JP4144592B2 - Communication terminal device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication terminal device such as an Internet facsimile machine and a program thereof, and particularly to confirmation of a connection status of a router.

When a communication terminal device such as an Internet facsimile device uses PPPoE (P to P Protocol) or the like and performs transmission processing via WAN (Wide Area Communication Network) via ISP (Internet Provider), the router device performs DSL (Digital (Subscriber Line) It must be connected to the WAN by a modem or the like. If a trouble such as disconnection occurs in the DSL modem, a connection error occurs and transmission processing cannot be executed. In this case, the transmission process from the communication terminal device ends without being executed, so the user needs to wait until the connection becomes normal. Patent Document 1 discloses that when a failure occurs in a node of the network system, polling to the node is stopped.
JP 2000-47961 A

The problem of the communication terminal device according to the present invention is appropriately dealt with by confirming the connection state between the router device and the WAN according to whether or not the global address of the router device has been acquired before execution of transmission processing from the communication terminal device. It is to make it possible (claims 1 to 3). And in the invention of claim 1, when it is detected that the connection state is abnormal, wait for connection state is restored successfully, Ru near it that allows reliably transmitting process.
An additional problem in the invention of claim 2 is to detect an abnormal connection state of the router device and perform reconnection to the WAN before transmission processing occurs.
Furthermore, the problem of the communication terminal device of the invention of claim 3 is that when it is detected that the connection state is abnormal, the user instructs reconnection processing between the router device and the WAN when it is necessary to immediately perform transmission processing. Thus, the transmission processing is performed promptly, and when the transmission processing can be waited, the transmission processing is performed after the connection state becomes normal.

In the communication terminal device of the present invention, in a communication terminal device connected to a WAN via a router device, a connection state detection command for detecting a connection state between the router device and the WAN is sent to the router device. A connection state detection unit configured to detect the connection state based on whether or not a global address of the apparatus has been acquired, and a standby unit to wait for transmission processing when the connection state detection unit detects an abnormality in the connection state When the connection state detection means detects that the connection state is normal by obtaining the global address of the router device, the connection state detection unit performs transmission processing to the router device and sets the global address of the router device. Upon detecting that the connection state can not be acquired is abnormal, the transmission process on standby by the standby unit, before In standby means, the connection state detected by the connection state detecting means at a predetermined timing, the connection state is characterized in that to perform the waiting is allowed transmission processing when successfully recovered.
Note that connection status abnormalities can be broadly divided into cases where the communication path is normal and there is an abnormality in the state of the communication destination device, and cases where there is an abnormality in the communication path. In order to detect, the connection state on the WAN side of the router device, for example, the connection state of the DSL modem connected to the router is detected.

Preferably, the connection state detection unit detects the connection state between the router device and the WAN at a predetermined timing even when there is no transmission processing to wait, and performs the reconnection processing between the router device and the WAN. A reconnection instruction means for instructing the router apparatus is provided, and when the connection state abnormality is detected, a reconnection instruction command is transmitted to the router apparatus .

The communication terminal device according to the present invention sends a connection state detection command for detecting a connection state between the router device and the WAN to the router device in the communication terminal device connected to the WAN via the router device, A connection state detection unit configured to detect the connection state based on whether or not the global address of the router device has been acquired is provided, and the connection state is normal by acquiring the global address of the router device in the connection state detection unit. When it is detected that the connection state is detected, the transmission processing to the router device is performed, and when the global state of the router device cannot be acquired and the connection state is detected to be abnormal, the connection state abnormality is notified to the user. Further, when the connection state abnormality is detected, the router device is instructed to perform reconnection processing between the router device and the WAN. A reconnection instruction means is provided to enable the user who has received the notification to select execution of the reconnection instruction means, and the user can select a reconnection instruction command by selecting the reconnection instruction means. When it is sent to the router device and reconnection between the router device and the WAN is successful, transmission processing to the router device is performed, and if reconnection is not possible, the user is notified of an abnormal connection state, and the user is reconnected. When the execution of the instruction unit is selectable and the user does not select the reconnection instruction unit, the connection state is detected by the connection state detection unit at a predetermined timing, and the transmission process is performed when the connection state is restored normally. If the connection state is detected to be abnormal, the reconnection instruction means sends a reconnection instruction command to the router device to reconnect the router device and the WAN. And characterized in that (claim 3).

In the communication terminal device of the present invention, the connection state between the router device and the WAN can be detected prior to transmission or periodically. When a connection state abnormality is detected, the transmission process is set to a standby state. For this reason, the processing does not end as a transmission error unlike the conventional case. The transmission process is set in a standby state, and the connection state is repeatedly detected at a predetermined timing until the connection state is normally restored, and an unexecuted transmission process is executed after the connection state is normally restored. For this reason, even if an unprocessed transmission process occurs, the transmission process can be reliably performed when the connection state is restored normally (claims 1 and 2 ).

In the invention of claim 2, since the communication terminal device periodically detects the connection state even when there is no transmission processing, and sends a reconnection instruction command when a connection state abnormality is detected, the connection between the router device and the WAN. Can be established in advance.
  In the communication terminal device according to the third aspect of the invention, the user can know the detection of the connection state abnormality by the error notification, and can know at least that the transmission process is not performed. Then, the user can select whether to send the reconnection instruction command and perform the transmission process immediately, or to perform the transmission process after the connection state is restored. Even when the user does not rush the transmission process and send the reconnection instruction command, the transmission process can be surely performed after the connection state becomes normal.

  In the following, an optimum embodiment for carrying out the invention will be shown.

  1 to 7 show an embodiment using the Internet facsimile machine 2 as an example. In FIG. 1, a plurality of Internet facsimile machines 2 and personal computers 4 are connected to a router 8 via a LAN 6. The router 8 is connected to the WAN 12 via the DSL modem 10. The Internet facsimile machine 2 according to the embodiment is a facsimile machine for G3 and the Internet, and is a scanner for both printer and facsimile when viewed from the personal computer 4, and is driven from the personal computer 4 as a network scanner connected to the LAN 6. it can.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the Internet facsimile machine 2. Reference numeral 20 denotes a main control unit, and reference numeral 22 denotes a LAN interface for connecting to the LAN 6. A display unit 24 includes a display such as an LCD, and an operation unit 26 includes, for example, a touch panel provided on the LCD display and input keys such as a numeric keypad. A scanner unit 28 reads an original image, and a printer unit 30 prints an image received on a recording sheet or an image read by the scanner unit 28. An image memory 32 stores image data compressed for facsimile communication, and a RAM 34 stores uncompressed image data and other data. A ROM 36 stores a control program and the like. A network control device for establishing a connection with a public telephone network (PSTN), a modem for facsimile transmission / reception, and the like are not shown.

  Reference numeral 38 denotes a connection state detection unit which sends a command for detecting the connection state between the router 8 and the WAN 12 to the router 8 and obtains the connection state of the router 8 by a reply from the router 8. Here, if the global address of the router 8 is returned in response to the connection state detection command sent to the router 8, it is assumed that the router is normally connected. Reference numeral 40 denotes a connection error notification unit. When a connection abnormality is detected by the connection state detection unit 38, the connection error notification unit 40 displays this on the display unit 24 or outputs an error report to the personal computer 4 to notify the user.

A transmission processing unit 42 performs transmission processing of a job for which a transmission instruction has been issued when the connection is normal, and transmits a transmission file from the router 8 to a partner apparatus (not shown) via the WAN. 44 is a reconnection instruction unit.
・ When a user who is notified of an error in connection error inputs reconnection to the router 8,
・ When a connection error is detected by the connection status detection unit 38,
A reconnection instruction command is sent to the router 8. In the embodiment, the user refers to an operator of an Internet facsimile machine, a client of a personal computer, or the like. A transmission job reservation unit 46 registers a transmission job as a standby state when a connection abnormality is detected, manages the registered transmission reservation job, and retransmits the job when the transmission start time elapses. Reference numeral 48 denotes a timer for managing the reservation time.

  The transmission management program of the embodiment is stored in a recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, and is read and executed by an auxiliary storage drive (not shown). Alternatively, the program may be downloaded from the Internet or the like via the LAN 6 and stored in the ROM 36 or the like.

  FIG. 3 shows a transmission management program 60 of the Internet facsimile machine. The transmission management program 60 includes a connection status detection command 70 for detecting the connection status of the router, a connection error notification command 80 for outputting an error notification when the connection is abnormal, and a transmission when the connection is normal. A transmission processing instruction 90 for performing job transmission processing, a reconnection instruction instruction 100 for instructing the router to reconnect when there is a transmission abnormality, and a transmission job is set in a standby state due to a connection abnormality, and the transmission start time is When the time has elapsed, a transmission job reservation instruction 110 for instructing transmission processing is provided. The transmission processing instruction 90 may not be provided.

  4 and 5 show the confirmation of the connection state that is performed prior to the execution of the transmission job. The connection status may be confirmed periodically, for example, regardless of whether there is a transmission job. If the connection is abnormal, the transmission job is waiting and the next transmission start time is reserved. If there is a transmission instruction to the Internet facsimile machine (S1) and immediate transmission is not instructed, the transmission job is reserved and placed in a standby state (S2, S3). If immediate transmission is instructed, a connection state detection command is sent to the router in order to confirm the connection state of the router prior to transmission processing. If a global address of the router is received in response to this command, the router has been assigned a global address from, for example, a DHCP server, the connection is normal, a transmission job is executed, and the transmission process is terminated (S4˜). S6). However, when the global address is not received or when an error code or the like is received from the router, the router connection is abnormal and the transmission job is returned to the reserved state (standby state) (S4 to S7).

FIG. 5 shows processing in the standby state. When the transmission start time of a job reserved for transmission elapses, transmission processing is performed after the connection state is confirmed. The transmission start time is a reserved time determined for each job. For example, the transmission start time may be set uniformly in the Internet facsimile machine, for example, after 5 minutes, or transmission processing may be performed at an appropriate time interval such as every 10 minutes. The user may set it to be performed. In the figure, if there is a transmission job whose start time has passed, the connection state of the router is confirmed as in the case of FIG. 1 (S10, S11). If the connection is normal, transmission processing is performed (S12, S13). If a connection abnormality is detected, the start time of the next transmission processing is set in the same manner, and the standby state is set again (S12, S14).

  Next, the case where the user gives a reconnection instruction to the router when the connection is abnormal will be described with reference to FIGS. The user inputs a reconnection instruction from the operation unit 26 of the Internet facsimile machine 2 or from the personal computer 4. If there is a transmission instruction in the Internet facsimile machine (S20), the connection state of the router is confirmed prior to the transmission process (S21). If the connection is normal, the transmission job is executed and the transmission process is terminated (S22 to S24). If the connection is abnormal, a connection error notification is sent from the display unit 24 or the personal computer 4 (S25). In response to this notification, when there is no reconnection instruction from the user, a transmission job is reserved (S26, S27). If there is a reconnection instruction from the user, a reconnection instruction command is sent to the router (S28). The reconnection instruction command includes, for example, designating a reconnection URL to the router.

  If the router is reconnected, transmission processing is performed (S29, S23), and if the reconnection fails, a connection error is notified to the user again (S29, S25). Note that the Internet facsimile apparatus may detect the connection state periodically, for example, and automatically send a reconnection instruction command to the router when a connection abnormality is detected.

  FIG. 7 shows processing when a transmission job is reserved without a reconnection instruction in step 27. If there is a transmission job whose start time has passed, a connection state detection command is sent to confirm the connection state of the router (S30, S31). If the connection is normal, transmission processing is performed (S32, S33). If a connection abnormality is detected, the Internet facsimile apparatus notifies the user of a connection error (S34) and sends a reconnection instruction command to the router (S35). ). Here, the reason for notifying the user of the connection error is to inform the user of the state of the instructed transmission process. If the reconnection is successful, the transmission job is executed (S36, S33). If the reconnection is not possible, the start time of the next transmission process is set, and the standby state is set again (S36, S37).

According to the embodiment, since the connection state of the router is detected prior to transmission from the Internet facsimile machine or periodically, transmission processing is not performed due to a connection abnormality and an error state is not caused. In the embodiment, when the connection is abnormal, the transmission job is set in a standby state, and the transmission process is performed again after a predetermined time or the like, so that unnecessary processing is not performed. Further, when the user is notified of the connection abnormality, the user can know the connection abnormality of the router, and can take a fine action according to the state. For example, in the case of a router connection error, instruct the router to send a reconnection instruction command and try to reconnect, and if it recovers, send it immediately, or simply wait for recovery in the reserved state be able to.

The figure which shows the connection of the Internet facsimile machine of the example and the router etc. Block diagram showing the configuration of the Internet facsimile machine of the embodiment Block diagram showing the configuration of the transmission management program in the Internet facsimile machine of the embodiment The flowchart which shows the algorithm of the transmission processing in the Internet facsimile machine of the execution example The flowchart which shows the algorithm of the processing of the transmission job which is waiting at the time of abnormal connection in the Internet facsimile machine of the embodiment The flowchart which shows the algorithm of the transmission process by the reconnection instruction | indication at the time of a connection abnormality in the internet facsimile apparatus of an Example The flowchart which shows the algorithm of the process by the reconnection instruction | indication of the transmission job waiting at the time of abnormal connection in the internet facsimile apparatus of an Example

Explanation of symbols

2 Internet facsimile machine 4 Personal computer 6 LAN
8 Router 10 DSL modem 12 WAN
20 Main control unit 22 LAN interface 24 Display unit 26 Operation unit 28 Scanner unit 30 Printer unit 32 Image memory 34 RAM
36 ROM
38 Connection location detection unit 40 Connection error notification unit 42 Transmission processing unit 44 Reconnection instruction unit 46 Transmission job reservation unit 48 Timer 60 Transmission management program 70 Connection state detection command 80 Connection error notification command 90 Transmission processing command 100 Connection command command 110 Transmission Job reservation instruction

Claims (3)

In a communication terminal device connected to a WAN via a router device,
A connection configured to send a connection state detection command for detecting a connection state between the router device and the WAN to the router device and detect the connection state based on whether or not the global address of the router device has been acquired. State detection means;
A standby unit for waiting for transmission processing when the connection state detection unit detects an abnormality in the connection state;
In the connection state detection means, when it is detected that the connection state is normal by obtaining the global address of the router device, a transmission process to the router device is performed,
When the global address of the router device cannot be acquired and the connection state is detected to be abnormal, the transmission process is made to wait by the standby unit,
The communication terminal characterized in that the standby means detects the connection state by the connection state detection means at a predetermined timing, and performs the waiting transmission processing when the connection state is restored normally. apparatus. The connection state detection means detects the connection state between the router device and the WAN at a predetermined timing even when there is no waiting transmission process.
  A reconnection instruction means for instructing the router device to perform reconnection processing between the router device and the WAN;
  2. The communication terminal device according to claim 1, wherein when a connection state abnormality is detected, a reconnection instruction command is transmitted to the router device. In a communication terminal device connected to a WAN via a router device,
A connection configured to send a connection state detection command for detecting a connection state between the router device and the WAN to the router device and detect the connection state based on whether or not the global address of the router device has been acquired. Providing a state detection means,
In the connection state detection means, when it is detected that the connection state is normal by obtaining the global address of the router device, a transmission process to the router device is performed,
When the global address of the router device cannot be acquired and the connection state is detected to be abnormal, the user is notified of the connection state abnormality, and when the connection state abnormality is detected, the router device and the WAN Providing reconnection instruction means for instructing the router device to perform reconnection processing,
For the user who has received the notification, the execution of the reconnection instruction means can be selected,
When a reconnection instruction command is sent to the router device by the user's selection of the reconnection instruction means, and when the reconnection between the router device and the WAN is successful, a transmission process to the router device is performed,
If reconnection is not possible, the user is notified of the abnormal connection state, and the user can select to execute the reconnection instruction means .
When the user does not select the reconnection instruction means, the connection state detection means detects the connection state at a predetermined timing, and when the connection state is restored normally, transmission processing is performed and the connection state is abnormal. The communication terminal apparatus is characterized in that, when a message is detected, the reconnection instruction means sends a reconnection instruction command to the router apparatus to reconnect the router apparatus and the WAN.