JP2007235675A - Data communication apparatus and device management system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a data communication apparatus that performs data communication while effectively utilizing a facsimile transmission priority function by sharing a communication line with an external apparatus having a facsimile function, and a device management system using the data communication apparatus.
An image forming apparatus management system 1 shares a facsimile apparatus FX and PSTN 4, and a data communication apparatus DS connected to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn centrally manages management information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn. When performing the facsimile transmission priority function processing for performing the data transmission to be transmitted to the apparatus CS and prioritizing the facsimile transmission using the PSTN 4 by the facsimile apparatus FX over the data communication, the calling method of the facsimile apparatus FX is automatically determined, The facsimile transmission priority function is switched between invalid and valid depending on whether the calling method is a blind dial method or a dial tone detection method.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a data communication device and a device management system, and more particularly, to a data communication device that performs data communication by sharing a communication line with an external device having a facsimile function, and a device management system using the data communication device.

  Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus management system for remotely managing image forming apparatuses such as printers, copying apparatuses, facsimile apparatuses, composite apparatuses, etc., one or a plurality of apparatuses installed at an unspecified number of customers (users) A central management apparatus installed in a management center (sales of image forming apparatuses, service bases, etc.) using a data communication apparatus (communication adapter) and a public line or other communication line. 2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatus management systems are known that connect and perform data communication of management information via a line and a data communication apparatus with a central management apparatus to remotely manage the image forming apparatus (Patent Documents 1 to 3, etc.) reference).

  In such a conventional image forming apparatus management system, when the data communication apparatus is directly connected to the public line, the central management apparatus accesses (sends) the customer's data communication apparatus with the customer. DTMF signal (ID tone signal) which is a communication identification signal indicating that communication is from the central management device from the beginning by dialing the previous telephone number (phone number of the line to which the data communication device is connected) ) To access the data communication device.

  In this case, when installing the image forming apparatus at the customer site, it is necessary to install a data communication apparatus in order to enable communication with the central management apparatus. Since a dedicated line was used to connect the management apparatus, there was a problem that the communication cost increased.

  Therefore, in recent years, as an image forming apparatus management system, a data communication apparatus using a line for an external device (facsimile device or the like) having a facsimile function owned by a user or a device (external device) with a communication function such as a telephone device. Has come to be used.

  In such an image forming apparatus management system using a data communication apparatus that uses a line for an external device, when the image forming apparatus to be managed is installed at a customer site, the external apparatus with a communication function (for example, has a facsimile function) It is necessary to provide a data communication apparatus connected to both the external device) and the image forming apparatus to be managed between the public line, and the data communication apparatus is connected to the image forming apparatus connecting unit for connecting the image forming apparatus to be managed. In addition, it is necessary to provide an external device connection unit for connecting an external device having a facsimile function.

  In such an image forming apparatus management system using a data communication apparatus, when the central management apparatus accesses the customer's data communication apparatus, it dials and calls the customer's telephone number. Data communication apparatus by sending out a DTMF signal at a timing when an external device having a facsimile function connected to the data communication apparatus is off-hooked by receiving an incoming call from the public line (receiving a call signal) and capturing the communication line However, this DTMF signal is detected, an external device having a facsimile function is disconnected from the public line, and communication is performed with the central management apparatus.

  Further, in this image forming apparatus management system, when the user's facsimile transmission is prioritized over the communication of the image forming apparatus management system, an off-hook of an external device having a facsimile function is detected during the communication of the image forming apparatus management system. A data communication apparatus and an image forming apparatus management system having a facsimile transmission priority function for quickly terminating communication of the image forming apparatus management system and surrendering a line to an external device having a facsimile function have been proposed ( (See Patent Literature 4, Patent Literature 5, etc.).

  In such an image forming apparatus management system having a facsimile transmission priority function, when an off-hook of an external device having a facsimile function is detected during communication of the image forming apparatus management system, the communication of the image forming apparatus management system is terminated. In order for the exchange to recognize that the communication has ended, it is necessary to notify the on-hook state for a certain period of time, and after a certain period of time has elapsed, the line is transferred to an external device having a facsimile function. ing.

  On the other hand, there are two types of automatic call methods for external devices that have a facsimile function: a blind dial method that starts dialing after a certain period of time after on-hook, and a dial tone detection method that starts dialing after detecting a dial tone after on-hook. There are two types.

  Of these, in the case of the blind dial method, the dialing is started during the on-hook state notification process for making the previous exchange recognize that the communication has been completed, or before the exchange is ready to accept the dialed number. There is a possibility, and when such a situation occurs, the number at the head of the dialed number may not be correctly notified to the exchange, which may lead to erroneous transmission.

  Therefore, in the conventional image forming apparatus management system having the facsimile transmission priority function, if the calling method of the external device having the facsimile function installed is the blind dial system, the facsimile transmission priority function is invalidated, and the image forming apparatus Even if an on-hook of an external device having a facsimile function is detected during communication of the management system, the setting is made to continue communication of the image forming apparatus management system, and the calling method of the external device having the facsimile function installed is a dial tone. Only when the detection method is used, the facsimile transmission priority function is set to be valid.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-188639 JP 2001-7943 A JP 2002-79723 A JP 2002-185753 A JP 2002-190873 A

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus management system having the facsimile transmission priority function, whether the calling method of the external device having the facsimile function installed is the blind dial method or the dial tone detection method. Since it is difficult for human beings to determine, if there is an external device with a facsimile function provided by the same manufacturer that provides the image forming apparatus management system, the facsimile priority function is selected according to the calling method. It is difficult to determine the calling method as described above when an external device having a facsimile function provided by another manufacturer is also provided. Therefore, it is often used with settings that disable the facsimile transmission priority function. There is a problem that it is impossible to effectively utilize the Kushimiri transmission priority function.

  When an image forming apparatus management system having a facsimile transmission priority function is constructed, an external device having a dial tone detection type facsimile function is connected, and the operation of the image forming apparatus management system is set to enable the facsimile transmission priority function. When the user replaces the external device having the facsimile function with the blind dial type external device after the start, there is a problem that the external device having the facsimile function may be erroneously transmitted.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a data communication apparatus and a device management system that effectively utilize a facsimile transmission priority function while appropriately preventing erroneous transmission of an external device having a facsimile function that is provided side by side with a line shared. The purpose is that.

  The data communication apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention shares a predetermined communication line with an external device having a facsimile function and performs data communication via the communication line, and a facsimile using the communication line by the external device. A data communication apparatus having a facsimile transmission priority function that prioritizes transmission over the data communication, and automatically determines whether the call method of the external device is a blind dial method or a dial tone detection method, If it is determined that the calling method of the device is a blind dial method, the facsimile transmission priority function is set to be invalid. If the calling method of the external device is determined to be a dial tone detection method, the facsimile transmission priority function is set. By setting it to be effective, the above object is achieved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device management system for sharing a predetermined communication line with an external device having a facsimile function, connecting a managed device, or a data communication device built in the managed device, and the managed device. A management device that remotely manages a device is connected via the communication line, and the data communication device acquires predetermined management information from the managed device and manages the management information via the communication line. Data communication to be transmitted to the device or data communication to transmit the management information between the management target device and the management device by connecting the management target device and the management device via the communication line, A device management system having a facsimile transmission priority function that gives priority to facsimile transmission using the communication line by the external device over the data communication. The data communication apparatus automatically determines whether the call method of the external device is a blind dial method or a dial tone detection method, and the call method of the external device is a blind dial method. The facsimile transmission priority function is set to be invalid, and when the calling method of the external device is determined to be a dial tone detection method, the facsimile transmission priority function is enabled to achieve the above-described object. is doing.

  In each of the above cases, for example, when the data communication device detects an off-hook of the external device during the data communication, the data communication device transmits a dial number by the external device. When the dial number detection means detects that the external device is on-hook while the dial number detection means detects that the dial number has not been transmitted, the call method of the external device is dialed. It may be determined that the method is a tone detection method, and the facsimile transmission priority function may be set to be valid.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 4, the data communication apparatus includes a calling method storage unit that stores a detected calling method of the external device, and the detected calling method is stored in the calling method storage unit. When the hook state detecting means detects off-hook of the external device during the data communication in the state where the dial tone detection method is stored as, a pseudo dial tone is sent from the pseudo dial tone sending means to the external device. The transmission of the dial number by the external device is monitored by the dial number detection means, and the hook state detection means monitors the on-hook of the external device, and before the hook state detection means detects the on-hook of the external device. When the dial number detecting means detects the transmission of the dial number by the external device, the calling method of the external device is It determines that the Yaruton detection method, or may be enabled to set the facsimile transmission priority function.

  Further, for example, the data communication device includes a facsimile signal storage means for storing a DIS signal / NSF signal transmitted from the external device, and the DIS signal / NSF transmitted from the external device. When the signal is sequentially stored in the facsimile signal storage means and the DIS signal / NSF signal transmitted from the external device is different from the DIS signal / NSF signal already stored in the facsimile signal storage means, the facsimile transmission priority function May be set to be invalid.

  According to the data communication apparatus of the present invention, the calling method of an external device having a facsimile function for sharing a communication line is automatically determined, and if the calling method of the external device is a blind dial method, the facsimile transmission priority function is disabled. If the dialing tone detection method of the external device is set to, the facsimile transmission priority function is enabled, so if the off-hook of the external device is detected during data communication, the data communication is immediately terminated. Enable / disable the facsimile transmission priority function to transfer the line to the external device in accordance with the calling method of the external device, and prevent erroneous transmission of the external device sharing the communication line. On the other hand, the facsimile transmission priority function can be effectively used and data communication can be performed at low cost.

  Further, according to the device management system of the present invention, a predetermined communication line is shared with an external device having a facsimile function, and the connection of the management target device or the data communication device built in the management target device is the management target device. To the management device that remotely manages the management information of the managed device or data communication that transmits the management information by connecting the management target device to the management device and uses the communication line of the external device When executing the facsimile transmission priority function process that prioritizes the facsimile transmission over the data communication, the data communication apparatus automatically determines the calling method of the external device, and the calling method of the external device is the blind dial method. Disable the facsimile transmission priority function and set the external device's calling method to dial tone detection. Then, since the facsimile transmission priority function is set to be valid, the validity / invalidity of the facsimile transmission priority function can be appropriately set according to the calling method of the external device, and the error of the external device sharing the communication line can be set. While appropriately preventing outgoing calls, the facsimile transmission priority function can be used effectively, and data communication can be performed at low cost to properly manage the equipment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, since the Example described below is a suitable Example of this invention, various technically preferable restrictions are attached | subjected, However, The scope of the present invention limits this invention especially in the following description. As long as there is no description of the effect, it is not restricted to these aspects.

  1 to 4 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a data communication apparatus and device management system according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an image forming system to which the embodiment of the data communication apparatus and device management system according to the present invention is applied. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a device management system 1. FIG.

  In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus management system (equipment management system) 1 includes a central management apparatus (management apparatus) CS of a central management center 2 and a data communication apparatus DS of a customer 3 in a PSTN (predetermined communication line). Public Switched Telephone Network (General Public Telephone Network) 4 is connected, and the customer 3 further includes a data communication device DS, a facsimile device (external device having a facsimile function) FX, and a plurality of image forming devices (managed objects). Device) GK1 to GKn and the like are connected. The facsimile apparatus FX is connected to a data communication apparatus DS and a network NW such as an internal line Li and a LAN (Local Area Network). The image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn are connected to the data communication apparatus DS via the network NW. It is connected.

  The image forming apparatus management system 1 includes various management information necessary for the data communication apparatus DS to manage the states of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn connected to the data communication apparatus DS, for example, operation state information, abnormality In response to a request for acquisition of management information from the central management device CS, the acquired management information is transmitted to the central management device CS in response to acquisition of stop state information, abnormality cause information, and the like from the image forming devices GK1 to GKn. As will be described later, a facsimile that automatically determines the calling method of the facsimile apparatus FX connected as an external device having a facsimile function to the data communication apparatus DS and enables or disables the facsimile transmission priority function. Executes transmission priority function control processing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the data communication apparatus DS includes a control unit 11, a system memory 12, a parameter memory 13, a plurality of serial I / Fs 14, a LAN I / F 15, a modem 16, a SiDAA (silicon data access arrangement) 17, a LINE ( Line) terminal 18, FAX (fax) terminal 19, switch 20, hook state detection unit 21, DC supply circuit 22, dial tone transmission unit 23, DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) receiver 24, etc., and LINE terminal 18 Is connected to the PSTN4 telephone line. The data communication device DS has a function of sharing a line (PSTN4) with an external device having a facsimile function such as a CSS (remote diagnosis) line adapter or a Basil Type-L or Cumin-M.

  In the data communication apparatus DS, a facsimile apparatus FX is connected to the FAX terminal 19 via an internal line Li.

  The LINE terminal 18 is connected to the SiDAA 16 and the switching terminal 20b of the switch 20, and the switch 20 has a common terminal 20a and two switching terminals 20b and 20c, and the LINE terminal 18 is connected to the switching terminal 20b. Has been. A hook state detector 21 and a DC supply circuit 22 are connected to the switching terminal 20c of the switch 20, and a FAX terminal 19 to which the facsimile apparatus FX is connected is connected to the common terminal 20a of the switch 20. .

  The switch 20 switches the switching piece 20d connected to the common terminal 20a between the switching terminal 20b and the switching terminal 20c under the control of the control unit 11, and the common terminal 20a is switched to the switching terminal 20b. Switch to the switching terminal 20c for connection.

  The DC supply circuit 22 supplies a DC power source to the facsimile apparatus FX side in order to detect an off-hook state of the facsimile apparatus FX via the switch 20 and the FAX terminal 19 in a state where the switch 20 is disconnected from the PSTN 4. The hook state detection unit (hook state detection means) 21 is connected to the facsimile apparatus FX via the switch 20 and the FAX terminal 19 while the switch 20 is disconnected from the PSTN 4. The state is detected and the detection result is output to the control unit 11, and the dial tone signal transmitted from the facsimile machine FX is detected and output to the control unit 11.

  The system memory (facsimile signal storage means) 12 automatically determines the basic program as the data communication device DS and the calling method of an external device having a facsimile function to be described later, and automatically sets the validity / invalidity of the facsimile transmission priority function. The facsimile transmission priority function automatic setting processing program and data necessary for executing each of these programs are stored, and also functions as a work memory for storing various data necessary for executing these programs. . The parameter memory 13 stores various types of information unique to the data communication device DS. In particular, the system memory 12 has a DIS signal (Digital Identification Signal) / NSF signal (non-standard function identification signal: Non Standard Facilities) transmitted from the facsimile apparatus FX as an external apparatus under the control of the control unit 11. Are sequentially stored.

  The control unit 11 controls each unit of the data communication device DS based on a program in the system memory 12, acquires management information of the image forming devices GK1 to GKn, and responds to a management information request from the central management device CS. The management information acquisition / notification processing for notifying the acquired management information is performed, and the calling method of the facsimile apparatus FX connected as an external device having a facsimile function to the FAX terminal 19 is automatically determined, and the calling method is determined. Facsimile transmission priority function control processing for automatically setting the validity / invalidity of the facsimile transmission priority function in response to is executed. That is, the data communication apparatus DS prioritizes facsimile transmission of the facsimile apparatus FX over data communication with the central management apparatus CS (hereinafter referred to as system information communication), so that the facsimile apparatus FX is in communication during system information communication. When the off-hook is detected, the system information communication is immediately terminated and the facsimile apparatus FX is provided with a facsimile transmission priority function for surrendering the line to the PSTN 4, and the facsimile apparatus FX makes a call to enable / disable the facsimile transmission priority function. Control is performed based on the result of system discrimination.

  The serial I / F 14 and the LAN I / F 15 are connected to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn. As the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, for example, a copying apparatus, a printer apparatus, a composite apparatus or the like is used, and at least an image forming function is used. have.

  In the data communication apparatus DS, the control unit 11 exchanges data and control signals with the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn via the serial I / F 14 and the LAN I / F15, and management information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn. For example, the operation state, the abnormal stop state, the cause of the abnormality, and the like are acquired from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn and stored in the system memory 12.

  When there is a management information acquisition request from the central management device CS via the LINE terminal 18, the data communication device DS receives the management information acquired and stored in the system memory 12 by the PSTN 4 connected to the LINE terminal 18. To the central management device CS.

  The modem 16 modulates the digital data transmitted to the PSTN 4 via the SiDAA 16 into an analog signal, while demodulating the analog signal received from the PSTN 4 via the SiDAA 16 into digital data.

  The SiDAA 16 is an interface between the PSTN 4 connected to the LINE terminal 18 and the modem 16, detects a ringing signal, detects an open loop / closed loop state of the line, and outputs a detection result to the control unit 11.

  The dial tone sending unit (pseudo dial tone sending means) 23 detects the hook state when the switching piece 20d of the switch 20 is switched from the switching terminal 20b on the LINE terminal 18 side to the switching terminal 20c side, and the FAX terminal 17 is disconnected from the PSTN4. In a state where the unit 21 is connected to the DTMF receiver (dial number detecting means) 24 side, a pseudo dial tone is sent to the FAX terminal 18, that is, the facsimile machine FX, and the DTMF receiver 24 receives the FAX terminal 17 as described above. Is disconnected from the PSTN 4, the DTMF signal transmitted from the facsimile machine FX is detected via the FAX terminal 18 and the switch 20, and the detection result is output to the control unit 11.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus management system 1 according to this embodiment, the data communication apparatus DS acquires management information and the like of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn connected to the data communication apparatus DS from the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn. In response to a management information acquisition request from the central management device CS, the acquired management information is transmitted to the central management device CS, and is connected to the data communication device DS as an external device having a facsimile function. A facsimile transmission priority function control process for determining whether to enable or disable the facsimile transmission priority function is executed by automatically determining the FX calling method.

  That is, the data communication device DS communicates with each of the image forming devices GK1 to GKn connected to the serial I / F 14 and the LAN I / F 15 at a predetermined timing, and operates state information of each of the image forming devices GK1 to GKn. Then, management information such as abnormal stop state information and abnormality cause information is acquired from each of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, and the acquired management information is stored in the system memory 12.

  In the data communication device DS, the facsimile transmission priority function is set to invalid in the initial state, and the setting state of validity / invalidity of this facsimile transmission priority function is stored in the system memory 12, for example, the facsimile transmission priority function. Stored as setting information. Further, the data communication device DS has an external device having a facsimile function connected to the FAX terminal 19 in its system memory 12, for example, a calling method of the facsimile device FX, that is, a blind dial method or a dial tone. As a determination condition for determining whether or not the detection method is used, whether or not the facsimile apparatus FX makes a call in a no-dial tone (no dial tone) is adopted. Information on the calling method (blind dial method / dial tone detection method) determined based on the presence or absence of a call is stored in the system memory 12 as calling method information. That is, as described above, the blind dial method is a method for starting dialing after a certain time has elapsed after on-hook, and the dial tone detection method is for detecting a dial tone and starting dialing after on-hook. When the facsimile apparatus FX starts making a call in a no dial tone state, it can be determined that the facsimile apparatus FX is of the blind dial system.

  Then, the data communication device DS executes the facsimile transmission priority function control process as shown in FIGS. That is, in the data communication apparatus DS, in the standby state, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 11 checks whether there is FAX reception (facsimile reception) (step S101). It is checked whether there is a communication request (communication factor) from the CS (step S102). When no communication request has occurred, the process returns to the standby state.

  When there is a FAX reception in step S101, the control unit 11 monitors the DIS signal / NSF signal transmitted from the facsimile apparatus FX by the modem 16, and stores the information in the system memory 12 (step S103). This DIS signal / NSF signal is an ITU (International Telecommunication Union) -T recommendation T.264. 30 is a signal for notifying the other device of the reception capability of the facsimile apparatus FX, that is, a facsimile control signal having a facsimile function but capable of specifying a breath blower.

  When storing the DIS signal / NSF signal in the system memory 12, the control unit 11 checks whether it is different from the DIS signal / NSF signal stored in the system memory 12 at the previous facsimile reception (step S104). If there is, it is determined that the facsimile apparatus FX has not been changed since the previous reception, normal facsimile reception is performed, and the standby state is returned.

  In step S104, when the DIS signal / NSF signal acquired this time is different from the DIS signal / NSF signal acquired last time, the control unit 11 determines that the facsimile device FX, that is, the external device has been replaced and changed, and the system The blind dial method which is the initial call method is stored as the call method in the call method information in the memory 12 (step S105), and the facsimile transmission priority function is disabled as the facsimile transmission priority function setting information in the system memory 12. To return to the standby state (step S106).

  When there is no facsimile reception in step S101 and a communication request is generated from the central management device CS in step S102 (step S102), the control unit 11 starts system information communication with the central management device CS (step S107). It is checked whether the facsimile transmission priority function is disabled as the facsimile transmission priority function setting information in the system memory 12 (step S108).

  When the facsimile transmission priority function is set to invalid in step S108, the control unit 11 checks whether the facsimile apparatus FX is off-hooked (step S109), and when not off-hooked, the system information communication with the central management apparatus CS is performed. Whether or not the system information communication is not completed is checked (step S110). If the system information communication is not completed, the process returns to step S109 to check whether or not the facsimile apparatus FX is off-hook (step S109).

  When the system information communication with the central management apparatus CS is completed in step S110 without the facsimile apparatus FX being off-hooked in step S109, the control unit 11 returns to the standby state and performs the same process as described above from the process of whether or not the FAX is received. (Steps S101 to S110).

  When the facsimile apparatus FX is off-hooked in step S109, the control unit 11 checks whether or not the blind dial system is set and registered in the calling system information of the system memory 12 as the calling system of the current facsimile apparatus FX (step S111). When the blind dial method is registered as the calling method of the facsimile apparatus FX, the dial tone is not transmitted, that is, the silent transmission is performed (step S112), whether the facsimile apparatus FX is on-hook or the facsimile apparatus FX. Is checked based on the detection result of the hook state detection unit 21 and the detection result of the DTMF receiver 24 (steps S113 and S114).

  When the facsimile apparatus FX is on-hook in step S113, the control unit 11 determines that the calling system of the facsimile apparatus FX is the dial tone detection system because the facsimile apparatus FX does not perform dialing in the no dial tone state. Then, the dial tone detection method is stored in the system memory 12 as the calling method information of the facsimile apparatus FX (step S115), and the system returns to the standby state after the system information communication is completed (step S116).

  In step S114, if there is a dial transmission of the facsimile apparatus FX without the facsimile apparatus FX being on-hook, the control unit 11 causes the facsimile apparatus FX to perform a dial transmission in a no dial tone state. Is determined to be the currently set blind dial method, and the system returns to the standby state after waiting for the end of system information communication without rewriting the calling method in the system memory 12 (step S116).

  In step S111, when the blind dial method is not registered in the system memory 12 as the calling method of the current facsimile apparatus FX, that is, when the dial detection method is registered, the control unit 11 performs the step of FIG. In step S117, the dial tone sending unit 23 is driven to send a pseudo dial tone to the facsimile apparatus FX via the switch 20 and the FAX terminal 18 (step S117). A check is made based on the detection result of the DTMF receiver 24 (step S118).

  If there is a dial transmission from the facsimile apparatus FX in step S118, the control section 11 stops driving the dial tone transmission section 23 to stop the transmission of the pseudo dial tone (step S119), and the calling system of the facsimile apparatus FX. Is registered as it is as a dial tone detection method currently registered in the system memory 12 (step S120).

  Next, the control unit 11 sets the validity of the facsimile transmission priority function as the facsimile transmission priority function setting information in the system memory 12 (step S121), and proceeds to step S116 in FIG. 3 to end the system information communication. The process returns to the standby state (step S116).

  In step S118, when there is no dial transmission of the facsimile apparatus FX, the control unit 11 stops driving the dial tone transmission unit 23 to stop transmission of the pseudo dial tone (step S122). Since the facsimile apparatus FX does not dial, it is determined that the calling system of the facsimile apparatus FX is a blind dial system, and the calling system of the facsimile apparatus FX is changed from the dial tone detection system currently registered in the system memory 12. The setting is registered by changing to the blind dial method (step S123).

  Next, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S116 in FIG. 3, waits for the end of system information communication, returns to the standby state (step S116), and performs the same processing as above (steps S101 to S123).

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the data communication apparatus DS shares the facsimile apparatus FX and PSTN 4 and is connected to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn that are management target devices. The apparatus performs data communication for acquiring and transmitting management information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn to the central management apparatus CS that remotely manages the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, and performs facsimile transmission using the PSTN4 by the facsimile apparatus FX When performing the facsimile transmission priority function process for giving priority to the data communication, the data communication device DS automatically determines the calling method of the facsimile device FX, and the calling method of the facsimile device FX is a blind dial method. Facsimile transmission priority function is disabled and facsimile The calling method location FX is a dial tone detection method are set effectively facsimile transmission priority function.

  Accordingly, the validity / invalidity of the facsimile transmission priority function can be appropriately set according to the calling method of the facsimile apparatus FX, and the facsimile transmission priority function can be appropriately prevented while preventing erroneous transmission of the facsimile apparatus FX sharing the PSTN 4. The image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn can be appropriately managed by performing data communication at low cost.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus management system 1 of this embodiment, when the data communication apparatus DS detects that the facsimile apparatus FX is off-hook during data communication, the facsimile apparatus FX transmits a dial number. Monitoring is performed by the DTMF receiver 24. When the DTMF receiver 24 has not detected the transmission of the dial number and the hook state detection unit 21 detects the on-hook of the facsimile apparatus FX, the calling system of the facsimile apparatus FX is the dial tone detection system. It is determined that there is a facsimile transmission priority function, and the facsimile transmission priority function is set to be valid.

  Accordingly, it is possible to easily and appropriately determine the calling method of the facsimile apparatus FX which is an external device, and the validity / invalidity of the facsimile transmission priority function is appropriately set according to the calling method of the facsimile apparatus FX, and the PSTN 4 The facsimile transmission priority function can be effectively utilized while appropriately preventing erroneous transmission of the facsimile apparatus FX sharing the information, and the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn can be appropriately managed by performing data communication at low cost. it can.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus management system 1 of the present embodiment, the data communication apparatus DS is in a state where the dial tone detection system is stored as the detection call system in the system memory 12, and the facsimile apparatus FX is being used during data communication. When the hook state detection unit 21 detects an off-hook, a pseudo-dial tone is transmitted from the dial tone transmission unit 23 to the facsimile apparatus FX, and the transmission of the dial number by the facsimile apparatus FX is monitored by the DTMF receiver 24 and the hook state detection is performed. The on-hook of the facsimile apparatus FX is monitored by the unit 21. If the DTMF receiver 24 detects the transmission of the dial number by the facsimile apparatus FX before the hook state detecting unit 21 detects the on-hook of the facsimile apparatus FX, the transmission of the facsimile apparatus FX is detected. Calling method is dial toe It determines that the detection method are set effectively facsimile transmission priority function.

  Accordingly, it is possible to easily and more appropriately determine the calling method of the facsimile apparatus FX which is an external device, and to set the validity / invalidity of the facsimile transmission priority function more appropriately according to the calling method of the facsimile apparatus FX. Thus, the facsimile transmission priority function can be effectively utilized while preventing erroneous transmission of the facsimile apparatus FX sharing the PSTN 4 more appropriately, and the data communication can be performed at low cost to manage the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn. Can be performed appropriately.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus management system 1 of the present embodiment, the data communication apparatus DS sequentially stores the DIS signal / NSF signal transmitted from the facsimile apparatus FX in the system memory 12 and the DIS signal transmitted from the facsimile apparatus FX. When the / NSF signal is different from the DIS signal / NSF signal already stored in the system memory 12, the facsimile transmission priority function is disabled.

  Therefore, when the DIS signal / NSF signal, which is a facsimile signal that can identify an external device having a facsimile function such as the facsimile device FX, changes, the external device sharing the data communication device DS and PSTN 4 is replaced with a different external device. The facsimile transmission priority function can be disabled, and when the external device is replaced, the image forming apparatus can perform data communication at low cost while appropriately preventing erroneous transmission of the external device. Management of GK1 to GKn can be performed appropriately.

  In the above description, the data communication apparatus DS is connected to the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, which are management target apparatuses, via the network NW, but the data communication apparatus and the management target apparatuses (image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, etc.) The relationship is not limited to those connected by a network as described above. For example, as an extended function of one image forming apparatus, a data communication device is built in, and the data communication device has a facsimile function. The present invention can be similarly applied to a case where an external device such as a facsimile apparatus is connected and a communication line such as PSTN is shared.

  In the above description, the case where the communication line is PSTN has been described. However, the communication line is not limited to PSTN, and may be, for example, the Internet.

  Further, in the above description, the case where the devices to be managed are the image forming devices GK1 to GKn and the image forming devices GK1 to GKn are managed has been described, but the devices to be managed are not limited to the image forming devices. For example, the present invention can be applied to devices that require management such as computers and scanners.

  In the above description, the data communication apparatus DS collects management information of the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn, and transmits the collected management information to the central management apparatus CS in response to a request from the central management apparatus CS. However, the data communication of management information is not limited to the above method. For example, the data communication device DS connects the image forming devices GK1 to GKn and the central management device CS via the PSTN 4 at a predetermined timing. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where the image forming apparatuses GK1 to GKn and the central management apparatus CS perform direct data communication.

  The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.

  The present invention can be applied to a data communication device that performs data communication by sharing a line with an external device (for example, a facsimile device) having a facsimile function, and a device management system using the data communication device.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus management system to which an embodiment of a data communication apparatus and a device management system of the present invention is applied. The principal part block block diagram of the data communication apparatus of FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing facsimile transmission priority function control processing by the data communication apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing subsequent to the facsimile transmission priority function control processing of FIG. 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image forming apparatus management system 2 Central management center 3 Customer 4 PSTN
11 Control unit 12 System memory 13 Parameter memory 14 Serial I / F
15 LAN I / F
16 Modem 17 SiDAA
18 LINE terminal 19 FAX terminal 20 switch 20a common terminal 20b, 20c switching terminal 20d switching intercept 21 hook state detection unit 22 DC supply circuit 23 dial tone transmission unit 24 DTMF receiver CS central management device DS data communication device FX facsimile device GK1 to GKn Image forming device Li Internal line NW network

Claims (5)

  A facsimile transmission priority function for sharing a predetermined communication line with an external device having a facsimile function and performing data communication through the communication line, and prioritizing facsimile transmission using the communication line by the external device over the data communication. And automatically determining whether the call method of the external device is a blind dial method or a dial tone detection method, and the call method of the external device is a blind dial method If determined, the facsimile transmission priority function is set to be invalid, and if it is determined that the calling method of the external device is a dial tone detection method, the facsimile transmission priority function is set to be valid. .   A communication device that shares a predetermined communication line with an external device having a facsimile function and is connected to a managed device or a data communication device built in the managed device, and a management device that remotely manages the managed device includes the communication Connected via a line, and the data communication device acquires predetermined management information from the management target device and transmits the management information to the management device via the communication line, or the management target device The management apparatus is connected via the communication line to perform data communication for transmitting the management information between the managed device and the management apparatus, and facsimile transmission using the communication line by the external apparatus. Is a device management system having a facsimile transmission priority function that prioritizes the data communication. Automatically determines whether the calling method of the external device is the blind dial method or the dial tone detection method, and if the calling method of the external device is determined to be the blind dial method, the facsimile transmission priority function is disabled. A device management system that sets the facsimile transmission priority function to be valid when it is determined that the calling method of the external device is a dial tone detection method.   When the hook state detecting means detects off-hook of the external device during the data communication, the data communication apparatus monitors the dial number transmission by the external device by the dial number detecting means, and the dial number detecting means When the hook state detection means detects the on-hook of the external device in a state where the number transmission has not been detected, it is determined that the calling method of the external device is a dial tone detection method, and the facsimile transmission priority function is 3. The data communication apparatus according to claim 1, or the device management system according to claim 2, wherein the data communication apparatus is set to be valid.   The data communication apparatus includes a calling method storage unit that stores the detected calling method of the external device, and a dial tone detection method is stored as a detected calling method in the calling method storage unit, When the hook state detection means detects that the external device is off-hook during the data communication, the pseudo dial tone is sent from the pseudo dial tone sending means to the external device, and the dial number is detected when the external device sends the dial number. And the hook state detection unit monitors the on-hook of the external device, and before the hook state detection unit detects the on-hook of the external device, the dial number detection unit detects the dial number by the external device. Is detected, the call method of the external device is determined to be the dial tone detection method. Data communication apparatus or Claim 2 equipment management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set enable facsimile transmission priority function.   The data communication apparatus includes a facsimile signal storage unit that stores a DIS signal / NSF signal transmitted from the external device, and sequentially stores the DIS signal / NSF signal transmitted from the external device in the facsimile signal storage unit. 2. The facsimile transmission priority function is set to be invalid when a DIS signal / NSF signal transmitted from the external device is different from a DIS signal / NSF signal already stored in the facsimile signal storage means. The data communication apparatus or the equipment management system according to claim 4.

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