JP5803143B2 - Communication system, communication method, program, and communication apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system for transmitting data from a communication apparatus having an IP fax function to a communication apparatus having a G3 fax function. The present invention also relates to a communication method and program using the communication system, and a communication apparatus used in the communication system.

  With the development of communication networks, IP networks (Internet Protocol Network) have appeared in addition to the circuit switching networks that have been used. The circuit switching network is also called a public telephone network, and is a so-called analog switching network mainly used for telephone lines. On the other hand, the IP network is a network that transmits information using the Internet protocol, and the data to be handled is digital data. When communication is performed using such a communication network, the data and the communication procedure are different depending on whether a circuit switching network or an IP network is used. This mechanism is necessary.

  Specifically, for example, there is a so-called G3 facsimile apparatus (hereinafter referred to as G3 fax) as a representative of a facsimile apparatus using a circuit switching network. In communication between G3 faxes, call setting, transmission speed and function negotiation are performed. Then, analog fax-specific procedures such as image data encoding / transmission and call disconnection are taken. On the other hand, in a so-called IP facsimile machine using an IP network (hereinafter referred to as IP fax), for example, ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union) recommendation T.I. 37, a transmission mechanism using a storage and exchange method using a mail server is required. Therefore, when the sending terminal is an IP fax, normally, only the IP fax can be communicated as a receiving terminal, and data cannot be transmitted from the IP fax to the G3 fax.

  When attempting to transmit data from an IP fax to a G3 fax, it is necessary to first connect to the IP network from the IP fax that is the transmitting terminal, and then pass through a gateway device while connecting to the circuit switched network. The gateway device interprets the meaning of the IP fax signal, translates it into a message for G3 fax, and transmits it. In this case, for example, a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) gateway device can be used. The VoIP gateway device is a device used for converting data transmitted between different networks such as an IP network and a circuit switched network, converting a protocol, and the like. When transmitting from the IP fax to the G3 fax, the VoIP gateway device combines the divided packet data transmitted from the IP fax into analog data, and then transmits the analog data to the circuit switching network. Similarly, even when the transmitting terminal is a G3 fax and the receiving terminal is an IP fax, data transmission is possible using the VoIP gateway device.

  On the other hand, with the development of data communication, further demands on communication networks are increasing. The NGN network (Next Generation Network) for which services have recently been started is a communication network that incorporates the advantages of both by reconstructing a circuit switching network using IP technology. That is, the NGN network is a next-generation communication network that incorporates the advantages of an IP network that can flexibly provide various services while maintaining the simplicity and strong security that are the characteristics of a circuit switching network. With the start of services by the NGN network, safer, faster, wider bandwidth and higher quality communication can be realized.

  In transmission using the NGN network, a home gateway device is mainly used as a gateway device. The home gateway device is usually a gateway device used for a home network, and includes a server function in addition to a signal translation function (protocol conversion or the like) of a conventional gateway device. By using this home gateway device, the communication terminal can be connected to the NGN network. The home gateway device includes a LAN (Local Area Network) port and a G3 port. An IP fax can be connected to the LAN port, and a G3 fax can be connected to the G3 port.

  By the way, some facsimile machines have a mechanism that can be connected to both the circuit switching network and the IP network described above, and can communicate via the circuit switching network or the IP network. In Patent Document 1, whether or not the partner terminal has a facsimile reception capability via the IP network based on a procedure signal sent from the partner terminal after calling the partner terminal via the public telephone network (circuit switching network). A facsimile apparatus is disclosed that makes a call via an IP network when it is determined that there is a reception capability.

  However, the number of G3 ports provided in the home gateway device connected to the NGN network is limited, and only G3 faxes corresponding to the number of G3 ports can be connected to the home gateway device. That is, when the facsimile apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is to be connected to the NGN network using the home gateway apparatus, there is a problem that a flexible system cannot be constructed due to the limitation on the number of G3 ports of the home gateway apparatus. there were.

To solve the problems described above, the communication system according to the present invention is connected to the IP network, the first communication device having an IP fax function, connected to the IP network, IP fax function and G3 fax function A second communication device comprising: a LAN port for transmitting data transmitted via the IP network to a communication partner terminal of the NGN network ; and the second communication device connected to the second communication device . anda home gateway device provided with a G3 port for connecting a communication device to the line switching network, a first communication system in which communication devices are connected before Symbol L aN port, the first communication device comprises a detection means for detecting, the correspondent terminal is IP fax function by said detecting means that said correspondent terminal passing through the NGN network does not have the IP fax function When it is detected that no, and a transmitting means for transmitting the destination information of the data and the communication partner terminal transmits to the communication partner terminal through the IP network to the second communication device, the second communication device, the data transmitted via the IP network from the first communication device, said transmitted via the line switching network to said communication partner terminal based on the destination information using the G3 fax function It is characterized by that.

The communication method according to the present invention is connected to the IP network, the first communication device having an IP fax function, connected to the IP network, a second communication having the IP fax function and G3 fax function a device, LAN ports for sending data to be transmitted through the IP network to the communication partner terminal of the NGN network, and, in the second communication device is connected to the second communication device a circuit switching network anda home gateway device provided with a G3 port for connecting a communication method wherein the first communication system in which communication devices are connected before Symbol L aN port is executed, the first communication when the device, the communication partner terminal through the NGN network detects that does not have the IP fax function, before Symbol correspondent terminal has detected that does not have the IP fax function, the communication Data to be transmitted to the partner terminal and destination information of the partner terminal are transmitted to the second communication device via the IP network, and the second communication device transmits the IP network from the first communication device. the data transmitted over, and transmits through the circuit switched network to the communication partner terminal based on the destination information using the G3 fax function.

Furthermore, the program according to the present invention, the communication method is characterized in that to be executed by the communication system.

Further, the communication device according to the present invention includes a LAN port for transmitting data transmitted via the IP network to a communication partner terminal of the NGN network, and another communication device connected to the other communication device. a communication device connected to the LAN port of the home gateway device provided with a G3 port for connection to the switching network, detects that the communication partner terminal through the NGN network does not have the IP fax function and detecting means, when said correspondent terminal has detected that does not have the IP fax function by said detecting means, said destination information of the data and the communication partner terminal transmits to the communication terminal to the other communication device Transmitting means for transmitting via an IP network .

  According to the present invention, the IP fax connected to the LAN port of the home gateway device issues a data transfer request to the G3 fax connected to the G3 port of the same home gateway device, and the G3 fax is the G3 fax of the communication partner terminal. By communicating with the fax, data transmission can be performed from the IP fax to the G3 fax of the communication partner terminal. That is, data transmission using the G3 fax function can be performed from a larger number of IP faxes than the number of G3 ports of the home gateway device, and a flexible system construction is possible.

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the facsimile apparatus 1 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the network to which the facsimile apparatus 1 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is connected. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the communication procedure which concerns on this embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is an example of the input screen as the operation part 13 for inputting whether a transfer function is validated or invalidated. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence which concerns on 4th Embodiment. FIG. 10 is an example of an input screen serving as an operation unit 13 for inquiring whether to transmit from another G3 fax when transmission fails. FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence which concerns on 6th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

<< First Embodiment >>
<Hardware configuration of facsimile machine>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a facsimile apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The facsimile apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a program storage unit 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, a reading unit 15, a recording unit 16, an image processing unit 17, an image storage unit 18, a system control unit 19, A storage unit 20, a transmission control unit 21, and a network control unit 22 are included.

  The CPU 11 controls the entire apparatus based on a control program described later. Specifically, based on the control program stored in the program storage unit 12, an instruction is given to the image processing unit 17, the system control unit 19, the transmission control unit 21, the network control unit 22, and the like, and each unit has a function. make it happen. The program storage unit 12 is configured by a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like, and stores a control program for controlling the entire facsimile apparatus 1. The operation unit 13 includes a touch panel or the like, and is used by a user to perform various operations for operating the apparatus. The display unit 14 includes a display or the like, and is used to display various information. The operation unit 13 and the display unit 14 may be configured as a device different from the facsimile device. For example, if the facsimile machine is not a facsimile machine as a single-function device but a multifunction device having a copy function, a printer function, etc., and a personal computer is connected to the multifunction device and an instruction is input, the personal device The operation unit 13 and the display unit 14 can be configured on the computer side. Further, the operation unit 13 and the display unit 14 can be configured as the same hardware that serves both as an operation panel, if necessary. The reading unit 15 is configured by a scanner or the like, and is used for reading a transmission document. The recording unit 16 records and outputs received image data and the like on a recording sheet. The image processing unit 17 performs image processing such as enlargement / reduction as well as data encoding / decoding according to a control program. The image storage unit 18 is composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, and stores and stores received image data, for example. The system control unit 19 controls the entire facsimile apparatus 1 according to a control program based on an instruction from the CPU 11. The storage unit 20 is configured by a RAM or the like and serves as a work area used by the control program, and stores system data and various information for controlling the operation of the apparatus. The transmission control unit 21 performs an ITU-T recommendation T.264 according to a control program based on an instruction from the CPU 11. 30, T.M. 37, T.W. The communication protocol of the G3 fax function or the IP fax function realized by the facsimile apparatus 1 is controlled in accordance with a transmission procedure based on 38 or the like. The network control unit 22 performs communication control of data communication via a circuit switching network or an NGN network according to a control program based on an instruction from the CPU 11.

  In the above description, the facsimile apparatus 1 having both the IP fax function and the G3 fax function is taken as an example, but other communication functions such as a G4 fax function may be provided. In this case, for example, in the case of G4 fax, the corresponding ITU-T recommendation T.30. 62, T.A. A control program for controlling a transmission procedure based on 70 and the like and a network control unit for connecting to an ISDN line are provided.

  With the above configuration, the function of the facsimile apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is realized. The original function of a facsimile apparatus for transmitting an image is generally the same as that of a known facsimile apparatus. That is, the transmission original is read by the reading unit 15 according to an instruction from the operation unit 13 by the user, predetermined image processing is performed by the image processing unit 17, and the transmission control unit 21, the network control unit 22 and the like communicate with the partner terminal. Communication control is performed and an image is transmitted to the partner terminal.

<Network configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network to which the facsimile apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is connected.

  2 includes an IP fax 31 as a transmission terminal, a G3 fax 32 as a transmission terminal, home gateway devices (hereinafter referred to as HGW) 33 and 34, an NGN network 35, a media gateway device 36, and reception. It includes G3 faxes 37 and 38 as terminals.

  As the IP fax 31 and the G3 fax 32, the facsimile machine 1 having the configuration described with reference to FIG. 1 is used. That is, all of these facsimile apparatuses have the same hardware configuration and have both IP fax and G3 fax communication functions. However, in view of the functions used in this embodiment, the IP fax 31 is used. Alternatively, different expressions are used as the G3 fax 32. The HGWs 33 and 34 and the NGN network 35 are equivalent to those described above in the background art section. The HGW 33 includes a plurality of LAN ports 39 and a plurality of G3 ports 40. The IP fax 31 is connected to the LAN port 39, and the G3 fax 32 is connected to the G3 port 40. Similarly, the HGW 34 includes a plurality of LAN ports 41 and a plurality of G3 ports 42. FIG. 2 shows a state where the G3 fax 37 is connected to the G3 port 42. The media gateway device 36 is a kind of gateway device for connecting a circuit switching network and an IP network. The media gateway device 36 is used to connect a G3 fax 38 that communicates via a circuit switching network to the NGN network 35. The G3 faxes 37 and 38 are both general G3 faxes that have been well known. In other words, a special configuration is not necessary for the receiving side terminal, and a G3 fax having a general configuration can be used. In the present embodiment, an example in which a G3 fax 37 is connected via the HGW 34 and an example in which a G3 fax 38 is connected via the media gateway device 36 are shown as receiving terminals.

  In the above network configuration, an outline of a processing procedure according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

<Processing procedure of the first embodiment>
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a communication procedure according to the present embodiment.

  3, IP fax 31, G3 fax 32, HGW 33 and 34, NGN network 35, and G3 fax 37 are all the same as those shown in FIG. 2, and are denoted by the same reference numerals. Dotted arrows (a), (b), (c), and (d) indicate communication procedures and indicate the flow of signals or data.

(Communication procedure (a))
The IP fax 31 that is the transmission side terminal tries to communicate with the G3 fax 37 that is the reception side terminal.

(Communication procedure (b))
The IP fax 31 detects that the partner terminal (G3 fax 37) is not an IP fax based on a signal returned from the G3 fax 37 that is the receiving terminal.

(Communication procedure (c))
The IP fax 31 transmits data to be transmitted to the G3 fax 37 to the G3 fax 32 connected in parallel with the IP fax 31 to the HGW 33 and requests transfer to the G3 fax 37. Here, the communication between the IP fax 31 and the G3 fax 32 is IP fax communication using an IP network.

(Communication procedure (d))
The G3 fax 32 detects that a transfer request has been received from the IP fax 31, and transfers the data transmitted from the IP fax 31 to the G3 fax 37.

  The processing procedure including the above communication procedure will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure according to the first embodiment.

  4, IP fax 31 (transmission side terminal), G3 fax 32 (transmission side terminal), HGW 33 and 34, and G3 fax 37 (reception side terminal) are all equivalent to those shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. And are indicated using the same reference numerals.

  Prior to the description of FIG. 4, a list of explanations of terms used for the description of FIG.

The processing described below is realized by software processing using a control program stored in the program storage unit 12. Further, hardware cooperating with the software is realized by the CPU 11, the program storage unit 12, the image storage unit 18, the system control unit 19, the storage unit 20, the transmission control unit 21, the network control unit 22 and the like shown in FIG. . That is, the following processing is executed when the CPU 11 issues an instruction to each unit using the control program stored in the program storage unit 12.

  (Procedure 1) to (Procedure 3) shown in FIG. 4 show the following procedures, respectively.

  (Procedure 1) shows a procedure in which the IP fax 31 that is the transmission side terminal attempts communication with the G3 fax 37 of the reception side terminal. As a result of attempting transmission from the IP fax 31 to the partner terminal, it is detected that communication cannot be performed because the partner terminal is a G3 fax (corresponding to the above-described (communication procedures (a) and (b))). (Procedure 2) shows a procedure in which the IP fax 31 transmits data to the G3 fax 32 connected to the same HGW 33 as the IP fax 31 and requests transfer (the above-described (communication procedure (c)). Corresponding). (Procedure 3) shows a procedure in which the G3 fax 32 having received the transfer request transmits data to the G3 fax 37 of the receiving terminal (corresponding to the above-described (communication procedure (d))). In the following description, reference numerals in parentheses indicate individual procedures in the procedures (procedure 1) to (procedure 3), and correspond to the reference numerals in FIG. Hereinafter, (Procedure 1) to (Procedure 3) will be described in more detail.

(Procedure 1)
(1) In order to communicate with the G3 fax 37 that is the receiving side terminal, the IP fax 31 that is the transmitting side terminal makes a connection request to the HGW 33 (INVITE).
(2) The HGW 33 makes a session establishment request to the HGW 34.
(3) Since there is no IP fax corresponding to the destination before the HGW 34, the HGW 34 returns a response indicating that communication is impossible to the transmission source. That is, the HGW 34 detects that the IP fax corresponding to the destination of this data transmission is not connected to the HGW 34, and sends a response indicating that the session cannot be established to the HGW 33.
(4) The HGW 33 notifies the IP fax 31 that access is not permitted (communication is not possible) (488). As a result, the IP fax 31 can detect that the communication partner terminal (G3 fax 37) via the IP network does not have the IP fax function. This detection is performed by the transmission control unit 21 described above.
(5) The IP fax 31 notifies the HGW 33 that a response to the connection request (INVITE) has been received (ACK).

  As a result of the above (procedure 1), as a result of attempting communication from the IP fax 31 to the destination terminal, it is detected that the receiving terminal is not an IP fax and cannot communicate.

(Procedure 2)
(6) The IP fax 31 dials the G3 fax 32 (dialing). The communication between the IP fax 31 and the G3 fax 32 here is IP fax communication using an IP network.
(7) The G3 fax 32 notifies the IP fax 31 that it has received an incoming call and that it is a facsimile machine (CED).
(8) The G3 fax 32 notifies the IP fax 31 of its own capability (DIS and NSF). Here, the notification of the capability of the own machine is performed by signals such as DIS and NSF, but the DIS signal is used to notify the capability common to general facsimiles, and the NSF signal is used to notify the capability specific to the model. Used for.
(9) The IP fax 31 notifies the G3 fax 32 of the transmission mode (DCS or NSS). This notification is a transfer request from the IP fax 31 to the G3 fax 32, and is realized by putting information indicating the transfer request and destination terminal information in the NSS signal.
(10) The IP fax 31 performs training communication with the G3 fax 32 (TCF).
(11) The IP fax 31 transmits data to be transmitted to the G3 fax 37 to the G3 fax 32 (PIX).
(12) The IP fax 31 notifies the G3 fax 32 of the end of transmission (EOP).
(13) The G3 fax 32 notifies the IP fax 31 of successful reception (MCF).
(14) The IP fax 31 notifies the G3 fax 32 that the line will be disconnected (DCN). Thereafter, the line is disconnected.

  With the above procedure, data is transmitted from the IP fax 31 to the G3 fax 32, and a transfer request is made.

(Procedure 3)
(15) The G3 fax 32 of the transmission side terminal performs dialing with the G3 fax 37 of the reception side terminal as the destination. Dialing information is received by the HGW 33.
(16) The HGW 33 issues a session establishment request to the HGW 34 to which the G3 fax 37 is connected.
(17) The HGW 34 dials the G3 fax 37 that is the destination terminal (dialing).
(18) The G3 fax 37 notifies the HGW 34 that an incoming call has been received and that the own machine is a facsimile machine (CED).
(19) The HGW 34 responds to the HGW 33 that a session has been established.
(20) The HGW 33 that has received the CED signal in step (18) notifies the G3 fax 32 that the destination terminal (G3 fax 37) has arrived and that the destination terminal is a facsimile machine (CED).
(21) The G3 fax 37 notifies the HGW 34 of its own capability (DIS and NSF).
(22) The HGW 33 that has received the DIS signal and NSF signal in step (21) notifies the G3 fax 32 of the capability of the G3 fax 37 (DIS and NSF).
(23) The G3 fax 32 notifies the HGW 33 of the transmission mode (DCS or NSS).
(24) The HGW 34 that has received the DCS signal or NSS signal in step (23) from the HGW 33 notifies the G3 fax 37 of the transmission mode of the G3 fax 32 (DCS or NSS).
(25) The G3 fax 32 performs training communication with the HGW 33 (TCF).
(26) The HGW 34 that has received the TCF signal in the procedure (25) from the HGW 33 performs training communication with the G3 fax 37 (TCF).
(27) The G3 fax 32 transmits data to be transmitted to the G3 fax 37 to the HGW 33 (PIX).
(28) The HGW 34 that has received the PIX signal in step (27) from the HGW 33 transmits the data to the G3 fax 37 (PIX).
(29) The G3 fax 32 notifies the HGW 33 of the end of transmission (EOP).
(30) The HGW 34 that has received the EOP signal of the procedure (29) from the HGW 33 notifies the G3 fax 37 of the end of transmission (EOP).
(31) The G3 fax 37 notifies the HGW 34 of normal reception (MCF).
(32) The HGW 33 that has received the MCF signal of the procedure (31) from the HGW 34 notifies the G3 fax 32 that the G3 fax 37 has been normally received (MCF).
(33) The G3 fax 32 notifies the HGW 33 that the line with the G3 fax 37 is disconnected (DCN).
(34) The HGW 33 disconnects the session with the HGW 34.
(35) The HGW 34 that has received the DCN signal in step (33) from the HGW 34 notifies the G3 fax 37 that the line will be disconnected (DCN). Thereafter, the line is disconnected.

  With the above procedure, transfer of transmission data received by the G3 fax 32 from the IP fax 31 to the G3 fax 37 is completed.

  In this embodiment, when data transmission from the IP fax 31 to the G3 fax 37 fails, data transmission is performed via the G3 fax 32. However, transmission from the G3 fax 32 to the G3 fax 37 also failed. In this case, it can be configured to display on the display unit 14 that the transmission could not be performed using any function. In this case, since the response indicating that the session could not be established is received instead of the response indicating that the session has been established in the procedure (19) described above, the G3 fax 32 can be transmitted using any function thereafter. A message to the effect that there has not been displayed is displayed on the display unit 14. Further, this information may be transmitted from the G3 fax 32 to the IP fax 31 and displayed on the IP fax 31.

<Effect of the first embodiment>
According to the first embodiment, when the IP fax 31 connected to the LAN port 39 of the HGW 33 issues a data transfer request to the G3 fax 32 connected to the G3 port 40 of the same HGW 33, the IP fax 31 is substantially transmitted. To G3 fax 37. Since the G3 fax 32 can accept transfer requests from a plurality of IP faxes 31 connected to the HGW 33, the G3 fax 32 apparently performs communication that includes the same number of G3 faxes as the IP faxes connected to the HGW 33. be able to. That is, G3 fax transmission can be performed from more transmission terminals than the number of G3 ports, and a flexible system construction is possible.

  According to the first embodiment, when the transmission from the IP fax 31 and the transmission from the G3 fax 32 have failed, the status can be displayed on the display unit 14, so that the user can check the transmission status. it can.

<< Other Embodiments >>
Next, second to sixth embodiments according to the present invention will be described.

  Since the basic configuration and network configuration of the facsimile apparatus used in the second to sixth embodiments are the same as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the following description will focus on different parts.

<< Second Embodiment >>
In the second embodiment, the IP fax 31 outputs a communication result report as a result of transferring data requested from the IP fax 31 to the G3 fax 37 by the G3 fax 32.

<Hardware configuration of facsimile machine>
As the facsimile apparatus of the second embodiment, the facsimile apparatus 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment can be used. However, with respect to the procedure (44) described later, a method of putting an identifier x (identifier for identifying the facsimile communication X as x) in advance in the NSS signal in the procedure (9) described above, and The method of putting the identifier x and the information indicating the output request of the communication result report in the NSS signal in the procedure (44) is performed as follows.

  When a transmission instruction is given by the user from the operation unit 13, the system control unit 19 of the IP fax 31 generates a serial number corresponding to the transmission, and stores the identifier x corresponding to the serial number in the storage unit 20. Similarly, when an output request for a communication result report is made by the user from the operation unit 13, the system control unit 19 causes the storage unit 20 to store information indicating that an output request has been made. The identifier x stored in the storage unit 20 is read when the NSS signal is transmitted in the above-described procedure (9), and is included as information in the NSS signal. Further, when transmitting the NSS signal in the procedure (44), the information indicating the identifier x and the output request for the communication result report is read from the storage unit 20 and is inserted into the NSS signal. The method for creating the communication result report can be created by a conventionally well-known method, so the description is omitted here.

<Processing procedure of the second embodiment>
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, an IP fax 31 and a G3 fax 32 are the same devices as those shown in FIGS.

  The procedures (1) to (35) of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4 are similarly performed in the second embodiment. Then, after the procedure (35) of the first embodiment, the procedure according to this embodiment is executed.

  In FIG. 5, the procedures (1) to (35) shown in FIG. 4 are simplified and denoted by reference numeral (40). Since the procedures (1) to (35) are the same as those described above except for a part of the procedure (9), the description is omitted here. The difference in procedure (9) will be described later. In the second embodiment, following the procedure (40), the following procedure is performed.

  (Procedure 4) is to output the communication result report from the IP fax 31 after the data transmission from the IP fax 31 to the G3 fax 37 is completed via the G3 fax 32. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

(Procedure 4)
(41) The G3 fax 32 dials the IP fax 31 (dialing).
(42) The IP fax 31 notifies the G3 fax 32 that the incoming call has been received and that the own machine is a facsimile machine (CED).
(43) The IP fax 31 notifies the G3 fax 32 of its own capability (DIS and NSF).
(44) The G3 fax 32 notifies the IP fax 31 of the transmission mode (DCS or NSS). At this time, in the NSS signal described in the procedure (9) of the first embodiment described above, an identifier x for identifying transmission (an identifier for identifying the facsimile communication X is x) is entered as information in advance. In the NSS signal in this procedure, an identifier x and information indicating a communication result report output request are entered. It is detected by the IP fax 31 that this communication is related to the facsimile communication X by the identifier x, and the information transmitted by this communication by the information indicating the output request of the communication result report is the communication result report. Is recognized by the IP fax 31.
(45) The G3 fax 32 performs training communication with the IP fax 31 (TCF).
(46) The G3 fax 32 transmits data to the IP fax 31 (PIX). The transmission data here is image data of a communication result report. Upon receiving this data, the IP fax 31 records and outputs a communication result report from the recording unit 16. The communication result report referred to here may be a report when transmission fails, in addition to the case where the G3 fax 32 which is the receiving terminal can be normally received, or both of them may be reported. Further, necessary information such as the date and time when the transmission process is completed can be reported as appropriate.
(47) The G3 fax 32 notifies the IP fax 31 of the end of transmission (EOP).
(48) The IP fax 31 notifies the G3 fax 32 of normal reception (MCF).
(49) The G3 fax 32 notifies the IP fax 31 that the line will be disconnected (DCN). Thereafter, the line is disconnected.

<Effects of Second Embodiment>
According to the second embodiment, the communication result report transmitted from the G3 fax 32 to the G3 fax 37 that is the receiving side fax can be confirmed and output by the IP fax 31. In the present embodiment, the communication result report is recorded and output from the recording unit 16; however, a form in which the communication result report is displayed on the display unit 14 without being recorded or output as sound by a speaker (not shown) is applied. Needless to say, it can be done.

<< Third Embodiment >>
In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, a communication result report indicating a result of transferring data transmitted from the IP fax 31 to the G3 fax 37 of the receiving terminal by the G3 fax 32 is represented by the IP fax 31. Is output from

<Hardware Configuration of Third Embodiment>
As the facsimile apparatus of the third embodiment, the facsimile apparatus 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment can be used. However, regarding the procedure (54) to be described later, the G3 fax 32 previously opens a bulletin board box in its own machine and registers the communication result report image therein, and the bulletin board is added to the NSF signal in the procedure (53). The method for storing information relating to the box number of the box is as follows.

  When a user issues a communication result report output request from the operation unit 13 together with the transmission instruction, the system control unit 19 of the IP fax 31 stores information indicating that the output request has been made in the storage unit 20. Information indicating that there is an output request stored in the storage unit 20 is taken into the NSS signal when the NSS signal is transmitted in the above-described procedure (9). On the other hand, the system control unit 19 of the G3 fax 32 opens a bulletin board box for storing a communication result report in the storage unit 20 of the own machine in advance when communication is started, and sets the box number of the bulletin board box. A corresponding identifier y is generated. The identifier y corresponding to the box number is taken into the NSF signal in the procedure (8) and notified to the IP fax 31. The timing for opening the bulletin board box may be any timing as long as it is before the procedure (8). For example, it may be when the dialing signal of the procedure (6) is received or after an incoming call notification is transmitted in the procedure (7). The bulletin board box here is like a virtual mail box formed in the storage unit 20, and the image of the communication result report is temporarily stored until it is output. The storage unit 20 also stores the box number identifier y described above.

<Processing procedure of the third embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 6, an IP fax 31 and a G3 fax 32 are the same devices as those shown in FIGS.

  The procedures (1) to (35) of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4 are similarly performed in the third embodiment. Then, after the procedure (35) of the first embodiment, the procedure according to this embodiment is executed.

  In FIG. 6, the procedures (1) to (35) shown in FIG. 4 are simplified together and denoted by reference numeral (40). Since the procedures (1) to (35) are the same as those described above except for a part of the procedure (9), the description is omitted here. The difference in procedure (9) will be described later. In the third embodiment, following the procedure (40), the following procedure is performed.

  (Procedure 5) is to output the communication result report from the IP fax 31 after the data transmission from the IP fax 31 to the G3 fax 37 via the G3 fax 32 is completed. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

(Procedure 5)
(51) The IP fax 31 dials the G3 fax 32 (dialing).
(52) The G3 fax 32 notifies the IP fax 31 that it has received an incoming call and that its own machine is a facsimile machine (CED).
(53) The G3 fax 32 notifies the IP fax 31 of its own capability (DIS and NSF).
(54) The IP fax 31 notifies the G3 fax 32 of the transmission mode (DCS and NSS). The IP fax 31 obtains an image of the communication result report by notifying the G3 fax 32 of the DCS signal in this procedure (54) including the identifier y specifying the box number (see procedure (46)). As described in the second embodiment, the form of the communication result report can be determined as appropriate.
(55) The G3 fax 32 notifies its capability to the IP fax 31 (DIS and NSF).
(56) The G3 fax 32 notifies the IP fax 31 of the transmission mode (DCS or NSS).

  Since the subsequent procedures are the same as the procedures (45) to (49) of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5 are given in FIG. 6, and the description thereof is omitted.

<Effect of the third embodiment>
According to the third embodiment, the communication result report transmitted from the G3 fax 32 to the G3 fax 37 that is the receiving-side fax can be confirmed and output by the IP fax 31. Note that, instead of recording and outputting the communication result report, it can be displayed on the display unit 14 or output as sound by a speaker (not shown) as in the case of the second embodiment described above.

<< Fourth Embodiment >>
In the fourth embodiment, whether the function of the first embodiment is enabled or disabled can be set in advance. That is, when the user makes a transmission request, the function of the first embodiment (if the receiving-side fax (G3 fax 37) does not have the IP fax communication function, the IP fax 31 becomes the G3 fax 32). On the other hand, it is possible to set whether to enable or disable the transfer request function.

<Hardware configuration of facsimile machine>
As the facsimile apparatus of the fourth embodiment, the facsimile apparatus 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment can be used. However, in this embodiment, a description will be given assuming that an instruction is issued to the IP fax 31 from the operation unit 13 configured as a device (for example, a personal computer) different from the IP fax 31. In addition, in order to set whether to enable or disable the transfer function described above, it is possible to input to the operation unit 13 whether to enable or disable the transfer function. FIG. 7 is an example of an input screen as the operation unit 13 for inputting whether to enable or disable the transfer function. The manner in which such display is performed on the operation unit 13 (which is also used as the display unit 14) is performed by the system control unit 19 based on an instruction from the CPU 11 based on a control program stored in the program storage unit 12. Do.

<Processing procedure of the fourth embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 8, IP fax 31, G3 fax 32, HGW 33, and HGW 34 are the same devices as those shown in FIGS. In FIG. 8, the operation unit 13 has the same function as that shown in FIG.

  The user starts transmission after setting whether to enable or disable this function from the operation unit 13 shown in FIG. Thereafter, the procedures (1) to (5) of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 are executed. As shown in FIG. 8, when it is set to enable this function, processing after the procedure (6) of the first embodiment is executed after the procedure (5). On the other hand, if it is set to disable this function, the communication is terminated in step (5).

Note that each processing procedure will be described with reference to FIG.
(61) The user sets whether to enable or disable this function from the operation unit 13.
(62) Start transmission.
(1) to (5) The same procedure as the procedures (1) to (5) of the first embodiment is executed.
(63) The IP fax 31 confirms the setting to enable or disable this function.
(64) When the setting is “valid”, the procedure (6) and subsequent steps of the first embodiment are executed. If the setting is “invalid”, the communication is terminated.

  By the way, in this embodiment, whether to enable or disable the forwarding function is set in advance. However, when communication is attempted from the IP fax 31, the partner fax is a G3 fax and transmission fails. In such a case, the transfer function may be automatically enabled and data may be transmitted from the G3 fax 32 on the transmission side. In addition, by combining the above, you can select whether to enable or disable the transfer function in advance, or to automatically enable the transfer function and send data when transmission fails. You may make it the structure which can be performed.

<Effect of the fourth embodiment>
According to the fourth embodiment, the function of transmitting data from the IP fax 31 to the G3 fax 37 via the G3 fax 32 can be set to be valid or invalid depending on the needs of the user. Alternatively, when transmission from the IP fax 31 fails, transmission via the G3 fax 32 can be automatically performed. Furthermore, those methods can be selected by setting.

<< Fifth Embodiment >>
In the fifth embodiment, when transmission by the first IP fax 31 fails in the first embodiment, whether to transmit from another G3 fax at that time is determined using the input screen (operation unit 13). It can be selected. The user can transmit from another G3 fax (G3 fax 32) by selecting to transmit from the input screen. If transmission from another G3 fax is not selected, communication is terminated without transmitting data.

<Hardware configuration of facsimile machine>
As the facsimile apparatus of the fifth embodiment, the facsimile apparatus 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment can be used. However, in order to enable the user to select whether or not to transmit, if the transmission fails, the input screen (operation unit 13) displays a message asking whether to enable or disable the transfer function, Allow the user to select. FIG. 9 is an example of an input screen as the operation unit 13 for inquiring whether or not to transmit from another G3 fax when transmission fails. The system control unit 19 performs such display on the input screen based on an instruction from the CPU 11 based on a control program stored in the program storage unit 12.

<Processing Procedure of Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 10, IP fax 31, G3 fax 32, HGW 33, and HGW 34 are the same devices as those shown in FIGS. In FIG. 10, the operation unit 13 has a function equivalent to that shown in FIG.

  If transmission fails in steps (1) to (5) of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4, whether or not transmission is performed from another G3 fax as shown in FIG. Or not) is displayed on the display unit 14 (operation unit 13). When the user selects transmission from another G3 fax, the IP fax 31 sends a data transmission and transfer request to the G3 fax 32. The subsequent procedure is the same as the procedures (6) to (35) of the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the user has not selected to transmit, the communication is terminated in step (5).

In addition, it will be as follows if each processing procedure is demonstrated along FIG.
(71) When transmission from the IP fax 31 fails, the IP fax 31 displays an input screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to perform transmission from the G3 fax 32.
(72) When the user selects transmission, the IP fax 31 issues a transfer request to the G3 fax 32. If the user has not selected to transmit, the communication is terminated.

<Effect of Fifth Embodiment>
According to the fifth embodiment, when transmission from the IP fax 31 fails first, it is possible to select whether to transmit from another G3 fax at that time using the input screen (operation unit 13). Therefore, a transfer request can be sent to the G3 fax 32 as necessary.

<< Sixth Embodiment >>
In the sixth embodiment, when the transmission by the first IP fax 31 in the first embodiment is unsuccessful and the transmission from the G3 fax 32 after the transfer request is successful, the facsimile on the other side is a G3 fax. If there is something stored and the next transmission is to be made to the same destination, a transfer request is made to the G3 fax 32 from the beginning.

<Hardware configuration of facsimile machine>
As the facsimile apparatus of the sixth embodiment, the facsimile apparatus 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment can be used. However, when the transmission via the G3 fax 32 is successful, the IP fax 31 stores in the storage unit 20 that the destination facsimile is the G3 fax. In this case, since it is necessary to retain information even when the apparatus is turned off, it is necessary to use nonvolatile storage means such as SRAM as the storage unit 20. Such a process is performed by the system control unit 19 based on an instruction from the CPU 11 based on a control program stored in the program storage unit 12.

<Processing Procedure of Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 11, IP fax 31, G3 fax 32, HGW 33, and HGW 34 are the same devices as those shown in FIGS. In FIG. 11, the operation unit 13 has a function equivalent to that shown in FIG.

  The procedures (1) to (35) of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4 are similarly performed in the sixth embodiment. Then, after the procedure (35) of the first embodiment, the procedure according to this embodiment is executed.

  In FIG. 11, the procedures (1) to (35) shown in FIG. 4 are simplified and denoted by reference numeral (40). Since procedures (1) to (35) are the same as those described above, description thereof is omitted here. In the sixth embodiment, following the procedure (40), the following procedure is performed.

  In (Procedure 6), when transmission by the first IP fax 31 is unsuccessful and transmission from the G3 fax 32 after the transfer request is successful, transmission to the same G3 fax is performed from the beginning when sending to the same destination next time. The following procedure is executed following the procedure (40). This will be described below with reference to FIG.

(Procedure 6)
(81) The IP fax 31 stores in the storage unit 20 that the destination of communication of the first embodiment is a G3 fax.
(82) The user makes a transmission request from the operation unit 13.
(83) The IP fax 31 checks whether the destination is stored.
(84) If the destination is stored, it is confirmed whether the destination is a G3 fax or an IP fax.
(85) When the destination is G3 fax (G3 fax 37), dialing to the G3 fax 32 from the beginning without attempting transmission using the IP fax function and making a transfer request.

<Effect of the sixth embodiment>
According to the sixth embodiment, when transmission from the IP fax 31 is unsuccessful at first, and transmission from the G3 fax 32 after the transfer request is successful, transmission to the same destination next time is attempted. Since the transmission to the G3 fax can be performed from the beginning, the burden on the user can be reduced.

  The first to sixth embodiments can be applied in combination as long as there is no contradiction with each other. For example, in the fourth embodiment, whether to enable or disable the function of the first embodiment can be set in advance. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, when transmission by the first IP fax 37 is unsuccessful, it is possible to select whether to transmit from another G3 fax at that time by selecting from the input screen. . In combination with these, it is possible to set in advance whether the function of the first embodiment is enabled or disabled, and when the user sets it to be enabled, when transmission by the first IP fax 37 fails In addition, at that time, whether to transmit from another G3 fax may be selected by selecting from the input screen.

1 Fax machine 11 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Program memory | storage part 13 Operation part 14 Display part 15 Reading part 16 Recording part 17 Image processing part 18 Image storage part 19 System control part 20 Storage part 21 Transmission control part 22 Network control part 31 IP fax (transmission side terminal)
32 G3 fax (sending terminal)
33 HGW
34 HGW
35 NGN network 37 G3 fax (receiving terminal)
39 LAN port 40 G3 port 41 LAN port 42 G3 port

JP 2004-282468 A

Claims (9)

A first communication device connected to the IP network and having an IP fax function;
A second communication device connected to the IP network and having an IP fax function and a G3 fax function;
LAN port for transmitting the data to be transmitted through the IP network to the communication partner terminal of the NGN network, and the second communications apparatus is connected for connecting the second communication apparatus to the circuit switching network A home gateway device having a G3 port,
A first communication system where the communication device is connected before Symbol L AN port,
The first communication device is:
Detecting means for detecting that the communication partner terminal through the NGN network does not have the IP fax function,
When the communication partner terminal has detected that it does not have the IP fax function by said detecting means, said IP network address information of the data and the communication partner terminal transmits to the communication terminal to the second communication device Transmission means for transmitting via ,
The second communication device is:
The data transmitted via the IP network from the first communication device, and transmits through the circuit switched network to the communication partner terminal based on the destination information using the G3 fax function Communications system. The communication system according to claim 1 ,
A communication system comprising: means for setting whether to enable or disable the function of the second communication device to transmit the data to the communication partner terminal. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 2 ,
Selection means for the user to select whether to transmit the data to the second communication device when the first communication device detects that the communication partner terminal does not have an IP fax function A communication system comprising: The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
A communication system, wherein when the transmission by the second communication device fails, a message indicating that both the transmission by the first communication device and the transmission by the second communication device have failed is displayed. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
When transmission by the first communication device fails and transmission by the second communication device succeeds, the fact that the communication partner terminal is a G3 fax is stored, and when data is transmitted to the communication partner terminal In the communication system, data is transmitted to the second communication device without attempting transmission by the first communication device. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
A communication system, wherein a communication result report as a result of transmitting the data from the second communication device to the communication partner terminal is output from the first communication device. A first communication device connected to the IP network and having an IP fax function;
A second communication device connected to the IP network and having an IP fax function and a G3 fax function;
LAN port for transmitting the data to be transmitted through the IP network to the communication partner terminal of the NGN network, and the second communications apparatus is connected for connecting the second communication apparatus to the circuit switching network A home gateway device having a G3 port,
A communication method of the first communication system where the communication device is connected before Symbol L AN port is executed,
The first communication device is
It detects that the communication partner terminal through the NGN network does not have the IP fax function,
When the front Symbol correspondent terminal has detected that does not have the IP fax function, it transmits the destination information of the data and the communication partner terminal transmits to the communication partner terminal through the IP network to the second communication device And
The second communication device is:
The data transmitted via the IP network from the first communication device, and transmits through the circuit switched network to the communication partner terminal based on the destination information using the G3 fax function Communication method. The program which makes the communication system described in any one of the said Claims 1 thru | or 6 perform the communication method described in Claim 7 . A LAN port for transmitting data transmitted via the IP network to a communication partner terminal of the NGN network, and a G3 port for connecting another communication device to the circuit switching network. A communication device connected to the LAN port of the home gateway device comprising :
Detecting means for detecting that the communication partner terminal through the NGN network does not have the IP fax function,
When said correspondent terminal by the detection unit detects that does not have the IP fax function, through the IP network address information of the data and the communication partner terminal transmits to the communication terminal to the other communication device and transmission means for transmitting Te,
Communication device comprising: a.

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