JP2001016352A - Facsimile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect connection state of a telephone line in advance and to inform user about it. SOLUTION: At application of power of the facsimile terminal 10, a switch built in a voltage detection section 42 is closed to detect a voltage between telephone lines 34. When a switch 44 is open and the facsimile terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone line 34, since the voltage detection section 42 detects a prescribed voltage, it is discriminated that the facsimile terminal is not connected to raise an alarm tone or to make an alarm display, thereby informing user about it. In the case that the switch 44 is closed and the facsimile terminal 10 is connected to the telephone line 34, since the voltage detection section 42 cannot detect a prescribed voltage, no alarm tone is raised and no alarm display is made. Thus, the user can accurately comprehend the connection state to the telephone line 34 depending on the presence of the alarm tone and the alarm display or the like.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus, and more particularly, to a facsimile apparatus to which a telephone line and a telephone are connected.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, with the spread of facsimile machines, various facsimile machines have been developed and put into practical use. As a telephone line connected to the facsimile machine,
There is an analog communication network such as a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), and some telephones are connected to this telephone line not only by facsimile equipment but also by telephones.

In this type of facsimile apparatus, facsimile data cannot be transmitted when the facsimile apparatus is not connected to a telephone line. For this reason, as a method of detecting the connection state of the facsimile apparatus to the telephone line, first, it is detected whether or not line current has flowed when the telephone line is switched to the facsimile apparatus side, and the facsimile apparatus is connected to the telephone line. It is conceivable to determine whether or not it is.

As another method, a method of judging a connection state to a telephone line by detecting a dial tone or a line current at the time of transmission from a facsimile apparatus can be considered.

[0005]

However, in such a conventional facsimile apparatus, the above case is just the time of communication, and it is sufficient if the telephone line is switched to the facsimile apparatus side. Switching the telephone line to the facsimile device side in order to inform the user of the connection state of the facsimile device (for example, when the power of the facsimile device is turned on) is to close the telephone line for a purpose other than communication in Japan. This method is virtually impossible because it is not allowed.

Also, in the above case, since the presence or absence of a line connection cannot be detected until a call for transmission is made, it is necessary to actually make a call. There was a problem that the state could not be determined.

In order to know the connection status of the facsimile machine in advance, there is a method in which a temporary call is made and the call is stopped. However, there is a problem in that if a temporary call is made and the cancel operation is forgotten, the transmission operation becomes effective.

Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-251280, a conventional facsimile apparatus
Although some have used the line voltage detection circuit to determine the on / off hook state of an attached telephone or an external telephone, etc., they have previously determined the connection state of whether a facsimile device or the like is connected to the telephone line. However, there was no specific description about the circuit configuration of the line voltage detection circuit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has as its object to provide a facsimile apparatus capable of detecting a connection state of a telephone line in advance and notifying a user.

[0010]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus to which a telephone line and a telephone are connected, the line connecting the telephone line and the apparatus body. A first switch that opens and closes the telephone line, a second switch that opens and closes a line connecting the telephone line and the telephone, and a telephone line closer to the telephone line than the first switch and the second switch. A voltage detecting unit connected in parallel to the line and detecting a potential difference between both ends of the telephone line; a notifying unit for notifying a user; and a control unit for controlling the voltage detecting unit and the notifying unit. When the voltage detecting means detects a potential difference equal to or more than a predetermined value, the control means drives the notifying means to notify the user that the telephone line is not connected to the telephone line. Than it is.

According to this, the first switch opens and closes the line connecting the telephone line and the apparatus main body, and the second switch opens and closes the line connecting the telephone line and the telephone. It is arranged closer to the telephone line than the first switch and the second switch, is connected in parallel to the telephone line, detects a potential difference between both ends of the telephone line,
The notification unit notifies the user, and the control unit controls the voltage detection unit and the notification unit. For this reason, the control means monitors the potential difference of the telephone line via the voltage detecting means, and when a potential difference exceeding a certain level is detected, drives the notifying means to notify the user in advance that the telephone line is not connected. be able to.

The invention described in claim 2 is the first invention.
In the facsimile apparatus described in the above, the voltage detecting means is connected in parallel to the telephone line via a capacitor and a third switch, and a current of a predetermined value or more flows between the capacitor and the third switch. A current detecting means for detecting the flow is provided, wherein the control means closes the third switch and detects a connection state of the apparatus main body to the telephone line based on a current detection result by the current detecting means.

According to this, the voltage detecting means is configured to be connected in parallel to the telephone line via the capacitor and the third switch, and a current exceeding a certain level is provided between the capacitor and the third switch. Current detection means for detecting that the current has flowed, and when the control means closes the third switch, the state of connection to the telephone line based on the detection result as to whether or not the current detection means detects a current equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Is detected. For this reason, the connection state to the telephone line can be detected in advance without closing the facsimile machine or the telephone to the telephone line or performing the calling operation.

[0014] The invention according to claim 3 provides the invention according to claim 2.
In the facsimile apparatus according to the above, the control means,
The third switch is closed at least when the power of the apparatus main body is turned on, or is controlled so as to be closed at regular intervals after the power is turned on to monitor the connection state of the main body to the telephone line.

According to this, the control means controls the third switch to be closed at least when the power of the apparatus main body is turned on, and to be closed at regular time intervals from the time when the power is turned on, to periodically monitor the connection state to the telephone line. To do.
Therefore, even if the connection state to the telephone line changes, the user can always grasp the latest connection state.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a facsimile apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Facsimile machine 10 shown in FIG.
Is a scanner 12, a plotter 14, a sensor 16, an operation unit 18, an audio unit 20, a display unit 22, a comparator 24, a controller 26, an NCU 28, a memory 30, and a bus 32 for connecting the above units and exchanging data. It is configured.

The scanner 12 converts an original image into an analog video signal by photoelectric conversion. Here, for example, the image information of the document is read by scanning the transmission document using an image scanner including a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like.

The plotter 14 prints out binary data or multi-valued data on recording paper. For example, the plotter 14 directly prints on thermal recording paper by using a thermal recording device using a thermal element or the like. There is a type in which an image is indirectly recorded on ordinary recording paper via an ink sheet.

The sensors 16 are provided at various parts in the facsimile machine 10, and are used to control the position and size of a document or a recording sheet.
It is used for detecting the transport state or the state of each part. The operation unit 18 includes various operation keys (a numeric keypad, a start key, and the like) used when the user operates the facsimile machine 10. The audio unit 20 emits a voice guide, a buzzer sound, or the like from a speaker to convey a certain message to the user via voice or to call attention.

The display unit 22 is provided with a display (for example, a liquid crystal display). When various commands such as a transmission operation from the operation unit 18 are input, the command content input from the operation keys is displayed on the display. Various kinds of information (including a warning display) notified to the user from the facsimile machine 10 are displayed. The comparator 24 compares various information, compares current values and voltage values of respective units, and compares them with a reference value.

The controller 26 controls the entire facsimile machine 10 as a control means.
It is composed of a U (Central Processing Unit) 26a and the like. The CPU 26 a controls display on the display unit 22, writes / reads image data on / from a memory 30 described later, and stores the image data in a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) in the memory 30. The respective parts of the facsimile machine 10 are controlled in accordance with the system program and the control programs of the respective parts, and the sequence of the facsimile machine 10 is executed.

An NCU (Network Control Unit) 28 controls the line by connecting the facsimile apparatus 10 to a telephone line, and here is connected to a public telephone line such as a PSTN network. It is for automatically receiving an incoming call from a telephone line, and for performing automatic call processing to a public telephone line. Also, this NCU2
The modem 8 is connected to a modem 38 (described later) that modulates and demodulates image data transmitted and received by the facsimile apparatus. The modem 38 modulates transmission signals and demodulates received signals under the control of the CPU 26a.

The memory 30 includes a ROM in which a system program of the facsimile machine 10 and control programs of various units are stored, and a system RA used as a work area.
M (Random Access Memory), or an image memory for temporarily storing image information for transmission or reception handled by the facsimile machine 10.
In the case of a facsimile machine that needs to store a large-capacity program, document, image data, or the like, a large-capacity hard disk (HDD: Hard Disk Drive)
Some have built-in parentheses.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the NCU 28 in the facsimile apparatus of FIG. NCU2 shown in FIG.
8, a telephone line 34 and an external telephone 36 are connected. A current detector 40 connected in series to one of the telephone lines 34 detects a line current, and is a part for detecting a current flowing when the facsimile machine 10 or the external telephone 36 is off-hook.

A voltage detecting section 42 as a voltage detecting means connected in parallel to the telephone line 34 is a characteristic component of the present invention. By detecting the line voltage, the facsimile apparatus is connected to the telephone line. This is a part for detecting whether or not the state has been performed.

The facsimile machine 10 and the telephone line 3
A switch 44 serving as a first switch is arranged in series on a part of the line connecting
By opening and closing the line 4, the telephone line 34 and the facsimile machine 10 are separated or connected. During communication of the facsimile machine 10, the switch 44 is closed.

The NCU 28 further includes a telephone line 34
A transformer 46 for electrically isolating the facsimile apparatus 10 from the facsimile apparatus 10 and passing only signal components is provided. The signal component extracted through the transformer 46 is filtered by a filter 50.
Through to the modem 38.

On the other hand, the external telephone 3 via the NCU 28
6 is connected in parallel to the telephone line 34, and a second device for disconnecting the external telephone 36 from the telephone line 34 on the way.
A switch 48 as a switch is provided. When the switch 48 is switched to disconnect the telephone 36 from the telephone line 34, the driving power of the telephone 36 is supplied from the power supply 52. During communication of the facsimile machine 10, by opening this switch 48, the telephone 3
It is possible to prevent noise from entering from the sixth side.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the voltage detecting section 42 as voltage detecting means which is a characteristic component of the present invention. The voltage detector 42 shown in FIG. 3 is connected in parallel to the telephone line 34, and can detect the voltage state at both ends of the telephone line without connection. This voltage detection unit 42 is connected to the capacitor 6 from one telephone line 34.
0, a resistor 62, and a switch 66 as a third switch
, And is connected to the other telephone line 34.

Further, between the resistor 62 and the switch 66, photocouplers 64 and 68 are disposed as current detecting means for detecting a current flowing therebetween. The photocouplers 64 and 68 are mounted so that their mounting directions are opposite to each other, so that the current can always be detected even if the polarity is reversed and the current flowing direction changes. That is, when a potential difference (voltage) is generated at both ends of the telephone line 34, a current flows through one of the photocouplers 64 and 68 to detect the voltage. When a current flows through one of the photocouplers 64 and 68, light emission occurs and the electric resistance on the light receiving side changes, and the CPU 26a determines a change in the voltage value between the power supply 70 and the photocoupler 64 and between the power supply 72 and the photocoupler 68. We are constantly monitoring.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of detecting a connection state to a telephone line. As shown in FIG. 4, the facsimile machine 1
0 (step S1), the CPU 26a turns on the switch 66 of the voltage detector 42 (step S1).
2).

If the switch 44 shown in FIG. 2 is open and the facsimile apparatus is not connected to the telephone line 34, the voltage across the telephone line 34 is high.
When the switch 66 of the voltage detection unit 42 is turned on, a potential difference is generated by the electric charge stored in the capacitor 60, and a current flows to one of the photocouplers 64 and 68, and the CPU 2
A voltage detection signal is sent to 6a (step S3).

Then, the CPU 26a causes the audio unit 20 to emit a warning sound, or displays the telephone line 34 on the display unit 22.
The user is instructed to display a message informing the user that the connection is in a state of being connected (step S4).

The above voltage detection state is determined by the
Is a transient phenomenon that is detected only while the electric charge stored in the memory is released. That is, until the voltage between both ends of the capacitor 60 becomes equal to the line voltage, a current flows through one of the photocouplers 64 and 68, and the CPU 26a of the controller 26 transmits “ L (low)
"Level" voltage detection signal is sent.

[0035]

(Equation 1)

Since the direction of the flowing current changes depending on the polarity of the telephone line 34 at this time, the photocouplers 64 and 68 which are turned on differ depending on the direction. When the voltage across the capacitor 60 becomes equal to the line voltage in step S5, the voltage is no longer detected, and the process proceeds to step S6, where the CPU 26a turns off the switch 66 of the voltage detection unit 42 (step S6). At the same time, the CPU 26a
Starts the built-in timer (step S
7) Wait until the timer counter becomes "0" (step S8). When the timer counter becomes "0", the CPU 26a turns on the switch 66 of the voltage detection unit 42 again (step S9), and determines whether or not the voltage is detected (step S10).

Here, the value of the timer counter relating to the standby time does not need to be determined to a specific value, and can be selected arbitrarily. However, after the switch 66 is turned off, the value of the capacitor 60 is stored again. A minimum time is required until sufficient charges are accumulated. If the timer counter is set for a shorter time, a sufficient potential difference will not be generated, and the detection of the connection state to the telephone line will not be accurate. Also, if a timer counter is set for a time longer than necessary, it is not possible to grasp an accurate connection state under use conditions where the connection state constantly changes.

In step S3 or step S10, if the potential difference between the telephone lines is small and the voltage detection state is not reached, it is determined that the facsimile apparatus 10 or the like is connected to the telephone line 34, and the CPU 26a The switch 66 of the detection unit 42 is turned off (step S
6).

If a voltage is detected in step S10, it is determined that the facsimile apparatus 10 and the like are not connected to the telephone line 34, and the flow proceeds to step S4 to generate an alarm sound. Is displayed or a warning is displayed to notify the user of the unconnected state.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using the voltage detecting unit, the connection state to the telephone line can be changed at any time without actually connecting to the telephone line or making a call. It can be detected accurately and quickly. In particular, when the telephone line is not connected, the user is notified of the fact, so that the user can prevent the communication operation due to the telephone line not being connected, and as a result, the use efficiency of the facsimile apparatus is not reduced. Can be used for

In the above-described embodiment, the warning sound or the warning display is performed when the telephone line is not connected. However, the notification means and the timing of the notification are not limited. The user may be notified. In short, any form of notification means for notifying the user of the connection status may be used.

[0042]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control means monitors the potential difference of the telephone line via the voltage detection means, and when the potential difference exceeds a certain level, the notification means. To notify the user in advance that the telephone line is in an unconnected state, so that useless communication operation due to the telephone line being disconnected can be prevented.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the connection state to the telephone line can be detected in advance without closing the facsimile apparatus or telephone to the telephone line or performing a calling operation.

According to the third aspect of the invention, even if the connection state to the telephone line changes, the user can always grasp the latest connection state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an NCU in the facsimile machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of a voltage detection unit as a voltage detection unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of detecting a connection state to a telephone line.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Facsimile apparatus 12 Scanner 12 14 Plotter 16 Sensor 18 Operation part 20 Audio part 22 Display part 24 Comparator 26 Controller 28 NCU 30 Memory 34 Telephone line 36 Telephone 38 Modem 40 Current detection part 42 Voltage detection part 44 Switch (first switch) 46 Transformer 48 Switch (second switch) 60 Capacitor 62 Resistance 64, 68 Photocoupler 66 Switch (third switch) 70, 72 Power supply

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus to which a telephone line and a telephone are connected, a first switch for opening and closing a line connecting the telephone line and the apparatus body, and a line for opening and closing a line connecting the telephone line and the telephone. And a voltage detecting means disposed closer to the telephone line than the first switch and the second switch, connected in parallel to the telephone line, and detecting a potential difference between both ends of the telephone line. Notification means for notifying a user, and control means for controlling the voltage detection means and the notification means, wherein the control means transmits the voltage to the telephone line when the voltage detection means detects a potential difference equal to or greater than a predetermined value. A facsimile apparatus for notifying a user by driving the notifying means as an unconnected state. 2. The voltage detecting means is connected in parallel to the telephone line via a capacitor and a third switch, and a current of a predetermined value or more flows between the capacitor and the third switch. Current detecting means for detecting the connection state, wherein the control means closes the third switch and detects a connection state of the apparatus main body to the telephone line based on a result of current detection by the current detecting means. Item 1. A facsimile apparatus according to item 1. 3. The control means controls the third switch to be closed at least when the power of the apparatus main body is turned on, or to be closed at regular time intervals from the time of power on, so as to change the connection state of the main body to the telephone line. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the monitoring is performed.