JPH03268554A - Image communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make it unnecessary to use a connection cord for a facsimile(FAX) equipment and to smooth walking or the movement of an equipment by directly connecting the FAX equipment to the slave machine of a cordless telephone equipment, recognizing the connection state or a line state and executing channel control such as automatic response of FAX communication. CONSTITUTION:When the cordless telephone slave is arranged on the FAX equipment 3 and the slave 6 is terminated from a telephone line 1 in the connected state between the slave 6 and the FAX equipment 3 through a connection means 8, the FAX equipment 3 is turned to an automatic receiving state and communication is started. When an OFF hook switch (speaking switch) of the slave 6 is depressed, dialing origination from the slave 6 can be executed by normal operation. When the FAX equipment 3 is disconnected from the above connected state, the slave 6 is automatically hooked off and then dialing origination can be executed from the slave 6 by normal operation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to an image communication system that connects a facsimile device to a handset of a cordless telephone device to perform facsimile communication.

(Prior Art) In recent years, as facsimile machines have become smaller and lighter and communications have become more diverse, there has been a desire to move the facsimile machine itself to any location for use.

In response to these demands, it has conventionally been common to operate facsimile machines by directly connecting them to telephone lines.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the operation mode of this type of conventional facsimile machine.

In FIG. 3, modular connectors 2a to 2n branched from the telephone line 1 are installed in each of several rooms or floors serving as operational locations, and a facsimile device 3 is connected to one of the modular connectors 28 to 2n. are connected by a modular cord 4.

In this conventional system, by transporting the facsimile machine 3 to a destination and connecting it to any one of the modular connectors 28 to 2n using its modular cord 4, it can be operated in any room or floor.

In this way, the facsimile device 3 can be connected to the telephone using the cord!
In the conventional system that connects directly to the facsimile machine 1, its operational location is limited to an area where it can be connected to the telephone line 1, and the connection cord often obstructs the movement of the facsimile machine or the operator's walking.

Therefore, there is a system shown in FIG. 4 as an example of a conventional system configuration that takes measures to solve this problem.

In the system shown in FIG. 4, a cordless telephone main unit 5 is connected to a telephone line 1, and a facsimile machine 3 is connected via an acoustic coupler 7 to a cordless telephone handset 6 that can communicate wirelessly with the main unit 5. , is responsible for its operation.

Although the system shown in Fig. 4 can overcome the mobility or walking obstacles caused by the connection cord as described above by using a wireless line, it requires the acoustic coupler 7 as an accessory, and furthermore, when communicating by facsimile, manual transmission or The reception operation had to be performed, and the operation tended to be troublesome.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) Conventionally, when a facsimile machine is moved and used, the facsimile machine is connected directly to a telephone line using a cord, or a cordless telephone device connected to a telephone line is used. There were two operating methods: one was to connect a facsimile machine to the handset via an acoustic coupler.

However, the former method has the problem that it is difficult to use because it is limited to locations where it can be used or where it can be connected to a telephone line, and the connection cord becomes an obstacle to walking or moving the device.

Furthermore, the latter method requires the preparation of an acoustic coupler as an accessory, and is complicated in that facsimile communications must be started and ended manually.

The present invention eliminates the above-mentioned problems and allows facsimile communication to be performed without being restricted by the operational location, without any obstacles to walking or moving the device, and without the need for special accessories such as acoustic couplers or manual operations. The purpose is to provide an image communication system that can

[Structure of the invention]

(Means for Solving the Problems) An image communication system of the present invention is an image communication system that performs facsimile communication by connecting a facsimile device to a handset of a cordless telephone device, wherein the handset and the facsimile device are detachably connected. a first switching means for selectively connecting either the connection means or the communication circuit to the wireless communication section of the handset within the handset; a second switching means for selectively connecting the terminal to the connecting means; a detecting means for detecting that the handset and the facsimile apparatus are in a connected state via the connecting means; a line monitoring means for monitoring the status and the presence or absence of an incoming signal from the line; and a control means for switching and controlling the first and second switching means based on the detection result of the detection means and the monitoring result of the monitoring means. the first and second switching means are switched and controlled so that the facsimile communication unit is connected to the wireless communication unit at the same time that the connected state is established; A feature of this system is that it automatically starts facsimile communication in response to a call operation from a handset.

(Function) The image communication system of the present invention is operated by directly connecting a facsimile device to a handset of a cordless telephone device without using an acoustic coupler.

In addition to the connection means for realizing the above-mentioned connection, the system of the present invention includes a detection means for detecting the connection state, a line monitoring means for monitoring the incoming call status from the line, and a connection between the communication path of the handset and the communication path of the facsimile machine. It has an intervening switching means, and selectively establishes a desired communication route while switching and controlling the switching means based on the connection state of the connection means, the state of incoming calls from the line, etc.

Therefore, for example, if the handset is connected to a facsimile device and the communication path of the handset is switched to the communication path of the facsimile device, facsimile communication can be started automatically from then on, and the operator can You will no longer have to worry about your hands.

In addition, when focusing on the external structure of the system of the present invention, since the cord for connecting the facsimile machine is eliminated, it is easy to walk and move the device, and furthermore, the direct connection of the facsimile machine to the handset eliminates the need for an acoustic coupler. Become.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of an image communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a parent device 5 of the cordless telephone device is connected to a telephone line 1 by wire.

On the other hand, the handset 6 of the cordless telephone device is connected to the base unit W5 through a wireless line, and can freely move within the effective radio wave area.

Furthermore, a facsimile machine 3 is connected to the cordless telephone handset 6 via a connecting means 8.

In the system of the present invention, when a cordless telephone handset 6 is placed on the facsimile machine 3 and a call is received from the telephone line 1 while the two are connected by the connecting means 8, the facsimile machine 3 enters the automatic receiving state. Then communication begins.

In addition, in the above connected state, if you press the off-hook switch (not shown) of the cordless telephone handset 6,
Thereafter, dialing can be made from the cordless telephone handset 6 using normal operations.

Further, when the facsimile device 3 is disconnected from the above-mentioned connected state, the cordless telephone handset 6 automatically goes into an off-hook state, and thereafter, dialing can be performed from the cordless telephone handset 6 through normal operations.

The details of the above operation by the system of the present invention will be described below in connection with its configuration.

FIG. 2 shows the detailed configuration of the cordless telephone handset 6 and facsimile machine 3 in the above-mentioned connected state.

In FIG. 2, 8a and 8b are connectors serving as the connection means 8.

Among these, especially the cordless telephone handset 6 has an antenna 61.
, a wireless communication section 62, a changeover switch 63, a hook switch 64, a telephone call circuit 65, an auto-dial circuit 66, a bell circuit 67, a control section 68, and an operation section 69.

On the other hand, the facsimile machine 3 includes a changeover switch 31, a line monitoring circuit 32, a communication section 33, a control section 34, an operation section 35, and a detector 36.

In the figure, 37a and 37b are signal lines for transmitting control information between the control unit 34 of the facsimile machine 3 and the control unit 68 of the cordless telephone handset 6.

When the cordless telephone handset 6 and facsimile machine 3 are connected in the manner shown in FIG. 2, the hook switch 64 is controlled to be in the on state (solid line state shown in the figure).

At this time, the facsimile machine 3 detects that the cordless telephone handset 6 is connected by the detector 36, and the control unit 34 detects that the cordless telephone handset 6 is connected.
A connection signal is sent from the terminal to the control section 68 of the cordless telephone handset 6 through signal lines 37a and 37b.

When the cordless telephone handset 6 receives the connection signal, it switches the changeover switch 63 to the facsimile device 3 side (the solid line side in the figure).

At this time, when a call is received from the telephone line 1, the cordless telephone handset 6 transmits the radio waves sent from the main device 5 to the antenna 61.
The wireless communication unit 62 receives the received information via the wireless communication unit 62.

Upon reception of the radio waves, the wireless communication unit 62 outputs a ring tone.

This ring tone has a changeover switch 63, a connector 8a,
It is sent to the changeover switch 31 of the facsimile machine 3 through 8b.

At this time, the changeover switch 31 is switched to the solid line side shown in the figure.

As a result, the ring tone is sent back to the hook switch 64 of the cordless telephone handset 6 through the connector 8b8a.

At this time, the hook switch 64 is controlled to the above-mentioned on-hook state.

As a result, the ring tone is set to the hook switch 6.
4 to the bell circuit 67, and generates a bell sound (incoming call ringing sound).

Further, the ring tone is detected by the line monitoring circuit 32 midway through the passage, and the detection result is sent to the control section 34.

Based on this detection result, the control unit 34 controls the changeover switch 3
1, and the switch is switched to the communication section 33 side (the broken line side in the figure).

As a result, the communication path connecting the wireless communication unit 62 of the cordless telephone handset 6 and the communication circuit 65 is established by the changeover switch 63.
31, and the communication path between the communication section 33 and the telephone line 1 is closed.

In this state, the facsimile machine 3 automatically responds to the incoming call from the above-mentioned telephone line 1, and thereafter performs facsimile reception operations according to normal communication procedures.

Thereafter, when this communication operation is completed, the control section 34 returns the changeover switch 31 to the solid line side shown in the drawing, and opens the telephone line 1.

In the above operation, the ring tone is transmitted to the line monitoring circuit 32.
The control time from when the switch is detected to when the changeover switch 31 is switched is set to a certain period of time.
The incoming ringing sound from the bell circuit 67 can be generated continuously.

Now, in this state, it is assumed that the cordless telephone handset 6 is manually lifted until the connection is released, or the off-hook switch of the operating section 69 is pressed down.

At this time, the control unit 68 or changeover switch 63 is switched to the dashed line side shown in the figure, and the hook switch 64 is also switched to the dashed line side (
By switching to the off-hook state), the communication path within the cordless telephone handset 6 is restored, and from then on, it becomes possible to make a dial call using the normal procedure.

In addition, when connecting the cordless telephone handset 6 to the facsimile machine 3 in the above operation, the changeover switch 63 is switched to the solid line side shown in the figure, while the hook switch 64 is disconnected from the bell circuit 67. When there is an incoming call, it is possible to start a communication operation (ringless reception) without generating an incoming ringing sound from the bell circuit 67.

The above is an example of the operation mainly in the connected state between the cordless telephone handset 6 and the facsimile machine 3, but let us also consider the operation in the state where the two are separated.

In the system of the present invention, for example, the cordless telephone handset 6
Or, when the facsimile machine 3 is disconnected and a call is in progress, after operating a specific switch (communication switch) using the six operating units, the facsimile machine 3 can be connected to the telephone line 1 while the telephone line 1 is still connected. Direct communication operations can be started.

The details of this operation will be described below.

As mentioned above, the cordless telephone handset 6 is connected to the facsimile machine 3.
When talking while separated from the
3. Both hook switches 64 are switched to the side shown by the broken line.

At this time, a specific switch (communication switch) on the operation unit 69
When the hook switch 64 is operated, the hook switch 64 is forcibly held in the off-hook state (on the side shown by the broken line).

In this state, connect the cordless telephone handset 6 to the connector 8.
When the facsimile machine 3 is connected to the facsimile machine 3 through a and 8b, the facsimile machine 3 detects this with the detector 36,
A connection signal is sent from the control section 34 to the control section 68 of the cordless telephone handset 6 through signal lines 37a+37b.

The cordless telephone handset 6 that receives this connection signal switches the control section 68 or the changeover switch 63 to the facsimile device 3 side.

At this time, either the line monitoring circuit 32 detects that the telephone line 1 remains connected, or a communication start signal is sent from the control unit 68 that has received the connection signal to the control unit 34 through the signal lines 37b and 37a. When this is transmitted, the control section 34 recognizes this and immediately switches the changeover switch 31 to the communication section 33 side to connect it.

Thereafter, with the activation of this communication unit 33, facsimile communication (
(transmit or receive) operation is initiated.

In the above operation, the control section 34 controls the changeover switch 3.
1, a release signal for releasing the forced off-hook state is sent to the control unit 68 through the signal lines 37a and 37b.

Upon receiving this release signal, the control unit 68 immediately releases the forced off-hook state as a response operation.

Thereafter, when the communication operation is completed, the control section 34 switches the changeover switch 31 to the solid line side shown in the drawing, and opens the telephone line 1.

In particular, regarding the operation during transmission, in the system of the present invention, the hook switch 64 is connected to the auto dial circuit 66 side by recognizing that the cordless telephone handset 6 is lifted or the off-hook switch of the operation unit 69 is pressed. By controlling the control unit 69 to do so, it is possible to make a call based on a dial signal that is subsequently input from the operation unit 69.

With the above-described operation, the cordless telephone handset 6 in the system of the present invention can be used for normal telephone calls without any trouble when the connection with the facsimile machine 3 is broken.

As another example of application, in the present invention, the function of the detector 36 may be provided not only on the facsimile machine 3 side but also on the cordless telephone handset 6 side.

Furthermore, by providing both the facsimile device 3 and the cordless telephone handset 6 with a means for detecting the connection or disconnection of the cordless telephone handset 6 using the detection function and controlling the changeover switch 63 based on the detection result, the facsimile It is also possible to perform control such that the changeover switch 63 is switched to the connector 8a side only when the cordless telephone handset 6 is connected to the device 3.

Furthermore, when the hook switch 64 is disconnected from the bell circuit 67 and communication is performed without generating an incoming ringing sound, the structure is such that it is possible to select whether to perform this ringless communication automatically or by setting it each time. is also possible.

Furthermore, when the cordless telephone handset 6 is rechargeable and has a connector with a charging terminal, by providing the facsimile machine 3 with a corresponding connector and power supply means,
It is also possible to configure the facsimile device 3 so that it can be charged at the same time when the facsimile device 3 is connected.

The above embodiments are examples in which a facsimile device is connected to a cordless phone handset used in a general office or home, but it is also applicable to in-vehicle cordless phone devices such as a car phone device. The same applies.

Furthermore, the system of the present invention has a plurality of cordless telephone handsets 6, which are normally used separately from the facsimile machine 3 for telephone calls, and are connected to the facsimile machine 3 only when there is a request for facsimile communication. Operation is also possible.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the image communication system of the present invention, a facsimile device is directly connected to a handset of a cordless telephone device, and the connection state and line state are recognized to perform facsimile communication automatic response, etc. This feature eliminates the need for a connection cord for the facsimile machine, making walking and moving the device smoother, and eliminates the need for any accessories such as acoustic couplers or manual operations when making and receiving calls. It has the great advantage of being able to easily perform facsimile communications from any location.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the operation mode of the image communication system of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a facsimile device 3 and a cordless telephone handset 6 in the image communication system shown in FIG.
FIGS. 3 and 4 are conceptual diagrams showing respective examples of operation modes of this type of conventional image communication system.

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) An image communication system that performs facsimile communication by connecting a facsimile device to a handset of a cordless telephone device, comprising: a connecting means for removably connecting the handset and the facsimile device; and a wireless communication device within the handset. a first switching means for selectively connecting either the connection means or the communication circuit to the communication section; and a first switching means for selectively connecting the facsimile communication section to the connection means within the facsimile machine. switching means 2; detection means for detecting that the handset and facsimile device are connected via the connection means; and a line monitor for monitoring the state of the line and the presence or absence of an incoming signal from the line. and a control means for switching and controlling the first switching means and the second switching means based on the detection result of the detection means and the monitoring result of the monitoring means, and controlling the first switching means and the second switching means based on the detection result of the detection means and the monitoring result of the monitoring means. The first and second switching means are switched and controlled so that the facsimile communication unit is connected to the facsimile communication unit, and thereafter, facsimile communication is automatically performed in response to an incoming call from the line or an outgoing call operation from the handset. An image communication system characterized in that the image communication system starts. (2) A bell circuit is provided that is branch-connected to the communication circuit by a hook switch between the first switching means and the communication circuit, and when a call is received from the line in the connected state, the bell circuit rings an incoming call. 2. The image communication system according to claim 1, wherein the image communication system automatically responds to the facsimile reception without having to do so. (3) A bell circuit is branch-connected to the communication circuit by a hook switch between the first switching means and the communication circuit, and when a call is received from the line in the connected state, the bell circuit rings the incoming call. 2. The image communication system according to claim 1, wherein the facsimile reception is automatically responded to after a predetermined period of time. (4) A means is provided for forcibly holding the hook switch in an off-hook state in the connected state and releasing the off-hook state as necessary, so that dialing can be performed using the handset even in the connected state. The image communication system according to any one of claims (1) to (3). (5) When the connection state is released, the first switching means is switched and controlled so that the communication circuit is connected to the wireless communication unit, and the first switching means and the communication circuit are connected. The image according to any one of claims (1) to (4), characterized in that a hook switch interposed between the two terminals is held in an off-hook state so that the handset can thereafter make a dial call. Communications system. (6) Providing means for forcibly holding the hook switch in an off-hook state while the handset is talking in a disconnected state;
6. The image communication system according to claim 1, wherein facsimile communication can be automatically started by connecting to the facsimile device in the off-hook state.