JP4006361B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND COMMUNICATION DEVICE CONTROL PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication apparatus that has IP communication means and transmits / receives communication data to / from a counterpart station identified by a telephone number, a control method thereof, and a control program thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, broadband communication lines capable of high-speed data transmission, such as ADSL, have become widespread. ADSL is characterized in that the same metallic cable as the telephone line is used for the subscriber's line, whereby the same line can be used for both the analog telephone service and the network connection service. That is, by inserting a frequency division filter called a splitter between the communication line and the communication terminal, it is possible to separate the line for transmitting voice band signals and the line for transmitting digital data.
[0003]
When using the same line for analog telephone service, various configurations such as ADSL modem + splitter + computer, ADSL modem + splitter + router, etc. can be considered as the configuration of the subscriber's equipment. As the ADSL gateway, for example, a configuration in which the above-described ADSL modem + splitter part is integrated is conceivable.
[0004]
In such an ADSL gateway, for example, a modular jack is provided so that an analog telephone can be connected to a line for transmitting a voice band signal, and a communication device such as a telephone or a facsimile can be connected thereto for communication.
[0005]
For high-speed digital communication, the ADSL gateway is provided with a CSMA / CD (for example, Ethernet (trade name)) connection interface. By connecting a PC (personal computer) or the like to the CSMA / CD interface, data can be downloaded from a WWW server or the like at high speed. However, not only CSMA / CD but also an interface such as USB is used for an interface with a network device such as a PC.
[0006]
A terminal connected to a server, such as a PC, can perform high-speed communication, but performs transmission / reception in real time with a partner terminal via a circuit switching network (analog communication path), such as a telephone or facsimile. The terminal used an analog band. In the analog facsimile procedure, there may be no problem with black and white binary image data, but it takes a long communication time to transmit large-capacity color image data (in JPEG format or the like) captured by a digital camera or the like. There was a problem.
[0007]
In order to transmit communication data such as image data at high speed, a facsimile is connected to a CSMA / CD interface, and image data is packetized and uploaded to a file server (for example, using a protocol such as FTP or HTTP). It is also possible to realize high-speed transmission by following the procedure that the partner terminal downloads from the server. However, in this case, there is a problem that it is necessary for the receiving side to access the server in order to receive data, and the real-time property of communication is lost. In addition, when the destination address on the receiving side is notified to the server or the data is downloaded on the initiative of the receiving side, a mechanism such as notifying the uploading of the data to the receiving side is required. It was difficult to realize communication by a simple operation of simply designating the other party's telephone number.
[0008]
In view of this point, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-107938 (Patent Document 1 below) discloses a technique for performing image communication via a server on an IP network. That is, the first terminal on the image transmission side calls a server including the first terminal, connects the first terminal to the computer network via the server including the first terminal, and A second terminal on the receiving side is designated, the server of the network including the second terminal calls the second terminal, and the first terminal uses the computer network in a format suitable for the computer network. The server including the second terminal sends the image data in a format suitable for the computer network to facsimile image data via the public line via the public line. The second terminal reproduces an image from the facsimile image data.
[0009]
In addition, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-247334 (Patent Document 2 below), Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-133967 (Patent Document 3 below) and the like, an Internet address of a transmission destination is input to an electronic mail format. Many methods for transmitting images have been proposed.
[0010]
Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-354127 (the following Patent Document 4), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-197279 (the following Patent Document 5) and the like are described in ITU-T Recommendation T.264. A method of relaying facsimile image transmission in real time on the Internet by applying the standard 38 has been proposed.
[0011]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-107938
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-9-247334
[Patent Document 3]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-133967
[Patent Document 4]
JP 2000-354127 A
[Patent Document 5]
JP 2001-197279 A
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is necessary to dial-up connection to a server at a transmission source terminal and to input a transmission destination terminal number after performing a login process including an authentication procedure. Therefore, unlike conventional facsimiles, image transmission cannot be performed simply by inputting a telephone number.
[0013]
In Patent Documents 2 and 3, when transmitting via the Internet, it is necessary to input a mail address. In addition, since the image is transmitted as an e-mail, the image data is stored in the server, and the receiving side needs to access and receive the server using an e-mail reading protocol such as POP (Post Office Protocol).
[0014]
Further, in Patent Document 4 and Patent Document 5, ITU-T Recommendation T.30. Since a dedicated gateway for processing 38 protocols is required and a normal telephone line is used between the terminal and the Internet, the transmission speed is the case of facsimile communication using a conventional telephone switching network. Was the same.
[0015]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and in a communication device that supports an analog communication path and a network communication path in a voice band, does not require a troublesome user operation, selects an appropriate communication path, and is fast and reliable. It is to be able to perform sex data communication.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, in a communication apparatus that has IP communication means and transmits / receives communication data to / from a counterpart station identified by a telephone number, a control method thereof, and a control program thereof Based on the phone number of the other station, obtain the IP address of the other station from the SIP proxy server, In response to the acquisition of the IP address of the counterpart station by the IP address acquisition means, a VoIP communication channel is established on the IP network, an image transmission request message is transmitted prior to transmission of the image data, and a response is received from the counterpart station. Based on the received image transmission permission message, when communication data transmission / reception on the IP network based on a predetermined file transmission / reception protocol is possible, Using the acquired IP address of the partner station, transmission / reception of image data is started on the IP network based on a predetermined file transmission / reception protocol with the partner station, and communication data on the IP network based on the predetermined file transmission / reception protocol If you ca n’t send or receive, Said A configuration is adopted in which the facsimile communication means starts transmission / reception of image data by analog facsimile communication via a VoIP communication channel.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Below, the structure of an image communication apparatus is illustrated as an example of a communication apparatus.
[0021]
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a network system to which this embodiment can be applied. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 is an IP network, 102 is a circuit switching network, 103 is a SIP proxy for VoIP, 104 is a DNS server, 105 is a first image communication apparatus (private IP address: 192.168.0.2), Reference numeral 106 denotes an ADSL gateway (global IP address: 192.168.0.1, private IP address = 192.168.0.1), and 107 denotes a second image communication apparatus (private IP address: 192.168.0.2). , 108 is an ADSL gateway (global IP address: 192.168.0.1, private IP address: 192.168.0.1). Reference numerals 109 and 111 are analog telephone interfaces, 110 and 112 are CSMA / CD interfaces, and 113 is a third image communication apparatus. In the following description, 105, 107, and 113 are described as image communication apparatuses. However, the image communication apparatus is not limited to an image communication apparatus that transmits and receives image data, and is replaced with a communication apparatus that can transmit and receive data suitable for communication using an IP network. However, the following techniques are applicable.
[0022]
Details of the configuration of the ADSL gateways 106 and 108 will be described later, but the contract between the subscribers is a shared contract for telephone and IP communication. As described above, the image communication apparatuses 105 and 107 are connected to the ADSL gateway 106. And 108 and analog telephone interfaces 109 and 111 and CSMA / CD interfaces 110 and 112 as network interfaces (however, the network interface is not limited to CSMA / CD).
[0023]
The image communication devices 105 and 107 can use the analog telephone interfaces 109 and 111 and the CSMA / CD interfaces 110 and 112 between the ADSL gateways 106 and 108, respectively, for communication.
[0024]
The analog telephone interfaces 109 and 111 are used for calling and ITU-T recommendation T.264. 30 (hereinafter referred to as “Recommendation T.30” or simply “T.30”, etc., unless various ITU-T recommendations are confused).
[0025]
In addition, a predetermined protocol such as PPPoE (PPP on Ethernet (trade name)) is used in the lines by the CSMA / CD interfaces 110 and 112, thereby establishing a connection with an ISP (Internet Service Provider), The global IP address on the WAN side and the private IP address on the LAN side are determined. In this state, the image communication apparatuses 105 and 107 can use arbitrary services on the IP network 101 (for example, services on TCP (UDP) / IP such as FTP, HTTP, and VoIP).
[0026]
In the present invention, the VoIP (Voice over IP: ITU-T Recommendation H.323) protocol and SIP (Session Initiate Protocol: RFC2543) are partially used on the IP network 101, so that the image communication apparatus (FIG. 1) is used. In the example, 105 and 107) are connected to perform communication so that image communication can be performed at high speed. Details of VoIP and SIP will be described later.
[0027]
FIG. 2 shows the internal configuration of the image communication apparatus (105 or 107 in FIG. 1) embodying the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU, which controls the entire image communication apparatus according to a program stored in the ROM 202. The CPU 201 is also in charge of TCP / IP protocol processing, and the assembly of image data into a TCP / IP frame is performed under the control of the CPU 201. Reference numeral 203 denotes a RAM, which is used as a work memory when executing the program and also used for buffering image data to be transmitted and received.
[0028]
Reference numeral 204 denotes a key operation unit, which includes a dial, operation buttons for facsimile transmission / reception, and the like. Reference numeral 205 denotes a liquid crystal display unit.
[0029]
Reference numeral 206 denotes a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), which converts an image of a document into an analog signal. A reading control unit 207 converts an analog signal output from the CIS 206 into digital data. The converted digital data is transferred to the RAM 203 under the control of the CPU 201.
[0030]
Reference numeral 208 denotes an MH encoding / decoding processing unit, which compresses the read image data by MH encoding at the time of image transmission. At the time of reception, the MH-encoded image data is decoded.
[0031]
Reference numeral 209 denotes a FAX modem, which modulates MH-encoded data and converts it into a voice band analog signal that can be transmitted over an analog line during transmission. At the time of reception, the received analog signal is demodulated and MH encoded data is output.
[0032]
Reference numeral 210 denotes an NCU which has an analog communication line interface function.
[0033]
Reference numeral 211 denotes a card interface, which can be connected to a memory card storing JPEG images taken with a digital camera. The standard of the memory card is arbitrary, but a card standard such as PCMCIA may be used. The data stored in the memory card is not limited to images and may be data to be processed by a computer.
[0034]
Reference numeral 212 denotes a JPEG processing unit, which is used for encoding (compressing) an image of another format input via the card interface into a JPEG image and decoding (decompressing) the received JPEG image data.
[0035]
Reference numeral 213 denotes a LAN controller which performs data transmission / reception based on the CSMA / CD protocol with the ADSL gateway.
[0036]
Reference numeral 214 denotes a recording processing unit which converts received image data into printing raster data and prints it. The recording method of the recording processing unit 214 is arbitrary, and an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method can be used.
[0037]
FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the ADSL gateway (106 or 108 in FIG. 1). In FIG. 3, reference numeral 215 denotes a splitter, which is connected to the ADSL communication line and separates the voice band signal and the voice band signal. An ADSL modem 216 has a function of converting digital data into a signal format that can be transmitted through an ADSL line.
[0038]
Reference numeral 217 denotes a CPU which performs processing such as packet assembly / disassembly of voice / data input to the ADSL gateway and communication procedure processing with the VoIP server. Reference numeral 218 denotes a ROM that stores a program for operating the ADSL gateway. Reference numeral 219 denotes a RAM that is used for buffering data transmitted and received by the ADSL gateway and executing the program.
[0039]
Reference numeral 220 denotes a CSMA / CD interface circuit which is connected to the CSMA / CD interface 110 (112) and performs frame assembly / disassembly processing when digital data is transmitted / received to / from the image communication apparatus.
[0040]
The ADSL gateway of this embodiment is also compatible with VoIP. In other words, reference numeral 221 denotes a speech encoding processing unit that encodes and decodes speech based on speech encoding methods used in VoIP (see ITU-T recommendations such as G.711 and G.729). .
[0041]
Reference numeral 222 denotes a change-over switch that switches the voice path depending on whether the voice terminal connected to the ADSL gateway is transmitted in the voice band or transmitted as digital data outside the voice band.
[0042]
Reference numeral 223 denotes an analog telephone interface circuit, which connects an audio terminal such as an analog telephone via the analog telephone interface 109 (111), and enables audio signals to be transmitted to and received from the audio terminal.
[0043]
Next, communication control in the above configuration will be described. Below, the process in the case of transmitting an image from the first image communication apparatus 105 to the second image communication apparatus 107 and the third image communication apparatus 113 will be described. Note that the JPEG image data captured by the digital camera is transmitted to the second image communication apparatus 107, and the image data read by the scanner is transmitted to the third image communication apparatus 113 as G3 facsimile data (MH). A description will be given assuming transmission as a coded image.
[0044]
7 to 9 show communication control procedures executed by the image communication apparatus (105 or 107). The illustrated procedure is stored in the ROM 202 as a control program for the CPU 201 and executed by the CPU 201. However, the storage location of the program for realizing the communication control procedure of the present embodiment is not limited to the ROM, and the supply path is also stored in the ROM 202 from the beginning, via another storage medium, or It may be one that can be supplied and updated via a network.
[0045]
7 and 8 show the communication control procedure of the image communication apparatus on the transmission side, and FIG. 9 shows the communication control procedure of the image communication apparatus on the reception side. FIGS. 4 to 6 show communication sequences realized by the communication control of FIGS. 7 to 9, and step numbers corresponding to the processes of FIGS. 7 to 9 are given.
[0046]
When a destination is input by the key operation unit 204 of the image communication apparatus (step S401 in FIG. 7), the input destination number is analyzed. This analysis is performed to determine whether communication with the destination is via the VoIP network. For example, if the number is 050-1234-5678, it is determined that the number is the first three digits for the other party that can communicate via the VoIP network (step S402), and the processing after step S403 is executed. . The above three-digit telephone number prefix “050” is currently defined as a number representing a carrier of an IP telephone using the VoIP network. Needless to say, these rules are in Japan and may be changed as appropriate when other numbering plans such as foreign countries are applied. If the destination is not via the VoIP network, the processing of FIG. 8 described later is executed. Here, the prefix is determined by the first three digits. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Based on a table storing appropriate determination conditions for whether the other party can communicate via the VoIP network for each destination telephone number. You may make it judge.
[0047]
When the destination is a partner that can communicate via the VoIP network, a part of VoIP / SIP is used by the communication sequence as shown in FIG. 4, and the image communication apparatus 105 and the image communication apparatus 107 are connected to an analog voice line. Communicate over the IP network without using it.
[0048]
First, in step S403 of FIG. 7, the communication apparatus 105 transmits a transmission request packet including the telephone number information to the ADSL gateway 106 via the CSMA / CD interface 110. A private IP address 192.168.0.1 of the ADSL gateway 106 is put in the transmission destination address of the transmission request packet and transmitted.
[0049]
The ADSL gateway 106 that has received the transmission request packet transmits a session request message (INVITE) to the SIP proxy 103 of the VoIP service provider (step S404). The header of this message contains the telephone numbers of the communication device 105 of the transmission source and the communication device 107 of the other party.
[0050]
The SIP proxy 103 sets the telephone number of the communication device 107 included in the session request message to 8.7.6.5.5.4.2.1. e164. The URL is expanded to a URL such as arpa (step S405), and the DNS server 104 is searched (step S406).
[0051]
The SIP proxy that has received the IP address of the partner ADSL gateway 108 from the DNS server 104 (step S407) transmits a SIP session request message to the ADSL gateway 108 using this address (step S411). The ADSL gateway 108 that has received the session request message (step S501 in FIG. 9) transmits an incoming message to the image communication apparatus 107 (step S502 in FIG. 9). At this time, the ADSL gateway 108 transmits a calling message to the SIP proxy. The telephone number of the image communication apparatus 105 as the transmission source is stored in the header of the calling message. The SIP proxy 103 transmits the received in-call message to the ADSL gateway 106 (step S412).
[0052]
When receiving the incoming message, the image communication apparatus 107 transmits a response message to the ADSL gateway 108 if the incoming message is ready (step S503 in FIG. 9). When the ADSL gateway 108 receives the response message, the ADSL gateway 108 transmits the response message to the SIP proxy. The SIP proxy transmits the received response message to the ADSL gateway 106 (step S413 in FIG. 7 and step S503 in FIG. 9). At this time, since the source IP address of the response message received by the SIP proxy 103 is the ADSL gateway 108 and the destination IP address is the SIP proxy 103, the SIP proxy 103 has the source IP address ADSL. The response message is transmitted after changing only the destination IP address to the ADSL gateway 106 without changing the gateway 108. Then, a response message is transmitted from the ADSL gateway 106 to the image communication apparatus 105 (step S414). This response message includes the IP address and port number information of the partner ADSL gateway 108.
[0053]
Note that the call processing so far uses an IP telephone protocol (VoIP) for communicating voice packets. Usually, in voice communication as in VoIP, the UDP protocol is used because real-time performance is more important than data reliability. Usually, in the IP telephone protocol (VoIP), since it is assumed that voice communication is performed thereafter, the UDP protocol suitable for voice packet communication is continuously used.
[0054]
By the above steps S401 to S414 and the sequence of the upper half of FIG. 4 executed thereby, the image communication apparatus 105 and the image communication apparatus 107 are connected with a socket API corresponding to a predetermined port number on TCP (or UDP) / IP. It becomes possible to connect, and transmission / reception of image data between them can be started.
[0055]
In the image communication apparatus 105, the image data is assembled and transmitted in a TCP / IP frame, and the IP address of the ADSL gateway 108 is added to the transmission destination address. A TCP / IP packet transmitted to the ADSL gateway 108 via the ADSL gateway 106 to the IP network 101 is converted into a private IP address of the image communication apparatus 107 in the ADSL gateway 108 and transmitted to the image communication apparatus 107. Is done. Of course, in this image communication, the CSMA / CD interface 112 is used between the image communication apparatus 107 and the ADSL gateway 108.
[0056]
At this time, an arbitrary protocol can be used as a file transfer protocol corresponding to the upper layer of TCP / IP used for transmitting image data. Commonly used FTP (File Transfer Protocol), HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), or a method using them (dedicated method, or the above-mentioned encrypted version of FTP or HTTP, HTTP specified by IEEE) Based protocols such as IPP and IPPFAX are also possible.
[0057]
Prior to transmission of image data, the image communication apparatus 105 transmits an image transmission request message to the image communication apparatus 107. When an image transmission permission message is received from the image communication apparatus 107, the file transfer protocol is activated and the process proceeds to image transmission processing.
[0058]
At the stage when it is determined that this image communication is to be performed, the TCP protocol that emphasizes the reliability of packet data from the UDP protocol that emphasizes the real-time property of packet data that has been used in VoIP / SIP, and its possible ports It is preferable to switch to a number and execute subsequent image transmission processing. The timing of switching from UDP to TCP may be at the stage when the image transmission permission message is received and the image communication is confirmed as described above, or even after the response message is transmitted to the image communication apparatus 105 shown in step S414. Good. In this way, if an image is to be transmitted, the image transmission request message is transmitted prior to the transmission of the image data, so that it is possible to accurately notify the other party whether the communication is desired or the image communication is desired. / A protocol suitable for image communication can be selected.
[0059]
In the image communication apparatus 105, the CPU 201 reads JPEG data stored in the memory card via the card interface 211 (step S415), and transfers the read data to the LAN controller 213. In the LAN controller, every predetermined amount of data is packetized, and the global IP address 192.168.0.1 of the partner ADSL gateway 108 received earlier is added to the header as the transmission destination and transmitted (step S416).
[0060]
Upon receiving the image data, the ADSL gateway 108 converts the IP address as described above and transfers it to the image communication apparatus 107. The image communication apparatus 107 that has received the image data deletes the header in the LAN controller 213 and stores the JPEG data in the RAM 203 (step S504 in FIG. 9).
[0061]
When all the JPEG data is transmitted from the image communication apparatus 105 to the image communication apparatus 107 (step S417 in FIG. 7), the image communication apparatus 107 transmits a reception completion message to the image communication apparatus 105 (step S505 in FIG. 9). Then, the image transmission is finished (step S418).
[0062]
In the image communication apparatus 107, the received JPEG data is decompressed in the JPEG processing unit 212 (step S506 in FIG. 9), converted into 4-color data of CMKY in the recording processing unit 214 (step S507), and printed in the printer unit. Output (step S508).
[0063]
The above procedure enables high-speed image transmission. Assuming that the JPEG image data size taken by the digital camera is 300 Kbytes and the upload transmission speed of the ADSL line is 1 Mbps, the time required for transmission is at most about 300 K ÷ (1000 K ÷ 8) = 2.4 seconds.
[0064]
In the above description, it has been considered that images in the JPEG format are transmitted between the image communication apparatuses 105 to 107, but it is a matter of course that an image file in G3 format or TIFF / G3 format (or may be non-image data). Needless to say, can be transmitted by almost the same communication control as described above. Considering the case of transmitting an image in the G3 format, the transmission speed on the analog communication path in that case is only about 56 kbps at the maximum. Considering that the effective speed is further lowered by the execution of the 30 protocol, the facsimile communication can be remarkably speeded up if the above communication procedure is used for the G3 format image transmission. When G3 data (or other format data) is received, the processing on the receiving side in steps S505 to S508 in FIG. 9 naturally decodes the G3 format data (or other format data) (S506). It goes without saying that processing such as color conversion should be performed if necessary (S507) and replaced with reproduction (S508).
[0065]
On the other hand, if the destination number is not via the VoIP network in step S402, for example, the destination number is 03-1234-5678, and the other party (for example, image communication) communicates via the circuit switching network with the first three digits. Device 113), the line of the analog telephone interface 109 of the ADSL gateway 106 is captured (step S419). Subsequently, a DTMF signal corresponding to the telephone number is transmitted to the ADSL gateway 106 via the analog telephone interface 109 (step S420). The ADSL gateway 106 transmits a DTMF signal corresponding to the destination number on the voice band channel, and is connected to the circuit switching network 102 via a gateway (not shown) of a VoIP provider. Alternatively, the following processing is the same when the ADSL gateway 106 is directly connected to the circuit switching network 102.
[0066]
When connected to the circuit switching network, the conventional T.P. Facsimile communication similar to that according to the 30 recommendation is performed. First, an incoming call notification is made to the image communication apparatus 113 which is a counterpart terminal. When there is a response from the image communication apparatus 113 (step S421), the ADSL gateway 106 inverts the polarity of the analog signal interface connected to the image communication apparatus 105 to notify that there is a response, and thereafter the facsimile Communication according to the communication procedure (T.30) is started (step S421).
[0067]
The image communication apparatus 105 transmits a CNG signal (step S422), and the image communication apparatus 113 that has received the CNG transmits DIS. The image communication apparatus 105 that has received DIS (step S423) transmits DCS and TCF (step S424), and the image communication apparatus 113 that has received DCS and TCF transmits CFR.
[0068]
When the image communication apparatus 105 receives the CFR (step S425), transmission of image data is started. In the transmission of image data, the analog signal input from the CIS 206 is A / D converted while conveying the document under the control of the reading control unit 207 (step S426), and the converted image data is MH encoded by the MH processing unit 208. Data compression is then performed (step S427). Subsequently, the MH-coded image data is input to the FAX modem 209, modulated into an analog signal by the FAX modem 209 (step S428), and transmitted to the ADSL gateway 106 via the NCU 210 (step S429).
[0069]
In the ADSL gateway 106, a signal input via the analog telephone interface 109 is transmitted as it is to the communication line using the voice band channel, and is sent to the image communication apparatus 113 via the circuit switching network 102. In the image communication apparatus 113 that has received the image data, the received image data is demodulated by the FAX modem 209, decoded by the MH processing unit 208, converted into CMKY four-color data by the recording processing unit 215, and printed by the printer unit. And output. This reception process is almost the same as that after step S509 described later.
[0070]
On the other hand, a description will be given of processing when facsimile transmission is performed from the image communication apparatus 113, which has no means for connecting to the IP network and can be connected only to the circuit switching network 102, to the image communication apparatus 105 (or 107). To do. In this case, the image communication apparatus 105 performs the processes after steps S501 to S509 in FIG.
[0071]
When dialed to the image communication apparatus 105 by the image communication apparatus 113, the ADSL gateway 106 that has received the incoming call notifies the image communication apparatus 105 via the analog telephone interface 109 (step S509 in FIG. 9). When the image communication apparatus 105 responds (step S510), the image communication apparatus 113 recognizes that there is a response due to the polarity reversal. Transmission of image data is started in accordance with 30 facsimile communication procedures.
[0072]
First, the image communication apparatus 113 transmits a CNG signal, and the image communication apparatus 105 that has received the CNG signal transmits DIS (step S512). The image communication apparatus 113 that has received DIS transmits DCS and TCF, and the image communication apparatus 105 that has received DCS and TCF (step S513) transmits CFR (step S514).
[0073]
When the image communication apparatus 113 receives the CFR, transmission of image data is started. In the transmission of image data, the analog signal input from the CIS 206 is A / D converted while conveying the document under the control of the reading control unit 207, and the converted image data is MH-encoded by the MH processing unit 208 to perform data compression. Do. Subsequently, the MH encoded data is input to the FAX modem 209, modulated into an analog signal by the FAX modem 209, transmitted to the communication line via the NCU 210, and transmitted to the ADSL gateway 108 via the IP network 101. The
[0074]
In the image communication apparatus 105 that has received the image data via the ADSL gateway 108 (step S515), the received image data is demodulated by the FAX modem 209 (step S516) and decoded by the MH processing unit 208 (step S517). The recording processing unit 215 converts the data into CMKY four-color data (step S518), and the printer unit prints and outputs the data (step S519).
[0075]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image communication apparatus 105 performs high-speed image on the IP network without using an analog communication path with the image communication apparatus having a function of connecting to the VoIP network. Transmission and reception can be performed, and image transmission and reception can be performed by a facsimile communication procedure with an image communication apparatus having only a conventional facsimile function.
[0076]
In the image communication on the IP network of this embodiment, a part of the SIP protocol used in the VoIP network is used to know the IP address and port number of the other party, and a specific service on TCP (or UDP) / IP Image data can be transmitted at high speed using (HTTP, FTP, etc.).
[0077]
In addition, the user on the sending side only needs to enter a telephone number to designate the other party, and whether or not the destination is via the VoIP network can be designated only by the prefix of the telephone number. There is no need to do.
[0078]
In the above embodiment, at the time of transmission to the image communication apparatus 107 connected to the VoIP network, a specific service (HTTP, FTP, etc.) on TCP (or UDP) / IP via the CSMA / CD interface 109 However, even if an image communication device is connected to the other station connected to the VoIP network, the image communication device 107 can execute only the conventional facsimile communication function. There is something. For example, this is the case when the image communication apparatus 107 is a conventional analog facsimile apparatus connected to the ADSL gateway 108 analog telephone interface 111 (only). Such an image communication apparatus can perform communication on the VoIP communication channel, but can execute only a conventional analog facsimile communication procedure.
[0079]
In such a case, since the image communication device 105 cannot perform image communication using the IP communication via the CSMA / CD interface 109 to the image communication device 107, the image communication device 105 transmits an analog facsimile signal by VoIP communication. As a result, facsimile image transmission is performed.
[0080]
FIG. 6 shows a communication sequence in this case. In this figure, the transmission request by the image communication apparatus 105 is made in the same manner as in FIG. 4 (S406 to S414 in FIG. 7). At this time, the ADSL gateway 108 calls the image communication apparatus 107, but the ADSL gateway 108 recognizes that the image communication apparatus 107 is not connected to the CSMA / CD interface, and the image communication apparatus 107 receives the analog telephone interface in the response message. The image communication apparatus 105 is notified that the terminal is connected only by the terminal.
[0081]
After the VoIP communication channel is formed between the ADSL gateways 106 to 108, the image communication apparatus 105 uses the VoIP communication channel to transmit to the conventional facsimile as shown in FIG. Recommendation T. Image transmission is performed by 30 facsimile procedures.
[0082]
This recommendation T.W. The 30 analog facsimile communication is performed by transmitting an analog signal using a voice band on the VoIP communication channel. In this actual communication, the devices on the transmission side and the reception side perform exactly the same operation as the analog facsimile communication via a normal circuit switching network. That is, the transmission side (image communication apparatus 105) performs transmission / reception operations according to the same procedure as that shown in FIG. 8 and the reception side (image communication apparatus 107) after step S509 in FIG.
[0083]
In addition, as described above, the circuit switching network 102 and the VoIP communication channel are used for the transmission of the facsimile signal when the IP protocol cannot be used, and the facsimile gateway is used on the IP network as in the second embodiment described later. Can also be done. Of course, using an IP network using a facsimile gateway or the like for transmission of facsimile signals is advantageous in terms of communication cost because it is possible to avoid charging in proportion to the communication distance.
[0084]
Also, in FIG. 6, in the response message, the image communication apparatus 107 is notified that the incoming image communication apparatus 107 is a terminal connected only by an analog telephone interface. Although the image transmission has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image transmission may be performed by a conventional facsimile procedure as follows. That is, after receiving the response message, the image communication apparatus 105 transmits an image transmission request message to the image communication apparatus 107 before receiving the image data, but receives an image transmission permission message from the image communication apparatus 107. If not, control is performed so that image transmission is performed by a conventional facsimile procedure using the voice band. In this way, even if the other party does not understand the protocol of the present invention and can only perform conventional facsimile communication, it is possible to reliably communicate.
[0085]
In the above embodiment, when transmitting from the image communication apparatus 105 to the image communication apparatus 107, the dial information is notified to the ADSL gateway via the CSMA / CD interface. Such dial information may be notified to the ADSL gateway by a DTMF signal using an analog telephone interface.
[0086]
In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the image communication devices (105, 107) and the ADSL gateway (106, 108) are physically independent devices. However, the ADSL gateway is integrated with the image communication device. It is possible to obtain the same effect. With this integration, the ADSL gateway can be connected to the image communication device via a dedicated bus instead of the CSMA / CD interface, so there is no need to exchange commands between the image communication device and the ADSL gateway, improving communication efficiency. It becomes possible to do.
[0087]
In addition, the configuration of the line interface portion shown as the ADSL gateway in the above embodiment is not only the configuration of the ADSL modem + splitter shown above, but also a router for sharing IP connection with other network terminals. It may be made. Furthermore, a gatekeeper for VoIP and recommendation T.30. The function of 38 facsimile gateways may be included in the line interface portion shown as an ADSL gateway.
[0088]
Furthermore, although ADSL has been considered as a network communication service in the above, the technology of the present invention, in particular, transfer technology using VoIP / SIP in the first half of communication and using FTP, HTTP, etc. in the second half is limited to ADSL. However, in a network communication environment that can use VoIP / SIP, it can be carried out in substantially the same manner on a network such as FTTH or ATM. Even if the network is different from ADSL, such as FTTH and ATM, it is only necessary to change the network interface on the WAN side (ADSL modem 216 in FIG. 3) to be compatible with that network. It may be the same as the embodiment. Further, if it is necessary to perform fallback to analog communication (FIG. 6), in that case, an IP is connected between the line interface (ADSL gateway in the above example) and the image communication means (image communication apparatus in the above example). If there is some analog communication means in addition to the communication means, it can be implemented in the same manner as described above.
[0089]
In the above description, the image data is transmitted from the calling side. However, it goes without saying that the procedure of the present invention can be used even when the image data is transmitted in the opposite direction, that is, when polling transmission / reception is performed. In particular, when IP communication is performed in the latter half of the communication, it can be easily realized by using a file transmission / reception protocol that supports bidirectional transfer such as FTP. Also, when using an analog communication path, T.W. Ordinary polling communication defined in the Recommendation 30 may be performed.
[0090]
Second Embodiment
In the above, the structure in which the NCU 210 is provided as an interface for the circuit switching network in the image communication apparatus is illustrated. In this embodiment, a structure that does not use the NCU 210 as an interface for the circuit switching network is illustrated.
[0091]
In the present embodiment, image data is transmitted to a partner image communication apparatus that can use the IP protocol using a data transmission / reception protocol on the IP without using a facsimile protocol as in the above-described embodiment. In addition, a voice signal is transmitted via a facsimile gateway to a partner image communication apparatus that cannot use the IP protocol, for example, a partner image communication apparatus that is not connected to a VoIP network (connected only to a general circuit switching network). Image transmission is performed by transmitting a facsimile signal.
[0092]
In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for members that are the same as or correspond to those in the above-described embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted as appropriate.
[0093]
FIG. 10 shows the configuration of a network system to which this embodiment can be applied. FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 1 in the first embodiment described above.
[0094]
10 differs from FIG. 1 in that a facsimile gateway 1111 is provided for communication with the conventional image communication apparatus 113 connected to the circuit switching network 102 (only).
[0095]
In FIG. 10, only the global address is shown as the IP address of each terminal for simplification. Global address assignment is as follows.
[0096]
SIP proxy 103 for VoIP: 191.168.0.1
Image communication apparatus 105: 192.168.0.1
Image communication apparatus 107: 193.168.0.1
Facsimile gateway 1111: 192.168.0.2
The facsimile gateway 1111 connects the IP network 101 and the telephone circuit switching network 102 and performs data conversion processing with an image communication apparatus 113 such as a facsimile apparatus connected only to the general circuit switching network 102. The facsimile gateway 1111 is installed by an Internet service provider or the like.
[0097]
In this embodiment, the facsimile gateway 1111 is an interface unit (at least an NCU and an A / D / D / A conversion unit similar to the VoIP codec 1210 (FIG. 11)) and the circuit switching network 102. It is assumed that it has a connection means (CSMA / CD interface, etc.) with the Internet side.
[0098]
Although any communication protocol can be used for the facsimile gateway 1111, the image communication apparatus 105 on the transmission side converts the analog facsimile signal into a digital signal by the VoIP codec 1210 and transmits it to the facsimile gateway 1111, and the facsimile gateway 1111. In the example, the received digital signal is restored to an analog facsimile signal by hardware similar to the VoIP codec 1210 and transmitted to the image communication apparatus 113 via the circuit switching network 102. The facsimile gateway 1111 includes an ITU-T recommendation T.264. It is also possible to use an Internet facsimile protocol that conforms to 38.
[0099]
FIG. 11 shows the internal configuration of the image communication apparatus (105 or 107 in FIG. 10) of this embodiment. FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 2 in the first embodiment described above, but differs from FIG. 2 in FIG. 11 in that there is no configuration for the analog telephone interface 109 of FIG.
[0100]
For this reason, in FIG. 11, blocks 1208 to 1210 are provided.
[0101]
In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1208 denotes an audio input / output unit (handset), which includes a microphone for inputting audio, a speaker for outputting audio, and an amplifier for amplifying input / output signals for these.
[0102]
Reference numeral 1209 denotes an analog switch, reference numeral 1210 denotes a VoIP CODEC, and the analog switch 1209 switches input / output signals of the CODEC 1210. The analog switch 1209 is controlled by the CPU 201 to connect the CODEC 1210 and the FAX modem 209 during facsimile image communication and to connect the CODEC 1210 and the voice input / output unit 1208 during a call.
[0103]
In this way, in this embodiment, the voice signal of the voice input / output unit 1208 or the facsimile signal of the FAX modem 209 (both analog voice signals) does not pass through the analog interface, but only through the LANC 213. Sent and received only.
[0104]
In this embodiment, the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 3 can be used for the ADSL gateway (106 and 108 in FIG. 10). However, in this embodiment, the analog telephone interface (109 in FIG. 3) is not used.
[0105]
In the following, processing when an image is transmitted from the first image communication apparatus 105 to the second image communication apparatus 107 and the third image communication apparatus 113 will be described.
[0106]
Also in the present embodiment, JPEG image data captured by a digital camera is transmitted to the second image communication apparatus 107, and image data read by the scanner is transmitted to the third image communication apparatus 113 as MH. A description will be given assuming that the data is encoded and transmitted.
[0107]
15 and 16 show the communication control procedure of the image communication apparatus 105 on the transmission side, and FIG. 17 shows the communication control procedure of the image communication apparatus 107 on the reception side. FIGS. 12 and 13 show communication sequences realized by the communication control of FIGS. 15 to 17, and step numbers corresponding to the processes of FIGS. 15 to 17 are given. 18 shows the communication control procedure of the SIP proxy 103, FIG. 19 shows the communication control procedure of the facsimile gateway 1111, and FIG. 20 shows the communication control procedure of the image communication apparatus 113. Hereinafter, the communication control of this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams or flowcharts of FIGS. 12, 13, and 15 to 20.
[0108]
When the destination telephone number is input by the key operation unit 204 of the image communication apparatus (step S1401 in FIG. 15), the CPU 201 analyzes the input telephone number. For example, if the input telephone number is 050-1234-5678, it is determined that the first three digits “050” is for the other party that communicates via the VoIP network (step S1402), and the ADSL gateway A SIP session request message (INVITE message) containing the telephone number information is transmitted via the CSMA / CD interface 110 connected to the terminal 106 (step S1403). The global IP address 191.168.0.1 of the SIP proxy 103 is inserted and transmitted as the destination address of the session request message.
[0109]
The internal operation for transmitting a SIP packet is as follows. First, based on the program stored in the ROM 202, the CPU 201 sends a session request message with the telephone number information previously input from the key operation unit 204 as a header and the telephone number information of the image communication apparatus 105 as a header. Generate. Subsequently, a frame in which an IP header including a transmission destination IP address and a transmission source IP address is added to the message is generated and transferred to the LAN controller 213. The destination IP address is 191.168.0.1 which is the IP address of the SIP proxy, and the IP address of the image communication apparatus 105 is 192.168.0.1 which is the source IP address for transmission.
[0110]
When the LAN controller 213 receives the transmission data, it adds a MAC (Media Access Control) header and transmits it to the ADSL gateway 106 (FIG. 3). The ADSL gateway 106 that receives the data transmits the received data to the IP network 101. . Various messages transmitted thereafter are also transmitted in the same procedure.
[0111]
In the case of this packet, since the IP address of the SIP proxy is entered as the destination IP address, it is delivered to the SIP proxy 103 via the IP network 101 (step S1601 in FIG. 18).
[0112]
The SIP proxy 103 expands the telephone number in the header of the received session request message into a URL such as “8.7.6.5.5.4.2.1.e164.arpa” (step S1602). The DNS server 104 is searched (step S1603). The SIP proxy that has received the IP address of the partner image communication apparatus 107 from the DNS server 104 (step S1604) receives the destination IP address in the packet received from the image communication apparatus 105 from the DNS server 104. After the source IP address is replaced with the IP address of the SIP proxy 103, a session request message is transmitted to the image communication apparatus 107 (step S1605).
[0113]
On the other hand, when receiving the session request message (step S1501 in FIG. 17), the image communication apparatus 107 transmits a calling message to the SIP proxy 103 (step S1502). The source telephone number information described in the header of the received session request message is put in the destination in the header of the calling message, and the SIP proxy that is the source IP address of the session request message is entered in the destination IP address Send the address 103.
[0114]
The SIP proxy 103 that has received the calling message (step S1606 in FIG. 18) transmits the destination IP address with the IP address of the image communication apparatus 105 and the source IP address with the IP address of the SIP proxy 103 (step S1606). In step S1607, the image communication apparatus 105 receives the calling message (step S1404).
[0115]
If the image communication apparatus 107 is ready to receive an image (step S1503 in FIG. 17), it transmits a response message to the SIP proxy 103 (step S1504). Upon receiving this response message (step S1608 in FIG. 18), the SIP proxy 103 converts only the destination IP address into the IP address of the image communication apparatus 105 this time (step S1609), and the image communication apparatus 105 receives this response. A message is received (step S1405 in FIG. 15).
[0116]
Since the image communication apparatus 105 can recognize the IP address of the image communication apparatus 107 based on the transmission source IP address in the received response message (step S1406), direct image communication without going through the SIP proxy 103 thereafter. Packets can be transmitted to the device 107.
[0117]
As described above, transmission and reception of image data between the image communication apparatus 105 and the image communication apparatus 107 can be started after step S1407. In this case, it is assumed that the other station is connected to the VoIP network based on the telephone number, so that image communication by a non-facsimile procedure described later is naturally possible.
[0118]
In step S1407 and subsequent steps, the image data is assembled and transmitted in a TCP / IP frame, and the IP address of the image communication apparatus 107 is added to the transmission destination address. Any file transfer protocol corresponding to the upper layer of TCP / IP used in this image communication can be used. For example, SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), IPPFAX (Internet Printing Protocol FAX), FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) It is possible.
[0119]
In this embodiment, the image communication apparatus 105 and the image communication apparatus 107 have both functions of an SMTP client and a server, and an image file can be transferred between both apparatuses by SMTP. Shows an example of transmitting and receiving image data by SMTP.
[0120]
The state of the exchange of communication messages by SMTP is also shown in the schematic flowchart (FIG. 15), but is shown in some detail below (refer to RFC821 and RFC822 for details of SMTP messages). These messages are all transmitted / received on a TCP / IP frame. In the following sequence, “S:” indicates a text message transmitted from the transmitting terminal (image communication apparatus 105) and “R:” is transmitted from the receiving terminal (image communication apparatus 107) via the SMTP port.
S: HELO Image Terminal105
R: 250 Image Terminal107
S: MAIL FROM: <192.168.0.1>
R: 250 OK
S: RCPT TO: <193.168.0.1>
R: 250 OK
S: DATA
R: 354 Start mail input; end with <CRLF>. <CRLF> S: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX (Image Data)
S: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX (Image Data)
S:.
R: 250 OK
S: QUIT
R: 221
Prior to the transmission of the image data, the image communication apparatus 105 activates an SMTP handler (program) stored in the ROM 202 and transmits a “HELO” message indicating the start of communication (step S1407 in FIG. 15). In response to this, the image communication apparatus 107 transmits a response message “250” indicating that the message has been received (step S1506 in FIG. 17).
[0121]
Subsequently, the image communication apparatus 105 transmits an SMTP message “MAIL FROM <192.168.0.1>” (step S1408). The image communication apparatus 107 that has received the SMTP message transmits a response message “250” indicating that the message has been received (step S1508 in FIG. 17).
[0122]
Subsequently, the image communication apparatus 105 transmits an SMTP message “RCPT TO: <193.168.0.1>” designating a recipient (step S1409). In response to this, when a response message is received from the image communication apparatus 107, the image communication apparatus 105 transmits a “DATA” message indicating the start of data transmission (step S1410 in FIG. 15). In response to this, the image communication apparatus 107 transmits the data. A “354” message indicating permission to start is transmitted (step S1512). When the “354” message is received from the image communication apparatus 107 (step S1411), the image communication apparatus 105 starts transmitting image data (step S1412).
[0123]
The image data to be transmitted is transmitted in the form of an email attachment. Since the MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) format is widely used as an attached file format of an e-mail, this format is also used in this embodiment. After the image data format is designated by the MIME header, the image data encoded by BASE64 is transmitted following the MIME header (in the above protocol sequence, “S: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX (Image Data)”).
[0124]
In transmitting image data, in the image communication apparatus 105, the CPU 201 reads JPEG data stored in the memory card via the card interface 211 (step S1413 in FIG. 15). Subsequently, the CPU 201 performs BASE64 encoding processing on the read data (step S1414) and transfers the data to the LAN controller 213 (step S1415). The LAN controller 213 packetizes each predetermined amount of data, adds the IP address 193.168.0.1 of the previously received image communication apparatus 107 to the IP header, and transmits it (step S1416).
[0125]
On the other hand, in the image communication apparatus 107 that has received the image data, unnecessary headers in the e-mail text are deleted by the processing of the LAN controller 213 or the CPU 201 (step S1514 in FIG. 17), and the MIME-encoded portion in the e-mail text Then, BASE64 decoding is performed for JPEG data to be restored and stored in the RAM 203 (step S1515).
[0126]
When the transmission of all the JPEG data is completed (step S1417 in FIG. 15), the image communication apparatus 105 transmits a completion message “QUIT” to the image communication apparatus 107 (step S1418), and the image communication apparatus 107 further terminates the response message “221”. ”Is transmitted (step S1517 in FIG. 17), the SMTP image communication ends.
[0127]
Thereafter, in the image communication apparatus 107, the JPEG data is decompressed in the JPEG processing unit 205 (step S1518 in FIG. 17), converted into 4-color data of CMKY in the recording processing unit 123 (step S1519), printed in the printer unit, and output. (Step S1520).
[0128]
As described above, image data can be transmitted at high speed without using a facsimile protocol. Assuming that the JPEG image data size taken by the digital camera is 300 Kbytes and the upload transmission speed of the ADSL line is 1 Mbps, the time required for the transmission is 300 K ÷ (1000 K ÷ 8) = 2.4 seconds (about).
[0129]
On the other hand, in the image communication apparatus 105, if the number input in step S1402 in FIG. 15 is a number of the circuit switching network (102) such as 03-1234-5678, the line is analyzed by analyzing the first three digits. It is determined that the call is made to the other party that communicates via the exchange network (102), that is, the image communication apparatus 113 in FIG. In this case, the facsimile gateway 1111 is used to communicate with the image communication apparatus 113 connected to the circuit switching network 102.
[0130]
First, a SIP session request message (INVITE message) storing telephone number information is transmitted via the CSMA / CD interface 110 connected to the ADSL gateway 106 (FIG. 3) (step S1419 in FIG. 16). The global IP address 191.168.0.1 of the SIP proxy 103 is put in the transmission destination address of this session request message and transmitted.
[0131]
The destination in the header of the session request message contains the telephone number information input from the key operation unit 204, and the transmission source contains the telephone number information of the image communication apparatus 105. In addition, the IP address of the SIP proxy 103 is stored in the transmission destination IP address of the IP packet storing the session request message, and the IP address of the image communication apparatus 105 is stored in the transmission source IP address.
[0132]
The SIP proxy 103 expands the telephone number in the header of the received session request message into a URL such as “8.7.6.5.5.4.3.2.2.1.3.0.e164.arpa” (see FIG. 18 Step S1602), the DNS server 104 is searched (Step S1603). The SIP proxy that has received the IP address of the gateway 1111 for connecting to the circuit switched network 102 from the DNS server 104 (step S1604) has received the destination IP address in the packet received from the image communication apparatus 105 from the DNS server 104. The IP address of the gateway 1111 is changed to 192.168.0.2, the source IP address is changed to the IP address of the SIP proxy 103, and a session request message is transmitted to the gateway 1111 (step S1605).
[0133]
Upon receiving the session request message (step S1701 in FIG. 19), the gateway 1111 sends an incoming notification to the image communication apparatus 113 via the circuit switching network 102 (step S1702), and at the same time, sends a ringing message to the SIP proxy 103. (Step S1703). The destination telephone number information described in the header of the received session request message is entered in the destination of the in-call message header, and the destination IP address is the source IP address of the session request message. The proxy 103 address is entered and transmitted.
[0134]
The SIP proxy 103 that has received the calling message (step S1606 in FIG. 18) transmits the destination IP address with the IP address of the image communication apparatus 105 and the source IP address with the IP address of the SIP proxy 103 (step S1606). In step S1607, the image communication apparatus 105 receives the calling message (step S1420 in FIG. 16).
[0135]
Subsequently, the image communication apparatus 113 that has received the incoming call notification (step S1801 in FIG. 20) responds to the gateway 1111 via the circuit switching network 102 if the image can be received (step S1802) (step S1803). The gateway 1111 receives the response (step S1704) and transmits a response message to the SIP proxy 103 (step S1705). The SIP proxy 103 that has received the response message converts only the destination IP address into the IP address of the image communication apparatus 105 and transmits it, and the image communication apparatus 105 receives this response message (step S1421).
[0136]
The image communication apparatus 105 can recognize the IP address of the gateway 1111 based on the transmission source IP address in the received response message (step S1422), and thereafter, the IP network 101 to the gateway 1111 do not pass through the SIP proxy 103. It becomes possible to communicate with the image communication apparatus 113 via the circuit switching network 102.
[0137]
With the above procedure, data transmission / reception can be started between the image communication apparatus 105 and the image communication apparatus 113.
[0138]
When data transmission / reception becomes possible between the image communication apparatus 105 and the image communication apparatus 113, the image communication apparatus 105 transmits image data to be transmitted to the ITU-T Recommendation T.264 using a modem. PCM encoding is performed after the signal is modulated into an analog signal by the method defined by No. 30. The PCM-encoded data is assembled into a packet format having a predetermined length and transmitted to the image communication apparatus 107 via the gateway 111.
[0139]
In the following, a detailed description will be given of a procedure for transmitting monochrome document image data read by the CIS 206 and the reading control unit 207.
[0140]
When data transmission / reception becomes possible between the image communication apparatus 105 and the image communication apparatus 113, the image communication apparatus 105 first inputs a CNG signal to the VoIP codec 1210 via the analog switch 1209 and performs PCM encoding.
[0141]
The PCM-encoded facsimile signal (CNG) is transferred to the RAM 203 via the data bus and stored under the control of the CPU 201. Subsequently, the CPU 201 generates a frame in which the IP header including the transmission destination IP address and the transmission source IP address is added to the data when the PCM encoded data for 512 bytes is stored, and transfers the frame to the LAN controller 213. . 192.168.0.2 that is the IP address of the facsimile gateway 1111 is entered in the source IP address, and 192.168.0.1 that is the IP address of the image communication apparatus 105 is entered in the source IP address. .
[0142]
When receiving the transmission data, the LAN controller 213 adds a MAC (Media Access Control) header and transmits it to the ADSL gateway 106 (step S1423 in FIG. 16).
[0143]
The ADSL gateway 106 that has received the data transmits a packet to the IP network via the ADSL line. Since this destination IP address is the gateway 1111, this packet is delivered to the gateway 1111 via the IP network 101.
[0144]
When the gateway 1111 receives the packet from the image communication apparatus 105 (step S1706 in FIG. 19), the gateway 1111 recognizes that the packet should be sent to the image communication apparatus 113 via the circuit switching network 102, and transmits the PCM encoded data from the received packet. This is taken out and subjected to PCM decoding processing to be converted into an analog facsimile signal (step S1707). The facsimile signal converted into the analog signal reaches the image communication apparatus 113 via the circuit switching network 102.
[0145]
In step S1709, when the gateway 1111 receives the analog signal transmitted from the image communication apparatus 113, the gateway 1111 recognizes that it should be transmitted to the image communication apparatus 105, and hardware similar to the VoIP codec 1210 addressed to the image communication apparatus 105. The packet is assembled using and transmitted (step S1710).
[0146]
By such a procedure, a facsimile signal is transmitted from the image communication apparatus 105 to the image communication apparatus 113, and an environment equivalent to the case where FAX communication is performed through a normal analog telephone line can be obtained. Therefore, the image communication apparatus 105 performs only the same processing as the conventional FAX communication except that the facsimile signal is PCM encoded. It is sufficient that the same operation as the 30 facsimile procedure can be performed.
[0147]
Hereinafter, the operation after the CNG signal is transmitted and received by the image communication apparatus 105 to the image communication apparatus 113 will be briefly described.
[0148]
When the image communication apparatus 113 receives CNG (step S1804 in FIG. 20), it transmits DIS (step S1805). When the image communication apparatus 105 receives DIS (step S1424 in FIG. 16), it transmits DCS and TCF (step S1425), and the image communication apparatus 113 that has received DCS and TCF (step S1806 in FIG. 20) transmits CFR (step S1806 in FIG. 20). Step S1807).
[0149]
Upon receiving the CFR (step S1426 in FIG. 15), the image communication apparatus 105 starts reading an image (step S1427). In the transmission of image data, the analog signal input from the CIS 1206 is A / D converted while conveying the document under the control of the reading control unit 209 (step S1428), and the converted image data is MH encoded in the MH processing unit 208. Data compression is then performed (step S1429). The MH-encoded image data is input to the FAX modem 209, and the FAX modem 209 modulates the MH image data into an analog signal (step S1430). Then, similarly to the control signal such as CNG, the VoIP codec 1210 performs PCM encoding, and then stores it in the RAM 203 (step S1431). Subsequently, the frame with the IP header added is assembled, transferred to the LAN controller 213 in units of a predetermined number of bytes (step S1432), and the MAC address is added and transmitted to the image communication apparatus 113 via the facsimile gateway 1111. (Step S1433). When transmission of all the image data is completed (step S1434), it is disconnected and terminated (step S1435).
[0150]
In the image communication apparatus 113 that has received the image data (step S1808), the received image data is demodulated by the fax modem 209 (step S1809), decoded by the MH processing unit 208 (step S1810), and CMKY by the recording processing unit 214. Are converted into the four color data (step S1811), and are printed and output by the printer unit (step S1812).
[0151]
As described above, the image communication apparatus 105 can perform high-speed image transmission / reception with the image communication apparatus 107 having a function of connecting to the VoIP network, while image communication having only a conventional facsimile function. It is possible to exchange images with the apparatus 113 by a facsimile communication procedure for exchanging digitally converted analog facsimile signals (V.30) via the facsimile gateway 1111.
[0152]
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
[0153]
The image communication apparatus can perform high-speed image transmission / reception with an image communication apparatus having a function of connecting to the VoIP network, and only a circuit switching network having only a conventional facsimile function by a user operation procedure. The image communication apparatus connected to the image communication apparatus can perform image transmission / reception by a facsimile communication procedure via the facsimile gateway 1111.
[0154]
In the above two types of image communication, the cost can be reduced by using a network interface that connects only to the IP network. That is, in this embodiment, since the facsimile gateway 1111 is used for the facsimile signal transmission path, the network interface can be unified only for the IP network, and the circuit switching used in the first embodiment or the like is possible. Since the network interface (NCU and corresponding analog signal cable, etc.) can be omitted, the configuration of the apparatus can be made simple and inexpensive, and wiring at the time of installation can be easily performed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a VoIP codec 1210 used for digital conversion of an IP telephone voice signal is used for digital conversion of an analog facsimile signal transmitted to the facsimile gateway 1111 when image transmission / reception is performed via the facsimile gateway 1111 via the facsimile communication procedure. Therefore, the circuit of the device can be configured very simply and inexpensively.
[0155]
In the second embodiment, when the image communication apparatus 105 transmits an image to the image communication apparatus 107, an example in which SMTP is used as a communication protocol has been described. However, other communication protocols on TCP / IP ( Needless to say, for example, FTP and HTTP shown in the first embodiment can be used.
[0156]
For example, peer-to-peer image transmission can be realized even if an IPPFAX (Internet Printing Protocol FAX) protocol is used. IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) is a protocol (see RFC3239, RFC3380, RFC3381, RFC3382, etc.) for sending and receiving print data on the Internet by diverting HTTP. IPPFAX uses this IPP for facsimile communication. belongs to.
[0157]
FIG. 14 shows a sequence when image data is transmitted using IPPFAX. As shown in the figure, the calling procedure until the image communication apparatuses 105 to 107 are connected is exactly the same as that shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 15 (steps S1401 to S1406), FIG. 18 (steps S1601 to S1609), and the like. Communication control is performed by this processing. FIG. 14 differs from FIG. 12 only in the image data transmission / reception procedure after the image communication apparatuses 105 to 107 recognize the mutual IP addresses. Here, the image data is transmitted / received by exchanging IPPFAX messages. .
[0158]
In the second embodiment, when transmitting from the image communication apparatus 105 to the image communication apparatus 107, JPEG image data of the memory card is transmitted, and transmission from the image communication apparatus 105 to the image communication apparatus 113 is performed. In some cases, a read image read by the CIS 1206 is transmitted. However, these are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the image input method and the input format do not limit the subsequent transmission format. For example, the input method and the input format are reversed. However, it goes without saying that the same communication as described above can be performed.
[0159]
In the second embodiment, whether the address is for a terminal connected to the IP network or a terminal connected to the circuit switching network is determined based on the number at the head of the telephone number. Whether the telephone number and the network type to which the partner terminal is connected are registered in the memory in advance and whether the non-facsimile procedure on the IP is used by referring to this memory registration information or the facsimile procedure is used. Can also be determined.
[0160]
In the second embodiment, for a partner image communication apparatus that cannot use the IP protocol, for example, a partner image communication apparatus that is not connected to a VoIP network (connected only to a general circuit switched network), An example in which a facsimile signal is transmitted via the facsimile gateway 1111 is shown. However, depending on the service provider, there is a case where a VoIP service that can make a call to the corresponding partner station connected to the general line network (not subscribed to VoIP) is provided. In this case, it is conceivable to communicate with the partner station using VoIP without using a facsimile gateway as described above, and to transmit an image using a facsimile procedure on the voice communication channel. In this case, the ITU-T recommendation T.30 on the VoIP channel formed during any section (which section depends on the service of the provider) between the partner station and the VoIP gateway that makes the final connection. Image transmission is performed by transmitting and receiving 30 facsimile signals (analog voice signals).
[0161]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, a communication apparatus that has IP communication means and transmits / receives communication data to / from a counterpart station identified by a telephone number, a control method thereof, and a control program thereof , Based on the telephone number of the partner station, obtain the IP address of the partner station from the SIP proxy server, In response to the acquisition of the IP address of the counterpart station by the IP address acquisition means, an image transmission request message is transmitted prior to transmission of the image data, and based on an image transmission permission message received from the counterpart station as a response, When communication data transmission / reception on the IP network based on the file transmission / reception protocol is possible, Using the acquired IP address of the partner station, transmission / reception of image data is started on the IP network based on a predetermined file transmission / reception protocol with the partner station, and communication data on the IP network based on the predetermined file transmission / reception protocol When transmission / reception is impossible, a configuration is adopted in which a VoIP communication channel is established on the IP network, and the facsimile communication means starts transmission / reception of image data by analog facsimile communication via the VoIP communication channel. On the IP network, image data can be transmitted and received by a predetermined file transmission / reception protocol or analog facsimile communication via a VoIP communication channel, and high-speed and high-reliability data communication is possible without requiring troublesome operations. An excellent effect that it can be performed is obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration (first embodiment) of a network system including an image communication apparatus adopting the present invention.
2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the image communication apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the ADSL gateway of FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence for transmitting an image by IP communication using VoIP / SIP in the configuration of FIG. 1; FIG.
5 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence for transmitting an image by analog communication using a voice band in the configuration of FIG. 1. FIG.
6 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence when the communication partner can only perform analog communication using a voice band in the configuration of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an image transmission procedure (IP communication) according to the present invention (first embodiment).
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an image transmission procedure (analog communication) according to the present invention (first embodiment).
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an image reception procedure (IP communication and analog communication) according to the present invention (first embodiment).
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration (second embodiment) of a network system including an image communication apparatus adopting the present invention.
11 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the image communication apparatus in FIG. 10;
12 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence in which an image is transmitted by IP communication (SMTP) using VoIP / SIP in the configuration of FIG.
13 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence for transmitting an image (analog facsimile signal) via a facsimile gateway with a partner station connected to a circuit switching network in the configuration of FIG.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence for transmitting an image by IP communication (IPPFAX) using VoIP / SIP in the configuration of FIG. 10;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an image transmission procedure (IP communication) according to the present invention (second embodiment).
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an image transmission procedure (analog facsimile signal transmission) according to the present invention (second embodiment).
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a communication control procedure (IP communication) of the image communication apparatus on the receiving side in the present invention (second embodiment).
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a communication control procedure of the SIP proxy server.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a communication control procedure of a facsimile gateway according to the present invention (second embodiment).
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a communication control procedure (analog facsimile communication) of the image communication apparatus on the receiving side according to the present invention (second embodiment).
[Explanation of symbols]
101 IP network
102 circuit switching network
103 VoIP SIP proxy
104 DNS server
105, 107, 113 Image communication device
106, 108 ADSL gateway
201 CPU
207 Reading control unit
209 FAX modem
213 LAN controller
214 Recording processing unit
1208 Audio input / output unit
1209 Analog switch
1210 VoIP codec

Claims (9)

In a communication apparatus that has facsimile communication means for executing facsimile communication on a circuit-switched network, and IP communication means, and that transmits and receives communication data with a partner station identified by a telephone number,
IP address acquisition means for acquiring the IP address of the partner station from the SIP proxy server based on the phone number of the partner station;
In response to the acquisition of the IP address of the counterpart station by the IP address acquisition means, a VoIP communication channel is established on the IP network, an image transmission request message is transmitted prior to transmission of the image data, and a response is received from the counterpart station. When communication data transmission / reception on the IP network based on a predetermined file transmission / reception protocol is possible based on the received image transmission permission message, the predetermined file transmission / reception is performed with the other station using the acquired IP address of the other station. to start sending and receiving image data over an IP network based on the protocol, if the predetermined incapable of communication data transmitted and received over an IP network based on a file transmission and reception protocol, through the VoIP communication channel, to said facsimile communication means It has control means to start transmission / reception of image data by analog facsimile communication. Communication apparatus according to claim.   The IP address acquisition means determines whether or not communication via the VoIP communication channel can be performed with the partner station by analyzing the telephone number of the partner station, and communication via the VoIP communication channel cannot be performed. 2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other station is called on the circuit switching network, and the facsimile communication means is caused to execute analog facsimile communication.   The IP address acquisition unit determines whether or not communication with the partner station can be performed via the VoIP communication channel by analyzing the telephone number of the partner station, and communication via the VoIP communication channel can be performed. 2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an attempt is made to acquire an IP address of a counterpart station from the SIP proxy server. In a method for controlling a communication apparatus having facsimile communication means for executing facsimile communication on a circuit switched network and IP communication means, and transmitting / receiving communication data to / from a partner station identified by a telephone number,
Based on the telephone number of the partner station, the IP address of the partner station is acquired from the SIP proxy server, and in response to the IP address acquisition means acquiring the IP address of the partner station, a VoIP communication channel is established on the IP network, Prior to transmission of image data, an image transmission request message is transmitted, and communication data transmission / reception on the IP network based on a predetermined file transmission / reception protocol is possible based on an image transmission permission message received from the partner station as a response to the message. Using the acquired IP address of the partner station, transmission / reception of image data is started on the IP network based on a predetermined file transmission / reception protocol with the partner station, and communication data on the IP network based on the predetermined file transmission / reception protocol If reception is not possible, through the VoIP communication channel, said facsimile communication means And starting transmission / reception of image data by analog facsimile communication.   By analyzing the telephone number of the partner station, it is determined whether or not communication with the partner station via the VoIP communication channel is possible. If communication via the VoIP communication channel cannot be performed, the partner on the circuit switching network is determined. 5. The method of controlling a communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a station is called and the facsimile communication means executes analog facsimile communication.   By analyzing the telephone number of the partner station, it is determined whether or not communication via the VoIP communication channel can be performed with the partner station, and when communication via the VoIP communication channel can be performed, the SIP proxy server 5. The communication apparatus control method according to claim 4, wherein an attempt is made to acquire an IP address of a partner station. In a control program for a communication apparatus that has facsimile communication means for executing facsimile communication on a circuit-switched network and IP communication means and transmits / receives communication data to / from a partner station identified by a telephone number,
Based on the telephone number of the partner station, the IP address of the partner station is acquired from the SIP proxy server, and in response to the IP address acquisition means acquiring the IP address of the partner station, a VoIP communication channel is established on the IP network, Prior to transmission of image data, an image transmission request message is transmitted, and communication data transmission / reception on the IP network based on a predetermined file transmission / reception protocol is possible based on an image transmission permission message received from the partner station as a response to the message. Using the acquired IP address of the partner station, transmission / reception of image data is started on the IP network based on a predetermined file transmission / reception protocol with the partner station, and communication data on the IP network based on the predetermined file transmission / reception protocol If reception is not possible, through the VoIP communication channel, said facsimile communication means A control program for a communication apparatus, including a control process for starting transmission / reception of image data by analog facsimile communication.   By analyzing the telephone number of the partner station, it is determined whether or not communication with the partner station via the VoIP communication channel can be performed. If communication via the VoIP communication channel cannot be performed, the partner on the circuit switching network is determined. 8. The control program for a communication apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a control process for calling a station and causing the facsimile communication means to execute analog facsimile communication.   By analyzing the telephone number of the partner station, it is determined whether or not communication via the VoIP communication channel can be performed with the partner station, and when communication via the VoIP communication channel can be performed, the SIP proxy server 8. The control program for a communication apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a control process for attempting to acquire the IP address of the counterpart station.

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