JP5779981B2 - Communication device - Google Patents

Description

  The present specification discloses a communication apparatus connected to a network to which a plurality of devices are connected.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile phone connected to a network to which a plurality of devices are connected. When the user performs an operation on the mobile phone for acquiring the target phone book information, the mobile phone inquires whether or not the target phone book information is registered in order to a plurality of devices. Of the plurality of devices, the device in which the target phone book information is registered supplies the target phone book information to the mobile phone.

JP 2002-44223 A

  In the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the mobile phone has to repeat the inquiry to any one of a plurality of devices until the target phone book information is found. That is, the process until the mobile phone acquires the target phone book information is complicated. Therefore, the present specification provides a technology that can easily acquire an address stored in another device.

  The technology disclosed by this specification is a communication apparatus connected to a network to which N devices (N is an integer of 2 or more) including a first device and a second device are connected. Each of the N devices stores an address table in which addresses and address specifying information for specifying the addresses are registered in association with each other. The communication device includes a memory, an acquisition request reception unit, an extraction unit, and a specific process execution unit. For each of a plurality of addresses in N address tables of N devices, the memory specifies address specifying information for specifying the address and device specifying for specifying the device storing the address. A registration table in which information is registered in association with each other is stored. The registration table corresponds to the first address specifying information for specifying the first address and the first device specifying information for specifying the first device storing the first address. It is registered with it. The acquisition request receiving unit receives an acquisition request for acquiring the first address from the second device. When the acquisition request is received, the extraction unit extracts the first device specifying information associated with the first address specifying information from the registration table. The specifying process execution unit executes a specifying process for causing the second device to acquire the first address stored in the first device, using the extracted first device specifying information.

  Upon receiving the first address acquisition request from the second device, the communication device extracts the first device specifying information from the registration table. The communication apparatus executes a specifying process for causing the second device to acquire the first address stored in the first device, using the extracted first device specifying information. That is, when the communication apparatus receives the first address acquisition request from the second device, the communication apparatus can know the first device in which the first address is registered, and as a result, N devices. There is no need to inquire whether or not the first address is registered in each. For this reason, the second device can easily obtain the first address.

  The communication apparatus may further include a registration request reception unit, a table management unit, a selection unit, and a registration control unit. The registration request receiving unit stores second address specifying information for specifying the second address from the first device when the first device stores the second address in accordance with an instruction from the user. You may receive a registration request for registering. When the registration request is received, the table management unit may associate the second address specifying information with the first device specifying information and register them in the registration table. When the registration request is received, the selection unit may select one or more devices from N−1 devices excluding the first device among the N devices. The registration control unit may register the second address and the second address specifying information in association with each of one or more address tables of one or more selected devices. The table management unit may further register the second address specifying information and one or more device specifying information for specifying one or more selected devices in the registration table in association with each other. According to this configuration, the second address can be registered in two or more devices. As a result, for example, a specific device that wants to acquire the second address because the power of the first device is turned off acquires the second address stored in the first device. In a situation where this is not possible, the communication apparatus may cause the specific device to obtain a second address stored in the selected one or more devices.

  The table management unit may register predetermined information indicating that the first device is a registration request transmission source device in the registration table. According to this configuration, the communication apparatus can specify that the transmission source of the registration request for registering the second address is the first device using the predetermined information.

  The communication device may further include an erasure request receiving unit. The erasure request receiving unit may receive an erasure request for erasing the second address specifying information from any of the N devices from the registration table. When the device from which the erasure request is transmitted is the first device indicated by the predetermined information, the table management unit converts the second address specifying information and the second address specifying information from the registration table. Even if the first erasure process for erasing the associated first device identification information and the selected one or more device identification information associated with the second address identification information is executed Good. The registration control unit may execute a second erasure process for erasing the second address specifying information and the second address from one or more address tables of one or more selected devices. . If the device that is the source of the erase request is not the first device indicated by the predetermined information, the table management unit does not execute the first erase process, and the registration control unit It is not necessary to execute processing. According to this configuration, when the erasure request is received from the first device that is the transmission source device of the registration request, the communication apparatus executes the first and second erasure processes to obtain the second address The information regarding can be deleted appropriately. However, the communication apparatus does not execute the first and second erasure processes when an erasure request is received from a device different from the first device. For this reason, when an erasure request is received from a device different from the device that is the transmission source of the registration request, it is possible to avoid erasing information related to the second address.

  The communication apparatus may further include a table management unit, a selection unit, and a registration control unit. The table management unit specifies a third address for specifying a third address stored in the third device when a third device other than the N devices is newly connected to the network. The information may be registered in the registration table in association with the third device specifying information for specifying the third device. The selection unit may select one or more devices from the N devices when the third device is newly connected to the network. The registration control unit may register the third address and the third address specifying information in association with each of the address tables of one or more selected devices. The table management unit may further register the third address specifying information and one or more device specifying information for specifying one or more selected devices in the registration table in association with each other. According to this configuration, when the third device is newly connected to the network, the communication apparatus can appropriately register information regarding the third address stored in the third device.

  The communication apparatus may further include a broadcast unit, a table management unit, a selection unit, and a registration control unit. The broadcast unit repeats broadcasting a predetermined signal. The table management unit may delete the first device specifying information from the registration table when a response signal to the predetermined signal is not received from the first device. When the first device specifying information is deleted from the registration table, the selection unit selects one device from N−1 devices excluding the first device among the N devices. May be. When the first device specifying information is deleted from the registration table, the registration control unit associates the first address and the first address specifying information with the address table of one selected device. May be registered. The table management unit may further register the first address specifying information and the device specifying information for specifying one selected device in the registration table in association with each other. According to this configuration, the communication apparatus can register the first address with another device in a situation where communication with the first device storing the first address is impossible. As a result, a device that desires to obtain the first address can easily obtain the first address stored in the other device.

  The selection unit may preferentially select a device having a relatively large number of remaining addresses that can be registered as compared with a device having a relatively small number of remaining addresses that can be registered. According to this configuration, an address can be stored in a device having a relatively large storage capacity.

  The first address specifying information may include a character string. The acquisition request may include at least one character specified by a user of the second device. The extraction unit may extract the first device specifying information associated with the first address specifying information including at least one designated character from the registration table. According to this configuration, the communication apparatus can extract the first device specifying information using the character specified by the user. That is, the user can acquire the first address by designating a character on the second device.

  The specifying process execution unit acquires the first address stored in the first device from the first device using the extracted first device specifying information, and the acquired first device And processing for transmitting the address to the second device. According to this configuration, the second device can acquire the first address without communicating with the first device that stores the first address.

  The specific process execution unit acquires the communication information for communicating with the first device using the extracted first device specific information, and the process of transmitting the acquired communication information to the second device And may be executed. According to this configuration, the second device can acquire the first address by communicating with the first device that stores the first address.

  A control method, a computer program, and a storage medium storing the computer program for realizing the communication apparatus are also novel and useful. A system including the communication apparatus and the N devices is also new and useful.

The structure of a network system is shown. The flowchart of a table registration process is shown. The flowchart of a FAX number transmission process is shown. The flowchart of a device confirmation process is shown. The sequence diagram showing operation | movement of each apparatus regarding a table registration process is shown. The sequence diagram showing the operation | movement of each apparatus regarding a FAX number transmission process is shown. The sequence diagram showing the operation | movement of each apparatus regarding a device confirmation process is shown. The sequence diagram showing the operation | movement of each apparatus regarding a device confirmation process is shown. 7 is a flowchart of FAX number transmission processing according to the second embodiment. The sequence diagram showing operation | movement of each apparatus regarding the FAX number transmission process of 2nd Example is shown.

(Configuration of network system 2)
As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 2 includes a facsimile apparatus 10, a plurality of devices (three multi-function devices 100 to 300 in FIG. 1), and a plurality (three in FIG. 1) external FAX apparatuses. 72-76. The plurality of devices may not be a multi-function device, and may be devices such as a printer, a scanner, a facsimile machine, and a PC.

  The facsimile apparatus 10 and the plurality of external FAX apparatuses 72 to 76 are connected to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks) 70 and can communicate with each other via the PSTN 70.

  The facsimile apparatus 10 and the plurality of multi-function devices 100 to 300 are connected to the LAN 4 and can communicate with each other via the LAN 4. Each of the plurality of multi-function devices 100 to 300 stores address tables 110 to 310. In the address tables 110 to 310, the FAX numbers and names of the external FAX apparatuses 72 to 76 can be registered in association with each other. In each of the address tables 110 to 310, an index number and a registration flag are registered in further association with a FAX number and a name. The Index number is an identifier for identifying the corresponding FAX number, and is supplied from the facsimile apparatus 10.

  The registration flag is determined to be “0” or “1” by the multi-function devices 100 to 300 storing the address tables 110 to 310. For example, when the user operates the operation panel of the multi-function device 200, the FAX number (for example, “123-4444”) of the external FAX device 76 and the name of the external FAX device 76 are stored in the address table 210 of the multi-function device 200. (For example, “B10”) is assumed. In this case, the multi-function device 200 registers the FAX number and name input by the user in the address table 210. The multi-function device 200 further includes a registration flag associated with the FAX number in order to indicate that the FAX number is a fax number input by the user operating the operation panel of the multi-function device 200. “1” is registered in the address table 210.

  Further, for example, the multi-function device 200 addresses the FAX number (for example, “345-6666”) of the external FAX apparatus (not shown) and the name of the external FAX apparatus (for example, “B20”) from the facsimile apparatus 10. A registration instruction for registration in the table 210 may be received. In this case, the multi-function device 200 registers the FAX number and name in the address table 210 according to the registration instruction. The multi-function device 200 further sets a registration flag “0” in association with the FAX number in order to indicate that the FAX number is a FAX number registered in accordance with a registration instruction from the facsimile apparatus 10. Register at 210. Hereinafter, when the user operates the operation panel of the multi-function device to register the FAX number in the address table of the multi-function device, the multi-function device is referred to as “the registration source of the FAX number”. Called "multi-function machine".

  Since the plurality of multi-function devices 100 to 300 are not directly connected to the PSTN 70, the plurality of multi-function devices 100 to 300 and the plurality of external FAX apparatuses 72 to 76 are directly connected via the PSTN 70. Can't communicate. However, the plurality of multi-function devices 100 to 300 can transmit data to the plurality of external FAX apparatuses 72 to 76 via the facsimile apparatus 10. For example, the user causes the multi-function device 100 to read a document and generate facsimile data representing an image described on the document. Then, the user can input the FAX number (that is, “012-3333”) of the external FAX apparatus 72 to the multi-function device 100. The multi-function device 100 transmits the FAX number of the external FAX apparatus 72 and the facsimile data to the facsimile apparatus 10. In this case, the facsimile apparatus 10 designates the FAX number of the external FAX apparatus 72 as a transmission destination, and transmits facsimile data via the PSTN 70. As a result, the multi-function device 100 can transmit facsimile data to the external FAX apparatus 72 via the facsimile apparatus 10.

(Configuration of facsimile machine 10)
As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile machine 10 includes a LAN interface 12, a display unit 14, an operation unit 16, a PTN interface 18, and a control unit 20.

  The facsimile machine 10 communicates with the multi-function devices 100 to 300 connected to the LAN 4 via the LAN interface 12. The facsimile apparatus 10 communicates with external FAX apparatuses 72 to 76 connected to the PSTN 70 via the PSTN interface 18. The display unit 14 displays various information according to instructions from the control unit 20. The operation unit 16 includes a plurality of keys (start key, numeric keypad, etc.).

  The control unit 20 includes a CPU 22 and a memory 30. The CPU 22 executes various processes according to the program 32 stored in the memory 30. Thereby, the acquisition request receiving unit 50, the extracting unit 52, the specific process executing unit 54, the registration request receiving unit 56, the table management unit 58, the selection unit 60, the registration control unit 62, the erasure request receiving unit 64, and the broadcast unit 66 Each function is realized. The memory 30 stores a program 32, a registration table 40, and a device management table 42.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the registration table 40, an Index number, identification information of a multi-function device, a registration flag, and a name are registered in association with each other. In the device management table 42, the identification information of the multi-function device, the IP address of the multi-function device, and the remaining number of FAX numbers that can be registered in the address table of the multi-function device are registered.

(Processing executed by CPU 22)
The contents of processing executed by the CPU 22 will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Table registration process)
First, the contents of the table registration process will be described with reference to FIG. This process is started when the power of the facsimile apparatus 10 is turned on.

  The user operates a control panel of a specific multi-function device among the plurality of multi-function devices 100 to 300 to input a specific FAX number and a specific name (that is, the FAX number and name of an external FAX device). . In this case, the specific multi-function device (for example, the multi-function device 100) registers the specific FAX number and the specific name in its own address table (for example, the address table 110). The specific multi-function device transmits a registration request including the specific FAX number, the specific name, and the registration flag “1” to the facsimile apparatus 10. The registration request includes the IP address of the source multi-function device (that is, the specific multi-function device).

  In S12, the registration request receiving unit 56 monitors whether a registration request is received from any one of the plurality of multi-function devices 100 to 300. When the registration request is not received (NO in S12), S14 to S24 are skipped and the process proceeds to S26. When the registration request is received (YES in S12), in S14, the table management unit 58 determines whether or not the IP address included in the registration request is registered in the device management table 42.

  If the IP address is registered (YES in S14), S16 is skipped and the process proceeds to S18. On the other hand, when the IP address is not registered (NO in S14), in S16, the table management unit 58 executes a management table registration process. Specifically, the table management unit 58 obtains the remaining number of FAX numbers that can be registered in the address table of the multi-function device from the specific multi-function device that is the transmission source of the registration request. Next, the table management unit 58 determines unique identification information for identifying the specific multi-function device. The table management unit 58 registers the IP address included in the registration request, the remaining number of FAX numbers that can be registered, and the determined identification information in the device management table 42 (see FIG. 5) in association with each other.

  In S18, the table management unit 58 determines a new Index number corresponding to the FAX number received in S12. Specifically, the table management unit 58 determines a value obtained by adding “1” to the maximum Index number registered in the registration table 40 (see FIG. 5) as a new Index number. In S18, the table management unit 58 further transmits the determined index number to the specific multi-function device. Upon receiving the index number, the multi-function device registers the index number in the address table in association with the specific FAX number.

  Next, in S20, the selection unit 60 selects one multi-function device (hereinafter, the specific multi-function device) that is the transmission source of the registration request from the plurality of multi-function devices connected to the LAN 4. (Referred to as “selected multi-function device”). Actually, the selection unit 60 selects one of the plurality of multi-function device IP addresses registered in the device management table 42 other than the specific multi-function device IP address included in the registration request. Select an IP address. In particular, the selection unit 60 selects the IP address of the multi-function device having the largest number of FAX numbers that can be registered in the address table (that is, the IP address corresponding to the largest remaining number value). According to this configuration, the selection unit 60 can select a multi-function device having the largest remaining number that can be registered in the address table, that is, a multi-function device having a sufficient registration capacity in the address table. When the IP address in the device management table 42 is only the IP address included in the registration request in S12, the selection unit 60 waits until another one IP address is registered, and the other one. After registering the IP address, the process of S20 is executed.

  In S22, the registration control unit 62 designates the IP address selected in S20 (that is, the IP address of the selected multi-function device) as a transmission destination, the specific FAX number received in S12, and in S12. A registration instruction including the received specific name and the index number determined in S18 is transmitted.

  The selected multi-function device registers the FAX number, name, and Index number included in the received registration instruction in its own address table in association with each other. The selected multi-function device further registers a registration flag “0” in its own address table in association with the FAX number or the like included in the registration instruction.

  Next, in S24, the table management unit 58 updates the registration table 40 and the device management table 42. Specifically, the table management unit 58 uses the specific name (eg, “Z10”) included in the registration request received in S12, the index number (eg, “0”) determined in S18, Identification information (for example, “M100”) of a specific multi-function device and identification information (for example, identification information registered in the device management table 42 in association with the IP address selected in S20) "M200")) are registered in the registration table 40 in association with each other. The table management unit 58 further registers the registration flag “1” in the registration table 40 in association with the identification information (for example, “M100”) of the specific multi-function device. The table management unit 58 further registers the registration flag “0” in the registration table 40 in association with the identification information (for example, “M200”) of the selected multi-function device. Further, the table management unit 58 subtracts “1” from the numerical value indicating the remaining number registered in the device management table 42 in association with the identification information of the multi-function device selected in S20.

  In S26, the erasure request receiving unit 64 monitors reception of the erasure request. For example, the user operates the operation panel of the multi-function device 100 to execute an erasing operation for erasing an erasure target FAX number (hereinafter referred to as “target FAX number”) registered in the address table 110. can do. When the erasure operation is executed, the multi-function device 100 transmits an erasure request including the Index number corresponding to the target FAX number and its own IP address to the facsimile machine 10. Similarly, the multi-function devices 200 and 300 can transmit an erasure request to the facsimile machine 10 in accordance with an erasing operation by the user.

  If the erasure request is not received (NO in S26), the process returns to S12. On the other hand, when an erasure request is received (YES in S26), in S28, the table management unit 58 determines whether or not the multi-function device that has transmitted the erasure request is the multi-function device that is the registration source of the target FAX number. Judging. Specifically, the table management unit 58 specifies identification information corresponding to the IP address included in the deletion request from the device management table 42. Next, the table management unit 58 determines whether or not the registration flag “1” is registered in the registration table 40 in association with the combination of the Index number included in the erasure request received in S22 and the identified identification information. Determine whether. The table management unit 58 determines YES in S28 when the registration flag is “1”, and determines NO in S28 when the registration flag is “0”. If the IP address in the deletion request is not registered in the device management table 42, the deletion request receiving unit 64 deletes the deletion request and returns to S12.

  If YES in S28, the process proceeds to S34. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S28, in S30, the table management unit 58 determines whether or not the registration flag “1” is registered in the registration table 40 in association with the Index number included in the deletion request. If the registration flag “1” is not registered in the registration table 40, that is, if all the registration flags associated with the Index number included in the deletion request are “0” (NO in S30), the process proceeds to S34. move on. Note that when all the registration flags corresponding to the Index number are “0”, the multi-function device that is the registration source of the FAX number (that is, the target FAX number) corresponding to the Index number is connected to the LAN 4 so as to be communicable. This may occur when there is no such event (NO in S74 of FIG. 4; for example, when the power is turned off). On the other hand, when the registration flag “1” is registered (YES in S30), in S32, the control unit 20 notifies the multi-function device that has transmitted the deletion request that the FAX number cannot be deleted. Then, the process returns to S12. In this case, the multi-function device does not delete the target FAX number or the like in its own address table.

  In S34, the registration control unit 62 transmits an instruction to delete the FAX number corresponding to the Index number included in the deletion request received in S26. Specifically, the registration control unit 62 identifies two pieces of identification information corresponding to the Index number included in the erasure request from the registration table 40, and two IP addresses corresponding to the two pieces of identified identification information. Are identified from the device management table 42. Next, the registration control unit 62 designates each of the two specified IP addresses as a transmission destination and transmits an erasure instruction. The erase instruction includes an Index number corresponding to the FAX number to be erased. In this case, when receiving the delete instruction, the multi-function device deletes the Index number included in the delete instruction, the FAX number associated with the Index number, and the like from its own address table.

  In S36, the table management unit 58 stores the Index number included in the erasure request received in S26 and each piece of information (identification information, etc.) registered in the registration table 40 in association with the Index number. Erase from In S36, the table management unit 58 further sets “1” to a numerical value indicating the remaining number registered in the device management table 42 in association with one of the two IP addresses specified in S34. Is added. Similarly, the table management unit 58 adds “1” to the numerical value indicating the remaining number registered in the device management table 42 in association with the other IP address, and returns to S12.

(FAX number transmission process)
Next, the contents of the FAX number transmission process will be described with reference to FIG. This process is started when the power of the facsimile apparatus 10 is turned on. The user can employ either of the following two methods in order to designate an external FAX apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “target external FAX apparatus”) as a destination of facsimile data. (1) For example, the user inputs one or more characters included in the name of the target external FAX apparatus to the multi-function device 200. (2) For example, the user does not input one or more characters, and a display operation for displaying a list (address list) of all FAX numbers registered in the multi-function device connected to the LAN 4 Execute.

  When the above (1) is executed, the multi-function device transmits an acquisition request including input characters to the facsimile machine 10. On the other hand, when the above (2) is executed, the multi-function device transmits an address list acquisition request to the facsimile machine 10.

In S <b> 52, the acquisition request receiving unit 50 monitors reception of an acquisition request from any one of the plurality of multi-function devices 100 to 300.
In the case of YES here, in S54, the extraction unit 52 determines whether or not an input character is included in the acquisition request received in S52. If the source IP address included in the acquisition request is not registered in the device management table 42, the acquisition request receiving unit 50 deletes the acquisition request and returns to S52. When an input character is included in the acquisition request (YES in S54), in S56, the extraction unit 52 associates the name of the external FAX apparatus whose input character is included in the head portion from the registration table 40. One or more index numbers are specified, and the process proceeds to S60. On the other hand, when the acquisition request does not include an input character (that is, when information indicating that no character is input is included) (NO in S54), the extraction unit 52 stores the registration table 40 in S58. All registered Index numbers are specified, and the process proceeds to S60.

  In S60, the extraction unit 52 selects one Index number from the specified one or more Index numbers. Next, in S <b> 61, the extraction unit 52 extracts identification information associated with the selected index number from the registration table 40. Here, normally, two pieces of identification information are extracted for one index number.

  In S62, the specific process execution unit 54 includes the identification information of the multi-function device (hereinafter referred to as “target multi-function device”) of the transmission source of the acquisition request in the extracted two pieces of identification information. Judge whether or not. The extraction unit 52 identifies the identification information registered in the device management table 42 in association with the IP address of the target multi-function device included in the acquisition request as the identification information of the target multi-function device. If the identification information of the target multi-function device is included (YES in S62), the process proceeds to S68.

  On the other hand, when the identification information of the target multi-function device is not included (NO in S62), in S63, the specific process execution unit 54 uses one of the two identification information extracted in S61. An attempt is made to acquire the FAX number of the Index number selected in S60 from the identified multi-function device. Specifically, the specifying process execution unit 54 first specifies each IP address corresponding to the one piece of identification information from the device management table 42. Next, the specific process execution unit 54 specifies the specified IP address as a transmission destination, and transmits a transmission request for a FAX number including the Index number selected in S60. When receiving the transmission request, the multi-function device specifies a FAX number corresponding to the Index number included in the transmission request from its own address table. Next, the multi-function device transmits the specified FAX number to the facsimile machine 10. In S <b> 64, the specific process execution unit 54 determines whether or not a FAX number has been acquired as a response to the transmission request. When the FAX number is acquired (YES in S64), the process proceeds to S68.

  On the other hand, if the FAX number is not acquired as a response to the transmission request, the specific process execution unit 54 determines NO in S64. The case where NO is determined in S64 is a case where the one multi-function device is not connected to the LAN 4 so as to be communicable. In this case, in S66, the specific process execution unit 54 receives the FAX of the index number selected in S60 from the other multi-function device identified by the other identification information among the two pieces of identification information extracted in S61. The number is acquired and the process proceeds to S68. The method for acquiring the FAX number from the other multi-function device is the same as the method for acquiring the FAX number from the one multi-function device. According to this configuration, the facsimile apparatus 10 can acquire a FAX number from the other multi-function device even in a situation where the one multi-function device is not connected to the LAN 4 so as to be communicable. it can.

  In S68, the control unit 20 determines whether all the Index numbers specified in S56 or S58 have been selected in S60. If an unselected Index number remains (NO in S68), the process returns to S60. On the other hand, if all index numbers have been selected (YES in S68), in S70, the specific process execution unit 54 transmits the combination of the FAX number and name to the target multi-function device, and ends the process. , Return to S52. The specifying process execution unit 54 specifies the name corresponding to the acquired FAX number from the registration table 40 using the Index number selected in S60.

  When the target multi-function device transmits an acquisition request, the target multi-function device specifies a name and a FAX number in which the character input by the user is included in the head part from its own address table. However, when the display operation is executed, the target multi-function device specifies all FAX numbers and names registered in its own address table. When the target multi-function device receives the FAX number and name from the facsimile apparatus 10, the target multi-function device displays a list including the combination of the specified FAX number and name and the combination of the received FAX number and name. Create and display on the display.

(Device confirmation processing)
Next, the contents of the device confirmation process will be described with reference to FIG. This process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle when the power of the facsimile apparatus 10 is turned on. First, in S <b> 72, the broadcast unit 66 broadcasts a confirmation signal for confirming whether or not a device capable of communication exists to the LAN 4. When receiving a confirmation signal, the multi-function device (for example, the multi-function device 100) connected to the LAN 4 so as to be communicable transmits a response signal to the confirmation signal to the facsimile apparatus 10. The response signal includes the IP address of the multi-function device that is the transmission source.

  In S 74, the table management unit 58 determines whether response signals have been received from all the multi-function devices registered in the device management table 42. Specifically, the table management unit 58 determines whether or not the IP address is registered in the device management table 42 for each of one or more IP addresses included in the received one or more response signals. Judging. If all the IP addresses registered in the device management table 42 are included in the received one or more response signals, the table management unit 58 determines YES in S74 and proceeds to S86.

  On the other hand, when all the IP addresses registered in the device management table 42 are not included in the received one or more response signals, the table management unit 58 determines NO in S74 and proceeds to S76. . The situation determined as NO in S74 is a situation where the multi-function device (for example, the multi-function device 100) registered in the device management table 42 cannot connect to the facsimile apparatus 10 via the LAN 4 (for example, the multi-function device 100). Is turned off).

  Hereinafter, among the IP addresses registered in the device management table 42, an IP address that is not included in one or more received response signals is referred to as a “specific IP address”. In S76, the table management unit 58 associates the specific IP address, the specific identification information associated with the specific IP address, and the specific IP address from the device management table 42. Delete the remaining number. Furthermore, when the specific identification information is registered in the registration table 40, the table management unit 58 displays the specific identification information and a registration flag associated with the specific identification information. Delete from the registration table 40.

  Next, in S78, the table management unit 58 determines whether or not there is an Index number associated with only one piece of identification information from the registration table 40. If there is no Index number associated with only one piece of identification information (NO in S78), the process proceeds to S86.

  On the other hand, if there is an Index number associated with only one piece of identification information (hereinafter referred to as “specific index number”) (YES in S78), the process proceeds to S80. In S80, the control unit 20 acquires a FAX number specified by the specific index number. Specifically, the control unit 20 specifies one piece of identification information (hereinafter referred to as “specific identification information”) associated with the specific index number from the registration table 40. Next, the control unit 20 specifies the IP address associated with the specific identification information from the device management table 42. Next, the control unit 20 designates the identified IP address as a transmission destination, and transmits a transmission request including the specific index number. In this case, when the multi-function device receives the transmission request, the multi-function device specifies the FAX number associated with the specific index number included in the transmission request from its own address table and transmits it to the facsimile machine 10. To do. As a result, the control unit 20 acquires a FAX number.

  Next, in S82, the selection unit 60 selects one multi-function device (that is, one multi-function device) other than the multi-function device corresponding to the specific identification information among the plurality of multi-function devices connected to the LAN 4. IP address). The method of selecting the multi-function device is the same as S20 in FIG. In S84, the registration control unit 62 specifies the IP address selected in S82 as a transmission destination, and associates it with the FAX number acquired in S80, the specific index number, and the specific index number. The registration instruction including the name registered in the registration table 40 is transmitted, and the process proceeds to S86. When receiving the registration instruction, the multi-function device associates the FAX number, the Index number, and the name included in the registration instruction with each other and registers them in its own address table. The multi-function device further registers a registration flag “0” in association with the FAX number or the like included in the registration instruction. When the plurality of index numbers correspond to only one piece of identification information (YES in S78), the control unit 20 executes the processes of S80 to S84 for each of the plurality of index numbers.

  In S86, the table management unit 58 determines whether a response signal has been received from a device not registered in the device management table 42. Specifically, the table management unit 58 determines whether an IP address that is not registered in the device management table 42 is included in one or more IP addresses included in the received one or more response signals. Judging. If no response signal is received from the unregistered multi-function device (NO in S86), the process returns to S72.

  On the other hand, when a response signal is received from an unregistered multi-function device (YES in S86), that is, when a new device (for example, multi-function device 500 in FIG. 1) is connected to the LAN 4 so as to be communicable, S88. The control unit 20 designates the IP address (that is, the IP address of the unregistered multi-function device) included in the response signal received from the unregistered multi-function device (that is, a new device) as the transmission destination. The transmission request for the FAX number registered in the address table stored in the new device is transmitted. The new device that has received the transmission request transmits the combination of the FAX number, name, and registration flag in its address table to the facsimile apparatus 10. Note that, when an index number is registered in the address table, the new device transmits a combination that further includes the index number to the facsimile apparatus 10. When a plurality of FAX numbers are registered in its own address table, the new device transmits a plurality of combinations corresponding to the plurality of FAX numbers to the facsimile apparatus 10. When response signals are received from a plurality of unregistered multi-function devices in S86, the control unit 20 executes the processes of S88 to S98 described later for each of the plurality of unregistered multi-function devices. .

  The case where the index number is registered in the address table of the new device means, for example, that the new device is connected to the facsimile apparatus 10 in the past so as to be able to communicate with the facsimile apparatus 10 and receives the index number from the facsimile apparatus 10. This is the case.

  The device that has received the acquisition request transmits information indicating that the FAX number is not registered to the facsimile apparatus 10 when the FAX number is not registered in its own address table.

  The table management unit 58 further acquires the remaining number of FAX numbers that can be registered in the address table and the new device. Next, the table management unit 58 determines identification information unique to the new device. The table management unit 58 registers the acquired IP address, the determined identification information, and the acquired remaining number of registerable FAX numbers in the device management table 42 in association with each other.

  In S90, the CPU 22 monitors for a predetermined time that the FAX number is received in response to the transmission request in S88. If the FAX number is not received before the predetermined time elapses (NO in S90), the process returns to S72. On the other hand, when a FAX number is received (YES in S90), in S92, the table management unit 58 determines whether a name that is not registered in the registration table 40 is included among the names received in S90. Judging. When a plurality of FAX numbers are received in S90, the table management unit 58 executes the processes of S92 to S100 described later for each of the plurality of FAX numbers.

  If the unregistered name is not included in the registration table 40 (NO in S92), the process returns to S72. On the other hand, if an unregistered name is included in the registration table 40 (YES in S92), in S94, the table management unit 58 newly determines an Index number, and uses the determined Index number as a new S86. Specify the IP address of the device as the destination and send it. S94 to S98 are the same as S18 to S22 of FIG. However, in S96, a multi-function device other than the new device in S86 is selected. When S98 ends, the process proceeds to S100.

  In S100, the table management unit 58 updates each of the tables 40 and 42. When the registration instruction is transmitted in S84, the table management unit 58 registers the identification information of the multi-function device selected in S82 and the registration flag “0” in association with the Index number specified in S78. Register in table 40. Further, the table management unit 58 subtracts 1 from the remaining number corresponding to the IP address selected in S82 in the device management table 42.

  When a registration instruction is transmitted in S98, the table management unit 58 associates the identification number determined in S86 with the index number determined in S94, and the registration flag received in S90. Are registered in the registration table 40. Further, the table management unit 58 registers the identification information of the multi-function device selected in S96 and the registration flag “0” in the registration table 40 in association with the Index number determined in S94. Further, the table management unit 58 subtracts 1 from the remaining number corresponding to the IP address selected in S96 in the device management table 42. When S100 ends, the process returns to S72.

(Description of operation of each device)
With reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, the contents of the operation of the device in the network system 2 for the processing of the facsimile apparatus 10 will be described.

(Case where a registration request is received from the multi-function device 100: corresponding to FIG. 2)
FIG. 5 shows the contents of the operation of each device relating to the table registration processing of FIG. In FIG.
It is assumed that no information is registered in each of the tables 40 and 42 of the facsimile apparatus 10 and no FAX number is registered in the address tables 110 to 310 of the multi-function devices 100 to 300.

  The user of the multi-function device 100 operates the operation panel of the multi-function device 100 and inputs the FAX number “000-0000” and the name “Z10”. The multi-function device 100 registers the input FAX number, the input name, and the registration flag “1” in the address table 110 in association with each other. Next, the multi-function device 100 transmits a registration request including the FAX number “000-0000”, the name “Z10”, and the registration flag “1” to the facsimile machine 10.

  When the registration request is received by the registration request receiving unit 56 (YES in S12 of FIG. 2), the table management unit 58 acquires the remaining number “19” of FAX numbers that can be registered in the address table 110 (FIG. 2). S16). Next, the table management unit 58 determines “M100” as identification information of the multi-function device 100 (S16). The table management unit 58 associates the IP address “XX.XX.XX”, the identification information “M100”, and the remaining number “19” of the multi-function device 100 and registers them in the device management table 42 (S16).

  Next, the table management unit 58 determines “0” as the Index number corresponding to the FAX number “000-0000” (S18 in FIG. 2), and transmits it to the multi-function device 100 (S18). The multi-function device 100 registers the index number “0” in the address table 110 in association with the FAX number “000-0000”.

  Further, the selection unit 60 selects the IP address of the multi-function device 200 from the multi-function devices registered in the device management table 42 (S20 in FIG. 2). When the IP address of the multi-function device 200 is registered in the device management table 42, the selection unit 60 executes a process of selecting the IP address of the multi-function device 200. Next, the registration control unit 62 designates a registration instruction including the FAX number “000-0000”, the name “Z10”, and the Index number “0” as the destination of the IP address of the multi-function device 200. It transmits to the machine 200 (S22 of FIG. 2).

  Upon receiving the registration instruction, the multi-function device 200 registers the FAX number “000-0000”, the name “Z10”, and the index number “0” included in the registration instruction in the address table 210. Furthermore, the multi-function device 200 registers the registration flag “0” in the address table 210 in association with the FAX number “000-0000”.

  Next, the table management unit 58 associates the name “Z10” with the index number “0”, the combination of the identification information “M100” and the registration flag “1”, and the identification information “M200” and the registration flag “1”. The combination of “0” is registered in the registration table 40 (S24 in FIG. 2). In addition, the table management unit 58 subtracts 1 from the remaining number associated with the selected multi-function device 200.

  By executing the same operation as described above for the multi-function device 200 and the multi-function device 300, the identification information, the IP address, and the remaining number of the multi-function devices 100 to 300 are registered in the device management table 42. . In the registration table 40, information corresponding to a plurality of index numbers is registered.

  According to this configuration, the FAX number “000-0000” stored in the multi-function device 100 can be stored in the other multi-function device 200. As a result, even when the facsimile apparatus 10 and the multi-function device 100 cannot communicate, the FAX number “000-0000” can be acquired from the multi-function device 200.

(Case where an erase request is received from the multi-function device 200: corresponding to FIG. 2)
The user of the multi-function device 200 can execute an erasing operation for deleting the FAX number “000-0000” registered in the address table 210 on the multi-function device 200. When the erasing operation is executed, the multi-function device 200 transmits an erasing request including the index number “0” corresponding to the FAX number “000-0000” to the facsimile machine 10. At this stage, the multi-function device 200 does not delete the information corresponding to the FAX number “000-0000” and the FAX number “000-0000” from the address table 210.

  When the deletion request is received by the deletion request receiving unit 64 (YES in S26 of FIG. 2), the table management unit 58 specifies the identification information “M200” of the multi-function device 200 from the device management table 42 (FIG. 2). S28). Here, the registration flag associated with the combination of the identification information “M200” and the index number “0” of the multi-function device 200 is “0” (NO in S28 of FIG. 2). Furthermore, a registration flag “1” is registered in association with the index number “0” (YES in S30 of FIG. 2). For this reason, the table management unit 58 determines that the FAX number “000-0000” cannot be deleted. The control unit 20 notifies the multi-function device 200 that erasure is impossible (S32 in FIG. 2). As a result, the multi-function device 200 does not delete the FAX number “000-0000” from the address table 210. That is, the state where the FAX number “000-0000” is registered in the two multi-function devices 100 and 200 is maintained.

(Case of receiving an erasure request from the multi-function device 100: corresponding to FIG. 2)
When the user of the multi-function device 100 deletes the FAX number “000-0000” in the address table 110, the multi-function device 100 corresponds to the FAX number “000-0000”. An erasure request including the index number “0” is transmitted to the facsimile machine 10. At this stage, the multi-function device 100 does not delete the information corresponding to the FAX number “000-0000” and the FAX number “000-0000” from the address table 110.

  When the deletion request is received by the deletion request receiving unit 64 (YES in S26 of FIG. 2), the table management unit 58 specifies the identification information “M100” of the multi-function device 100 from the device management table 42 (FIG. 2). S28). Here, the registration flag corresponding to the combination of the identification information “M100” of the multi-function device 100 and the index number “0” is “1” (YES in S28 of FIG. 2). The registration control unit 62 transmits, to each of the multi-function devices 100 and 200, an erasure instruction indicating that the FAX number corresponding to the index number “0” is erased from the address tables 110 and 210 (S34 in FIG. 2). . By confirming the registration flag, the facsimile machine 10 can easily identify the multi-function device that is the transmission source of the registration request with the FAX number “000-0000”.

  The table management unit 58 deletes the index number “0” and the information corresponding to the index number “0” from the registration table 40 (S36 in FIG. 2). The table management unit 58 adds 1 to the remaining number corresponding to “M100” and “M200” in the device management table 42 (S36 in FIG. 2).

  According to this configuration, when the facsimile apparatus 10 receives an erasure request for the FAX number “000-0000” from the multi-function device 100 that is the transmission source of the registration request, the facsimile apparatus 10 appropriately receives information regarding the FAX number “000-0000”. Can be erased. However, when the erasure request is received from the multi-function device 200 different from the multi-function device 100, the facsimile machine 10 does not cause the multi-function devices 100 and 200 to delete the FAX number, and the FAX number “000” is registered from the registration table 40. -0000 "is not deleted. For this reason, when an erasure request is received from a multi-function device 200 different from the multi-function device 100 that is the transmission source of the registration request, it is possible to avoid erasing information related to the FAX number “000-0000”. it can.

(Case where number request is received from multi-function device 200: corresponding to FIG. 3)
As shown in FIG. 6, the user of the multi-function device 200 inputs the character “A” into the multi-function device 200. The multi-function device 200 transmits an acquisition request including the input character “A” to the facsimile machine 10.

  When the acquisition request is received by the acquisition request receiving unit 50 (YES in S52 of FIG. 3), the extraction unit 52 indicates that the input character “A” included in the acquisition request (YES in S54 of FIG. 3) One or more Index numbers associated with the names included are specified (S56 in FIG. 3). That is, the index number “1” corresponding to the name “A10”, the index number “3” corresponding to the name “A20”, and the index number “5” corresponding to the name “A30” are specified.

  Next, the extraction unit 52 selects one index number “1” from the identified index numbers “1”, “3”, and “5” (S60 in FIG. 3), and sets the index number “1”. Corresponding identification information “M100” and “M300” are extracted from the registration table 40 (S61 in FIG. 3). Next, the specific process executing unit 54 determines that the specified identification information “M100” and “M300” do not include the identification information “M200” of the multi-function device 200 that is the transmission source of the acquisition request (FIG. 3 NO at S62). The identification process execution unit 54 identifies the IP address “XX.XX.XX” corresponding to the identification information “M100” from the device management table 42 (S64 in FIG. 3). Then, the specific process execution unit 54 designates the IP address “XX.XX.XX” as a transmission destination, and transmits a transmission request for a FAX number including the index number “1” (S64).

  Upon receiving the transmission request, the multi-function device 100 identifies the FAX number “012-3333” corresponding to the Index number “1” included in the FAX number request from the address table 110 (see FIG. 1), and the facsimile machine 10 to send. The specific process execution unit 54 acquires a combination of the FAX number “012-3333” and the Index number “1” transmitted from the multi-function device 100 (YES in S64 of FIG. 3).

  Subsequently, when the same processing as described above is executed for the selected index number “3” (S60 in FIG. 3), the specific processing execution unit 54 designates the IP address “ZZ.ZZ.ZZ” as the transmission destination. Then, the transmission request for the FAX number including the index number “3” is transmitted (S64 in FIG. 3).

  Upon receiving the transmission request, the multi-function device 300 identifies the FAX number “234-5555” corresponding to the Index number “3” included in the FAX number request from the address table 310 (see FIG. 1), and the facsimile machine 10 to send. The specific process execution unit 54 acquires a combination of the FAX number “234-5555” and the index number “3” transmitted from the multi-function device 100 (YES in S64 of FIG. 3).

  Since the index number “5” is not selected (NO in S68 in FIG. 3), the extraction unit 52 selects the index number “5” (S60 in FIG. 3), and the identification corresponding to the index number “5”. Information “M200” and “M400” are extracted from the registration table 40 (S61 in FIG. 3). Next, the identification processing execution unit 54 includes the identification information “M400” of the multi-function device 200 that is the transmission source of the acquisition request in the identified identification information “M200” and “M400” (FIG. 3). No, the FAX number of Index number “5” is not acquired.

  The identification process execution unit 54 identifies the names “A10” and “A20” corresponding to each FAX number from the registration table 40 using each Index number (S70 in FIG. 3). The specific process execution unit 54 transmits the combination of the FAX number “012-3333” and the name “A10” and the combination of the FAX number “234-5555” and the name “A30” to the multi-function device 200 ( S70).

  When the combination of the FAX number and the name is acquired from the facsimile apparatus 10, the multi-function device 200 creates a list by combining the combination of the FAX number and the name “A30” registered in the address table 210. And display on the display. According to this configuration, the multi-function device 200 allows each of a plurality of multi-function devices connected to the LAN 4 to receive a fax number corresponding to a condition specified by the user (a name beginning with the letter “A”). The FAX number can be acquired without inquiring whether the FAX number conforming to (1) is registered.

(Case where the multi-function device 100 and the facsimile machine 10 cannot communicate with each other: corresponds to FIG. 4)
As shown in FIG. 7, the broadcast unit 66 periodically broadcasts a confirmation signal via the LAN 4 (S72 in FIG. 4). The multi-function devices 200 and 300 that are communicably connected to the LAN 4 transmit a response signal to the facsimile apparatus 10 when receiving the confirmation signal. Since the power of the multi-function device 100 is turned off, the table management unit 58 cannot receive a response signal from the multi-function device 100.

  The table management unit 58 determines that the IP address “XX.XX.XX” of the multi-function device 100 does not exist in the IP address of the transmission source included in the received response signal (NO in S74 of FIG. 4). ), The IP address “XX.XX.XX”, the identification information “M100”, and the remaining number “18” are deleted from the device management table 42 (S76 in FIG. 4). Next, the table management unit 58 deletes the registration flag “1” corresponding to the identification information “M100” from the registration table 40 (S76). As a result, the identification information corresponding to the index number “1” in the registration table 40 is only “M300” (YES in S78 of FIG. 4).

  The control unit 20 transmits the FAX number including the index number “1” to the multi-function device 300 identified by the identification information “M300” in order to obtain the FAX number “012-3333” of the index number “1”. The request is transmitted (S80 in FIG. 4). The multi-function device 300 identifies the FAX number “012-3333” corresponding to the Index number “1” included in the received transmission request from the address table 310 (see FIG. 1). The multi-function device 300 transmits the FAX number “012-3333” to the facsimile machine 10.

  When the FAX number “012-3333” is acquired (S80 in FIG. 4), the selection unit 60 selects the IP address “YY.YY.YY” corresponding to the largest remaining number “16” from the device management table 42. Is selected (S82 in FIG. 4). Next, the registration control unit 62 designates the selected IP address “YY.YY.YY” as a transmission destination, and includes a FAX number “012-3333”, an Index number “1”, and a name “A10”. An instruction is transmitted (S84 in FIG. 4).

  When receiving the FAX number “012-3333”, the Index number “1”, and the name “A10”, the multi-function device 200 registers them in the address table 210 (see FIG. 1). The multi-function device 200 further registers a registration flag “0” in association with the FAX number “012-3333”.

  The table management unit 58 registers the identification information “M200” and the registration flag “0” corresponding to the selected IP address “YY.YY.YY” in the registration table 40 in association with the index number “1”. (S100 in FIG. 4). The table management unit 58 subtracts 1 from the remaining number “16” associated with the selected IP address “YY.YY.YY” (S100 in FIG. 4).

  According to this configuration, the facsimile machine 10 can register the FAX number “012-3333” in the multi-function device 200 even if it cannot communicate with the multi-function device 100. As a result, a device that desires to acquire the FAX number “012-3333” can appropriately acquire the FAX number “012-3333” stored in the multi-function device 200.

(Case where multi-function device 500 and facsimile apparatus 10 are newly communicable: corresponding to FIG. 4)
As shown in FIG. 8, when a response signal is received as a response to the confirmation signal from the multi-function device 500 that is not registered in the device management table 42 (YES in S86 of FIG. 4), the control unit 20 The IP address “UU.UU.UU” included in the response signal of device 500 is designated as the transmission destination, and a transmission request is transmitted (S88 in FIG. 4).

  Upon receiving the transmission request, the multi-function device 500 sends the FAX number “456-7777”, the name “D10”, and the registration flag “1” registered in the address table 510 (see FIG. 1) to the facsimile machine 10. Send. The table management unit 58 acquires the remaining number “17” of the FAX number from the multi-function device 500, determines the identification information “M500”, and registers it in the device management table 42.

  When the FAX number “456-7777” or the like is received (YES in S90 of FIG. 4), the table management unit 58 determines the Index number corresponding to the FAX number “456-7777” and transmits it to the multi-function device 500. (S94 in FIG. 4). Next, the selection unit 60 selects the IP address “YY.YY” corresponding to the largest remaining number “15” among the remaining numbers other than the identification information “M500” of the multi-function device 500 from the device management table 42. .YY ”is selected (S96 in FIG. 4). Next, the registration control unit 62 designates the selected IP address “YY.YY.YY” as a transmission destination and performs registration including a FAX number “456-7777”, an Index number “6”, and a name “D10”. An instruction is transmitted (S98 in FIG. 4).

  When receiving the FAX number “456-7777”, the Index number “6”, and the name “D10”, the multi-function device 200 registers them in the address table 210 (see FIG. 1).

  The table management unit 58 registers the index number “6”, the identification information “M500”, the registration flag “1”, and the name “D10” in association with each other in the registration table 40, and the index number “6” and the identification information “M200”. And the registration flag “0” are registered in the registration table 40 in association with each other (S100 in FIG. 4). According to this configuration, the FAX number registered in the multi-function device 500 that is newly communicably connected to the LAN 4 can be used from another device (for example, the multi-function device 200). Further, in a situation where the FAX number “456-7777” stored in the multi-function device 500 cannot be acquired, the facsimile apparatus 10 can acquire the FAX number “456-7777” from the multi-function device 200. it can. Further, the table management unit 58 subtracts 1 from the remaining number “15” associated with the selected IP address “YY.YY.YY” (S100 in FIG. 4).

(Effect of this embodiment)
When the facsimile apparatus 10 receives the FAX number acquisition request from the multi-function device 200, the facsimile apparatus 10 can use the registration table 40 to identify the identification information of the device in which the desired FAX number is registered. The facsimile machine 10 can cause the multi-function device 200 to acquire a FAX number registered in the device having the specified identification information. According to this configuration, the multi-function device 200 does not need to inquire whether or not a desired FAX number is stored in each of the other multi-function devices connected to the LAN 4. Can be reduced. As a result, the multi-function device 200 can easily obtain a desired FAX number.

  Further, the plurality of multi-function devices 100 to 300 can acquire FAX numbers that are not registered in their own address tables 110 to 310. As a result, it is possible to reduce the FAX numbers registered in each of the multi-function devices 100 to 300. Thereby, it is not necessary to increase the memory capacity of the multi-function devices 100 to 300. Further, if the facsimile apparatus 10 stores the registration table 40 and the device management table 42, it is not necessary to store the FAX number. As a result, the memory 30 of the facsimile apparatus 10 can be made smaller than when the FAX number itself is stored.

(Correspondence)
The facsimile apparatus 10 is an example of a “communication apparatus”. The multi-function device 100 and the multi-function device 200 are examples of “first device” and “second device”. Each of the FAX number, name, and identification information is an example of “address”, “address specifying information”, and “device specifying information”. The registration flag “1” is an example of predetermined information. The confirmation signal is an example of a “predetermined signal”.

  The multi-function device 100 is an example of a “first device”, the multi-function device 200 is an example of a “second device”, and the multi-function device 500 is an example of a “third device”.

(Second embodiment)
Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the contents of the FAX number transmission process are different from those in the first embodiment.

(FAX number transmission process)
With reference to FIG. 9, the FAX number transmission process of the second embodiment will be described. The processing of S252 to S262 is the same as the processing of S52 to S62 in FIG. In S264, the specifying process execution unit 54 specifies the IP address corresponding to the identification information extracted in S261 from the device management table 42. That is, here, normally, two IP addresses are specified for one Index number. The process of S268 is the same as the process of S68 of FIG. In S270, the specific process execution unit 54 sets the combination of the Index number and two IP addresses corresponding to the Index number for each of the one or more Index numbers, and the multifunction of the transmission source of the acquisition request in S252. To the machine and finish the process.

  The multi-function device that has acquired the IP address selects one of the two IP addresses corresponding to one Index number. Then, the multi-function device designates one of the selected IP addresses as a transmission destination and transmits a FAX number acquisition request. The acquisition request includes the corresponding Index number. The multi-function device that has received the FAX number acquisition request identifies the FAX number corresponding to the Index number included in the acquisition request from the address table. Next, the specified FAX number and the name corresponding to the FAX number are transmitted to the multi-function device that has transmitted the acquisition request. Accordingly, the multi-function device that is the transmission source of the acquisition request can acquire a desired FAX number. When the FAX number is not acquired as a response to the acquisition request, the multi-function device that has transmitted the acquisition request selects the other IP address of the two IP addresses corresponding to one Index number. The multi-function device that is the transmission source of the acquisition request designates the other selected IP address as the transmission destination, and transmits a FAX number acquisition request. Thereby, the FAX number can be acquired.

(Case where number request is received from multi-function device 200: corresponding to FIG. 9)
As shown in FIG. 10, when the acquisition request is received by the acquisition request receiving unit 50 (YES in S252 of FIG. 9), the extraction unit 52 inputs the input character “A” in the acquisition request (YES in S254 of FIG. 9). ) Identifies Index numbers “1”, “3”, and “5” corresponding to the names included in the head portion (S256 in FIG. 9).

  Next, the extraction unit 52 selects one index number “1” from the identified index numbers “1”, “3”, and “5” (S260 in FIG. 9), and sets the index number “1”. Corresponding identification information “M100” and “M300” are extracted from the registration table 40 (S261 in FIG. 9). Next, the specific process executing unit 54 determines that the specified identification information “M100” and “M300” do not include the identification information “M200” of the multi-function device 200 that is the transmission source of the acquisition request (FIG. No. 9 at S262).

  The identification processing execution unit 54 identifies the IP addresses “XX.XX.XX” and “ZZ.ZZ.ZZ” corresponding to the identification information “M100” and “M300” from the device management table 42 (FIG. 9). S264). Similarly, for the selected index number “3”, the specific process execution unit 54 sets the IP addresses “ZZ.ZZ.ZZ” and “VV.VV.VV” corresponding to the identification information “M300” and “M400”. Is specified from the device management table 42 (S264 in FIG. 9).

  When the index number “5” is selected (S260 in FIG. 9), the extraction unit 52 extracts the identification information “M200” and “M400” corresponding to the index number “5” from the registration table 40 (FIG. 9). 9 S261). Next, the identification processing execution unit 54 includes the identification information “M200” of the multi-function device 200 that is the transmission source of the acquisition request in the identified identification information “M200” and “M400” (FIG. 9). No, the IP address is not specified (S264 in FIG. 9 is skipped).

  The specific process execution unit 54 includes a combination of the index number “1”, the IP address “XX.XX.XX”, and “ZZ.ZZ.ZZ”, the index number “3”, and the IP address “ZZ.ZZ.ZZ”. And “VV.VV.VV” are transmitted to the multi-function device 200 (S270 in FIG. 9).

  When the combination of the Index number and the IP address is acquired from the facsimile apparatus 10, the multi-function device 200 designates the IP address “XX.XX.XX” as the transmission destination and transmits a transmission request for the FAX number. The transmission request includes the index number “1”. When receiving the FAX number request, the multi-function device 100 stores the FAX number “012-3333” and the name “A10” corresponding to the Index number “1” included in the transmission request, and the address table 110 (see FIG. 1). ) And transmitted to the multi-function device 200.

  The multi-function device 200 further designates the IP address “ZZ.ZZ.ZZ” as a transmission destination, and transmits a FAX number transmission request. The transmission request includes the index number “3”. When the FAX number request is received, the multi-function device 300 receives the FAX number “234-5555” and the name “A20” corresponding to the Index number “3” included in the FAX number request, and the address table 310 (FIG. 1). And then transmitted to the multi-function device 200.

  When the combination of the FAX number and the name is acquired from the multi-function devices 100 and 300, the multi-function device 200 combines the combination of the FAX number and the name “A30” registered in the address table 210, and creates a list. Is created and displayed on the display. According to this configuration, the multi-function device 200 allows each of a plurality of multi-function devices connected to the LAN 4 to receive a fax number corresponding to a condition specified by the user (a name beginning with the letter “A”). The FAX number can be acquired without inquiring whether the FAX number conforming to (1) is registered. The IP address is an example of “communication information”.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described in detail, these are only illustrations and do not limit a claim. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.

(Modification)
(1) In the above embodiment, the facsimile machine 10 acquires the FAX number to be registered during the table registration process (FIG. 2). However, the facsimile machine 10 does not have to acquire the FAX number to be registered during the table registration process. For example, when a FAX number is input from the user, the multi-function device 100 does not include the FAX number to be registered, and sends a registration request including the input name and the determined registration flag “1” to the facsimile machine 10. May be sent to. The facsimile machine 10 may determine the index number and select a multi-function device that registers the FAX number. The facsimile machine 10 may transmit the determined index number and the IP address of the selected multi-function device to the multi-function device 100. The multi-function device 100 may register the received index number in the address table 110 in association with the FAX number to be registered. Further, the multi-function device 100 may transmit the registration request including the FAX number, the name, and the index number by designating the received IP address as the transmission destination.

(2) In the above embodiment, the facsimile machine 10 includes two of the multi-function devices connected to the LAN 4 (hereinafter, N multi-function devices are connected (N is an integer of 2 or more)). The same FAX number is registered in the multi-function device. However, the same FAX number may be stored in M multi-function devices (M is an integer of 2 or more and N-1 or less) among N multi-function devices. That is, generally speaking, when a registration request is received, the selection unit 60, among N devices, out of N−1 devices excluding the first device that is the transmission source of the registration request. , M-1 devices may be selected. The registration control unit 62 may register the address and the address specifying information in association with the M−1 address tables of the selected M−1 devices. The table management unit 58 may register the address specifying information and the M−1 device specifying information for specifying the selected M−1 devices in the registration table in association with each other.

(3) In the above embodiment, the facsimile machine 10 causes the multi-function device to acquire a FAX number, triggered by an input operation of one or more characters to the multi-function device by the user. However, when an operation for transmitting facsimile data by a user (for example, an operation for selecting a facsimile function or an operation for setting a document for facsimile data in the multifunction device) is executed, the multi-function device performs an address list. An acquisition request (that is, a list of all FAX numbers registered in the multi-function device connected to the LAN 4) may be transmitted to the facsimile machine 10.

(4) In the above embodiment, the registration table 40 registers the index number, identification information, and name in association with each other. However, the index number, the IP address of the multi-function device, and the name may be registered in the registration table 40 in association with each other. In this case, the memory 30 may not store the device management table 42. In this modification, the process may be executed using the IP address of the multi-function device instead of the identification information of the above-described embodiment. In this modification, the IP address of the multi-function device is an example of “device identification information”.

(5) The “address” may not be a FAX number, but may be a mail address, SIP URI, or the like.

(6) In the above embodiment, the selection unit 60 has selected the IP address of the multi-function device having the largest number of remaining FAX numbers that can be registered in the address table. You may select with priority.

(7) In the above embodiment, each unit 50 to 66 is realized by the CPU 22 executing the process according to the program 32. At least one of the units 50 to 66 is realized by hardware such as a logic circuit. May be.

(8) The “communication device” may not be a facsimile device, but may be a communication device such as a PC, a printer, a server, or a PDA. Further, the “communication device” may not be able to communicate with the external FAX device 72 or the like via the PSTN 70. In this case, a plurality of devices (for example, the multi-function devices 100 to 300) may be connected so as to be communicable with the external FAX apparatus 72 or the like via PSTN or the like.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

2: network system, 10: facsimile machine, 20: control unit, 30: memory, 32: program, 40: registration table, 42: device management table, 50: acquisition request receiving unit, 52: extraction unit, 54: specific processing Execution unit 56: Registration request reception unit 58: Table management unit 60: Selection unit 62: Registration control unit 64: Deletion request reception unit 66: Broadcast unit 100-300: Multi-function device 110-310 : Address table

Claims (10)

A communication apparatus connected to a network to which N devices (the N is an integer of 2 or more) including a first device and a second device are connected,
Each of the N devices stores an address table in which an address and address specifying information for specifying the address are registered in association with each other,
The communication device
For each of a plurality of addresses in the N address tables of the N devices, address specifying information for specifying the address, device specifying information for specifying the device storing the address, Is a memory for storing a registration table registered in association with each other, wherein the registration table stores first address specifying information for specifying a first address and the first address. The first device specifying information for specifying the first device is registered in association with the memory,
An acquisition request receiving unit for receiving an acquisition request for acquiring the first address from the second device;
An extraction unit for extracting the first device identification information associated with the first address identification information from the registration table when the acquisition request is received;
A specific process execution unit that executes a specific process for causing the second device to acquire the first address stored in the first device using the extracted first device specific information; ,
When the first device stores the second address in accordance with an instruction from the user, second address specifying information for specifying the second address is registered in the registration table from the first device. A registration request receiving unit for receiving a registration request to
A table management unit for registering the second address specifying information and the first device specifying information in association with each other when the registration request is received;
When the registration request is received, a selection unit that selects one or more devices from among N-1 devices excluding the first device among the N devices,
A registration control unit for registering the second address and the second address specifying information in association with each of the one or more address tables of the selected one or more devices;
The table management unit further registers the second address specifying information and one or more device specifying information for specifying the selected one or more devices in the registration table in association with each other. , communication device. The communication apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the table management unit registers predetermined information indicating that the first device is a transmission source device of the registration request in the registration table. An erasure request receiving unit for receiving an erasure request for erasing the second address specifying information from any one of the N devices from the registration table;
When the device that is the source of the erasure request is the first device indicated by the predetermined information,
The table management unit adds the second address specifying information, the first device specifying information associated with the second address specifying information, and the second address specifying information from the registration table. Executing a first erasure process for erasing the one or more selected device identification information that is associated with the selected one or more device identification information;
The registration control unit performs a second erasure process for erasing the second address specifying information and the second address from the one or more address tables of the one or more selected devices. Run,
When the device that is the source of the erasure request is not the first device indicated by the predetermined information,
The table management unit does not execute the first erasing process,
The registration control unit does not execute the second erasing process, the communication apparatus according to claim 2. A communication apparatus connected to a network to which N devices (the N is an integer of 2 or more) including a first device and a second device are connected,
Each of the N devices stores an address table in which an address and address specifying information for specifying the address are registered in association with each other,
The communication device
For each of a plurality of addresses in the N address tables of the N devices, address specifying information for specifying the address, device specifying information for specifying the device storing the address, Is a memory for storing a registration table registered in association with each other, wherein the registration table stores first address specifying information for specifying a first address and the first address. The first device specifying information for specifying the first device is registered in association with the memory,
An acquisition request receiving unit for receiving an acquisition request for acquiring the first address from the second device;
An extraction unit for extracting the first device identification information associated with the first address identification information from the registration table when the acquisition request is received;
A specific process execution unit that executes a specific process for causing the second device to acquire the first address stored in the first device using the extracted first device specific information; ,
Third address specifying information for specifying a third address stored in the third device when a third device other than the N devices is newly connected to the network; A table management unit for registering the third device specifying information for specifying the third device in the registration table in association with each other;
A selection unit for selecting one or more devices from the N devices when the third device is newly connected to the network;
A registration control unit for registering the third address and the third address specifying information in association with each of the address tables of the one or more selected devices,
The table management unit further registers the third address specifying information and one or more device specifying information for specifying the selected one or more devices in the registration table in association with each other. , communication device. A communication apparatus connected to a network to which N devices (the N is an integer of 2 or more) including a first device and a second device are connected,
Each of the N devices stores an address table in which an address and address specifying information for specifying the address are registered in association with each other,
The communication device
For each of a plurality of addresses in the N address tables of the N devices, address specifying information for specifying the address, device specifying information for specifying the device storing the address, Is a memory for storing a registration table registered in association with each other, wherein the registration table stores first address specifying information for specifying a first address and the first address. The first device specifying information for specifying the first device is registered in association with the memory,
An acquisition request receiving unit for receiving an acquisition request for acquiring the first address from the second device;
An extraction unit for extracting the first device identification information associated with the first address identification information from the registration table when the acquisition request is received;
A specific process execution unit that executes a specific process for causing the second device to acquire the first address stored in the first device using the extracted first device specific information; ,
A broadcast unit that repeats broadcasting a predetermined signal;
A table management unit for deleting the first device identification information from the registration table when a response signal to the predetermined signal is not received from the first device;
When the first device specifying information is deleted from the registration table, one device is selected from N−1 devices excluding the first device among the N devices. A selection section;
When the first device specifying information is deleted from the registration table, the first address and the first address specifying information are associated with the address table of the selected one device. And a registration control unit for registering,
The table management unit further registers the first address specifying information and device specifying information for specifying the selected one device in the registration table in association with each other . The selection unit is different from the registerable remaining address number is relatively small device, the device can be registered remaining number address is relatively large, preferentially selected, one of claims 1 to 5 one The communication device according to item. A communication apparatus connected to a network to which N devices (the N is an integer of 2 or more) including a first device and a second device are connected,
Each of the N devices stores an address table in which an address and address specifying information for specifying the address are registered in association with each other,
The communication device
For each of a plurality of addresses in the N address tables of the N devices, address specifying information for specifying the address, device specifying information for specifying the device storing the address, Is a memory for storing a registration table registered in association with each other, wherein the registration table stores first address specifying information for specifying a first address and the first address. The first device specifying information for specifying the first device is registered in association with the memory,
An acquisition request receiving unit for receiving an acquisition request for acquiring the first address from the second device;
An extraction unit for extracting the first device identification information associated with the first address identification information from the registration table when the acquisition request is received;
A specific process execution unit that executes a specific process for causing the second device to acquire the first address stored in the first device using the extracted first device specific information; , equipped with a,
The first address specifying information includes a character string,
The acquisition request includes at least one character specified by a user of the second device;
The communication device , wherein the extraction unit extracts the first device specifying information associated with the first address specifying information including the specified at least one character from the registration table . A communication apparatus connected to a network to which N devices (the N is an integer of 2 or more) including a first device and a second device are connected,
Each of the N devices stores an address table in which an address and address specifying information for specifying the address are registered in association with each other,
The communication device
For each of a plurality of addresses in the N address tables of the N devices, address specifying information for specifying the address, device specifying information for specifying the device storing the address, Is a memory for storing a registration table registered in association with each other, wherein the registration table stores first address specifying information for specifying a first address and the first address. The first device specifying information for specifying the first device is registered in association with the memory,
An acquisition request receiving unit for receiving an acquisition request for acquiring the first address from the second device;
An extraction unit for extracting the first device identification information associated with the first address identification information from the registration table when the acquisition request is received;
A specific process execution unit that executes a specific process for causing the second device to acquire the first address stored in the first device using the extracted first device specific information; , equipped with a,
The specific process is:
A process of acquiring the first address stored in the first device from the first device using the extracted first device specifying information;
And a process of transmitting the acquired first address to the second device. A communication apparatus connected to a network to which N devices (the N is an integer of 2 or more) including a first device and a second device are connected,
Each of the N devices stores an address table in which an address and address specifying information for specifying the address are registered in association with each other,
The communication device
For each of a plurality of addresses in the N address tables of the N devices, address specifying information for specifying the address, device specifying information for specifying the device storing the address, Is a memory for storing a registration table registered in association with each other, wherein the registration table stores first address specifying information for specifying a first address and the first address. The first device specifying information for specifying the first device is registered in association with the memory,
An acquisition request receiving unit for receiving an acquisition request for acquiring the first address from the second device;
An extraction unit for extracting the first device identification information associated with the first address identification information from the registration table when the acquisition request is received;
A specific process execution unit that executes a specific process for causing the second device to acquire the first address stored in the first device using the extracted first device specific information; , equipped with a,
The specific process is:
Processing for acquiring communication information for communicating with the first device using the extracted first device specifying information;
And a process of transmitting the acquired communication information to the second device. A computer program for a communication apparatus connected to a network to which N devices (N is an integer of 2 or more) including a first device and a second device are connected,
Each of the N devices stores an address table in which an address and address specifying information for specifying the address are registered in association with each other,
The communication apparatus specifies, for each of a plurality of addresses in the N address tables of the N devices, address specifying information for specifying the address and a device storing the address. Is a memory for storing a registration table registered in association with each other, wherein the registration table includes first address specifying information for specifying a first address, and the first And the first device specifying information for specifying the first device storing the address of
The computer program is stored in a computer installed in the communication device.
An acquisition request reception process for receiving an acquisition request for acquiring the first address from the second device;
An extraction process for extracting the first device specifying information associated with the first address specifying information for specifying the first address from the registration table when the acquisition request is received When,
The identification process for causing the second device to acquire the first address stored in the first device, the identification being performed using the extracted first device identification information processing and, to the execution,
The specific process is:
A process of acquiring the first address stored in the first device from the first device using the extracted first device specifying information;
And a process of transmitting the acquired first address to the second device .

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