JP2008228110A - Facsimile device, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

A facsimile apparatus capable of easily performing setting according to an installation environment regardless of knowledge of a person in charge of installation.
A multi-function apparatus is configured such that one of two first and second line sections 121 and 122 and first and second line sections 121 and 122 capable of facsimile communication via an external exchange is connected to a transmission side. And the other terminal as the receiving terminal, and the test transmission control unit 131 for executing the test facsimile communication via the exchange, and the communication received by the first and second line units 121 and 122 in the test facsimile communication. And a communication signal detector 132 for detecting a signal. Then, the setting processing unit 134 is set by information indicating the communication status of at least one of the first and second line units 121 and 122 based on the communication signal detected by the communication signal detecting unit 132 or set by the communication carrier. Information indicating the setting status of the communication service being used is notified.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a facsimile machine.

  In an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function, there are various functions and services related to the facsimile function. For example, TEL / FAX automatic switching or transfer service by a communication carrier. When newly installing an image forming apparatus having such a facsimile function, in order for functions / services such as automatic TEL / FAX switching and transfer service to be appropriately executed according to the installation environment, It is desirable to set detailed conditions for functions and services appropriately. In order to make such an appropriate setting, it is necessary to grasp the current failure (error) in the installation environment. The defect in image transmission / reception by facsimile is roughly classified into a defect on a communication path between a transmission-side facsimile apparatus and a reception-side facsimile apparatus and a defect of the facsimile apparatus itself. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for diagnosing whether or not the external communication environment of the facsimile apparatus is defective and whether the facsimile apparatus is defective.

The method described in Patent Document 1 is a facsimile self-diagnosis method having a modem and a line interface unit for connecting the modem and an external line, and (a) whether or not a dial tone given from the outside is detected. Determining whether there is an abnormality in the communication path between the outside and the facsimile, and (b) whether the modem has received the diagnostic tone signal transmitted by itself. Determining whether or not there is.
JP 2004-15811 (published January 15, 2004)

  However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, a diagnostic tone signal is transmitted and received using a feedback path set for diagnosis. Therefore, the diagnosis using the diagnostic tone signal cannot detect a defect in the facsimile apparatus that occurs during actual facsimile transmission / reception via the exchange. For example, it is impossible to detect that the desired FAX reception cannot be performed because the setting of the transfer service or TEL / FAX automatic switching is not appropriate.

  Further, in the case of diagnosis based on detection of a dial tone given from the outside, the response time after the transmission processing is performed on the transmission side is unknown, and it is unknown whether a setting suitable for the response time is set. Also, it is impossible to detect a failure of the signal line to the exchange when transmitting.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a facsimile apparatus that can easily perform setting according to the installation environment regardless of the knowledge of the person in charge of installation. .

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes two communication units that are each independently connected to a public telephone network and capable of performing facsimile communication via an external switch, and the two communication units. One of them is a communication unit on the transmission side and the other is a communication unit on the reception side, and the test facsimile communication is executed from the transmission side communication unit via the exchange with the reception side communication unit as the transmission destination. In the test facsimile communication executed by the transmission processing means, the test transmission processing means, a detection means for detecting a communication signal received by the transmission-side communication section and the reception-side communication section, and the detection means. Information indicating the communication status of at least one of the two communication units based on the received communication signal or the communication unit on the receiving side by the communication carrier And notifying means for notifying the information indicating the setting state of the communication service that is set, characterized in that it comprises a.

  According to the above configuration, the facsimile apparatus includes two independent communication units. That is, a different FAX number is assigned to each communication unit. One of these communication units is used as a communication unit on the transmission side, the other is used as a communication unit on the reception side, and the test facsimile communication via the exchange is performed from the communication unit on the transmission side to the communication unit on the reception side as the transmission destination. Let it run. That is, one communication unit causes the other communication unit provided in the own apparatus to perform FAX communication via the public telephone network. Thereafter, based on the communication signal detected in each communication unit, information indicating the communication status of at least one of the two communication units, or a communication service set for the communication unit on the receiving side by the communication carrier Notify the information indicating the setting status.

  By performing test facsimile communication using the actual public telephone network, it is possible to detect information related to the communication status depending on the public telephone network and the setting status of the communication service provided by the communication division. Can be notified to the user. The information includes, for example, the number of automatically received calls set in the communication unit, the presence / absence of a transfer service provided by the communication carrier, and the like.

  As a result, the user can respond to the detailed conditions of the communication function in the communication unit based on the notified information according to the communication status depending on the public telephone network and the installation environment such as the communication service provided by the communication carrier. Appropriate settings can be made.

  For example, the detection means detects a reception side identification signal indicating the number of the reception terminal received by the transmission side communication unit from the reception terminal, and the notification means detects the reception side identification detected by the detection means. When the number indicated by the signal is different from the number of the communication unit on the receiving side, information indicating that the transfer service is set is notified to the communication unit on the receiving side by the communication carrier.

  Among services provided by carriers, there is a transfer service. This is a service in which when a terminal with a specific number is called or faxed, it is transferred to a preset destination terminal. If the transfer service is set in the receiving communication unit, the number indicated by the receiving identification signal in the test facsimile communication is different from the number of the receiving communication unit. Therefore, as in the above-described configuration, the notification unit is configured such that when the number indicated by the reception-side identification signal detected by the detection unit is different from the number of the communication unit on the reception side, Information indicating that the transfer service is set.

  As a result, the user can know that the transfer service is set in the communication unit on the receiving side, so as to eliminate the setting of the transfer service or avoid problems caused by the transfer service being set. It is possible to easily change the setting of the detailed condition of the communication function of the communication unit.

  For example, when an automatic reception mode is set in the communication unit to start reception processing after a predetermined number of automatic reception calls have been made and there is no response for a predetermined number of transfer calls, transfer is performed. In the case of a non-response transfer service to be performed, the user can set the number of automatic reception calls smaller than the number of transfer calls. This enables the communication unit to receive before being transferred.

  In the above facsimile apparatus, the communication unit on the receiving side shares one telephone line with an external telephone, and the communication unit on the receiving side has a preset number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls. It has a TEL / FAX automatic switching mode for starting reception processing after receiving a call, and the test transmission processing means executes the test facsimile communication when the receiving side communication unit is in TEL / FAX automatic switching mode. And the detecting means detects a ringback tone signal indicating that a call is being made at the receiving side, received by the transmitting side communication unit until the receiving side connects to the line, and the notifying means If the number of ringback tone signals detected by the detection means is less than the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls, the external telephone is There function of the answering machine and may be notified that is turned on.

  Here, when the number of ringback tone signals detected by the detecting means in the TEL / FAX automatic switching mode is smaller than the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls, the case where the external telephone is connected to the line first. It is. As described above, the problem that the external telephone is connected to the line first is that the function of the answering machine is turned on in the external telephone, and the number of calls that start the answering machine function (number of calls from the answering machine) is This is a case where it is set smaller than the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls. In this case, the communication unit cannot perform facsimile reception.

However, according to the above configuration, when the number of ringback tone signals detected by the detection means is smaller than the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls, the answering machine function is turned on in the external telephone. Will be notified. As a result, the user can realize that it is necessary to appropriately set the answering machine function on / off, the answering machine start call count, or the TEL / FAX automatic switching call count. As a result, the setting according to the installation environment can be easily performed regardless of the knowledge of the person in charge of installation. In addition, each of the facsimile apparatuses of the present invention is independently connected to the public telephone network and is connected via an external exchange. The two communication units capable of facsimile communication and one of the two communication units as a communication unit on the transmission side and the other as a communication unit on the reception side, from the communication unit on the transmission side to the communication unit on the reception side Test transmission processing means for executing test facsimile communication via an exchange with the communication section as a transmission destination, and in the test facsimile communication executed by the test transmission processing means, the transmission-side communication section and the reception-side communication section Detecting means for detecting the communication signal received by the communication means, and at least one communication function of the two communication sections based on the communication signal detected by the detecting means And setting processing means for updating the setting.

  According to the above configuration, the facsimile apparatus includes two independent communication units. That is, a different FAX number is assigned to each communication unit. Then, one of these communication units is set as a communication unit on the transmission side, the other is set as a communication unit on the reception side, and the test facsimile communication via the exchange is performed from the communication unit on the transmission side to the communication unit on the reception side as the transmission destination. Let it run. That is, one communication unit causes the other communication unit provided in the own apparatus to perform FAX communication via the public telephone network. Thereafter, based on the communication signal detected by each communication unit, the setting condition of at least one communication function of the two communication units is updated.

  By performing test facsimile communication using the actual public telephone network, the communication status depending on the public telephone network and the communication business department provide from the communication signal received by the communication section at the time of the test facsimile communication. It is possible to detect information regarding the setting status of the communication service. The information includes, for example, the number of automatically received calls set in the communication unit, the presence / absence of a transfer service provided by the communication carrier, and the like.

  Therefore, according to the communication status depending on the public telephone network and the setting status of the communication service provided by the communication business department, the setting of the communication function can be updated so that the communication section can send and receive faxes normally. . As a result, FAX transmission / reception can be normally performed in facsimile communication executed after test facsimile communication. In this way, setting according to the installation environment can be easily performed regardless of the knowledge of the person in charge of installation.

  For example, in the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the communication unit has an automatic reception mode in which reception processing is started after confirming a call of a preset number of automatic reception calls, and the detection means includes the reception side And detecting the ring signal for requesting line connection received by the communication unit, and detecting the receiving side identification signal indicating the number of the receiving terminal received by the transmitting side communication unit from the receiving terminal. When the number indicated by the reception side identification signal detected by the detection unit is different from the number of the communication unit on the reception side, the number of automatic reception calls in the communication unit on the reception side is determined by the detection unit. You may set so that it may become less than the frequency | count of the said detected ring signal.

  As described above, if the transfer service is set in the receiving communication unit, the number indicated by the receiving identification signal in the test facsimile communication is different from the number of the receiving communication unit. Therefore, the case where the number indicated by the reception side identification signal detected by the detection means is different from the number of the communication unit on the reception side indicates that the transfer service is set in the communication unit on the reception side. In addition, when the transfer service is set and the communication unit on the receiving side receives a ring signal requesting line connection, when the no-response transfer service is set, the no-response transfer service and Is to transfer when there is no response for a preset number of transfer calls.

  According to the above configuration, when the number indicated by the reception side identification signal detected by the detection unit is different from the number of the communication unit on the reception side, the number of automatic reception calls in the communication unit on the reception side is It is set to be smaller than the number of the ring signals detected by the detecting means. Therefore, even if the non-response time setting service is set, the number of automatic reception calls is smaller than the number of transfer calls. As a result, automatic reception of a FAX can be started in the receiving side communication unit before being transferred by the no-response transfer service.

  Further, in the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the mode is for switching between a normal mode in which the function of the communication unit is operable and a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode. Provided with power control means for returning to the normal mode when a line connection call is received in the power saving mode, and the communication unit receives the call after confirming the call of the number of automatic reception calls set in advance. An automatic reception mode for starting the processing, wherein the test transmission processing means executes the test facsimile communication in the power saving mode, and the detection means is configured to return from the power saving mode to the normal mode. The setting processing means detects a ringback tone signal received by the transmitting communication unit and indicating that a call is being made on the receiving side. , The automatic reception call number in the communication unit of the receiving side may be set to be larger than the number of the detected ringback tone signal by said detecting means.

  According to the above configuration, the number of automatic reception calls in the communication unit on the reception side is set to be larger than the number of ringback tone signals detected by the detection means. Here, the ringback tone signal detected by the detection means is received by the communication unit on the transmission side while returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode. That is, the number of ringback tone signals detected by the detection means corresponds to the number of calls during the return time from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Therefore, by setting the number of automatic reception calls to be larger than the number of ringback tone signals, the communication unit starts facsimile reception processing after returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which reception is not normally performed due to the power saving mode.

  In the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the communication unit communicates a training signal for determining a communication speed with a partner terminal connected to the line and a confirmation signal indicating failure or success with respect to the training signal. The fallback function for determining the communication speed at which communication is possible by sequentially lowering the communication speed until the confirmation signal indicates success is executed every time the facsimile communication is performed. First transmitting a training signal of a preset initial communication speed, and the setting processing means confirms that the transmitting communication unit has received the confirmation signal indicating success from the receiving communication unit. You may set the communication speed used when the said detection means detected as said initial communication speed in the said communication part.

  The fallback function as described above is known in facsimile communication. However, the fallback function is executed every time facsimile communication is performed. For this reason, if it is installed in a place where the communication environment is bad, it takes time to determine the communication speed every time facsimile communication is performed.

  However, according to the above configuration, the communication speed determined in the fallback function during the test facsimile communication is set as the initial communication speed. Therefore, in the facsimile communication executed after the test facsimile communication, a training signal having a communication speed that is confirmed to be communicable by the test facsimile communication is first transmitted. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the communication speed is determined by exchanging the first training signal and the confirmation signal. That is, the opportunity to communicate the training signal and the confirmation signal multiple times is reduced, and the time for establishing the communication can be shortened.

  In the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the communication unit on the receiving side shares one telephone line with an external telephone, and the communication unit on the receiving side has a preset number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls. The test transmission processing means performs the test facsimile communication when the receiving communication unit is in the TEL / FAX automatic switching mode. The detection means detects a ringback tone signal received by the transmission side communication unit until the reception side connects to the line and indicates that a call is being made at the reception side, and the setting processing means If the number of ringback tone signals detected by the detecting means is less than the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls, It may be set the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls to be less than the number of Kkuton signal.

  TEL / FAX automatic in which the external telephone and the facsimile communication unit share one telephone line, and the facsimile communication unit starts receiving processing after receiving a call for the preset number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls. A switching mode is known.

  On the other hand, many of the external telephones have an answering machine function for receiving a ring signal for a preset number of calls, connecting the line off-line, and starting recording.

  If the answering machine function is activated on the external telephone while the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls is being received and the external telephone is off-hooked, the telephone remains off-hook even if a facsimile is received. As a result, the facsimile cannot be received.

  However, according to the above configuration, when the number of ringback tone signals detected by the detection unit is smaller than the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls, the TEL / FA is set to be smaller than the number of ringback tone signals. Set the number of fax automatic switching calls.

  Here, the number of ringback tone signals detected by the detecting means is the same as the number of calls on the receiving side. That the number of calls is smaller than the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls means that the function of the answering machine is activated in the external telephone and the external telephone is connected to the line. In such a case, by setting the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls so as to be smaller than the number of ringback tone signals, the communication unit may be connected to the line before the answering machine function is activated. And facsimile reception can be performed normally. As described above, according to the above configuration, even if the function of the answering machine is turned on in the external telephone, the facsimile apparatus automatically makes the TEL / TEL to avoid a situation in which facsimile reception cannot be performed by the function of the answering machine. Set the number of fax automatic switching calls. Therefore, setting according to the installation environment can be easily performed regardless of the knowledge of the person in charge of installation.

  In the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the communication unit communicates with a dial signal, and the test transmission processing means sequentially uses the higher dial pulse among a plurality of dial pulses to perform the test. Facsimile communication is executed, the detection means detects a ring signal requesting line connection received by the receiving communication unit, and the setting processing means detects the ring signal by the detection means. The dial pulse may be set to always be used.

  According to said structure, it sets to the dial pulse which could detect the ring signal. Therefore, communication failure due to dial pulses can be avoided. The dial pass setting was done by the service person of the communication carrier. However, according to said structure, such a manual operation becomes unnecessary.

  By the way, each means of the facsimile apparatus may be realized by hardware or may be realized by causing a computer to execute a program. Specifically, the control program according to the present invention is a program that causes a computer to operate as each unit of the facsimile apparatus, and the control program is recorded on the recording medium according to the present invention. When these control programs are executed by a computer, the computer operates as each unit of the facsimile apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes two communication units that are each independently connected to a public telephone network and capable of performing facsimile communication via an external switch, and the two communication units. One of them is a communication unit on the transmission side and the other is a communication unit on the reception side, and the test facsimile communication is executed from the transmission side communication unit via the exchange with the reception side communication unit as the transmission destination. In the test facsimile communication executed by the transmission processing means, the test transmission processing means, a detection means for detecting a communication signal received by the transmission-side communication section and the reception-side communication section, and the detection means. Information indicating the communication status of at least one of the two communication units based on the received communication signal or the communication unit on the receiving side by the communication carrier Provided with a notifying means for notifying the information indicating the setting state of the communication service being set, the.

  Further, the facsimile apparatus of the present invention is connected to the public telephone network independently, and two communication units capable of facsimile communication via an external exchange, and one of the two communication units is connected to the transmission side. A test transmission processing unit configured to execute a test facsimile communication via an exchange with the communication unit as a communication unit on the other side and the communication unit on the reception side as a transmission destination from the communication unit on the transmission side; In the test facsimile communication executed by the test transmission processing means, a detecting means for detecting a communication signal received by the transmitting communication section and the receiving communication section, and a communication signal detected by the detecting means. And setting processing means for updating the setting of the communication function of at least one of the two communication units.

  According to said structure, the setting according to installation environment can be performed easily irrespective of the knowledge of an installation person in charge.

  An embodiment relating to an image forming apparatus (facsimile apparatus) having a facsimile function according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Note that the facsimile apparatus includes not only an apparatus having only a facsimile function but also a multifunction machine having a printer function and a copy function. That is, it only needs to have a facsimile function. In the present embodiment, a multifunction device will be described as an example.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an entire facsimile communication system including an image forming apparatus (facsimile apparatus) having a facsimile function. As shown in FIG. 2, the facsimile communication system includes multifunction peripherals 100 and 300 and a public network exchange, and the multifunction peripherals 100 and 300 and the public network exchange are connected via a telephone line. Yes. In addition to the multifunction peripherals 100 and 300, the public network exchange is connected to a multifunction peripheral having a facsimile function, a device having another facsimile function, and a telephone.

  The multi-function device 100 corresponds to the facsimile machine of the present invention. The multi-function device 100 includes two facsimile communication units (a first line unit 121 and a second line unit 122) that can communicate with a public network exchange through a telephone line. The two facsimile communication units are assigned different line numbers in advance, and are connected to the public network exchange using different lines. Each of the two facsimile communication units can perform facsimile communication independently. That is, facsimile transmission or facsimile reception can be performed simultaneously.

  Furthermore, an external telephone 400 is connected to the multifunction device 100. The external telephone 400 shares the same telephone line as the first line unit 121. Then, the line connection with the public network exchange is switched so that the first line unit 121 is line-connected in the case of facsimile transmission / reception and the external telephone 400 is line-connected in the case of a call.

  Note that the external telephone 400 is equipped with an answering machine function. That is, when the answering machine function is set to ON, external telephone 400, when receiving a ring signal for a preset number of calls, goes off-hook, connects to the line, and starts recording.

  The public network exchange has a plurality of exchanges. A transmission-side exchange connected to a transmission-side terminal (multifunction machine, facsimile apparatus or telephone), a reception-side exchange connected to a reception-side terminal, and a relay exchange that relays communication between these exchanges. The terminals can communicate with each other.

(Configuration of MFP)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes an operation panel 107, a document reading unit 108, an encoding / decoding unit 109, a printing unit 110, a timer control unit 116, a power control unit 117, A line unit 121, a second line unit 122, and a control unit 130 are provided.

  The operation panel 107 is used to display information related to facsimile transmission / reception and for a user to input various settings and data. The operation panel 107 includes a display unit 171 and an operation unit 172. The display unit 171 is for displaying a destination number and various information, and is a liquid crystal panel, for example. The operation unit 172 is, for example, a numeric keypad.

  The document reading unit 108 is composed of, for example, a scanner unit having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and is for reading a document to be transmitted by facsimile.

  The encoding / decoding unit 109 compresses and encodes image data read by the document reading unit 108 and decodes image data received from the outside.

  The printing unit 110 prints an image corresponding to the image data decoded by the encoding / decoding unit 109.

  The timer control unit 116 monitors a communication signal and determines a control timing.

  The power control unit 117 switches between the energy saving mode and the normal mode. The power supply control unit 117 is connected to a main power supply unit and a sub power supply unit (not shown), and controls energization from the main power supply unit. The main power supply unit supplies power to all blocks except the NCUs 101 and 111 and the power supply control unit 117. On the other hand, the sub power supply unit supplies power to the NCUs 101 and 111 and the power supply control unit 117. The power supply control unit 117 turns on energization from the main power supply unit and the sub power supply unit in the normal mode, turns off energization from the main power supply unit in the energy saving mode, and turns on the energization from the sub power supply unit. Leave as it is. When a ring signal is input to the NCUs 101 and 111 via the telephone line in the energy saving mode, the power supply control unit 117 turns on the relay and the like to turn on the power from the main power supply unit and activates the entire MFP 100. Let

  When the setting of the energy saving / normal mode automatic switching is turned on, the power supply control unit 117 has a period when there is no input from the user and no call from the outside with respect to the multifunction device 100 when a predetermined time or more is reached. Switch from normal mode to energy-saving mode. When receiving an input from the user or a call from the outside in the energy saving mode, the power supply control unit 117 switches from the energy saving mode to the normal mode and starts energizing each unit. On the other hand, when the setting of energy saving / normal mode automatic switching is off, the power supply control unit 117 does not shift to the energy saving mode.

  Each of the first line unit 121 and the second line unit 122 performs facsimile transmission / reception processing.

  The first line unit 121 includes an NCU (Network Control Unit) 101, a modem 102, an image memory 103, a RAM 104, and a ROM 105. The second line unit 122 also includes an NCU 111, a modem 112, an image memory 113, a RAM 114, and a ROM 115.

  The NCUs 101 and 111 are communication units for connecting to a telephone line, and control such as sending a dial signal to the telephone line or going off-hook when a call is made.

  The modems (FAX modems) 102 and 112 are for realizing the modem function of the communication protocol (G3, super G3, etc.) of the facsimile apparatus. In the present embodiment, the modem corresponds to the G3 communication protocol, and has a high-speed modem function (V.33 modem, V.29 modem, V.27ter modem, etc.) for exchanging transmission procedure signals. Has been.

  The image memories 103 and 113 are for storing compressed and encoded image data received from the outside.

  The RAMs 104 and 114 are used as work memories for a CPU (not shown). The ROMs 105 and 115 store programs for performing various controls.

  The first line unit 121 and the second line unit 122 can be switched between an automatic reception mode and a manual reception mode based on a user input.

  In the automatic reception mode, when a ring signal for requesting line connection is received for a preset number of automatic reception calls, line connection is established and facsimile reception processing is started. The number of automatic reception calls can be set by the user.

  On the other hand, in the manual reception mode, a ringing tone is generated in response to a ring signal, and it is detected that the user has pressed the reception button, and facsimile reception processing is started.

  Note that the automatic reception mode and the manual reception mode are implemented in a conventional apparatus, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

Further, the external telephone 400 is connected to the first line unit 121 as described above, and the external telephone 400 and the first line unit 121 share the same telephone line. Therefore, the first line unit 121 has the following modes.
-TEL / FAX automatic switching mode When a ring signal is received for a preset number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls, the first line unit 121 connects to the line in response to the ring signal.
-FAX priority mode When a call is made to a shared telephone line, control is performed so that the external telephone 400 does not ring, and the first line unit 121 responds and connects to the line. However, when the received signal is not a FAX signal, the external telephone 400 is called.
-TEL priority mode When a call is made to a shared telephone line, only the external telephone 400 is controlled to ring. When the external telephone 400 is off-hooked by the user, the external telephone 400 is connected to the line. However, when the user confirms that the sound from the handset is a peep sound indicating that the fax is received, the user inputs an instruction to the multifunction peripheral 100 to connect the first facsimile communication unit to the line. Can do. As a result, the first facsimile communication unit can connect to the line and perform FAX reception.

  The user can select one of the above modes. Each of the above modes is implemented by a conventional apparatus.

  The line I / F control unit 106 sets a unit for exchanging data with the operation panel 107, the document reading unit 108, the encoding / decoding unit 109, and the printing unit 110 as either the first line unit 121 or the second line unit 122. It controls what to do. The first line unit 121 and the second line unit 122 can independently perform facsimile transmission / reception. However, there is only one document reading unit 108 or printing unit 110. For this reason, it is necessary to determine a unit that communicates with the operation panel 107, the document reading unit 108, the encoding / decoding unit 109, and the printing unit 110. For example, the line I / F control unit 106 gives priority to the first line unit 121 to exchange data with other blocks.

  The control unit 130 controls each block.

(Configuration related to the initial setting function)
When the MFP 100 of the present embodiment is installed after purchase, it is easy to set appropriate detailed conditions regarding the communication function in the first and second line units 121 and 122 and the communication service in the public telephone network according to the installation environment. A configuration that can be initialized (hereinafter referred to as a configuration related to an initial setting function) is provided. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration related to the initial setting function included in the multifunction peripheral 100. In FIG. 1, only the configuration related to the initial setting function is illustrated, and the other configurations are not shown.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a test transmission control unit 131, a communication signal detection unit 132, a count unit 133, and a setting processing unit 134 as a configuration related to the initial setting function.

  The test transmission control unit 131, the communication signal detection unit 132, the count unit 133, and the setting processing unit 134 are functional blocks included in the control unit 130.

  The test transmission control unit 131 is a test facsimile for inspecting the installation environment using the first line unit 121 to the second line unit 122 as a transmission destination or the second line unit 122 to the first line unit 121 as a transmission destination. Communication is executed. The test transmission control unit 131 stores test image data in advance, and transmits the image data by facsimile.

  In the present embodiment, the test transmission control unit 131 is activated for the first time after purchase, and executes test facsimile communication after a predetermined line number setting input operation is completed. Note that the test transmission control unit 131 may perform test facsimile communication based on a user input to the operation unit 172 (test facsimile communication execution instruction input). Further, when executing the test facsimile communication, the test transmission control unit 131 may cause the display unit 171 to display a screen for warning that the operation is not performed because the test facsimile communication is being performed.

  The communication signal detection unit 132 detects a communication signal received by the first line unit 121 and the second line unit 122 when the test transmission control unit 131 executes test facsimile communication.

  The counting unit 133 counts the number of ring signals (CNG (CalliNG tone) signal) or ring back tone (Ring Back Tone) signals (RBT signals) received by the first line unit 121 or the second line unit 122. is there. Hereinafter, the counted number of ring signals is referred to as a count call count, and the counted number of ring back tone signals is referred to as a counted ring back tone number.

  Here, the ring signal is a signal for calling a terminal on the receiving side, and the first and second line units 121 and 122 and the external telephone 400 generate a ringing tone by the ring signal. On the other hand, the ringback tone signal is a signal transmitted to the terminal on the transmission side and indicating that a call is being made on the terminal on the reception side.

  Based on the communication signal detected by the communication signal detection unit 132, the setting processing unit 134 sets the appropriate detailed conditions regarding the communication function in the first and second line units 121 and 122 and the communication service by the communication carrier, In addition, at least one of notification processes for notifying the user of the current setting status of the communication function and communication service is performed.

  As described above, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment is independently connected to the public telephone network, and can be connected to the first and second line units (communication units) 121 that can perform facsimile communication via an external exchange. One of the 122 and the first and second line units 121 and 122 is a transmission-side terminal, the other is a reception-side terminal, and the reception-side terminal is set as the transmission destination from the transmission-side terminal. A test transmission control unit (test transmission processing means) 131 for executing test facsimile communication via an exchange, and a communication signal detection unit for detecting communication signals received by the first and second line units 121 and 122 in the test facsimile communication (Detection means) 132. Then, the setting processing unit (notification unit, setting processing unit) 134 is based on the communication signal detected by the communication signal detection unit 132, or information indicating the communication status of at least one of the two communication units, or the communication business. The information indicating the setting status of the communication service set by the user is notified to the receiving communication unit. Alternatively, the setting processing unit 134 updates the setting of at least one communication function of the first and second line units 121 and 122 based on the communication signal detected by the communication signal detection unit 132.

  According to the above configuration, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes the two independent first and second line units 121 and 122. That is, a different line number is assigned to each line unit. Then, test facsimile communication is performed between the first and second line units 121 and 122 via an exchange. That is, facsimile communication via the public telephone network is executed.

  Thereafter, based on the communication signals detected by the first and second line units 121 and 122, information indicating the communication status of at least one of the first and second line units 121 and 122, or the reception by the communication carrier Information indicating the setting status of the communication service set is notified to the communication unit on the side. As a result, the user can respond to the detailed conditions of the communication function in the communication unit based on the notified information according to the communication status depending on the public telephone network and the installation environment such as the communication service provided by the communication carrier. Appropriate settings can be made.

  Alternatively, the setting condition of at least one communication function of the first and second line units 121 and 122 is updated based on the communication signal detected by the first and second line units 121 and 122. Therefore, according to the communication status depending on the public telephone network and the setting status of the communication service provided by the communication business department, the setting of the communication function can be updated so that the communication section can send and receive faxes normally. . As a result, FAX transmission / reception can be normally performed in facsimile communication executed after test facsimile communication. In this way, setting according to the installation environment can be easily performed regardless of the knowledge of the person in charge of installation.

  Note that the test transmission control unit 131, the communication signal detection unit 132, the count unit 133, and the setting processing unit 134 execute different processes depending on the communication function / communication service to be set. Below, the specific example of the said process is demonstrated.

(About forwarding service settings)
A transfer service is known as a communication service provided by a communication carrier. The transfer service is a service for transferring an incoming call or facsimile to a terminal having a preset line number.

  As one of the transfer services, if there is no response even if the transfer source terminal is called and the ring signal is transmitted for the preset number of transfer calls (M times), the terminal with the preset number is sent. There is a no-response transfer service to transfer.

  On the other hand, as described above, the first line unit 121 and the second line unit 122 have a function of a facsimile automatic reception mode. As described above, in the automatic reception mode, when a ring signal is received for a predetermined number of automatic reception calls (N times), a line connection is established and facsimile reception processing is started.

  Here, when a new MFP 100 is installed, the user may not know the presence / absence of the no-response transfer service and the number of transfer calls (M times) set in the no-response transfer service. . If the automatic reception mode is set in the first line unit 121 and the second line unit 122, and the number of automatic reception calls (N times) is larger than the number of transfer calls (M times), FAX reception processing Before the start is started, the no-response transfer service is activated and transferred. As a result, the multifunction peripheral 100 cannot automatically receive a facsimile.

  In addition, as a transfer service, there is also unconditional transfer in which transfer is performed directly to a terminal having a preset line number without calling the transfer source. Even when the user installs a new multifunction device 100 without knowing that the unconditional transfer is set, the multifunction device 100 cannot receive a facsimile. And a novice user cannot easily determine the cause.

  However, according to the present embodiment, an appropriate setting is possible even in such a case as in the following specific example.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing for detecting the presence / absence of a transfer service and enabling optimum setting thereof.

  First, the test transmission control unit 131 calls the second line unit 122 from the first line unit 121 using the first line unit 121 as a transmission terminal and the second line unit 122 as a reception terminal (S1). At this time, the test transmission control unit 131 sets the second line unit 122 to the automatic reception mode. Note that the number of automatic reception calls is a value set by default.

  Next, the communication signal detection unit 132 confirms whether or not the second line unit 122 has received a ring signal (CNG signal) (S2). When it is detected that the second line unit 122 has received the ring signal (Yes in S3), the counting unit 133 counts the number of the ring signals (S4). The communication signal detection unit 132 detects that the first line unit 121 has received a CED (Called Terminal Identification) signal from the receiving side, and confirms that the line connection has been established with the receiving side terminal (S5). Then, the count unit 133 stores the number of count calls (S6). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S10.

  On the other hand, when the second line unit 122 has not received the ring signal (CNG signal) (No in S3), the communication signal detection unit 132 confirms whether or not the first line unit 121 has received the ringback tone signal. (S7).

  When the first line unit 121 has not received the ringback tone signal (No in S8), the test transmission control unit 131 determines that the test FAX transmission from the first line unit 121 has not started, and S1 Then, the test facsimile communication is executed again.

  When the first line unit 121 receives the ringback tone signal (Yes in S8), the communication signal detection unit 132 detects that the first line unit 121 has received the CED signal from the receiving side, It is detected that the line is connected to the apparatus (S9). Note that the case where a line connection is made with another apparatus in this way is a case where a setting for transferring a telephone and facsimile addressed to the second line unit 122 is made. Then, the process proceeds to S10.

  Next, in S10, the first line unit 121 confirms the transmission capability of the own apparatus and the reception capability on the receiving side, and determines the communication speed based on the capability, similarly to the normal facsimile transmission processing. The reception capability on the reception side can be confirmed by a G3 protocol DIS (Digital Identification Signal) signal transmitted from the reception side.

  Thereafter, the communication signal detection unit 132 confirms a CSI (Called Subscriber Identification) signal indicating the line number of the receiving terminal received by the first line unit 121 from the receiving terminal. The CSI signal is an optional signal for the DIS signal. Then, the communication signal detection unit 132 confirms whether or not the number indicated by the CSI signal is the same as the line number of the second line unit 122 (S11).

  When the line number indicated by the CSI signal received from the terminal on the receiving side is the same as the line number of the second line unit 122 (Yes in S12), the second line unit 122 starts facsimile reception processing (S13). The process is terminated.

  On the other hand, even though the test facsimile communication is started with the second line unit 122 as the transmission destination, the line number indicated by the CSI signal received from the receiving terminal is different from the line number of the second line unit 122 (S12). No) means that the transfer service is set. Therefore, in the case of No in S12, the setting processing unit 134 displays a screen indicating that the transfer service is set in the second line unit 122 (S14). When the count unit 133 stores the number of count calls in S6, the setting processing unit 134 sets the number of automatic reception calls in the automatic reception mode in the second line unit 122 to a value smaller than the number of count calls (for example, , A value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of count calls) (S15).

  Although the number of count calls is stored in S6, the number indicated by the CSI signal is different from the number of the second line unit 122. This is a case in which the time transfer service is activated, and is transferred to another device after being called by the number of transfer calls. Therefore, by setting the number of automatic reception calls in the automatic reception mode in the second line unit 122 to a value smaller than the number of count calls, automatic FAX reception is started before being transferred in the second line unit 122. It becomes.

  In S15, the setting processing unit 134 may set the second line unit 122 to the FAX priority mode. Thus, when the second line unit 122 receives the ring signal, the facsimile receiving process is started. For this reason, even if the no-response transfer service is set, the facsimile reception process is started before the transfer.

  In this embodiment, both the processes of S14 and S15 are performed. However, only one of them may be used. In the case of only the processing of S14, the user who has received the notification can recognize that the transfer service is set, and can take an appropriate action so that the transfer service is not adversely affected. On the other hand, in the case of only the processing of S15, since the number of automatic reception calls is automatically set in the multi-function device 100 so that there is no adverse effect due to the transfer service, the user's trouble can be eliminated.

  In the above description, the first line unit 121 is described as the transmitting side, and the second line unit 122 is described as the receiving side. The test transmission control unit 131 performs the test facsimile communication in the same manner as described above, with the second line unit 122 as the transmission side and the first line unit 121 as the reception side. Then, the setting processing unit 134 confirms the presence / absence of the transfer service in the first line unit 121 and sets the number of automatic reception calls in the first line unit 121.

(Setting the number of automatically received calls when returning to energy-saving mode)
As described above, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment has the energy saving mode. If there is a call for FAX reception from the outside in the energy saving mode, it is necessary to return to the normal mode in order to perform facsimile reception. A certain amount of time (return time) is required to return to the normal mode. Therefore, if the automatic reception mode is set and the time for ringing the number of automatic reception calls is shorter than the return time, facsimile reception may not be possible.

  However, according to the present embodiment, an appropriate setting that avoids such a case can be easily performed as in the following specific example.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of setting processing that enables automatic reception even when the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode.

  First, the test transmission control unit 131 instructs the power control unit to shift the MFP 100 to the energy saving mode (S21). Then, the test transmission control unit 131 sets the reception mode of the second line unit 122 to the manual reception mode.

  Next, the test transmission control unit 131 calls the second line unit 122 from the first line unit 121 using the first line unit 121 as a transmission terminal and the second line unit 122 as a reception terminal (S22). Then, the exchange sends a ring signal to the second line unit 122 and sends a ringback tone signal to the first line unit 121.

  The communication signal detection unit 132 checks whether or not the second line unit 122 has received a ring signal (S23). When it is detected that the second line unit 122 has received the ring signal (Yes in S24), the communication signal detection unit 132 instructs the power supply control unit 117 to return to the normal mode. Then, the power supply control unit 117 starts a return process to the normal mode (S25).

  Further, the communication signal detection unit 132 confirms whether or not the first line unit 121 has received a ringback tone (S26). When it is detected that the first line unit 121 is receiving a ringback tone (Yes in S27), the counting unit 133 counts the number of ringback tone signals (S28).

  Thereafter, the second line unit 122 confirms whether or not energization to each unit is completed and is ready for facsimile reception (S29). If reception is possible (Yes in S30), the setting processing unit 134 instructs the second line unit 122 to connect to the line. That is, the second line unit 122 makes a response to the call. As a result, the first line unit 121 and the second line unit 122 are connected via the exchange (S31).

  Next, the count unit 133 stores the number of counting back tones (S32). Thereafter, the setting processing unit 134 sets the number of automatic reception calls in the automatic reception mode in the first line unit 121 and the second line unit 122 to be larger than the number of counting back tones (for example, the counting back tone). (Set to a value obtained by adding 1 to the number of times) (S33). However, when the number of counting back tones is greater than 15, the setting processing unit 134 sets the setting of energy saving / normal mode automatic switching in the power supply control unit 117 to off.

  As a result, even if the automatic reception mode is set in the first line unit 121 and the second line unit 122, the number of automatic reception calls becomes longer than the return time from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the facsimile cannot be received in time.

(Optimal communication speed setting)
A fallback function for maintaining communication by reducing the communication speed is known instead of disconnecting the line when the communication state is bad, and is installed in many facsimile apparatuses. The first and second line units 122 of the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment are also equipped with a fallback function similar to the conventional one. In the fallback function, a training signal (TCF signal) for determining a communication speed with a partner terminal connected to the line and a confirmation signal (FTT signal or CFR signal) indicating failure or success with respect to the training signal are provided. The communication speed is determined by sequentially lowering the communication speed until the confirmation signal indicates success. The fallback function is executed every time facsimile communication is performed. Since the fallback function is a known technique, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  If the number of times the communication speed is lowered by such a fallback function increases, the time required for establishing communication becomes longer. In an installation environment in which the fallback function frequently operates, the communication state is poor in the first place, and it is preferable to set the default communication speed low. However, it is difficult for a novice user to set an optimal communication speed.

  However, according to the present embodiment, an appropriate communication speed is automatically set as in the following specific example.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the communication speed setting process.

  First, the test transmission control unit 131 calls the second line unit 122 from the first line unit 121 using the first line unit 121 as a transmission terminal and the second line unit 122 as a reception terminal (S41).

  Next, the second line unit 122 performs line connection in response to a call request from the outside (S42). When the line is connected, various signals are exchanged. In the signal, a TSI signal indicating a line number on the transmission side is transmitted from the transmission side to the reception side.

  Then, the communication signal detection unit 132 analyzes the TSI (Transmitting Subscribe Identification) signal received by the second line unit 122 and determines whether or not the line number indicated by the TSI signal is the line number of the first line unit 121. (S43).

  When the number indicated by the TSI signal is not the number of the first line unit 121 (No in S44), the second line unit 122 performs normal facsimile reception processing (S45). Thereafter, the process returns to S41. Note that the case where the number indicated by the TSI signal is not the number of the first line unit 121 means that the FAX transmission from the other facsimile apparatus to the second line unit 122 is performed immediately before performing the test FAX transmission from the first line unit 121. This is the case. In this case, the second line unit 122 receives a call from the other facsimile machine, not from the first line unit 121.

  On the other hand, when the number indicated by the TSI signal is the number of the first line unit 121 (Yes in S44), that is, when the first line unit 121 and the second line unit 122 are connected via a switch. The setting processing unit 134 sets the communication speed automatic setting flag to “1” (S46).

  Next, the second line unit 122 performs preprocessing for receiving image data (S47). The first line unit 121 performs preprocessing for image data transmission (S48). In this preprocessing, the communication capability of the other party is confirmed.

  Subsequently, the first line unit 121 transmits a TCF (Training Check) signal for performing training check according to the G3 protocol in the same manner as normal FAX transmission (S49), and the second line unit 122 transmits the TCF signal. Receive (S50).

  Then, the second line unit 122 determines whether there is an error in the TCF signal (S51). When there is an error in the TCF signal (No in S51), the second line unit 122 transmits an FTT (Failure To Train) signal indicating that the training has failed (S52). On the other hand, when receiving the FTT signal, the first line unit 121 sets the communication speed low by the fallback function (S53). Then, the process returns to S49 again.

  After that, when the training is successful, the second line unit 122 transmits a CFR (ConFirmation to Receive) signal indicating that to the first line unit 121 (Yes in S51). When the communication signal detecting unit 132 detects that the first line unit 121 has received the CFR signal, the setting processing unit 134 stores the communication speed finally set by the first line unit 121 in the memory (S54). .

  Next, the setting processing unit 134 checks a flag for automatic communication speed setting (S55). When the flag is “1” (Yes in S56), the setting processing unit 134 sets the finally set communication speed of the first line unit 121 as a default (S57).

  Thus, the first line unit 121 performs communication at the changed default communication speed at the time of the next facsimile transmission. As a result, the number of times the communication speed is changed by the fallback function in the facsimile communication is reduced, and as a result, the communication time can be shortened.

  In the above description, the first line unit 121 is described as the transmitting side, and the second line unit 122 is described as the receiving side. The test transmission control unit 131 uses the second line unit 122 as a transmission side and the first line unit 121 as a reception side to perform test facsimile communication in the same manner as described above, and sets the default communication speed of the second line unit 122.

(About answering machine settings)
When one telephone line is shared with the external telephone 400 as in the first line unit 121, the above-described TEL / FAX automatic switching mode is normally selected. In the TEL / FAX automatic switching mode, when the call signal is received for a preset number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls, the first line unit 121 connects to the line in response to the call signal.

  On the other hand, when the external telephone 400 is off-hook while the ringing tone for the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls is being made, the external telephone 400 is connected to the line with the exchange. At this time, the user who has off-hooked the external telephone 400 can check the sound from the handset and determine that it is a FAX reception if it is a peep sound. In this case, the user can operate the multi-function device 100 to connect the first line unit 121 and the exchange so that the first line unit 121 can receive a fax.

  However, if the external telephone 400 is off-hooked when the function of the answering machine is set to on in the external telephone 400, since the normal user is absent, even if the external telephone 400 receives the FAX, It remains off-hook and cannot receive faxes.

  However, according to the present embodiment, an appropriate setting that avoids such a case can be easily performed as in the following specific example.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a setting process procedure for enabling automatic FAX reception even when the answering machine function is set to ON in the external telephone 400.

  First, the test transmission control unit 131 calls the first line unit 121 from the second line unit 122 using the second line unit 122 as a transmission terminal and the first line unit 121 as a reception terminal (S61). At this time, the test transmission control unit 131 sets the first line unit 121 to the TEL / FAX automatic switching mode. The number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls is a value set at the time of purchase. However, if the user mistakenly sets the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls before the test FAX transmission, this is the value. Then, the second line unit 122 transmits a ring signal (S62).

  Next, the communication signal detection unit 132 confirms that the second line unit 122 receives a ringback tone signal (S63). When it is confirmed that the second line unit 122 receives the ring back tone signal (Yes in S64), the count unit 133 starts counting the ring back tone signal (S65).

  Thereafter, on the receiving side, the first line unit 121 connects to the line according to the automatic reception mode, or the external telephone 400 connects to the line by a user operation or an answering machine function (S66). Then, the count unit 133 stores the number of counting back tones (S67).

  Next, the communication signal detection unit 132 determines whether or not the number of counting back tones is smaller than the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls. Then, when the number of counting ring back tones is smaller than the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls, the communication signal detecting unit 132 determines that the external telephone 400 is connected to the line, and the number of counting back tones is TEL / FAX. If the number is equal to the number of FAX automatic switching calls, it is determined that the first line unit 121 is connected to the line (S68).

  When the first line unit 121 is connected to the line (Yes in S69), the multi-function device 100 continues the test facsimile transmission / reception process as it is, and ends the test facsimile communication process (S70). That is, in this case, the setting processing unit 134 determines that no inconvenience occurs due to the setting of the answering machine, and does not change the setting.

  On the other hand, when the external telephone 400 is connected to the line, the communication signal detection unit 132 checks whether or not the second line unit 122 has completed the test facsimile transmission (S71). The confirmation is performed based on whether or not the second line unit 122 has received an MCF (Message ConFirmation) signal indicating that the image data has been normally received from the first line unit 121.

  Even when the external telephone 400 is connected to the line for the first time, the user may go off-hook and check the peep sound from the handset to determine that it is FAX reception. At this time, the user can operate the multi-function device 100 to connect the first line unit 121 and the exchange so that the first line unit 121 can receive a facsimile. For this reason, even when the external telephone 400 is initially connected to the line, a facsimile transmission / reception process may be performed between the first line unit 121 and the second line unit 122. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the process of S71 is performed.

  When the second line unit 122 completes the test facsimile transmission (Yes in S72), the multifunction peripheral 100 ends the test facsimile communication process (S70). That is, in this case, the setting processing unit 134 determines that the user has gone off-hook and cannot confirm the presence / absence of the answering machine, and does not change the setting. At this time, the setting processing unit 134 may cause the display unit 171 to display an instruction not to go off-hook for test facsimile communication, and may return to the processing of S1 again.

  When the second line unit 122 does not complete the test facsimile transmission (No in S72), the setting processing unit 134 outputs a communication disconnection instruction to the second line unit 122 (S73). When the answering machine of the external telephone 400 is activated, the second line unit 122 on the transmission side does not send back a FAX signal, and thus repeats the retry process. In order to prevent such retry processing from being repeated, the setting processing unit 134 outputs a communication disconnection instruction to the second line unit 122. Thereafter, the setting processing unit 134 causes the display unit 171 to display that the answering machine function is turned on in the external telephone 400. Further, the setting processing unit 134 sets the number of automatic reception calls to be smaller than the number of counting back tones stored in the counting unit 133 in S67 (for example, set to a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of counting back tones). (S74). In S74, setting processing unit 134 may instruct external telephone 400 to make the number of calls that activate the answering machine function larger than the number of automatic reception calls of first line unit 121. .

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent the answering machine from being activated before the automatic reception in the first line unit 121 is started.

  Note that the user who has confirmed on the display unit 171 that the external telephone 400 is in the answering machine mode can change the TEL / FAX automatic switching setting to “FAX priority mode” in which only the FAX is received. . Alternatively, the setting processing unit 134 may change the setting of TEL / FAX automatic switching to “FAX priority mode” in S74.

  In this embodiment, both S73 and S74 are performed. However, only one of them may be used. In the case of only the processing of S73, the user who has received the notification can recognize that the answering machine function is turned on, and can take an appropriate action so as not to adversely affect the function. On the other hand, in the case of only the processing of S74, since the number of automatic reception calls is automatically set by the multi-function device 100 so as not to adversely affect the function of the answering machine, the user's trouble can be eliminated.

(Dial pulse setting)
When the first line unit 121 and the second line unit 122 use dial-type signals, there are two dial pulses, 20 pps and 10 pps. At the time of installation, a service person selects 20 pps as a dial call signal at the time of installation and makes a telephone call. When a connection is established, 20 pps is set as a default as it is. When no connection is established, the default is reset to 10 pps. In this way, individual responses by service personnel were necessary.

  However, according to the following example of the present embodiment, the optimum dial pulse is automatically set in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the dial pulse setting process.

  First, the setting processing unit 134 sets the dial pulse of the first line unit 121 to 20 pps (S81). Then, the test transmission control unit 131 calls the second line unit 122 from the first line unit 121 using the first line unit 121 as a transmission terminal and the second line unit 122 as a reception terminal (S82).

  Next, the communication signal detection unit 132 checks whether or not the second line unit 122 has received a ring signal (S83). When it is detected that the second line unit 122 has received the ring signal (Yes in S84), the second line unit 122 connects to the line in response to the ring signal (S85). Then, the test FAX is transmitted / received (S86, S87).

  On the other hand, when the communication signal detection unit 132 does not detect that the second line unit 122 has received the ring signal (No in S84), the test transmission control unit 131 disconnects the line from the first line unit 121. Instruct. Then, the first line unit 121 disconnects the line (S88).

  Next, the setting processing unit 134 changes the dial pulse of the first line unit 121 to 10 pps (S89). Then, the setting processing unit 134 sets 10 pps as the default dial pulse of the first line unit 121 (S90).

  Accordingly, the dial pulse can be automatically set in the multi-function device 100. As a result, processing by a service person or the like becomes unnecessary.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Finally, each block of the multifunction peripheral 100, in particular, the control unit may be configured by hardware logic, or may be realized by software using a CPU as follows.

  That is, the MFP 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, a RAM (random access memory) that expands the program, A storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data is provided. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium in which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of a control program of the multifunction peripheral 100 that is software that realizes the above-described functions is recorded so as to be readable by a computer. This can also be achieved by supplying the MFP 100 and reading and executing the program code recorded on the recording medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU).

  Examples of the recording medium include tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks / hard disks, and disks including optical disks such as CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Further, the MFP 100 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The present invention can be applied to a facsimile apparatus having a facsimile function.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration related to an initial setting function included in the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an entire facsimile communication system. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine that is an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function according to the present invention. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which detects the presence or absence of a transfer service and enables the optimal setting. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the setting process which enables automatic reception even if it transfers to energy saving mode. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the setting process of communication speed. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a setting process that enables automatic FAX reception even when the answering machine function is set to ON in the external telephone. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the setting process of a dial pulse.

Explanation of symbols

100 MFP (facsimile device)
171 Display unit 117 Power control unit (power control means)
121 First line part (communication part)
122 Second line part (communication part)
130 control unit 131 test transmission control unit (test transmission processing unit)
132 Communication signal detector (detection means)
133 Count unit 134 Setting processing unit (notification means, setting processing means)
200 Public Network Switching Office 201 Exchange 400 External Telephone

Claims (11)

Two communication units, each independently connected to the public telephone network and capable of facsimile communication via an external exchange;
One of the two communication units is a communication unit on the transmission side, the other is a communication unit on the reception side, and the test is performed from the transmission side communication unit via the exchange with the reception side communication unit as the transmission destination. Test transmission processing means for executing facsimile communication;
In the test facsimile communication executed by the test transmission processing means, detection means for detecting a communication signal received by the transmission side communication unit and the reception side communication unit;
Based on the communication signal detected by the detection means, information indicating the communication status of at least one of the two communication units, or the communication service set for the communication unit on the receiving side by the communication carrier A notification means for notifying information indicating a setting status;
A facsimile apparatus comprising: Two communication units, each independently connected to the public telephone network and capable of facsimile communication via an external exchange;
One of the two communication units is a communication unit on the transmission side, the other is a communication unit on the reception side, and the communication unit on the reception side is transmitted from the communication unit on the transmission side to the transmission destination via the exchange. Test transmission processing means for executing test facsimile communication;
In the test facsimile communication executed by the test transmission processing means, detection means for detecting a communication signal received by the transmission side communication unit and the reception side communication unit;
Setting processing means for updating the setting of the communication function of at least one of the two communication units based on the communication signal detected by the detecting means;
A facsimile apparatus comprising: The detecting means detects a receiving side identification signal indicating a receiving side line number received by the transmitting side communication unit,
When the number indicated by the reception side identification signal detected by the detection unit is different from the number of the communication unit on the reception side, the notification unit provides a transfer service to the communication unit on the reception side by a communication carrier. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information indicating that it is set is notified. The communication unit has an automatic reception mode for starting reception processing after confirming the call of the number of automatic reception calls set in advance,
The detecting means detects a ring signal for requesting a line connection received by the receiving communication unit, and also detects a receiving side identification signal indicating the receiving line number received by the transmitting communication unit. ,
When the number indicated by the reception side identification signal detected by the detection unit is different from the number of the communication unit on the reception side, the setting processing unit determines the number of automatic reception calls in the communication unit on the reception side as described above. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the facsimile apparatus is set so as to be smaller than the number of times of the ring signal detected by the detecting means. The mode is for switching between a normal mode in which the function of the communication unit is energized in an operable state and a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode. Power supply control means to return to normal mode when a connection call is received,
The communication unit has an automatic reception mode for starting reception processing after confirming the call of the number of automatic reception calls set in advance,
The test transmission processing unit causes the test facsimile communication to be executed in the power saving mode,
The detecting means detects a ringback tone signal received by the transmitting communication unit while returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode and indicating that a call is being made on the receiving side,
3. The setting processing unit sets the number of automatic reception calls in the communication unit on the reception side to be larger than the number of ringback tone signals detected by the detection unit. The described facsimile machine. The communication unit communicates a training signal for determining the communication speed with a partner terminal connected to the line and a confirmation signal indicating failure or success with respect to the training signal until the confirmation signal indicates success. The fallback function for determining the communication speed that can be communicated by lowering the communication speed sequentially is executed every time facsimile communication is performed.
In the fallback function, the communication unit first transmits a training signal having a preset initial communication speed,
The setting processing means determines the communication speed used when the detecting means detects that the transmitting communication section has received the confirmation signal indicating success from the receiving communication section in the communication section. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the facsimile apparatus is set as the initial communication speed. The communication unit on the receiving side shares one telephone line with an external telephone,
The communication unit on the receiving side has a TEL / FAX automatic switching mode for starting reception processing after receiving a call for a preset number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls.
The test transmission processing means executes the test facsimile communication when the receiving side communication unit is in the TEL / FAX automatic switching mode,
The detecting means detects a ringback tone signal received by the transmitting side communication unit until the receiving side is connected to the line and indicating that the receiving side is calling,
If the number of ringback tone signals detected by the detecting means is less than the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls, the notifying means notifies that the answering machine function is turned on in the external telephone. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1. The communication unit on the receiving side shares one telephone line with an external telephone,
The communication unit on the receiving side has a TEL / FAX automatic switching mode for starting reception processing after receiving a call for a preset number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls.
The test transmission processing means executes the test facsimile communication when the receiving side communication unit is in the TEL / FAX automatic switching mode,
The detecting means detects a ringback tone signal received by the transmitting side communication unit until the receiving side is connected to the line and indicating that the receiving side is calling,
When the number of ringback tone signals detected by the detection means is smaller than the number of TEL / FAX automatic switching calls, the setting processing means is configured to reduce the number of TEL / FAX automatic so that the number is less than the number of ringback tone signals. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the number of switching calls is set. The communication unit communicates with a dial signal.
The test transmission processing means executes the test facsimile communication by sequentially using the higher one of the plurality of dial pulses,
The detection means detects a ring signal received by the communication unit on the receiving side and requesting line connection,
3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting processing means sets the dial pulse when the ring signal is detected by the detecting means to be always used.   A program for operating the facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the program causes a computer to function as each of the means.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program of Claim 10.

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