JP2000196845A - Facsimile equipment and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a center device coping with an F code at a low cost by preparing job execution management information through acquisition of prescribed communication resource information for each facsimile communication which is executed in a multiplex communication management means based on job management information and accessing the same box by plural facsimile communications. SOLUTION: When the preservation of the image information of all pages is completed, file management information is prepared, and the file management information, page management information and block management information are respectively preserved in a management information area provided in a system memory 2 or an image storage device 9. In this case, when an image information file is newly prepared, one job file is prepared and preserved in the system memory 2. The job file is composed of the file number of a corresponding image file, a communication mode relating to the image information file and the various kinds of other information required for communication related to the image information file.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having at least one box in which an F-code is registered and having an F-code compatible center device function, and a control method therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called F-code compatible center apparatus having at least one box in which an F-code is registered and using the box to execute various services such as confidential reception and selective polling transmission. Has been put to practical use.

When such an F-code compatible center device is used, services such as confidential reception and bulletin boards can be transferred from a different type of facsimile device of a different manufacturer (such a facsimile device is referred to as an “F-code compatible device”). Since you can use the reception function and bulletin board function,
A wide range of services will be available, and usability of facsimile communication will be greatly improved.

[0004]

In such an F-code compatible center device, a confidential reception request from a large number of F-code compatible devices and a selective polling reception request for using a bulletin board can be smoothly performed. In order to enable quick processing, it is conceivable to provide a function of accommodating a plurality of lines and performing a communication operation independently for each line.

On the other hand, a conventional facsimile center device having a plurality of lines and capable of independently executing a plurality of communication operations has a very large device configuration and has a dedicated control program and the like. The equipment cost is large, and this conventional facsimile center
If diverted to a cord-compatible center device, there is a problem that the cost of the device becomes extremely large.

On the other hand, to add a function for accommodating a plurality of lines and independently performing a plurality of communication operations to an F-code compatible center device using only one line, a considerably large-scale control is required. It is necessary to change the program, and in this case also, the cost of the apparatus increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus capable of realizing an F-code compatible center apparatus while minimizing the apparatus cost and a control method thereof.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a facsimile apparatus having at least one box in which an F-code is registered and having a function of an F-code-compatible center device, in which a plurality of lines are accommodated and each line is provided. Multiplex communication management means capable of performing independent facsimile communication and job management information composed of predetermined management information for the box, respectively, based on the job management information,
For each facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means, predetermined communication resource information to be used when executing the facsimile communication is obtained, and job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information is created. And
Outputting the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means, thereby controlling the allocation of communication resources to each facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means; Means for accessing the same box by a plurality of facsimile communication means.

Also, a facsimile apparatus having one or more boxes in which F codes are registered and having an F code center function is capable of accommodating a plurality of lines and enabling independent facsimile communication for each line. Multiplex communication management means and job management information comprising predetermined management information for the box are respectively created, and based on the job management information, for each facsimile communication executed by the multiple communication management means,
Obtain predetermined communication resource information used when executing the facsimile communication, create job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information, and output the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means. Thereby, the communication resource management control means for controlling the allocation of communication resources to each facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means, and the plurality of facsimile communications by the multiplex communication management means, It is provided with a polling reception management means that enables polling reception.

[0010] The polling reception managing means may store the image information in the box for which the polling reception has been requested, and when the storage is not completed,
Reject the polling request. Alternatively, the polling reception management means may store the image information in the box for which the polling reception has been requested, and when the storage is not completed, perform the polling reception in synchronization with the operation of storing the image information. An image information reading operation according to the request is performed.

In a facsimile apparatus having one or more boxes in which F codes are registered and having an F code center device function, a plurality of lines can be accommodated and independent facsimile communication can be performed for each line. Multiplex communication management means and job management information comprising predetermined management information for the box are respectively created, and based on the job management information, for each facsimile communication executed by the multiple communication management means,
Obtain predetermined communication resource information used when executing the facsimile communication, create job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information, and output the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means. And thereby, a communication resource management control means for controlling allocation of communication resources to each facsimile communication executed by said multiplex communication management means, and when image information is stored in said box,
When another storage request is issued for the same box,
It is provided with a storage management unit that does not accept other storage requests. Further, the accumulation management means sends an error notification to the issue source of the other accumulation request.

[0012] Further, there is further provided an access log output means for creating an access history for each box and visually outputting a report showing a list of the access history in response to a user request or at a predetermined timing. Things. Further, the apparatus further comprises an access log transmitting means for creating an access history for each of the boxes and transmitting a report image showing a list of the access history to a request source when receiving an access log upon receiving a call. Things. Further, the access log reception request is performed by selective polling of a box having a predetermined F code number.

Also, in a control method of a facsimile apparatus having at least one box in which an F code is registered and having an F code compatible center device function, a plurality of lines are accommodated, and independent facsimile communication is performed for each line. Multiplex communication management means and job management information composed of predetermined management information for the box, and based on the job management information, for each facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means, Obtaining predetermined communication resource information used at the time of executing communication, creating job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information, outputting the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means, As a result, each facsimile communication performed by the multiplex communication A communication resource management control means for controlling the allocation of credit resources, the plurality of facsimile communication by the multiplex communication managing means, is obtained by allowing access to the same above box.

Further, in a method of controlling a facsimile apparatus having one or more boxes in which F codes are registered and having an F code compatible center device function, a plurality of lines are accommodated, and independent facsimile communication is performed for each line. Multiplex communication management means and job management information composed of predetermined management information for the box, and based on the job management information, for each facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means, Obtaining predetermined communication resource information used at the time of executing communication, creating job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information, outputting the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means, As a result, each facsimile communication performed by the multiplex communication A communication resource management control means for controlling the allocation of credit resources, a plurality of facsimile communication by the multiplex communication managing means, is obtained by allowing a polling receive for the same above box.

Further, in a control method of a facsimile apparatus having one or more boxes in which F codes are registered and having an F code compatible center device function, a plurality of lines are accommodated, and independent facsimile communication is performed for each line. Multiplex communication management means and job management information composed of predetermined management information for the box, and based on the job management information, for each facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means, Obtaining predetermined communication resource information used at the time of executing communication, creating job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information, outputting the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means, As a result, each facsimile communication performed by the multiplex communication Communication resource management control means for controlling the allocation of communication resources, in a plurality of facsimile communication by the multiplex communication management means, while enabling polling reception for the same box, for the box requested to receive polling, When the image information is accumulated and the accumulation is not completed, the polling reception request is rejected.

Also, in a control method of a facsimile apparatus having one or more boxes in which F codes are registered and having an F code compatible center device function, a plurality of lines are accommodated, and independent facsimile communication is performed for each line. Multiplex communication management means and job management information composed of predetermined management information for the box, and based on the job management information, for each facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means, Obtaining predetermined communication resource information used at the time of executing communication, creating job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information, outputting the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means, As a result, each facsimile communication performed by the multiplex communication Communication resource management control means for controlling the allocation of communication resources, in a plurality of facsimile communication by the multiplex communication management means, while enabling polling reception for the same box, for the box requested to receive polling, When the image information is accumulated and the accumulation is not completed, the image information reading operation according to the polling reception request is performed in synchronization with the image information accumulation operation.

Further, in a control method of a facsimile apparatus having one or more boxes in which F codes are registered and having an F code compatible center device function, a plurality of lines are accommodated, and independent facsimile communication is performed for each line. Multiplex communication management means and job management information composed of predetermined management information for the box, and based on the job management information, for each facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means, Obtaining predetermined communication resource information used at the time of executing communication, creating job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information, outputting the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means, As a result, each facsimile communication performed by the multiplex communication A communication resource management control means for controlling the allocation of communication resources, when image information is stored in the box, when another storage request is issued for the same box, other storage requests are not accepted and Error notification is issued to the issuer of other storage requests.

Further, an access history for each of the boxes is created, and a report showing a list of the access history is visually output in response to a user request or at a predetermined timing. . Further, an access history for each of the boxes is created, and when an access log is requested upon receiving a call, a report image showing a list of the access history is transmitted to the request source. . Further, the access log reception request is performed by selective polling of a box having a predetermined F code number.

[0019]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an F-code compatible center device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a system control unit 1 performs various control processes such as a control process of each unit of the group 3 facsimile apparatus and a facsimile transmission control procedure process. 1 stores a control processing program to be executed, various data necessary for executing the processing program, and the like, and constitutes a work area of the system control unit 1. A parameter memory 3 is provided in the group 3 facsimile apparatus. The clock circuit 4 is for storing various kinds of unique information (for example, registration information of the one-touch dial function), and outputs the current time information.

The scanner 5 is for reading a document image at a predetermined resolution, the plotter 6 is for recording and outputting an image at a predetermined resolution, and the operation display unit 7 is a group 3 facsimile machine. It is used for operating the device, and includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a one-touch dial key, and various displays such as a liquid crystal display.

The encoding / decoding section 8 encodes and compresses the image signal and decodes the encoded and compressed image information into the original image signal. The image storage device 9 is provided with a function capable of executing processing. The image storage device 9 is used for storing a large number of image information in a coded and compressed state, and also implements the above-described box function.

The communication control unit 10 is for executing a plurality of group 3 facsimile communication operations in parallel, and is connected to a plurality of communication units CU1 to CUm and uses each of the communication units CU1 to CUm. Group 3 facsimile communication operations can be performed independently and in parallel. The communication units CU1 to CUm accommodate one line of the public network PSTN one by one, and perform group 3 facsimile communication operations independently via the public network PSTN, respectively. And network control unit NCU
1 to NCUm.

Group 3 facsimile modem MDM1
The MDMm is for realizing a modem function of group 3 facsimile, and a low-speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals, and a high-speed modem function (X-mode modem function) for mainly exchanging image information (V.21). V.
17 modem, V.I. 34 modem, V.34. 29 modem, V.29. 2
7 ter modem, etc.). Each of the network control devices NCU1 to NCUm is for accommodating a line of the public network PSTN, and each has an automatic transmission / reception function.

The system control unit 1, system memory 2, parameter memory 3, clock circuit 4, scanner 5, plotter 6, operation display unit 7, encoding / decoding unit 8, image storage device 9, and communication control unit The unit 10 includes the internal bus 1
1, and the exchange of data between these elements is performed mainly via the internal bus 11.

The F-code compatible center device is provided with a plurality of boxes by using the image storage device 9, and in order to manage each box, as shown in FIG. A simple box information table is created and stored in the system memory 2. Each box information includes a box number (F code) assigned to the box and predetermined management information, as shown in FIG.

When image information is stored in the image storage device 9, file management information as shown in FIG. 3A is created and stored in the system memory 2. The file management information includes a file number for identifying each file management information, and a box number in which the value of the box number is registered when the image information managed by the file management information is stored in the box. , The number of pages of image information, and the PID of one page that stores the identification information (PID) of the page management information managing the image information of the first page.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the page management information includes a PI for identifying each page management information.
D, the page number where the value of the page number of the corresponding image information is registered, the head block number where the value of the block number of the block management information that stores the head block of the corresponding image information, and the corresponding image information And the next page PID in which the value of the PID of the page management information for managing the information of the next page is registered. If the page management information manages the last page, invalid data (for example, “FF” in hexadecimal) is registered as the value of the next page PID.

The block management information includes, as shown in FIG. 3C, a block number for identifying each block management information and the corresponding block information of the image storage device 9.
And the next block number in which the value of the block number of the block management information for managing the next block is registered. Here, one block has a fixed length of, for example, 2048 bytes. When the block management information manages the last block, invalid data (for example, “FF” in hexadecimal) is registered as the value of the next block number.

Therefore, when one piece of image information (file) is stored, the image information data of the image information file is divided into block data having a block length of 2048 bytes on a page basis. A plurality of block management information and a plurality of page management information indicating the storage mode are sequentially stored in the empty area of the image storage device 9. Then, when image information of all pages is saved, file management information is created,
These file management information, page management information, and block management information are stored in a management information area (not shown) provided in the system memory 2 or the image storage device 9, respectively.
Is stored in

In the present embodiment, when a new image information file is created, one job file JBF is created and stored in the system memory 2 (see FIG. 4). The job file JBF includes a file number of a corresponding image information file, a communication mode related to the image information file, and various other information necessary for communication related to the image information file.

When executing a processing task for executing a communication operation relating to the image information file, first, while including all the contents of the job file JBF,
A job control file JCF for storing parameters (operation mode, destination, etc.) necessary for the communication operation is created, and communication resources (for example, a processing channel of the encoding / decoding unit 8, , Memory, etc.)
, A job execution file JEF (JEF1) for storing the acquired communication resources is created, and the first processing task # 1 is started with reference to the job execution file JEF1.

In this state, when another communication operation relating to the same job file JBF is executed, for example, when the image information stored in one box is transmitted by polling, the other F-code compatible device transmits the image information. When a polling reception request is made and the second polling transmission is performed, a job execution file J for acquiring communication resources necessary for the second processing task and storing the acquired communication resources
EF (JEF2) is created, and the job execution file J
A second processing task # 2 is started with reference to EF2.

FIG. 5 shows an example of an outline of a series of processing from the start of a processing task of one communication operation to the end thereof.

First, the job execution file JBF is added to the job file JBF targeted by the processing task to be started.
It is checked whether a CF has been created (decision 101),
If the result of the determination 101 is NO, the job control file J having predetermined contents corresponding to the job file JBF
A CF is generated (process 102).

Next, a communication resource required for the target processing task is acquired (step 103), and a job execution file JEF required for the target processing task is generated (step 10).
4), execution of the processing task is started (processing 105).

Then, the process waits until the processing task is completed (NO loop of decision 106). When the processing task is completed and the result of decision 106 becomes YES, the corresponding job execution file JEF is deleted (processing 107). The communication resource acquired at that time is released (process 108), and the series of processes is terminated. At this time, another job execution file JEF linked to the corresponding job control file JCF
If there is no more, the job control file JCF is deleted.

As described above, when executing a plurality of communication processing tasks related to the same image information file, the second and subsequent processing tasks acquire necessary communication resources to create a job execution file JEF. Job execution file J
Since the processing task of the communication operation with reference to the EF is executed, the management of the multiplex communication can be realized by a relatively simple mechanism.

That is, when only one communication line is used, the second and subsequent processing tasks do not occur.
Conventionally, job file JBF, job control file JC
Processing task management is realized by the system of F and the job execution file JEF. In the case of the present embodiment, multiplex communication is performed by adding communication resources to the second and subsequent processing tasks and adding software for executing the processing task to such conventional processing task management. Can be realized, whereby the labor required for realizing the multiplex communication can be greatly reduced.

Here, the processing tasks are not only related to the communication operation, but also create / transmit / record / output various reports, accumulate / delete / record / output image information, resend image information, or cannot transmit. Processing tasks related to all image information executed by the F-code-compatible center device, such as non-delivery holding that holds image information and waits for standby, are included.

Therefore, this F-code compatible center device basically stores image information in a designated box, performs an image information transmission operation, an image information reception operation, and stores an F-code designated by a signal SUB in a box. , Confidential reception operation, polling transmission operation from F-box designated by signal SEP (selection polling), or display / recording / output operation of access log (described later). Can be performed.

With the above configuration, the F-code compatible center device executes a process as shown in FIG. 6 during standby.

That is, the user instructs transmission of image information, detects an incoming call in any of the communication units CU1 to CUm, instructs local registration of image information by the user, or requests the user to output an access log. Is monitored, the output time of the access log is reached, or another operation by the user is requested (N in determinations 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, and 206).
O loop).

When a transmission request is issued and the result of determination 201 is YES, predetermined transmission processing (processing 207)
And returns to the decision 201. If any of the communication units CU1 to CUm detects an incoming call,
When the result of step 2 is YES, a predetermined incoming call process (process 208) is started, and the process returns to the judgment 201.

When the user instructs local registration of image information and the result of determination 203 is YES, the local registration for reading the original image set on the scanner 5 and registering it in the designated box The process (process 209) is started, and the process returns to the determination 201.

In the case where the output of the access log is requested by the user and the result of determination 204 is YES, or when the output time of the access log is reached,
When the result of the determination 205 is YES, an access log output process (process 210) indicating the access status to the image information of the box is started, and the process returns to the determination 201.

When another operation by the user is requested and the result of the judgment 206 is YES, a process corresponding to the operation requested at that time is started (process 211), and the process returns to the judgment 201. .

FIG. 7 shows an example of the transmission process (process 207). In executing this transmission process,
If necessary, processing such as resource acquisition for the processing task described above is executed.

First, the user is requested to input a destination (process 301), and waits until the start key is pressed (decision 3).
02 NO loop). The user inputs a destination, presses the start key, and if the result of determination 302 is YES, reads the image of the transmission original set on the scanner 5 at that time (process 303) and encodes the image data obtained thereby. The encoding / decoding section 8 encodes and compresses the data (process 304).
The image information data thus obtained is stored in the image storage device 9 (process 305). At the time of this accumulation, the above-described block management information, page management information, and file management information are created.

When the storage of the image information is completed, a job file JBF relating to the image information stored at that time is created (process 306).

Next, a call is made to the designated destination (process 3).
07) A predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission pre-procedure is performed between the terminal and the other terminal to determine a transmission function to be used (process 308), and a predetermined modem training procedure is performed to determine a modem speed to be used. (Step 309), the image information stored at that time is transmitted (Step 310), and when the transmission of the image information is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (Step 311), and the line is restored (Step 312). The image information that has been transmitted is deleted (process 313), the corresponding job file is deleted (process 314), and this operation ends.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show an example of the incoming call process (process 208). In executing the incoming call process, processes such as resource acquisition for the above-described processing tasks are executed as necessary.

First, an incoming call is answered (process 401), and a pre-group 3 facsimile transmission pre-procedure is executed with the partner terminal (process 402). During this pre-transmission procedure, the signal SU
It is checked whether or not B has been received (decision 403), and decision 40
When the result of step 3 is YES, the F-code box designated by the signal SUB is searched (step 404).
It is checked whether a target box is found (decision 405), and when the result of decision 405 is YES,
It is checked whether image information is being registered for the box at the present time (decision 406).

When the result of decision 406 is NO,
The modem speed is determined by executing the modem training procedure (process 407), the image information is received by executing the image information receiving procedure, and the image information received at that time is stored in the designated box (process 407). 408) When the image information receiving operation is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (process 40).
9) The line is restored (process 409), and the incoming call process is terminated.

If the F-code box specified by the signal SUB cannot be found, the decision 405 is made.
Is NO, and the image information is currently being registered for the box found by the search locally or by another communication, and the result of the determination 406 is Y
When it becomes ES, the line is forcibly restored (process 41).
1) Create an error log for notifying the reason for the error (process 412), convert the error log into image information (process 413), and send it to a transmission source that can be confirmed by the signal CSI received in the pre-transmission procedure. Then, the image information of the error log is transmitted (process 414).

If the signal SUB is not received in the pre-transmission procedure and the result of the judgment 403 is NO, the signal S in which a signal other than the predetermined F code is specified in the pre-transmission procedure is determined.
It is checked whether an EP has been received (decision 415).

If the result of decision 415 is YES, the box of the F-code designated by the signal SEP is searched (process 416), and it is checked whether or not the target box is found (decision 417). If the result is YES, it is checked whether image information is currently registered for the box (decision 41).
8).

When the result of decision 418 is NO,
In order to perform the designated selective polling transmission operation, the mode is switched to the polling transmission operation, the corresponding pre-transmission procedure is continuously executed, the device function used for image information transmission at that time is determined (processing 419), and the modem training procedure is performed. To determine the modem speed (step 420), read and transmit the image information stored in the designated box (step 421), and when the image information transmission is completed, execute a predetermined post-transmission procedure. (Process 422), and restores the line (process 4).
23), the incoming call process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the F-code box specified by the signal SEP cannot be found, the decision 417 is made.
Is NO, and the image information is currently being registered for the box found by the search locally or by another communication, and the result of the determination 418 is Y
If it becomes ES, the process proceeds to step 411 to forcibly restore the line, create an error log for notifying the reason of the error, convert the error log into image information, and convert the signal CSI received in the pre-transmission procedure. Make a call to the sender that can be checked, and send the image information of the error log.

When the result of the judgment 415 is NO, a signal SEP in which a predetermined F code is designated is received, and it is checked whether or not an access log request has been made (judgment 425).

When the result of determination 425 is YES, in order to perform the designated access log transmission by the polling transmission operation, the operation is switched to the polling transmission operation, the corresponding pre-transmission procedure is continuously executed, and the image information transmission at that time is performed. A device function to be used is determined (process 426), and a modem training procedure is executed to determine a modem speed (process 42).
7).

Next, an access log (not shown) in a predetermined format for displaying a list of the histories of transmission / reception for each box at that time is created (step 428), and the image information of the access log is transmitted (step 429). When the transmission of the access log is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (Step 4).
30), the line is restored (process 431), and the incoming call process ends.

When the result of determination 425 is NO, a normal receiving process is executed (process 432), and the incoming call process is terminated.

As described above, in the incoming call processing, when the signal SUB is received and confidentially received, if the designated box does not exist or if image information is being registered at that time, Since the reception of the confidential reception is refused and the confidential transmission source is notified to that effect, it is possible to suppress a useless reception operation and to avoid a situation in which the image information being registered is destroyed. The source user can know the cause of the rejection of the confidential reception request.

When a signal SEP is received and a selective polling reception request is made, if the designated box does not exist, or if image information is being registered at that time, reception of the confidential reception is performed. Rejection, it is possible to suppress unnecessary polling transmission operation, avoid the situation of transmitting half-finished image information during registration, and determine the cause of the rejection of the selective polling reception request. The user can know.

When an F code is designated at the time of a predetermined selective polling reception request, an access log is transmitted, so that the access status of the F code compatible center device can be remotely known. In this case, an authentication unit such as a password can be provided to limit the users who can request the access log.

FIG. 11 shows a local registration process (process 20).
9) shows an example.

First, the user is requested to input a box number of a registration destination (step 501), a search is made for an F-code box of the input box number (step 502), and it is determined whether or not a target box is found (step 502). Judgment 50
3) If the result of determination 503 is YES, it is checked whether or not image information is currently registered for the box (determination 504).

If the result of decision 504 is NO,
The document image set on the scanner 5 is read (process 5).
05), the obtained image data is encoded and compressed by the encoding / decoding unit 8 (process 506), and the obtained image information data is stored in the image storage device 9 (process 50).
7). At the time of this accumulation, the above-described block management information, page management information, and file management information are created.

When the storage of the image information is completed, a job file JBF relating to the image information stored at that time is created (step 508), and this local registration processing is ended.

If no box of the F code of the input box number is found, the judgment 503 is made.
Is NO, or if image information is being registered for the box at this time, locally or by communication, and the result of determination 504 is YES, the image information is That you cannot register
An error is displayed together with the cause (process 509), and the local registration process ends.

As described above, when the specified box does not exist at the time of local registration, or when image information is being registered at that time, the operation of the local registration is prohibited. In addition, it is possible to suppress the registration operation and to avoid a situation in which the image information being registered is destroyed.

FIG. 12 shows an access log output process (process 2).
10) shows an example.

First, an access log in a predetermined format for displaying a list of histories of transmission / reception for each box at that time is prepared (process 601). At that time, the report output of the access log is registered in the apparatus. It is checked whether it is present (determination 602).

When the result of the judgment 602 is YES, record data of the access log created in the process 601 is created (process 603), the recorded data is transferred to the plotter 6, and the access log is recorded and output (process 603). 604),
This access log output processing ends.

When the result of the judgment 602 is NO, it is checked whether or not the display of the access log is registered in the apparatus at that time (judgment 60).
5) When the result of the determination 605 is YES, the access log created in the process 601 is displayed and output on the operation display means 7 (process 606), and the access log output process ends.

If the result of the determination 605 is NO, the process proceeds to step 603, where the access log record data is created, the access log is recorded and output, and the access log output process is terminated. That is, in this case, the default setting is to record and output the access log.

Here, a display example of the access log is shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 shows an example of a report in which an access log is recorded and output.

FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 show another example of the incoming call process (process 208). In executing the incoming call process, processes such as resource acquisition for the above-described processing tasks are executed as necessary.

First, an incoming call is answered (process 701), and a predetermined group 3 facsimile transmission pre-procedure is executed with the partner terminal (process 702). During this pre-transmission procedure, the signal SU
It is checked whether or not B has been received (decision 703).
When the result of step 3 is YES, the F-code box specified by the signal SUB is searched (step 704).
It is checked whether a target box is found (decision 705), and when the result of decision 705 is YES,
It is checked whether or not image information is being registered for the box at the present time (decision 706).

When the result of decision 706 is NO,
The modem speed is determined by executing the modem training procedure (process 707), the image information is received by executing the image information receiving procedure, and the image information received at that time is stored in the designated box (process 707). 708) When the image information receiving operation is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (processing 70).
9) The line is restored (process 709), and the incoming call process is terminated.

If the F-code box specified by the signal SUB cannot be found, the decision 705 is made.
Is NO, and the box found by the search is currently registering image information locally or by another communication, and the result of determination 706 is Y
When it becomes ES, the line is forcibly restored (processing 71
1) Create an error log for notifying the reason for the error (process 712), convert the error log into image information (process 713), and send it to a transmission source that can be confirmed by the signal CSI received in the pre-transmission procedure. Then, the image information of the error log is transmitted (step 714).

If signal SUB is not received in the pre-transmission procedure and the result of determination 703 is NO, signal S
It is checked whether an EP has been received (decision 715).

When the result of decision 715 is YES, the box of the F-code designated by the signal SEP is searched (process 716), and it is checked whether or not the target box is found (decision 717). When the result is YES, in order to perform the designated selective polling transmission operation, the operation is switched to the polling transmission operation, the corresponding pre-transmission procedure is continuously executed, and the device function and the like used for the image information transmission at that time are determined ( Process 718), a modem training procedure is executed to determine the modem speed (Process 719).

Here, it is checked whether or not the image information is currently registered for the box designated at that time (decision 720). When the result of the determination 720 is NO, the image information stored in the designated box is read and transmitted (process 721).

On the other hand, if the result of the determination 720 is YES, the image information is read out and transmitted in synchronization with the operation of registering the image information for the box (process 722).

When the transmission of the image information is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (step 723), the line is restored (step 724), and the incoming call processing ends.

On the other hand, if the F-code box specified by the signal SEP cannot be found, the decision 717 is made.
If the result is NO, the process proceeds to step 711 to forcibly restore the line, create an error log for notifying the reason of the error, convert the error log into image information, and receive the image in the pre-transmission procedure. A call is made to a transmission source that can be confirmed by the signal CSI or the like, and the image information of the error log is transmitted.

When the result of determination 715 is NO, a signal SEP to which a predetermined F code is specified is received, and it is checked whether an access log request has been made (determination 725).

When the result of the determination 725 is YES, in order to perform the designated access log transmission by the polling transmission operation, the operation is switched to the polling transmission operation, the corresponding pre-transmission procedure is continuously executed, and the image information transmission at that time is performed. A device function to be used is determined (process 726), and a modem training procedure is executed to determine a modem speed (process 72).
7).

Next, an access log (not shown) in a predetermined format for displaying a list of the histories of transmission / reception for each box at that time is created (step 728), and the image information of the access log is transmitted (step 729). When the transmission of the access log is completed, a predetermined post-transmission procedure is executed (processing 7).
30), the line is restored (process 731), and the incoming call process ends.

If the result of determination 725 is NO, normal reception processing is executed (processing 732), and this processing at the time of incoming call is terminated.

As described above, in the incoming call processing, when the signal SUB is received and confidentially received, when the designated box does not exist or when the image information is being registered at that time, Since the reception of the confidential reception is refused and the confidential transmission source is notified to that effect, it is possible to suppress a useless reception operation and to avoid a situation in which the image information being registered is destroyed. The source user can know the cause of the rejection of the confidential reception request.

When the selected polling reception request is made after receiving the signal SEP, if the specified box does not exist, the selection polling reception request is rejected, and to that effect, the selection polling reception request is rejected. Since the notification is sent to the source, unnecessary polling transmission operation can be suppressed, and the user of the request source can know the cause of the rejection of the selective polling reception request. Also, if image information is being registered for the specified box at that time, the information has been registered in synchronization with the registration of the image information, but the information is read and transmitted. It is possible to avoid a situation in which halfway image information is transmitted.

When an F code is designated at the time of a predetermined selective polling reception request, an access log is transmitted, so that the access status of the F code compatible center device can be remotely known. In this case, an authentication unit such as a password can be provided to limit the users who can request the access log.

In the above-described embodiment, the public network PSTN is used as the communication line.
The present invention can be similarly applied to the case where DN is used.

[0098]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When executing a plurality of communication processing tasks related to the same image information file, in the second and subsequent processing tasks, necessary communication resources are acquired, a job execution file is created, and a communication operation with reference to the job execution file is performed. Since the processing task is executed, the management of the multiplex communication can be realized by a relatively simple mechanism, and the effect that the apparatus cost can be reduced is obtained.

When receiving a confidential message, if the specified box does not exist, or if image information is being registered at that time, the reception of the confidential message is refused, and the confidential message is transmitted. Since the notification is sent to the source, it is possible to suppress unnecessary reception operation, avoid a situation in which the image information being registered is destroyed, and further, the source user knows the cause of the rejection of the confidential reception request. It also has the effect of being able to do so.

Also, if a selective polling reception request is made, if the specified box does not exist, or if image information is being registered at that time, the reception of the confidential reception is rejected. In addition to suppressing unnecessary polling transmission operation, it is possible to avoid a situation in which halfway image information is transmitted during registration, and the requesting user can know the cause of the rejection of the selected polling reception request. The effect is also obtained.

Further, since an access log is transmitted when requested at the time of communication, there is an effect that the access status of the F-code compatible center device can be remotely known.

When a selective polling reception request is made, if image information is being registered in the designated box at that time, the information is read out in synchronization with the registration of the image information. , The transmission of halfway image information during registration can be avoided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an F-code compatible center device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a box information table and box information.

FIG. 3 shows file management information, page management information, and
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of block management information.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship among a job file, a job control file, and a job execution file.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an outline of a series of processing from the start to the end of a processing task of one communication operation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the F-code compatible center device during standby.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a transmission process (process 207).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of an incoming call process (process 208).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another part of an example of the incoming call process (process 208).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the remaining part of an example of the incoming call process (process 208).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a local registration process (process 209).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an access log output process (process 210).

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of an access log.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a report in which an access log is recorded and output.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a part of another example of the incoming call process (process 208).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing another part of another example of the incoming call process (process 208).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the remaining part of another example of the incoming call process (process 208).

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 System control part 9 Image storage device 10 Communication control part CU1-CUm Communication unit

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus having one or more boxes in which F codes are registered and having a function of an F code center device, accommodating a plurality of lines and enabling independent facsimile communication for each line. Multiplex communication management means, and job management information comprising predetermined management information for the box are created, and execution of the facsimile communication is performed for each facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means based on the job management information. Acquiring predetermined communication resource information used in the case of, creating job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information, outputting the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means, Allocating communication resources to each facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means A communication resource management control means for controlling the hand, a plurality of facsimile communication by the multiplex communication management unit, a facsimile device characterized by comprising a box access management means for allowing access to the same above box. 2. A facsimile apparatus having one or more boxes in which F-codes are registered and having an F-code compatible center unit function, accommodating a plurality of lines and enabling independent facsimile communication for each line. Multiplex communication management means, and job management information comprising predetermined management information for the box are created, and execution of the facsimile communication is performed for each facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means based on the job management information. Acquiring predetermined communication resource information used in the case of, creating job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information, outputting the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means, Allocating communication resources to each facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means A communication resource management control means for controlling the hand, a plurality of facsimile communication by the multiplex communication management unit, a facsimile apparatus comprising the polling reception management means that enable polling receive for the same above box. 3. The polling reception managing means stores image information in a box for which polling reception has been requested, and rejects the polling reception request when the storage is not completed. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein 4. The polling reception management means stores image information in a box for which polling reception has been requested, and when the storage is not completed, in synchronization with the image information storage operation. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an image information reading operation according to a polling reception request is performed. 5. A facsimile apparatus provided with one or more boxes in which F codes are registered and having an F code compatible center device function, accommodating a plurality of lines and enabling independent facsimile communication for each line. Multiplex communication management means, and job management information comprising predetermined management information for the box are created, and execution of the facsimile communication is performed for each facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means based on the job management information. Obtaining predetermined communication resource information used at the time of, creating job execution management information composed of management information of the communication resource information, outputting the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means, Allocating communication resources to each facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means A communication resource management control means for controlling the communication box, and a storage management means for not accepting another storage request when another storage request is issued to the same box when image information is stored in the box. Facsimile machine. 6. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the accumulation management unit notifies the issuer of the another accumulation request of an error. 7. An access history for each of the boxes is created, and in response to a user request or
An access log output means for visually outputting a report showing a list of access histories at a predetermined timing, further comprising: an access log output unit. Item 7. A facsimile apparatus according to Item 6. 8. An access log transmitting means for generating an access history for each of the boxes and transmitting a report image showing a list of the access history to a request source when an access log reception is requested upon receiving a call. 7. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a facsimile apparatus; 9. The access log reception request is a predetermined F
9. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said polling is performed by selective polling of a code number box. 10. A method for controlling a facsimile apparatus having one or more boxes in which F codes are registered and having an F code compatible center device function, wherein a plurality of lines are accommodated, and independent facsimile communication is performed for each line. Multiplex communication management means capable of performing the facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means based on the job management information based on the job management information. Obtaining predetermined communication resource information used at the time of executing communication, creating job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information, outputting the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means, As a result, each of the multiplex communication management means executes a facsimile communication. A communication resource management control means for controlling the allocation of resources, the plurality of facsimile communication by the multiplex communication management unit, a control method of a facsimile apparatus is characterized in that to allow access to the same above box. 11. A method for controlling a facsimile apparatus having one or more boxes in which F codes are registered and having an F code center device function, wherein a plurality of lines are accommodated, and independent facsimile communication is performed for each line. Multiplex communication management means capable of performing the facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means based on the job management information based on the job management information. Obtaining predetermined communication resource information used at the time of executing communication, creating job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information, outputting the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means, As a result, each of the multiplex communication management means executes a facsimile communication. A communication resource management control means for controlling the allocation of resources, a plurality of facsimile communication by the multiplex communication management unit, a control method of a facsimile apparatus is characterized in that to enable the polling receive for the same above box. 12. A method of controlling a facsimile apparatus having one or more boxes in which F codes are registered and having an F code compatible center device function, wherein a plurality of lines are accommodated, and independent facsimile communication is performed for each line. Multiplex communication management means capable of performing the facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means based on the job management information based on the job management information. Obtaining predetermined communication resource information used at the time of executing communication, creating job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information, outputting the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means, As a result, each of the multiplex communication management means executes a facsimile communication. A communication resource management control means for controlling resource allocation; enabling a plurality of facsimile communications by the multiplex communication management means to perform polling reception for the same box; A method for controlling a facsimile apparatus, comprising: rejecting a polling reception request when information is accumulated and the accumulation is not completed. 13. A method of controlling a facsimile apparatus having one or more boxes in which F codes are registered and having an F code compatible center device function, wherein a plurality of lines are accommodated and independent facsimile communication is performed for each line. Multiplex communication management means capable of performing the facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means based on the job management information based on the job management information. Obtaining predetermined communication resource information used at the time of executing communication, creating job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information, outputting the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means, As a result, each of the multiplex communication management means executes a facsimile communication. A communication resource management control means for controlling resource allocation; enabling a plurality of facsimile communications by the multiplex communication management means to perform polling reception for the same box; When the information is stored and the storage is not completed, in synchronization with the storage operation of the image information,
A method for controlling a facsimile apparatus, comprising: performing an image information reading operation according to a polling reception request. 14. A method for controlling a facsimile apparatus having one or more boxes in which F codes are registered and having an F code compatible center device function, wherein a plurality of lines are accommodated and independent facsimile communication is performed for each line. Multiplex communication management means capable of performing the facsimile communication executed by the multiplex communication management means based on the job management information based on the job management information. Obtaining predetermined communication resource information used at the time of executing communication, creating job execution management information including management information of the communication resource information, outputting the job execution management information to the multiplex communication management means, As a result, each of the multiplex communication management means executes a facsimile communication. A communication resource management control means for controlling the allocation of resources, when image information is stored in the box, when another storage request is issued for the same box, other storage requests are not accepted, A method of controlling a facsimile apparatus, wherein an error notification is sent to another issue source of a storage request. 15. An access history for each of the boxes is created, and according to a user's request,
15. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a report showing a list of the access histories is visually output at a predetermined timing. 16. An access history for each of the boxes is created, and when an access log is requested upon receiving a call, a report image showing a list of the access history is transmitted to the request source. 15. The control method for a facsimile apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: 17. The control method for a facsimile apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said access log reception request is made by selective polling of a box having a predetermined F code number.