is determined in step S430 whether the automatic printing function is set. If the automatic printing function is set, the process proceeds to step S440 to determine whether the printer is in a power-on state, and if it is in a power-off state, power is supplied to the printer 40 in a step S450. In step S460, the facsimile data stored in the auxiliary storage device is output to the printer 40, and the facsimile reception process is completed in step S470.

15 is a sub flowchart showing a data receiving process. Referring to Fig. 15, in step S510, data reception processing is started. First, if the received data is determined to be e-mail in step S520, the flow advances to step S525 to receive e-mail. If it is determined in step S530 that the received data is due to an encrypted service (that is, connection from an ISP), the flow advances to step S535 to determine whether the service is a reserved service. In the case of the reserved service, it is determined whether the auxiliary storage device 87 has a free capacity. If there is a spare capacity, the flow advances to step S547 to store the received data in the auxiliary storage device. If it is determined in step S540 that the service is a general data service, the process proceeds to step S545 to determine whether the auxiliary memory device 87 has a free capacity. If there is a free capacity, the process proceeds to step S547 to store the received data in the auxiliary memory device. If there is no free capacity for storing the received data in the auxiliary storage device, or if it is not a reserved service and there is no corresponding item, data reception is rejected in step S550, and data receiving processing is completed in step S560.

Figure 16 shows a sub-flow chart showing the process of direct facsimile transmission. Referring to Fig. 16, direct facsimile transmission processing is started in step S610. In step S620, it is determined whether the scanner 10 is in a power-on state. If it is in a power-off state, the flow advances to step S630 to power on the scanner 10. In step S640, the document is scanned and transmitted, and the facsimile transmission is completed directly in step S650.

17 is a flowchart illustrating a time reservation service process. Referring to Fig. 17, in step S710, time reservation service processing is started. In step S720, it is determined whether there is a reserved service. If there is a reserved service, the flow proceeds to step S730 to perform a scheduled service processing routine, and in step S740, time reservation service processing is completed.

In the above, the configuration and operation of the circuit according to the present invention are shown in accordance with the above description and drawings, but this is merely described, for example, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. .

According to the present invention as described above, unlike the conventional external modem device can operate independently of the computer system. Therefore, it is possible to overcome various problems that occur when operating dependently on a computer system as in the prior art. In particular, a variety of effects can be obtained in communication with an ISP.

Claims (11)

In a communication system for facsimile, data, and voice communications with remote locations over a public switched telephone network: A modem unit connected to a public switched telephone network to perform facsimile, data, and voice communications with a remote location; A microcomputer connected with the modem unit and controlling an operation of a communication system; Interface unit for interfacing with external devices, which interface unit is: A first interface connected with the microcomputer and outputting received fax data to a printer; A second interface connected with the microcomputer and receiving transmitted fax data from a scanner; A third interface connected with the microcomputer and for interfacing with an external data processing apparatus; And And an auxiliary storage device, connected to the microcomputer, for storing facsimile, data, and voice information to be received / transmitted. The method of claim 1, The communication system A power supply unit for supplying power to the communication system. The method of claim 2, The power supply unit is: A power supply circuit for supplying power to the power supply of the communication system and an external device connected to the interface unit; First switch means for supplying / blocking power to a printer connected to said first interface unit under control of said microcomputer; Second switch means for supplying / blocking power to a scanner connected to the second interface unit under control of the microcomputer; And third switch means for supplying / blocking power to an external data processing apparatus connected to the third interface unit under the control of the microcomputer. The method according to claim 2 or 3, The power supply unit And a battery for supplying power to the communication system when external power is not applied. The method of claim 1, The microcomputer is: And when the external data processing apparatus inputs print information through the third interface, outputs print information input to a printer connected to the first interface. The method of claim 1, The microcomputer is: And when the external data processing apparatus waits for a scanner input, input image data scanned through a scanner connected to the second interface to the external data processing apparatus through a third interface. The method of claim 1, And the auxiliary storage device has a data storage area allocated for data writing by a remote communication system. A modem unit connected to a public switched telephone network for performing communication with a remote site, a microcomputer controlling the operation of the communication system, an interface unit for interfacing with external devices, and for storing received / transmitted information. In a control method of a communication system comprising an auxiliary storage device: Determining whether there is a connection request from an external data processing apparatus connected to the interface unit; Performing a control operation according to a connection request of the external data processing apparatus; Determining whether there is a connection request from a remote location through the public switched telephone network; Performing a control operation according to a remote connection request; Determining whether to send the facsimile data to a remote location; And performing control for transmitting the facsimile data. The method of claim 8, The performing of a control operation according to a connection request of the external data processing device may include: In the case of a connection request for system management, performing control for managing the communication system by the data processing apparatus; Performing a control operation for operating the printer or scanner connected to the interface unit when the connection request for operating the printer or scanner connected to the interface unit is performed; If the communication system is a connection request for operating as a modem of the external data processing apparatus, controlling the communication system to operate as a modem of the external data processing apparatus. The method of claim 8, The performing of the control operation according to the remote access request includes: If the connection request from the remote location is for facsimile reception, performing a control operation for facsimile reception; If a request for connection from a remote location is for data reception, performing a control operation for data reception; If the connection request from the remote location is a telephone connection, performing a control operation for an automatic answer. The method of claim 8, The control method of the communication system includes a control step of performing a reserved function at a scheduled time.