JPH07111574A - Facsimile apparatus communication control method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] (Modified) [Purpose] A communication control method for a facsimile apparatus that can reduce the communication cost of the entire system without concentrating the communication cost when executing the transfer function on one terminal. I will provide a. [Structure] Four facsimile machines FX1, FX2, F
When X3 and FX4 form the transfer path in this order,
The image information PA transferred from the facsimile device FX1 to the facsimile device FX2 is sequentially transferred to the facsimile device FX3 by the facsimile device FX2.
X3 transfers to the facsimile apparatus FX4. Further, the last facsimile apparatus FX4 on the transfer path transfers the image information PA to the facsimile apparatus FX1 which is the starting point of the transfer path.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication control method for a facsimile machine having a circulation transfer function for sequentially transferring the same image information to a plurality of facsimile machines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a transfer function (relay function) of a facsimile machine, first, a transfer requesting station transmits transfer image information in a state in which a transfer destination is designated to the transfer station, and the transfer station transmits the designated transfer destination. The received transfer image information is transmitted to the station. When there are multiple transfer destinations, the transfer requesting station specifies multiple transfer destinations, and the transfer station
The received transfer image information is sequentially broadcast to a plurality of designated transfer destinations.

[0003]

However, such a conventional device has the following disadvantages.

That is, when there are a plurality of transfer destinations, since the transfer station transmits the transfer image information to all the transfer destinations, the communication cost of the transfer station becomes very large, and in some cases, There is a disadvantage that the communication cost of the entire system also increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to reduce the communication cost of the entire system without concentrating the communication cost when executing the transfer function on one terminal. It is an object to provide a communication control method for a device.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is provided with a circulation transfer function for sequentially transferring the same image information to a plurality of facsimile apparatuses, and a starting facsimile apparatus which starts a communication operation by this circulation transfer function is a circulation path. Forming the circulation destination information in which the destination information of at least one other facsimile device forming the above is formed, the first destination facsimile device is called, and the circulation destination information and the transfer image information are transmitted to the destination facsimile device. When the destination facsimile machine included in the transfer path receives the circulation destination information and the transfer image information from the upstream side facsimile machine of the transfer path, it records and outputs the image of the received transfer image information, Call the unsent destination included in the circulation destination information, and send to the unsent destination facsimile device,
The circulation destination information and the transfer image information are transmitted.

Further, the origination facsimile machine which is provided with a circulation transfer function for sequentially transferring the same image information to a plurality of facsimile machines and starts the communication operation by this circulation transfer function is at least one other one forming a circulation route. While forming the circulation destination information in which the destination information of the facsimile device is arranged, the first destination facsimile device is called,
When the circulation destination information and the transfer image information are transmitted to the destination facsimile device, and the destination facsimile device included in the transfer path receives the circulation destination information and the transfer image information from the upstream side facsimile device of the transfer path. , Output the image of the received transfer image information,
When the notification of the reception is displayed and a predetermined transfer confirmation operation is input, the untransmitted destination included in the circulation destination information is called, and the circulation destination information and the transfer image information are transmitted to the untransmitted destination facsimile device. It is designed to be sent.

Further, a circulation facsimile function for sequentially transmitting the same image information to a plurality of facsimile apparatuses is provided, and a starting facsimile apparatus which starts a communication operation by this circulation transfer function is provided with at least one other circulation path. While forming the circulation destination information in which the destination information of the facsimile device is arranged, the first destination facsimile device is called,
When the circulation destination information and the transfer image information are transmitted to the destination facsimile device, and the destination facsimile device included in the transfer path receives the circulation destination information and the transfer image information from the upstream side facsimile device of the transfer path. , Output the image of the received transfer image information,
A notification of the reception is displayed and a predetermined transfer confirmation operation is input, or at the time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification display was started, the untransmitted destination included in the circulation destination information is called, The circulation destination information and the transfer image information are transmitted to the untransmitted destination facsimile machine.

[0009]

Therefore, since each of the facsimile devices forming the transfer path bears the communication cost when transmitting the transfer image information to the next destination, the communication cost burdens of the respective facsimile devices become substantially equal. Also, since each facsimile machine adds the reception confirmation information of its own terminal,
It is possible to clearly grasp the reception status of the image information at each facsimile apparatus on the transfer path.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The facsimile machine has a group 3 facsimile machine function as a device function.

In FIG. 1, a control section 1 performs control processing of each section of this facsimile apparatus and facsimile transmission control procedure processing including a circulation transfer function (described later), and a system memory 2 controls the control section 1 Stores the control processing program executed by the control program and various data necessary for executing the processing program.
And the parameter memory 3 is for storing various information unique to the group 3 facsimile apparatus.

The scanner 4 is for reading an original image at a predetermined resolution, the plotter 5 is for recording and outputting an image at a predetermined resolution, and the operation display unit 6 is a facsimile device. For operation,
It consists of various operation keys and various indicators.

The encoding / decoding unit 7 is for encoding and compressing the image signal and for decoding the encoded and compressed image information into the original image signal. The image storage device 8 is
This is for storing a large amount of image information in a coded and compressed state.

The group 3 facsimile modem 9 is for realizing the modem function of the group 3 facsimile, and has a low speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging a transmission procedure signal and mainly exchanging image information. High-speed modem function (V.33 modem, V.33
29 modem, V.29. 27ter modem etc.).

The network control device 10 is for connecting the facsimile device to a public telephone line network and is provided with an automatic call originating / receiving function.

These control unit 1, system memory 2,
The parameter memory 3, scanner 4, plotter 5, operation display unit 6, encoding / decoding unit 7, image storage device 8, group 3 facsimile modem 9, and network control device 10
It is connected to the system bus 11, and data is exchanged between these elements mainly in the system bus 1.
It is done through 1.

Data is exchanged directly between the network control device 10 and the group 3 facsimile modem 9.

The circulation transfer function according to this embodiment will be described below.

This circulation transfer function is, as shown in FIG.
For example, four facsimile machines FX1, FX2, FX
When FX3 and FX4 form a transfer path in this order, the image information PA transferred from the facsimile apparatus FX1 to the facsimile apparatus FX2 is sequentially transferred from the facsimile apparatus FX2 to the facsimile apparatus FX3, and the facsimile apparatus FX3.
3 is a transmission function for transferring to the facsimile apparatus FX4. Also, the last fax machine FX4 on the transfer path
Transfers the image information PA to the facsimile apparatus FX1 which is the starting point of the transfer path.

Further, the facsimile machine which is the starting point of the transfer path described above forms the circulation destination list information as shown in FIG. 3 (a).

This circulation destination list information is obtained by arranging the circulation destination information in a predetermined order with respect to a plurality of facsimile devices forming a transfer path. The respective circulation destination information is shown in FIG. Like the header information,
It consists of the telephone number of the facsimile machine.

Further, the header information is composed of 8-bit data as shown in FIG. 7C, and the first bit thereof is a bit T indicating that the circulation destination is the origin terminal.
It is set to P, the second bit is set to a bit OT that indicates that the circulation destination was out during the circulation transfer, and the third bit indicates that the circulation destination was busy during the circulation transfer. It is set to the bit BS that stands for,
The 8th bit is set to a bit RS indicating that the circulation destination has not been transmitted. In this case, bits 4, 5, 6, and 7 are not used.

In this way, in this embodiment, a plurality of facsimile devices have a circulation transfer function for sequentially transferring the same image information. Therefore, when transmitting the same image information to a plurality of facsimile devices, respectively. The communication costs borne by the facsimile machines are almost equal, and the unfairness of the communication cost burden is eliminated.

Further, since the reception result at each facsimile device is finally notified to the facsimile device at the starting point of the circulation transfer, the facsimile device at the starting point indicates the execution progress of the image information transfer specified by the own terminal. You can know
It is very convenient.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show an example of a transmission process at the time of starting the circulation transfer in the facsimile apparatus which is the starting point of the circulation transfer.

First, when the user selects the circulation transfer function, the user is made to input a list of one or more destinations forming the transfer path (process 101) to form the circulation destination list information as described above. Here, in the initial state, the bit RS of the header information of the circulation destination information corresponding to each destination is set to 1 and both the bits BS and OT are set to 0.
Is set to. Further, the bit TP is set to 0 for the header information of the circulation destination information other than the own terminal, and is set to 1 for the header information of the circulation destination information of the own terminal.

Next, from the circulation destination list information, one circulation destination information in which the bit RS of the header information is set to 1, the bit BS is set to 0, and the bit OT is set to 0 A selection is made (process 102).

Then, the selected destination is called (process 10).
3) Check whether the destination responds to the incoming call (decision 10)
4). When the result of the judgment 104 is NO, the line is once restored (process 105), and it is checked whether or not the state is recallable at that time (judgment 106). When the result of determination 106 is YES, the process waits for a predetermined time (process 1
07), the process 103 is returned to and the destination is recalled.

When the result of the judgment 106 is NO, the destination selected at that time is in a busy state, and therefore the bit BS of the header information of the destination is set to 1 (process 108). Then, from the circulation destination list information, the bit RS of the header information is set to 1 and the bit BS
Is set to 0 and the bit OT is set to 0, the next destination is selected (process 109), the process returns to process 103, and the newly selected destination is called.

If the destination responds to the incoming call, the judgment 1
When the result of 04 is YES, it is checked whether or not a predetermined group 3 facsimile procedure signal has been received within a predetermined time (NO loop of decisions 110 and 111).

When the predetermined group 3 facsimile procedure signal cannot be received before the predetermined time elapses and the result of the judgment 111 is YES, the destination at that time is out and the line is restored. (Process 11
2), 1 is set to the bit OT of the header information of the destination (process 113). Then, the process proceeds to step 109 to select the next destination.

Further, when the predetermined group 3 facsimile procedure signal can be received before the predetermined time elapses, and the result of the judgment 110 is YES, the called terminal identification signal CED from the partner terminal is not transmitted. Standard function identification signal NS
F and the digital identification signal DIS are received (process 1
14), the transmission function (modem speed, etc.) used for the image information transmission at that time is set (process 115), information specifying the transmission function set at that time, the circulation transfer function is used in this image information transmission Non-standard function setting signal N including at least information indicating the purpose and circulation destination list information
An SS (circular transfer) is sent out (process 116), a predetermined modem training procedure is executed at the modem speed designated at that time (process 117), and the modem speed to be used at that time is determined.

In this way, when the image information is ready to be transmitted, the image information for one page is transmitted (process 118), and when the transmission is completed, it is checked whether or not there is a next transmission page (decision 119). ). When the result of determination 119 is YES, the multi-page signal M is used as the post-message signal.
The PS is transmitted (process 120), the response signal is received from the partner terminal (process 121), the process returns to process 118, and the image information of the next page is transmitted.

When the transmission of all pages has been completed and the result of the determination 119 is NO, the procedure end signal EOP is sent as a post-message signal (process 122),
The response signal is received from the partner terminal (step 123), the disconnection command signal DCN is sent out (step 124), the line is restored (step 125), and the series of transmission operations at the start of circulation transfer are completed.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7 show an example of processing when an incoming call is detected.

When an incoming call is detected (process 201), an incoming call is answered (process 202), and a predetermined called station identification signal CED, non-standard function identification signal NSF, and digital identification signal D are received.
The IS is transmitted (process 203) and the command signal from the partner terminal is received (process 204).

At that time, it is checked whether the circulation transfer function is designated (decision 205). When the result of the determination 205 is NO, a normal incoming call process is executed. When the result of the determination 205 is YES, the transmission function notified at that time is set in each unit of the device (process 206), and a predetermined modem training procedure is executed at the modem speed set at that time ( Processing 20
7) Determine the modem speed to use at that time.

Next, by receiving the image information for one page,
The image is stored in the image storage device 8 (process 208) and the post-message signal is received (process 209). Then, it is checked whether the post-message signal received at that time is the procedure end signal EOP (decision 210), and the result of the decision 209 is NO.
When is, since there is a next page, a response signal indicating the reception result of the reception page at that time is transmitted (process 211), the process returns to process 208, and the image information of the next page is received.

When the procedure end signal EOP is received as the post-message signal, the result of judgment 210 is YES.
Then, a response signal representing the reception result of the received page at that time is transmitted (process 212), the disconnection command signal DCN is received (process 213), and the line is restored (process 214).

When the reception of the transfer image information is completed in this way, the circulation destination information of the own terminal included in the circulation destination list received at that time is extracted, and the bit RS of the header information is set to 0. The circulation destination list information is updated (process 215). Then, the recording original of the image information received at that time is recorded and output from the plotter 5 (process 21).
6).

Next, it is checked whether or not automatic transfer at the time of circular transfer is set as the setting information of the own terminal (decision 217). When the result of the judgment 217 is NO, the circular transfer reception guidance message is operated. Display 6
Is displayed (step 218) and waits until the user inputs a reception confirmation operation until the predetermined time has elapsed (NO loop of determinations 219 and 220).

The user inputs a reception confirmation operation until the predetermined time elapses, and the result of judgment 219 is YE.
The determination 217 is made when the result is S or when the result of the determination 220 is YES when the predetermined time has elapsed without the user inputting the reception confirmation operation, and when the automatic transfer is set. When the result is YES, a predetermined circulation transfer process is activated (process 221).

8 and 9 show an example of the circulation transfer process.

First, from the circulation destination list information, select one circulation destination information in which the bit RS of the header information is set to 1, the bit BS is set to 0, and the bit OT is set to 0. (Process 301). However, when the circulation destination information in which the bit TP is set to 1 is selected, the bit RS is further set to 1, the bit BS is set to 0, and the bit OT is set to 0. It is selected as a destination only when there is no other circulation destination information. As a result, the origin terminal is designated as the destination as the last terminal of the circulation transfer.

Then, the selected destination is called (process 30).
2) Check whether the destination responds to the incoming call (decision 30)
3). When the result of the judgment 303 is NO, the line is once restored (process 304), and it is checked whether or not it is in a state where the call can be recalled at that time (judgment 305). When the result of determination 305 is YES, the process waits for a predetermined time (process 3
06), returning to the process 302, the destination is recalled.

When the result of the determination 305 is NO, the destination selected at that time is in a busy state, and therefore the bit BS of the header information of the destination is set to 1 (process 307). Then, the process returns to step 301, the next destination is searched for, and the transmission process is performed for that destination.

If the destination responds to the incoming call, the decision 3
When the result of 03 is YES, it is checked whether or not a predetermined group 3 facsimile procedure signal can be received until the predetermined time has elapsed (NO loop of decisions 309 and 310).

When the predetermined group 3 facsimile procedure signal cannot be received before the predetermined time elapses and the result of judgment 310 is YES, the destination at that time is out, so the line is restored. (Process 31
1), 1 is set to the bit OT of the header information of the destination (process 312). Then, the process proceeds to step 301 to select the next destination.

Further, when the predetermined group 3 facsimile procedure signal can be received before the predetermined time elapses, and the result of the judgment 309 is YES, the called terminal identification signal CED from the other terminal, the non-existence. Standard function identification signal NS
F and the digital identification signal DIS are received (process 3
13), the transmission function (modem speed, etc.) used for the image information transmission at that time is set (process 314), the information designating the transmission function set at that time, the circulation transfer function is used in this image information transmission Non-standard function setting signal N including at least information indicating the purpose and circulation destination list information
An SS (circular transfer) is sent (process 315), a predetermined modem training procedure is executed at the modem speed designated at that time (process 316), and the modem speed to be used at that time is determined.

In this way, when the image information is ready to be transmitted, the image information for one page is transmitted (process 317). When the transmission is completed, it is checked whether or not there is a next transmitted page (decision 318). ). When the result of determination 318 is YES, the multi-page signal M is output as the post-message signal.
PS is transmitted (process 319), a response signal is received from the partner terminal (process 320), the process returns to process 317, and the image information of the next page is transmitted.

When the transmission of all pages is completed and the result of the judgment 318 is NO, the procedure end signal EOP is sent as a post-message signal (process 321),
The response signal is received from the partner terminal (process 322), the disconnection command signal DCN is transmitted (process 323), the line is restored (process 324), and the series of transmission operations during circulation transfer are completed.

Therefore, in this case, the origin terminal designated at the end of the circulation transfer records and outputs a report or the like showing the circulation transfer status based on the contents of the received transfer destination list information. Since the user can determine the reception status of the transfer image information at all destination terminals forming the circulation route, the user can clearly know the terminal that transmits the transfer image information again.

By the way, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the group 3 facsimile machine has been described, but the present invention can be similarly applied to the group 4 facsimile machine.

[0055]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since each of the facsimile devices forming the transfer path bears the communication cost when transmitting the transfer image information to the next destination, the communication cost burden states of the respective facsimile devices become substantially equal. Further, since each facsimile apparatus adds the reception confirmation information of its own terminal, it is possible to obtain an effect that the reception status of the image information in each facsimile apparatus on the transfer path can be clearly understood.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a group 3 facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a circulation transfer function.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of circulation destination list information.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing example of a transmission operation at the start of circulation transfer.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another part of the processing example of the transmission operation at the start of circulation transfer.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing example when an incoming call is detected.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another part of the processing example when an incoming call is detected.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of a processing example of a transmission operation at the time of circulation transfer.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another part of the processing example of the transmission operation at the time of circulation transfer.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A starting point facsimile apparatus which is provided with a circulation transfer function for sequentially transferring the same image information to a plurality of facsimile apparatuses, and which starts a communication operation by this circulation transfer function,
The circulation destination information is formed by arranging the destination information of at least one other facsimile device forming the circulation route, and the first destination facsimile device is called, and the circulation destination information and the transfer are transmitted to the destination facsimile device. Image information is transmitted, and when the destination facsimile device included in the transfer path receives the circulation destination information and the transfer image information from the upstream side facsimile device of the transfer path, the image of the received transfer image information is recorded and output. Then, the untransmitted destination included in the circulation destination information is called, and the circulation destination information and the transfer image information are transmitted to the untransmitted destination facsimile device. 2. A starting-point facsimile apparatus which is provided with a circulation transfer function for sequentially transferring the same image information to a plurality of facsimile apparatuses and starts a communication operation by this circulation transfer function,
The circulation destination information is formed by arranging the destination information of at least one other facsimile device forming the circulation route, and the first destination facsimile device is called, and the circulation destination information and the transfer are transmitted to the destination facsimile device. Image information is transmitted, and when the destination facsimile device included in the transfer path receives the circulation destination information and the transfer image information from the upstream side facsimile device of the transfer path, the image of the received transfer image information is recorded and output. And displays a notification of the reception,
When a predetermined transfer confirmation operation is input, the untransmitted destination included in the circulation destination information is called, and the circulation destination information and the transfer image information are transmitted to the untransmitted destination facsimile device. Communication control method for facsimile machine. 3. A starting point facsimile apparatus which is provided with a circulation transfer function for sequentially transferring the same image information to a plurality of facsimile apparatuses, and which starts a communication operation by this circulation transfer function,
The circulation destination information is formed by arranging the destination information of at least one other facsimile device forming the circulation route, and the first destination facsimile device is called, and the circulation destination information and the transfer are transmitted to the destination facsimile device. Image information is transmitted, and when the destination facsimile device included in the transfer path receives the circulation destination information and the transfer image information from the upstream side facsimile device of the transfer path, the image of the received transfer image information is recorded and output. And displays a notification of the reception,
When a predetermined transfer confirmation operation is input or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification display was started, the unsent destination included in the circulation destination information is called and the unsent destination facsimile device is called. A communication control method for a facsimile apparatus, characterized in that the circulation destination information and the transfer image information are transmitted.