JP6391238B2 - System, facsimile apparatus, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system, a facsimile machine, a control method, and a program.

In recent years, so-called real-time Internet facsimile (hereinafter referred to as IPFAX) using IFP (Internet Facsimile Protocol (T.38)) is performed when FAX is transmitted / received via the Internet or LAN. In IPFAX, the transmission side and the reception side are connected via NGN (Next Generation Network) instead of connection (hereinafter referred to as G3FAX) using a PSTN (Public Switched Telephony Networks) line (G3 line).
NGN is a next-generation telephone network for realizing multimedia services using IP (Internet Protocol), and NGN and PSTN lines are being replaced in various countries. In NGN, since voice calls are also performed by IP, real-time communication is performed using SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) as an application layer protocol, and session management is also performed for IPFAX using SIP.

IPFAX can be used at a higher speed and lower communication charges than G3FAX. However, in IPFAX, both the transmission source and the transmission destination need to have an IPFAX line. Therefore, if the transmission destination does not know that IPFAX can be used, transmission is performed using the G3 line. Often done.
In such a case, for example, even in an environment where both IPFAX and G3FAX can be used, resources may be wasted such that IPFAX is not used.
On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, there is a technology that allows the partner terminal to easily know that the FAX reception via the IP network is possible and facilitates the shift to the FAX transmission via the IP network with a low communication cost burden. It is disclosed.
Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an image communication apparatus having Internet FAX communication means and G3 facsimile communication means. More specifically, in Patent Document 2, the FAX function of the counterpart machine is detected during communication by the G3 facsimile communication means, and the G3 facsimile communication means is set in the G3 facsimile mode based on the detection of the FAX function of the counterpart machine. An image communication apparatus that controls to disconnect the communication and shift to communication by the Internet FAX communication means is disclosed.

JP 2004-282468 A JP 11-298707 A

The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 makes a call via a public network, acquires a DIS sent from the called terminal during execution of the FAX protocol with the called terminal, and It is determined whether the terminal (destination) has “T.38 IPFAX reception capability”. When it is determined that the destination has “T.38 IPFAX reception capability”, this technique displays a message indicating that the destination has IPFAX reception capability. Here, DIS is an abbreviation for Digital Identification Signal.
However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, it is only necessary to know that the other party has IPFAX reception capability, and FAX communication is continued. For example, when it is desired to perform transmission using IPFAX, the user needs to retransmit manually.

The technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 is configured to switch from the G3 facsimile mode to Internet FAX communication. If Internet FAX communication is possible, the technique is switched to Internet FAX communication. For this reason, in this technique, when switching to IPFAX is assumed, switching is performed even when it is advantageous not to switch the line depending on communication contents. This is because the Internet FAX is a communication that hardly needs to worry about the usage fee using the Internet line. On the other hand, as described above, IPFAX is a system that uses an NGN line, and usually a communication fee is incurred for each communication. In addition, when a large amount of communication is performed using a low-speed G3 line, the time is increased in proportion to the time taken compared to the case of IPFAX. As a result, it becomes a long telephone state, and the communication fee is excessive.
An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables a user to select a communication method that is more advantageous for a user in accordance with communication contents in a facsimile apparatus that can use both an IP network and a public network.

Accordingly, the system of the present invention includes a first facsimile machine and a second facsimile machine, and the first facsimile machine sends facsimile data to the second facsimile machine over a public network. First transmitting means for transmitting, receiving means for receiving IP information of the second facsimile apparatus from the second facsimile apparatus, and the facsimile in the IP network based on the IP information received by the receiving means Determining means for determining whether or not to retransmit data, and retransmitting the facsimile data to the second facsimile apparatus over the IP network based on the IP information when the determining means determines to retransmit A second transmission unit, wherein the second facsimile apparatus is a transmission source of facsimile data received by the public network. A notification condition storage means for storing a notification condition for notifying the IP information of the second facsimile apparatus, and facsimile data transmitted by the first transmission means, wherein the facsimile data is transmitted. When the source matches the notification condition stored in the notification condition storage means, the first facsimile apparatus that is the transmission source is notified of the IP information of the second facsimile apparatus that can be transmitted by the second transmission means. having the IP information transmitting means for transmitting to.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the facsimile apparatus which can utilize both an IP network and a public network, the technique which enables selection of the communication method more advantageous for a user according to the content of communication can be provided.

It is a figure which shows an example of a system configuration. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the transmission destination IPFAX number notification setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a resending setting screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a charge comparison table. It is a figure which shows an example of an address book registration setting screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of a transmission destination multifunction peripheral. It is a figure which shows an example of G3 protocol. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of a transmission source multifunction peripheral.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a facsimile system according to the present embodiment.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, a transmission source multifunction device 109 and a transmission destination multifunction device 108 are connected so as to be able to perform facsimile communication using an NGN network 101 and a PSTN network 107. The NGN network 101 is a next-generation telephone network (IP network) for realizing multimedia services using IP (Internet Protocol). The PSTN network 107 is a public network such as a G3 line.
The transmission source MFP 109 and the NGN network 101 are connected by an NGN GW (Gate Way) 106. The NGN network 101 and the PSTN network 107 are connected by a G3 GW 105. The NGN network 101 and the transmission destination multifunction machine 108 are connected by an NGN GW 102.

When the transmission source multifunction device 109 transmits facsimile data (hereinafter referred to as facsimile) to the transmission destination multifunction device 108 via the G3 line (first transmission), the transmission destination multifunction device 108 transmits the IPFAX number or Notify the URI address (address information). The IPFAX number or URI address is an example of IP information. In the following description, it is assumed that the transmission destination multifunction device 108 notifies the transmission source multifunction device 109 of the IPFAX number. Further, the transmission destination multifunction peripheral 108 performs the notification using a predetermined area of the G3 protocol (FAX transmission control procedure).
Upon receiving the notification of the IPFAX number, the transmission source multifunction device 109 determines whether to perform communication using the G3 line as it is or to switch to the IPFAX line and retransmit (second transmission) according to a preset condition. If the source MFP 109 determines to switch to the IPFAX line, it disconnects the G3 line and transmits via the IPFAX line.
In the system illustrated in FIG. 1, the transmission source multifunction device 109 performs destination determination by the NGN network 101 when performing facsimile transmission to the transmission destination multifunction device 108. The source multifunction device 109 performs transmission using the PSTN network 107 if it is a G3 FAX destination, and transmits it using the NGN network 101 as it is if it is an IPFAX destination.
In this embodiment, the transmission source multifunction device 109 and the transmission destination multifunction device 108 are described as facsimile devices, but the facsimile device is not limited to a multifunction device. For example, it may be a facsimile machine or a PC-FAX or FAX server that handles a facsimile as a file.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the transmission source multifunction device 109 and the transmission destination multifunction device 108 illustrated in FIG.
Since the hardware configurations of the transmission source multifunction device 109 and the transmission destination multifunction device 108 are the same, the hardware configuration will be described here by taking the transmission source multifunction device 109 as an example.
The transmission source MFP 109 has a controller unit 316.
The controller unit 316 includes a CPU 301, RAM 302, ROM 303, hard disk drive (HDD) 304, network I / F 305, modem 306, operation unit I / F 307, external I / F 318, and image bus I / F 320. These are connected to each other by a system bus 309. Further, the controller unit 316 includes a raster image processor (RIP) 310, a printer I / F 311, a scanner I / F 313, and an image processing unit 317. These are connected to each other by an image bus 315. The system bus 309 and the image bus 315 are connected by an image bus I / F 320.

The CPU 301 is a processor that controls the entire source MFP 109. When the CPU 301 executes a program stored in the ROM 303 or the HDD 304, the functional configuration of the transmission source multifunction machine 109 and processing related to the flowchart of the transmission source multifunction machine 109 described later are realized.
The RAM 302 is used as a work memory for the CPU 301, and is also used as a program memory for loading a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.
The ROM 303 stores a boot program and various control programs, and the CPU 301 reads these programs from the ROM 303 and executes various controls.
The HDD 304 stores various programs and image data for controlling the transmission source multifunction machine 109. The security setting print data (image data) received by the source MFP 109 from the client device is also stored in the HDD 304.

The operation unit I / F 307 is an interface connected to the operation unit 308. The operation unit I / F 307 sends key information, such as selection of a start button, input from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301, and various information according to instructions from the CPU 301. Send to.
A network I / F 305 is connected by a network cable, and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception using an IPFAX line between the transmission source MFP 109 and the NGN network 101.
The modem 306 is connected to the PSTN network 107 and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception using the G3 line.
The external I / F 318 is an interface that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, or RS-232C. Here, a card reader 319 for reading a non-contact IC card (storage medium) necessary for user authentication is connected to the external I / F 318. The CPU 301 controls reading of information of the IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and acquires card information read from the IC card.

The image bus I / F 320 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 for transferring image data at high speed and converts the data structure.
The image bus 315 is configured by a bus specified by the PCI bus or IEEE1394.
The RIP 310 expands vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image.
A printer I / F 311 connects the printer 312 and the controller unit 316 to perform synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.
A scanner I / F 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 to perform synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

The image processing unit 317 performs predetermined correction, processing, and editing on the image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on the print output image data. The image processing unit 317 performs rotation processing on image data, performs compression / decompression processing such as JPEG on multi-valued image data, and performs processing such as JBIG, MMR, or MH on binary image data. Perform compression / decompression processing. The image processing unit 317 performs image processing on the image data obtained as a result of reading by the scanner 314, and converts the image data into a file output format such as a PDF format file.
The CPU 301 transmits the image file converted into a file output format by the image processing unit 317 to an external device via the network I / F 305.

The scanner 314 illuminates the document, for example, scans the document with a CCD line sensor, and converts an image on the document into an electrical signal that is raster image data. Here, when the document is read by the scanner 314, the user sets the document on the tray of the document feeder. When the user gives a document reading start instruction via the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives a reading instruction to the scanner 314. Thus, the document feeder feeds the documents one by one, and the scanner 314 reads the image of the document.
The printer 312 performs printing by converting raster image data into an image on paper. Examples of the printer 312 include an electrophotographic printer using a so-called photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and an inkjet printer that discharges ink from a minute nozzle array to directly print an image on a sheet. A type of printer may be used. The printer 312 starts a printing operation in response to a print instruction from the CPU 301. The printer 312 is provided with a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and the paper feed stage is provided with a paper cassette corresponding to the paper.

The operation unit 308 includes, for example, an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is disposed on the LCD display unit. The operation screen of the transmission source multifunction device 109 is displayed on the LCD display unit. When a user operates a key on the operation screen, position information on the touch panel sheet is sent to the CPU 301 via the operation unit I / F 307. .
The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys. A start key provided on the operation unit 308 is operated when reading of a document is started.
In the center of the start key, LEDs of two colors, green and red, are arranged, and whether or not the start key is in a usable state is indicated according to the light emission of these LEDs.
A stop key provided in the operation unit 308 is operated when stopping a printing operation or the like.
An ID key provided in the operation unit 308 is operated when a user ID is input, and is further operated when a user logout process is manually performed.
A reset key provided in the operation unit 308 is operated when initializing various settings such as print settings.

The card reader 319 reads the card information stored in the non-contact IC card under the control of the CPU 301 and notifies the CPU 301 of the read card information via the external I / F 318.
The transmission source multifunction device 109 transmits the image data read from the scanner 314 to a communicable device via the LAN 103. On the other hand, the transmission source multifunction device 109 can print out image data received from a device capable of communication via the LAN 103 by the printer 312.
Further, the transmission source MFP 109 transmits the image data read from the scanner 314 by FAX to the PSTN network 107 through the modem 306. On the other hand, the transmission source MFP 109 can print out the FAX received from the PSTN network 107, that is, the image data by the printer 312.
The hardware configuration described above is the same for the transmission destination multifunction peripheral 108. That is, the CPU 301 of the transmission destination multifunction device 108 executes a program stored in the ROM 303 or the HDD 304 of the transmission destination multifunction device 108, so that the functional configuration of the transmission destination multifunction device 108 and a transmission destination multifunction device described later will be described. The processing according to the flowchart of the machine 108 is realized.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the transmission source multifunction device 109 and the transmission destination multifunction device 108 illustrated in FIG.
The functional configurations of the transmission source multifunction device 109 and the transmission destination multifunction device 108 are the same. Here, the functional configuration of the facsimile apparatus will be described by referring to both as facsimile apparatuses.
The facsimile apparatus includes an IPFAX retransmission unit 201, an address book registration unit 202, an IPFAX retransmission condition storage unit 203, an IPFAX number address book registration condition storage unit 204, a transmission destination IPFAX number storage unit 205, an IPFAX number notification unit 206, and an IPFAX. A number notification setting storage unit 207 is provided.
IPFAX retransmission unit 201, address book registration unit 202, IPFAX retransmission condition storage unit 203, IPFAX number address book registration condition storage unit 204, and transmission destination IPFAX number storage unit 205 are functions when the facsimile apparatus is the transmission source. It is. On the other hand, the IPFAX number notification unit 206 and the IPFAX number notification setting storage unit 207 are functions when the facsimile apparatus is a transmission destination, that is, a facsimile receiving side.

When the facsimile apparatus receives a facsimile on the G3 line, the IPFAX number notifying unit 206 sets the IPFAX number of itself (self apparatus) in predetermined data of the G3 protocol and notifies the transmission source. The IPFAX number notification unit 206 determines whether to notify the IPFAX number based on the notification setting information stored in the IPFAX number notification setting storage unit 207. Note that the notification setting information preset by the user via the operation unit 308 is stored in the IPFAX number notification setting storage unit 207. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.
When the facsimile apparatus receives a notification of the IPFAX number, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 uses the IPFAX line by disconnecting communication using the G3 line based on the retransmission condition information stored in the IPFAX retransmission condition storage unit 203. Then, it is determined whether or not to perform retransmission. The IPFAX retransmission unit 201 performs retransmission using the IPFAX line if the conditions indicated by the retransmission condition information are satisfied. The details of the retransmission condition will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 and the like. The conditions are based on the size of the facsimile document, the cost generated when the image is retransmitted by IPFAX, and the like. Note that retransmission condition information preset by the user via the operation unit 308 is stored in the IPFAX retransmission condition storage unit 203.
The address book registration unit 202 stores the notified IPFAX number in the destination IPFAX number storage unit 205 in accordance with the address book registration condition information stored in the IPFAX number address book registration condition storage unit 204. Register with. Details of the address book registration conditions will be described later with reference to FIG. 7 and the like, but the conditions are such that registration is performed when retransmission is successful. The address book registration condition information preset by the user via the operation unit 308 is stored in the IPFAX number address book registration condition storage unit 204.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification setting screen regarding whether or not to notify the transmission source multifunction device 109 of its own IPFAX number when the transmission destination multifunction device 108 receives a facsimile via the G3 line.
The notification setting screen 400 of FIG. 4 may be displayed on the operation panel of the facsimile apparatus or may be displayed on the PC. Here, a description will be given assuming that the user performs settings on the notification setting screen 400 via the operation unit 308 of the facsimile apparatus. Information set on the notification setting screen 400 by the user via the operation unit 308 is stored in the IPFAX number notification setting storage unit 207 as the notification setting information described above.

When the user selects “Notify 401” via the operation unit 308, when the destination MFP 108 receives a facsimile on the G3 line, the IPFAX number notification unit 206 notifies the source MFP 109 of the IPFAX number. To do.
Further, as an option, the user can select “specific partner 403” or “second and subsequent reception 404” via the operation unit 308.
When the user selects “specific partner 403” via the operation unit 308, the IPFAX number notifying unit 206 uses the address book or facsimile number for the specific partner (for example, the transmission source multifunction device 109) to which the IPFAX number is transmitted. Can be specified. The designation of the specific partner may be a multi-function device, a specific telephone number, or a user name. As a result, the IPFAX number notifying unit 206 notifies the IPFAX number when the destination MFP 108 receives a facsimile from the specific partner via the G3 line.

When the user selects “second and subsequent reception 404” via the operation unit 308, the IPFAX number notification unit 206 determines that the transmission source telephone number is a number that has been received in the past, that is, the first reception. If not, the IPFAX number is notified to the source MFP 109.
In this way, when the user selects “specific partner 403” or “second and subsequent reception 404” via the operation unit 308, the IPFAX number notification unit 206 causes the transmission source MFP 109 that satisfies the condition to be transmitted. The IPFAX number is notified. Thereby, security can be improved.
Also, when the user selects “Don't notify 402” via the operation unit 308, the transmission destination multifunction device 108 receives the connection with the G3 line and does not notify the transmission source multifunction device 109 of the IPFAX number. .

FIG. 5 shows whether or not retransmission is made to the destination multi-function peripheral 108 via the IPFAX line when the source multi-function machine 109 sends a facsimile transmission via the G3 line and receives a notification of the IPFAX number from the destination multi-function peripheral 108. It is a figure which shows an example of the retransmission setting screen regarding whether or not.
The retransmission setting screen 500 and the detailed setting screen 507 in FIGS. 5A and 5B may be displayed on the operation panel of the facsimile apparatus or may be displayed on the PC. Here, description will be made assuming that the user performs settings on the retransmission setting screen 500 and the detailed setting screen 507 via the operation unit 308 of the facsimile apparatus. Information set on the retransmission setting screen 500 and the detailed setting screen 507 by the user via the operation unit 308 is stored in the IPFAX retransmission condition storage unit 203 as the above-described retransmission condition information.

When the user selects “Do not retransmit 501” via the operation unit 308, the IPFAX retransmit unit 201 retransmits the facsimile even if the transmission source multifunction device 109 receives a notification of the IPFAX number from the transmission destination multifunction device 108. Do not send.
When the user selects “Resend 502” via the operation unit 308, the transmission source MFP 109 displays a detailed setting screen 507 for setting detailed conditions.
When the user selects “Unconditional retransmission 503” via the operation unit 308, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 unconditionally disconnects communication using the G3 line and performs retransmission using the IPFAX line.
When the user selects “Resend 504 when screen size is greater than or equal to reference value” via operation unit 308, “reference size 505” can be set. For example, when the user sets “1500 kb” as shown in FIG. 5B, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 disconnects the communication via the G3 line when transmitting a facsimile of a size of 1500 kb or more. Then re-send via the IPFAX line.

When the user selects “Re-transmission 506 when communication cost is reduced” via the operation unit 308, the IPFAX re-transmission unit 201 determines whether to continue communication through the G3 line or to re-transmit through the IPFAX line. Determine which cost is cheaper. The IPFAX retransmitting unit 201 disconnects communication using the G3 line and retransmits using the IPFAX line when it is cheaper to retransmit using the IPFAX line.
Here, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 determines whether to perform retransmission based on the fee comparison table 508 shown in FIG. In other words, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 determines, based on the charge comparison table 508, which cost is lower when the communication is continued using the G3 line or when the retransmission is performed using the IPFAX line. The fee comparison table 508 is stored in the IPFAX retransmission condition storage unit 203, and the transmission cost (fee) is associated with the transmission size of the facsimile document. The transmission cost (charge) per unit size in the charge comparison table 508 is set by the administrator. The transmission source MFP 109 updates the charge comparison table 508 according to the transmission status.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the total size of the facsimile document is 50 MB. The total size information is information that can be acquired when the transmission source multifunction device 109 performs memory transmission.
In the “sent” column, the size that the source MFP 109 has transmitted via the G3 line and the charge corresponding to the size that has been transmitted are shown.
In the “unsent” column, a size obtained by subtracting the transmitted size from the total size is shown.
In the “continue” column, a cost (for example, a telephone charge) required when the transmission source multifunction device 109 continues transmission through the G3 line as it is is shown. That is, in the case of the example in FIG. 6, the sum of the cost corresponding to the size already transmitted on the G3 line and the cost when the transmission is continued on the G3 line is 300 yen in total.

In the “switching” column, the cost required when the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 retransmits via the IPFAX line is shown. In other words, the “switching” column shows the cost when the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 transmits a new 50 MB document via the IPFAX line. In the case of the example in FIG. 6, since 30 yen has already been spent, the IPFAX retransmitting unit 201 compares 300 yen required for transmission using the G3 line and 130 yen required for retransmission using the IPFAX line. In this case, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 determines that it is cheaper to retransmit using the IPFAX line, and disconnects the communication using the G3 line and retransmits using the IPFAX line.
It should be noted that the IPFAX retransmitting unit 201 has a higher cost when the G3 line is transmitted and when the G3 line is disconnected and retransmitted via the IPFAX line, or when the IPFAX retransmit unit 201 is switched to the IPFAX line and transmitted. In this case, transmission is continued with the G3 line without switching.
As a result, the source MFP 109 can select a more advantageous communication method in terms of cost when both the G3 line and the IPFAX line can be used.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an address book registration setting screen for setting whether to register the IPFAX number notified from the transmission destination multifunction device 108 in the address book.
The address book registration setting screen 600 in FIG. 7 may be displayed on the operation panel of the facsimile apparatus or may be displayed on the PC. Here, a description will be given assuming that the user makes settings on the address book registration setting screen 600 via the operation unit 308 of the facsimile apparatus. Information set on the address book registration setting screen 600 by the user via the operation unit 308 is stored in the IPFAX number address book registration condition storage unit 204 as the above address book registration condition information. The address book is stored in the destination IPFAX number storage unit 205.

When the user selects “Register 601” via the operation unit 308, the user can further select “Re-transmission 603” and “Re-transmission successful 604”.
When the user selects “if retransmitted 603” via the operation unit 308, the address book registration unit 202 notifies the transmission destination multi-function peripheral 108 when the IPFAX retransmitting unit 201 retransmits. The received IPFAX number is registered in the address book.
When the user selects “when re-sending is successful 604” via the operation unit 308, the address book registration unit 202 determines that the re-transmission by the IPFAX re-sending unit 201 is from the transmission destination multifunction device 108. The notified IPFAX number is registered in the address book.
If neither “when retransmitting 603” nor “when retransmitting is successful 604” is selected, the address book registration unit 202 does not use the IPFAX number notified from the destination MFP 108. Register with conditions.

The address book registration unit 202 can also set an IPFAX number that is preferentially selected like the IPFAX number 608 when a plurality of IPFAX numbers are registered in the address book. That is, the address book registration unit 202 can also set and register the IPFAX number received from the destination MFP 108 so that it is preferentially selected as a default setting.
When the user selects “do not register 602” via the operation unit 308, the address book registration unit 202 does not register the IPFAX number notified from the transmission destination multifunction peripheral 108 in the address book.
If the name 606 and the PSTN telephone number 607 are already registered in the address book, the address book registration unit 202 additionally registers the IPFAX number 608.
As described above, the address book registration unit 202 can register a desired IPFAX number among the IPFAX numbers notified from the transmission destination multifunction peripheral 108. This improves convenience when the user uses a facsimile machine that can use both the G3 line and the IPFAX line.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing related to whether or not to notify the transmission source multifunction device 109 of the IPFAX number when the transmission destination multifunction device 108 receives a facsimile via the G3 line.
In step S <b> 701, the IPFAX number notifying unit 206 does not notify the transmission source multifunction device 109 of the IPFAX number when the incoming line of the facsimile received by the transmission destination multifunction device 108 is an IPFAX line. That is, the transmission destination multifunction machine 108 receives the facsimile via the IPFAX line, and ends the processing of FIG. On the other hand, the IPFAX number notifying unit 206 advances the process to S702 when the incoming line of the facsimile received by the destination MFP 108 is a G3 line (PSTN line).
In step S <b> 702, when the setting related to the notification setting information is stored in the IPFAX number notification setting storage unit 207, the IPFAX number notification unit 206 advances the process to step S <b> 703. On the other hand, the IPFAX number notifying unit 206 transmits the IPFAX number when the setting regarding the notification setting information is not stored in the IPFAX number notification setting storage unit 207 or when the setting not to notify the IPFAX number is stored. The original MFP 109 is not notified. That is, the destination MFP 108 receives the facsimile with the G3 line and ends the processing in FIG.

In step S <b> 703, the IPFAX number notifying unit 206 notifies the transmission source MFP 109 of the IPFAX number based on the notification setting information stored in the IPFAX number notification setting storage unit 207, and ends the processing in FIG. 8. Here, when the “specific partner 403” described above with reference to FIG. 4 is selected and set, the IPFAX number notifying unit 206 sets the specific partner (sender multifunction device 109) to the specific partner. When the facsimile is received from the G3 line, the IPFAX number is notified. Further, when “second and subsequent reception 404” is selected and set, the IPFAX number notifying unit 206 notifies the second and subsequent recipients (sender MFP 109) of the IPFAX number. Note that the IPFAX number notifying unit 206 may notify the URI address instead of the IPFAX number.
Here, the IPFAX number notifying unit 206 sets the IPFAX number in predetermined data of the G3 protocol (FAX transmission control procedure) and notifies the transmission source MFP 109 of the IPFAX number. The G3 protocol has a configuration as shown in FIG. 9, for example. The IPFAX number notifying unit 206 notifies the IPFAX number using, for example, an area that each <NSF> manufacturer can use freely. The IPFAX number notifying unit 206 notifies, for example, “destination IPFAX number sip: xxx.jp”.
With the above processing, the IPFAX number notifying unit 206 can notify the transmission source multifunction device 109 that satisfies the set condition of the IPFAX number when the transmission destination multifunction device 108 receives a facsimile via the G3 line. it can. Thereby, the IPFAX number notifying unit 206 can improve security when notifying the IPFAX number.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when the transmission source multifunction device 109 receives a notification of an IPFAX number from the transmission destination multifunction device 108 using the G3 protocol.
In step S <b> 801, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 advances the process to step S <b> 802 if the transmission source multifunction device 109 has received a notification of the IPFAX number from the transmission destination multifunction device 108. On the other hand, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 does not perform retransmission using the IPFAX line unless the transmission source multifunction device 109 receives a notification of the IPFAX number from the transmission destination multifunction device 108. That is, the transmission source multifunction device 109 transmits the facsimile while using the G3 line, and ends the processing of FIG.
In step S <b> 802, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 advances the process to step S <b> 803 when settings regarding retransmission condition information are stored in the IPFAX retransmission condition storage unit 203. On the other hand, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 does not perform retransmission when the setting regarding the retransmission condition information is not stored in the IPFAX retransmission condition storage unit 203 or when the setting indicating that no retransmission is performed is stored. The process proceeds to S806.

In step S803, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 advances the process to step S804 when the “retransmission 504 when the screen size is equal to or larger than the reference value” described above with reference to FIG. 5 is set as the setting regarding the retransmission condition information. On the other hand, when “unconditional retransmission 503” is set as the setting regarding the retransmission condition information, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 advances the process to S805.
In step S804, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 advances the process to step S805 if the size of the facsimile to be transmitted (image size) is equal to or larger than the set size (reference value or more), and proceeds to step S806 if the size is less than the reference value. Proceed to
Note that the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 replaces the process of S804 or, together with the process of S804, communication costs when transmitting continuously through the G3 line and when retransmitting through the IPFAX line after disconnecting the G3 line. It is also possible to make a comparison judgment. That is, if the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 determines that it is cheaper to retransmit via the IPFAX line, the process may proceed to S805. The processing related to the communication cost comparison determination has been described above with reference to FIG.
In step S <b> 805, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 disconnects the G3 line, temporarily stops G3 FAX transmission, and retransmits the IPFAX line using the IPFAX number notified from the transmission destination multifunction machine 108.

In S806, when the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 transmits using the IPFAX number registered in the address book, the process proceeds to S807. On the other hand, when the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 retransmits using the IPFAX number that is not registered in the address book, the address book registration unit 202 ends the process of FIG.
In step S <b> 807, the address book registration unit 202 determines whether to register the notified IPFAX number based on the address book registration condition information stored in the IPFAX number address book registration condition storage unit 204. Since the process of S807 has been described above with reference to FIG. 7, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In step S808, the address book registration unit 202 registers the notified IPFAX number in the address book stored in the transmission destination IPFAX number storage unit 205, and ends the processing in FIG.
Note that the determination processing in S806 can be configured to be executed or not executed by setting in advance. When this determination is not executed, the process of S807 is executed regardless of whether or not the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 transmits using the address book.
With the above processing, the IPFAX retransmission unit 201 can disconnect the G3 line and retransmit the IPFAX line when it is determined that retransmission on the IPFAX line is advantageous. Further, the address book registration unit 202 can register a desired IPFAX number among the IPFAX numbers notified from the transmission destination multifunction peripheral 108.

<Other embodiments>
Moreover, this embodiment is implement | achieved also by performing the following processes. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

  As described above, according to each of the above-described embodiments, a technology that enables a user to select a communication method that is more advantageous for the user in accordance with communication contents in a facsimile apparatus that can use both an IP network and a public network (G3 line). Can be provided.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, but the present embodiment is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

101 NGN network, 102 NGN GW, 105 G3 GW, 106 NGN GW, 108 Destination multifunction device (facsimile device), 109 Sender multifunction device (facsimile device)

Claims (18)

A system including a first facsimile machine and a second facsimile machine,
The first facsimile machine is
First transmission means for transmitting facsimile data to the second facsimile apparatus via a public network;
Receiving means for receiving IP information of the second facsimile machine from the second facsimile machine;
Determining means for determining whether to retransmit the facsimile data in an IP network based on the IP information received by the receiving means;
A second transmission unit configured to retransmit the facsimile data to the second facsimile apparatus over an IP network based on the IP information when the determination unit determines to retransmit;
Have
The second facsimile machine is
Notification condition storage means for storing a notification condition for notifying the transmission source of facsimile data received by the public network of IP information of the second facsimile apparatus;
When the facsimile data transmitted by the first transmission means is received and the facsimile data transmission source matches the notification condition stored in the notification condition storage means, the first transmission source IP information transmitting means for transmitting to the facsimile apparatus to notify the IP information of the second facsimile apparatus that can be transmitted by the second transmitting means;
Having a system.   The IP information transmission means transmits the IP information to the predetermined transmission source when the facsimile data is received by a public network and the transmission source of the facsimile data is a predetermined transmission source. The system of claim 1.   The IP information transmitting means is configured to transmit the predetermined transmission when facsimile data is received by the public network, and when the facsimile data is received from the predetermined transmission source for the second time or later. The system according to claim 2, wherein the IP information is originally transmitted. The determination means determines that the communication by the public network is disconnected when the set retransmission condition is satisfied, and the facsimile data is retransmitted to the second facsimile apparatus by the IP network based on the IP information;
The second transmission means disconnects the communication by the public network when the determination means determines to retransmit, and retransmits the facsimile data to the second facsimile apparatus via the IP network based on the IP information. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for transmitting.   When the retransmission condition that the size of the facsimile data is equal to or larger than a predetermined size is satisfied, the determination unit disconnects communication by the public network, and the second data is transmitted by the IP network based on the IP information. The system according to claim 4, wherein it is determined that the facsimile data is retransmitted to a facsimile machine.   When the re-transmission condition that the communication cost for transmitting the facsimile data is lower in the IP network than in the public network satisfies the retransmission condition, the determination unit disconnects the communication through the public network, and based on the IP information 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein it is determined that the facsimile data is retransmitted to the second facsimile apparatus over an IP network.   7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising registration means for registering the IP information received by the reception means.   8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the registration unit registers the IP information when the facsimile data is retransmitted to the second facsimile apparatus by the second transmission unit.   The system according to claim 7, wherein the registration unit registers the IP information as default IP information.   The said receiving means receives the said IP information containing at least any one among the IPFAX number of the said 2nd facsimile apparatus or address information from the said 2nd facsimile apparatus. system.   11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission unit transmits the facsimile data to the second facsimile apparatus through a G3 line which is a public network. A facsimile machine,
Notification condition storage means for storing a notification condition for notifying the transmission source of facsimile data received by the public network of the IP information of the facsimile apparatus;
When the facsimile data is received and the transmission source of the facsimile data matches the notification condition stored in the notification condition storage means, the IP information of the facsimile apparatus that can be transmitted by the transmission source is sent to the transmission source. IP information transmitting means for transmitting to notify,
A facsimile machine.   The IP information transmission means transmits the IP information to the predetermined transmission source when the facsimile data is received by a public network and the transmission source of the facsimile data is a predetermined transmission source. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 12.   The IP information transmitting means is configured to transmit the predetermined transmission when facsimile data is received by the public network, and when the facsimile data is received from the predetermined transmission source for the second time or later. 14. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the IP information is originally transmitted. Notification condition storage means for storing a notification condition for notifying IP information of the second facsimile apparatus to a transmission source of facsimile data received by the first facsimile apparatus and the second facsimile apparatus via the public network. A control method in a system including the second facsimile machine,
A first transmission step in which the first facsimile device transmits facsimile data to the second facsimile device over the public network;
A receiving step in which the first facsimile device receives IP information of the second facsimile device from the second facsimile device;
A determination step of determining whether or not the first facsimile apparatus retransmits the facsimile data over an IP network based on the IP information received in the reception step;
A second transmission step of retransmitting the facsimile data to the second facsimile device over an IP network based on the IP information when the first facsimile device is determined to retransmit in the determination step;
When the second facsimile apparatus receives the facsimile data transmitted in the first transmission step, and the transmission source of the facsimile data matches the notification condition stored in the notification condition storage means An IP information transmitting step for transmitting to notify the IP information of the second facsimile apparatus that can be transmitted by the first facsimile apparatus as the transmission source;
Control method. A control method executed by the facsimile apparatus having a notification condition storage means for storing a notification condition for notifying the transmission source of facsimile data received by a public network to the IP information of the facsimile apparatus,
When the facsimile data is received and the transmission source of the facsimile data matches the notification condition stored in the notification condition storage means, the IP information of the facsimile apparatus that can be transmitted by the transmission source is sent to the transmission source. Control method to send to notify. The first computer and the second computer having the notification condition storage means for storing a notification condition for notifying the transmission source of facsimile data received by the public network of the IP information of the second computer. A computer system program comprising:
In the first computer,
A first transmission step of transmitting facsimile data to the second computer over the public network;
Receiving the IP information of the second computer from the second computer ;
A determination step of determining whether to retransmit the facsimile data in an IP network based on the IP information received in the reception step;
A second transmission step of retransmitting the facsimile data to the second computer over an IP network based on the IP information when it is determined to retransmit in the determination step;
And execute
In the second computer,
When the facsimile data transmitted in the first transmission step is received and the transmission source of the facsimile data matches the notification condition stored in the notification condition storage means, the first transmission source A program for executing an IP information transmission step of transmitting to notify the IP information of the second computer that can be transmitted by a computer. The computer having a notification condition storage means for storing a notification condition for notifying the transmission source of facsimile data received on the public network of the IP information of the computer,
When the facsimile data is received and the transmission source of the facsimile data matches the notification condition stored in the notification condition storage means, the IP information of the computer that can be transmitted by the transmission source is notified to the transmission source. A program for executing an IP information transmission step to be transmitted.

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