JPH11164116A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile equipment capable of quickly coping with the facsimile equipment of a user, when errors are generated. SOLUTION: A RAM 13 is provided with a T.30 history storage area 13a for storing facsimile transmission control procedure signals. When an error is generated, a call origination and call termination refusial mode for refusing call origination from this facsimile equipment 1 and call termination from the other facsimile equipment is set. The facsimile transmission control procedure signals, when the error is generated are automatically transmitted from the facsimile equipment 1 to the facsimile equipment of a service center as T.30 history. As a result, in the service center based on the contents of the T.30 history, the generation cause of the error is analyzed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to, for example, ITU-T
(Telecommunication Standardization Sectorof Inter
national Telecommunication Union) Recommendation T. The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus that performs transmission and reception according to a facsimile transmission control procedure according to No. 30.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When transmission / reception is performed between facsimile machines, ITU-T Recommendation T.30 is used. A facsimile transmission control procedure according to S30 is executed. At this time, the history of the execution of the normal facsimile transmission control procedure is stored in the RAM or the like of the facsimile apparatus. Specifically, for example, the contents of the NSF signal (non-standard function identification signal), CSI signal (called terminal identification signal), DIS signal (digital identification signal) transmitted from the receiving side, and the NS transmitted from the transmitting side
The content includes an S signal (non-standard function setting signal), a TSI signal (transmitting terminal identification signal), a DCS signal (digital command signal), and the like.

On the other hand, a RAM of a facsimile machine has
Usually, contents for setting functions related to communication (transmission / reception), a reading unit, and a recording unit are stored. Specifically, for example, items related to communication (transmission / reception) include the maximum communication speed and error level of the modem, items related to reading include the reading level and shading correction level of the reading unit, and items related to the recording unit include toner density and A method of selecting a recording paper (for example, when receiving in B4 size, reducing to A4 size and recording on A4 recording paper, or recording on two B5 size recording papers) and the like.

When an error occurs in a facsimile machine, a user contacts a service center via a telephone or the like. Then, a call is made from the facsimile machine in the service center to the facsimile machine in which the error has occurred, and the contents of the recording of the facsimile transmission control procedure and the contents in which the functions of the facsimile machine are set are received using a polling function or the like. The service center analyzes the cause of the error based on the received contents.

[0005]

However, the facsimile machine in which the error has occurred and the contents of the functions of the facsimile machine have to be received from the RAM or the like of the facsimile machine in which the error has occurred before receiving the recorded contents of the facsimile transmission control procedure and the function contents of the facsimile machine. When the transmission / reception is performed with the facsimile apparatus, the stored contents of the facsimile transmission control procedure at the time of occurrence of the error are overwritten with the contents of the facsimile transmission control procedure with another facsimile apparatus. For this reason, there is a possibility that the storage contents serving as clues for analyzing the cause of the occurrence of the error may not be able to be retrieved at the service center.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the problems existing in the prior art, and its object is to promptly respond to a user's facsimile machine when an error occurs. It is an object of the present invention to provide a possible facsimile machine.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a facsimile apparatus provided with a storage means for storing the operation status and the setting status of its own device is provided. When an error occurs, a specific fax
A control means is provided for automatically calling the number and transmitting the operating status and the setting status of the own device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect, when a predetermined error occurs, the control means makes a call from the own apparatus to another facsimile apparatus and the other facsimile apparatus. Is set to a call rejection mode for rejecting an incoming call to the own device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the control means transmits the operating status and the setting status of the own device as image data.

[0010] In the embodiments of the invention described below, the "storage means" described in claims or means for solving the problems corresponds to the RAM 13, and the "operating status" is also referred to as T.V. 30 history (T.30 transmission history or T.30 reception history) and communication management report,
The “setting situation” corresponds to the memory switch setting, and the “control unit” corresponds to the MPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile apparatus 1 includes an MPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM,
13, reading unit 14, recording unit 15, operation unit 16, display unit 1
7, an image memory 18, a codec 19, a modem 20, and an NCU 21. The respective units 11 to 21 are connected to each other via a bus 22.

The MPU 11 controls each part of the facsimile machine 1. The ROM 12 stores a program for controlling the facsimile machine 1. RAM 13
Temporarily stores various information on the facsimile machine 1. Further, the RAM 13 stores the T.D. 30 history storage area 1
3a, a memory switch storage area 13b, a communication management storage area 13c, and an error code storage area 13d.

T. The 30 history storage area 13a stores the history of the facsimile transmission control procedure every time transmission or reception is performed. Specifically, the T.D. shown in FIGS.
30 transmission history and T.30 30 reception history. FIG.
Is the T.D. 30 is an example of a transmission history.
FIG. 30 is an example of a reception history. "Frame" shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a facsimile transmission control procedure signal transmitted from the transmission-side facsimile apparatus and a facsimile transmission control procedure signal transmitted from the reception-side facsimile apparatus. Specifically, HD
This is the content indicated by the FCF area in the LC procedure.
“DATA” is an area that indicates the content indicated by the “Frame”, specifically, the content of the signal indicated by the FCF area in the HDLC procedure, for example, in a binary number or the like. In other words, the content shown in the FIF area is shown.

The memory switch storage area 13b stores setting contents of functions related to communication (transmission / reception), the reading unit 14, the recording unit 15, and the like. The setting of the memory switch is performed by a combination of the value of the upper bit (for example, the value of the upper 8 bits) and the value of the lower bit (for example, the value of the lower 8 bits). 4 to 6 show a part of the setting contents regarding the reading unit 14. FIG. 4 shows the contents when the value of the upper bit in the reading unit 14 is “0” or “1”. FIG. 5 shows the contents of the reading unit 14 when the value of the lower bit is “0” to “7” when the value of the upper bit is “0”. FIG. 6 shows the reading unit 14
This shows the contents when the value of the lower bit is “0” to “7” when the value of the upper bit is “1”.

The communication management storage area 13c stores contents related to a so-called communication management report. Specifically, the items shown in FIG. 7, that is, the contents such as the serial number, the transmission destination, the communication mode, the start time, the time, the number of sheets, the result, and the remarks.

The error code storage area 13d stores contents related to an error message. More specifically, the error codes shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and bit values corresponding to the error codes are shown. Here, FIG. 8 shows an error code generated at the time of transmission and bits for the error code. In FIG. XA (XA = 1 to 3) indicates a group error code. Also, T.I. XA. XB
(XA = 1 to 3, XB = 1 to 4) indicate individual error codes. Therefore, when the value of the bit corresponding to the group error code is “1”, the value of the bit corresponding to all the individual error codes belonging to the group is “1”.
Is equivalent to

Here, an example of the error content indicated by the error code shown in FIG. Error code T. 2.1: MCF from receiving facsimile machine
This is the case when no signal is received. The error code T. 3.1 indicates that the lamp of the reading unit 14 has run out. Error code T. 3.2 is a lamp voltage shortage in the reading unit 14. Error code T. 3.3 is occurrence of recording paper jam.

FIG. 9 shows an error code generated at the time of reception and bits corresponding to the error code. In FIG. XA (XA = 1 to 3) indicates a group error code. In addition, R. XA. XB (XA = 1 to
3, XB = 1 to 4) indicate individual error codes.
Therefore, as in the transmission, when the value of the bit corresponding to the group error code is “1”, the value of the bit corresponding to all the individual error codes belonging to the group is equivalent to “1”.

Here, an example of an error content indicated by the error code shown in FIG. Error code R. 2.1 is a case where the line is interrupted during reception.
In FIGS. 8 and 9, only the error code and the bit corresponding to the error code are stored in the error code storage area 13d. The error code tables shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are published in a manual or the like attached to the facsimile machine 1.

As will be described in detail later, when an error corresponding to the error code shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 occurs and the bit value of the error code is “1”, the error code Is displayed on the display unit 17. Therefore, the user of the facsimile machine 1 can know how to deal with the error from the manual based on the error code displayed on the display unit 17.

The reading section 14 reads image data on a document and outputs black and white binary image data. The recording unit 15 is composed of an electrophotographic printer, and records received image data and image data of a document read by the reading unit 14 on recording paper in a copy operation.

The operation unit 16 includes a numeric keypad (including the * and # keys) 16a for inputting a telephone number or the like, an abbreviated number registration, and abbreviated keys 16b for transmitting from the abbreviated number.
Start key 1 for starting document reading operation
6c, various operation keys such as a communication / copy key 16d for setting a “communication (FAX)” operation or a “copy” operation. A display unit 17 such as an LCD displays various information such as an operation state of the facsimile machine 1.

The image memory 18 temporarily stores received image data and image data read by the reading unit 14. The codec 19 encodes the image data read by the reading unit 14 for transmission using the MH, MR, MMR method, or the like. The codec 19 decodes the received image data.

The modem 20 conforms to ITU-T Recommendation T. 30 based on a facsimile transmission control procedure according to V.30. 1
7, V. 27ter, V.A. Modulation and demodulation of transmission / reception data according to 29 or the like are performed. The NCU 21 has a function of controlling connection with the telephone line L and detecting transmission and reception of a dial signal corresponding to a fax number of the other party. Further, the NCU 21 has a call / reception reject mode for rejecting a call and a call under the control of the MPU 11.

In the facsimile apparatus 1 configured as described above, the operation when the bit value of the error code storage area 13d shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is set to "1" or "0" from the operation unit 16 will be described. This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the flowchart described below, operations other than the input by the service person are performed based on the program stored in the ROM 12 based on the MP.
This is executed under the control of U11.

In S1, a serviceman inputs a predetermined command (for example, simultaneous input of "*" and "0" keys) in order to set the error code storage area 13d.

In S2, the error code and the bit corresponding to the error code are displayed on the display unit 17.
In S3, the bit corresponding to the error code is set from the ten key 16a and the start key 16c of the operation unit 16 by the serviceman, and the contents are stored in the RAM1.
3 is stored in the error code storage area 13d. Specifically, by pressing the “1” or “0” key of the numeric keypad 16a, the setting of the bit is changed, and the content is changed to the RA.
It is stored in the error code storage area 13d of M13. On the other hand, when the setting is not changed, the start key 16c is pressed. As a result, the cursor is moved to the item of the bit for setting the next error code. In order to reset the already set bit so as to correct the bit, by pressing the “*” key and the start key 16c at the same time, the cursor is moved to the bit of the previous item.

In S4, it is determined whether only the "#" key has been pressed. That is, in this processing, the end of this processing is determined based on the pressing of the “#” key. Therefore, when a key other than the “#” key is pressed, the process returns to S3. On the other hand, if only the “#” key has been pressed, this process ends.

FIG. 11 shows the operation of setting the bit value of the error code storage area 13d in the RAM 13 of the facsimile machine 1 to "1" or "0" by remote operation from the facsimile machine of the service center. This will be described using the flowchart shown.

In S11, a bit corresponding to the error code is set in the facsimile machine of the service center. That is, the facsimile machine at the service center has the same configuration as the facsimile machine 1. Therefore, when the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is executed in the facsimile apparatus of the service center, the RAM in the facsimile apparatus of the service center is executed.
In the 13 error code storage area 13d, a bit value for a predetermined error code can be set.

At S12, the service person
A predetermined command (for example, “*”,
When the “1” key is input at the same time), the content stored in the error code storage area
It is set in a part of the FIF area indicated by the signal. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, a part of the FIF area of the HDLC procedure includes a bit indicating whether or not a bit for setting an error code is valid and a bit for setting an error code for communication (transmission-related bit). (A bit for setting an error code and a bit for setting an error code for reception), a bit for setting an error code for the reading unit, a bit for setting an error code for the recording unit, and the like.

Therefore, when the bit of the currently set error code is changed, the value of the bit indicating whether or not the data (setting bit) relating to the error bit is valid is set to "1". The setting bit of the following error code becomes valid. For this reason, the facsimile apparatus that has received the NSS signal determines whether or not the valid bit in the NSS signal is “1”, so that the following error code data (setting bit) is stored in the RAM 13 as an error code. It is possible to determine whether or not to store in the area 13d.

In S13, the facsimile number of the facsimile machine 1 for setting the bit of the error code is input from the ten-key 16a or the abbreviated key 16b of the operation unit 16.

In S14, it is waited for the start key 16c to be pressed. In S15, a call is made from the facsimile machine of the service center to the facsimile machine 1 for setting the bit of the error code.

In S16, it is waited that the line is closed with the facsimile machine 1 on the receiving side by the NCU (not shown). In S17, the reception of the facsimile transmission control procedure signal transmitted from the facsimile apparatus 1 in which the bit of the error message is set is waited. Specifically, it is waited for the NSF signal, the CSI signal, and the DIS signal to be received.

In step S18, the NSS signal, the TSI signal, and the DC
An S signal is transmitted. In S19, the line is released by the NCU (not shown), and this processing ends.

FIG. 13 shows the operation of the facsimile apparatus 1 when the value of the bit in the error code storage area 13d is set to "1" or "0" by remote operation from the facsimile apparatus of the service center. This will be described with reference to a flowchart.

In S21, it is awaited that the NCU 21 detects a CNG signal (paging signal) from the exchange based on the outgoing call on the transmitting side. In S22, the NCU 21
Thus, the line is closed with the facsimile machine on the transmitting side.

In S23, the facsimile transmission control procedure signal is sequentially transmitted to the facsimile machine of the service center. Specifically, an NSF signal, a CSI signal, and a DIS signal are transmitted.

In S24, the reception of the NSS signal, TSI signal, and DCS signal transmitted from the facsimile machine of the service center is waited. In S25, it is determined whether or not the setting of the error code is to be changed in the received NSS signal. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the valid bit shown in FIG. 12 is “1” in the NSS signal. When the setting of the error code is changed, the process proceeds to S26. On the other hand, when the setting of the error code is not changed, that is, when the valid bit is “0”, the process proceeds to S27.

In S26, the bit value of the error code of the received NSS signal is stored in the error code storage area 13d. In S27, the line is released by the NCU 21, and this processing ends.

Next, when an error occurs in an item for which the error code is set to "1", T.P. The operation of the facsimile machine 1 when transmitting the 30 history, the setting of the memory switch, and the communication management record to the facsimile machine of the service center will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In S31, the occurrence of an error is awaited. In S32, it is determined whether or not the error occurred in S31 is an item in which the value of the bit corresponding to the error code is set to “1”. If the value of the bit corresponding to the error code is set to “1”, the process proceeds to S33. On the other hand, if the value of the bit corresponding to the error code is not set to “1”, the process returns to S31.

In S33, the NCU 21 is switched to the call rejection mode. That is, T. Only the latest facsimile transmission control procedure signal is always overwritten in the 30 history storage area 13a. For this reason, if a call is made from the facsimile apparatus 1 to another facsimile apparatus after an error occurs, or if a call is received from another facsimile apparatus to the facsimile apparatus 1, T. The facsimile transmission control procedure signal is overwritten in the 30 history storage area 13a. Accordingly, the NCU 21 is switched to the call rejection mode.

At S34, a call is automatically made to the facsimile machine at the service center. S35
, The NCU 21 waits for a line to be closed with the facsimile machine at the service center.

In S36, T.T. 30
T. stored in the history storage area 13a. 30 history,
Sent to the facsimile machine at the service center. In S37, it is determined whether or not the transmission has been normally performed to the facsimile apparatus of the service center and the processing has been completed. If the transmission has been completed normally and the processing has been completed, the process proceeds to S38. On the other hand, if the transmission was not completed normally and the
Returning to 36, transmission is executed again.

In S38, the outgoing / incoming call rejection mode set in S33 is released, and this process ends. Next, by executing the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 15 shows an example of 30 transmission histories. In the example shown in FIG.
After the image data (PIX) of the page is transmitted, the MPS signal is transmitted three times from the facsimile machine 1. However, since the MCF signal is not received from the receiving side, some error (for example, line disconnection during transmission of image data of the second page)
It can be understood that the occurrence of the error has occurred.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained. If a predetermined error corresponding to the error code has occurred, the facsimile transmission control procedure signal at the time of the occurrence of the error indicates the T.30. The 30 history is automatically transmitted to the facsimile machine of the service center. Therefore, at the service center, this T.D. The cause of the error can be clarified based on the 30 histories. Therefore, it is possible to quickly respond to an error of the facsimile machine 1. Therefore, the service can be improved for the user.

In addition, from the facsimile machine 1 to the facsimile machine at the service center, T.C. Since 30 histories are transmitted, no special equipment other than the facsimile machine is required.

Further, when an error occurs, the NCU 21
As a result, the mode changes to the call rejection mode. For this reason, the T.C. The 30 history storage area 13a is not overwritten. Therefore,
A facsimile transmission control procedure signal when an error occurs can be reliably transmitted to the service center.

In the error code tables shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the error codes are group error codes (TX
A or R. XA; XA = 1 to 3) or an individual error code (T.XA.XB or R.XA.XB; XA = 1)
, 3 and XB = 1 to 4). Therefore, an error code in which an error frequently occurs can be set as a group error code. It can also be set by an individual error code. Therefore, the method of setting the error code is flexible and simple.

In the error code tables shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the error code is the operation unit 1 of the facsimile machine 1.
6 or by remote operation from a facsimile machine at the service center, it is possible to set whether or not to transmit when an error occurs. For this reason, the serviceman can go to the facsimile machine 1 where the error has occurred and set the error code, or can set the error code from the service center, which is convenient.

When an error occurs, image data is transmitted from the facsimile machine 1 to the facsimile machine at the service center. For this reason, it can be confirmed by the facsimile transmission control procedure whether or not the transmission has been reliably performed.
In other words, T. It can be confirmed in 30 histories.

When the setting of the error code is changed, the valid bit in the FIF indicated by the NSS signal becomes "1". On the other hand, when the setting of the error code is not changed, the valid bit becomes “0”. Therefore, when analyzing the transmitted NSS signal, first, based on whether the valid bit is “1” or “0”, whether the following error code setting data is valid or not is determined. Can be determined. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unnecessary use of time for analyzing the NSS signal.

The above embodiment can be embodied with the following modifications. -The bit setting of the error code may be performed using a SUB signal instead of the NSS signal.

When an error occurs, the service center sends a T.D. The operation unit 16 may be provided with a setting key for setting whether or not to transmit the 30 history. -When an error occurs, In addition to the 30 histories, a communication management report at the time of occurrence of an error may be transmitted to the facsimile machine of the service center.

When an error occurs, T. In addition to 30 history,
The communication management report and the setting contents of the memory switch may be transmitted to the facsimile machine of the service center.

T. 30 so that the history is not overwritten
T. when error occurs The contents of the history 30 may be transferred to another storage area of the RAM 13. further,
The technical ideas other than the claims grasped from the embodiment will be described below together with their effects.

[1] In the facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, when an error occurs, the operating status and the setting status of the own device are transmitted to a specific FAX number. A facsimile apparatus comprising control means for setting whether or not the error is a group error code or an individual error code.

According to this structure, in addition to the effects of the invention described in any one of the first to third aspects, a group in which an error frequently occurs can be set by a group error code. Therefore, the setting of the error code is simple.

[2] The facsimile apparatus according to [1], further comprising a control unit for setting a group error code or an individual error code based on an instruction from an operation unit of the apparatus itself or another facsimile apparatus. apparatus.

With this configuration, in addition to the effect of the invention described in the above [1], an error code can be set by remote operation, which is simple. [3] The facsimile apparatus according to [1] or [2], further comprising control means for transmitting the setting contents of an error code together with a valid bit from another facsimile apparatus using a non-standard function setting signal. .

With this configuration, in addition to the effects of the invention described in the above [1] or [2], based on whether or not the valid bit indicated in the non-standard function setting signal is valid, It is determined whether the setting data of the error code is valid. Therefore, it does not take time to analyze the non-standard function setting signal unnecessarily.

[0064]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. According to the first aspect of the present invention, when an error occurs, it is possible to quickly respond to the user's facsimile apparatus.

According to the invention described in claim 2, according to claim 1
In addition to the effects of the invention described in (1), when an error occurs, the operating status and the setting status of the own device can be automatically and reliably transmitted to a specific FAX number.

According to the invention described in claim 3, according to claim 1
Alternatively, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 2, it is possible to confirm by facsimile transmission control procedure whether or not transmission has been reliably performed. In addition, no special device is required for transmitting the operation status and the setting status information.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. Explanatory drawing for explaining the content of 30 histories.

FIG. Explanatory drawing for explaining the content of 30 histories.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing contents of upper bits of a memory switch in a reading unit.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing contents of lower bits of a memory switch in a reading unit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of lower bits of a memory switch in a reading unit.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a communication management report.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an error code table.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an error code table.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation when an error code is set from the operation unit of the facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of remote operation in the facsimile machine of the service center.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a part of an FIF indicated by an NSS signal.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of remote operation in the facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation when transmitting 30 histories.

FIG. 15 shows the T.D. Explanatory drawing for explaining the content of 30 histories.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Facsimile machine, 11 ... MP which comprises a control means
U, 12: ROM constituting control means, 13: RAM constituting storage means and control means.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus having a storage means for storing the operation status and setting status of its own device, when a predetermined error occurs, automatically calls a specific FAX number, A facsimile device including a control unit for transmitting an operation status and a setting status. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a predetermined error occurs, the control means transmits a call from the own apparatus to another facsimile apparatus and an incoming call from the other facsimile apparatus to the own apparatus. A facsimile machine that sets the call rejection mode for rejection. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means transmits the operating status and the setting status of the own device as image data.