JPH11103379A - Network facsimile machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To set a function on a transmission requesting network terminal based on the capability of the network terminal and the capability of a transmission destination device when transmitting transmission request data via a virtual interface on a network. To provide a network facsimile machine capable of being operated. SOLUTION: A device capability notified from a transmission destination device that has communicated via a public network is stored as a registration table in association with transmission destination information on the transmission destination device. When the transmission destination information notified at the time of receiving the transmission request data via the virtual interface is registered in the registration table, the reception of the transmission request data is performed by the transmission destination information notified in the registration table. Is temporarily set as the device capability of the transmission destination device corresponding to the transmission destination device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network facsimile apparatus, and more particularly to a network facsimile apparatus which is connected to a network capable of transmitting and receiving data between network terminals as one of the network terminals and to a public network.
A virtual interface on the protocol of the network is established with the transmission requesting network terminal, and based on a predetermined transmission control procedure via the virtual interface as a virtual fax modem for the transmission requesting network terminal. With a function set based on the capability of the device itself and the capability of the facsimile communication function of the network terminal, the transmission request data is transmitted to the transmission destination information while the pseudo response to the control command issued from the transmission requesting network terminal. Receiving and storing together with the registered dial number of the transmission destination, and then calling the transmission destination on the public network specified by the transmission destination information or the transmission destination information corresponding to the registered dial number of the transmission destination, Based on the predetermined transmission control procedure, based on the capability of the own device and the capability of the transmission destination device. In stomach set capacity relates to a network facsimile apparatus having at least a function of transmitting the transmission request data while exchanging control signals.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A normal facsimile apparatus connected to a public network and having only an interface with the public network is connected only to another facsimile apparatus connected to the public network.
Fax communication cannot be performed.

Also, a LAN connected to a network
In a network terminal such as a personal computer having only an interface with a network such as an interface, data communication can be performed only with another network terminal connected to the network.

On the other hand, from a facsimile machine on a public network,
If the facsimile data can be transmitted to the network terminal on the network, or if the facsimile data can be transmitted from the network terminal to the facsimile apparatus on the public network, the convenience is high.

However, if each network terminal on the network is provided with both an interface to the network and an interface to the public network, the equipment cost, the communication fee through the public network, and the line usage fee are reduced. It is bulky and not practical.

Therefore, a network facsimile apparatus having a network interface such as a LAN interface is connected to a network and also to a public network to relay data communication between the public network and the network. Technology is in practical use.

More specifically, the distribution request image information received from the distribution request source device on the public network by a predetermined transmission control procedure such as the G3 facsimile protocol is converted into a sub-address signal SUB which is one of the control signals in the G3 facsimile protocol. A relay communication function of transferring the distribution destination information notified as a sub-address number to a distribution destination e-mail address on the network specified by collating the distribution destination information notified as a sub-address / e-mail address conversion table via the network; The transmission request data such as transmission request image information and transmission request text data transferred from the transmission request source terminal on the network via the network are transmitted on the public network notified along with the transmission request data. Relay to call and send to the destination fax number It is provided with a signal function.

As a result, the facsimile apparatus on the public network and the network terminal on the network can perform apparently direct data communication.

A method of transferring the transmission request data from the transmission request source terminal on the network to the network facsimile apparatus via the network includes an electronic mail. For example, a method of transferring the transmission request data by a physical / data link layer of the network is used. TC over Ethernet protocol
A technique of establishing a virtual interface on the P / IP protocol and transferring the virtual interface is often used.

Specifically, in a personal computer or a workstation used as a network terminal, a facsimile communication function can be easily realized by installing a commercially available facsimile communication application.

[0011] Thus, the facsimile communication function is set as a printer in an application running on a network terminal, and image data or text data is designated by printing as if printing on a normal printer device. There are advantages such as easy transmission of data and text data by facsimile.

However, in this case, a fax modem is connected to an interface such as an RS-232C interface, or an extension board equipped with a fax modem function is added to an internal extension interface.
It is assumed that a subscriber line from a public network is connected to a fax modem or an extension board equipped with a fax modem function.

The network terminal issues a control command to the fax modem via the interface, receives a response from the fax modem to the issued control command via the interface, and communicates with the destination device on the public network. To perform facsimile communication. An AT command is often used as a control command exchanged between a network terminal and a fax modem.

Here, an example of a communication sequence in a case where a network terminal (personal computer: PC) performs facsimile communication with a transmission destination facsimile apparatus on a public network via a fax modem connected via an interface. FIG.

The procedure shown in FIG. 1 is performed by a network terminal designated by a control command “ATD ××××××××××” which specifies a transmission number in an AT command.
The fax modem controls the on / off hook function, dial pulse generation function, DTMF signal generation function, etc. of its own device to make a call to the fax number "xxxxxxxxxxxx" of the transmission destination. The procedure after the line is established with the facsimile machine of the transmission destination is shown.

In FIG. 1, when a network terminal instructs a fax modem to generate a call tone with an AT command corresponding to a call tone (CNG: 1100 Hz), the fax modem uses its own call tone generation function. Sends a call tone signal to a line established with the destination facsimile machine,
The called station identification signal (CED: 2100 Hz) returned from the transmission destination facsimile apparatus is detected by the called station identification signal detection function, and is returned to the network terminal as a response.

Similarly, all the standard capabilities of the transmission destination facsimile apparatus notified by the digital identification signal DIS from the transmission destination facsimile apparatus are identified and notified to the network terminal, and the network terminal learns from the digital identification signal DIS. , The capability is set from the capability of the transmission destination facsimile machine and the capability of the own device (usually,
The capacity is set to the maximum capacity within the common range of the capacity of the transmission destination facsimile apparatus and the capacity of the own apparatus), and the fax modem is notified, and the function of the own apparatus is set to the set capacity. The fax modem transmits a digital transmission command DCS corresponding to the notified setting capability to the destination facsimile machine. As a result, the transmission destination facsimile apparatus sets its function to the setting capability specified by the digital transmission command DCS.

In response to the instruction from the network terminal, the fax modem sends a training check signal TCF to the transmission destination facsimile apparatus to check the modem transmission speed, and receives a reception preparation confirmation signal CFR from the transmission destination facsimile apparatus. To the network terminal, and the network terminal receives the data and passes the data to be transmitted as a facsimile message to the fax modem.The fax modem transmits the data as a facsimile message to the transmission destination facsimile machine, In response to the instruction, a procedure end signal EOP is sent to the transmission destination facsimile apparatus, a message confirmation signal MCF from the transmission destination facsimile apparatus is received and notified to the network terminal, and a disconnection command signal is transmitted in response to the instruction from the network terminal. An apparatus for DCN to the transmission destination facsimile apparatus.

Thus, even if the network terminal does not have a physical interface for facsimile communication via the public network, it simply issues a control command to the facsimile modem and receives a response. Function can be realized.

However, in this case, as described above, not only is a separate line usage fee required, but also a fax modem and a fax modem board are costly, and practically used in a network terminal generally connected to a large number of networks. Not.

Therefore, the facsimile communication application running on the network terminal sends an application (COM port redirector) for detecting a facsimile modem or a control command to be issued to the facsimile modem board, which should be connected via the interface, to the network terminal. By installing and redirecting the control command detected by the COM port redirector to the network facsimile device via the virtual interface established on the network, the network facsimile device can be connected to a virtual terminal for the network terminal. As a simple fax modem, pseudo-response to the control command from the network terminal receives and stores the transmission request data, and then adds it to the received fax number of the destination. And call can transmit the transmission request data.

Here, a network terminal (personal computer: PC) transmits a transmission destination facsimile on a public network via a network facsimile apparatus as a virtual facsimile modem connected via a virtual interface established on the network. FIG. 14 shows an example of a communication sequence when facsimile communication is performed with the apparatus.

The procedure shown in the figure is performed by a network terminal at a fax number "XX" of a transmission destination specified by "ATDXXXXXXXXXXXX" which is a control command for designating a transmission number in an AT command. ××××××× ”
In response to this, a network facsimile apparatus as a virtual fax modem controls the on / off hook function, dial pulse generation function, DTMF signal generation function, etc., provided by the apparatus itself as a facsimile apparatus, and makes a call to send a call. By performing a pseudo response assuming that the line with the facsimile apparatus has been established, a virtual interface is established with the transmission requesting network terminal, and the subsequent procedure is shown. Further, the network facsimile apparatus can know the transmission destination facsimile number as transmission destination information by receiving the control command of “ATD ××××××××××”, and stores the transmission destination facsimile number. Keep it.

In the figure, the network terminal and the network facsimile apparatus communicate with each other via the virtual interface on the network in the same manner as the network facsimile apparatus and the fax modem perform through the interface in the communication sequence shown in FIG. ,
From the viewpoint of a facsimile communication application on a network terminal, by exchanging control commands and responses by AT commands corresponding to CNG, CED, DIS, DCS, TCF, CFR, facsimile message, EOP, MCF, DCN, It appears as if control commands and responses are being exchanged with a fax modem connected via the Internet, and the network facsimile apparatus actually receives and stores transmission request data as a facsimile message.

In this case, however, the network facsimile apparatus as a virtual fax modem is shown in FIG.
As shown in the communication sequence shown in (1), the facsimile machine of the transmission destination includes CNG, CED, DIS, DCS, TC
F, CFR, facsimile message, EOP, MC
The transmission of the actual signal corresponding to F and DCN is not performed, but the transmission request data is simply received and stored as a facsimile message.

This is because if a control command and a response by an AT command with the network terminal are exchanged and a control signal with the transmission destination facsimile apparatus based on the actual G3 facsimile protocol is exchanged at the same time, the communication is performed through the network. The communication between the network terminal and the network facsimile apparatus proceeds simultaneously with the communication between the network facsimile apparatus and the transmission destination facsimile apparatus via the public network, and the transmission between the network facsimile apparatus and the network facsimile apparatus via the public network. When communication with the destination facsimile machine fails because the destination facsimile machine is communicating with another facsimile machine or is in an unreceivable state, the network terminal and the network terminal via the network fail. Between the facsimile machine Even Shin would fail, and there is a negative effect, such as a communication capacity of the network would unduly occupied.

Therefore, as shown in the communication sequence of FIG. 14, the network facsimile apparatus as a virtual facsimile modem for the network terminal communicates with the network terminal on the virtual interface on the network by the AT command. And after receiving the transmission request data, the message "ATDXXXXXXXXXXXX"
“×” indicates the notified destination fax number “XX”
XXXXXXXXX ", and based on the G3 facsimile protocol, CNG, CED, DIS, DCS, T
CF, CFR, facsimile message, EOP, MC
F and DCN control signals or message signals are exchanged with the transmission destination facsimile machine to transmit transmission request data.

[0028]

However, in the communication sequence shown in FIG. 14, a virtual interface on the network is provided from the network terminal to the network facsimile apparatus as a virtual fax modem for the network terminal. When sending a facsimile message of the transmission request data via
The functions set by the exchange of DIS and DCS are set based on the capability of the network facsimile device and the capability of the facsimile communication application on the network terminal. When a facsimile message of transmission request data is transmitted via a public network, the function set by the exchange of DIS and DCS is set based on the capability of the network facsimile device and the capability of the destination facsimile device.

Therefore, when the capacity of the transmission destination facsimile apparatus is higher than the capacity of the network facsimile apparatus, even if the function of the facsimile communication application of the network terminal is higher than the capacity of the network facsimile apparatus, the network terminal is connected to the network facsimile apparatus. There is a problem that the function beyond the capability of the facsimile machine cannot be set, and the transmission of the transmission request data to the network facsimile machine must be performed by a low function limited by the capability of the network facsimile machine. there were.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when transmitting transmission request data via a virtual interface on a network, the transmission requesting network terminal is provided with the capability of the network terminal and the transmission destination device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a network facsimile apparatus capable of setting a function based on the capability of the user.

[0031]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network facsimile apparatus.
Connected to a network capable of transmitting and receiving data between network terminals as one of the network terminals and connected to a public network, and establish a virtual interface on a protocol of the network with a transmission requesting network terminal, As a virtual fax modem for the transmission requesting network terminal, it is set based on its own device capability and the capability of the facsimile communication function of the network terminal based on a predetermined transmission control procedure via the virtual interface. The function receives and stores transmission request data together with transmission destination information while giving a pseudo response to a control command issued from the transmission requesting network terminal, and then transmits the transmission destination on the public network specified by the transmission destination information Call based on the predetermined transmission control procedure. In a network facsimile apparatus having at least a function of transmitting the transmission request data while exchanging control signals with a function set based on the capability of the own device and the capability of the transmission destination device, communication via the public network Transmission destination capability storage means for storing the device capability notified based on the predetermined transmission control procedure from the transmission destination device that performed the transmission destination information as a registration table associated with transmission destination information about the transmission destination device; When transmission destination information notified at the time of receiving transmission request data from the transmission requesting network terminal via the virtual interface is registered in the registration table, the reception of the transmission request data is performed using the registration table The device capability of the destination device corresponding to the notified destination information in A capability setting unit for temporarily setting the capability of the own device as the own device capability when the notified transmission destination information is not registered in the registration table while temporarily setting the capability as the capability. .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the network facsimile apparatus is connected to a network capable of transmitting and receiving data between the network terminals as one of the network terminals, is connected to a public network, and communicates with a transmission requesting network terminal. Establishing a virtual interface on the protocol of the network, and as a virtual fax modem for the transmission requesting network terminal, based on a predetermined transmission control procedure via the virtual interface, its own device capability and the network terminal With the function set based on the capability of the facsimile communication function, receiving and storing the transmission request data together with the registered dial number of the transmission destination while pseudo-responding to the control command issued from the transmission requesting network terminal, , Corresponding to the registered dial number A call is made to the transmission destination on the public network specified by the transmission destination information registered as above, and set based on the capability of the own device and the capability of the transmission destination device based on the predetermined transmission control procedure. In the network facsimile apparatus having at least a function of transmitting the transmission request data while exchanging control signals with the function thus performed, the transmission destination apparatus that has communicated through the public network, from the transmission destination apparatus to the predetermined transmission control procedure Transmission destination capability storage means for storing the device capability notified based on the transmission destination information of the transmission destination device as a registration table associated with a registration dial number associated with the transmission destination information; Registration dial number notified at the time of receiving the transmission request data via the virtual interface of the registration table Dude device capabilities of the corresponding transmission destination apparatus, characterized by comprising a capability setting means for setting the own device capability.

[0033]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

First, FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a communication system including a network 1 to which a network facsimile apparatus 2 as a network compatible communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected.

In FIG. 1, a network 1 includes a network facsimile apparatus 2, a server apparatus 3, and a LAN (local area network) 5 interconnecting client terminals 4a and 4b such as personal computers as network terminals, and a network facsimile apparatus. 6, a server device 7, and a LAN 9 for interconnecting client terminals 8a and 8b such as personal computers as network terminals are interconnected by the Internet 12 via routers 10 and 11.

Each network terminal on the LAN 5 or LAN 9 supports Ethernet as a physical / data link layer and TCP / I as a network transport layer.
Supports the P protocol and uses SMTP (Simple Ma
il Transfer Protocol) to send and receive normal text e-mails and MIME (Mu
ltipurose Internet Messa
send / receive data such as images and voices other than ordinary texts by FTP (File Extension)
By running an application for transmitting and receiving files using a transfer protocol (Transfer Protocol), data can be transmitted and received via the LANs 5, 9, the routers 10, 11 and the Internet 12. Further, the server device 3 or 7 operates as a POP server in the LAN 5 or 9, respectively, and each of the client terminals 4a and 4b as the POP client, the network facsimile device 2, or each of the client terminals 8a and 8b and the network facsimile device 6 The e-mail addressed to the terminal is received and stored, and distributed to each network terminal.

Next, the configuration of the network facsimile apparatus 2 according to the present invention is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 1, the network facsimile apparatus 2 includes a CPU 20, a ROM 21, a RAM 22, a timer control unit 23, an operation display unit 24, and a hard disk drive 2.
5, an SRAM 26, a LAN communication control unit 27, a plotter unit 28, a scanner unit 29, an encoding / decoding unit 30, a network control unit 31, a communication control unit 32, and a system bus 33.

Here, the CPU 20 is a microcomputer that controls each unit of the apparatus according to the control program written in the ROM 21 while using the RAM 22 as a work area.

The ROM 21 stores the CPU 2 as described above.
Reference numeral 0 denotes a read-only memory in which a control program for controlling each unit of the apparatus is stored. ROM 21
Stores a font table 21a which is a correspondence table between a character code and font data corresponding to the character code. The CPU 20 refers to the font table 21a when converting a character string into an image. .

The RAM 22 stores the CPU 20 as described above.
Is a random access memory used as a work area. The timer control unit 23 controls the time such as counting the elapsed time (including the date) and detecting the elapsed time set by the CPU 20 and notifying the CPU 20 of the time by interruption.

Although not shown, the operation display section 24 receives a ten key for allowing the user to input a fax number or the like of a transmission destination, a start key for receiving an instruction to start transmission, and an instruction to stop operation. Various keys such as a stop key, a one-touch dial key, and a speed dial key are provided to receive various operations by a user, and a display such as a liquid crystal display is provided. It displays the operating status and various messages.

The hard disk device 25 includes the scanner unit 2
9 is temporarily stored as a file for memory transmission, the received image information is temporarily stored as a file until it is recorded by the plotter unit 28, or transmitted and received via the network 1. This is for temporarily storing the data to be stored as a file or storing various other data as a file.

The SRAM 26 is a RAM that is backed up by a backup circuit (not shown) and stores setting information related to the operation of the apparatus and user parameters that should be retained even when the apparatus is powered off.

The LAN communication control unit 27 is connected to the LAN 5, supports Ethernet as a physical / data link layer, and uses a TCP / I as a network transport layer.
It is compatible with the P protocol, and controls transmission of e-mail of normal text by SMTP, transmission of data such as image information other than normal text by MIME, and reception of e-mail by POP.

The plotter unit 28 records and outputs the received image information according to the line density, and records and outputs (copy operation) the image information read by the scanner unit 29 according to the line density. Things. The scanner unit 29
3.85 lines / mm, 7.7 lines / mm, 15.4 lines / mm
And the like to obtain image information by reading a document image at a predetermined reading line density.

The encoding / decoding unit 30 converts the transmission image information into G
While encoding and compressing by a predetermined coding method such as MH coding method, MR coding method, MMR coding method, etc., which conforms to 3 facsimile, the received image information is MH coding method, MR coding method, MMR code Decoding and decompression using a predetermined decoding method corresponding to the decoding method.

The network control unit 31 is connected to the public network 13 and connects / disconnects the DC loop of the line, detects the inversion of the line polarity, detects the line release, detects the dial tone, and sets the busy tone (busy tone). ), Control of connection to a line such as detection of a call signal, generation of a dial pulse, and the like.

The communication control unit 32 controls facsimile communication based on the G3 facsimile protocol,
It has a G3 facsimile modem function, modulates transmission data to the public network 13 via the network control unit 31, and demodulates a signal received from the public network 13 via the network control unit 31. Further, the communication control unit 32 also transmits a DTMF signal corresponding to the input dial number. The system bus 33 is a signal line for exchanging data between the above-described units.

The general use of the network facsimile apparatus 2 in the network 1 to which the network facsimile apparatus 2 according to the present invention having the above configuration is connected, and the network facsimile apparatus 6 having the same configuration as the network facsimile apparatus 2 will be described.

Here, in the network 1, the LAN
The 5 side is located in Japan, the LAN 9 side is located in the United States, and so on.

The network facsimile apparatuses 2 and 6 are also connected to a public network 13 on a worldwide scale. The public network 13 has a facsimile apparatus 14a located on the LAN 5 side (Japan) and a LAN 9 side (US ) Is connected to the facsimile machine 14b.

The facsimile machine 14a on the LAN 5 side (Japan), the network facsimile machine 2,
From the client terminals 4a and 4b to the LAN 9 side (USA)
When the image information is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus 14b, the network facsimile apparatus 6, and the client terminals 8a and 8b, the image information requested to be distributed from the facsimile apparatus 14a via the public network 13 or the network facsimile apparatus 2 directly reads the image information. Image information or image information requested to be transmitted from the client terminals 4a and 4b via the LAN 5 is converted into an e-mail having text data encoded in a format corresponding to MIME and sent to the network facsimile via the Internet 12. The network facsimile apparatus 6 transmits the image information obtained by decoding the contents of the transferred e-mail to the destination facsimile apparatus 14b via the public network 13, or Recording on recording paper, LAN
By transmitting the image information to the client terminal 8a or 8b of the distribution destination via the communication terminal 9, image information can be transmitted / received for free or at a low communication fee such as a local communication fee.

This is an advantage obtained even when the LAN 5 and the LAN 9 are located at a long distance from each other in the same country.

As described above, by connecting the network facsimile apparatuses 2 and 6 to the network 1, a part of a communication path in facsimile communication via the Internet 12 or facsimile communication via the public network 13 is bypassed by the Internet 12. Facsimile communication can be performed, but the image information of the transmission request is transmitted from the client terminal 4a, the client terminal 8b, or the network terminal in the Internet 12 to the network facsimile apparatus 2 or 6 via the network 1. Facsimile machines 14a and 14 as transmission destinations on the public network 13
b, the image information is transmitted from a network terminal on the network 1 which is connected to the network 1 but is not directly connected to the public network 13 to the facsimile machines 14a and 14b on the public network 13. A useful relay service that can be transmitted can be provided.

In such a relay service, there is a form in which the network facsimile apparatuses 2 and 6 receive the transmission request image information from the transmission requesting client terminal as an electronic mail, but in the present embodiment, the network 1 A virtual interface (line) is established on the TCP / IP protocol described above, and the network facsimile apparatuses 2 and 6 receive as a virtual facsimile modem for the transmission requesting client terminal.

The configuration of the LAN communication control unit 27 of the network facsimile apparatus 2 and the configuration of the client terminals such as the client terminals 4a and 4b are described below.
This will be described below. The network facsimile machine 6
1 has the same configuration as the network facsimile apparatus 2, but in the present embodiment, the present invention will be described below as being applied to the network facsimile apparatus 2.

FIG. 3 shows the internal block configuration of the LAN communication control unit 27 of the network facsimile apparatus 2.

In the figure, the interface unit 27a
Is for exchanging data and commands with the CPU 20 via the system bus 33. The mail control unit 27b controls transmission and reception of electronic mail, and controls MIME conversion, SMTP transmission, or POP reception.

The AT command control unit 27c receives transmission request image information from the client terminals 4a and 4b on the LAN 5. This reception is performed by the client terminals 4a, 4
This is performed by pseudo-responding to an AT command from b or the like. An AT command is generally a command system for controlling a modem by a personal computer, and an AT command for performing facsimile communication is described in ITU-T Recommendation T.40. 31
/ T. 32 has been standardized.

The LAN protocol control unit 27 d
It controls a TCP / IP procedure, which is a standard protocol of the Internet. The LAN driver unit 27e controls a physical level for accessing the LAN 5.

The network facsimile apparatus 2 configured as described above is connected to the client terminals 4a, 4b
In order to transmit the transmission request image information, the client terminal 4a, 4b or the like, as shown in FIG. In order to direct an AT command to be sent to the fax modem 48 connected to the COM port 43 (which may not actually be connected) to the network facsimile apparatus 2 via the LAN 5, the COM port redirector 44 is set in advance. Install it.

The specific COM port (in this case, the CO port) set when the COM port redirector 44 was installed
M-port 43), the PC-FAX application 40 sends a COM port API (Apr
Icitation Program Interfac
e) 41, when an AT command is transmitted via the COM port driver 42, the COM port redirector 44 receives the AT command via the COM port API 41, and
By mapping to the AN protocol 45, the LAN 5
(Redirect) to the network facsimile machine 2 via On the other hand, the network facsimile apparatus 2 behaves as if it were a fax modem for the client terminals 4a, 4b, etc., and receives transfer request image information from the client terminals 4a, 4b, etc. On the other hand, the client terminals 4a, 4b
At the level of the PC-FAX application 40 on the side of, for example, the transmission request image information is different from that transmitted to the designated transmission destination via the public network 13 by the fax modem 48 connected to the COM port 43. There is nothing.

FIG. 5 shows a procedure and a communication sequence when the client terminals 4a, 4b and the like transmit the transmission request image information to the network facsimile apparatus 2 via the network 1.

In the figure, first, the client terminal 4
a, 4b, etc., the COM port redirector 44
COM port 4 from C-FAX application 40
By monitoring the transmission of the AT command to No.3, it is monitored whether the facsimile transmission processing has been started (No loop of decision 101), and when the facsimile transmission processing has been started and the transmission of the AT command has been recognized (decision 101). Yes), comm port redirection is started (process 102).

Then, the client terminals 4a, 4b, etc., request the network facsimile device 20 to open the TCP port number "xxx," which is predetermined between the client terminals 4a, 4b, etc. and the network facsimile device 2. (Phase F1), the network facsimile machine 2 returns "opening success" to the request (Phase F2).

Thus, the client terminals 4a, 4b
And the like, and a virtual line (interface) is established between the network facsimile apparatus 2 and the subsequent phase F3.
Command transmission from the client terminals 4a, 4b, etc. of the network facsimile apparatus 2 in the phase F4
The communication sequence shown in FIG. 14 is performed between the client terminals 4a and 4b and the network facsimile apparatus 2 by repeatedly performing the AT command communication based on the AT command pseudo response from the network facsimile apparatus. PC-F such as 4a, 4b
The AX application 40 receives transmission destination information and transmission request image information specified by the user via the network 1.

When the AT command communication is completed,
T opened in the phase F1 from the client terminals 4a and 4b to the network facsimile apparatus 2
A request is made to close the CP port "xxx" (phase F5), and the network facsimile apparatus 2 returns "close success" to the request (phase F6). Thereby, the virtual line established between the client terminal 4a, 4b or the like and the network facsimile machine 2 is disconnected, and the transmission processing of the transmission request image information for the client terminal 4a, 4b or the like is completed. After that, the network facsimile apparatus 2 sets the client terminals 4a, 4a
The facsimile transmission similar to transmitting the image information read by the scanner unit 29 of the own device to the transmission destination designated from the operation display unit 24 for the transmission request image information transferred from the device b or the like via the LAN 5 The processing is performed according to the communication sequence shown in FIG. 14 (processing 201).

FIG. 6 shows the network facsimile apparatus 2
Examples of functions that can be possessed as capabilities in client terminals 4a, 4b, etc., facsimile machines 14a, 14b, etc. of transmission destinations are shown.

In the figure, the line density, modem rate, page width, page length, compression mode, ECM (Error Corr) which is an extended function of the G3 facsimile protocol are shown.
ecting Mode) function, BFT (Binary)
For each function of the file transfer (File Transfer) function and the I / O speed, there are function options that can be adopted as capabilities, and each option has a value corresponding to the function.

The network facsimile apparatus 2, the client terminals 4a and 4b, etc., and the facsimile apparatuses 14a and 14b as transmission destinations are provided with one or more of the options of each function shown in FIG. The device is selected according to the purpose of use of the device, the balance between the device performance and the cost, and the like, and provided as the device capability. Therefore, it is common for each device to have different device capabilities.

Next, a processing procedure according to the present invention in the network facsimile apparatus 2 will be described separately for the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

First, in the first embodiment, the network facsimile apparatus 2 stores a registration table as shown in FIG. The registration table shown in the figure is added or updated by a transmission processing procedure shown in FIG. 8 described later.

In the figure, the capability of each transmission destination device is registered as a value in the fax number of each transmission destination. Specifically, for example, the fax number “0462”
(28) 7500 ”includes a numerical value sequence of abilities“ (0,1),
(0-5), (0,1), (0-2), 0,0,0,
(0-7) "is registered. The numerical sequence for that ability is
It corresponds to each function constituting the function example shown in FIG.
In order, (0, 1) indicates that the device has the capability corresponding to the linear density (standard character (STD), small character (DTL)), and (0-5) indicates the modem rate (2400 bps, 2).
400 bps, 4800 bps, 7200 bps, 96
00 bps, 12000 bps, and 14400 bps), and (0, 1) indicates the page width (A).
4 (215 mm) and B4 (255 mm), and (0-2) indicates the page length (A4 (297 mm)).
mm), B4 (364 mm), unlimited), 0 indicates that it corresponds to the compression mode (MH), and 0 indicates that it corresponds to the ECM function (prohibited). 0 indicates that it corresponds to the BFT function (prohibited), and (0-7) indicates that the I / O speed (0 ms, 5 ms, 10 ms,
(10ms, 20ms, 20ms, 40ms, 40ms)
And when the line density is a small character, the I / O speed (0 ms, 5 ms, 5 ms,
(10ms, 10ms, 20ms, 20ms, 40ms)
It is shown that it corresponds. The same applies to other fax numbers.

Next, referring to FIG. 8, a description will be given of a transmission processing procedure in the network facsimile apparatus 2 via the public network 13 according to the first embodiment.

In the figure, the CPU 20 of the network facsimile apparatus 2 first calls a destination facsimile number (process 301). In this case, the transmission destination fax number is input from the operation display unit 24 when transmitting image information obtained by reading a document set on the scanner unit 29, or by the communication sequence shown in FIG. Client terminal 4 as network terminal
a, 4b, etc., the AT command “ATD ×××××××××”
“×” indicates the notified destination fax number “XX”
XXXXXXXXX ".

By making a call in process 301, a call setting procedure (CNG, CED) and a pre-transmission procedure based on the G3 facsimile protocol are performed between the transmission destination facsimile apparatus connected via the public network 13 and the transmission destination. (DIS, D
CS, TCF, CFR) (process 302). At this time, all the standard capabilities of the destination facsimile apparatus are notified by the digital identification signal DIS from the destination facsimile apparatus, and the network facsimile apparatus 2 sends the digital transmission command DCS Thus, the setting function, which is set to the maximum function within the range of the total standard capability of the own device and the total standard capability of the transmission destination facsimile device notified by the DIS, is notified to the transmission destination facsimile device, and the network facsimile device 2 The transmission destination facsimile apparatus performs a message transmission procedure at its maximum function, and the network facsimile apparatus 2 transmits image information to the transmission destination facsimile apparatus as a facsimile message (step 303). The image information transmitted in this case is transmitted request image information received from the client terminals 4a and 4b as network terminals via the virtual interface by the communication sequence shown in FIG. This is the read image information.

After the facsimile transmission process of process 303, the post-transmission procedure (EOP, MCF) and the call release procedure (DC
N) (step 304), and after the communication is completed, the fax number called in step 301 is searched from the registration table shown in FIG. If the number does not exist (No in decision 306), the fax number is additionally registered in the registration table of FIG. 7 in association with the capability of the transmission destination device notified by the DIS (process 307). As a result, the capability of the facsimile device which is the transmission destination for the network facsimile device 2 for the first time is newly registered in association with the facsimile number of the facsimile device.

If there is a matching fax number (Yes in decision 306), the capability registered in the registration table of FIG. 7 corresponding to the fax number and the capability of the transmission destination device notified by DIS are determined. Check (processing 30
8) If they match (Yes in decision 309), nothing is done; if they do not match (No in decision 309), the capability registered corresponding to the fax number is changed to the capability notified by DIS. Update (process 310). As a result, even if the facsimile machine which has once been the transmission destination for the network facsimile machine 2 is replaced with a device having a different capability without changing the fax number, the correct capability is always registered. Can be kept.

Next, the network facsimile apparatus 2
Is transmitted from the client terminals 4a, 4b and the like via the virtual interface on the network 1 by exchanging AT commands in phases F3 and F4 of the communication sequence shown in FIG. 5 from the client terminals 4a and 4b. A reception processing procedure according to the first embodiment when receiving requested image information will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, the CPU 20 of the network facsimile apparatus 2 sends an AT command “ATDXXXXXXXXX” from the client terminal 4a, 4b or the like to send a destination fax number “XXXXXXXXX”. It is monitored whether there is a transfer of “XX” (No loop in decision 401). If there is a transfer (Yes in decision 401), the fax number is searched from the registration table shown in FIG. 7 (process 402). If there is a matching fax number (Yes in decision 403), the capability of the transmission destination transmission destination device registered in the registration table corresponding to the fax number is set to the own function only for the current reception processing procedure. Temporarily set as force (process 405). If there is no matching fax number (Yes in judgment 403), the own function is set as it is (step 404).

After the process 404 or 405, the AT
In response to the command pseudo response, transmission request image information is received from the transmission requesting client terminal 4a or 4b in the communication sequence shown in FIG. 14 (process 406). In this case, the ability of the network facsimile apparatus 2 to be transmitted to the client terminal 4a or 4b of the transmission requester and notified by the digital identification signal DIS is transferred from the client terminal 4a or 4b of the transmission requester in the judgment 401. If the capability of the destination device corresponding to the received destination fax number is registered in the registration table,
It is the capability of the destination device. Therefore, when the capability of the transmission destination device is higher than the capability of the network facsimile device 2, the client terminal of the transmission requester is transmitted by the digital transmission command signal DCS due to the low capability of the network facsimile device 2. 4a and 4b
The function to be set is not set low.

Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment of the processing procedure according to the present invention in the network facsimile apparatus.

In the second embodiment, the network facsimile apparatus 2 stores a registration table as shown in FIG. In the registration table shown in the figure, the transmission destination fax number and the capability of each transmission destination device are registered as values in registration dial numbers (registration numbers) such as one-touch dial, speed dial, and group dial. See Figure 7 for the meaning of each ability value.
Is the same as that according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.
Duplicate description will be omitted.

Next, a transmission processing procedure via the public network 13 according to the second embodiment in the network facsimile apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that the procedure shown in the figure is performed in such a manner that the registration number of the transmission destination is input from the operation display unit 24, or the AT command “ATD” is transmitted from the client terminals 4a and 4b as network terminals by the communication sequence shown in FIG. This is activated when the transmission destination registration number “xxx” is notified by “xxx”.

In the figure, first, a fax number corresponding to a transmission destination registration number is searched from the registration table shown in FIG. 10 (process 501), and a call is made to the searched fax number (process 502). By making a call in the process 502, a call setting procedure (CNG, CED) and a pre-transmission procedure (DIS, FAX) based on the G3 facsimile protocol are performed between the transmission destination facsimile apparatus connected via the public network 13 and the transmission destination facsimile apparatus. DCS, TCF, CFR) (processing 5
03) At this time, the digital identification signal DIS from the transmission destination facsimile apparatus informs all the standard capabilities of the transmission destination facsimile apparatus, and the network facsimile apparatus 2 transmits all the standard capabilities of its own apparatus by the digital transmission command DCS. The setting function, which is set to the maximum function within the range of all the standard capabilities of the transmission destination facsimile apparatus notified by DIS, is notified to the transmission destination facsimile apparatus, and the network facsimile apparatus 2 and the transmission destination facsimile apparatus have the maximum capacity. The function performs a message transmission procedure, and the network facsimile apparatus 2 transmits the image information as a facsimile message to the transmission destination facsimile apparatus (process 504). The image information transmitted in this case is transmitted request image information received from the client terminals 4a and 4b as network terminals via the virtual interface by the communication sequence shown in FIG. This is the read image information.

After the facsimile transmission process of process 504, the post-transmission procedure (EOP, MCF) and the call release procedure (DC
N) (Step 505), and after the communication is completed, the capability registered in the registration table of FIG. 10 corresponding to the transmission destination registration number already searched in Step 501 and the transmission notified by DIS. The capability of the destination device is compared (process 50).
6). In this case, since the transmission destination registration number has already been searched, the corresponding capability can be quickly retrieved.

As a result of the collation in the process 506, if they match (Yes in decision 507), nothing is done, and if they do not match (No in decision 507), they are registered corresponding to the transmission destination registration number. The capability is updated to the capability notified by DIS (process 508). As a result, even if the facsimile machine which has once been the transmission destination for the network facsimile apparatus 2 is replaced with a device having a different capability without changing the fax number, the transmission destination always has the correct capability. It can be registered in association with a registration number.

Next, the network facsimile apparatus 2
Is transmitted from the client terminals 4a, 4b and the like via the virtual interface on the network 1 by exchanging AT commands in phases F3 and F4 of the communication sequence shown in FIG. 5 from the client terminals 4a and 4b. A reception processing procedure according to the second embodiment when receiving requested image information will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, the CPU 20 of the network facsimile apparatus 2 monitors whether there is a transfer of the transmission destination registration number “XXX” by the AT command “ATDXXX” from the client terminal 4a, 4b or the like. (Judgment 6
01 (No loop), if there is a transfer (decision 601)
Yes), the transmission destination registration number is searched from the registration table shown in FIG. 10 (process 602), and the transmission destination transmission registered in the registration table corresponding to the transmission destination registration number obtained as a result of the search is performed. The capability of the destination device is temporarily set as its own capability only in the current reception processing procedure (process 60).
3).

After the process 603, transmission request image information is received from the client terminal 4a or 4b of the transmission request source in the communication sequence shown in FIG. 14 by the AT command pseudo response (process 604). In this case, the capability of the network facsimile device 2 to be transmitted to the client terminal 4a or 4b requesting transmission by the digital identification signal DIS is the capability of the transmission destination device set in the process 603. Therefore, when the capability of the transmission destination device is higher than the capability of the network facsimile device 2, the client terminal of the transmission requester is transmitted by the digital transmission command signal DCS due to the low capability of the network facsimile device 2. The function set by 4a or 4b is not set low.

In the above-described embodiment,
In the registration tables shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the G3 facsimile standard capability notified by the digital identification signal DIS is registered as the capability of the transmission destination device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The non-standard capability notified by the identification signal NSF is also registered, and is temporarily set as the non-standard capability of the own device set when receiving transmission request image information from the client terminal 4a or 4b of the transmission request source. In that case, the client terminal 4a or 4b of the transmission requester sets the non-standard capability by the non-standard function setting signal NSS because the non-standard capability of the own device is lower than the non-standard capability of the transmission destination device. Non-standard functions are not set low.

In the present embodiment described above, the client terminal 4a or 4b, which is the transmission request source, sends a virtual Y on the network to the network facsimile apparatus.
es), the present invention is applied to the case where the transmission request image information is transmitted by exchanging AT commands via es), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the case where transmission request image information is transmitted by exchanging other commands However, the present invention can be similarly applied as long as the common function is set on the transmitting side and the receiving side based on their respective capabilities.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the present invention is applied to the network facsimile apparatus 2 connected to the network 1 including the Internet 12, but the present invention is not limited to the scale of the network and the data transfer in the network. The present invention is not limited by the protocol, and can be similarly applied to a case where the network facsimile apparatus 2 is connected to another network.

The public network 13 to which the network facsimile apparatus 2 according to the present invention is connected is not limited to a telephone network, but may be another network such as an ISDN. The transmission control procedure for transmitting and receiving a facsimile message via
The present invention is applicable not only to the three facsimile protocol but also to other transmission control procedures.

In the embodiment described above, the present invention has been described by taking as an example the case where data communicated via the virtual interface on the public network 13 or the network 1 is image information. The same applies to the case of communicating other data such as data.

[0097]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the transmission destination capability storage unit is notified based on the predetermined transmission control procedure from the transmission destination device that has communicated via the public network. The device capability is stored as a registration table associated with transmission destination information on the transmission destination device, and the capability setting unit receives the transmission request data from the transmission requesting network terminal via the virtual interface. When the transmission destination information notified at the time is registered in the registration table, for the reception of the transmission request data, the device capability of the transmission destination device corresponding to the notified transmission destination information in the registration table is determined. If the transmission destination information to be notified is not registered in the registration table, In order to set the capability as it is as its own device capability, the transmission requesting network terminal specifies a transmission destination device that has communicated in the past and already knows the device capability, and via the virtual interface on the network When the transmission request data is transmitted by the network facsimile apparatus according to the present invention, the function of the transmission requesting network terminal can be set based on the capability of the network terminal and the capability of the transmission destination device. An effect that the function setting of the transmission requesting network terminal is not restricted by the device capability of the present invention can be obtained.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the transmission destination capability storage means transmits the device capability notified based on the predetermined transmission control procedure from the transmission destination device communicating via the public network. Is stored as a registration table associated with a registration dial number to which transmission destination information of the transmission destination device is associated, and the capability setting unit stores the virtual interface from the transmission requesting network terminal. In order to set the device capability of the transmission destination device corresponding to the registration dial number notified at the time of receiving the transmission request data via the registration table as its own device capability, the device capability has been communicated in the past and the device capability has already been set. The network terminal of the transmission requester specifies a known transmission destination device, and the virtual interface on the network is designated. When the transmission request data is transmitted via the network, the transmission requesting network terminal can be made to set the function based on the capability of the network terminal and the capability of the transmission destination device. An effect is obtained that the function setting of the transmission requesting network terminal is not restricted by the device capability of the facsimile device. Further, when searching for the transmission destination information corresponding to the registration dial number notified at the time of receiving the transmission request data via the virtual interface from the transmission request source network terminal in the registration table, the registration dial number is Since the device capability of the corresponding transmission destination device can be searched at the same time,
The ability to make a call to the transmission destination on the public network specified by the transmission destination information registered corresponding to the registered dial number and to be notified from the transmission destination device corresponds to the registered dial number. When collating with the device capability of the transmission destination device, there is no need to search for the device capability of the transmission destination device again, and there is an advantage that the device capability of the transmission destination device corresponding to the registered dial number can be quickly specified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication system including a network to which a network facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a network facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a LAN communication control unit of the network facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a software block configuration of a client terminal.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a procedure and a communication sequence when transmitting transmission request image information from the network terminal shown in FIG. 4 to the network facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions that can be possessed as capabilities.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a registration table of the capability of the transmission destination device stored in association with the fax number of the transmission destination.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a transmission processing procedure via the public network in the network facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a reception processing procedure via a virtual interface in the network facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a registration table of the fax number of the transmission destination and the capability of the transmission destination device, which are stored in association with the registration number.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart different from FIG. 8, illustrating a transmission processing procedure via the public network in the network facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart different from that of FIG. 9 and shows a reception processing procedure via the virtual interface in the network facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a communication sequence when a network terminal performs facsimile communication with a transmission destination facsimile apparatus on a public network via a fax modem connected via an interface.

FIG. 14 illustrates a network terminal that performs facsimile communication with a destination facsimile machine on a public network via a network facsimile machine as a virtual fax modem connected via a virtual interface established on a network. It is a figure which shows the example of a communication sequence in case of performing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 network 2, 6 network facsimile device 3, 7 server device 4a, 4b, 8a, 8c client terminal 5, 9 LAN 10, 11 router 12 Internet 13 public network 14a, 14b facsimile device 20 CPU 21 ROM 22 RAM 23 timer control unit 24 operation display unit 25 hard disk device 26 SRAM 27 LAN communication control unit 27a interface unit 27b mail control unit 27c AT command control unit 27d LAN protocol control unit 27e LAN driver unit 28 plotter unit 29 scanner unit 30 encoding / decoding unit 31 network control Unit 32 communication control unit 33 system bus 40 PC-FAX application 41 COM port API 42 COM port driver 43 COM port 44 COM port redirect Kuta 45 LAN protocol 46 LAN driver 47 LAN interface 48 faxmodem

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A virtual interface according to a protocol of the network, connected to a network capable of transmitting and receiving data between the network terminals as one of the network terminals and connected to a public network, with a transmission requesting network terminal. As a virtual facsimile modem for the transmission requesting network terminal, based on a predetermined transmission control procedure via the virtual interface, based on its own capability and the capability of the facsimile communication function of the network terminal. With the function set based on the transmission request data, the transmission request data is received and stored together with the transmission destination information while simulating the control command issued from the transmission request source network terminal, and then the public identified by the transmission destination information is received. Make a call to the destination on the network,
A network facsimile apparatus having at least a function of transmitting the transmission request data while exchanging control signals with a function set based on the capability of the own device and the capability of the transmission destination device based on the predetermined transmission control procedure. In the above, the device capability notified from the transmission destination device that has communicated via the public network based on the predetermined transmission control procedure is stored as a registration table in correspondence with transmission destination information about the transmission destination device. Transmission destination capability storage means for transmitting, and when transmission destination information notified when receiving transmission request data from the transmission request source network terminal via the virtual interface is registered in the registration table, the transmission request The data reception corresponds to the notified transmission destination information in the registration table. While temporarily setting the device capability of the transmission destination device as its own device capability, if the notified transmission destination information is not registered in the registration table, a capability setting for setting the capability of the own device as it is as its own device capability A network facsimile apparatus comprising: 2. A virtual interface on a protocol of the network connected to a network capable of transmitting and receiving data between the network terminals as one of the network terminals and connected to a public network, and with a transmission requesting network terminal. As a virtual facsimile modem for the transmission requesting network terminal, based on a predetermined transmission control procedure via the virtual interface, based on its own capability and the capability of the facsimile communication function of the network terminal. With the function set based on this, the transmission request data is received and stored together with the registered dial number of the transmission destination, while responding to the control command issued from the transmission requesting network terminal in a pseudo manner, and then, corresponding to the registered dial number, Specified by the transmission destination information registered A call is made to a transmission destination on the public network, and based on the predetermined transmission control procedure, the transmission is performed while exchanging a control signal with a function set based on its own capability and the capability of the transmission destination device. In a network facsimile device having at least a function of transmitting request data, the transmission destination device communicates the device capability notified based on the predetermined transmission control procedure from the transmission destination device that has performed communication via the public network. Transmission destination capability storage means for storing as a registration table that is associated with a registration dial number in which transmission destination information is associated with, and when transmission request data is received from the transmission requesting network terminal via the virtual interface The device capability of the transmission destination device corresponding to the registration dial number notified in A network facsimile apparatus comprising: a capability setting unit that sets the setting capability.