Patent ID: 6040921
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A communication apparatus for data communication over a communication channel based on technical communication parameters, the communication apparatus comprising:detecting means for detecting a dual tone signal received through the communication channel for a maintenance mode separately establishable from a facsimile transmission mode, the dual tone signal representing at least a facsimile signaling setting of a particular one of the technical communication parameters for supporting traffic on the communications channel;controlling means for controlling at least the facsimile signaling setting of the particular one of the communication parameters in accordance with a detection result obtained by the detecting means after a set-up time period of the maintenance mode primarily dependent upon determining whether a detected secret identification number represented by the dual tone signal matches a stored identification number; anda monitor for monitoring the controlling means and the facsimile signaling setting of the particular one of the communication parameters during the maintenance mode to transmit a corresponding status message associated with the facsimile signaling setting over the communications channel.