JP2006020250A - Communication apparatus, telephone instrument, facsimile machine, method of controlling communication apparatus, control program and computer readable recording medium with the control program recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To receive television broadcast and to display it on a display part of a slave unit separable from a master unit. <P>SOLUTION: A facsimile machine 1 includes a slave unit 3 with which a user performs a call, and a master unit 2 which is connected to a line, such as a public line for transmitting/receiving a calling signal and a facsimile signal and relaying the calling signal to the slave unit 3. At least any one of the master unit 2 and the slave unit 3 comprises a television broadcast receiving tuner 29 for receiving a broadcast signal, and the slave unit 3 comprises a display part 45 for displaying an image based on the broadcast signal. Thus, in the facsimile machine, television broadcasting is received and displayed on the display part of the slave unit separable from the master unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus, a telephone apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, a communication apparatus control method, a control program, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the same.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, facsimile apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as “FAX”) that perform communication such as telephone calls and facsimile transmission / reception using a public line have been widely used. Also, a cordless facsimile apparatus having a parent machine and a child machine has become common. Recently, as an additional function, there is a facsimile apparatus that can receive a FAX broadcast and a facsimile apparatus that incorporates functions such as a television and a video.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a facsimile signal receiver tuner capable of demodulating and recording a facsimile signal and a television receiver tuner can be switched automatically and alternatively by a changeover switch. A facsimile signal receiving apparatus capable of automatically receiving a program is described.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a multi-function videophone apparatus that is integrated with functions such as video broadcast reception, external video camera playback, facsimile, recording of video signals and audio signals in addition to functions as a videophone. Is described.

  Patent Document 3 discloses that a digital broadcast receiving apparatus having a tuner unit, a decoder unit, a communication control unit (NCU) or the like that receives digital broadcasts by satellite or CATV can decode facsimile data or encode facsimile data. And the like, and a display processing unit for displaying the received facsimile image on a display unit, etc., and a facsimile function can be realized using a telephone line for communication of billing information and the like. Are listed.

Further, in Patent Document 4, multimedia data received through a public telephone line is temporarily stored in a data storage unit, and then the multimedia data is read from the data storage unit, and still image data is extracted from the multimedia data. A data receiving apparatus is described in which data is binarized and compressed to generate facsimile data, and the facsimile data is sent to the facsimile apparatus.
JP-A-4-313946 (Publication date: November 5, 1992) JP-A-2-39693 (Publication date: February 8, 1990) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-294906 (Publication date: November 4, 1998) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-304126 (Publication date: November 13, 1998)

  However, as described above, some conventional facsimile apparatuses can receive FAX broadcasts and television broadcasts in addition to the basic functions of calling and facsimile transmission / reception. It has to be displayed on a display unit provided or connected to another external display device for display.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device, a telephone device, and a facsimile device that can receive a television broadcast and display it on a display unit of a slave unit that can be separated from the master unit. Another object of the present invention is to realize a communication device control method, a control program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a communication apparatus according to the present invention transmits and receives a call signal and a facsimile signal connected to a line with a slave unit on which a user talks, and relays a call signal to the slave unit. Display device for displaying an image based on the broadcast signal on at least one of the master unit and the slave unit, including a broadcast receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal. It is characterized by providing a means.

  With the above configuration, the slave unit is separated from the master unit that transmits and receives the call signal and the facsimile signal. Therefore, the user can easily perform a call or facsimile reception operation at a place away from the parent device by using the child device. Moreover, in the communication apparatus, such a slave unit is provided with display means for displaying the received broadcast image. Therefore, the user can watch a broadcast such as a television together with a call or facsimile reception operation by using one slave unit.

  Furthermore, the communication apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising an incoming call notification means for displaying incoming call information indicating the incoming call on the display means when a call signal or facsimile signal arrives at the master unit.

  In addition, the communication device control method according to the present invention includes a slave unit that a user communicates with, and a master unit that is connected to a line and transmits / receives a call signal and a facsimile signal and relays a call signal to the slave unit. A method for controlling a communication device including a machine, a step of displaying an image on a display unit of a slave unit based on a received broadcast signal, and an incoming call indicating a call signal or a facsimile signal when a call signal or a facsimile signal arrives at the master unit And a step of displaying the information on the display unit.

  With the above configuration, when a call signal or facsimile signal arrives at the master unit, incoming information indicating the incoming call can be displayed on the display means (display unit) of the slave unit. Therefore, even when the user is watching a television broadcast or the like on the display unit (display unit) of the slave unit, the user can be surely notified that the call signal or the facsimile signal has arrived.

  Furthermore, the communication device according to the present invention is characterized in that, when an image based on the broadcast signal is displayed on the display means, the incoming call notification means does not display the incoming call information on the display means.

  With the above configuration, when a call signal or facsimile signal arrives at the master unit, if an image such as a television broadcast is displayed on the display unit (display unit) of the slave unit, the incoming information is displayed on the display unit ( Display on the display unit). Therefore, for example, when the user does not want the incoming information to be displayed on the display means (display unit), an image such as a television broadcast can be displayed without bothering the incoming information.

  Furthermore, the communication device according to the present invention further comprises reception control means for controlling the reception operation according to the transmission device information indicating the transmission device that has transmitted the call signal or facsimile signal received together with the call signal or facsimile signal. It is a feature.

  With the above configuration, if the call device information is a call signal or a facsimile signal transmitted together, the reception operation can be controlled according to the call device information. Specifically, the device used by the caller is specified, and the notification method (display, sound, etc.), notification content (message), response method (selection by user, automatic reception) according to the result , Refusal, etc.) can be selected. In addition, if the correspondence between the transmission device information and the reception operation is registered in the database (transmission device information DB) in advance, fine control is possible. In addition, when information specifying the caller is available, the receiving operation can be controlled according to the caller.

  Further, in the communication device according to the present invention, when the image based on the broadcast signal is displayed on the display unit, the reception control unit sets the master unit in the answering machine mode when a call signal arrives at the master unit. It is characterized by operating.

  With the above configuration, since incoming information is not displayed on the display means (display unit), an image such as a television broadcast can be displayed without bothering the incoming information.

  Further, in the communication apparatus according to the present invention, when the image based on the broadcast signal is displayed on the display means, the reception control means automatically sends the facsimile signal to the parent machine when the facsimile signal arrives at the parent machine. It is characterized by receiving.

  With the above configuration, since incoming information is not displayed on the display means (display unit), an image such as a television broadcast can be displayed without bothering the incoming information.

  Furthermore, the communication device according to the present invention captures the screen of the display means displaying an image based on the broadcast signal, generates captured image data, and stores the captured image data in the captured image storage means of the slave unit It is characterized by having capture means for performing.

  With the configuration described above, image information of a reception screen of a broadcast such as a television can be further saved in the memory of the slave unit. Therefore, since the captured image data can be displayed after the broadcast ends, the user does not need to take notes.

  Furthermore, a communication apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising capture image printing means for reading captured image data from the capture image storage means, transmitting the captured image data to the parent device, and printing it by the printing means of the parent device.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to print the captured broadcast reception screen. Further, since the captured image data is moved from the slave unit to the master unit by communication, it is not necessary for the user to go to the location of the master unit for printing.

  Furthermore, in the communication apparatus according to the present invention, when the captured image data is stored in the captured image storage unit in a predetermined capacity or more, the captured image printing unit prints the old captured image data in order from the old captured image data. At the same time, it is characterized in that it prints out the captured image data that has already been printed.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to automatically transfer the capture screen data to the master unit even when the slave unit's captured image storage unit is full. Can do.

  In addition, a communication device according to the present invention includes a handset that a user makes a call with, and a base device that is connected to a line and transmits / receives a call signal and relays the call signal to the handset Then, at least one of the master unit and the slave unit is provided with broadcast receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal, and the slave unit is provided with display means for displaying an image based on the broadcast signal.

  With the above configuration, the slave unit is separated from the master unit that transmits and receives a call signal. Therefore, the user can easily make a call at a place away from the parent device by using the child device. Moreover, in the telephone apparatus, display means for displaying the received broadcast image is provided in such a handset. Therefore, the user can watch a broadcast such as a television together with a call by using one slave unit.

  Further, a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is a facsimile apparatus including a master unit that is connected to a line and transmits / receives a facsimile signal, and a slave unit that remotely controls the master unit, and includes at least one of the master unit and the slave unit. Either one of them is provided with broadcast receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal, and the slave unit is provided with display means for displaying an image based on the broadcast signal.

  With the above configuration, the slave unit is separated from the master unit that transmits and receives facsimile signals. Therefore, the user can easily perform a facsimile reception operation at a place away from the parent machine by using the child machine. In addition, the facsimile apparatus is provided with display means for displaying the received broadcast image in such a slave unit. Therefore, the user can watch a broadcast such as a television together with a facsimile reception operation by using one slave unit.

  The base station, the terminal station, and the communication device may be realized by a computer. In this case, each of the above devices that realizes each of the above devices by a computer by operating the computer as each of the above means. The control program (communication management program) and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the communication device according to the present invention includes a broadcast receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal in at least one of the parent device and the child device, and displays the image on the child device based on the broadcast signal. It is the structure provided with a means. Therefore, by using one slave unit, the user can view a broadcast such as a television together with a call or facsimile reception operation.

  One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the facsimile machine 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the slave unit 3 is attached to the master unit 2. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the base unit 2 of the facsimile apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the handset 3 of the facsimile apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the facsimile apparatus 1 is a so-called cordless facsimile including a parent machine 2 and a child machine 3. That is, the base unit 2 is connected to a line such as a public line and transmits / receives a call signal and a facsimile signal, and relays the call signal to the handset 3.

  In the facsimile apparatus 1, a call, facsimile transmission / reception operation, and printing can be performed in the base unit 2. Further, it is possible to perform a call or facsimile transmission / reception operation via the slave unit 3 that can be detached from the master unit 2.

  The facsimile apparatus 1 can receive a television broadcast including a digital broadcast, and can display the television broadcast received by the parent device 2 on the display unit 45 of the child device 3 removed from the parent device 2. Furthermore, the facsimile machine 1 has a function of capturing a digital broadcast reception screen. The facsimile apparatus 1 has a function of printing a captured digital broadcast reception screen. Further, when transmitting information / data to the content of the received television broadcast, the facsimile apparatus 1 can transmit the information / data using a public line (such as a telephone line) connected to the parent device 2.

  In this embodiment, a so-called multi-function device that transmits and receives a call signal and a facsimile signal is described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called cordless telephone that transmits and receives a call signal. In addition, although the broadcast to be received is described as a television broadcast including video and audio, the present invention can be applied to a broadcast including only video and a broadcast including only audio.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the parent device 2 and the child device 3 of the facsimile apparatus 1.

  First, the configuration of base unit 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the base unit 2 includes a base unit operation key 11, a base unit microphone 12, a base unit handset 13, a base unit speaker 14, a base unit antenna 15, a printer 16, a public line connection unit 17, and a television broadcast reception. An antenna connection unit 18 and a slave unit mounting unit 19 are provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the master unit 2 includes a master unit central processing unit (CPU) 21, a master unit operation key input control unit 22, a master unit voice input control unit 23, and a master unit voice output control. Unit 24, master data transmission / reception controller 25, master memory 26, printer controller 27, communication controller 28, and television broadcast receiver tuner 29.

  The base unit operation key 11 is operated by a user, and for example, a telephone number of a communication partner apparatus, a change of a television broadcast reception channel, and the like are input. The base unit operation key 11 gives the input command to the base unit operation key input control unit 22. The base unit operation key input control unit 22 gives the given command to the base unit CPU 21 as command information.

  The base unit microphone 12 and the microphones (not shown) of the base unit receiver 13 are given voice information, and give the given voice information to the base unit voice input control unit 23. The master unit voice input control unit 23 gives the given voice information to the master unit CPU 21.

  The base unit voice output control unit 24 gives the voice information given from the base unit CPU 21 to the base unit speaker 14 and the speaker (not shown) of the base unit receiver 13. The base unit speaker 14 and the speaker of the base unit receiver 13 output audio information given from the base unit audio output control unit 24 to the outside. The parent speaker 14 and the speaker of the parent receiver 13 are parent device notification means, and output the parent device information given from the parent device CPU 21 and the sound of the television broadcast as sound information.

  The parent device memory (parent device storage means) 26 is composed of a storage device such as a flash memory, for example, and stores a program used for controlling the parent device CPU 21. The base unit memory 26 stores information given from the base unit CPU 21, for example, captured digital broadcast image information, incoming call history, outgoing call history, and message message.

  A base unit data transmission / reception control unit (base unit communication means) 25 controls a communication with the slave unit 3, searches a communication path for communicating with the slave unit 3, establishes a connection, and transmits / receives information. Etc. The base unit data transmission / reception control unit 25 provides the base unit antenna 15 with information given from the base unit CPU 21, for example, television broadcast data and audio information. The TV broadcast data is TV broadcast data received by the TV broadcast receiving tuner 29. The base unit data transmission / reception control unit 25 provides the base unit CPU 21 with information provided from the base unit antenna 15, for example, command information, and image information and audio information obtained by capturing a television broadcast reception screen. The command information is information for commanding the operation of the parent device 2.

  The master unit antenna 15 transmits and receives information to and from the slave unit antenna 44 in order to communicate with the slave unit 3. Base unit antenna 15 provides the received information to base unit data transmission / reception control unit 25. The base unit antenna 15 transmits information given from the base unit data transmission / reception control unit 25 to the handset antenna 44.

  The printer control unit 27 gives the print content information given from the master CPU 21 to the printer 16. The printer 16 prints print content information given from the printer control unit 27, for example, received fax and image information obtained by capturing a television broadcast. The printer 16 is realized by, for example, an inkjet printing apparatus capable of color printing.

  The communication control unit 28 monitors the status of a public line (for example, a telephone line) via the public line connection unit 17 and gives information given from the public line to the master CPU 21. Further, the communication control unit 28 gives transmission information given from the master CPU 21 to other communication devices via a public line.

  A television broadcast receiving tuner (broadcast receiving means) 29 receives a broadcast signal of a television broadcast. Note that the television broadcast receiving tuner 29 may be provided in at least one of the parent device 2 and the child device 3. However, the handset 3 can be reduced in size and weight by providing the television broadcast receiving tuner 29 in the base unit 2 that is less limited in size and weight than the handset 3.

  The base unit CPU (base unit control means) 21 determines the overall operation of the base unit 2 based on the given command information together with the program stored in the base unit memory 26. When the operation is determined, base unit CPU 21 gives command information to each unit. Based on the command information given from the parent device data transmission / reception control unit 25, the parent device CPU 21 controls the parent device 2 in an integrated manner. The base unit CPU 21 controls the base unit data transmission / reception control unit 25 to transmit the base unit information to the handset 3. The master CPU 21 is realized by a processing circuit such as a microcomputer.

  Next, the structure of the subunit | mobile_unit 3 is demonstrated in detail using FIG. 1 and FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the slave unit 3 includes a slave unit operation key 41, a slave unit microphone 42, a slave unit speaker 43, a slave unit antenna 44, and a display unit 45. In addition, the subunit | mobile_unit 3 can also be comprised as a terminal of a video telephone by providing a camera further.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the slave unit 3 includes a slave unit central processing unit (CPU) 51, a slave unit operation key input control unit 52, a slave unit voice input control unit 53, and a slave unit voice output control. Unit 54, slave unit data transmission / reception control unit 55, slave unit memory 56, television broadcast signal decoder 57, and display control unit 58.

  The handset operation key 41 is operated by the user, and for example, a telephone number of a communication partner apparatus, a change of a television broadcast reception channel, and the like are input. The slave unit operation key 41 gives the input command to the slave unit operation key input control unit 52. The subunit | mobile_unit operation key input control part 52 gives the provided instruction | command to subunit | mobile_unit CPU51 as instruction | command information.

  Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the slave unit operation key 41 is shown. The configuration of the slave unit operation key 41 is not limited to this example.

  The slave unit operation key 41 includes a plurality of keys. For each key, a “menu key” for calling a menu screen for performing various operations on the handset 3, a “cursor key” for selecting a menu on the menu screen, and the selected menu are executed. "Enter key" to cancel, "Cancel key" to cancel the selected menu, "Capture key" to capture the received TV screen, "Print key" to print the captured image, slave unit In FIG. 3, “call / end key” for making / receiving calls is assigned.

  The handset microphone 42 is given voice information, and gives the given voice information to the handset voice input control unit 53. The slave unit voice input control unit 53 gives the given voice information to the slave unit CPU 51.

  The cordless handset audio output control unit 54 gives voice information given from the cordless handset CPU 51 to the cordless handset speaker 43. The subunit | mobile_unit speaker 43 outputs the audio | voice information given from the subunit | mobile_unit audio | voice output control part 54 outside. The slave unit speaker 43 is a slave unit notification unit and outputs the slave unit information given from the slave unit CPU 51 and the sound of the television broadcast to the outside as audio information.

  The slave unit data transmission / reception control unit (slave unit communication means) 55 controls communication with the master unit 2. The subunit | mobile_unit data transmission / reception control part 55 gives the command information given from the subunit | mobile_unit CPU51 to the subunit | mobile_unit antenna 44. FIG. Further, the slave unit data transmission / reception control unit 55 gives the master unit information given from the slave unit antenna 44 to the slave unit CPU 51. Thereby, the subunit | mobile_unit 3 can transmit / receive a control signal, a call signal, a television broadcast signal, capture image data, etc. between the main | base stations 2. FIG.

  The display control unit 58 converts information given from the slave CPU 51 into image information and gives the image information to the display unit 45. The display unit 45 displays the image information given from the display control unit 58. The displayed image information is, for example, image information received from a television broadcast and image information based on parent device information. The display unit 45 is realized by a liquid crystal display device capable of color display, for example. Moreover, the display part 45 is provided with the touch panel on the surface, and a soft key is implement | achieved with the display of a superimposition site | part. Note that the input of this soft key is controlled by the slave unit operation key input control unit 52, similarly to the slave unit operation key 41.

  The TV broadcast signal decoder 57 decodes the received TV broadcast data. Here, the television broadcast data is received by the television broadcast reception tuner 29 of the parent device 2 and transmitted from the parent device antenna 15 to the child device antenna 44 via the parent device data transmission / reception control unit 25 of the parent device 2. . The television broadcast data transmitted from the master unit antenna 15 is received by the slave unit antenna 44 and passed to the television broadcast signal decoder 57 via the slave unit data transmission / reception control unit 55. Then, after the television broadcast signal data is decoded by the television broadcast signal decoder 57, the display control unit 58 displays the television broadcast on the display unit 45, and the slave unit audio output control unit 54 unit outputs the television broadcast from the slave unit speaker 43. Outputs TV broadcast audio.

  The slave unit CPU (slave unit control means) 51 determines the overall operation of the slave unit 3 based on the given command information and the like together with the program stored in the slave unit memory 56. When the operation is determined, the slave CPU 51 gives command information to each unit. The slave unit CPU 51 comprehensively controls the slave unit 3 based on the command information given from the slave unit data transmission / reception control unit 55. Further, the slave CPU 51 controls the slave data transmission / reception controller 55 so as to transmit the slave information to the master 2. The slave CPU 51 is realized by a processing circuit such as a microcomputer.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slave unit 3 is integrated with the master unit 2 by being placed on the slave unit placement unit 19 of the master unit 2. In this state, the display unit 45 of the child device 3 functions as the entire facsimile apparatus 1 or the display device of the parent device 2. And the content displayed on the display part 45 may be switched by attaching or detaching the subunit | mobile_unit 3 to the subunit | mobile_unit mounting part 19. FIG. That is, in a state in which the child device 3 is detached from the child device placement unit 19, the display unit 45 functions as a display device of the child device 3, and in a state in which the child device 3 is mounted on the child device placement unit 19, The display unit 45 may function as a display device for the entire facsimile apparatus 1.

  Next, functions realized by the master CPU 21 and the slave CPU 51 will be described.

(1) Incoming Call Notification Function When the base unit CPU 21 and the sub unit CPU 51 receive incoming call information or a facsimile signal to the main unit 2 as incoming call notification means, the incoming call information indicating the incoming call is displayed on the display unit (display means) of the mobile unit 3. ) 45. When an image based on a broadcast signal is displayed on the display unit (display unit) 45, whether to display the incoming call information on the display unit (display unit) 45 can be selected according to the user's preference. .

(2) Reception control function The master CPU 21 operates as a reception control unit in accordance with transmission device information (telephone number) indicating the transmission device that has transmitted the call signal or facsimile signal together with the call signal or facsimile signal. To control. Therefore, a transmission device information DB (phone book information) in which correspondence between the transmission device information and the reception operation is registered in advance is stored in the child device memory 56 or the parent device memory 26. In addition, you may perform the process according to transmission apparatus information also in the subunit | mobile_unit 3. FIG. Moreover, the main | base station 2 and the subunit | mobile_unit 3 may each hold | maintain the transmission apparatus information DB of the original content.

  When the image based on the broadcast signal is displayed on the display unit (display unit) 45, the master unit CPU (reception control unit) 21 sets the master unit 2 as an answering machine when a call signal arrives at the master unit 2. Operate in mode. That is, a predetermined message in the answering machine mode is reproduced to record the sender's message.

  When the image based on the broadcast signal is displayed on the display unit (display means) 45, the master CPU (reception control means) 21 automatically sends the facsimile signal to the master when the facsimile signal arrives at the master. Receive. That is, the facsimile signal is received and printed by the printer 16 or stored in the master memory 26.

(3) Capture Function The slave CPU 51 captures the screen of the display unit (display unit) 45 displaying an image based on the broadcast signal as a capture unit, generates capture image data, and captures the captured image data as a child unit. The data is stored in the slave memory (captured image storage means) 56 of the machine 3.

(4) Capture image printing function The master CPU 21 and the slave CPU 51 read captured image data from the slave memory (capture image storage means) 56 and transmit it to the master 2 as capture image printing means. Printing is performed by a printer (printing means) 16. When the captured image data is stored in the slave memory (captured image storage means) 56 in a predetermined capacity or more, the old captured image data is printed in order from the printer (printing means) 16 of the master unit 2, and the printed image data is already printed. Delete the captured image data.

  Next, processing when a call is received while receiving a television broadcast will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  At the time of receiving a TV broadcast, that is, when the TV reception screen is displayed on the display unit 45 and the TV reception sound is being output from the handset speaker 43 (S11), the master CPU 21 determines whether there is an incoming call. (S12) is performed. The status of the slave unit 3 is notified to the master unit CPU 21 by the slave unit CPU 51 at a predetermined timing.

  If there is no incoming call (“None” in S12), reception of the television broadcast (S11) is continued. On the other hand, when there is an incoming call (“Yes” in S12), the handset CPU 51 displays on the display unit 45 that there is an incoming call (S13). A specific example of display will be described later.

  Next, handset CPU 51 determines whether or not the user has performed a call / end key operation (S14). That is, a call incoming line connection determination is performed.

  When the user performs an operation to reject the incoming call, for example, when the “call / end key” (slave unit operation key 41) is pressed for a long time (“long press operation” in S14), the slave unit CPU 51 Then, the incoming call line of the telephone is disconnected, and the display that there is an incoming call to the display unit 45 is stopped (S19), and then the TV reception screen display (S11) is continued.

  On the other hand, when the user performs an operation to respond to the incoming call, for example, when the “call / end key” (slave unit operation key 41) is normally operated (“normal operation” in S14), the slave unit CPU 51 Then, the slave unit audio output control unit 54 makes the television reception voice output from the slave unit speaker 43 small or is stopped (mute) (S15), and a call is started (S16).

  During a call, handset CPU 51 determines whether to end the call (S17). If the call does not end ("continue call" in S17), the call is continued and the call end determination (S17) is repeated. On the other hand, when the call is finished (“end of call” in S17), the handset CPU 51 increases or starts the TV reception sound output from the handset speaker 43 to the handset voice output control unit 54 (unmute). (S18), the process returns to the reception of the television broadcast (S11).

  Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, a mode switching process when a telephone or facsimile call is received while receiving a television broadcast will be described. 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the mode switching screen.

  When receiving a TV broadcast, that is, when the TV reception screen is displayed on the display unit 45 and the TV reception sound is being output from the handset speaker 43 (S21), the master CPU 21 receives an incoming call or facsimile. The presence / absence determination (S22) is performed.

  If there is no incoming call or facsimile (“None” in S22), the television broadcast reception (S21) is continued. On the other hand, if there is an incoming call for telephone or facsimile (“Yes” in S22), handset CPU 51 displays on display 45 that there is an incoming call for telephone or facsimile (S26). Then, the key operation by the user is detected and the mode is switched (S27).

  In step S27, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the TV screen is reduced, and “Received” is displayed at the bottom of the display unit 45 and “response”, “absence”, “reject”, and “FAX” modes are selected. Displays softkeys for When the user touches the display area of each soft key, the touch panel of the display unit 45 detects and the slave unit operation key input control unit 52 acquires it as a mode selection instruction input. The user's operation may be detected by a key 47 disposed in the vicinity of the soft key. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the television screen is reduced, and “response”, “answering”, “rejection”, and “FAX” modes are selected together with “incoming call” displayed on the right side of the display unit 45. Soft keys may be displayed.

  When the mode is switched to the facsimile (FAX) reception mode in step S27, the television screen is returned to the full screen display, and the display of “incoming call” and the soft key are erased from the display unit 45 (S31). Thereafter, the base unit CPU 21 connects the line (S32), receives the facsimile (S33), and disconnects the line (S34).

  If the mode is switched to the incoming call rejection mode in step S27, the television screen is returned to the full screen display, and the display of “incoming call” and the soft key are turned off from the display unit 45 (S41). Thereafter, the master CPU 21 disconnects the line (S42).

  When the mode is switched to the answering machine mode in step S27, the television screen is returned to the full screen display, and the display of “incoming call” and the soft key are turned off from the display unit 45 (S51). After that, the master CPU 21 connects the line (S52), performs an answering machine operation (recording a message if it is a telephone, automatic fax reception if it is a facsimile) (S53), and disconnects the line (S54).

  When the mode is switched to the incoming call response mode in step S27, the television screen is returned to the full screen display, the display of “incoming call” and the soft key display are turned off from the display unit 45 (S61), and the slave unit The television reception audio output from the speaker 43 is reduced or stopped (muted) (S62). Thereafter, the slave CPU 51 connects the lines (S63).

  At this time, if the incoming call is a telephone call ("telephone" in S64), the user makes a call as it is (S65). During a call, handset CPU 51 makes a call end determination (S66). If the call does not end (NO in S66), the call is continued and the call end determination (S66) is repeated. When the call is finished (YES in S66), the line is disconnected (S67).

  On the other hand, if the incoming call is a facsimile (“FAX” in S64), the user operates the “reception start” key (S69). When the slave CPU 51 detects this key operation, the master CPU 21 starts FAX reception.

  Thereafter, in the slave unit 3, the slave unit CPU 51 increases or starts (unmutes) the television reception audio output from the slave unit speaker 43 (S68), and returns to the reception of the television broadcast (S21).

  Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, a mode switching process when a telephone or facsimile call is received while receiving a television broadcast will be described. In FIG. 9, when an incoming call is received during TV reception, it is determined whether or not the call is from a preset telephone number. 8 is different from the process of FIG. 8 in that automatic FAX reception is performed. Therefore, only the differences from FIG. 8 will be described below.

  When a telephone call or facsimile call is received when receiving a television broadcast (“Yes” in S22), the communication control unit 28 receives the caller telephone number (S23), and the master CPU 21 acquires it. When the caller telephone number is registered in the calling device information DB (phone book information) (YES in S24) and is a facsimile-dedicated telephone number (YES in S25), the base unit CPU 21 determines the automatic facsimile reception mode. Switch to. On the other hand, in other cases (NO in S24, NO in S25), handset CPU 51 displays on display 45 that there is an incoming call or facsimile (S26). It should be noted that at least a facsimile-dedicated telephone number that is scheduled for an incoming call is registered in the transmission device information DB and stored in the base unit memory 26 in advance.

  When the mode is switched to the facsimile (FAX) automatic reception mode in step S25, the master CPU 21 connects the line (S81), receives the facsimile (S82), and disconnects the line (S83).

  Here, a specific example of a method for notifying the user that there is an incoming telephone call or facsimile in the handset 3 will be described. As a method for notifying the user of an incoming call, as described above, the display unit 45 may display the TV method together with the television method, or may be displayed on another display device, or may be notified by voice or vibration. Good.

  FIGS. 10 to 12 show examples of display screens displayed on the display unit 45 when an incoming call is received during TV broadcast reception.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a telop may be displayed on the upper portion of the display unit 45 for “incoming call” information, such as notification of temporary news during a television broadcast. According to this display, a large screen can be displayed without blocking the television screen.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the “incoming call” information may be displayed at the bottom of the display unit 45 like a movie subtitle. According to this display, a large screen can be displayed without blocking the television screen.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the “incoming call” information may be displayed in a sub-screen arranged in the television reception screen of the display unit 45. According to this display, when an incoming call is received during television reception, it is possible to reliably notify that the incoming call has been received.

  In addition, the display unit 45 may display the television reception screen and the incoming call display screen as separate and independent screens. According to this display, even when an incoming call is received during television reception, the television reception screen can be displayed without being hidden by the incoming call display screen.

  For these display methods, the user can select a user-friendly method. When the user subscribes to a caller number notification service such as a number display, the caller's number and caller name may be displayed. Thereby, the user can recognize who the caller is, and can answer an incoming call or ignore it. Therefore, even when watching TV, it is possible to answer a call from a specific caller.

  FIG. 13 shows an example in which when a call is received during reception of a television broadcast, notification is made by voice from the handset speaker 43.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when there is an incoming call while receiving a television broadcast, a sound such as an incoming call sound may be output from the handset speaker 43.

  At that time, both the TV sound and the incoming call notification sound may be output from the handset speaker 43. Thereby, it can be notified that there is an incoming call.

  Also, the incoming call notification sound may be output by lowering or muting the audio volume of the television. As a result, even if an incoming call is received when the volume of the TV is high, the incoming call is output because the incoming audio is output after the volume of the TV audio is reduced or muted. It is possible to reliably notify that there is.

  In the case of incoming call notification by voice output, the voice to be output can be changed according to the user's preference. In addition, when the user subscribes to a caller number notification service such as a number display, the type of sound to be output may be changed for each caller. Thereby, the user can recognize who the caller is, and can answer an incoming call or ignore it. Therefore, even when watching TV, it is possible to answer a call from a specific caller.

  FIG. 14 shows an example in which a notification lamp 46 is turned on when an incoming call is received while receiving a television broadcast.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the handset 3 may be provided with a notification lamp 46 to notify the incoming call by lighting or flashing. Here, the lighting, flashing pattern, and lighting color of the notification lamp 46 can be changed according to the user's preference. The lighting, blinking pattern, and lighting color can be set in any combination according to the user's preference. Therefore, the user can select a method that is easy for the user to use. In addition, when the user subscribes to a caller number notification service such as a number display, the lighting, blinking pattern, and lighting color of the notification lamp 46 may be changed for each caller. Thereby, the user can recognize who the caller is, and can answer an incoming call or ignore it. Therefore, even when watching TV, it is possible to answer a call from a specific caller.

  Furthermore, as a method of notifying that there is an incoming call, any one of display on the display unit 45, sound from the handset speaker 43, lighting of the notification lamp 46, or any combination can be set. Therefore, the user can select an easy-to-use method by using any means alone or in combination for display on the display unit 45, sound from the handset speaker 43, lighting of the notification lamp 46, and the like. it can.

  Moreover, the setting which does not alert | report an incoming call by the subunit | mobile_unit 3 is also possible. Of course, even when there is an incoming call, the base unit 2 and other slave units can respond. Thereby, when viewing television on the display unit 45 of the slave unit 3, viewing is not interrupted by telephone or facsimile. Therefore, it is possible to watch a broadcast such as a movie calmly.

  In addition, in the case where the handset 3 is set not to notify the incoming call, the answering machine mode may be automatically set. Even if the user does not set it, since the answering machine mode is automatically set, the user's trouble can be saved. Therefore, the user can watch TV without being interrupted by the telephone, and can safely handle important telephones and facsimiles.

  Next, a function for capturing the screen of the display unit 45 displaying an image based on a broadcast signal and a function for printing the generated captured image data will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 15 is an external perspective view of the handset 3 in a state in which a broadcast reception screen is captured.

  In the facsimile apparatus 1, image data displayed on the display unit 45 of the child device 3, for example, an arbitrary reception screen of a received television broadcast, as image information (capture image data) is controlled by the display control unit 58. Can be saved. Specifically, when the user views a screen that the user wants to save while viewing a television broadcast, if the “capture key” (slave unit operation key 41) is operated, the slave unit CPU 51 displays the screen on the display unit 45 at that time. Image data is generated from the existing image and stored in the handset memory 56.

  The captured image data stored in the slave memory 56 can be displayed on the display unit 45 in accordance with a user operation or the like. As a result, the user can confirm the broadcast reception image captured after the end of the television broadcast by displaying it on the display unit 45. In particular, since the captured image data is stored in the handset memory 56 of the handset 3, it can be called instantly when displayed.

  FIG. 16 is an external perspective view of the facsimile apparatus 1 showing a state in which captured image data obtained by capturing a broadcast reception screen is printed.

  When the user operates the “print key” (slave unit operation key 41) after capturing the screen of the display unit 45, the generated captured image data is transmitted from the slave unit 3 to the master unit 2, and the printer 16 of the master unit 2 Print with. More specifically, the captured image data is controlled by the slave unit CPU 51 and the master unit CPU 21 via the slave unit data transmission / reception control unit 55, the slave unit antenna 44, the master unit antenna 15, and the master unit data transmission / reception control unit 25. The data is transmitted from the unit 27 to the printer 16.

  As a result, the captured broadcast reception screen can be printed. Further, since the captured image data is moved from the slave unit 3 to the master unit 2 by communication, it is not necessary for the user to go to the place where the master unit 2 is installed for printing.

  Note that when the captured image data is transmitted from the child device 3 to the parent device 2, the data may be compressed. Thereby, the communication traffic between the main | base station 2-the subunit | mobile_unit 3 can be aimed at.

  Further, the captured image data may be stored in the base unit memory 26 of the base unit 2. The captured image data may be temporarily stored in the slave unit memory 56 and then transferred to the master unit memory 26, or when the capture is executed, the generated captured image data is immediately transmitted to the master unit 2, You may save in the main | base station memory 26. FIG. In general, since the base unit 2 can be equipped with a large-capacity memory, it is possible to capture without worrying about the remaining amount of memory.

  When the captured image data is stored in the slave unit memory 56, the slave unit memory 56 becomes full and cannot be captured. Therefore, in the facsimile apparatus 1, when the slave device memory 56 is full when capturing, the captured image data may be stored in the master device memory 26.

  Further, when the child device memory 56 becomes full, the capture screen data stored in the child device memory 56 may be automatically transferred to the parent device memory 26 to secure the free space of the child device memory 56. At that time, priority may be set for data to be transferred, such as transfer (transmission) in order from the oldest captured time.

  Further, the remaining amount of the memory (the child device memory 56 and the parent device memory 26) is detected at a predetermined timing, and “the number of captures (number of images)” or “the number of screens that can be saved” is displayed on the display unit 45 of the child device 3. "May be displayed. Thereby, the user can capture while grasping the remaining amount of memory from the display on the display unit 45, which is convenient.

  FIG. 17 is an external perspective view of the facsimile apparatus 1 showing a state in which information / data is transmitted to the broadcast station of the receiving broadcast.

  In general, information / data (data for transmission) such as present application or opinion submission may be transmitted for the contents of the broadcast being received. Therefore, in the facsimile apparatus 1, the user creates transmission data by operating the slave unit operation key 41, confirms the contents on the display unit 45, and then transmits the transmission data to the public via the master unit 2. Can be sent to the line. Specifically, the transmission data is controlled by the slave unit CPU 51 and the master unit CPU 21 via the slave unit data transmission / reception control unit 55, the slave unit antenna 44, the master unit antenna 15, and the master unit data transmission / reception control unit 25. The data is transmitted from the unit 28 and the public line connection unit 17 to the public line.

  This makes it possible to easily transmit information, data, and the like to the broadcast station that is receiving the broadcast.

  The facsimile apparatus of the present invention is a facsimile apparatus including a television broadcast receiving tuner and a display unit, and the display unit is provided in a slave unit that can be detached from the main body (master unit) and can communicate with the master unit. It can be used as a cordless handset. Here, the master unit has a master unit communication unit that communicates with the slave unit, and a master unit control unit that controls the master unit in an integrated manner based on signal information received by the master unit communication unit. The slave unit includes a slave unit communication unit that communicates with the master unit, and a slave unit control unit that comprehensively controls the slave unit based on signal information received by the slave unit communication unit.

  Thereby, since the display unit can communicate with the parent device, it can be used as a cordless child device and can display a television broadcast received by the parent device.

  Therefore, the user can view the television broadcast on the display unit of the facsimile apparatus, and this display unit can be used as a detachable slave unit, which is convenient. Furthermore, it is convenient not only for viewing TV broadcasts and individual functions as cordless slave units, but also for responding to incoming calls while receiving TV broadcasts.

  Furthermore, the facsimile apparatus of the present invention includes a memory in the slave unit. Thereby, the reception screen of the received television broadcast can be captured. Therefore, since the reception screen of the television broadcast can be captured, there is no need to take a memo while browsing the television broadcast, and it is convenient because the captured screen can be called and confirmed.

  Furthermore, in the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the slave unit can transmit the captured screen image data to the master unit using the communication means. Then, the master unit can store the received image data in a memory provided in the master unit and print it using a facsimile printing unit provided in the master unit.

  As a result, since the captured screen can be printed by the printing unit provided in the master unit, it is not necessary to take a note of the contents of the program as in the above capture, and the screen can be printed. This is convenient because not only text information of the memo but also visual information can be left as paper. In addition, since the master unit and slave units can communicate wirelessly, there is no need to take the slave unit to the location where the master unit is installed when printing the captured screen. It is convenient because it can be printed.

  Further, the facsimile apparatus of the present invention transmits some information / data (for example, application for a present in a program, written opinion of a program, etc.) to a broadcaster while browsing the received television broadcast. When using the communication means between the master unit and the slave unit, it is possible to easily transmit using the public line (telephone line, etc.) connected to the master unit by operating the slave unit. it can. That is, since the facsimile apparatus is a communication device connected to a public line (such as a telephone line), it is convenient because information can be easily transmitted using the connected public line.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Finally, functions (particularly, incoming call notification means, reception control means, capture image printing means) executed by the base unit CPU 21 of the base unit 2 and functions (particularly, incoming call notification means) executed by the handset CPU 51 of the handset 3 , Capture means, and capture image printing means) are realized by software using a CPU as follows. Note that these functions may be configured by hardware logic.

  That is, the master unit 2 and the slave unit 3 develop CPUs (central processing units) 21 and 51 that execute instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, and the program. A RAM (random access memory), a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data (equivalent to the parent device memory 26 and the child device memory 56), and the like are provided. The object of the present invention is to record the program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of the control program of the master unit 2 and the slave unit 3 which are software for realizing the above-described functions so as to be readable by the computer. This can also be achieved by supplying a recording medium to the parent device 2 and the child device 3, and reading and executing the program code recorded on the recording medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU).

  Examples of the recording medium include tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks / hard disks, and disks including optical disks such as CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Further, the master unit 2 and the slave unit 3 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The communication apparatus according to the present invention enables viewing of a broadcast such as a television together with a call or facsimile reception operation with a single slave unit. Therefore, the communication apparatus according to the present invention can be widely applied to devices having cordless slave units, but is particularly suitable for cordless telephones, cordless facsimiles, and their complex machines.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a parent device and a child device of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the main | base station of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the subunit | mobile_unit of the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing in the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1 when a telephone call is received while a television broadcast is being received. 3 is a flowchart showing a mode switching process in the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1 when a telephone or facsimile call is received while receiving a television broadcast. 6 and 9 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a mode switching screen displayed on the display unit of the slave unit in the mode switching process. 6 and 9 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a mode switching screen displayed on the display unit of the slave unit in the mode switching process. 3 is a flowchart showing a mode switching process in the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1 when a telephone or facsimile call is received while receiving a television broadcast. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when an incoming call is received during reception of a television broadcast in the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when an incoming call is received during reception of a television broadcast in the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when an incoming call is received during reception of a television broadcast in the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which, in the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1, when a call is received during reception of a television broadcast, a notification is given by voice from the handset speaker. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a notification lamp notifies when an incoming call is received while receiving a television broadcast in the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a slave unit in a state where a broadcast reception screen is captured in the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the facsimile apparatus showing how the captured image data obtained by capturing a broadcast reception screen is printed in the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the facsimile apparatus showing a state in which information / data is transmitted to a broadcast station of a broadcast that is received in the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

1 Facsimile device (communication device)
2 Master unit 3 Slave unit 16 Printer (printing means)
21 Master CPU (incoming notification means, reception control means, capture image printing means)
29 TV broadcast receiving tuner (broadcast receiving means)
45 Display section (display means)
51 Slave CPU (incoming call notification means, capture means, capture image printing means)
56 Remote memory (captured image storage means)

Claims (14)

A communication device including a slave unit on which a user makes a call and a master unit connected to a line to transmit and receive a call signal and a facsimile signal and relay a call signal to the slave unit,
At least one of the master unit and the slave unit is provided with broadcast receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal,
A communication apparatus comprising: a slave unit including display means for displaying an image based on the broadcast signal.   2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an incoming call notification means for displaying incoming call information indicating the incoming call on the display means when a call signal or facsimile signal arrives at the master unit.   3. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the image based on the broadcast signal is displayed on the display unit, the incoming call notification unit does not display the incoming call information on the display unit.   4. A reception control means for controlling a reception operation according to transmission device information indicating a transmission device that has transmitted the call signal or facsimile signal received together with the call signal or facsimile signal. The communication apparatus according to claim 1.   5. When the image based on the broadcast signal is displayed on the display means, the reception control means operates the base unit in an answering machine mode when a call signal arrives at the base unit. The communication apparatus as described in.   5. When the image based on the broadcast signal is displayed on the display means, the reception control means causes the parent machine to automatically receive a facsimile signal when a facsimile signal arrives at the parent machine. The communication apparatus as described in.   Capturing means for generating a captured image data by capturing a screen of a display means displaying an image based on the broadcast signal, and storing the captured image data in a captured image storage means of a slave unit is provided. The communication apparatus according to claim 1.   8. The communication apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a captured image printing unit that reads captured image data from the captured image storage unit, transmits the captured image data to the parent device, and prints the captured image data with the printing unit of the parent device.   When the captured image data is stored in the captured image storage unit in a predetermined capacity or more, the captured image printing unit prints the captured image data from the oldest captured image data in order from the old captured image data and erases the captured image data already printed. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein A method for controlling a communication device including a slave unit on which a user makes a call and a master unit connected to a line to transmit / receive a call signal and a facsimile signal and relay a call signal to the slave unit,
Displaying an image based on the received broadcast signal on the display unit of the slave unit;
And a step of displaying incoming call information indicating the incoming call on the display unit when a call signal or a facsimile signal is received by the master unit. A telephone device including a slave unit on which a user makes a call and a master unit connected to a line to transmit / receive a call signal and relay the call signal to the slave unit,
At least one of the master unit and the slave unit is provided with broadcast receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal,
A telephone apparatus comprising: a slave unit including display means for displaying an image based on the broadcast signal. A facsimile apparatus including a master unit connected to a line for transmitting and receiving a facsimile signal, and a slave unit for remotely operating the master unit;
At least one of the master unit and the slave unit is provided with broadcast receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal,
A facsimile apparatus comprising: a slave unit comprising display means for displaying an image based on the broadcast signal.   A control program for operating the communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, comprising: an incoming call notification unit of a parent device; a reception control unit; a captured image printing unit; an incoming call notification unit of a child device; a capture unit; A control program for causing a computer to function as at least one of captured image printing means.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the control program according to claim 13 is recorded.

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