JP2010004400A - Communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the convenience of a communication apparatus as a multifunction peripheral apparatus connected to a network. <P>SOLUTION: The communication apparatus 100 is connected to a first communication network 200 to which at least one network device 201 is connected to perform two-way communication with the network device 201 and connected to a second communication network 300 which is constituted of a network different from the first communication network 200 to perform communication with a communication device 301 connected to the second communication network 300. The communication apparatus includes a regular operating unit 103 that operates regularly; and a communication control unit 110 that controls operation in the regular operating unit 103 in accordance with a reply command to a command transmitted to the network device 201 on the first communication network 200 using a general purpose communication protocol. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus having a communication function for at least two types of communication networks and having a plurality of functions such as a print function, a copy function, and a fax function.

  Recently, MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) is known. As an MFP, for example, there is a multi-function machine having a plurality of functions such as a printer, a scanner, a copier, a telephone, and a fax machine. As described above, an MFP in which various functions are combined in a single device in a compact manner is becoming popular due to an increasing demand with the spread of SOHO (Small Office Home Office).

  Also, MFPs equipped with a network function have become common. In an MFP equipped with such a network function, MFP internal settings and registration can be performed from a scanner, printer, FAX, or PC (Personal Computer) via the network in cooperation with the network.

  Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose techniques for processing devices such as servers and MFPs by transmitting and registering presence information from a communication device such as a PC.

  On the other hand, it is also generally known to diagnose whether a specified IP address on the TCP / IP network is connected. When an IP address is specified, data (usually about 32 bytes) is sent using ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol). Whether there is a reply from the other computer, how long does it take if there is a reply, etc. An instruction (such as PING) for diagnosing a network based on data is well known.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-228561 discloses a technique for performing PC connection confirmation and turning off the power of a device equipped with a print function when not connected.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-84417 (published on August 7, 1998) JP 10-84417 A (published March 31, 1998) JP 2006-323770 A (published November 30, 2006)

  However, using any conventional technique, as described above, in a system in which a multifunction peripheral device such as an MFP having a function that needs to operate constantly, such as a telephone and a fax machine, is connected to the network, The setting of each function of the multifunction peripheral device could not be changed from the connection state of other connected devices.

  For this reason, the problem that the convenience at the time of connecting a multifunction peripheral to a network arises.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to improve the convenience of a communication device as a multifunction peripheral connected to a network.

  In order to solve the above problems, a communication device according to the present invention is connected to a first communication network to which at least one network device is connected, and performs bidirectional communication with the network device. A communication device connected to a second communication network composed of a network different from the first communication network and communicating with a communication device connected to the second communication network, wherein the communication device In response to a reply command to a command transmitted using a general-purpose communication protocol to the normally operating unit that is always operating and the network device on the first communication network, the operation in the always operating unit is performed. And a communication control unit for controlling.

  According to the above configuration, the network device on the first communication network from the reply command to the command transmitted by the communication control unit using the general-purpose communication protocol to the network device on the first communication network. Will be monitored. As a result of the monitoring, the operation in the constantly operating unit is controlled according to the connection status.

  As a result, the communication device configured as described above does not always control the operation unit from the network device connected to the first communication network, but itself depends on the connection status of the network device in the first communication network. Thus, it is possible to set a constantly operating part that is always operating.

  The always-operating part that is always operating mainly indicates a telephone function, a facsimile function, and functions related to these functions. In addition to this, a plurality of types of functions such as a print function and a copy function can be always used as the operation unit.

  Specifically, the communication control unit includes a command transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives the command, and a command received by the command transmission / reception unit includes an instruction command necessary to control the operation of the always-on operation unit. A command determination unit that determines whether or not the operation is performed, and an operation setting unit that sets the operation of the constantly operating unit based on the determination result of the command determination unit.

  When the second communication network is a public telephone network, the constantly operating unit is set with a plurality of types of incoming operations that operate when receiving a call signal received via the public telephone network. The operation setting unit is configured to set the type of incoming operation in the always-on operation unit according to the determination result by the command determination unit.

  When the second communication network is a public telephone network, the constantly operating unit has a function of notifying the user with a notification sound when a call signal received via the public telephone network is received. The operation setting unit preferably controls the volume of the notification sound for the user in the constantly operating unit according to the determination result by the command determining unit.

  According to said structure, according to the connection condition of the network apparatus on a 1st communication network, the volume of the notification sound when receiving the ringing signal received via a public telephone network can be switched automatically. . For example, when a network device on the first communication network is connected, there is a high possibility that the user is in a room where the network device is installed. If the network device on the first communication network is not connected, there is a high possibility that the user is not in the room where the network device is installed. Since there is no need to notify, the volume of the notification sound may be set lower than the normal volume. Thereby, the notification sound volume can be appropriately adjusted according to the environment of the communication device.

  In addition, when the second communication network is a public telephone network, the always-on unit receives a call signal received via the public telephone network from a plurality of types of sound sources. It is preferable that the operation setting unit has a function of notifying with a notification sound, and the sound source of the notification sound for the user in the always-on operation unit is switched according to the determination result by the command determination unit.

  According to said structure, according to the connection condition of the network apparatus on a 1st communication network, the sound source of the notification sound when receiving the ringing signal received via a public telephone network can be switched automatically. . As a result, the sound source is differentiated between the case where the network device on the first communication network is connected and the case where the network device on the first communication network is not connected. What is necessary is just to switch automatically.

  Further, when the second communication network is a public telephone network, the always-on operation unit has an answering machine function including two types of the answering machine modes: a home mode and an answering mode. According to the determination result by the command determination unit, the mode may be switched to either the home mode or the absence mode in the answering machine function.

  According to the above configuration, the answering machine mode can be automatically switched according to the connection status of the network device on the first communication network. For example, when a network device on the first communication network is connected, the user is likely to be in a room where the network device is installed, so the answering machine mode is set to the home mode, When a network device on one communication network is not connected, there is a high possibility that the user is not in the room where the network device is installed, so it is necessary to inform the user that there is a called call. There is no need to set the answering machine mode to answering mode.

  Here, the home mode is an answering machine mode that is set when there is a user near the network device. The answering mode is an answering machine mode that is set when there is no user near the network device. It is.

  Further, the operation setting unit switches an answering message when an incoming call is received according to a determination result by the command determination unit when the home answering mode or the answering mode is set in the answering machine function. What should I do?

  According to said structure, it can set to the absence response message according to the connection condition of the network apparatus on a 1st communication network. For example, when a network device on the first communication network is connected, it is highly likely that the user is in a room where the network device is installed. Therefore, it is determined that the answering machine mode is the home mode. If the network device on the first communication network is not connected, the user is not in the room where the network device is installed. Because there is a high possibility, there is no need to inform the user that the called party has been called, so it is determined that the answering machine mode is in the answering mode, and the optimum message can be automatically output in the answering mode. It should be set.

  When the second communication network is a public telephone network, the always-on operation unit transmits the facsimile data received from the public telephone network to another network apparatus other than the own apparatus connected to the first communication network. The operation setting unit transfers the received facsimile data to the other network device according to the determination result by the command determination unit. It is preferable to have a transfer permission / inhibition setting function for setting permission / inhibition.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to set whether or not to transfer the received facsimile data according to the connection status of the network device on the first communication network. For example, when a network device on the first communication network is connected, the user is likely to be in a room where the network device is installed, so the received facsimile data is transferred to another network device. If the network device on the first communication network is not connected, there is a high possibility that the user is not in the room where the network device is installed. Since it is not necessary to notify this, it can be set so that the received facsimile data is transferred to another network device.

  The operation setting unit may execute different processing depending on the IP address of the network device included in the command received by the command transmission / reception unit.

  According to the above configuration, by setting different processes for each IP address in advance, the network apparatus can execute a desired process according to the connection status of the network apparatus on the first communication network. be able to.

  The command transmission / reception unit may repeatedly transmit the command at regular intervals.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to automatically check whether or not the network device is connected to the first communication network by repeatedly transmitting the command at regular intervals.

  The command transmission / reception unit may perform command transmission when the communication apparatus is in an operation standby state.

  According to the above configuration, it is automatically confirmed whether or not the network device is connected to the first communication network while the communication device is not being used by the user.

  When the second communication network is a public telephone network, the command transmission / reception unit may perform command transmission when receiving a call signal received from a circuit switch via the public telephone network. .

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to minimize whether or not a network device is connected to the first communication network, and as a result, power consumption can be reduced.

  The operation setting unit may notify the user of some or all of the set operation information.

  According to the above configuration, as described above, even when various settings are performed automatically, information on the set operation is notified to the user, thereby improving the user's feeling of use. Can do.

  As described above, the communication device according to the present invention is connected to the first communication network to which at least one network device is connected, and performs bidirectional communication with the network device. A communication device that is connected to a second communication network composed of a network different from the communication network and communicates with a communication device connected to the second communication network, wherein the communication device always operates. Communication that controls the operation of the always-operating unit in response to a reply command to a command transmitted to the network device on the first communication network using a general-purpose communication protocol. By providing the control unit, it is possible to improve the convenience of the communication device connected to the communication network Achieve the cormorant effect.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described as follows.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of a communication apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 100 can communicate with a first communication network 200 and a second communication network 300, which are two types of communication networks.

  Examples of the first communication network 200 include communication networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and a WAN (Wide Area Network). In the present embodiment, a case where a LAN is used as the first communication network 200 will be described.

  Examples of the second communication network 300 include another communication network configured independently of the first communication network 200, such as a fixed telephone network and a mobile phone network. In this embodiment, a case where a fixed telephone network is used as the second communication network 300 will be described.

  The first communication network 200 and the second communication network 300 may be different communication networks configured independently, and may be the same type of communication network. For example, both the first communication network 200 and the first communication network 200 may be a LAN.

  At least one network device 201 is connected to the first communication network 200, and at least one communication device 301 is connected to the second communication network 300.

  The communication device 100 includes a first communication unit 101 that is connected to the first communication network 200 and performs bidirectional communication with the network device 201, and a communication device that is connected to the second communication network 300. 301 includes a second communication unit 102 for communicating with 301, a constantly operating unit 103 that operates constantly by communication using the second communication unit 102, and a communication control unit 110 that controls them. .

  Here, when the second communication network 300 is a telephone network such as a fixed telephone network, the continuous operation unit 103 is an operation that needs to be always operated in the communication device 100 such as incoming call or fax reception. Shows the part.

  Further, the communication device 100 includes a storage unit 105 that stores various information to be used by the communication control unit 110. Note that the information stored in the storage unit 105 is rewritten by the communication control unit 110 as necessary.

  The communication control unit 110 uses the first communication unit 101 to transmit and receive commands to and from the network device 201 via the first communication network 200 using a general-purpose communication protocol. When the command received by the command transmission / reception unit 111 includes a command determination unit 112 that determines whether or not an instruction command is included, and the command determination unit 112 determines that the command is included, It includes at least an operation setting unit 113 that sets an operation for executing a process associated with the command.

  As long as the communication protocol is a protocol for transmitting data from the communication apparatus 100 to the network apparatus 201 connected to the first communication network 200 and receiving reply data from the network apparatus 201, any communication protocol can be used. It may be a simple protocol. For example, as one of the above communication protocols, PING (Packet Internet Groper) can be cited.

  The communication device 100 configured as described above transmits a command for confirming the connection status of the network device 201 to the first communication network 200, and this command is included when the returned data includes an instruction command. Since an operation for executing a process associated with a command in advance is set, it is not necessary to control the operation of the communication device 100 from the network device 201 side.

  Moreover, since the communication device 100 can grasp the connection status of the network device 201 connected to the first communication network 200, the storage device 105 stores the connection status and the corresponding processing in advance in association with each other. In this case, the communication apparatus 100 can automatically execute a desired process according to the connection status of the network apparatus 201.

  From the above, the communication device 100 of the present invention has a network connection function and at least a multifunction peripheral device (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) having functions that need to be constantly operated, such as a call function and a fax function. Is preferred.

  Further, the communication device 100 receives the connection confirmation result obtained by confirming the connection status of the network device 201 with respect to the first communication network 200 and the setting information determined by the operation setting unit 113 in the communication control unit 110. Is provided with a notification unit 106. Functions for realizing the notification unit 106 include a printing function such as a printer for printing out connection confirmation results and connection information, an SMTP function for transferring connection confirmation results and connection information to the user, a connection confirmation result, Examples include a display function such as a liquid crystal display panel for displaying connection information, and a sound output function such as a speaker for notifying connection confirmation results and connection information by voice. As described above, the function for realizing the notification unit 106 may be any function as long as it can notify the user of the connection confirmation result and the setting information.

  Hereinafter, an example in which the communication apparatus 100 of the present invention is applied to an MFP will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration block diagram of the MFP 1. In the MFP 1, members having the same functions as those of the communication device 100 are given the same member numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 1 includes a network unit 2 corresponding to the first communication unit 101, a clock 3, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 4 corresponding to the second communication unit 102, a modem unit 5, and a speaker control unit 6. , Speaker 7, operation unit 8, storage unit 105, and communication control unit 110.

  Here, since the memory | storage part 105 and the communication control part 110 are the same as the component of the communication apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The network unit 2 is connected to a LAN 10 (first communication network 200) using a communication method such as Ethernet (registered trademark). Thereby, the MFP 1 communicates with the network device 201 connected to the same LAN 10. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, (1) the communication device 100 transmits a command to the network device 201, and (2) a response command to the command received by the network device 201 is sent to the communication device 100. Send.

  The clock 3 outputs the current time to the communication control unit 110. Here, the communication control unit 110 grasps the current time from the output from the clock 3, and transmits a connection confirmation command to the other network device 201 when the preset time is reached. It has become.

  The NCU 4 in the second communication unit 102 is connected to the public network 20 as the second communication network 300 via the communication cable 11 and functions as a port for transmitting and receiving data to and from the public network.

  The modem unit 5 transmits and receives data to and from the public network 20 (second communication network 300) via the NCU 4. The modem unit 5 outputs the received data to the speaker control unit 6 and the communication control unit 110.

  The speaker control unit 6 outputs an electrical signal as a sound wave to the speaker 7 based on the data obtained from the modem unit 5. For example, if the data obtained from the modem unit 5 is data indicating an incoming call, an electric signal is output to the speaker 7 so as to sound a ringtone as a sound wave.

  The operation unit 8 is an input interface for performing various operations and settings in the MFP 1. The user of the MFP 1 may check the connection status of other network devices 201 connected on the same LAN 10 or perform settings for checking the connection status by operating the operation unit 8. it can.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between the MFP 1 and the network device 201.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the MFP 1 having the above configuration communicates with three PCs (1) to (3) as the network device 201 and two network devices (1) and (2). It is connected to a LAN 10 that is one of the networks. That is, here, the first communication network 200 to which the communication device 100 is connected is the LAN 10. In addition, the numerical value (for example, 192.168.1.2.) Described in the upper part of each apparatus of FIG. 4 has shown the IP address of each apparatus.

  The LAN 10 is connected to the Internet via a router 12.

  The MFP 1 can access the Internet via the LAN 10 as the first communication network 200.

  The MFP 1 has not only a network function that functions by connecting to the LAN 10, but also a telephone / facsimile / answering machine function, and is connected to the public network 20 that is one of the second communication networks 300.

  The network devices (1) and (2) may be network printers, network home appliances (refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.), room lighting, etc. It doesn't matter.

  In the network illustrated in FIG. 4, the MFP 1 performs connection setting of each device as illustrated in FIG. 5 with respect to another device connected to the LAN 10 in response to an operation signal from the operation unit 8. That is, the MFP 1 grasps the connection status of each device based on the connection settings shown in FIG.

  Specifically, when the time set in FIG. 5 is reached, the MFP 1 responds to IP addresses corresponding to the network devices (1), PC (2), and PC (3) connected to the LAN 10 shown in FIG. It is assumed that a LAN connection confirmation command is transmitted. Here, based on the connection setting information shown in FIG. 5, the MFP 1 is connected to the network device (2) and the PC (1) that are not connected among the devices connected to the LAN 10 shown in FIG. Is not a target for network connection confirmation, command transmission for LAN connection confirmation is not performed. The presence or absence of command reception (FIG. 3) from each device in response to command transmission is stored in the storage unit 105 in FIG. Assume that the stored result is as shown in FIG.

  The result shown in FIG. 6 is that when the connection confirmation time is 18:00, the network device (1) and the PC (2) are confirmed to be connected. Indicates that the device connection could not be confirmed. At the time of 21 o'clock, the result shows that no command is received from all the network devices.

  Here, if the MFP 1 determines from the command received by the command transmission / reception unit 111 in the communication control unit 110 shown in FIG. 1 that the command determination unit 112 has not received a command from all the network devices, the MFP 1 performs the communication control. The unit 110 performs arbitrary processing.

  The above arbitrary processing may be a change of various settings relating to the telephone / facsimile / answering machine function, or may be changed to a setting that prevents the MFP 1 from polling packets received via the network, or a network device. In the case of a lighting device or the like, a transmission command indicating that the lighting is off may be sent. Arbitrary processing content is not particularly limited, but processing desired by the user is performed.

  Hereinafter, an example in which various settings relating to the telephone / facsimile / answering machine function are changed as an arbitrary process will be described.

  First, incoming call setting control will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of incoming call setting control in the MFP 1. In the following description, “connected” means that the device is connected to the LAN 10 and is communicable, and “not connected” means that the device is connected to the LAN 10 but communicates when the power is turned off. It shall indicate that it is in an impossible state.

  First, the communication control unit 110 of the MFP 1 determines, based on the output of the clock 3, whether or not the connection confirmation setting time shown in FIG. 5 has elapsed (step S1). Here, if the set time has passed, the command transmission / reception unit 111 transmits a connection confirmation command from the first communication unit 101 via the LAN 10 to the confirmation destination device set in advance to confirm the connection. The result of the connection confirmation is stored in the storage unit 105 (step S2).

  Next, from the connection confirmation stored in the storage unit 105, the confirmation result of the previous connection is examined to determine whether or not it is connected to the LAN 10 (step S3).

  In step S3, if it is confirmed that the connection has been made last time, the process proceeds to step S4, and it is determined whether or not the connection is made based on the confirmation result of the current connection. If the connection is made this time, the process is terminated. If the connection is not made this time, the number of incoming calls is set to 2, the mode at the time of the incoming call is set to FAX reception fixed (step S5), and the process is terminated. .

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S3 that the previous connection has not been established, the process proceeds to step S6, where it is determined whether or not the connection has been established based on the current connection confirmation result. Here, if it is not connected this time, it is determined that the incoming call mode has already been set, and the process ends. If it is connected this time, the number of incoming calls is set to 5 and the mode at the time of incoming call is set to TEL / The automatic fax switching mode is set (step S7), and the process ends.

  Here, the TEL / FAX automatic switching mode is used to detect a FAX transmission signal (such as a CNG signal) from the line in parallel with the MFP 1 receiving a call and then ringing the bell of the MFP 1 to prompt a call. This is a mode that is in a waiting state for both telephone and fax.

  As described above, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, when the connection with the network device was confirmed last time and the connection with the network device could not be confirmed this time, the incoming call setting is set to the number of incoming calls twice and the mode at the time of the incoming call. Shows the flow of processing to change to fixed FAX reception, and when the connection with the network device has not been confirmed last time and the connection with the network device can be confirmed this time, the incoming setting is set to 5 times. The flow of processing for setting the incoming mode to the TEL / FAX automatic switching mode is shown. The former corresponds to the flow of processing when the connection confirmation time shown in FIG. 6 shifts from 18:00 to 21:00, and the latter corresponds to the processing when the connection confirmation time shown in FIG. 6 shifts from 21:00 to 9:00 on the next day. It corresponds to the flow of.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5 in the LAN 10, assuming that a network device set as a connection confirmation target exists in one room in the office, if the room moves from 18:00 to 21:00, the room is Since it can be determined that there will be nobody, it is assumed that no one can make a phone call, and this means that the fax machine is set to fixed fax reception. In this case, it is determined that someone is present because the room has started to operate, and the MFP 1 is switched to a mode in which both telephone / fax can be received.

  Next, ring tone volume control will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the volume setting process in the MFP 1.

  First, the communication control unit 110 of the MFP 1 determines whether the second communication unit 102 has received from the public network 20, that is, whether there is a call (step S11). If it is determined that there is a called call, the communication control unit 110 confirms whether or not the connection confirmation target device set in FIG. 5 is connected to the LAN 10 (step S12).

  If it is determined in step S12 that the device is connected, the speaker control unit 6 sets the incoming ringing sound from the speaker 7 to a high volume level (step S13), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that no device is connected, the speaker control unit 6 sets the ringing sound by the speaker 7 to a low volume level (step S14), and the process ends.

  In this example, the connection confirmation result shown in FIG. 6 shows an example in which connection confirmation of all network devices cannot be obtained at 21:00 and a case in which one connection confirmation can be obtained at 9:00 the next day. The above processing is applied. In this case, the MFP 1 determines that there is no network device connected to the LAN 10 from 9 o'clock to 9 o'clock on the next day, and sets the ringing bell volume at the time of the call to small. In other time zones, it is determined that there is a connected network device, and the ringing ring volume at the time of a call is set high. In general, since there is often no absence of network connection, it is effective because it is not necessary to inform a person that a call has been made with a high volume.

  Next, incoming sound source control will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of incoming sound source setting processing in the MFP 1.

  First, the communication control unit 110 of the MFP 1 determines reception from the public network 20, that is, presence / absence of a called party, by the second communication unit 102 (step S21). If it is determined that there is a call, the communication control unit 110 confirms that all the devices for connection confirmation set in FIG. 5 are not connected to the LAN 10 (step S22).

  If it is determined in step S22 that all the devices are not connected to the LAN 10, it is determined that at least one device is connected to the LAN 10, and the devices set in advance at the time when the connected devices are set. It is determined whether or not the device is (partial device) (step S23. If it is determined that the device is a partial device, the ringtone is selected as a melody specified in advance (step S24), and processing is performed. Exit.

  If it is determined in step S23 that the device is not a part of the device, the ring tone is selected as a pre-designated bell sound (step S25), and the process ends.

  Furthermore, if it is determined in step S22 that all devices are not connected, the ring tone is set to a non-call without a sound source (step S26), and the process ends.

  Here, from the connection confirmation result shown in FIG. 6, when all setting devices are connected to the network at 12:00 and 13:00, when some devices are connected to the network at 9:00 and 18:00, The incoming call control when there is no network device connected at 21:00 is described.

  That is, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the non-call setting without a sound source is set at 21:00. Since some devices are connected to the network at 9 o'clock and 18 o'clock, the specified melody is set as the ringing sound source. Since all devices are connected to the network at 12:00 and 13:00, a normal bell sound is set as the incoming sound source.

  Note that the incoming call setting is not limited to the setting in the above example, but may be set to use a different sound source when there is no network connection device.

  The incoming sound source control described above is not limited to the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 because the incoming sound source may be switched using command reception information for connection confirmation of network devices.

  Next, home / absence control will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of home / absence control in the MFP 1. In the following description, “connected” means that the device is connected to the LAN 10 and is communicable, and “not connected” means that the device is connected to the LAN 10 but communicates when the power is turned off. It shall indicate that it is in an impossible state.

  First, the communication control unit 110 of the MFP 1 determines, based on the output of the clock 3, whether or not the connection confirmation setting time shown in FIG. 5 has elapsed (step S31). Here, if the set time has passed, the command transmission / reception unit 111 transmits a connection confirmation command from the first communication unit 101 via the LAN 10 to the confirmation destination device set in advance to confirm the connection. The result of the connection confirmation is stored in the storage unit 105 (step S32).

  Next, from the connection confirmation stored in the storage unit 105, the previous connection confirmation result is examined to determine whether or not the LAN 10 is connected (step S33).

  In step S33, if it is confirmed that the connection has been made last time, the process proceeds to step S34, and it is determined whether or not the connection is made based on the confirmation result of the current connection. If the current connection is established, the process is terminated. If the current connection is not established, the incoming mode is set to the absence mode (step S35), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S33 that the previous connection has not been made, the process proceeds to step S36, where it is determined whether or not the connection has been made based on the current connection confirmation result. Here, if it is not connected this time, it is determined that the incoming mode is already set to the absence mode, and the process is terminated. If it is connected this time, the incoming mode is set to the home mode (step S37), End the process.

  As described above, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, when the connection confirmation with the network device has been taken last time and the connection confirmation with the network device can not be taken this time, the setting is changed to the absence mode setting. The absence mode is a mode in which a response message is sent after a certain number of incoming calls and the message can be recorded. In addition, when the connection confirmation with the network device has not been obtained last time and the connection confirmation with the network device can be obtained this time, the mode is changed to the home mode. The home mode is a mode in which a response message or the like is not sent after a certain number of incoming calls, and the mode is shifted to the above-described automatic FAX reception mode, TEL / FAX automatic switching mode, or the like. In a LAN environment such as an office, there are many cases where the unconnected state of a network device coincides with the absence of a person, and the absence / home mode can be automatically switched.

  Next, absence response control will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of absence response processing in the MFP 1.

  First, in step S <b> 41, the communication control unit 110 of the MFP 1 determines whether the second communication unit 102 has received from the public network 20, that is, whether there is a called party.

  Next, in step S42, if it is determined that there is a called call, the communication control unit 110 determines whether the incoming call mode is set to the absence mode.

  Furthermore, if it is determined in step S43 that the absence mode is set, it is determined whether or not the number of incoming calls has reached a specified number.

  If all of the above steps S41 to S43 are YES, it is determined whether there is a network device connected to the LAN 10 (step S44). If it is determined that the network device is connected to the LAN 10, the response message (1) is reproduced (step S45). If it is determined that the network device is not connected to the LAN 10, the response message (2 ) Is reproduced (step S46), and the process is terminated.

  When the connection confirmation result shown in FIG. 6 is applied to the above processing, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, a response message (2 In other time zones, at least one network device is in a connected state, indicating that the response message (1) is sent. Examples of the response message are as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) to 12 (c).

  As described above, the fact that all the network devices set in FIG. 5 are not connected to the network means that there is no person and the business has been completed in the office or the like. Therefore, the response message (2) is a response message in view of it. For example, a response message example 2 shown in FIG.

  In addition, when the network device is connected to the LAN 10, there is a high possibility that the user has temporarily removed his / her seat, so the response message (1) is a response message in view of this. For example, the response message examples 1 and 3 shown in FIG. 12A or FIG.

  By thinking in this way, it becomes possible to associate the state under the LAN environment with the state of the office or the like and to make a setting desired by the user.

  In the above description, only the example shown in FIG. 6 is shown as the connection confirmation result, and the point indicating the result is not particularly mentioned to the user. However, the connection confirmation result is used by the notification unit 106 of the communication device 100. May be notified to the user. As a notification example, the contents as shown in FIG. 13 can be considered.

  Various methods can be used as the connection confirmation result notification method. For example, if the MFP 1 has a printing function, the connection confirmation result may be printed. If it is equipped with the SMTP function, the connection confirmation result may be sent to the user by e-mail, or may be simply operated by the operation unit and displayed on the main body.

  In the communication device 100, as described above, the notification unit 106 can notify the user of setting information in addition to the connection confirmation result.

  When notifying the user of each piece of setting information, specifically, the notification unit 106 notifies the following information as information. FIG. 14A to FIG. 14D show examples of notification of setting information by the notification unit 106. Here, it is shown that the items marked with ○ are set items.

  For example, the setting information set by the incoming call mode setting control shown in FIG. 7 is information as shown in FIG. Here, it is shown that the automatic FAX reception mode is set.

  Also, the setting information set by the volume setting control shown in FIG. 8 is information as shown in FIG. Here, it is shown that the large-volume bell ringing is set.

  Furthermore, the setting information set by the incoming call sound source setting control shown in FIG. 9 is information as shown in FIG. Here, it is shown that melody selection is set.

  Further, the set information set by the home / absence setting control shown in FIG. 10 and the absence response control shown in FIG. 11 is information as shown in FIG. Here, it is shown that the response message (1) indicating the response content optimum for the absence mode is set while the absence mode is set.

  As described above, the connection confirmation result and setting information to be notified to the user may be all of the contents shown in FIGS. 13 and 14A to 14D, or only a part of the information. The information to be notified can be set as appropriate.

  Next, transfer control will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of transfer processing in the MFP 1.

  First, the communication control unit 110 of the MFP 1 determines whether or not there is reception from the public network 20, that is, FAX reception, by the second communication unit 102 (step S51). Here, if there is FAX reception, the communication control unit 110 determines whether or not there is a network device connected to the LAN 10 among the network devices to be connected set in FIG. 5 (step S52). .

  If it is determined in step S52 that there is a network device connected to the LAN 10, the FAX reception data is printed by the printing function installed in the MFP 1 (step S53), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S53 that there is no network device connected to the LAN 10, the FAX reception data is transferred to one of the network devices (step S54), and the process is terminated.

  As described above, the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 shows processing when a FAX is received from the connection confirmation result shown in FIG. 6 when all network devices are in an unconnected state.

  Here, in the result of the connection confirmation shown in FIG. 6, if the received data exists in the MFP 1 from 21:00 to 9:00 on the next day, the received data is transferred to the IP address of the network device designated by the user. It has become. In other words, by recognizing that all network devices are not connected, the presence of a person such as an office is absent, so that the received fax data is not printed as it is by the MFP 1, and for security and forgetting to remove the print data. There is an effect such as prevention.

  Next, another example of incoming call sound source control will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a connection setting example when the device connection setting example illustrated in FIG. 5 is expanded.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of incoming sound source setting processing when the connection setting example shown in FIG. 16 is used.

  First, the communication control unit 110 of the MFP 1 determines the reception from the public network 20 by the second communication unit 102, that is, the presence or absence of a called party (step S61). If it is determined that there is a call, the communication control unit 110 determines whether or not the network device (1) for connection confirmation set in FIG. 16 is connected to the LAN 10 (step S62).

  If it is determined in step S62 that the network device (1) is connected to the LAN 10, it is further determined whether or not the connection confirmation target PC (2) (3) set in FIG. 16 is connected. (Step S63).

  If it is determined in step S63 that the PC (2) (3) is not connected, it is assumed that only the network device (1) is connected to the LAN 10, and the ring tone is selected as a predesignated melody. (Step S64), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S63 that the PC (2) (3) is connected, the network device (1) and the PC (2) (3) to be connected to the LAN 10 are shown in FIG. ) Is selected as the ringing tone designated in advance (step S65, the process ends).

  If it is determined in step S62 that the network device (1) is not connected to the LAN 10, the ring tone is set to no sound source (non-call) (step S66), and the process ends.

  The above processing indicates that the predetermined processing performed based on the connection confirmation result is performed differently depending on the connection confirmation result of each network device.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 17 shows another example of incoming call source control shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. In the connection setting example shown in FIG. 16, the highest priority is given to the fact that the network device (1) is not connected. That is, when the network device (1) is not connected, the non-call incoming call setting is used regardless of the connection result of other devices.

  The connection setting shown in FIG. 16 is an effective setting when whether or not the network device (1) can be connected is linked to the absence of a person and PC (2), PC (3), and the like are not so related. In this way, if the user can freely set the connection setting, there is the convenience that the setting can be determined flexibly depending on the user environment.

  Here, when the MFP 1 confirms the connection, the MFP 1 repeatedly confirms the connection of another network device at regular intervals instead of based on the predetermined connection settings as shown in FIGS. Also good.

  The fixed period in this case may be a period set by the user via the operation unit 8 in FIG. 2 or may be a period preset by the initial setting of the MFP 1. As described above, when the connection is confirmed at a fixed period, it is particularly effective in cases where the connection status of each network device varies from day to day, and based on predetermined connection settings as shown in FIGS. It is more convenient than checking the connection.

  In addition, it is preferable that the network connection confirmation of other network devices performed by the MFP 1 is performed in a standby state in which the MFP 1 is not operating. In other words, it is preferable that the MFP 1 check the network connection when the copy function or the print function is not used and the apparatus is in a standby state waiting for an incoming call or fax. This is effective when only the MFP 1 is used even when not connected to each network device. This is effective in preventing the user from changing to the absence setting such as absence setting when the user is in the room and uses the MFP 1.

  Further, the network connection confirmation timing of other network devices implemented by the MFP 1 may be performed when a call signal received from a public network circuit switch is received (when an incoming call is received). For example, in the case of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the absence determination is performed at the time of the incoming call. In the case of the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, the FAX data received after the incoming call is transferred. Setting is performed, and both the former and the latter are real-time and effective.

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

  Finally, each block of the communication apparatus, particularly the communication control unit 110, may be configured by hardware logic, or may be realized by software using a CPU as follows.

  That is, the communication control unit 110 includes a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program for realizing each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, and a RAM (random access memory) that expands the program. And a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data. An object of the present invention is a recording medium on which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of a control program of the communication control unit 110, which 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 to the communication control unit 110 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 communication control unit 110 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 is suitable for a communication device capable of communicating with at least two types of communication networks, particularly a communication device in the case where one communication network is a public telephone network.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the communication apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration when the communication apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is applied to an MFP. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the MFP illustrated in FIG. 2 and another network device are performing two-way communication. 2 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between an MFP and a network device. FIG. It is a figure which shows the connection setting of each apparatus. It is a figure which shows the connection confirmation result based on the connection setting of each apparatus shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of incoming call setting control in the MFP. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of volume setting processing in the MFP. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of incoming sound source setting processing in the MFP. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of home / absence control in the MFP. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of an absence response process in the MFP. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the example of the response message at the time of absence mode. It is a figure which shows the example of notification which notifies the connection confirmation result with respect to a user. (A)-(d) is a figure which shows the example of notification which notifies the setting information with respect to a user. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of transfer processing in the MFP. It is a figure which shows the example of a connection setting at the time of expanding the connection setting example of the apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of incoming sound source setting processing when the connection setting example shown in FIG. 16 is used.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP
2 Network part 3 Clock 4 NCU
5 Modem unit 6 Speaker control unit 7 Speaker 8 Operation unit 10 LAN
11 Communication cable 12 Router 20 Public network 100 Communication device 101 First communication unit 102 Second communication unit 103 Continuous operation unit 105 Storage unit 106 Notification unit 110 Communication control unit 111 Command transmission / reception unit 112 Command determination unit 113 Operation setting unit 200 First Communication network 201 network device 300 second communication network 301 communication device

Claims (15)

A second communication that is connected to a first communication network to which at least one network device is connected, performs bidirectional communication with the network device, and includes a network network different from the first communication network. A communication device connected to a network and communicating with a communication device connected to the second communication network,
In the communication device, a constantly operating unit that is constantly operating;
A communication control unit that controls operations in the always-on operation unit in response to a reply command to a command transmitted to the network device on the first communication network using a general-purpose communication protocol; A communication device characterized by the above. The communication control unit
A command transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving the command;
A command determination unit for determining whether the command received by the command transmission / reception unit includes an instruction command necessary for controlling the operation of the constant operation unit;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an operation setting unit configured to perform an operation setting of the always-on operation unit based on a determination result in the command determination unit. When the second communication network is a public telephone network,
The constantly operating unit is set with a plurality of types of incoming operations that operate when a call signal received via the public telephone network is received,
The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation setting unit sets a type of incoming operation in the always-on operation unit according to a determination result by the command determination unit. When the second communication network is a public telephone network,
The constantly operating unit has a function of notifying the user with a notification sound when a call signal received via the public telephone network is received,
The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation setting unit controls a volume of a notification sound for a user in the constantly operating unit according to a determination result by the command determination unit. When the second communication network is a public telephone network,
The always-on unit has a function of notifying a user with notification sounds from a plurality of types of sound sources when receiving a call signal received via the public telephone network,
The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation setting unit switches a sound source of a notification sound for a user in the constant operation unit according to a determination result by the command determination unit. When the second communication network is a public telephone network,
The always-on part has an answering machine function that includes two types of answering machine modes: home mode and answering mode.
The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation setting unit switches to a home mode or an absence mode in the answering machine function according to a determination result by the command determination unit.   When the operation setting unit is set to either the home mode or the answering mode in the answering machine function, the operation setting unit switches the answering message when an incoming call is received according to the determination result by the command determination unit. The communication apparatus according to claim 6. When the second communication network is a public telephone network,
The always-on unit has a transfer function for transferring facsimile data received from the public telephone network to another network device other than the own device connected to the first communication network,
The operation setting unit has a transfer permission / non-permission setting function for setting the transfer permission / non-permission setting of the facsimile data to the other network device for the received facsimile data according to the determination result by the command determination unit. It has, The communication apparatus of any one of Claims 2-7 characterized by the above-mentioned. The operation setting unit
The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein different processing is executed according to an IP address of a network apparatus included in a command received by the command transmission / reception unit.   The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the command transmission / reception unit repeatedly transmits a command at regular intervals.   The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the command transmission / reception unit performs command transmission when the communication device is in an operation standby state. When the second communication network is a public telephone network,
10. The communication according to claim 2, wherein the command transmission / reception unit performs command transmission when receiving a call signal received from a circuit switch via the public telephone network. apparatus.   The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the operation setting unit notifies a user of part or all of the set operation information.   A control program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the control program of Claim 14.

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