JPH11127464A - Communication device and information distribution method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] Without causing extra trouble to the sender,
Provided are a communication device and an information distribution method capable of reliably distributing data received via a telephone line to terminal devices on a distribution destination network. SOLUTION: In a facsimile apparatus 201 set to be able to enjoy a dial-in service, each of PCs 301, 3 is provided.
02 and 303 and a table describing the correspondence between each FAX number by the dial-in service assigned to each, is stored in the RAM 106, and each FA assigned by the dial-in service when receiving a call from the line 115.
The used FAX number is identified from the X numbers, and line 11 is used.
5, when receiving the information from the PC, the PC to which the received information is to be distributed is specified based on the FAX number identifying the received information and the table, and the information received via the LAN to the specified PC. To deliver.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication apparatus having an interface for a telephone line and a network such as a LAN to which a plurality of terminals are connected, and an information distribution method used for the communication apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, as a device for connecting a telephone line and a network such as a LAN connecting a plurality of computers, a communication device having an interface for each of the network and the telephone line is used.
This communication device has a transmission function of receiving data transmitted from each computer via a network, transmitting the received data to a partner of a telephone number specified by the computer from a telephone line, and has a reception function. In this receiving function, when the communication device receives data including additional information capable of specifying the destination computer from the telephone line, the received data is transmitted to the destination computer specified by the additional information via the network. If the additional information is not included in the data transmitted and received, the received data is printed out or a method of distributing received information for notifying all computers on the network that the information has been received is used. Have been.

When data is received from a telephone line,
A method has been proposed in which a communication management indicating the reception of the data is created, and the content of the communication management report is confirmed by access from a computer on a network to confirm whether or not the corresponding information has been received.

[0004] Further, the received data is subjected to image recognition processing to extract specific information serving as a keyword indicating a destination included in the received data, and corresponding information is extracted based on the extracted specific information and information registered in advance. There has been proposed a method of identifying a computer and distributing data received via the network to the identified computer.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned method using the additional information capable of specifying the destination computer included in the received information, in order to send the received data to the corresponding computer, It is necessary that the additional information be added to the data obtained in addition to the telephone number,
Extra work is required to add the additional information to the transmission source. When the additional information is not added, the received data is printed out, or all the computers on the network are notified that the information is received.However, the received data is printed out. We can't check for information received directly from the computer on the network,
You cannot enjoy the benefits of the network. On the other hand, notifying the reception of the information to all the computers on the network when the additional information is not added may inconvenience the recipient of the information.

In the method of confirming whether or not information has been received by using a communication management report, it is known that information has been received by another person who is not related to the person corresponding to the addressee. There is a risk of inconvenience to people.

Further, in the method of specifying the distribution destination of the data received by the image recognition processing, a huge amount of information for associating the specific information to be extracted in the image recognition processing with each computer and its user on the network. It is necessary to register in advance, and registration of this enormous amount of information takes a lot of trouble. Further, specific information for accurately specifying a distribution destination is not always extracted, and data received by mistake on a different computer may be distributed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device and a communication device capable of reliably distributing data received via a telephone line to a terminal device on a network to which the data is to be transmitted without causing extra trouble to the transmission source. An object of the present invention is to provide an information distribution method.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
In a communication device having an interface for each of a telephone line and a network such as a LAN to which a plurality of terminal devices are connected, setting is made such that a service of allocating a plurality of telephone numbers to one of the telephone lines can be enjoyed. A service correspondence unit for identifying a used telephone number among the plurality of telephone numbers assigned by the service when receiving a call from the telephone line; and the service assigned to each of the plurality of terminal devices. A management information holding unit for holding management information indicating a correspondence relationship with each telephone number, and a telephone identified by the service correspondence unit when information from the telephone line is received via an interface of the telephone line. Of the received information based on the number and the management information held in the management information holding means. Identifying means for identifying a terminal device to be a trustee, and predetermined information indicating that the terminal device identified by the identifying means has received at least the information for the identified terminal device via the interface of the network. And a delivery means for delivering.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the first aspect, the predetermined information distributed by the distribution means is the received information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication apparatus according to the first aspect, further provided is a reception information output unit for outputting the received information, and the information for the terminal device specified by the distribution unit is transmitted. The reception information indicating the reception is distributed to the specified terminal device as the predetermined information, and the received information is output by the reception information output unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the first aspect, the service is a dial-in service.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the first aspect, the service is DRPD.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in a communication apparatus having an interface for each of a telephone line and a network such as a LAN to which a plurality of terminals are connected, a plurality of telephone numbers are assigned to one of the telephone lines. Service correspondence means for setting a service to be allocated to be usable so as to be able to receive the service and identifying a used telephone number among the plurality of telephone numbers allocated by the service when receiving a call from the telephone line; When the information from the terminal is received through the interface of the telephone line, the telephone number identified by the service corresponding means is transmitted to a predetermined terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices through the interface of the network. Requesting to identify a terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the identified telephone number. Requesting means, receives terminal device specifying information returned from the predetermined terminal device in response to a request from the requesting device via the network interface, and sends the terminal device specifying information to the terminal device specified by the terminal specifying information. A delivery unit that delivers predetermined information indicating that at least the information for the specified terminal device has been received via a network interface.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the sixth aspect, the predetermined terminal device manages the correspondence between each of the terminal devices and each of the telephone numbers according to the service assigned to the terminal device. The terminal device stores information, specifies a terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the telephone number identified by the service correspondence unit and the management information, and generates the terminal device specifying information.

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 6 or 7.
In the communication device described above, the predetermined information distributed by the distribution unit is the received information.

The ninth aspect of the present invention is the sixth or seventh aspect.
The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising reception information output means for outputting the received information, and receiving notification information indicating that the information for the specified terminal device has been received by the distribution means as the predetermined information. The information is distributed to the specified terminal device, and the received information is output by the reception information output unit.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device of the sixth aspect, the service is a dial-in service.

[0019] The invention according to claim 11 is the communication device according to claim 6, wherein the service is DRPD.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in a communication apparatus having an interface for each of a telephone line and a network such as a LAN to which a plurality of terminals are connected, a plurality of telephone numbers are assigned to one of the telephone lines. Service correspondence means for setting a service to be allocated to be usable so as to be able to receive the service and identifying a used telephone number among the plurality of telephone numbers allocated by the service when receiving a call from the telephone line; When receiving information from the terminal via the telephone line interface, a predetermined terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices sends the telephone number identified by the service corresponding unit and the received information to the network. A terminal that is transmitted via an interface and that is a destination of the received information based on the identified telephone number; Characterized in that it comprises a request means for requesting to distribute information thus received to said specified terminal as well as to identify the location.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the twelfth aspect, the predetermined terminal device manages a correspondence relationship between each terminal device and each telephone number according to the service assigned to the terminal device. Holding the information, specifying the terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the telephone number identified by the service correspondence unit and the management information, and distributing the received information to the specified terminal device It is characterized by the following.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the twelfth aspect, the service is a dial-in service.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the twelfth aspect, the service is DRPD.

According to the present invention, an interface is provided for each of a telephone line and a network such as a LAN to which a plurality of terminal devices are connected, and a plurality of telephone numbers can be used for one of the telephone lines. An information distribution method used for a communication device set to be able to receive a service to be allocated, comprising: management information indicating a correspondence relationship between the plurality of terminal devices and each telephone number according to the service allocated to the plurality of terminal devices. Identifying the used telephone number of the plurality of telephone numbers assigned by the service when receiving a call from the telephone line, and receiving information from the telephone line via an interface of the telephone line. When receiving the information, the destination of the received information based on the identified telephone number and the management information. And a step of delivering predetermined information indicating that at least the information for the specified terminal device has been received to the specified terminal device via the network interface. It is characterized by.

The invention according to claim 17 has an interface for each of a telephone line and a network such as a LAN to which a plurality of terminals are connected, and assigns a plurality of telephone numbers to one of the telephone lines in a usable manner. An information distribution method used for a communication device set to be able to receive a service, wherein a step of identifying a used telephone number among the plurality of telephone numbers assigned by the service when receiving a call from the telephone line. And, when receiving the information from the telephone line via the interface of the telephone line, transmitting the identified telephone number to a predetermined terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices via the interface of the network. Requesting to specify a terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the identified telephone number; Terminal device identification information returned in response to the request from the predetermined terminal device is received via the network interface, and at least the terminal device identified by the terminal identification information is transmitted to the terminal device via the network interface. Distributing predetermined information indicating that the information for the specified terminal device has been received.

[0026] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information distribution method according to the seventeenth aspect, the predetermined terminal device indicates a correspondence relationship between each terminal device and each telephone number according to the service allocated to each terminal device. Holding management information,
A terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed is specified based on the identified telephone number and the management information, and the terminal device specifying information is generated.

The invention according to claim 19 has an interface for each of a telephone line and a network such as a LAN to which a plurality of terminals are connected, and allocates a plurality of telephone numbers to one of the telephone lines in a usable manner. An information distribution method used for a communication device set to be able to receive a service, comprising identifying a used telephone number among the plurality of telephone numbers assigned by the service when receiving a call from the telephone line. And when receiving information from the telephone line via an interface of the telephone line, a predetermined terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices transmits the identified telephone number and the received information to the network. Terminal device to which the received information is to be transmitted based on the identified telephone number. Characterized in that it comprises a step of requesting to distribute information thus received to said specified terminal device as well as.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the information distribution method according to the nineteenth aspect, the predetermined terminal device manages a relationship between each of the terminal devices and each of the telephone numbers according to the service allocated thereto. Holding information, specifying a terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the identified telephone number and the management information, and distributing the received information to the specified terminal device. .

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication apparatus comprises a facsimile apparatus set to be able to enjoy the dial-in service, and the facsimile apparatus executes a control program stored in ROM 109 to control the entire apparatus. CPU 101 for performing the above-mentioned operations, a RAM 106 used as a work area for the arithmetic processing of the CPU 101, and a scanner 102 for reading a document and obtaining image data.

The scanner 102 optically scans a document conveyed by a document conveying mechanism for conveying a document to be read, a contact sensor, and a document conveying mechanism, reads an image on the document, and converts the read image into an image. It is composed of means for converting to data. The image data output from the scanner 102 is temporarily stored in the image memory 105 and then sent to the conversion unit 108, where the conversion unit 108
The image data is compressed based on an encoding method such as R, and the compressed image data is sent to the modem 110. Also,
The conversion unit 108 performs a process of expanding image data compressed based on an encoding method such as MH or MR.

The modem 110 modulates the compressed image data and outputs it as a transmission signal to the NCU 111.
It demodulates the received signal received from the telephone line via NCU 111 and outputs the demodulated data to conversion section 108. The modem 110 is provided with a PB signal detection circuit, and the PB signal detection circuit detects a PB signal (a signal indicating an extension designation number) transmitted from the exchange in the dial-in service.

The NCU 111 is a network controller that controls an interface with a telephone line (PSTN) and exchanges connections with attached or general telephones 113 and 114. The network controller receives a dial-in service. A polarity detection circuit is provided to enable this. NCU
The data received via the modem 111, the conversion unit 108, the image memory 105, the LAN control unit 112
Alternatively, it is sent to the printer 107.

The LAN control unit 112 controls an interface with a LAN (Local Area Network) to which a plurality of computers are connected, and performs communication control with each connected computer according to a predetermined communication protocol.

The printer 107 prints out the data received via the NCU 111 and prints out the image data output from the scanner 102 by the copy function.

The CPU 101 is given an instruction regarding processing such as mode setting from the operation unit 104. Operation unit 1
Reference numeral 04 denotes a keyboard or touch panel including various keys such as a start key, a mode setting key, and a numeric keypad.

The mode set by the operation of the operation unit 104, the set contents, an error message relating to the processing, and the like are displayed on the display unit 103 composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like.

The control program stored in the ROM 109 includes a FAX server program.
The FAX server program is a program for transmitting and receiving data to and from each computer on the LAN connected via the LAN control unit 112 based on a LAN communication protocol such as TCP / IP. A module for storing in the RAM 106 a table describing the correspondence between each computer and each FAX number by the dial-in service assigned to each computer; and a module among the FAX numbers assigned by the dial-in service when a call is received from a line. A module for identifying a used facsimile number, and a module for specifying, when receiving information from the line, a computer to which the received information is to be distributed based on the facsimile number identifying the received information and the table. To the specified computer, LAN control unit 1
And a module for distributing the information received via the communication module 12. A FAX client program is mounted on a computer on the LAN. The FAX client program displays image data to be transmitted and received, requests data transmission to a communication device serving as a server, holds a set FAX number, and requests a communication device. , Such as sending back a fax number.

First, a basic configuration example and an operation procedure when the communication apparatus is set to be able to enjoy the dial-in service will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a connection operation when the communication device of FIG. 1 is set to receive the dial-in service, and FIG. 5 is a basic diagram when the communication device of FIG. 1 is set to receive the dial-in service. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example. Here, a facsimile apparatus functioning as the communication apparatus of the present invention will be described as an example.

The dial-in service is a service that can be used in Japan and is a service in which a plurality of telephone numbers are assigned to one line so as to be usable. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a facsimile apparatus 201 (excluding the telephones 113 and 114 from the communication apparatus in FIG. 1) connected to the line 115 (PSTN) includes a plurality of telephones (TEL) 202. , 203 and 204 are connected. That is, the telephones 202, 203, and 204 are connected to the NCU 111.

Here, it is assumed that the contractor has contracted the extension designation number with the last digit in the dial-in service, "03-222-1114" for the facsimile apparatus 201, "03-222-1111" for the telephone 202, Telephone 2
Assuming that telephone numbers are assigned to “03-222-1112” for “03” and “03-222-1113” for telephone 204, respectively, these assigned telephone numbers are obtained by operating the operation unit 104 of the facsimile apparatus 201. be registered.

Referring to FIG. 3, first, when L1 and L2 polarity reversal and call signals arrive from a local exchange (hereinafter referred to as an exchange) connected to the line 115, these signals are transmitted to the NCU 1
11 is detected. Next, NCU is executed by the CPU 101.
The P relay in 111 is closed to form a DC loop state, and a response is made by a primary response signal. Next, a PB signal is sent from the exchange, and this PB signal is
11 and detected by the modem 110, and the extension designation number (the last digit in this case) is detected based on the PB signal. When the detection of the extension designation number is recognized by the CPU 101, the P relay in the NCU 111 is opened by the CPU 101 and the DC loop state is cut off.

The extension designation number indicated by the PB signal is 1
If the telephone set to which the corresponding telephone number is assigned is called by the CPU 101 and the called telephone goes off-hook, a DC loop is formed again, and the exchange switches the L1, L2 polarity return. I do. This L1, L2
The transition to the talk state is performed by the polarity return.

On the other hand, if the extension designation number detected based on the PB signal is "4", the CPU 101
When the P relay in the CU 111 is closed and the L1 and L2 polarity reversal of the exchange is detected by the NCU 111, facsimile communication is executed by transmitting the CED and DIS signals from the modem 110 and data is received. You. Then, the received data is printed out by the printer 107.

Next, the facsimile apparatus 201 is
A configuration example and an operation procedure in a case where it is connected to the AN and set to be able to enjoy the dial-in service will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example when the communication apparatus of FIG. 1 is connected to a LAN and set to be able to enjoy a dial-in service;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the communication apparatus of FIG. 1 is connected to the LAN and set to be able to receive the dial-in service.

When the above-described facsimile apparatus 201 is connected to the LAN and set to be able to enjoy the dial-in service, as shown in FIG. 2, the line 115 (PSTN)
A plurality of telephones 202, 203, 204 (TEL) are connected to a facsimile apparatus 201 (the communication apparatus of FIG. 1 excluding the telephones 113, 114), and a plurality of personal computers (hereinafter, PCs). 301), 302, and 303 are connected. That is, NC
U111 is connected to telephones 202, 203, and 204, and LAN controller 112 is connected to PCs 01, 302, and 303.
Is connected.

Here, it is assumed that the contractor has contracted the extension designation number with the last one digit in the dial-in service, "03-222-1114" for the facsimile apparatus 201, "03-222-1111" for the telephone 202, Telephone 2
03, "03-222-1112" for the telephone 204, "03-222-1113" for the telephone 204, and "03-222-1113" for the PC 301.
-222-1115 "and PC03" 03-222
-1116 "and" 03-222-111 "in the PC 303.
Assuming that telephone numbers are assigned to the facsimile apparatus 201, respectively.
The operation of the operation unit 104 of each telephone 202, 20
3, 204 or the PCs 301, 302, 303 are registered in the RAM 106 as a table. P
The telephone numbers registered in association with C301, 302, and 303 are held in the PCs 301, 302, and 303, respectively.
Each of the PCs 301, 302, and 303 is a facsimile machine 20.
The FAX number is returned in response to a request periodically issued from No. 1. Thereby, each PC 301, 302, 303
Table can be automatically updated even if the PC is removed, a PC is added, or the FAX number is changed, so that the user does not have to take extra time.

It is assumed that the telephone 202 and the PC 301 are used in combination by the user A, and the user A has, for example, a telephone number “0” of the telephone 202 as a telephone number.
3-222-1111 ", PC301 as the fax number
The telephone number and the FAX number are notified to the business partner or the like using the business card on which the number “03-2221-1115” is written. Similarly, telephone 203 and PC 302 are connected to user B
Telephone 204 and PC
Reference numeral 303 is used by the user C in combination.

Referring to FIG. 3, when the L1 and L2 polarity reversal and call signals arrive from the local exchange (hereinafter referred to as the exchange) connected to the line 105, these are detected by the NCU 111, and by this detection, shown in FIG. The flow starts.

First, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
The P relay in the NCU 111 is closed by U101 to form a DC loop state, and a response is made by a primary response signal (step S1). Next, the PB signal transmitted from the exchange is detected by the modem 110 via the NCU 111, and the extension designation number (in this case, the last digit) is detected based on the PB signal. When the detection of the extension designation number is recognized by the CPU 101, the P relay in the NCU 111 is opened by the CPU 101 and the DC loop state is cut off (step S2).

The extension designation number indicated by the PB signal is 1
Is determined (step S3). If the extension designation number is one of 1-3, C is determined.
The telephone to which the corresponding telephone number is assigned is called by the PU 101 (step S4). When the called telephone goes off-hook, a DC loop is formed again, and the switch performs the L1 and L2 polarity reversal. The transition to the talk state is performed by the L1, L2 polarity return.

On the other hand, if the extension designation number detected based on the PB signal is not one of 1 to 3 (step S3), the CPU 101 closes the P relay in the NCU 111 after elapse of 0.3 seconds or more. (Step S
5) When the NCU 111 detects L1 and L2 polarity reversal of the exchange, facsimile communication is performed by transmitting a CED and DIS signal from the modem 110, and data is received (step S6).

Next, it is determined whether or not the extension designation number detected based on the PB signal is 4 (step S).
7) If the detected extension designation number is 4, the received data is printed out by the printer 107 (step S8).

On the other hand, the detected extension designation number is 4
If not (step S7), it is determined whether the detected extension designation number is 5 to 7, and the RA is determined.
By reading the table held in M106 and searching the read table using the determined extension designation number, a PC corresponding to the determined extension designation number is specified (step S9). Then, the received data is transferred to the specified PC via the LAN (step S10). The PC to which the data has been transferred displays the data transferred by the FAX client program on a display such as a CRT. Regarding the data display on the PC, first, a message for notifying the user that there is received data is displayed, and then the user waits for a key input for instructing the display of the received data, and then displays the received data. Various display control methods, such as setting for display, can be used.

As described above, each FAX number “03-222”
-1115 "," 03-222-1116 "," 03-
222-1117 "is sent to the corresponding P
C301, 302, and 303 are reliably delivered.

In this embodiment, the fax numbers "03-222-1115" and "03-222-111"
6 "and" 03-222-1117 ", the corresponding PC is not printed out.
Although they are transferred to 301, 302, and 303,
Instead, each FAX number “03-222-111”
5 "," 03-222-1116 "," 03-222-
It is also possible to print out the data sent to “1117” and transmit a reception notification indicating that the data has been received to the corresponding PCs 301, 302, and 303.

In this embodiment, a PC is shown as an example of a terminal connected to the LAN. However, another information terminal such as a workstation may be connected instead of the PC.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows a DRP applied to the communication apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a waveform chart showing an example of a pattern of a D CI signal.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a means corresponding to the DRPD is provided instead of the means for setting the dial-in service to be enjoyable.

As described above, the dial-in service is a service implemented in Japan, and there is a service in the United States called DRPD in which a plurality of telephone numbers are assigned to one line in the same manner as this dial-in service. This service called DRPD (Distinctive ringing)
The pattern of the call signal (CI signal) that comes first from the exchange differs depending on the contracted telephone number. Therefore,
Instead of the means corresponding to the dial-in service, DRP
If the means corresponding to D is provided, the present invention can be implemented in the United States.

Next, a method for realizing means corresponding to DRPD will be described with reference to FIG.

For example, the PCs 301 and 3 shown in FIG.
Assuming that the telephone numbers 02 and 303 are contracted using the DRPD, as shown in FIG.
The waveform of the standard ring pattern is stored in “3-222-1115”, and the telephone number of the PC 302 is “03-222-
1116 "has a double ring pattern waveform
Triple ring pattern (short-short-long) for 303's phone number "03-222-1117"
Are assigned as the waveforms of the CI signals. The contractor associates the waveform pattern of each CI signal with a telephone number and registers it in a table. From this table P
C can be specified.

In the waveform of the standard ring pattern, the level HI portion is a portion where a signal of 20 Hz is continuous, and the LO portion is a non-signal portion, and a signal obtained by repeating this pattern periodically becomes a CI signal. . double·
Similarly, the waveforms of the ring pattern and the triple ring pattern are periodically repeated to generate the corresponding CI signals. Therefore, C detected by NCU 111
The I signal is converted into a waveform shown in FIG.
By inputting 01, the waveform pattern can be recognized, and the assigned telephone number can be determined from the waveform pattern.

As described above, if the telephone number can be determined, the PC can be specified as in the first embodiment, and the received data can be distributed to the specified PC.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in the third embodiment of the communication device of the present invention.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that, when information from a line is received, the identified telephone number is transmitted to a predetermined PC among the PCs via the LAN. Requesting to specify the PC to which the received information is to be distributed based on the identified telephone number, and receiving the terminal device specifying information returned from the predetermined PC in response to the request via the LAN. And the PC specified by the terminal specifying information.
In that information received via the LAN is delivered to the server. The configuration example using this communication device is the same as the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, and the assignment of telephone numbers is also the same. In the present embodiment, the PC 302 is assigned as a predetermined PC, and the PC 302
A table that describes the correspondence between 1, 302, and 303 and the telephone numbers assigned to them is held, and a PC to which the received information is to be distributed based on the identified telephone numbers and the table is specified. Generate terminal device identification information.

Next, an operation procedure in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that here, only the portions different from the above-described first embodiment will be described, and the same steps as those shown in FIG. 4 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the detected extension designation number is not 4 (step S7), it is determined whether the detected extension designation number is 5 to 7, and the determined extension designation number is determined. Is notified to the PC 2 serving as a server (step S21). PC2 notified of extension designation number
Then, the table is searched using the notified extension designation number, and the PC corresponding to the extension designation number is specified.
When the PC is specified by the PC 2, PC specifying information indicating the specified PC is transmitted from the PC 2 to the facsimile apparatus 201 via the LAN, and the facsimile apparatus 201
Receives the personal computer specifying information (step S22). Then, the PC to which the data is to be delivered is specified based on the PC specifying information, and the received data is added to the specified PC.
The data is transferred via the AN (step S23). The PC to which the data has been transferred displays the data transferred by the FAX client program on a display such as a CRT.

As described above, each FAX number “03-222”
-1115 "," 03-222-1116 "," 03-
222-1117 "is sent to the corresponding P
C301, 302, and 303 are reliably delivered.

In this embodiment, the example in which the dial-in service is applied has been described. However, as in the second embodiment, the means corresponding to the DRPD is used instead of the means corresponding to the dial-in service. Can be applied to DRPD.

Further, the facsimile machine 201
When receiving the information from PC 15, the determined telephone number and the received information are transmitted to the PC 2 via the LAN, and based on this telephone number, the PC to which the received information is to be distributed is specified and the specified PC is specified. It is also possible to request the PC to distribute the received information, specify the PC to which the received information is to be distributed in the PC 2, and distribute the received information to the specified PC. .

[0073]

As described above, according to the communication apparatus of the first aspect, it is set that the service of allocating a plurality of telephone numbers to one line of the telephone line can be enjoyed. Service correspondence means for identifying a used telephone number among a plurality of telephone numbers allocated by a service at the time of an incoming call, and a correspondence relationship between a plurality of terminal devices and each telephone number by a service allocated to each terminal device. Management information holding means for holding management information; and a telephone number identified by the service correspondence means and management information held in the management information holding means when information from the telephone line is received via the interface of the telephone line. Specifying means for specifying a terminal device to which the information received based on the information is to be distributed, and a network interface to the terminal device specified by the specifying means. Distribution means for distributing predetermined information indicating that at least the information for the specified terminal device has been received via the network, there is no need to add additional information other than the telephone number, and an extra The data received via the telephone line can be reliably delivered to the terminal device on the network as the delivery destination without any trouble.

According to the communication device of the second aspect, the predetermined information distributed by the distribution means can be used as the received information.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the communication apparatus further comprises a reception information output means for outputting the received information,
The reception information indicating that the information for the terminal device specified by the distribution unit is received is distributed to the specified terminal device as predetermined information, and the information received by the reception information output unit is output. Can be.

According to the communication device of the fourth aspect, a dial-in service can be applied as a service.

According to the communication device of the fifth aspect, DRPD can be applied as a service.

According to the communication apparatus of the sixth aspect, the service for assigning a plurality of telephone numbers to one of the telephone lines is set to be available, and the service is allocated by the service when a call is received from the telephone line. Service corresponding means for identifying a telephone number used among a plurality of telephone numbers, and a predetermined terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices when information from the telephone line is received via an interface of the telephone line. Requesting means for transmitting, via a network interface, a telephone number identified by the service correspondence means, and requesting to specify a terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the identified telephone number; Receiving, via a network interface, terminal device identification information returned from the terminal device in response to the request from the requesting means,
Distribution means for distributing predetermined information indicating that at least the information for the specified terminal device has been received to the terminal device specified by the terminal specifying information via the network interface; It is not necessary to add information, and it is possible to reliably deliver data received via a telephone line to a terminal device on a network to which the data is to be delivered, without adding extra work to the transmission source.

According to the communication device of the present invention, the predetermined terminal device holds management information indicating the correspondence between each terminal device and each telephone number according to the service assigned to the terminal device, and the service correspondence means A terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed can be specified based on the identified telephone number and the management information to generate the terminal device specifying information.

According to the communication device of the eighth aspect, the predetermined information distributed by the distribution means can be the received information.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the communication apparatus further comprises a reception information output means for outputting the received information,
The reception information indicating that the information for the terminal device specified by the distribution unit is received is distributed to the specified terminal device as predetermined information, and the information received by the reception information output unit is output. Can be.

According to the communication device of the tenth aspect, a dial-in service can be applied as a service.

According to the communication apparatus of the eleventh aspect, DRPD can be applied as a service.

According to the communication apparatus of the twelfth aspect, the service of assigning a plurality of telephone numbers to one of the telephone lines is set to be available, and the service is allocated by the service when receiving a call from the telephone line. Service corresponding means for identifying a used telephone number of the plurality of telephone numbers;
When information from the telephone line is received through the interface of the telephone line, a predetermined terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices transmits the telephone number identified by the service correspondence unit and the received information to the network interface. Request means for transmitting the received information to the specified terminal device by specifying the terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the identified telephone number and transmitting the received information to the specified terminal device. It is not necessary to add additional information other than the number, and the data received via the telephone line can be reliably delivered to the terminal device on the network to which the data is to be delivered, without adding extra work to the transmission source. .

According to the communication device of the thirteenth aspect, the predetermined terminal device holds the management information indicating the correspondence between each terminal device and each telephone number according to the service assigned to the terminal device, and the service correspondence means stores the management information. The terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed is specified based on the identified telephone number and the management information, and the received information can be distributed to the specified terminal device.

According to the communication device of the fourteenth aspect, a dial-in service can be applied as a service.

According to the communication device of the fifteenth aspect, DRPD can be applied as a service.

According to the information distribution method of the present invention,
Holding management information indicating the correspondence between the plurality of terminal devices and the respective telephone numbers by the services assigned to each of the plurality of terminal devices, and utilizing the plurality of telephone numbers assigned by the service when receiving a call from the telephone line; Identifying the received telephone number, and, when information from the telephone line is received via the interface of the telephone line, a distribution destination of the received information based on the identified telephone number and the management information. Telephone terminal, comprising the steps of: identifying a terminal device, and distributing predetermined information indicating that information for at least the identified terminal device has been received via the network interface to the identified terminal device. There is no need to add additional information other than the above, and the data received via the telephone line can be It can be delivered reliably to the terminal on the network.

According to the information distribution method of claim 17,
Identifying a used telephone number among a plurality of telephone numbers allocated by the service when receiving a call from the telephone line; and receiving information from the telephone line via the telephone line interface. Transmitting the identified telephone number to a predetermined one of the terminal devices via a network interface, and requesting to identify a terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the identified telephone number. Receiving the terminal device specifying information returned in response to the request from the predetermined terminal device via the network interface, and at least specifying the terminal device specified by the terminal specifying information via the network interface to the terminal device specified by the terminal specifying information. Distributing predetermined information indicating that the information for the terminal device has been received. Addition there is no need to, without being multiplied by the extra work to the source, can be reliably delivered to the terminal device on the network to be the destination of data received via the telephone line.

According to the information distribution method of the eighteenth aspect,
In a predetermined terminal device, holding management information indicating a correspondence relationship between each terminal device and each telephone number according to the service assigned to each terminal device, and a distribution destination of information received based on the identified telephone number and the management information. It can be configured to specify the terminal device to generate the terminal device specifying information.

According to the information distribution method of the nineteenth aspect,
Identifying a used telephone number among a plurality of telephone numbers allocated by the service when receiving a call from the telephone line; and receiving information from the telephone line via the telephone line interface. The identified telephone number and the received information are transmitted to a predetermined one of the terminal devices via the network interface, and the terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed is specified based on the identified telephone number. And a step of requesting distribution of the received information to the specified terminal device, thereby eliminating the need to add additional information other than a telephone number, Can be reliably distributed to terminal devices on a network that is a distribution destination via the network.

According to the information distribution method of claim 20,
A predetermined terminal device holds management information indicating a relationship between each terminal device and each telephone number according to the service assigned to each terminal device, and serves as a distribution destination of information received based on the identified telephone number and the management information. The terminal device may be configured to be specified, and the received information may be distributed to the specified terminal device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first embodiment of a communication device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example in a case where the communication device of FIG. 1 is connected to a LAN and set to be able to receive a dial-in service;

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a connection operation when the communication device of FIG. 1 is set to be able to receive a dial-in service.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the communication apparatus of FIG. 1 is connected to a LAN and set to be able to receive a dial-in service.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration example when the communication device of FIG. 1 is set to be able to receive a dial-in service.

FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram showing a pattern example of a DRPD CI signal applied to the second embodiment of the communication device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in a third embodiment of the communication device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 CPU 106 RAM 107 Printer 109 ROM 110 Modem 111 NCU 112 LAN control unit 115 Line 201 Facsimile machine 202, 203, 204 Telephone 301, 302, 303 PC

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A LAN to which a plurality of terminal devices are connected
In a communication device having an interface for each of a network and a telephone line, a service for allocating a plurality of telephone numbers to one of the telephone lines is set to be available so that a call can be received from the telephone line. A service correspondence unit for identifying a used telephone number among the plurality of telephone numbers assigned by the service, and a correspondence relationship between the plurality of terminal devices and each telephone number by the service respectively assigned to the plurality of terminal devices. A management information holding unit for holding management information, and a telephone number identified by the service correspondence unit and information held by the management information holding unit when information from the telephone line is received via an interface of the telephone line. Specifying a terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the management information And a distribution unit that distributes at least predetermined information indicating that information for the specified terminal device has been received to the terminal device specified by the specifying unit via the interface of the network. Communication device. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information distributed by the distribution unit is the received information. And a receiving information output unit for outputting the received information, wherein reception notification information indicating that the information for the terminal device specified by the distribution unit has been received is set as the predetermined information. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device distributes the received information to the specified terminal device, and outputs the received information by the reception information output unit. 4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the service is a dial-in service. 5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the service is DRPD. 6. A communication apparatus having an interface for each of a telephone line and a network such as a LAN to which a plurality of terminals are connected.
A service for allocating a plurality of telephone numbers to one line is set to be available, and a used telephone number among the plurality of telephone numbers allocated by the service when receiving a call from the telephone line is identified. Service correspondence means, when information from the telephone line is received via the interface of the telephone line, a telephone number identified by the service correspondence means to a predetermined terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices, Requesting means for transmitting via a network interface and requesting to specify a terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the identified telephone number; and a request from the requesting means from the predetermined terminal device. Receiving the terminal device specifying information returned in response to the network interface via the network interface, and specifying the terminal device specifying information by the terminal specifying information. Communication device characterized by comprising a delivering device for delivering predetermined information indicating the reception of the information of at least the identified terminal device for through an interface of the network to the terminal device. 7. The predetermined terminal device stores management information indicating a correspondence between each of the terminal devices and each of the telephone numbers according to the service assigned to the terminal device. 7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein a terminal device to which the received information is distributed is specified based on the management information to generate the terminal device specifying information. 8. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined information distributed by the distribution unit is the received information. 9. A reception information output unit for outputting the received information, wherein reception notification information indicating that the information for the specified terminal device has been received by the distribution unit is used as the predetermined information. 8. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the communication device distributes the received information to the specified terminal device and outputs the received information by the reception information output unit. 10. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the service is a dial-in service. 11. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the service is DRPD. 12. A communication apparatus having an interface for each of a telephone line and a network such as a LAN to which a plurality of terminals are connected, wherein a service for allocating a plurality of telephone numbers to one of the telephone lines is available. Service responding means for setting to be available and identifying a telephone number used among the plurality of telephone numbers assigned by the service when receiving a call from the telephone line; and transmitting information from the telephone line to the telephone line. When receiving via the interface of the line, the telephone number identified by the service corresponding means and the received information are transmitted to the predetermined terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices via the interface of the network. Identifying a terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the identified telephone number, Requesting means for requesting distribution of the received information to the specified terminal device. 13. The predetermined terminal device holds management information indicating a correspondence relationship between each terminal device and each telephone number according to the service assigned to the terminal device, and the telephone number identified by the service correspondence unit. 13. The communication device according to claim 12, wherein a terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed is specified based on the management information and the terminal device, and the received information is distributed to the specified terminal device. 14. The communication device according to claim 12, wherein the service is a dial-in service. 15. The communication device according to claim 12, wherein the service is DRPD. 16. An LA to which a plurality of terminal devices are connected
N. An information distribution method used for a communication apparatus having an interface for each of a network such as N and a telephone line, and setting to be able to receive a service of allocating a plurality of telephone numbers to one of the telephone lines. Holding management information indicating a correspondence relationship between each of the plurality of terminal devices and each of the service-assigned telephone numbers; and the plurality of telephone numbers assigned by the service when a call is received from the telephone line. Identifying information on the telephone number used, and when information from the telephone line is received via the interface of the telephone line, the received information is converted into the identified telephone number and the management information. Specifying a terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the network information to the specified terminal device. Information distribution method characterized in that via the interface and a step of delivering the predetermined information indicating the reception of the information of at least the identified terminal device for. 17. A service that has an interface for each of a telephone line and a network such as a LAN to which a plurality of terminals are connected, and is set to receive a service of assigning a plurality of telephone numbers to one of the telephone lines in an available manner. An information distribution method used in a communication device, comprising: identifying a used telephone number among the plurality of telephone numbers assigned by the service when receiving a call from the telephone line; and When the information is received via the telephone line interface, the identified telephone number is transmitted to a predetermined terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices via the network interface, and the identified telephone number is transmitted. Requesting to identify a terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the
A terminal device identification information returned in response to the request from the predetermined terminal device is received via the network interface, and at least the terminal device identified by the terminal identification information is transmitted to the terminal device via the network interface. Distributing predetermined information indicating that the information for the specified terminal device has been received. 18. The predetermined terminal device holds management information indicating a correspondence relationship between each of the terminal devices and each of the telephone numbers according to the service assigned to the terminal device. 18. The information distribution method according to claim 17, wherein the terminal device identification information is generated by specifying a terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the information. 19. A service which has an interface for each of a telephone line and a network such as a LAN to which a plurality of terminals are connected, and is set so as to receive a service of allocating a plurality of telephone numbers to one of said telephone lines in an available manner. An information distribution method used for a communication device, comprising: identifying a used telephone number among the plurality of telephone numbers assigned by the service when receiving a call from the telephone line; and When receiving the information from the telephone line via the interface, the identified telephone number and the received information are transmitted to a predetermined terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices via the network interface. Identifying the terminal device to which the received information is to be distributed based on the identified telephone number, and Requesting the terminal device to distribute the received information to the terminal device. 20. The predetermined terminal device stores management information indicating a relationship between each of the terminal devices and each of the telephone numbers according to the service assigned thereto, and stores the management information in the identified telephone number and the management information. 2. A terminal device to which a distribution destination of the received information is specified based on the received information, and the received information is distributed to the specified terminal device.
9. The information distribution method according to item 9.