JP3324331B2 - Communication device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus and, more particularly, to a communication apparatus for displaying the status of a communication apparatus and a destination to be transmitted as a transmission signal, and for providing a remote service based on these displayed signals. The present invention relates to a communication device that executes more finely.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, techniques for smoothly executing a remote service include techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2-146851 and 3-187561.

[0003] The technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-146651 discloses a technique in which a master communication device that executes a remote service transmits function data when a slave communication device has a non-standard function, so that a plurality of slaves on a receiving side can transmit data. This is a technique in which additional function data can be set in a communication device.

[0004] The technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 3-187561 discloses a technique in which a communication device on the remote service receiving side receives
Displays whether remote services are allowed or disallowed,
This is a technique in which the master communication device executes the remote service only when this display is permitted.

[0005]

However, according to the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-146651, the master communication device executes the remote service regardless of the operation state of the slave communication device. Functional slave devices could not refuse remote service. For this reason, if a command to shift to the remote service mode is received in an operation state in which the remote service cannot be received, there is a problem that communication ends in an error.

In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 3-187561, whether the remote service is not permitted is a continuous state due to forced setting or a temporary operating state such as machine busy. I could not tell if there was. For this reason, there arises a problem that the master communication device cannot determine whether or not a recall is possible.

Further, in the prior art, a communication device supplied by OEM and an OEM among communication devices other than the own brand are used.
There is also a problem that it is difficult to execute a remote service specific to the communication device supplied by the OEM because the communication device cannot be distinguished from the communication device that is not.

In view of the above facts, the present invention provides the slave communication device with means for displaying the operating status, OEM supply destination, and the like as a signal, and the master communication device with means for recognizing the signal, and the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device that can execute a more detailed remote service depending on a state and a provision destination of the device.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a communication apparatus capable of receiving a remote service instruction, a state detecting means for detecting an apparatus state of the communication apparatus, Error registration means for registering a communication error, and when the state detection means detects a device state in which a remote service instruction cannot be accepted, and when receiving a shift instruction to a remote service, the shift to the remote service is performed. Error prevention means for prohibiting registration of communication relating to the command by the error registration means, transmitting a line disconnection command to the communication device which has transmitted the shift command, and disconnecting the communication line with the communication device which has transmitted the shift command. And characterized in that:

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a transmitting means for transmitting a signal indicating the device state detected by the state detecting means, and a device state in which the transmitting means cannot accept a remote service. After transmitting the indicated signal to the remote device instructing the remote service, when receiving a command to shift to the remote service from the remote device, the status control unit controls the status detecting means to detect the device status again, And control means for controlling the transmitting means so as to transmit a signal indicating the device state to the counterpart device when a device state capable of receiving the device state is detected.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in a communication device capable of instructing a remote service, a state recognizing means for recognizing a signal transmitted from a partner device and indicating a device state of the partner device, When the partner device recognizes that the remote device is in a device state that cannot accept the remote service, it transmits an instruction signal for instructing remote service to the partner device, and when receiving a line disconnection command from the partner device, disconnects the communication line. Communication termination means for disconnecting.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, after a lapse of a predetermined time after the communication ending means disconnects the communication line with the other party, the instruction signal for instructing the remote service is sent to the other party again. Re-calling means for re-calling for transmission to a device, and a transient state in which the device state can be a device state in which remote service can be accepted when the partner device is in a device state in which remote service cannot be accepted. Or a continuity state in which the remote service cannot be accepted again without external intervention, and the determination means determines that the device state of the partner machine is a continuity state. And a re-call prohibition unit for prohibiting a re-call by the re-call unit when it is determined that

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a communication device provided by an OEM capable of receiving a remote service instruction, an OEM code storage means for storing an OEM code for specifying an OEM destination of the communication device. And an OEM code display unit for displaying an OEM code read from the OEM code storage unit on a transmission signal to a partner device instructing a remote service.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in a communication apparatus capable of instructing a remote service, an OEM code reading means for reading an OEM code displayed on a received signal, and a content of a remote service predetermined for each OEM code And the contents of the remote service corresponding to the OEM code read by the OEM code reading means are obtained from the OEM service storage means, and a signal including the OEM code is transmitted for the remote service. OEM service control means for performing communication control for instructing the other device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is further provided switching means for switching whether or not to execute a remote service when an OEM code is not read by the OEM code reading means. And

[0016]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a communication device capable of receiving a remote service instruction, the state detecting means detects the device state of the communication device. The device status includes, for example, a machine busy status and permission / non-permission of a remote service. When the state detecting means detects a device state in which the remote service instruction cannot be accepted, and receives a command to shift to the remote service, the error preventing means detects an error in communication related to the command to shift to the remote service. In addition to prohibiting registration by the registering means, a line disconnection instruction is transmitted to the communication device that has transmitted the transfer instruction, and a communication line with the communication device that has transmitted the transfer instruction is disconnected. As a result, error registration can be prevented and normal termination can be performed, and the partner machine can also avoid error termination.

In the invention according to claim 2, the transmitting means transmits a signal indicating the apparatus state detected by the state detecting means. Then, the control means, after transmitting a signal indicating a device state in which the remote service cannot be received by the transmitting means to the remote device instructing the remote service, and when receiving a transfer instruction to the remote service from the remote device, Controlling the state detecting means again to detect the state of the apparatus, and when detecting the state of the apparatus capable of accepting the remote service, controlling the transmitting means to transmit a signal indicating the state of the apparatus to the partner apparatus. I do. By this means, when the device state that cannot accept a remote service such as machine busy during communication is released, the remote device that instructs the remote service can instruct the remote service without re-calling. , Can provide quick remote service.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication device capable of instructing a remote service, the communication end means is provided even when the state recognizing means recognizes that the remote machine is in a state where the remote service cannot be accepted. An instruction signal for instructing the remote service is transmitted to the partner device, and the communication line is disconnected for the first time when a line disconnect command is received from the partner device. Thereby, the communication can be normally terminated.

[0019] In the invention according to claim 4, the re-calling means comprises:
After a lapse of a predetermined time since the communication end means cuts off the communication line with the partner machine, the call is re-established to transmit a command signal for instructing remote service to the partner machine again. This allows
The opportunity to provide remote services can be increased. Further, when the partner device is in a device state in which the remote service cannot be accepted, the device state is a transient state in which the remote device can be in a state in which the remote service can be accepted, or if there is no external intervention. It is determined again whether the state is a continuity state that cannot be a state where the remote service can be accepted. Then, the re-call preventing means, when the determining means determines that the state is continuity,
Prohibit recalling by recalling means. As a result, unnecessary recalls can be prevented.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device provided by an OEM capable of receiving a remote service instruction, the OEM code display means reads the OEM code indicating the OEM provision destination from the OEM code storage means, This OEM code is displayed on the transmission signal to the partner device instructing the remote service. As a result, it becomes possible to notify the communication device instructing the remote service of the OEM code. Therefore, for example, when the remote service instructing side determines that the providing destination indicated by the OEM code is the company, it is possible to give a more detailed remote service instruction.

In the communication device capable of instructing a remote service, the OEM service control means stores the contents of the remote service corresponding to the OEM code read by the OEM code reading means in the OEM service storage. Communication control is performed by instructing the remote device that has transmitted the signal including the OEM code to this remote service. As a result, a more detailed remote service can be executed.

In the invention according to claim 7, the switching means switches whether or not to execute the remote service when the OEM code reading means does not read the OEM code. This enables a measure to be taken when there is no OEM code.

[0023]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a configuration block diagram of a communication apparatus according to a first embodiment.

The system bus 8 is a bus for transmitting and receiving data and transmitting control commands between the components constituting the communication device.

The CPU 10 is a control circuit that controls the entire communication device by sending a control command to each component via the system bus 26. The CPU 10 reads a program from the program ROM 32 when the power of the communication device is turned on, and performs control based on the program.

The RAM 12 is a volatile memory used as a work area of the CPU 10.

The operation display device 14 comprises a so-called touch panel, and is an input means for inputting a command to the device by touching a panel or the like.

The reading device 16 is a device that scans a transmission original or a copy original while irradiating white light and quantizes the intensity of the reflected light to convert it into a digital image.

The printing device 18 is a device for printing out a received image or the like on recording paper or the like. The external I / F (interface) control device 20 is an interface circuit that controls data transmission / reception with an external device 24 such as a workstation, a personal computer, and a printer.
The data transfer time can be shortened by using, for example, SCSI as an interface with the external device 24.

The image processing device 28 is a device for encoding transmission data and decoding received data. Further, the image processing device 28 can also perform enlargement and reduction of transmission / reception data.

The storage device 30 is a storage device for storing digital image data read by the reading device 16 and received data for each file.

The program ROM 32 is a non-volatile memory for storing a control program for the CPU 10.

The digital network control device 42 is a control device for accessing the digital network and controlling connection and disconnection of communication with the communication device of the other party to detect digital communication data.

The analog network control device 36 is a control device for accessing the analog network and controlling connection and disconnection of communication with the communication device of the other party to detect analog communication data.

The line switching control unit 38 is a switching circuit for switching between the digital network and the analog network to access and perform communication. The line switching control unit 38 is connected to the digital network control unit 34 and the analog network control unit 36. Have been.

The modem 40 is a modulation / demodulation device for converting analog data detected by the analog network into digital data. The modem 40 is connected to a line so that a signal detected by the analog network control device 36 can be input via the line switching device 38. The switching device 38 is connected. The modem 40 has a low-speed mode and a high-speed mode.

The digital communication control unit 42 is a control circuit for executing a communication protocol (for example, G4) suitable for a digital network by controlling the digital network control unit 34. In addition, a ROM for storing a program for controlling digital communication is provided therein.

The analog communication control section 44 is a control circuit for executing a communication protocol (for example, G3) suitable for an analog network by controlling the analog network control device 36. Further, a ROM for storing a program for analog communication control is provided therein.

The communication device having the above configuration is connected via a line to a partner device such as a communication device having the same configuration as above, a communication device that can be connected only to an analog network, and a communication device that can be connected only to a digital network. When this communication device is connected only to an analog network, the digital communication control unit 42 and the digital network control device 34 can be omitted. When only this communication device is connected to the digital network, the analog communication control unit 44, The modem 40 and the analog network controller 36 can be omitted.

Next, schematic functional blocks of the terminal side and center side communication devices according to the first embodiment are shown in FIG.
(A) and FIG. 2 (B).

In the communication device on the terminal side in FIG.
The state detecting means 50 is a means for detecting whether or not the terminal side communication apparatus is in an operation state such as a machine busy state. Further, the state detecting means 50 can also detect a setting state such as whether or not a remote service is permitted in this device.

The state display means 52 is a means for displaying the state detected by the state detection means 50 in a predetermined area of the transmission signal. For example, it is displayed in an FIF (Facsimile information field), which is a data part constituting the NSF signal.

The communication means 54 is a means for connecting and disconnecting the line with the communication apparatus of the other party, receiving data transmitted from the other party, and performing communication control for transmitting data to the other party. . The function of this communication means 54 is shown in FIG.
, The digital communication control unit 42, the analog communication control unit 44, the modem 40, the digital network control unit 34, the analog network control unit 36, and the like.

The error prevention means 56 includes the state detection means 50
Is a means for controlling so as to prohibit error registration when a remote service transfer command is received by the communication means 54 when it is detected that the remote service cannot be received. Further, this error prevention means 56
Controls the communication means 54 to disconnect the communication line with the communication device that has transmitted the remote service transfer command, and to transmit the line disconnection command to this communication device.

After transmitting the signal indicating that the remote service cannot be received to the communication device instructing the remote service, the control means 58 transmits the signal indicating that the remote service cannot be received. When the state is detected by the state detecting means 50 and it is determined that the operation state has changed to an operation state in which the remote service can be received, a signal indicating that the remote service can be received is transmitted to the communication device. This is a means for controlling the means 54.

Next, each functional block of the communication device on the center side in FIG. 2B will be described. However, the communication means 70 is the same as the communication means 54 in FIG.

In FIG. 2B, the state recognition means 60
Is means for recognizing the state of the communication device displayed in the signal transmitted from the communication device on the terminal side. For example, it recognizes whether or not the communication device on the terminal side is in a machine busy state, and whether remote service is permitted or not permitted. That is, the terminal-side communication device finally recognizes whether or not it can receive the remote service.

When the state recognizing unit 60 recognizes that the communication device on the terminal side cannot receive the remote service, the communication end unit 62 transmits an instruction signal for instructing the remote service to the terminal side. This is a means for controlling the communication means 70 so as to disconnect the communication line when receiving a line disconnection command from, and terminating the communication.

When the communication device on the terminal side cannot receive the remote service, the determination means 64 determines whether this state is a temporary state in which the terminal device can receive the remote service, This is a means for determining whether the terminal is in a continuity state in which the remote service cannot be received again without the presence of the remote service, based on the terminal state displayed in the received signal. Here, the temporary state refers to a state in which the remote service can be received when the currently executing job is completed, such as a machine busy state. The continuity state refers to a state in which, for example, the remote service is set to be disallowed by hardware or software on the terminal side.

The re-calling means 66 transmits an instruction signal for instructing the remote service again to the terminal every predetermined time after a predetermined time has passed since the communication line with the terminal was cut off by the communication ending means 62. This is a means for controlling the communication means 70.

If the determining means 64 determines that the state in which the remote service on the terminal side cannot be received is the continuity state, the re-calling prohibiting means 68 performs the re-calling means 6.
8 is a means for prohibiting re-calling by the user.

Each functional block other than the communication means described above can be realized under the control of the CPU 10.

Next, the flow of processing of the communication device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 shows an outline of the operation of the master communication device on the center side instructing the remote service.

The operator operates the operation display device 14 of the communication device on the center side to input the telephone number of the communication device on the terminal side to receive the remote service and information on the remote service to be performed, and instruct "start of service" ( Step 100). For example, telephone number 03-xxxxxx
-Xxxx, reading speed dial information as a requested remote service, and 0 as this reading range
01-200 (read out of 200 stations).

Next, a call is made to the terminal-side communication device corresponding to the input telephone number (step 102), and the center-side communication device is set to the remote service mode (step 104).

When the mode shifts to the remote service mode, for example, an abbreviated dial information read command, which is one of the remote services, is transmitted to the communication device on the terminal side (step 1).
06).

Then, upon receiving the speed dial information read response from the terminal side (step 108), the procedure is terminated and the line is disconnected (step 110).

The last read speed dial information is displayed on the operation display device 14 and the process is terminated (step 11).
2). For example, 001 is 03-xxxx-xxxx, 0
02 is 048-xxx-xxxxxx,. . . , 200 is 0
45-xxx-xxxxx.

Next, an outline of the operation of the communication device on the terminal side receiving the remote service will be described with reference to FIG.

It waits until there is an incoming call from the communication device on the center side (No at Step 120), and when there is an incoming call (Yes at Step 120), it is determined whether or not the received signal is a signal requesting a remote service. (Step 122). If the received signal is not a signal for requesting the remote service (No at Step 122), normal communication other than the remote service indicated by this signal is executed (Step 123), and the process ends.

If the received signal is a signal requesting the remote service (step 122, affirmative determination), the remote service mode is set (step 124), and the next command is awaited (step 126, negative determination).

When a command signal is received from the communication device on the center side (Yes at step 126), it is determined whether or not this command is, for example, a speed dial read command (step 128). If the instruction is a negative instruction (No at Step 128), the other instruction is executed (Step 129). Then, when the execution of the command is completed, the procedure is terminated, the line is disconnected (step 134), and the process is terminated.

If the received command is a speed dial information read command (Yes at step 128), the designated speed dial information is read from a predetermined memory area to create a speed dial information read response (step 130).

Next, a response to the abbreviated dial information read is transmitted to the communication device on the master side (step 132). Then, the procedure is terminated and the line is disconnected (step 13).
4).

Next, the sequence example (1) to (5) of the remote service procedure will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the procedure sequence example (1) shown in FIG. 5 will be described. When there is a call request from the center side to the terminal side, the communication device on the terminal side establishes the NSF (Non-Stan
dard Facilities) signal. The NSF signal can contain information for identifying a non-standard function of the terminal-side communication device on the center side. Therefore,
The terminal-side communication device can include information indicating whether the terminal is capable of remote service in this information by judging the device state or by an external operation. Here, it is assumed that information indicating that the remote service is available is displayed in the NSF signal and transmitted.

The terminal-side communication device that has transmitted the NSF signal then transmits a DIS (Digital Identification Signal) signal. This DIS signal indicates that this terminal is CCITT
This signal indicates to the center that the terminal has the standard reception function.

The center that has received the information that the remote service is available is the NSS (Non-Standard facilities).
Set-up) Send a signal to the terminal. This NSS signal is N
This is a command signal indicating a function to be set from among the non-standard functions indicated by the SF signal. In this case, the command signal is a remote service transfer command for instructing a remote service.

The center side is a TCF (Training Che
ck) Transmit a signal, confirm the training of the line on the terminal side, and check whether transmission is possible at this transmission rate.

When the training check based on the TCF signal ends and the procedure on the terminal side ends, the terminal side
(Confirmation to Receive) signal is transmitted, and the start of remote service transfer is indicated to the center side.

The center communication device that has received the CFR signal transmits a signal for instructing a remote service, for example, a command for reading speed dial information. And PPS. E
An OM signal is transmitted to indicate the end of this instruction signal. Thereby, the instruction content of the remote service is determined.

The terminal that has received the abbreviated dial information read command transmits an MCF (Message Confirmation Signal) signal to notify the center that the command has been received.

The center that has received the MCF signal,
A C (Non-Standard Facilities Command) signal is transmitted to respond to the information included in the NSF signal previously received from the terminal, thereby displaying the function of the center-side communication device on the terminal. And DTC (Digital Tr
ansmit Command) Sends a signal to transfer the message transmission right to the terminal.

The terminal to which the transmission right has been delegated transmits the NSS signal to the center side, designates the non-standard function of the center-side communication device indicated by the previously received NSC signal,
The line training of the center side communication device is performed by the CF signal.

Upon receiving the CFR signal indicating the completion of preparation for receiving the response data transmitted from the center, the terminal transmits read response data of the abbreviated dial information. And PPS. An EOS signal is transmitted to indicate the end of the response data to the center.

The center that has received the response data sets the MC
An F signal is transmitted to notify the terminal that the data has been completely received.

The terminal transmits a DCN (Disconnect) signal to disconnect the line. Next, a procedure sequence when the communication device on the terminal side cannot receive the remote service will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, a state in which the terminal side cannot receive the remote service is exemplified by a machine busy state during execution of another operation.

When there is a call request from the center to the terminal, the terminal transmits an NSF signal. In the communication example of FIG. 5, information indicating that remote service is possible is contained in the NSF signal, but in the case of FIG. 6, information indicating machine busy is contained. The center that has received the NSF signal determines from the display of the machine busy that the terminal-side communication device cannot perform remote service.

The terminal-side communication device that has transmitted the NSF signal then transmits a DIS (Digital Identification Signal) signal. This DIS signal is a signal for notifying the center that has called all the functions of the terminal, that is, the group number, transmission / reception function, terminal function, and the like.

Here, the center which has received the information indicating that the remote service is not possible transmits an NSS signal for instructing the shift to the remote service mode to the terminal, despite the fact that the remote service is not possible.

Since the terminal receiving the NSS signal cannot shift to the remote service mode, the terminal should conventionally register an error. However, in the communication of FIG. 6, the terminal waits without registering an error.

Next, after receiving the TCF signal transmitted from the center and receiving the line training, the communication device on the terminal side transmits the DCN signal to disconnect the line. DCN
The center receiving the signal also disconnects the line.

As described above, even when the center side knows that the terminal side cannot perform the remote service, the remote service transfer command is transmitted, and the terminal receiving the command does not register the error, and the DCN signal is transmitted. To terminate communication by disconnecting the line.
As a result, even when remote service is not possible, communication can be terminated without error registration on both the center side and the terminal side.

Next, when a call request is received from the center side, the terminal side is in a machine busy state and cannot receive the remote service. This is because the communication when the machine busy is released during the communication. An example will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in order to instruct a remote service from the center side, there is a call request to the terminal side. Here, the communication device on the terminal side is in a machine busy state and is in a state in which the terminal device cannot shift to the remote service mode. In this case, the terminal side transmits information indicating machine busy in the NSF signal. It is assumed that immediately after the transmission is completed, the state of the apparatus shifts from machine busy to a state where the remote service mode can be executed.

The communication device on the center side, which has obtained the machine busy information from the received NSF signal, transmits an NSS signal indicating a remote service shift command despite the fact that remote service is not possible as in the communication example of FIG. . And T
The line training is performed by transmitting the CF signal.

When the line training is completed, the communication device on the terminal side has already released the machine busy and can shift to the remote service mode.
Instead of transmitting the N signal to disconnect the line, the CFR signal is transmitted to indicate the start of the transition to the remote service.

The center that has received the CFR signal transmits a speed dial reading command to instruct the terminal to perform a speed dial reading service. Thereafter, the transmission right is delegated to the terminal side, a shortened read response is transmitted from the terminal side, and the line is disconnected at the end, and the communication ends, just like the communication of FIG.

As described above, even when the terminal side transmits the NSF signal indicating machine busy to the center side, the center side transmits the remote service shift command, so that the machine busy is released after transmitting the NSF signal. In such a case, the remote service can be executed without requiring a recall.

Next, FIG. 8 shows a communication procedure sequence in the case where the terminal side is unable to receive the temporary remote service and calls again.

In the first half of the communication sequence shown in FIG. 8, when there is a call request from the center in exactly the same manner as in FIG. 6, the terminal transmits an NSF signal indicating machine busy, which corresponds to a remote service transfer instruction. Even if an NSS signal is received, an error registration is not performed, a line training is performed by the next TCF signal, and then a DCN signal is transmitted to disconnect the line.

However, this machine busy state is transient, and may be released after a certain period of time. Therefore, if the center determines that the terminal cannot receive the temporary remote service, the remote service can be executed when any of the calls is made by continuing to repeat the call.
Thus, an example is shown in which the second half of the communication sequence in FIG. It is assumed that after the line is disconnected by the DCN signal, the state of the machine busy on the terminal side is released.

After a predetermined time has passed since the line was disconnected,
The center recalls the terminal. Since the terminal has already released the machine busy, the terminal transmits an NSF signal indicating that remote service is possible. The center side transmits an NSS signal corresponding to a remote service transfer command, performs line training by transmitting a TCF signal, and receives a CFR as a remote service transfer response from the terminal side.
After receiving the signal, it sends a speed dial information read command. Then, just as in the sequence of FIG. 5, the remote service is executed to disconnect the line and terminate the communication.

As described above, when the temporary remote service, such as machine busy, cannot be received, the center recalls the terminal, so that a fine-grained remote service can be executed.

Next, FIG. 9 shows a communication procedure sequence when the terminal cannot receive the continuous remote service. The state in which a remote service with no continuity can be received means that the remote service is forcibly prohibited by, for example, a soft switch in the communication device on the terminal side, and this prohibition is performed without external intervention by an operator or the like. A state that is not released.

In the communication sequence shown in FIG. 9, when there is a call request from the center side, the terminal side transmits an NSF signal including an indication that remote service is prohibited, and receives an NSS signal corresponding to a remote service shift command. Even after receiving the line training by the next TCF signal without error registration, the DCN signal is transmitted to disconnect the line.

In FIG. 8, after a predetermined time has elapsed after this, a recall is performed. However, in the case of continuous remote service prohibition, recall to the same terminal is prohibited. As a result, it is possible to avoid complication of communication caused by calling a terminal having extremely low remote service execution possibility. In addition, when an instruction is given from the operator, a recall may be made.

Further, whether the state in which the remote service cannot be received is transient or continuous may be determined by the center based on the operation state of the device indicated by the NSF signal, The terminal may display a flag or the like indicating whether it is transient or continuous in a signal other than the operation state, and the center may identify this flag. (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the NSF signal is transmitted by displaying an operation state or the like indicating whether or not the remote service of the apparatus is possible. Is provided by the OEM, information on the OEM provider (hereinafter referred to as “O
EM code "). Then, by identifying the OEM code by the communication device on the center side, a more detailed remote service can be provided. This is disclosed below as a second embodiment.

FIG. 10A is a schematic functional block diagram of the terminal-side and center-side communication devices according to the second embodiment.
And FIG. 10B. Note that the configuration blocks of the apparatus and the flow of the schematic processing are the same as those of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the communication device on the terminal side in FIG. 10A, the OEM code storage means 82 is a memory for storing an OEM code for specifying the destination of the communication device on the terminal side. This OEM code storage means 82
For example, it can be realized by a non-volatile memory such as a ROM. The communication unit 84 is a unit for connecting and disconnecting a line with a communication device of the other party, receiving data transmitted from the other party, and performing communication control for transmitting data to the other party. The communication means 84 can be realized by the digital communication control unit 42, the analog communication control unit 44, the modem 40, the digital network control device 34, the analog network control device 36, and the like in FIG.

Then, the control means 87 reads the OEM code stored in the OEM code storage means 82,
This is a unit for performing control for transmitting to the communication partner device by the communication unit 84. The function of this control means 87 is CP
U10 is an OE stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 12, for example.
It can be realized by reading the M code and transmitting the OEM code to the digital communication control unit 42 or the analog communication control unit 44 via the system bus 8. The OEM code is displayed and transmitted in a predetermined area of the NSF signal, for example.

Next, each functional block of the communication device on the center side in FIG. 10B will be described.
The description is omitted because it is the same as the communication means 84 of (A).

In FIG. 10B, the OEM code reading means 90 is means for reading the OEM code displayed in a predetermined area of the data received by the communication means 92.
When the OEM code is read, the OEM supply source of the communication device of the other party can be specified based on the code. In addition,
The function of the OEM code identification means 90 can be realized by control of the CPU 10 based on a predetermined program.

The OEM service storage unit 94 is a memory for storing the contents of the remote service for each OEM code. This storage means is also a non-volatile memory R
It can be realized by OM or the like. The switching means 96 is an OEM
If the OEM code cannot be read by the code reading means 90, a "switch for enabling / disabling remote service when there is no OEM code" is checked, and based on the check result, whether or not the remote service is enabled is switched. It is.

The OEM service control means 97 searches the contents stored in the OEM service storage means 94 to identify a remote service corresponding to the OEM code read by the OEM code reading means 90, and controls the communication means 92 to control the remote service. This is a means for executing a remote service corresponding to the OEM code. This OEM service control means 97 is also a CP
It can be realized by control based on a predetermined program of U10.

FIG. 11 shows a communication procedure sequence when the terminal displays the OEM code.

In response to a call from the center, the control means 87 on the terminal side displays an OEM code in a predetermined area of the NSF signal and transmits it to the center. The center side that has received the NSF signal reads the NS code by the OEM code reading means 90.
An OEM code is read from the F signal, and a possible remote service item is searched for and identified from the OEM service storage means 94 from the OEM code.

When a possible service item is specified, the center side transmits an NSS signal as a remote service transfer command to the terminal side, and further transmits a TCF signal to perform line training. When the CFR signal, which is a remote service transfer response, is received from the terminal after the training, the center transmits to the terminal a command instructing the remote service specified by the OEM code. FIG.
In the example, the instruction is a shortened dial information read command. Thereafter, data is exchanged with the terminal according to the remote service communication procedure similar to that of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, and finally, the line is disconnected by the DCN signal of the terminal, and this communication ends.

As described above, the possible remote service items are specified based on the OEM code, so that a fine-grained remote service is possible.

Next, a communication procedure sequence when the OEM code is not displayed is shown in FIG. FIG.
The communication device on the terminal side of is not provided by the OEM,
It is assumed that the communication device is manufactured by a completely different manufacturer from the communication device on the center side.

When a call is requested from the center, the terminal transmits an NSF signal. This NSF signal includes OEM
The code is not displayed, and the OEM code reading means 90 on the center side which has received this signal transmits an unreadable message to the OEM service control means 97. The OEM service control means 97 having received this message,
If there is no code, check the soft switch for remote service availability. If the soft switch is disabled, the center sends a DCN signal to disconnect the line. The terminal receiving this DCN signal also disconnects the line. This ends the communication. Even if there is no OEM code, if the soft switch is executable, another remote service not depending on the OEM code is executed.

The first and second embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to only the above-described embodiments. For example, a facsimile apparatus is assumed as a communication apparatus in each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to a facsimile apparatus as long as a remote service is executed between a plurality of communication apparatuses.

Further, the communication protocol shown in this embodiment is not limited to G3, and the same can be applied to, for example, G4 protocol.

In addition, the configuration of the communication device, the flow of communication control, and the like can be arbitrarily and suitably changed.

[0115]

As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when a command to shift to the remote service is received in a device state in which a remote service instruction cannot be accepted, error registration is prohibited. In addition, since the communication line is disconnected after transmitting the line disconnection command to the communication device that has transmitted the shift instruction, even if the device state cannot accept the remote service, error registration can be prevented and normal termination can be performed. Is obtained.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when a command indicating transition to a remote service is received after transmitting a signal indicating a device state in which a remote service cannot be received to a partner device, the remote service can be received by re-detection. If the status is detected, the transmission to the partner device is performed again. Therefore, if the device state in which the remote service cannot be accepted during the communication is released, the partner device instructing the remote service re-calls. Thus, the remote service can be instructed without any trouble, and the effect of providing the remote service quickly can be obtained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, even when the remote device recognizes that the remote device is in a device state in which the remote service cannot be accepted, the remote service instruction signal is transmitted to the remote device, and a line disconnection command from the remote device is transmitted. Since the communication line is disconnected for the first time upon reception, an effect is obtained that the communication can be normally terminated even when the remote device cannot accept the remote service.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a re-call is performed when the partner device is in a transient state, and the re-call is prohibited in a continuous state. The effect of increasing the chances of providing a call and preventing unnecessary recalls can be obtained.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the communication device provided by the OEM capable of receiving the instruction of the remote service displays and transmits the OEM code. It is possible to inform the code, and it is possible to obtain an effect that a finer-grained remote service according to the OEM providing destination becomes possible.

In the invention according to claim 6, the communication device capable of instructing the remote service executes the remote service in accordance with the OEM code of the partner device. The effect of being able to instruct services is obtained.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the OEM of the partner machine can be used.
When the code is not read, whether or not to execute the remote service is switched, so that it is possible to cope with an abnormality in which the OEM code cannot be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of a communication device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a functional block diagram of a communication device on a terminal side;
(B) is a functional block diagram of the communication device on the center side.

FIG. 3 is an operation schematic diagram of a communication device on the center side.

FIG. 4 is an operation schematic diagram of a communication device on a terminal side.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a procedure sequence example (1) of a remote service.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example (2) of a procedure sequence of a remote service.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a sequence example (3) of a remote service procedure.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a procedure sequence example (4) of the remote service.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example (5) of a remote service procedure sequence.

10A is a functional block diagram of a communication device on the terminal side, and FIG. 10B is a functional block diagram of a communication device on the center side in the communication device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a remote service procedure sequence (6).
FIG.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a remote service procedure sequence (7).
FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 50 state detecting means 52 state displaying means 54 communication means 56 error preventing means 60 state recognizing means 62 communication ending means 64 discriminating means 66 recalling means 68 recalling inhibiting means

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-63-38367 (JP, A) JP-A-4-184368 (JP, A) JP-A-6-244996 (JP, A) JP-A-63-56057 (JP) JP-A-6-245043 (JP, A) JP-A-6-311290 (JP, A) JP-A-5-22480 (JP, A) JP-A-5-328089 (JP, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00 106 H04M 11/00 303

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A communication device capable of accepting a remote service instruction, a state detecting means for detecting an apparatus state of the communication apparatus, an error registering means for registering a communication error, and the state detecting means transmitting the remote service instruction. When detecting an unacceptable device state, if a transfer command to the remote service is received, registration of communication related to the transfer command to the remote service by the error registration unit is prohibited, and the transfer command A communication disconnection command to the communication device that has transmitted the command, and an error prevention unit that disconnects the communication line with the communication device that has transmitted the transfer command. 2. A transmitting means for transmitting a signal indicating a device state detected by the state detecting means, and a signal indicating the device state in which the transmitting means cannot accept a remote service is transmitted to a partner machine instructing a remote service. After the transmission, when receiving the transfer command to the remote service from the partner device, the state control unit controls the state detection unit to detect the device state again, and when the device state that can accept the remote service is detected, The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: control means for controlling the transmission means so as to transmit a signal indicating the device state to the partner device. 3. A communication device capable of instructing a remote service, comprising: a state recognizing means for recognizing a signal transmitted from a partner device and indicating a device state of the partner device; When it is recognized that the device state cannot accept the service, transmitting an instruction signal for instructing a remote service to the partner device,
A communication termination unit for disconnecting a communication line when receiving a line disconnection command from the partner device. 4. A re-calling means for making a call again to transmit an instruction signal for instructing a remote service to the other party after a lapse of a predetermined time since the communication ending means cuts off the communication line with the other party. When the partner device is in a device state in which the remote service cannot be accepted, the device state is a transient state that can be a device state in which the remote service can be accepted, or the remote state again without external intervention. Determining means for determining whether the state is a continuity state in which the service cannot be accepted; and, if the determining means determines that the device state of the partner device is the continuity state, the re-calling operation is performed. 4. The communication apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a re-call preventing means for prohibiting re-call by means. 5. A communication device provided by an OEM capable of receiving a remote service instruction, comprising: an OEM code storage unit for storing an OEM code for specifying an OEM providing destination of the communication device; An OEM code display unit for displaying an OEM code read from the OEM code storage unit on a transmission signal to the designated partner device, the communication device comprising: 6. A communication device capable of instructing a remote service, wherein: an OEM code reading means for reading an OEM code displayed on a received signal; and contents of a remote service predetermined for each OEM code are stored. OEM service storage means, and contents of a remote service corresponding to the OEM code read by the OEM code reading means are obtained from the OEM service storage means.
An OEM service control unit that performs communication control for instructing a partner device that has transmitted a signal including an M code. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said OEM code reading means comprises an OEM.
7. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: switching means for switching whether to execute a remote service when the code is not read.