JP5843132B2 - Communication apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device for transmitting data to a specific communication device.

  Conventionally, when data is transmitted / received between communication devices, the output is completed after the second communication device that has received data from the first communication device executes output according to the data in the second communication device. There is a technique for transmitting information to the effect to the first communication device. Here, when receiving information indicating that the output has been completed from the second communication apparatus, for example, in Patent Document 1, the image forming apparatus that has received the data responds to the received data (decoding process related to the received data). It is determined whether or not a time longer than a predetermined value is required. When it is determined that a time longer than the predetermined value is required, an error code is returned and the communication session is disconnected.

JP 2010-206774 A JP 2007-6263 A

  However, there is a problem that the communication session is disconnected when it is not confirmed that the data output has been completed. The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for terminating a session with a communication device at an appropriate timing.

  To achieve this object, the first device of the present invention is a communication device for transmitting data to a specific communication device, wherein the specific device is configured to transmit the data to the specific communication device. Session control means for controlling a session established with the communication device, and after the data is transmitted to the specific communication device, the specific communication device follows the data from the specific communication device. Acquisition means for acquiring period information relating to a completion period required to complete the output, and whether or not output according to the data has already been completed after the completion period has elapsed based on the period information. Confirmation means for making an inquiry by making an inquiry to the specific communication device, wherein the session control means uses the confirmation means to transmit the data in the specific communication device. Output according to the if it is confirmed that already completed, characterized in that to end the session with the specific communication device.

  With this configuration, the first device can end the session after confirming that the output according to the data has been completed in the specific communication device, so that the session with the specific communication device can be performed at an appropriate timing. Can be terminated.

  In addition, the apparatus includes a request unit that requests the specific communication device to transmit the period information, and the acquisition unit stores the data in the specific communication device by the confirmation unit. In the case where it is not confirmed that the output has been completed, it is preferable that the period information is acquired again from the specific communication device.

  With this configuration, when it is not confirmed that data output has been completed in a specific communication device, period information can be acquired again from the specific communication device. Therefore, for example, a session with a specific communication device can be maintained until it is confirmed that the output according to the data is completed.

  The apparatus further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the completion period exceeds a specific period, and the session control unit uses the determination unit to determine whether the completion period is the specific period. A session with the specific communication device is maintained, and when the determination unit determines that the completion period exceeds the specific period, the specific communication device Preferably, the session is terminated.

  With this configuration, it is possible to switch whether to maintain or end a session with a specific communication device depending on whether or not a specific period is exceeded. For this reason, for example, when a specific period elapses, when a fee is charged stepwise, a communication fee for maintaining a session can be reduced.

  In the above apparatus, the session control means terminates the session with the specific communication apparatus when the determination means determines that the completion period exceeds the specific period, After a period of time elapses, a session with the specific communication device is established again, and the confirmation means outputs the data at the specific communication device after the session with the specific communication device is established again. Preferably, it is confirmed by inquiring to the specific communication device whether or not the communication has been completed.

  With this configuration, since the session with the specific communication device can be established again after ending the session with the specific communication device, whether or not the output according to the data has been completed again with the specific communication device is determined. Can be confirmed.

  In the above apparatus, when the data is transmitted to one specific communication apparatus, the session control means has completed the output of the data by the one specific communication apparatus. Is confirmed, the session with the one specific communication device is terminated, and the data is transmitted first when the data is sequentially transmitted to a plurality of the specific communication devices. In order to transmit the data to a second specific communication device different from the first specific communication device before confirming that the output of the data in the specific communication device is completed, Preferably, the session with the first specific communication device is terminated.

  With this configuration, when sequentially transmitting data to a plurality of communication devices, before confirming that output according to the data in the first communication device is completed, the second communication device Even data can be transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the period of maintaining the session as compared with the case where data is transmitted to the second communication device after it is confirmed that the output according to the data in the first communication device is completed. it can.

  In the above apparatus, when the data is sequentially transmitted to a plurality of the specific communication devices, the session control unit is configured to transmit the data to the second specific communication device. Re-establishing a session with the first specific communication device, and the confirmation means re-establishes the data of the data at the first communication device after the session with the first specific communication device is re-established. It is preferable to check whether the output has been completed by inquiring of the specific first communication device.

  With this configuration, when data is sequentially transmitted to a plurality of communication devices, a session with the first communication device can be reestablished after the data is transmitted to the second communication device. As a result, the period during which the session is maintained can be shortened compared to the case where data is transmitted to the second communication device after it has been confirmed that the output of data in the first communication device has been completed. It can be confirmed that the output according to the data is completed in the first communication device.

  In the above apparatus, the session control means may be configured such that the confirmation means exceeds the second period after inquiring whether or not the output of the data in the specific communication apparatus has been completed. It is preferable to end the session with the specific communication device when it cannot be confirmed whether or not the output according to the data is completed.

  With this configuration, since the session can be ended when the second period is exceeded, for example, when an abnormality occurs in a specific communication device, the session can be ended.

  In the above apparatus, whether the confirmation means has completed outputting the data only after the third period from the time when the specific period has elapsed, regardless of whether the completion period has elapsed. Preferably, the specific communication device is inquired as to whether or not.

  With this configuration, whether the output of data to the specific communication device is completed only the third period before the time when the specific period elapses, regardless of whether the specific period has elapsed. For example, if the output according to the data has been completed before the elapse of a specific period, the session can be terminated and the period for maintaining the session can be shortened Can do.

  The present invention can be realized in various modes such as a communication device and a method executed by the communication device, a computer program for realizing the function of the method or device, and a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded. it can.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the communication system in 1st Example. The figure which shows the specific example of a fee structure. The sequence diagram which shows a communication system. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in communication processing of the FAX apparatus according to the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows a session establishment process. 10 is a flowchart for explaining communication processing of the FAX apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. The figure which shows the timing which confirms the completion of printing in 2nd Example. 10 is a flowchart for explaining communication processing of the FAX apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.
A. First embodiment:
A-1. Communication system configuration:
A-1-1. Fax machine configuration:
A-1-2. Equipment used in communication systems:
A-1-3. Pricing information:
A-2. Overview of communication processing:
A-2-1. Communication system operation:
A-2-2. Fax machine communication processing:
A-2-3. Session establishment process:
B. Second embodiment:
C. Third embodiment:
D. Summary:

A. First embodiment:
A-1. Communication system configuration:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system includes two LANs 100 and 200. Note that the LANs 100 and 200 are constructed in, for example, a general household or a company.

  The LAN 100 includes a FAX apparatus 10 and a gateway 60. The LAN 100 is connected to the Internet 40 via a gateway 60 connected to the LAN cable 30A. The LAN 200 includes a FAX apparatus 70 and a gateway 110. The LAN 200 is connected to the Internet 40 via a gateway 110 connected to the LAN cable 30B. Furthermore, a SIP server 80 is connected to the Internet 40.

  Further, the FAX apparatus 10 and the FAX apparatus 70 are connected by a PSTN 90. The PSTN 90 is a telephone line network connected by a circuit switching system.

  The FAX apparatus 10 includes a PSTNFAX function and an IPFAX function. The PSTNFAX function is a function for executing FAX communication (that is, transmission / reception of FAX data) through the PSTN interface 29 using an external line number used in the PSTN 90. The IPFAX function is a function for executing FAX communication via an IP network (LAN cable 30A, Internet 40, etc.) using a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier). Note that the IPFAX function is realized according to a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) communication method. Since communication processing is performed by the IPFAX function, the communication system includes a gateway and a SIP server.

  In the first embodiment, description will be made on the assumption that there are two LANs connected to the Internet 40. However, a communication system to which one LAN is connected may be used, and three or more LANs may be connected. It may be a communication system.

A-1-1. Fax machine configuration:
Next, the configuration of the FAX apparatus 10 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The FAX apparatus 10 includes a CPU 21, a RAM 22, an NVRAM 23, a scan execution unit 24, a display unit 25, a print execution unit 26, an operation unit 27, a network interface 28, and a PSTN interface 29, which are connected to each other via a bus line. Yes.

  The CPU 21 controls the operation of the FAX apparatus 10. In the first embodiment, the NVRAM 23 includes a communication program 23A for controlling communication with other FAX apparatuses, an address book 23B including a FAX number of at least one other FAX apparatus input by the user, and fee information 23C. The CPU 21 reads out the communication program stored in the NVRAM 23, stores it in the RAM 22, and executes the communication program. Thereby, the CPU 21 can control communication processing executed by the FAX apparatus 20. The fee information 23C will be described later.

  The scan execution unit 24 includes a scan mechanism including a CCD or the like, and generates scan data by scanning a document.

  The display unit 25 includes a panel and displays various screens. The operation unit 27 includes a plurality of buttons. The user selects items displayed on the display unit 25 by operating the operation unit 27. The display unit 25 may be a touch panel. In this case, the display unit 25 also functions as the operation unit 27, and the user selects an item by touching a partial area in the screen displayed on the display unit 25.

  The CPU 21 causes the scan execution unit 24 to scan the document according to the communication program, and stores the scan data generated by the scan in the RAM 22. The user operates a button provided on the operation unit 27 to select a communication destination FAX apparatus. As a result, the CPU 21 can transmit scan data to another selected FAX apparatus via a LAN (local area network) cable 30 connected to the network interface 28.

  The print execution unit 26 includes a laser-type printing mechanism. The CPU 21 can cause the print execution unit 26 to print out the scan data stored in the RAM 22 in accordance with a user instruction.

A-1-2. Equipment used in communication systems:
Then, the apparatus used with the communication system in 1st Example is demonstrated. Specifically, the gateways 60 and 110 and the SIP server 80 will be described.

  The gateway 60 is a device having a function of mediating between the LAN 100 and the Internet 40, and one SIP-URI is assigned. The SIP-URI is used for communication using the IPFAX function, and is obtained by adding a predetermined domain to an external line number used for communication using the PSTNFAX function. For example, when the outside line number of the LAN 100 is “1112233333” and the predetermined domain is “sip.com”, the SIP URI is “11122223333@sip.com”.

  The gateway 110 is a device having a function of mediating between the LAN 200 and the Internet 40, and similarly to the gateway 60, one SIP-URI is assigned.

  The SIP server 80 is a device owned by a specific provider. The SIP server 80 has a function of storing the SIP-URI, the MAC address, and the global IP address that are assigned to the gateways 60 and 110 of the LANs 100 and 200 in association with each other. Thereby, the SIP server 80 can establish a session between the FAX apparatuses belonging to different LANs, for example, the FAX apparatus 10 and the FAX apparatus 70 via the Internet 40.

  In order to store the above information (SIP-URI, MAC address, global IP address of each gateway) in the SIP server 80, the gateway 60 requests the SIP server 80 to register the SIP-URI of the gateway 60. To do. In accordance with the request, the SIP server 80 registers the SIP-URI of the gateway 60, the MAC address of the gateway 60, and the global IP address of the gateway 60 in the SIP server 80.

A-1-3. Pricing information:
The fee information 23C is information provided by the specific provider described above (that is, a provider that provides the IPFAX function). The user can download fee information 23C from a server owned by a specific provider and store it in the NVRAM 23, for example. The fee information 23C includes information related to a fee structure in communication executed using the IPFAX function.

  Next, the above fee system will be described. In communication executed using the IPFAX function, a charged fee varies depending on a period during which a session is established between FAX apparatuses. Also, QoS (Quality of Service), which is a technology that guarantees a certain bandwidth (data amount transmitted per unit time) on the network, is used, and the fee charged varies depending on the bandwidth used To do. The user operates the operation unit 27 to select a desired band.

  FIG. 2 is a specific example of the fee system used in the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, each time the period for maintaining a session exceeds the length of a predetermined period, the charged fee increases. For example, when communicating using data of 64 kb (kilobit) or less per unit time (second) (that is, when the bandwidth is 64 kbps or less), if the session maintenance period is a period from 0 to T1 The charged fee is P1. However, at the moment when T1 is exceeded, the total fee charged increases to twice as much as P1 (2 × P1).

  On the other hand, as shown in the figure, for example, when communication is performed using data of 64 kb to 512 kb per unit time, the fee charged for maintaining the session in the period from 0 to T2 is P2.

A-2. Overview of communication processing:
A-2-1. Communication system operation:
Next, the communication system executed in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. In the following description, a case where FAX data is transmitted from the FAX apparatus 10 in the LAN 100 to the FAX apparatus 70 in the LAN 200 will be described.

  In the communication processing of FIG. 2, when the user operates the operation unit 27, a session is established between the FAX apparatus 10 that is a transmission FAX apparatus and the FAX apparatus 70 that is a transmission FAX apparatus. (S1). The establishment of a session is a process performed for performing P2P (Pear to Pear) communication between the FAX apparatus 10 and the FAX apparatus 70. Note that processing executed for session establishment will be described later.

  When the session is established, the FAX apparatus 10 transmits FAX data to the FAX apparatus 70 (S2). Note that the FAX data to be transmitted is data scanned by the scan execution unit 24. The FAX data includes information related to transmission source information (SIP-URI of the FAX apparatus 10) and transmission destination information (SIP-URI of the FAX apparatus 70).

  After transmitting the FAX data, the FAX apparatus 10 requests the FAX apparatus 70 to transmit the print completion scheduled period information (S3). The scheduled print completion period information includes information related to the scheduled print completion period, which is a period necessary for printing FAX data by the printing unit of the FAX apparatus 70.

  The FAX apparatus 70 calculates a scheduled print completion period in response to a request for scheduled print completion period information from the FAX apparatus 10 (S4). For example, the data capacity of FAX data is calculated, and the scheduled print completion period corresponding to the data capacity is calculated. When printing is performed over a plurality of pages, the period until the last page is printed is calculated.

  When the printing completion scheduled period is calculated, the FAX apparatus 70 transmits printing completion scheduled period information to the FAX apparatus 10 (S5).

  When the printing completion scheduled period information is received, the FAX apparatus 10 stands by until the printing completion scheduled period elapses (S6).

  When the scheduled print completion period elapses (YES in S6), the FAX apparatus 10 transmits print completion confirmation information for confirming whether printing on the FAX apparatus 70 has already been completed to the FAX apparatus 70 (S7). ).

  The FAX apparatus 70 confirms whether or not FAX data printing has been completed in the printing unit (S8). If it is determined in the FAX apparatus 70 that printing has not yet been completed (NO in S8), the FAX apparatus 70 returns to the process of S4, and calculates the scheduled print completion period again. Thereafter, the print completion scheduled period information is transmitted to the FAX apparatus 10 (S5). Note that the state in which printing is not completed even after the scheduled printing completion period has elapsed is, for example, a period longer than the scheduled printing completion period when natural image data with a large data capacity is printed. Is required. As another example, it is assumed that there is a need to replace paper and color materials during printing.

  On the other hand, if the FAX apparatus 70 determines that printing is complete (S8 YES), the FAX apparatus 70 transmits print completion information, which is information indicating that printing has been completed, to the FAX apparatus 10 (S9). ).

  When the printing completion information is received, the FAX apparatus 10 transmits session end information to the FAX apparatus 70 and ends the session with the FAX apparatus 70 (S10). Thereafter, the FAX apparatus 70 that has received the session end information, which is information indicating that the session has ended, also ends the session (S11).

A-2-2. Fax machine communication processing:
Subsequently, communication processing of the FAX apparatus 10 executed in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the FAX apparatus 10 in communication processing.

  First, the CPU 21 executes a session establishment process for establishing a session with the FAX apparatus 10 which is a transmission destination FAX apparatus (S120). The session establishment process will be described later.

  When the session establishment process is executed, the CPU 21 checks whether or not the FAX data has already been transmitted to the FAX apparatus 70 (S140).

  If it is determined that FAX data has not been transmitted (NO in S140), the CPU 21 causes the scan execution unit 24 to scan the document, thereby generating FAX data and transmitting the FAX data to the FAX apparatus 70. (S160). The scan is started when the user operates the operation unit 27. Thereafter, the CPU 21 requests the FAX apparatus 70 to transmit scheduled print completion period information indicating a period required until the FAX data is printed by a printing unit (not shown) of the FAX apparatus 70 (S180).

  The FAX apparatus 70 calculates a data capacity of the received FAX data, thereby calculating a period required until printing, and transmits information related to the calculated period to the FAX apparatus 10.

  The CPU 21 acquires print completion scheduled period information from the FAX apparatus 70 (S200) and stores it in the RAM 22. When the print completion scheduled period information is acquired, the CPU 21 specifies whether or not printing on the FAX apparatus 70 is completed before the fee for maintaining the session increases (S220). Specifically, the charge information 23C stored in the NVRAM 23 is read, and the period until the charge for maintaining the session increases (for example, T1 in FIG. 2) and the scheduled print completion period are compared.

  In the first embodiment, it is specified whether or not the scheduled printing completion period exceeds the period (T1) until the fee increases, but a different configuration may be used. For example, the CPU 21 determines the period until the fee increases corresponding to the band to be used (the amount of data transmitted per unit time), the period until the fee increases, and the scheduled print completion period. And may be compared. This is because, as shown in FIG. 2, the period until the fee increases changes according to the band to be used. For example, if the communication speed is specified as 64 kbps to 512 kbps, the CPU 21 may specify whether or not the scheduled print completion period exceeds T2.

  If it is determined that printing is completed within the period until the fee for maintaining the session increases (YES in S220), the CPU 21 waits until the scheduled printing completion period (S240), and the scheduled printing completion period has elapsed. Thereafter, the FAX apparatus 70 is inquired as to whether printing of FAX data in the FAX apparatus 70 is completed (S260).

  If there is a response of print completion information from the FAX apparatus 70 in response to the inquiry from the CPU 21, the CPU 21 ends the session with the FAX apparatus 70 (S320), and ends the communication process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if there is a response to the print completion scheduled time information from the FAX apparatus 70 in response to the inquiry from the CPU 21, the CPU 21 returns to the processing of S220, and the FAX until the fee for maintaining the session increases. It is specified whether or not printing by the apparatus 70 is completed.

  When there is no response to the inquiry from the CPU 21 (S280 NO), the CPU 21 specifies whether or not the period after the inquiry to the FAX apparatus 70 has exceeded the timeout period (S300). If the response from the FAX 70 cannot be received even after the timeout period is exceeded (YES in S300), the CPU 21 determines that an abnormality has occurred and ends the session (S340).

  In the first embodiment, the inquiry in S260 is executed by the CPU 21 until the time-out period is exceeded, but another configuration may be used. For example, the inquiry may be terminated when the number of inquiries in S260 exceeds a predetermined number. Note that the predetermined number of times is determined by, for example, the user operating the operation unit 27, and a mode in which information indicating the predetermined number of times is stored in the RAM 22 is assumed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S220 that the printing is not completed before the connection fee increases (NO in S220), the CPU 21 ends the session with the FAX apparatus 70 without confirming the completion of the printing ( S340).

  When the process for ending the session is executed in S340, the CPU 21 reads out the scheduled print completion period information stored in the RAM 22 and waits until the estimated print completion period elapses (S360). If the scheduled print completion period has elapsed (YES in S360), the process returns to S120, and a session with the FAX apparatus 70 is established again.

  Here, the flowchart of FIG. 4 will be described assuming the following two cases. Specifically, (1) a case where printing is scheduled to be completed in a period (0 to T1 in FIG. 2) from a time when communication is started to a time when charges are increased next, and (2) communication The case where the printing is scheduled to be completed after the period of T1 has elapsed since the start of the operation is described.

  First, the process executed in the case of (1) will be described. First, a session is established in S120. Since the FAX data is not transmitted to the FAX apparatus 70, a process of transmitting the FAX data to the FAX apparatus 70 is executed in S160. Then, the process of S180, S200, S220, S240, S260 is performed in order. Thereafter, in S280, it is specified whether or not there is a response from the FAX apparatus 70. At that time, if the CPU 21 receives the print completion information, that is, if printing is completed, the session with the FAX apparatus 70 is terminated in S320.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 21 has received the scheduled print completion time information, that is, if printing has not been completed, the process returns to S220, and printing is completed by the time the fee is increased based on the newly acquired scheduled print completion time information. Whether or not to do so is specified. If printing is scheduled to be completed within the period T1, the process of S240 is executed. If printing is scheduled to be completed after the period of T1, the session is once terminated in S340, and the process waits until the scheduled print completion time elapses in S360.

  Next, processing executed in the case of (2) will be described. First, as in the case of (1), a session is established in S120, and processing for transmitting FAX data is executed in S160. Thereafter, the processing of S180 and S200 is executed. In the process of S220, since it is determined that printing is not completed before the fee increases, the process proceeds to S340 and the session is once terminated. Thereafter, the process waits until the scheduled print completion time in S360 and establishes the session again in S120. Since the FAX data has already been transmitted to the FAX apparatus 70, the process of S200 is executed after the determination in S140. Thereafter, processing according to the processing in S220 is executed.

A-2-3. Session establishment process:
Next, the session establishment process (S120) executed in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining session establishment processing of the FAX apparatus 10.

  First, the CPU 21 of the FAX apparatus 10 acquires the IP address of the gateway 60 by making an inquiry to the gateway 60 (S122).

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 generates a SIP-URI by adding the SIP domain to the external line number of the FAX apparatus 70 registered in the address book 23B (S124). For example, when the external line number of the FAX apparatus 70 is “4444556666” and the predetermined domain is “sip.com”, the SIP URI is “44455566666@sip.com”. The SIP domain is a domain supplied by a specific provider. The SIP domain is stored in the NVRAM 23 when the user operates the operation unit 27, for example.

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 generates an INVITE command and transmits the INVITE command to the gateway 60 using the IP address information of the gateway 60 acquired in S122 (S126). The INVITE command includes information related to the SIP-URI of the FAX apparatus 70 and the SIP-URI of the FAX apparatus 10. The INVITE command is transmitted to the SIP server 80 via the gateway 60.

  The SIP server 80 stores a destination SIP-URI and an IP address in association with each other. Accordingly, the SIP server 80 identifies the IP address of the FAX apparatus 70 that is associated with the SIP-URI of the FAX apparatus 70. The SIP server 80 transfers an INVITE command to the FAX apparatus 70. Thereafter, when the FAX apparatus 10 receives information indicating that the INVITE command is accepted from the FAX apparatus 70, a session is established between the FAX apparatus 10 and the FAX apparatus 70.

B. Second embodiment:
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of communication processing in the second embodiment. Since the system configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the timing for confirming the completion of printing in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, regardless of the scheduled printing completion period of the destination FAX apparatus (FAX apparatus 70), a predetermined period has elapsed from the time (including the communication start time) when the fee for maintaining the session increased. Later, an inquiry is made as to whether printing has been completed. Specifically, in FIG. 7, after a period of Tr (Tr <T1) from the time when a period of 0, T1, 2 × T1,... The FAX apparatus 70 is checked whether printing is complete. In this way, if printing has been completed before the scheduled print completion period, the session can be terminated without increasing the connection fee.

  Tr may be specified by operating the operation unit 27 by the user, or may be stored in the NVRAM 23 in advance. Information about Tr is stored in the RAM 22 after the communication process is started.

  Communication processing in the second embodiment will be described. Similar to the first embodiment, the CPU 21 establishes a session with the FAX apparatus 70 (S120a), and transmits FAX data to the FAX apparatus 70 (S160a). Thereafter, the FAX apparatus 70 is requested for the scheduled print completion period information (S180a), and the scheduled print completion period information is acquired (S200a).

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 waits until the scheduled print completion period, and confirms whether or not the FAX data has been printed by the FAX apparatus 70 after the scheduled print completion period has elapsed (S400). If it is confirmed that the scheduled print completion period has elapsed (S400 YES), the process proceeds to S440.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the scheduled print completion period has not elapsed (NO in S400), the CPU 21 determines whether a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as Tr) has elapsed since the time when the fee for maintaining the session increased. Specify whether or not.

  When it is not confirmed that Tr has elapsed (NO in S420), the CPU 21 returns to the process of S400.

  When it is confirmed that Tr has passed (S420 YES), the process proceeds to S440.

  The CPU 21 specifies whether or not a session with the FAX apparatus 70 has been established (S440). When the session with the FAX apparatus 70 has not been established (NO in S440), the CPU 21 executes a session establishment process (S460, the same process as S120 in FIG. 6) that is a process for establishing a session with the FAX apparatus 70.

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 inquires of the FAX apparatus 70 whether or not printing has been completed (S260a). If there is a print completion information response from the FAX apparatus 70 (S280a YES), the CPU 21 ends the session with the FAX apparatus 70 (S320a), and ends the communication process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when there is no response of the print completion information (S280a NO), the CPU 21 specifies whether or not Tr has elapsed since the fee increased (S480). If it is determined that Tr has elapsed (YES in S480), the CPU 21 ends the session with the FAX apparatus 70 (S500), and waits until the scheduled print completion time elapses (S560). After the scheduled print completion period has elapsed, the process returns to S440. On the other hand, when it is determined that Tr has not elapsed (NO in S480), the CPU 21 obtains print completion scheduled period information from the FAX apparatus 70 again without ending the session with the FAX apparatus 70 (S520). . Then, it waits until Tr passes (S540) and returns to the process of S400.

  By doing so, since the session can be once ended when Tr has elapsed, an increase in connection fee can be suppressed.

  Here, the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described assuming the following three cases. That is, (1) the time when printing is scheduled to be completed is within the Tr period from the start of communication, and (2) the time when printing is scheduled to complete is between Tr and T1 after starting communication. A case where it is within the period and a case where (3) the time when printing is scheduled to be completed are after the period of T1 after starting communication will be described. The cases (1) to (3) correspond to (1) to (3) shown in FIG. 7, respectively.

  First, the process executed in the case of (1) will be described. First, after a session is established in S120a, the processes of S160a, S180a, and S200a are executed in order. In the case of (1), since printing is scheduled to be completed before Tr elapses, the process proceeds to S440 after waiting for the print completion scheduled period to elapse in S400. Since the session has already been established, after the process of S440 is executed, the process proceeds to S260a, and the FAX apparatus 70 is inquired about the print completion confirmation information indicating whether or not the printing is completed. If it is determined in S280a that printing has been completed, the session with the FAX apparatus 70 is terminated in S320a.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that printing has not been completed, the process proceeds to S480. In the case of (1), since printing is scheduled to be completed before Tr passes, after the processing of S480, the process proceeds to S520, and printing completion scheduled time information is acquired again. Then, it waits until Tr passes in S540, and transfers to S400 again.

  If the print completion scheduled period acquired again is shorter than Tr, after waiting for the print completion scheduled period to elapse in S400, the process proceeds to S440. If the print completion scheduled period acquired again is longer than Tr (that is, cases (2) and (3) in FIG. 7), it is determined that Tr has elapsed in S420, and the process of S440 is executed. Since the session has been established, the process proceeds to S260a after the process of S440. Thereafter, processing according to the processing in S280a is executed.

  Next, the case of (2) will be described. First, similarly to the case of (1), after the session is established in S120a, the processes of S160a, S180a, and S200a are executed in order. In the case of (2), since the time at which Tr elapses is earlier than the time at which the scheduled print completion period elapses, it is determined in S420 that Tr has elapsed, and the processing of S440 is executed. Since the session has already been established, the process proceeds to S260a after the process of S440 is executed, and the FAX apparatus 70 is inquired about print completion confirmation information indicating whether or not printing is completed. If it is determined in S280a that printing has been completed, the session with the FAX apparatus 70 is terminated in S320a.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that printing has not been completed, the process proceeds to S480. In the case of (2), printing is scheduled to be completed after Tr has elapsed. That is, in the process of S480, it is determined that Tr has elapsed. Therefore, after S480, the process proceeds to S500, and the session with the FAX apparatus 70 is terminated. Thereafter, the process waits until the scheduled print completion time elapses in S560. After the scheduled print completion period has elapsed, the process proceeds to S440 again. Thereafter, a session with the FAX apparatus 70 is established again in S460, and the processes of S260a and S280a are executed. Thereafter, processing according to the processing of S280a is executed.

  Finally, the case of (3) will be described. First, similarly to the case of (1), after the session is established in S120a, the processes of S160a, S180a, and S200a are executed in order. In the case of (3), as in the case of (2), since the time at which Tr elapses is earlier than the time at which the scheduled print completion period elapses, it is determined that Tr has elapsed in S420, and the process of S440 is performed. Is executed. Since the session has already been established, the process proceeds to S260a after the process of S440 is executed, and the FAX apparatus 70 is inquired about print completion confirmation information indicating whether or not printing is completed. If it is determined in S280a that printing has been completed, the session with the FAX apparatus 70 is terminated in S320a.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that printing has not been completed, the process proceeds to S480. In the case of (3), printing is scheduled to be completed after Tr has elapsed. That is, in the process of S480, it is determined that Tr has elapsed. Therefore, after S480, the process proceeds to S500, and the session with the FAX apparatus 70 is terminated. Thereafter, the process waits until the scheduled print completion time elapses in S560. After the scheduled print completion period has elapsed, the process proceeds to S440 again. Thereafter, a session with the FAX apparatus 70 is established again in S460, and the processes of S260a and S280a are executed. Thereafter, processing according to the processing of S280a is executed.

C. Third embodiment:
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of communication processing in the third embodiment. Since the system configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In the third embodiment, it is assumed that FAX data is transmitted to a plurality of FAX apparatuses. Specifically, the user determines in advance to which FAX apparatus the FAX data is desired to be transmitted, and instructs the FAX apparatus 70 using the operation unit 27. In accordance with the instruction, the CPU 21 creates a transmission list of FAX apparatuses that transmit FAX data and stores it in the RAM 22. The CPU 21 transmits FAX data to a plurality of FAX apparatuses in order from the FAX apparatus recorded at the top in the transmission list. In the third embodiment, the CPU 21 does not wait until the FAX data is printed by the first FAX apparatus after transmitting the FAX data to the first FAX apparatus in the transmission list, but the printing is completed. During the scheduled period, the FAX data is transmitted to a second FAX apparatus different from the first FAX apparatus. In this way, the CPU 21 can effectively transmit time and transmit FAX data to a plurality of FAX apparatuses.

  A communication process in the third embodiment will be described. The process from the power-on process (S100b) to the process of ending the session (S320b) is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In S320b, when the session with the transmission destination FAX apparatus is terminated, the CPU 21 specifies whether or not FAX data has been transmitted to all FAX apparatuses that are scheduled to transmit FAX data (S620). Specifically, the transmission list stored in the RAM 22 is referred to, and it is specified whether or not FAX data is transmitted to all FAX apparatuses.

  When there is a FAX apparatus that has not transmitted FAX data (NO in S620), the CPU 21 identifies a FAX apparatus that has not transmitted FAX data among the FAX apparatuses in the transmission list (S640). Specifically, the FAX apparatuses included in the transmission list are sequentially confirmed from the top, and the FAX apparatuses that are not transmitting FAX data are identified. Thereafter, the process returns to S120b to establish a session with the identified FAX apparatus.

  On the other hand, when there is no FAX apparatus that has not transmitted FAX data (S620 YES), the CPU 21 specifies whether or not the FAX data printing has been confirmed for all FAX apparatuses that have transmitted FAX data. (S660). Specifically, the CPU 21 refers to the transmission list stored in the RAM 22 and specifies whether or not the printing completion of all FAX apparatuses has been confirmed.

  If there is a FAX device that has not confirmed the completion of printing (NO in S660), the CPU 21 refers to the RAM 22 to identify a FAX device that has not confirmed the completion of printing among the FAX devices in the transmission list. Then, it waits until the scheduled printing completion period of the FAX apparatus with the earliest scheduled printing completion period among the identified FAX apparatuses is completed (S680). Thereafter, the CPU 21 returns the process to S120b and establishes a session with the identified FAX apparatus.

  On the other hand, when the completion of printing is confirmed in all FAX apparatuses (S660 YES), the CPU 21 ends the communication process of FIG.

  Here, the flowchart of FIG. 8 will be described assuming the following case. Specifically, in the case of transmitting FAX data to N FAX apparatuses (N is a natural number), description will be given focusing on the kth (2 ≦ k ≦ N) FAX apparatuses from the top of the transmission list.

  After transmission of FAX data from the FAX apparatus 10 to the k-1th FAX apparatus in the transmission list is completed, the FAX data is transmitted to the kth FAX apparatus in the transmission list in step S120b. A session is established with the second FAX machine. Since the FAX data is not transmitted to the FAX apparatus 70, a process of transmitting the FAX data to the FAX apparatus 70 is executed in S160b. Thereafter, the processes of S180b and S200b are executed in order.

  In the k-th FAX apparatus, when printing is scheduled to be completed before the connection fee increases, the processes in S240b, S260b, and S280b are executed in order after the determination in S220b. In this case, the session between the FAX apparatus 10 and the k-th FAX apparatus is maintained until it is confirmed that printing has been completed without transmitting FAX data to another FAX apparatus. If it is confirmed that the printing has been completed, the session is terminated in S320b.

  On the other hand, if the kth FAX apparatus is scheduled to not print until the connection fee increases, the process proceeds to S320b after the determination in S220b, and the session is temporarily terminated. Thereafter, in S620, the CPU 21 of the FAX apparatus 10 specifies whether or not FAX data has been transmitted to all other FAX apparatuses. If it is determined that there is a FAX device to which FAX data has not been transmitted, the destination FAX device is specified in S640, and a session is established with the specified FAX device. In this manner, the process does not proceed to S660 until FAX data is transmitted to all FAX apparatuses.

  If it is determined in S620 that FAX data has been transmitted to all FAX apparatuses, the process proceeds to S660, and it is determined whether or not printing has been completed in all FAX apparatuses. In this case, the FAX apparatus whose printing completion has not been confirmed is a FAX apparatus corresponding to one of the following two. That is, (A) the fax machine that ended the session once it was determined that printing would not be completed before the fee increased in S220b, and (b) the session ended because it was determined that the timeout period had elapsed in S300b The FAX apparatus corresponds to any one of the above-described FAX apparatuses.

If there is no FAX apparatus for which printing completion has not been confirmed, the processing in FIG. 8 ends.
On the other hand, if there is a FAX apparatus whose printing completion has not been confirmed, the process proceeds to S680 and waits until the scheduled printing completion time of the FAX apparatus that is scheduled to complete printing earliest elapses. Thereafter, the process of S120b is executed again.

D. Summary In the above description, among the communication programs executed by the CPU 21, S1, S2, S10, S11 in FIG. 3, S120 to S160, S320, S340 in FIG. 4, S120a, S160a, S440, S460, S280a in FIG. , S500, and S120b to S160b, S320b, S620, and S640 of FIG. 8 correspond to the processing executed by the session control means of the present invention. Also, S4 and S5 in FIG. 3, S200 in FIG. 4, S200a in FIG. 6, and S200b in FIG. 8 correspond to the processing executed by the acquisition unit. Further, S6 to S9 in FIG. 3, S280 and S300 in FIG. 4, S400, S420, S280a and S480 in FIG. 6, and S240b, S260b, S660 and S680 in FIG. Further, S3 in FIG. 3, S180 in FIG. 4, S180a in FIG. 6, and S180b in FIG. 8 correspond to the processing executed by the request means. Further, S220 in FIG. 4 and S220b in FIG. 8 correspond to the processing executed by the determining means.

  The scheduled print completion period corresponds to the completion period of the present invention, and the planned print completion period information corresponds to the period information of the present invention. Further, the period until the fee for maintaining the session increases corresponds to the specific period of the present invention, the timeout period corresponds to the second period of the present invention, and Tr elapses after the charge increases. The period until this corresponds to the third period of the present invention.

  As described above, the FAX apparatus 10 that transmits FAX data to another FAX apparatus (FAX apparatus 70 in the first embodiment) establishes a session with the FAX apparatus 70 in order to transmit FAX data to the FAX apparatus 70. Then, after transmitting the FAX data to the FAX apparatus 70, information about the printing completion scheduled organization that is a period necessary for printing the FAX data with the FAX apparatus 70 is acquired from the FAX apparatus 70. Thereafter, after the scheduled print completion period has elapsed, the FAX apparatus 70 is checked with the FAX apparatus 70 as to whether printing has been completed. When it is confirmed that printing is completed by the FAX apparatus 70, the FAX apparatus 10 ends the session with the FAX apparatus 70. As described above, the FAX apparatus 10 can end the session with the FAX 70 since it is confirmed that the FAX data 10 has been printed.

  The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes as described below.

  (1) In the above-described embodiment, the session is terminated when the print completion confirmation information cannot be received even after the time-out period has elapsed, but instead of or in addition to this, the print completion scheduled period information The session may be terminated even when cannot be received.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, whether or not to end the session is switched depending on whether or not printing is completed in a period until the fee increases, but a different configuration may be used. For example, even when printing is completed after the time when the fee increases, the CPU 21 may continue to wait without ending the session with the FAX apparatus 70.

  (3) In the above-described third embodiment, when transmitting FAX data to a plurality of FAX apparatuses sequentially, when transmitting FAX data to a second FAX apparatus, the session with the first FAX apparatus is terminated. However, a different configuration may be used. That is, FAX data may be transmitted to the second FAX apparatus while maintaining a session with the first FAX apparatus.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... FAX apparatus, 21 ... CPU, 22 ... RAM, 23 ... NVRAM, 23A ... Communication program, 23B ... Address book, 23C ... Charge information, 24 ... Scan execution part, 25 ... Display part, 26 ... Print execution part, 27 Operation unit, 28 ... Network interface, 29 ... PSTN interface, 30A ... LAN cable, 30B ... LAN cable, 40 ... Internet, 60 ... Gateway, 70 ... FAX device, 80 ... SIP server, 90 ... PSTN, 100 ... LAN, 110 ... Gateway, 200 ... LAN

Claims (10)

A communication device for transmitting data to a specific communication device,
Session control means for controlling a session established with the specific communication device in order to transmit the data to the specific communication device;
Obtaining means for obtaining period information relating to a completion period required for the specific communication device to complete output in accordance with the data from the specific communication device after the data is transmitted to the specific communication device; ,
Determining means for determining whether the completion period exceeds a specific period;
Confirmation means for confirming whether or not the output according to the data has already been completed after the completion period has elapsed by inquiring to the specific communication device based on the period information;
With
The session control means includes
When the determination unit determines that the completion period does not exceed the specific period, the session with the specific communication device is maintained until the completion period elapses, and the confirmation unit determines When it is confirmed that the output according to the data has already been completed in the communication device, the session with the specific communication device is terminated ,
A communication apparatus that terminates a session with the specific communication apparatus before the completion period elapses when the determination unit determines that the completion period exceeds the specific period .   The communication device according to claim 1,
  The session control means includes
    From the establishment of a session with the specific communication device until the specific period elapses, a first fee is charged to maintain the session with the specific communication device,
    After the specific period elapses after the session with the specific communication device is established, a second fee higher than the first fee is charged to maintain the session with the specific communication device. A communication device. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
Before Symbol obtaining means, by the confirmation means, in the case where the output of the data at the particular communication device is completed is not confirmed, further wherein the specific communication device, acquires the time information again, the communication device . The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein
The session control unit terminates the session with the specific communication device when the determination unit determines that the completion period exceeds the specific period, and again after the first period has elapsed. Establishing a session with the specific communication device;
The confirmation means inquires of the specific communication device whether or not the output of the data is completed in the specific communication device after a session with the specific communication device is established again. Confirm by the communication device. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein:
The session control means includes
When the data is transmitted to one specific communication device, it is confirmed that the output of the data is completed by the one specific communication device, and then the one specific communication is performed. End the session with the device,
When the data is sequentially transmitted to a plurality of the specific communication devices, before it is confirmed that the output of the data at the first specific communication device to which the data has been transmitted is completed. In addition, the communication device terminates a session with the first specific communication device in order to transmit the data to a second specific communication device different from the first specific communication device. The communication device according to claim 5,
In the case where the data is sequentially transmitted to a plurality of the specific communication devices, the session control means, after the data is transmitted to the second specific communication device, Re-establish a session with the communication device,
The confirmation means determines whether the output of the data is completed in the first communication device after the session with the first specific communication device is re-established. A communication device that is confirmed by making an inquiry to the device. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The session control means completes the output of the data even if the confirmation means exceeds the second period after inquiring whether or not the output of the data in the specific communication device has been completed. A communication device that terminates a session with the specific communication device when it cannot be confirmed whether or not The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The confirmation means determines whether the output of the data is completed only after a third period from the time when the specific period elapses, regardless of whether the completion period has elapsed. A communication device that makes an inquiry to a communication device. A data communication system,
A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
A specific communication device,
The specific communication device is:
Period information transmitting means for transmitting the period information to the communication apparatus after receiving the data from the communication apparatus;
An output result notifying means for notifying the communication device whether or not the output of the data is completed when inquired by the confirmation means;
A data transmission system comprising: To a computer that sends data to a specific communication device,
Session control means for controlling a session established with the specific communication device in order to transmit the data to the specific communication device;
Acquisition means for acquiring period information relating to a completion period, which is a period required for the specific communication apparatus to complete the output of the data, from the specific communication apparatus after the data is transmitted to the specific communication apparatus. When,
Determining means for determining whether the completion period exceeds a specific period;
A program for functioning as confirmation means for confirming whether or not the output of the data is completed after the completion period has elapsed by inquiring of the specific communication device,
The session control means includes
When the determination unit determines that the completion period does not exceed the specific period, the session with the specific communication device is maintained until the completion period elapses, and the confirmation unit determines When it is confirmed that the output of the data is completed in the communication device, the session with the specific communication device is terminated ,
A program for terminating a session with the specific communication apparatus before the completion period elapses when the determination unit determines that the completion period exceeds the specific period .

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