JPH03162063A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To allow the facsimile equipment to be used anywhere a telephone line is available by adopting the constitution such that the equipment is separated into a recording unit and a portable unit to allow the equipment to be carried freely. CONSTITUTION:When the carrying of a facsimile equipment is desired, a recording unit 2 is disconnected and only a portable unit 1 is carried to an optional location and the transmission or reception of an original is energized from a battery of an auxiliary power supply section 22. Thus, the battery of the auxiliary power supply section 22 has in response to have a capacity able to supply power only for the operation not comparatively requiring power such as transmission and reception and the battery is made light and small. When the recording unit 2 is connected, the power supply from a conventional commercial power supply is in use and a reception signal or the like stored in a storage section 16 is printed out on recording paper. Thus, the complete function as the facsimile equipment is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a facsimile device that is portable and suitable for transmitting and receiving documents using a telephone line close to R.

(Prior art) Conventionally, facsimile devices required connection to a telephone line and power supply, and were large and heavy, making it impossible to carry them around and use them. .

Therefore, in order to carry and use the facsimile machine,
It is conceivable that the facsimile device may be detachably connected to a telephone line using an acoustic coupler, or may be equipped with a battery as a power source. However, since facsimile devices consume a large amount of power during recording operations, installing a battery with a capacity sufficient to handle this power would further increase the weight and size of the device.
The problem was that it was no longer suitable for mobile phones.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) As mentioned above, conventional facsimile machines require connection to a telephone line and supply of electricity, making it impossible to carry them around and use them. Therefore, in order to solve this problem, the telephone line connected to the nearest telephone was detachably connected to the facsimile machine using an acoustic coupler, etc., and power was supplied by installing a battery in the machine. However, if the capacity of the battery is set to cover the large amount of power consumed during the recording operation in such a configuration, the weight and size of the battery will increase, so the weight and size of the facsimile machine will increase. It has the disadvantage that it is larger than the conventional one, making it completely unsuitable for portable use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile machine which is portable and can be used anywhere that telephone lines are available.

[Oval of invention]

(Means for Solving the Problems) When a facsimile device of the present invention makes a call to a destination and a line is connected, it transmits an image signal obtained by reading a document to the destination, and also transmits an image signal from the calling side. After the line is connected due to an incoming call, a transmitting/receiving means receives an image signal sent from the calling side, a line connecting means detachably connects a telephone line to the transmitting/receiving means, and an image signal is received by the transmitting/receiving means. a storage means for storing the image signals read out from the storage means; a data processing means for reading out the image signals from the storage means and further converting the read image signals into print data; and a battery for supplying power to operate each of these means. A portable unit is provided in which each of the above-mentioned means and a battery are housed in one housing, and a recording means for printing input print data on a recording paper and outputting the same, and supplying data to the recording means. A recording unit is provided, which is provided with a power source means for generating a power source from a commercial power source, and a recording unit that houses these means in one housing, and a connecting means for electrically connecting the recording unit and the portable unit. is provided in each unit, the portable unit and the recording unit are connected via the connecting means, and then the print data sent from the data processing means is inputted to the recording means via the connecting means. , has an ellipse for printing and outputting the received image signal on recording paper.

<Function> In the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, when the transmitting/receiving means calls the destination and the line is connected, it transmits an image signal obtained by reading the original to the destination, and also disconnects the line by receiving a call from the caller. After the connection is made, the image signal sent from the calling party is received. The line connecting means detachably connects a telephone line to the transmitting/receiving means. The storage means stores the image signal received by the transmitting/receiving means. The data processing means reads the image signal from the storage means and further converts the read image signal into print data. The battery supplies power to operate each of these means. The portable unit houses each of the above-mentioned means and a battery in one housing, and is equipped with the functions of each of the above-mentioned means. The recording means prints the input print data on recording paper and outputs it. The power supply means generates power to be supplied to the recording means from a commercial power supply. The recording unit houses the two means in one housing,
Prints the image signal on recording paper and outputs it. Connection means provided in each unit electrically connects the recording unit and the portable unit.

The data processing means of the portable unit sends print data corresponding to the received image signal to the recording means of the recording unit via the connection means.

(Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a facsimile machine of the present invention. 1 is a printer section having a recording function. 2 is a recording unit equipped with a printer (recording section) that has a recording function; 3 is a portable unit equipped with a printer (recording section) having a recording function; 3 is a portable unit equipped with the handset of a nearby telephone to transmit and receive image signals. 4 is a telephone line with a line connector (modular jack) attached; 5 is a handy scanner that manually scans the document to obtain an image signal; 6 is a portable unit that converts commercial power to a specified DC power source. 1 is an AC adapter that is detachably connected to the same unit through the power connector, 11 is a line control unit that captures, releases, and switches lines, and 12 sends a dial signal to the destination. 13 is a modem that modulates and demodulates the image signal; 14 is an image processing unit that encodes and decodes the image signal or converts the image signal into print data; 15 is a device that reads the original; 16 is a storage unit that stores received image signals or transmitted image signals, etc.; 17 is a display unit 18;
} 8 is a display unit that displays messages indicating the phone number and operating status of the device, or the contents of transmitted and received manuscripts; 1 is a display unit that displays phone numbers and various operation instructions, etc.; A control unit 20 performs image signal transmission/reception control, document reading control, image signal recording control, and overall control of the apparatus; 20 a detection unit 20 detects whether the recording unit 2 is installed; 22 is an auxiliary power source such as a battery, 23 is a connector on the recording unit 1 side that electrically connects the recording unit 2, 24 is a connection connector that connects the acoustic coupler 3, and 25 is a line connection connector that connects the telephone line 4. , 26 is a scanner connection connector for connecting the handy scanner 5, 27 is a power supply connector for inputting power for charging the auxiliary power supply 22 or for operating the mobile unit 1;
28 is a connector on the side of the recording unit 2 that electrically connects the mobile unit ↓; 29 is a main power supply unit that converts commercial power into a predetermined DC power supply and supplies the DC power to the recording unit 2 and the mobile unit ↓; 30 is a recording section that prints the image signal sent from the portable unit l on recording paper and outputs it.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained. First, when using the facsimile machine while carrying it, the recording unit 2
are separated and only the portable unit 1 is used. For example, if you want to send a document at an appropriate location, attach the acoustic coupler 3 to the handset of the nearest telephone, and then connect the connector on the acoustic coupler 3 to the connector 24 on the mobile unit 1, or Connect the line connection connector (modular jack) of the telephone line 4 to the line connection connector 25 on the mobile unit 1 side. In this state, when the original reading unit 15 reads the transmission original, the read image signal is input to the image processing unit 14, where it is encoded (compressed) and then stored in the storage unit 16.

Also, after connecting the connector of the handy scanner 5 to the connector 26 on the mobile unit 1 side, by manually scanning the document to be sent with the handy scanner 5,
This handy scanner 5 can be used to read a document. Also in this case, the image signal read by the handy scanner 5 is encoded by the image processing section l4 and then stored in the storage section 16. At this time, if the user wants to display the contents of the read document on the display section 18, the user operates the operation section 19 to cause the display control section 17 to read out the stored contents of the storage section 16, and displays this on the display section. Display it on l8. Note that the handy scanner 5 is not necessarily required.

Next, the user inputs the destination telephone number into the telephone circuit 12 via the control section 20 using one of the operation sections to issue a call instruction. At this time, the control section 20 switches the telephone line to the telephone circuit 12 side via the line control section 11. As a result, the telephone circuit l2 makes a call to the destination via the line control section 11, and when the line is connected, the line control section 11 connects the telephone line side to the modem l.
Switch to side 3. In addition, when using Acoustic Kabra 3,
After reading the transmission document, the user uses the telephone equipped with the acoustic cover 3 to make a call to the destination. When the line is thereby connected, the user operates the operation unit 19 so that the line control unit 1l switches the telephone line side from the telephone circuit 12 side to the modem 13 side.

Next, the control section 20 performs predetermined protocol communication with the destination facsimile device, reads out the image signal from the storage section 16, sends it to the modem 13 via the image processing section 13, and sends it to the modem 13 via the image processing section 13. After modulating the image signal, the modulated image signal is sent onto the telephone line via the line control section 11. In addition, when the acoustic power plug 3 is connected, this telephone is connected by inputting the modulated image signal outputted from the line control section 11 to the handset/receiver of the telephone (not shown) via the acoustic coupler 3. The image signal is sent out on the line that is connected to the computer.

When the transmission of the image signal is completed in this way, the control unit 20 again performs the predetermined protocol communication, and then disconnects the line with the destination station to terminate the communication. Mobile unit 1 like this
The operation is performed by power supplied from the battery of the auxiliary power source 22.

In addition, when reading a transmission document using the document reading section 15, a call is first made to the destination from the telephone line 12, the line is connected, and the modem 13 is connected to the line side via the line control section 11. After that, the original reading section 15 is activated to read the original, the image processing section 14 encodes the obtained image signal, the modem 13 modulates the signal, and then sends it out on the line. It's good as well.

Next, the operation of receiving a document from an arbitrary partner station using the mobile unit 1 will be explained. In this case too, the acoustic coupler 3 or telephone line 4 is connected to the mobile unit 1. Thereafter, when the line control unit 11 detects a calling signal input from the other party via the telephone line, the line control unit 11 switches the telephone line side from the telephone circuit 12 side to the modem 13 side. Next, the control unit 20 performs predetermined protocol communication with the other station, demodulates the image signal sent from the other station using the modem I3, and then sends the image signal to the storage unit 16 via the image processing unit 14. to be memorized. In this manner, when the reception of the image signal from the partner station is completed, the control unit 20 again performs the predetermined protocol communication, and then disconnects the line to terminate the communication.

After the reception is completed, the control section 20 displays a message informing that the received image signal has been stored in the storage section 16.
7 on the display unit 18.

Furthermore, when the user gives an instruction to display the received image signal to the control section 20 from the operation section 19 as necessary, the display control section 7 calls up the received image signal from the storage section 16 and displays it on the display section 18. to be displayed. Such a receiving operation of the mobile unit 1 is also performed by the power supplied from the battery of the auxiliary power supply section 22.

In addition, when operating such a mobile unit 1 alone,
By connecting the connector of AC adapter 6 to the power connector 27 on the mobile unit 1 side, this AC adapter 6
The portable unit 1 can be operated by the power supplied from the AC adapter 6, and the auxiliary power supply section 22 can be charged by the power from the AC adapter 6.

Further, the control section 20 can know whether or not the recording unit 2 is connected to the mobile unit 1 by the detector 21, and if the recording unit 2 is not connected as described above, no recording operation etc. is performed. In addition, if the user mistakenly issues a recording instruction from the operation unit 19, a message is displayed on the display unit 18 indicating that the recording operation cannot be performed because the recording unit 2 is not connected. Controls such as display.

Next, when it is desired to print and output the received data on recording paper, the recording unit 2 is electrically connected to the portable unit 1 via the connectors 23 and 28.

Next, the power plug of the main power supply unit 29 built into the recording unit 2 is inserted into a commercial power outlet.

As a result, the main power supply section 29 operates to supply a predetermined DC power to the recording section 30 and also to each section on the portable unit 1 side via the connectors 23 and 28. Therefore, in this case, both the portable unit 1 and the recording unit 2 are operated by the power supplied from the main power supply section 29. In such a state, when the user gives a recording instruction to the control section 20 from one operation section, the control section 20 knows that the recording unit 2 is connected from the detector 21, so the storage section 1
The received image signal stored in 6 is read out and the image processing unit 1
Give to 4. The image processing section 14 converts the decoded image signal into print data, and sends this to the recording section 3 via the connectors 23 and 28.
Output to 0. In this way, the recording section 30 records the mobile unit 1.
The print data input from the side is printed on recording paper and output. Further, when the user 19 issues a copy instruction to the control section 20 from the operation section 19 with the document inserted into the document reading section 15, the control section 20 activates the document reading section l5 and causes the document to be read. The image processing section 14 converts the obtained image signal into print data, which is output to the recording section 30 via the connectors 23 and 28.

The recording section 30 performs the copying operation by printing the print data input from the portable unit 1 side on a recording paper and outputting it. Note that when the portable unit 1 and the recording unit 2 are connected, the battery of the auxiliary power supply section 22 is charged by power supplied from the two main power supply sections via the connectors 23 and 28.

According to this embodiment, if you want to use the facsimile machine portable, you can disconnect the recording unit 2, carry only the portable unit 1 to any location, and use the battery in the auxiliary power supply section 22 to transmit or receive documents. Since the elliptical command is performed by the power supply of Because it can be made smaller, the portable unit 1
The portable unit 1 can be made smaller and lighter in weight, and since the portable unit 1 does not have a recording section, it can be made even lighter and smaller, and can be carried and used freely. Moreover, if the recording unit 2 is connected, the received signals stored in the storage section 16 can be printed on recording paper and output using power from a normal commercial power source, making it possible to use it as a complete facsimile device. It is possible to have the function of

Note that the mobile unit 1 can be provided with an automatic reception function or an automatic transmission function like a conventional facsimile machine. Further, a handset or the like using the telephone circuit 12 may be attached.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the facsimile device of the present invention,
It can be carried freely and used anywhere there is a telephone line.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a facsimile apparatus of the present invention. 1...Mobile unit 2...Recording unit 3...
・Acoustic coupler 6... AC adapter 11... Line control unit 13... Modem 14... Image processing unit
15... Original reading section 16... Storage section 20
...Control section 21...Detector 22...Auxiliary power supply section 23, 28...Connector 24, 25, 26...Connection connector 27...Power connector 29...Main power supply section 30・
・Recording department

Claims (1)

[Claims] When a phone call is made to the destination and the line is connected, the image signal obtained by reading the original is sent to the destination, and after the line is connected due to an incoming call from the calling party, the image signal is sent from the calling party. a transmitting/receiving means for receiving an incoming image signal; a line connecting means for detachably connecting a telephone line to the transmitting/receiving means;
a storage means for storing the image signal received by the transmitting and receiving means; a data processing means for reading the image signal from the storage means and further converting the read image signal into print data; and a data processing means for operating each of these means. and a battery for supplying power, and a portable unit in which each of the means and the battery are housed in one housing;
It is equipped with a recording means that prints and outputs input print data on recording paper, and a power supply means that generates power to be supplied to the recording means from a commercial power source, and these means are housed in one housing. A recording unit is provided, and a connecting means for electrically connecting the recording unit and the mobile unit is provided in each unit, and after the mobile unit and the recording unit are connected via the connecting means, the data processing is performed. A facsimile apparatus characterized in that the received image signal is printed on recording paper and outputted by inputting print data sent from the means to the recording means via the connecting means.