JPH06121097A - Picture communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To copy without giving an influence on a busy communication line even when a communication equipment and a talking equipment are installed distant from each other by activating a copying machine while a communication line is connected to the talking equipment. CONSTITUTION:When an activation command is received in a state that a talking equipment 13 connecting to a talking equipment connection section 9 acquires a communication line 12, and when an original is set on a read section 4 before the talking equipment 13 acquires the communication line 12, a switch of a communication section 7 connects the communication line 12 to a picture communication equipment 11 to transfer the picture communication mode. When the original is set on the read section 4 after the communication equipment 13 acquires the communication line 12, a copying machine is activated while the communication line 12 is connected to the talking equipment 13. Thus, even when the talking equipment 13 connecting to the picture communication equipment acquires the communication line and the picture communication equipment 11 makes a copy, the talking is not interrupted and the copying is executed regardless of the key selection and depression of an operation section 8 sharing the copy activation with the activation of picture communication.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image communication device capable of communicating or copying image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a facsimile apparatus or the like which can communicate or copy image data read by a reading unit including a photoelectric conversion element such as CCD or CS has been widely used.

In such an apparatus, a method is known in which one operation key is used for both activation of the communication function and activation of the copy function. That is, when the dual-purpose key for instructing the activation of the communication function and the copy function is selected and pressed while the document is set in the reading unit, when the device itself calls, or when the communication device connected to the device is When capturing a line, start communication operation,
The copying operation was started without the calling operation of the device itself and when the calling device connected to the device did not capture the line.

[0004]

However, in recent communication devices, communication devices such as cordless have become widespread, and there are many cases where the communication device connected to the communication device is not installed near the communication device. In such a case, when the calling device connected to the communication device is in a line capture state at a place distant from the communication device, a user different from the user of the calling device also attempts to perform a copy operation on the communication device. When the start key of (1) is selected and pressed, the communication operation is started, the call is interrupted, and the copy operation is not performed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image communication apparatus capable of making a copy without affecting the communication line during a call at all, even when the communication apparatus and the calling device are separated from each other.

[0006]

According to the present invention, when a call device connected to a call device connection means captures a communication line and a start instruction is given from a start instruction means, the call device captures the communication line. If a document is set on the image reading unit before the operation, the communication line connection switching unit connects the communication line to the image communication apparatus and shifts to the image communication mode. When a document is set on the reading means, copying is started with the communication line connected to the telephone device. This allows
When the calling device connected to the image communication device is in the communication line capturing state and the user wants to perform the copy operation in the image communication device and selects and presses the key for both the start of copying and the start of image communication, The call is not interrupted and the copy operation is executed.

[0007]

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a facsimile apparatus 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, the display unit 1 indicates the state of the device,
The telephone number and time information of the calling party are displayed.

The ROM 2 is composed of a microprocessor element or the like, and stores programs for controlling the control section 5, operator messages and the like. The RAM 3 stores data that can be set by the operator.

The reading unit 4 has a CCD and a document feeding mechanism to read a document, and the control unit 5 controls the entire apparatus and performs a control operation according to a control program stored in the ROM 2. Run.

The recording section 6 records an image signal, and the communication section 7 performs modulation / demodulation of image communication data, detection of a significant signal, connection switching of a signal path, and the like.

The operation unit 8 is for inputting operation instructions of the apparatus and various kinds of information, and is composed of a plurality of key input switches and a scanning circuit of the key input switches.
It also includes a key that activates copy and image communication.

The call device connection unit 9 is for connecting the call device 13 such as a telephone and the communication line 12, and the communication line connection unit 10 is for connecting the communication unit 7 and the communication line 12. is there.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the communication section 7.

In the figure, the switch (SW1) 14
Is a CML relay or the like that switches whether the communication line 12 is connected to the facsimile device 11 or the communication device 13, and is normally on the B side, and is A when transmitting and receiving image data. Switch to the side. Modem 15
Is for modulating and demodulating image communication data, and transmitting and receiving communication procedure signals and DTMF signals. The hook detection unit 16 detects the hook state of the telephone device 13.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of this device.

First, in the standby state, in S101, it is confirmed whether or not a document is set in the reading unit 4, and if no document is set, in S102, the hook detecting unit 16 causes the hook of the telephone device 13 to hook. The state is detected, and if it is not off-hook, the process returns to S101 to check the presence or absence of a document.

If the calling device 13 is off-hook in S102, it is determined that a call is in progress, and in S103 and S104, the confirmation of pressing the activation key of the operation unit 8 and the confirmation of the hook state of the calling device 13 are repeated.

Then, in S104, the telephone device 13
If is on-hook, it is determined that the call is ended, and the process returns to S101. On the other hand, if it is confirmed in S103 that the activation key of the operation unit 8 has been pressed, the presence or absence of the original document in the reading unit 4 is confirmed in S105. If there is an original document, in S106 the reading unit 4 and the recording are continued while the call is continued. The unit 6 is activated to make a copy, and after completion, the process returns to S103.

If there is no original document in S105, the changeover switch (SW1) 1 in S107.
4 is set to the A side, the call is interrupted, the communication unit 7 and the recording unit 6 are activated to receive the image data in S108, and after the end, the changeover switch (SW
1) Return 14 to the B side to restart the call and return to S103.

If a document is set in the reading unit 4 in S101, the hook detection unit 16 detects the hook state of the telephone device 13 in S110. If the original is not off-hook, the operation unit 8 operates in S111. After confirming that the startup key has been pressed, and the startup key is pressed, S1
At 20, the reading unit 4 and the recording unit 6 are activated to make a copy, and after completion, the process returns to S101.

If it is not possible to confirm the depression of the activation key in S111, the process returns to S101.

If the calling device 13 is off-hook in S110, it is determined that a call is in progress, and S112, S1
At 13, the confirmation of pressing the activation key of the operation unit 8 and the confirmation of the hook state of the telephone device 13 are repeated. And S11
In 3, when the calling device 13 goes on-hook, it is determined that the call ends, and the process returns to S101.

When it is confirmed in S112 that the activation key of the operation unit 8 has been pressed, in S114, the changeover switch (SW1) 14 is set to the A side to interrupt the call.
In S115, the reading unit 4 and the communication unit 7 are activated to transmit the image data, and after completion, in S116,
The changeover switch (SW1) 14 is returned to the B side to restart the call, and the process returns to S103.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the communication section 7 of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The overall structure of the facsimile apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1). Also, the communication unit 7
Also, since it has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment (FIG. 2), only different portions will be described below.

In FIG. 4, the switch (SW2) 17
Is B when the modem 15 monitors the communication procedure signal and the signal such as the remote reception instruction in the communication state of the communication device 13.
When performing normal image communication, the connection destination of the modem 15 is switched to the A side.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of this apparatus. The operation common to that of FIG.
Since it has already been described, the same step numbers are assigned and the description thereof is omitted, and only the parts different from FIG. 3 will be described.

First, in step S105, if there is a document in the reading unit 4, in steps S201 and S202, the modem 15 waits for a DIS signal for shifting to the facsimile procedure, and if the DIS signal cannot be received for 35 seconds. , S106, the reading unit 4 and the recording unit 6 are activated to make a copy while continuing the call, and after the end,
Return to S103.

When a DIS signal is received in S201, a changeover switch (SW) is received in S203.
2) 17 is set to the A side, and further, in S204, the changeover switch (SW1) 14 is set to the A side to interrupt the call, and in S205, the reading unit 4 and the communication unit 7 are activated to transmit the image data, After the termination, the switch (SW1) 14 is returned to the B side in S206 to restart the call, and the switch (SW1) is switched in S207.
2) Return 17 to the B side and return to S103.

Further, as in S204, the switch (SW1) 14 is switched from the B side to the A side in S107.
Immediately before S114 and S114, the changeover switch (SW2) 17 is moved from the B side to the A side in S208 or S210.
Switch to the side.

Further, as in S207, the switch (SW1) 14 is switched from A side to B side S10.
9 and S116 immediately after S209 or S211.
Change switch (SW2) 17 from A side to B
Switch to the side.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the communication section 7 of the facsimile apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The overall structure of the facsimile apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1). Also, the communication unit 7
Also, since it has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment (FIG. 2), only different portions will be described below.

In FIG. 6, the switch (SW3) 18
Is for sending a hold tone to the communication line when the communication line is put on hold, and is normally on the B side, and switches to the A side when the hold tone is sent. In addition, the hold sound sending unit 19
Is for sending a hold tone. The operation unit 8 is provided with a key for instructing hold and release of the communication line.

7 and 8 are flow charts showing the operation of this apparatus. The operation common to that of FIG. 3 described above is as already described, and therefore, the same step numbers are assigned and the description thereof is omitted. Only the portions different from FIG. 3 will be described.

First, in S103 of FIG. 7, the operation unit 8
If it is not possible to confirm the depression of the activation key of, the process proceeds to the hold detection process in S301.

FIG. 8 shows the processing of hold detection, which will be described below with reference to FIG. First, in S401, it is determined whether or not the call is on hold.
Returning to FIG. 7, the hook state of the telephone device 13 is confirmed in S104.

In step S401, the communication line hold instruction key of the operation unit 8 is pressed, and the switch (SW3) 18
Is switched from the B side to the A side, and if the holding sound sending section 19 sends the holding sound to the communication line, S402 and S40.
In 3, the presence / absence of a document in the reading unit 4 and the confirmation of pressing the communication line hold release instruction key of the operation unit 8 are repeated.

Then, in step S403, the communication line hold release instruction key of the operation unit 8 is pressed, the changeover switch (SW3) 18 is switched from the A side to the B side, and the hold sound transmission from the hold sound transmission unit 19 is stopped. If so, the process returns to S104 of FIG.

If there is a document in the reading unit 4 in S402, the pressing confirmation of the activation key of the operation unit 8 and the communication line hold release instruction key is repeated in S404 and S405. Then, in step S405, the communication line hold release instruction key of the operation unit 8 is pressed, and the changeover switch (SW
3) 18 is switched from the A side to the B side, and the hold sound sending unit 1
If the on-hold sound transmission from 9 is stopped, S10 of FIG.
Return to 4.

If it is confirmed in S404 that the activation key of the operation unit 8 has been pressed, it is confirmed in S406 whether or not the hold is released. If the hold is not released, S4 is executed.
In 07, the reading unit 4 and the recording unit 6 are activated to perform copying while the call is held, and after the process is completed, the process returns to S402.

In S406, the communication line hold release instruction key of the operation unit 8 is pressed, and the changeover switch (SW
3) 18 is switched from the A side to the B side, and the hold sound sending unit 1
If the output of the holding sound from 9 is stopped, in S408, the changeover switch (SW1) 14 is set to the A side to interrupt the call, and in S409, the communication unit 7 and the recording unit 6 are activated to receive the image data. Done and S41
At 0, the changeover switch (SW1) 14 is returned to the B side to restart the call, and the process returns to S104 in FIG.

The operation described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 is
If the communication device 13 has a communication line hold instruction means, a communication line hold release instruction means, and a hold sound transmission means while the communication line is on hold, the device configuration shown in FIG. 4 can also be realized.
That is, S401, S403, S405, S4 in FIG.
The determination as to whether or not the communication line is on hold in 06 can be realized by causing the modem 15 to detect the hold tone transmitted from the telephone device 13.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The overall configuration of the facsimile apparatus and the configuration of the communication unit 7 are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIG. 1, FIG.
2). The operation common to that of FIG. 3 described above is as already described, and therefore, the same step numbers are assigned and the description thereof is omitted. Only the parts different from FIG. 3 will be described.

In the fourth embodiment, during the call of the calling device 13, three operations of transmission, reception, and copying of the facsimile can be selected depending on the conditions of the document set and the number of pressing of the activation key. is there.

In S102 of FIG. 9, when the calling device 13 is in the off-hook state, it is determined that a call is in progress, and S
At 501, an operation menu showing each procedure for selecting the above-mentioned reception, transmission, or copy operation is displayed on the display unit 1.
To display. It should be noted that such an operation menu display is unnecessary if the operator stores it in advance.

Then, in S103 and S104, the confirmation of the depression of the activation key of the operation unit 8 and the confirmation of the hook state of the telephone device 13 are repeated, and the activation key is depressed, and S105
If there is a document in the reading section 4, the countdown timer T is started in S502, and S503, S504, and S5.
09, S510, until the timer T times out, confirmation of pressing the activation key again for shifting to the facsimile transmission procedure, confirmation of the hook state of the communication device 13, and confirmation of the original setting state are repeated.

If the activation key is pressed again before the timer T times out (S50
3) Similarly to S114 to S116, in S506, the changeover switch (SW1) 14 is set to the A side to interrupt the call, and in S507, the reading unit 4 and the communication unit 7 are activated to transmit image data, After the end, S50
8, the changeover switch (SW1) 14 is returned to the B side to restart the call, and the process returns to S501.

If the start key is not pressed again in S503 and the timer T times out in S504,
In S505, the reading unit 4 and the recording unit 6 are activated to make a copy while the call is continued, and after the end, S501
Return to.

If the calling device 13 goes on-hook in S509 before the timer T times out in S504, it is determined that the call is finished, and the process returns to S101. If the document is not set in the reading unit 4 in S510, it is determined that the document is pulled out from the reading unit 4, and the process returns to S501.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The overall structure of the facsimile machine and the structure of the communication unit 7 are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2). In addition, FIG.
Since the operation common to that is already described, the same step numbers are given, the description thereof is omitted, and only the part different from FIG. 9 will be described.

Also in the fifth embodiment, similarly to the fourth embodiment, during the call of the communication device 13, depending on the conditions of the document set and the number of times the start key is pressed, the transmission, reception, and copying of the facsimile apparatus can be performed. Although it is possible to select one operation, the selection conditions for copy and send are reversed.

That is, after the timer T is activated in S502, if the activation key is pressed again in S601, copying is executed in S602. When the timer T times out in S603, the transmission is executed in S604 to S606.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the operation of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The overall structure of the facsimile machine and the structure of the communication unit 7 are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2). In addition, FIG.
Since the operation common to that is already described, the same step numbers are given, the description thereof is omitted, and only the part different from FIG. 9 will be described.

In the sixth embodiment, during the call of the calling device 13, the manuscript setting and the state of pressing the start key are continued /
The three operations of transmission, reception, and copying of the facsimile apparatus can be selected on condition that the interruption and the timer T time out.

That is, in the fourth and fifth embodiments, S5
After activation of the timer T in 02, the selection condition of transmission and copy is whether or not the activation key is pressed again. In the sixth embodiment, after the activation key is detected in S103, the pressed state is continued. After the document setting is detected in S105 and the timer T is started in S502,
If the activation key is continuously pressed in 701, the timer T is timed out (S504), and the copy (S) is performed.
If it is determined in step S701 that the activation key is not continuously pressed, the transmission is executed in steps S506 to S508.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the operation of the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The overall structure of the facsimile machine and the structure of the communication unit 7 are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2). In addition, FIG.
Since the operation common to that is already described, the same step numbers are given, the description thereof is omitted, and only the part different from FIG. 9 will be described.

Also in the seventh embodiment, similar to the sixth embodiment, during the call of the calling device 13, the document setting, the continuation / interruption of the activation key pressing state, and the timer T are performed.
Although the three operations of transmission, reception, and copying of the facsimile apparatus can be selected on the condition of the time-out, the selection conditions for copying and transmission are reversed.

That is, after the timer T is activated in S502, if the activation key is not continuously pressed in S801,
Copying is executed in S802. If the activation key is continuously pressed in S801, the timer T is timed out in S803, and the transmission is executed in S804 to S806.

[0059]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When the calling device connected to the image communication device is in the state of capturing the communication line, if you try to perform the copy operation with the image communication device, you can select and press the key that activates both copy and image communication to make a call. The copy operation can be executed without interruption and the conventional image communication can be performed by a predetermined operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication unit in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication unit in the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart explaining the operation in the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication unit in a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... Display unit, 2 ... ROM, 3 ... RAM, 4 ... Reading unit, 5 ... Control unit, 6 ... Recording unit, 7 ... Communication unit, 8 ... Operation unit, 9 ... Call device connection unit, 10 ... Call line connection Part, 11 ... Facsimile device, 12 ... Communication line, 13 ... Communication device.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image reading unit for reading an image of a document,
Image recording means for recording the read image data,
An image communication means for controlling communication of image data, a communication line connection means for connecting a communication line, a call device connection means for connecting a call device, and an off-hook of a call device connected to the call device connection means are detected. An image communication apparatus having off-hook detection means, switching means for switching connection of a communication line, and activation instruction means for instructing activation of at least copy and image communication operation, in which the communication device connected to the communication device connection means In the state where the communication line is captured, if there is a startup instruction from the startup instruction means, before the communication device captures the communication line,
When a document is set on the image reading unit, the communication line connection switching unit connects the communication line to the image communication apparatus to shift to the image communication mode, and after the communication device captures the communication line, An image communication apparatus, wherein when a document is set on the image reading means, copying is started with a communication line connected to the communication device. 2. The specific signal detecting means for causing the image communication device to receive a specific signal from the communication line when the communication line connection switching means connects the communication line to a telephone device according to claim 1. Having, before the specific signal detection means detects a desired specific signal,
When a document is set on the image reading unit and a start instruction is given from the start instruction unit within a certain time after the detection of the desired specific signal, the mode is shifted to the image communication mode. Image communication device. 3. The communication line holding means for holding the communication line according to claim 1, or a holding detection means for detecting that the communication line of the calling device is being held, and after the calling device captures the communication line. , When the image communication device or the calling device puts a communication line on hold, with respect to the original set on the image reading means during the holding,
If there is a start instruction from the start instruction means before releasing the hold, the mode is changed to the copy mode, and if there is a start instruction from the start instruction means after releasing the hold, the communication line connection switching means causes the communication line to change. An image communication device, wherein the image communication device is connected to the image communication device to shift to an image communication mode. 4. An image reading means for reading an image of a document,
Image recording means for recording the read image data,
An image communication unit for controlling communication of image data, a communication line connecting unit for connecting a communication line, a calling device connecting unit for connecting a calling device, and an off-hook of a calling device connected to the calling device connecting unit are detected. An image communication apparatus having off-hook detecting means, switching means for switching connection of a communication line, and at least activation instructing means for instructing activation of copy and image communication operation, in which the telephone equipment connected to the telephone equipment connecting means In the state where the communication line is captured, if there is a startup instruction from the startup instruction unit, after the communication device captures the communication line, a document is set in the image reading unit, and after the startup instruction,
The start instruction means determines whether or not there is a start instruction again within a certain time, and the result of this determination causes a transition to the copy mode with the communication line connected to the communication device, and the communication line connection switching means. The image communication apparatus is selected when the communication line is connected to the image communication apparatus to shift to the image communication mode. 5. An image reading unit for reading an image of a document,
Image recording means for recording the read image data,
An image communication means for controlling communication of image data, a communication line connection means for connecting a communication line, a call device connection means for connecting a call device, and an off-hook of a call device connected to the call device connection means are detected. An image communication apparatus having off-hook detection means, switching means for switching connection of a communication line, and activation instruction means for instructing activation of at least copy and image communication operation, in which the communication device connected to the communication device connection means In the state where the communication line is captured, when the activation instruction is given from the activation instruction means, the original is set in the image reading means after the communication device captures the communication line, and the activation instruction continues for a certain time. If the communication line is connected to the communication device and the mode is changed to the copy mode, An image communication device, characterized in that the communication line connection switching means connects the communication line to the image communication device and shifts to an image communication mode. 6. The display device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising display means, wherein the communication device captures a communication line,
When a document is set on the image reading unit, when the display unit shifts to the copy mode with the communication line connected to the communication device, and when the communication line connection switching unit switches the communication line to the image communication apparatus. An image communication apparatus, which displays a procedure for selecting whether to connect to and to shift to the image communication mode.