Communication device, communication method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique for improving convenience when a fax transmission is performed from outside a private network via a public telephone network.SOLUTION: A communication device connects to a private network from a network outside the private network, performs an IP fax transmission to a gateway device in the private network, and causes the gateway device to perform a fax transmission via a public telephone network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the number of cases where employees of a company work outside of the company's private network has increased due to teleworking, etc. In addition, orders and documents are sent and received between companies via facsimile (FAX) communication, and IP FAX communication that uses IP networks as a communication path for FAX communication has been established.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes IP FAX communication in which a virtual private network (VPN) connection is established with a SIP server on an IP network, and image data is transmitted to a receiving communication terminal by performing connection control by SIP. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-171438 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, when sending a fax from outside the private network via the public telephone network, the line used is different from that used when sending a fax from within the private network via the public telephone network, and the caller's telephone number is different. Thus, there has been an issue that the difference between sending a fax from outside the private network via the public telephone network and sending a fax from within the private network via the public telephone network can reduce convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a technique for improving the convenience of fax communication via a public telephone network from outside a private network.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a communication device of the present invention comprises: A connection means for connecting to the private network from a network outside the private network; a transmitting means for performing IP FAX communication to a gateway device in the private network and for executing FAX communication from the gateway device via a public telephone network; The present invention is characterized by comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for improving the convenience of performing FAX communication via a public telephone network from outside a private network. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an IP FAX device according to the present embodiment and a connection state to a communication network. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram of a FAX communication executed by an IP FAX device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the IP FAX device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when the IP FAX device according to the embodiment performs a transmission confirmation; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a TSI / DCS transmission process executed by the IP FAX device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a PIX transmission process executed by the IP FAX device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0011] In recent years, the number of companies implementing teleworking has been increasing due to the influence of the coronavirus and other factors. On the other hand, in companies where order placement and document delivery using facsimile (FAX) communication is essential for business operations, employees are required to come to the office to check and send received FAX documents, or to send FAXes from their homes, which are their teleworking locations.

[0012] Additionally, in teleworking where access to a private network from outside the private network, such as an intranet, is required, a virtual private network (VPN) is used to improve security. VPN is a technology that creates a virtual dedicated line on the Internet line and improves communication security through authentication, encryption, and tunneling. This makes it possible for communication devices located outside the private network to access the private network.

[0013] Here, in fax communication, due to the spread of the Internet and IP telephones, IP fax communication using an IP network as a communication path for fax communication has been established. In fax communication using an IP network (IP fax), a protocol for creating, modifying, and disconnecting a session using SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) for call control has been standardized. For fax communication using an IP network, the T.38 protocol has been recommended, which converts G3 facsimile (T.30) signals into IP messages for real-time transmission in order to exchange them over the IP network. Gateway devices and IP fax devices capable of communication in accordance with the SIP and T.38 protocols perform IP fax communication. In the following explanation, communication using an IP network and in accordance with the T.38 protocol is referred to as IP fax communication, and communication using a public telephone network and in accordance with the T.30 protocol is referred to as fax communication.

[0014] Here, with reference to FIG. 1, the differences in the line used, the billing status, and the telephone number notified when sending a FAX from outside the private network and when sending a FAX from within the private network will be described.

[0015] In FIG. 1, a fax machine 20 is placed in a private network 2, and an IP fax machine 10 is placed in a network 1 outside the private network 2. A communication device in the network 1 can establish a VPN connection with the intranet 2 via a VPN server 21. Network 3 includes one or more networks such as the public switched telephone network (PTSN), and a fax machine 30 of the communication partner is connected to the network. In the following explanation, network 2 is an intranet such as an in-house network, and network 1 is a home network of a company's employees. Line 5 is a line that a company has contracted with a provider, and is called a business line. Line 4 is a line that a company's employees have contracted with a provider.

[0016] For example, in the following three cases, convenience may be reduced due to the line used for fax communication being different depending on whether it is within a private network or not.

[0017] (1) Differences in billing destinations In the example of Figure 1, when fax communication is performed from IP fax device 10 to fax device 30 via network 1, line 4 of network 3 is used, and when fax communication is performed from fax device 20 to fax device 30, line 5 of network 3 is used. As shown in Figure 1, when fax communication is performed via line 4, even if the fax communication is performed for business purposes such as teleworking, the usage of line 4 is charged to the subscriber associated with line 4, i.e., the employee in this example. On the other hand, when fax communication is performed via line 5, the subscriber associated with line 5, i.e., the company in this example, is charged.

[0018] In this way, the burden on employees working remotely can increase because billing differs depending on whether the fax communication is within a private network or not.

[0019] (2) Differences in the sender from the receiver's perspective In fax communication, the sender's telephone number is notified to the receiving terminal using at least one of a transmitting station identification (TSI) signal, a transmission header and transmission image (PIX) signal, and a caller's telephone number. The TSI signal contains information indicating the sender's telephone number, which is notified in accordance with ITU-T Recommendation T.30, and is notified before data transmission in fax communication, which will be described later. The PIX signal contains sender information (sender information) that is added to the beginning of the transmission image, and the sender information can indicate the sender's abbreviation or page number. Caller ID notification is a service provided by telephone companies that notifies the caller's telephone number before the call is answered.

[0020] The receiving party may use these caller ID notifications to identify the sender, record them as communication management information in reports, etc., or use them as forwarding conditions or sorting conditions for received fax documents.

[0021] For example, when a FAX transmission is executed using line 4, the telephone number associated with line 4 is notified as the caller ID to the business destination of the transmission instead of the FAX number of the trading company. For this reason, in the receiving company, there were cases where proper sorting and forwarding were not performed when managing communication records by the caller ID or setting conditions using the caller ID as the sorting / forwarding conditions for received documents.

[0022] (3) Management of transmission history on the sending side In the private network 2, there are cases where the FAX device 20 manages information such as the destination information of the transmission and the transmission time, and manages the history of FAX communication. However, when performing FAX communication from different FAX devices 10, it may not be possible to detect FAX communication in the private network 2, and it may not be possible to easily manage the history of FAX communication executed in telework.

[0023] According to this embodiment, when performing FAX communication with a trading company or the like during remote work, it is possible to perform FAX communication using the public telephone network from a gateway device in a private network such as an intranetwork. As a result, the charging destination for the usage fee of the public telephone network can be borne by the company that is the intranetwork contract user. In addition, since the caller ID notification of the caller corresponding to line 5 is performed, the receiving side can also process it in the same manner as FAX communication transmitted from the office.

[0024] In the following embodiments, an embodiment in which FAX communication is executed by connecting from a network outside the private network to the private network will be described.

[0025] <Hardware configuration of the IP FAX device> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the IP FAX device 10 according to this embodiment and the connection state to the communication network.

[0026] The IP FAX device 10 is a communication device that is connected to the network 1 and is capable of IP FAX communication conforming to the T.38 protocol. In this embodiment, the IP FAX device 10 is described as a facsimile device equipped with a scanner 108 (reading unit) described later, but is not limited to this as long as it can execute IP FAX communication. For example, the IP FAX device 10 may be a multifunction device equipped with a printer 110 (recording unit).

[0027] An IP FAX device 10 connected to a network 1 establishes a VPN connection with a network 2 via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) server 21. In one example, the network 2 is an intranet available within a limited range, such as within a company, and in the following description, the network 2 may be referred to as an intranet 2. The network 1 may be an external network of the intranet 2, such as a home network for employees of the company to perform telework. Although not shown in FIG. 2, one or more other networks may exist between the networks 1 and 2. The IP FAX device 10 connected to the intranet 2 via VPN from the network 1 can perform IP FAX communication with a gateway (GW) device 22 and an IP FAX device 30 in the intranet 2.

[0028] The intranet 2 and the public telephone network 3 are connected via a gateway (GW) device 22. The GW device 22 performs a connection process of converting the call connection procedure of the telephone network into SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and transferring it into the intranet 2. The GW device 22 is also a gateway device that converts FAX data conforming to T.30 into FAX data conforming to T.38 and relays FAX communication. In this way, the IP FAX device 10 installed in the network 1 makes a VPN connection with the network 2 via the VPN server 21, connects to the GW device 22 in the network 2, and can perform FAX communication with the FAX device 30 on the public telephone network.

[0029] The IP FAX device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102. The IP FAX device 10 also includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, and a panel operation I / F (Interface) 105. The IP FAX device 10 also includes an operation panel 106, a scanner I / F 107, a scanner 108, a printer I / F 109, a printer 110, and a network I / F 111.

[0030] The CPU 101 loads a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the hard disk (HDD) 104 into the RAM 103 and executes it, thereby controlling access to various devices connected to the system bus in an integrated manner. The ROM 102 stores control programs executable by the CPU 101. The RAM 103 mainly functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 101. In one example, the memory capacity of the RAM 103 can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The hard disk (HDD) 104 stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files.

[0031] The panel operation I / F 105 functions as a means for accepting user instructions, and controls the display of the operation panel 106 and the input of various setting information set on the operation panel 106. As described below with reference to Fig. 5, the operation panel 106 has a remote FAX button for instructing FAX transmission via a VPN connection via the GW device 22. In another example, the operation panel 106 may have a FAX button for instructing FAX transmission via a public telephone network without via a VPN connection, or an IP FAX button for instructing IP FAX transmission.

[0032] The scanner I / F 107 controls image input from a scanner 108 that reads an original document. In this embodiment, the IP FAX device 10 is described as reading an original document with the scanner 108 and transmitting the read image data by FAX. However, the IP FAX device 10 may also execute Internet FAX that transmits image data obtained from another communication device or an external memory by FAX, and in such a case, the IP FAX device 10 does not need to have the scanner 108.

[0033] The printer I / F 109 controls image output to the printer 110. In this embodiment, the IP FAX device 10 will be described as recording the received image data on a recording medium and outputting it when it receives FAX communication. However, the IP FAX device 10 may store the acquired image data in another communication device or an external memory, or display it on a display unit (not shown), and in such a case, the IP FAX device 10 may not have the printer 110.

[0034] The network I / F 111 is an expansion card such as a network interface card (NIC) for connecting and controlling the IP FAX device 10 to a network. In the example of FIG. 1, the IP FAX device 10 is illustrated as being connected only to the network 1. However, the IP FAX device 10 may have two or more network I / Fs 111 and connect to the public telephone network 3 via one network I / F 111. In this case, the IP FAX device 10 may be able to transmit a fax via the public telephone network 3.

[0035] The IP FAX device 10 according to the present embodiment also accepts an input of an identification number (telephone number) of a line (hereinafter also referred to as an office line) that the GW device 22 uses in the public telephone network 3 via the operation panel 106, and stores the identification number (telephone number) in the HDD 104. The telephone number information of the office line is used in setting the source telephone number, which will be described later with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process executed when the IP FAX device 10 in the embodiment of the present invention connects to the network 2 via the VPN server 21 and transmits a FAX to the FAX device 30 via the GW device 22.

[0037] The IP FAX device 10 according to this embodiment has a reception unit that receives an instruction to send a FAX via a VPN connection, such as the “Remote FAX” button 500 in FIG. 5, and the process shown in FIG. 3 is started in response to pressing the button 500.

[0038] The IP FAX device 10 transmits a VPN connection request including VPN connection information used to establish a VPN connection, including authentication data previously stored in the ROM 102 or HDD 104, to the VPN server 21 (T101). The VPN server 21 performs authentication for the VPN connection based on the authentication data, and if the authentication is successful, notifies the IP FAX device 10 of the success (T102), thereby establishing a VPN connection between the IP FAX device 10 and the VPN server 21 (T103). In this way, the IP FAX device 10 is connected to the intranet 2 and becomes capable of communicating with the GW device 22 and other communication devices in the intranet 2.

[0039] The IP FAX device 10 sends a session establishment request (INVITE) to the GW device 22 (T104). The INVITE signal includes identification information such as the telephone number of the FAX device 30. Based on the identification information, the GW device 22 performs outgoing call processing to the FAX device 30, and the public telephone network sends a call signal to the FAX device 30 (T106). Here, the FAX device 30 may have a contract for a caller ID notification (hereinafter referred to as ND) service, and can notify the user by displaying the telephone number of the GW device as the caller number on a display when a call is received. With the ND service, the caller's telephone number can be identified on the receiving side by sending a CAR signal, a V.23 modem signal, and an IR signal.

[0040] The FAX device 30 detects the ND incoming call, detects the caller number (T106), and responds by closing the line (T107). When the FAX device 30 responds, the GW device 22 sends a success response (200 OK) signal to the IP FAX device 10 to notify that the call is available (T108). The IP FAX device 10 that receives the success response signal sends an acknowledgement (ACK) signal (T109), and a session indicating that the media type is audio is established, and a call is established between the IP FAX device 10 and the FAX device 30. When the FAX device 30 sends a CED (Called Terminal Identification) signal, the GW device 22 detects the CED signal and identifies that the connected destination is G3 FAX. The GW device 22 then sends a session switching request (reINVITE) indicating that the media type is image to the IP FAX device 10 (T111). The IP FAX device 10 receives the session switching request (reINVITE) and sends a success response (200 OK), thereby establishing a session with the media type of image (image session) (T112). When the image session is established, communication in accordance with the T.38 protocol is possible between the IP FAX device 10 and the GW device 22.

[0041] The FAX device 30 notifies the telephone number by a called station identification signal (CSI signal) and the capability as a FAX device by a digital identification signal (DIS signal) (T113). The IP FAX device 10 determines the communication mode according to the received DIS signal and notifies it as a digital command signal (DCS signal). It also notifies the telephone number of the office line as its own telephone number by a transmitting station identification signal (TSI signal) (T114). When the GW device 22 receives the TSI / DCS signal, it sends a training signal (TR signal) in addition to the TSI / DCS signal to synchronize with the modem of the FAX device 30 (T115). The FAX device 30 receives the notification of the telephone number of the sending destination by receiving the TSI signal, and receives the notification of the communication mode determined by the DCS signal. When synchronization with the modem is achieved by the TR signal, it transmits a reception preparation confirmation signal (CFR signal) to notify that reception preparation is complete (T116). When the IP FAX device 10 receives the CFR signal, it transmits a transmission image and a transmission header (PIX) signal including the transmission source telephone number information and transmission page information (T117). The FAX device 30 receives the image data to which the received transmission header is added, records it on a recording medium, and outputs it (T118). When the IP FAX device 10 finishes transmitting one page of image data, it transmits an end of procedure signal (EOP signal) to notify that the page is complete and there is no next page (T119). When the FAX device 30 receives the EOP signal, it transmits a message confirmation signal (MCF signal) to notify that the image data has been received normally. When the IP FAX device 10 receives the MCF signal, it transmits a line disconnect command signal (DCN signal) to end the T.38 FAX procedure (T121). When the FAX device 30 receives the DCN signal indicating the end of the FAX procedure, it releases the line and returns to a standby state (T122). When the FAX procedure is completed, the IP FAX device 10 exchanges a BYE signal with the GW device 22 to terminate the SIP connection (T123, T124), terminates the VPN connection with the VPN server, and returns to a standby state (T125).

[0042] In this way, a VPN connection can be established to connect to the private network 2 , and the gateway device 22 in the private network can be made to transmit a FAX via the public telephone network 3 .

[0043] 4 is a flowchart showing a process in which the IP FAX device 10 according to this embodiment makes a VPN connection from the network 1 to the network 2 and transmits a FAX to the FAX device 30 on the network 3 including the public line network via the GW device 22 on the network 2. The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is realized by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in the ROM 102.

[0044] The IP FAX device 10 according to this embodiment starts the process shown in Fig. 4 in response to a user input such as pressing a "Remote FAX" button 500 in Fig. 5. In another example, the IP FAX device 10 starts the process shown in Fig. 4 in response to an input such as pressing an IP FAX transmission execution button (not shown).

[0045] When an IP FAX transmission is instructed, the CPU 101 judges whether or not a FAX transmission job via the GW device 22 on the intranet 2 has been instructed (S201). When the CPU 101 judges in S201 that the FAX transmission job is not an IP FAX transmission via the GW device 22 (No in S201), it performs SIP connection processing as a normal IP FAX transmission (S205). In S205, the IP FAX transmission is executed without going through the GW device 22.

[0046] When the CPU 101 determines that the transmission job is a transmission job via the GW device 22 (Yes in S201), the CPU 101 displays a transmission confirmation screen 501 of FIG. 5 on the operation panel 106 (S202). The transmission confirmation screen 501 is a screen for inquiring whether or not to transmit a fax via the GW device 22, i.e., from the network 2 using a remote line. The remote line refers to a line used when transmitting a fax to a public line network via the GW device 22. The local line refers to a line used when transmitting a fax from outside the private network 2 to a public line network without passing through the GW device 22. FIG. 5 is an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel 106 for confirming whether or not transmission from a remote line is possible. In FIG. 5, a message is displayed requesting confirmation about connecting to the remote line via the GW device 22 and transmitting a fax to a displayed telephone number. By displaying the transmission confirmation screen 501, it is possible to prompt the user to confirm that the remote line of the office is not used for purposes other than business purposes.

[0047] When the user presses a "Yes" button 502 on a transmission confirmation screen 501 to instruct fax transmission, it is determined that the fax transmission should be continued, and when the user presses a "No" button 503, it is determined that the fax transmission should be interrupted. If the transmission is to be continued (Yes in S203), CPU 101 advances the process to S204, and if the transmission is to be interrupted (No in S203), CPU 101 ends the process shown in Fig. 4, cancels the transmission job, and returns to the standby state.

[0048] In S204, the IP FAX device 10 performs VPN connection processing with the VPN server 21, and establishes a VPN connection with the intranet 2. The IP FAX device 10 performs SIP connection processing with the GW device 22 in the intranet 2 to connect to the FAX device 30 on the public telephone network 400 (S205). In S205, an INVITE signal is transmitted as described with reference to T104 in FIG.

[0049] When the SIP connection is established in S205, the IP FAX device 10 and the FAX device 30 are able to perform IP FAX communication, and the FAX device 10 waits for a DIS signal from the FAX device 30 (S206). When the DIS signal is received from the FAX device 30 (Yes in S206), the TSI / DCS transmission process described later with reference to FIG. 6 is performed (S207).

[0050] After the process of S207, the CPU 101 waits for a CFR signal from the FAX device 30 (S208). When the CPU 101 receives a CFR signal from the FAX device 30 (Yes in S208), it performs a PIX (transmission image and transmission header) signal transmission process (S209) which will be described later with reference to FIG. 7. When the PIX transmission process ends in S209, it performs the post-procedure process of the FAX communication described with reference to T119 to T122 in FIG. 3 (S210), and ends the process shown in FIG. 4. When the procedure of S210 ends, it disconnects the SIP connection between the IP FAX device 10 and the GW device 22 (S211). When the SIP connection is disconnected, it disconnects the VPN connection between the IP FAX device 10 and the VPN server 21 (S212), and the IP FAX device 10 terminates the connection to the network 2, and ends the process shown in FIG. 4.

[0051] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the TSI / DCS transmission process executed by the IP FAX device 10 according to the present embodiment in S207 of Fig. 4. This flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 executing a program stored in the ROM 102.

[0052] The CPU 101 judges whether the transmission job is a transmission using a remote line connected to the GW device 22 of the VPN-connected intranet 2 (S301). If the transmission job is a transmission using a remote line (yes in S301), the CPU 101 sets a telephone number (identifier) ​​associated with a line used by the GW device 22 in the public telephone network as the TSI (S302). Next, the CPU 101 generates a TSI / DCS signal based on the set TSI and transmits it to the GW device 22 (S303). For example, the CPU 101 can judge that the FAX transmission is a FAX transmission using a remote line based on the start of the process of FIG. 4 based on the receipt of an instruction from the user to transmit a FAX via a VPN connection. The CPU 101 can also judge that the FAX transmission is a FAX transmission using a local line when the process of FIG. 4 is started based on the receipt of an instruction from the user to transmit a FAX via a public telephone network or an IP FAX transmission not via a VPN connection.

[0053] If the fax transmission is via a local line (No in S301), the CPU 101 advances the process to S304. In S304, the CPU 101 sets the telephone number (identifier) ​​associated with the line in the public telephone network to which the IP FAX device 10 is connected or the identifier in the IP network as the TSI (S304). Next, the CPU 101 generates and transmits a TSI / DCS signal based on the set TSI (S303).

[0054] The telephone number (identifier) ​​associated with the line in the public telephone network that the GW device 22 uses is input by the user when the IP FAX device 10 is set up and stored in the ROM 102 or HDD 104. The telephone number or the identifier in the IP network associated with the line in the public telephone network to which the IP FAX device 10 is connected may be stored in the ROM 102 or HDD 104 by being notified by a management device (not shown) on the network side when the IP FAX device 10 is connected. Alternatively, it may be input via the operation panel 106 of the IP FAX device 10 and stored in the ROM 102 or HDD 104. These pre-stored identifiers are acquired in S302 and S304 and set in the TSI signal.

[0055] As a result, when the FAX device 30 identifies the caller number based on the TSI signal, it can recognize that the IP FAX device 10 is calling from the private network 2, improving the convenience of FAX communication via a VPN connection.

[0056] 7 is a flowchart showing the PIX transmission process executed by the IP FAX device 10 according to the present embodiment in S209 of FIG.

[0057] The CPU 101 judges whether the transmission job is a transmission using a remote line connected to the GW device 22 of the VPN-connected intranet 2 (S401). If the transmission job is a transmission using a remote line (yes in S301), the CPU 101 sets a telephone number (identifier) ​​associated with a line used by the GW device 22 in the public telephone network in the transmission header (S402). After that, the CPU 101 generates a PIX signal based on the generated transmission header and the transmission image, and transmits the PIX signal to the GW device 22 (S403). As described above, for example, the CPU 101 can judge that the FAX transmission is a FAX transmission using a remote line based on the fact that the process of FIG. 4 is started based on the receipt of an instruction from the user to transmit a FAX via a VPN connection. Also, the CPU 101 can judge that the FAX transmission is a FAX transmission using a local line based on the fact that the process of FIG. 4 is received from the user an instruction to transmit a FAX via a public telephone network or an IP FAX transmission not via a VPN connection.

[0058] If the FAX transmission is via a local line (No in S401), the CPU 101 sets the telephone number (identifier) ​​associated with the line in the public telephone network to which the IP FAX device 10 is connected or the identifier in the IP network as the TSI (S404).Then, the CPU 101 generates and transmits a TSI / DCS signal based on the set TSI (S403).

[0059] As a result, when FAX device 30 identifies the caller number based on the transmission header included in the PIX signal, it can recognize that the call is coming from intranet 2, improving the convenience of FAX communication via a VPN connection.

[0060] As described above, the IP FAX device 10 according to this embodiment connects to the private network 2 from the network 1 outside the private network 2. The IP FAX device 10 then performs IP FAX transmission to the gateway device 22 in the private network 2 so as to cause the gateway device 22 to transmit the FAX via the public telephone network 3. As a result, FAX transmission is performed from the gateway device 22 via the public telephone network 3, so that FAX transmission can be performed from outside the private network in the same way as within the private network.

[0061] For example, even in a situation such as remote work where it is necessary to send a fax from outside the intranet 2, the usage fee for the public telephone network 3 can be borne by the company that has a contract for the line used by the GW device 22. Also, even if the receiving side identifies the sender by calling number notification, the number associated with the line used by the GW device 22 is notified. This makes it easier for the receiving side to identify the sender, improving the convenience of fax communication from outside the private network.

[0062] Moreover, the IP FAX device 10 according to this embodiment is connected to the private network 2 via a VPN connection, which can improve the security of communication.

[0063] Furthermore, the IP FAX device 10 according to this embodiment sets information associated with the line used by the GW device 22 in the TSI signal transmitted in IP FAX communication. As a result, even if the receiving side identifies the sender by the TSI signal to manage the history or sort or forward received documents, the number associated with the line used by the GW device 22 is notified. This allows processing to be performed in the same way as FAX transmission from within the private network, improving the convenience of FAX communication from outside the private network.

[0064] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even when a fax is sent from outside the private network 2, the fax is sent via the GW device 22 in the private network 2. As a result, by managing the history of fax communication in the GW device 22, it is possible to collectively manage history information indicating when a fax was sent to which destination. As a result, even in remote work, communication history can be managed in the same way as in office work.

[0065] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0066] (Summary of the embodiment) The disclosure of this embodiment is as follows.

[0067] (Item 1) A connection means for connecting to the private network from a network outside the private network; a transmission means for transmitting an IP FAX to a gateway device in the private network and for transmitting a FAX from the gateway device via a public telephone network; A communication device comprising:

[0068] (Item 2) 2. The communication device according to item 1, wherein the connection means connects to the private network via a virtual private network (VPN) connection.

[0069] (Item 3) The communication device according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmitting means transmits to the gateway device a transmitting terminal identification (TSI) signal including an identifier associated with a line used by the gateway device in the public telephone network.

[0070] (Item 4) The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the transmitting means transmits a transmission header and a transmission image (PIX) signal including an identifier associated with a line used by the gateway device in the public telephone network to the gateway device.

[0071] (Item 5) 5. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 4, further comprising a reception unit that receives a user instruction to connect to the private network and to cause the gateway device to transmit a fax via the public telephone network.

[0072] (Item 6) The communication device according to item 5, further comprising a display means for displaying a confirmation screen for confirming that the gateway device is to execute FAX transmission before the IP FAX transmission is performed to the gateway device when the reception means receives the user instruction.

[0073] (Item 7) The method further includes a second transmission means for performing IP FAX transmission without connecting to the private network, The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that the TSI signal and the PIX signal transmitted by the second transmission means do not include an identifier associated with the line used by the gateway device in the public telephone network.

[0074] (Item 8) an interface for connecting to the public telephone network; a third transmission means for executing FAX transmission via the interface and a second line of the public telephone network; 8. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising:

[0075] (Item 9) 9. The communication device according to item 8, wherein the third transmitting means transmits a TSI signal including an identifier associated with the second line.

[0076] (Item 10) 10. The communication device according to item 8 or 9, wherein the third transmitting means transmits a PIX signal including an identifier associated with the second line.

[0077] (Item 11) 11. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the communication device is a facsimile device having a reading means for reading an original.

[0078] (Item 12) 12. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the transmission means performs communication with the gateway device in compliance with the T.38 protocol.

[0079] (Item 13) A connection means for connecting to the private network from a network outside the private network via a virtual private network (VPN); a transmission means for transmitting an IP FAX in compliance with the T.38 protocol to a gateway device in the private network, and for transmitting a FAX in compliance with the T.30 protocol from the gateway device via a public telephone network; A communication device comprising:

[0080] (Item 14) A communication method performed by a communication device, comprising: connecting to the private network from a network outside the private network; sending an IP fax to a gateway device in the private network, and sending a fax from the gateway device via a public telephone network; A communication method comprising:

[0081] (Item 15) A communication method performed by a communication device, comprising: providing a virtual private network (VPN) connection to the private network from a network outside the private network; sending an IP FAX in compliance with the T.38 protocol to a gateway device in the private network, and sending a FAX in compliance with the T.30 protocol from the gateway device via a public telephone network; A communication method comprising:

[0082] (Item 16) A computer of the communication device, A connection means for connecting to the private network from outside the private network; a transmission means for transmitting an IP FAX to a gateway device in the private network and for transmitting a FAX from the gateway device via a public telephone network; A program to function as a

[0083] (Item 17) A computer of the communication device, A connection means for connecting to the private network from a network outside the private network via a virtual private network (VPN); a transmission means for transmitting an IP FAX in compliance with the T.38 protocol to a gateway device in the private network, and for transmitting a FAX in compliance with the T.30 protocol from the gateway device via a public telephone network; A program to function as a

[0084] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1: network, 2: private network, 3: public telephone network, 10, 20: IP fax machine, 21: VPN server, 22: gateway device, 30: fax machine

Claims

1. A connection means for connecting to the private network from a network outside the private network; a transmission means for performing IP FAX transmission to a gateway device in the private network and for executing FAX transmission from the gateway device via a public telephone network; A communication device comprising:

2. 2. The communication device of claim 1, wherein said connection means connects to said private network via a virtual private network (VPN) connection.

3. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein said transmitting means transmits to said gateway device a transmitting station identification (TSI) signal including an identifier associated with a line used by said gateway device in said public telephone network.

4. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting means transmits to the gateway device a transmission header including an identifier associated with a line used by the gateway device in the public telephone network and a transmission image (PIX) signal.

5. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a reception unit for receiving a user instruction to connect to the private network and execute FAX transmission to the gateway device via the public telephone network.

6. 6. The communication device according to claim 5, further comprising a display means for displaying a confirmation screen for confirming that the gateway device is to execute the FAX transmission before the IP FAX transmission is performed to the gateway device when the user instruction is accepted by the accepting means.

7. The method further includes a second transmission means for performing IP FAX transmission without connecting to the private network, 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the TSI signal and the PIX signal transmitted by the second transmitting means do not include an identifier associated with a line used by the gateway device in the public telephone network.

8. an interface for connecting to the public telephone network; a third transmission means for executing FAX transmission via the interface and a second line of the public telephone network; The communication device of claim 1 , further comprising:

9. 9. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein the third transmitting means transmits a TSI signal including an identifier associated with the second line.

10. 9. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein the third transmitting means transmits a PIX signal including an identifier associated with the second line.

11. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a facsimile machine having a reading means for reading an original.

12. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission means performs communication with the gateway device in accordance with the T.38 protocol.

13. A connection means for connecting a virtual private network (VPN) to the private network from a network outside the private network; A transmission means for transmitting IP FAX conforming to the T.38 protocol to a gateway device in the private network and for transmitting FAX conforming to the T.30 protocol from the gateway device via a public telephone network; A communication device comprising:

14. A communication method performed by a communication device, comprising: connecting to the private network from a network outside the private network; performing IP FAX transmission to a gateway device in the private network, and executing FAX transmission from the gateway device via a public telephone network; A communication method comprising:

15. A communication method performed by a communication device, comprising: providing a virtual private network (VPN) connection to the private network from a network outside the private network; Performing IP FAX transmission conforming to the T.38 protocol to a gateway device in the private network, and executing FAX transmission conforming to the T.30 protocol from the gateway device via a public telephone network; A communication method comprising:

16. A computer of the communication device, A connection means for connecting to the private network from outside the private network; a transmission means for performing IP FAX transmission to a gateway device in the private network and for executing FAX transmission from the gateway device via a public telephone network; A program to function as a

17. A computer of the communication device, A connection means for connecting a virtual private network (VPN) to the private network from a network outside the private network; A transmission means for transmitting IP FAX conforming to the T.38 protocol to a gateway device in the private network and for transmitting FAX conforming to the T.30 protocol from the gateway device via a public telephone network; A program to function as a

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