JP2003110782A - Communication device, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication device capable of reducing the communication cost. SOLUTION: A CPU 57 once disconnects the channel connection of an NCU 56 to an L-mode gateway 16 via a public telephone channel 15 when any button of button and the like 22 is operated. A control command corresponding to the operated button relates to printing and the number of pages to be printed is a predetermined number or more, conducts a printing process, and again connects the channel of the gateway 16 to the NCU 56 via the public telephone channel 15 when the printing process is finished. The CPU 57 conducts the printing process without disconnecting the channel of the gateway 16 to the NCU 56 via the telephone channel 15 when the number of the pages to be printed is less than predetermined.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication device, a program and a recording medium, and more particularly, to a communication device such as a telephone and a facsimile and a program for operating a computer system to realize the communication device. The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium in which a program is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an information service called "L mode" has been provided by NTT. This L mode is L
This is a service that allows you to use a menu operation from a communication device (such as a telephone or a facsimile) that supports modes to retrieve information centered on letters and simple images and to send and receive e-mail, just as you would with a telephone. Note that information retrieval in L mode and transmission / reception of electronic mail are performed via an L mode gateway installed by NTT.

In the L mode, there is a pay-as-you-go system in which charges are charged according to the connection time (communication time) with the L-mode gateway. Therefore, an automatic line disconnection function is set to reduce communication costs. The automatic line disconnection function disconnects the line on the L-mode compatible communication device side and disconnects the line on the L-mode gateway side. There is a function to do. According to the automatic line disconnection function on the L-mode compatible communication device side, if the button (key) of the communication device is not operated for a certain period of time while using the L-mode, the non-communication monitoring timer (timeout When the set time (for 0 to several tens of minutes) of the communication timer is reached, the line connection between the communication device and the L-mode gateway is automatically disconnected from the communication device side. Further, according to the line automatic disconnection function on the L-mode gateway side, when the button operation of the communication device is not performed for 30 minutes while using the L-mode, the line connection between the communication device and the L-mode gateway is made from the L-mode gateway side. It will be disconnected automatically.

[0004]

However, if the user operates a button when creating a new e-mail or replying / forwarding an e-mail, the above automatic line disconnection function does not work, so that a fee is charged. Therefore, there is a problem that the communication cost becomes high. Further, when a facsimile is used as an L-mode compatible communication device, charges are made even during printing of e-mails, homepages and the like. At this time, if the printing time is long, the automatic line disconnection function works, but if the printing time is less than the set time of the non-communication monitoring timer or 30 minutes or less, the charge is made only for the printing time. . Therefore, if the printing operation is repeated, the charged amount is accumulated and becomes large, and the communication cost becomes high.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems and has the following objects. (1) To provide a communication device capable of reducing communication cost. (2) A program for causing a computer system to function so as to realize the communication device of (1) is provided. (3) To provide a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer system to function to realize the communication device of (1) is recorded.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention A communication device according to claim 1 made in order to achieve the above object comprises a line connecting means for connecting a line to a communication line, and the line connecting means. Line disconnecting means for disconnecting the line connection with the communication line, operating means for causing the communication device to perform an operation using the communication line, and determining whether the operation performed by the operating means requires a predetermined time or more And a control means for controlling the operations of the line connecting means and the line disconnecting means based on the determination result of the determining means. When it is determined that the operation requires more than the predetermined time, the line disconnecting unit disconnects the line connection with the communication line, and the determining unit determines that the operation is performed. If it is determined that requiring only serial time less than the predetermined time, without cutting the line connection to the communication line by the line cutting means, in which to execute the operation on the operation means.

Therefore, according to the communication device of the first aspect, when the determining means determines that the operation of using the communication line requires a predetermined time or more, the line disconnecting means establishes a line with the communication line. The connection is disconnected once. Therefore, the line connection with the communication line is not performed for a long time of a predetermined time or longer, and the communication line usage charge (line connection charge) does not become excessive, so that the communication cost can be reduced.

By the way, in the communication device according to claim 1, like the communication device according to claim 2, the operation means stores the information transmitted from the communication line, and the storage means. And a printing means for printing the information stored in the printing paper on the printing paper, and the judging means determines whether or not it takes a predetermined time or more for the printing based on the printing amount printed by the printing means on the printing paper. If the control means determines that the printing by the printing means requires a predetermined time or more, the control means temporarily disconnects the line connection with the communication line by the line disconnecting means, and then the determination is made. When the means determines that the printing by the printing means requires less than the predetermined time, the printing is performed without disconnecting the line connection with the communication line by the line disconnecting means. It may be caused to execute printing stage.

Further, like the communication device according to claim 3, in the communication device according to claim 1, the operation means executes an operation related to electronic mail as the operation, and the determination means performs the operation. When the operation by the means is at least one of new creation, reply, and transfer of the electronic mail, it is determined that the operation requires a time longer than the predetermined time, and the control means causes the determination means to operate the operation means. Is determined to be at least one of new creation, reply, and transfer of the electronic mail, the line disconnecting means temporarily disconnects the line connection to the communication line, and the determining means operates the operation means to notify the new electronic mail. If it is determined that it is neither creation, reply, nor transfer, without disconnecting the line connection with the communication line by the line disconnecting means, It may be caused to perform the operation to serial operation means.

Next, the program according to claim 4 provides a program for causing a computer system to function as each of the means in the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. That is, claim 1
The functions for realizing the respective units in the communication device according to any one of 1 to 3 can be provided as a program executed by a computer system.

Next, the recording medium according to claim 5 is a computer in which a program for causing a computer system to function as each of the means in the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is recorded. A readable recording medium is provided. In the case of such a program, for example, the ROM or backup RAM is recorded as a computer-readable recording medium, and the ROM or backup RA is stored.
M can be incorporated into a computer system for use. In addition, semiconductor memory (smart media, memory stick, etc.), hard disk, floppy (registered trademark) disk, data card (IC card, magnetic card, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, CD-R, C)
The program is recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a D-RW, a DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO, etc.), a phase change disk, a magnetic tape, etc., and the program is stored in a computer system as necessary. It may be used by loading and starting.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [Main Structure of Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system 10 in the L mode provided by NTT. The communication system 10 in the L mode includes various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode, an internet network 12, various communication devices 13 connected to the internet network 12, a communication device 14 of an information provider, a public telephone line 15, and an L mode gateway 1.
It is composed of 6 and the like.

The various L-mode compatible communication devices 11 include, for example, L-mode compatible telephones, facsimiles, and IC card public telephones. Various communication devices 1 connected to the Internet network 12 via a WWW server (not shown)
3 includes, for example, a personal computer and a mobile phone. An information provider (for example, a weather forecast provider (Japan Meteorological Association, etc.), a bank, a securities company, a newspaper company, which provides various information (information useful for daily life, information closely related to the area) using the communication device 14. (Distributor etc.) is NT
It is registered in the L menu list provided by T. still,
The contents of information and services provided by information providers who provide various information using the communication device 14 and users of various communication devices 13 are collectively referred to as “contents”. Also, NTT
The contents of information and services provided by the users of various communication devices 13 not registered in the L menu list provided by are called "general contents".

The respective communication devices 11, 13, 14 and the Internet network 12 are connected via the public telephone line 15 to NTT.
Is connected to the L-mode gateway 16 installed in. Then, the various L-mode compatible communication devices 11 use the first route (public telephone line 15 → L-mode gateway 16).
→ Public telephone line 15) or 2nd route (Public telephone line 1)
5 → Internet network 12 → L mode gateway 16
→ Communication device 1 of the information provider through public telephone line 15)
4 and various information and electronic mail can be transmitted and received. Also, the various L-mode compatible communication devices 11 can send and receive various information and electronic mails to and from the various communication devices 13 connected to the Internet network 12 through the second path. The L-mode gateway 16 is actually provided in each of NTT West and NTT East and connected to each other.

FIG. 2 shows various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an appearance of a main body 20 of an L-mode compatible facsimile which is an example. The main body 20 of the L-mode compatible facsimile is provided with a display 21 and a large number of buttons (keys) 22. A handset (not shown) is connected to the main body 20 and a cordless phone using the main body 20 as a base unit. A machine (not shown) is provided separately. Display 21
Is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or a plasma display. On the display 21, a pictogram indicating that the line between the L-mode gateway 16 and the main body 20 is being connected, a message indicating that the line connection has been disconnected (for example, "disconnected"), preset The standby screen etc. is displayed.

Each button constituting the buttons 22 includes a ten-key pad constituting a dial button and various operations (for example,
Various function buttons to set / cancel answering machine, speaker playback, hold or switch to handset, e-mail button 22a used for operations related to e-mail, and operations related to L mode L used
There are a button 22b, a cursor movement button (scroll button) 22c for moving a cursor (not shown) displayed on the display 21 up, down, left and right.

FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of the main body 20 of the L-mode compatible facsimile. The main body 20 of the L mode compatible facsimile includes a display unit 21, buttons 22, a panel GA (Gate Array) 41, a motor 4
2, thermal head 43, scanner 44, sensors 4
5, AFE (Analog Front End) 46, Melody IC
(Integrated Circuit) 47, speaker 48, RTC
(Real Time Clock) 49, ROM 50, RAM 51,
EEPROM 52, high frequency for mobile devices (RF: Radio Freque
ncy) unit 53, cross point switch 54, handset 55, NCU 56, CPU 57, recording circuit 5
8, a reading circuit 59, a FAX / data modem 60, etc. are provided.

The CPU 57 controls the overall operation of the L-mode compatible facsimile including the main body 20 as a master and a slave (not shown). The CPU 57 has a recording circuit 58,
Reading circuit 59, panel GA41, FAX / data modem 60, AFE46, RTC49, ROM50, RAM5
1, an EEPROM 52, and a slave unit RF unit 53 are connected. The CPU 57, the recording circuit 58, the reading circuit 59, the panel GA 41, the FAX / data modem 60 are
Chip IC61, one chip IC6
1 is called a 1-chip FAX engine.

The recording circuit 58 controls the operation of the motor 42 and the thermal head 43 which constitute the printer according to the control processing of the CPU 57. The motor 42 is moved to supply and discharge the printing paper to the main body 20 of the L-mode compatible facsimile. The thermal head 43 prints on printing paper made of thermal paper. The thermal head 43 may be replaced with an inkjet head or a laser engine.

The reading circuit 59 controls the operation of the scanner 44 under the control of the CPU 57. The scanner 44
The character or image printed on the original is read, and the data of the character or image is output to the reading circuit 59. Sensors 4
Reference numeral 5 denotes a main body 20 such as a printing paper detection sensor that detects that a printing paper is set, a handset detection sensor that detects that a handset 55 is set, and the like.
It is composed of various sensors provided in the. Panel G
A41 is a button 22 and the display 21 and CPU57
It functions as an interface for mediating a data signal between and.

The FAX / data modem 60 performs modulation / demodulation of transmission / reception data of facsimile and transmission / reception data of various information and electronic mail in the L mode. The AFE 46 performs sampling and conversion of data signals between the melody IC 47, the cross point switch 54, the CPU 57 and the FAX / data modem 60. The melody IC 47 follows a control process of the CPU 57 and has a predetermined data format specification (for example, S
MAF (Synthetic Music Mobile Application Forma)
(t) etc.), a melody that functions as a ring tone (ring tone) is generated, and the speaker 48 is driven to generate the ring tone.

The RTC 49 measures the current time and date, and outputs the data to the CPU 57. RO
The M50 stores various control programs for the CPU 57 to execute various controls. RAM51 is a CPU
It provides 57 work areas and various data development areas. E
The EPROM 52 stores the telephone numbers of telephones and facsimiles, URLs of various communication devices 13 and 14 connected to the destination of electronic mail and the Internet 12.
source Locator) etc. are memorized.

The slave unit RF unit 53 wirelessly transmits and receives data signals between the CPU 57 and the slave unit in order to connect the slave unit (not shown) of the cordless phone and the main unit 20 which is the master unit through a wireless line. To do. The crosspoint switch 54 switches and mediates data signals transferred between the handset RF unit 53, the NCU 56, the handset 55 including a telephone handset, and the AFE 46. The NCU 56 is connected to the public telephone line 15 for network control, sends out a dial signal to the public telephone line 15, and responds to a calling signal from the public telephone line 15.

[Main Control Processing Executed by CPU 57] FIGS. 4 to 6 are flowcharts showing the flow of main control processing executed by the CPU 57 in the present embodiment. CP
The U57 executes the processes of the following steps (hereinafter, referred to as "S") by various calculation processes by the computer according to the program recorded (stored) in the ROM 50. It should be noted that the CPU 57 sets the L-mode gateway 16 and the N-mode gateway 16 before the processing of the following steps is executed.
A line is connected to the CU 56 via the public telephone line 15. A computer-readable recording medium (semiconductor memory (memory stick, etc.), hard disk, floppy disk, data card (IC card, magnetic card, etc.), optical disk (C
D-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, etc.), magneto-optical disk (MO, etc.), phase change disk, magnetic tape, etc.) are recorded (stored) in an external recording device (external storage device). Alternatively, the program may be loaded from the external recording device into the CPU 57 and started up as needed.

The CPU 57 first of all, based on the data signal transferred from the panel GA 41 or the RF unit 53 for the slave unit, any button (key) constituting the buttons 22 or a button arranged on the slave unit. Type (not shown)
It is determined whether any of the buttons (keys) that compose the above is operated (S10), and if any of the buttons is operated (S10: Yes), the non-communication monitoring timer (timeout timer) is reset. It is started later (S12), and a control command corresponding to the operated button is generated (S14).

Next, the CPU 57 determines whether or not the control command generated in the process of S14 is to be transmitted to the L-mode gateway 16 (S16), and if the control command is to be transmitted to the L-mode gateway 16 ( (S16: Yes), the control command is transferred from the AFE 46 to the NCU 56 via the crosspoint switch 54 and transmitted from the NCU 56 to the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 (S18). Then, from the various information provided from the various communication devices 11, 13, and 14, various information corresponding to the control command generated by the CPU 57 in the process of S14 is selected, and the various information is transmitted from the public telephone line 15 to the NCU 56. Transferred.

Subsequently, the CPU 57 sends various information in response to the control command generated in the process of S14 from the L mode gateway 16 to the NCU 56 via the public telephone line 15.
(S20), waits until the acquisition is completed, and when the acquisition is completed (S20: Ye
s), the display device 21 is controlled via the panel GA41, the acquired data of various information is displayed on the display device 21 (S22), and then the process returns to S10.

Further, when the CPU 57 determines in the process of S10 that neither button is operated (S1
0: No), it is determined whether the non-communication monitoring timer has reached the set time (timed up) (S24), and if the non-communication monitoring timer has reached the set time (S24: Y
es), disconnecting the line connection between the NCU 56 and the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 (S2)
6). Here, the CPU 57 disconnects the line connection between the NCU 56 and the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 and, at the same time, controls the display device 21 via the panel GA 41, and the display device 21 displays the data until then. The pictogram showing that the line was being connected is turned off, and a message ("Disconnected") indicating that the line is disconnected is newly displayed. Next, the CPU 57 causes the display unit 21 to display through the panel GA41.
Is controlled to display a preset standby screen on the display 21 (S28), after which the process ends. When the CPU 57 determines in the process of S24 that the non-communication monitoring timer has not reached the set time (S24: N
o), the process returns to S10.

As described above, the L-mode compatible facsimile is provided with the automatic line disconnection function, and when the button (key) operation of the L-mode compatible facsimile is not performed for a certain period of time while using the L mode, the L mode is used. When the set time of the non-communication monitoring timer provided in the compatible facsimile is reached,
The line connection between the NCU 56 and the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 is automatically disconnected from the main body 20 side. The set time of the non-communication monitoring timer can be freely set by the user of the L mode compatible facsimile within a predetermined time (0 to several tens of minutes) by operating the buttons 22. Further, the non-communication monitoring timer may be embodied by a software timer by the CPU 57 or by a dedicated timer circuit added to the CPU 57.

When the CPU 57 determines in the process of S16 that the control command generated in the process of S14 is not to be transmitted to the L-mode gateway 16 (S16: No), the control command is the motor 42 and the thermal command. It is determined whether or not it is related to printing using the head 43 (S30), and if the control command is related to printing (S30: Yes), it is determined whether or not the number of printed pages is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of pages (S32), If the number of printed pages is greater than or equal to the predetermined number of pages (S32: Yes), the NCU
Public telephone line 15 between 56 and L-mode gateway 16
The line connection via is disconnected (S34).

Next, the CPU 57 controls the motor 42 and the thermal head 43 via the recording circuit 58 to perform a printing process for printing on the printing paper (S36). When the printing process is completed, the L mode gateway 16 is connected. NCU
The line through the public telephone line 15 to 56 is reconnected (S38), and thereafter the process returns to S10. Also, CP
When the U57 determines in the process of S32 that the number of printed pages is less than the predetermined number of pages (S32: No), the U57 prints without disconnecting the line between the L-mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56 via the public telephone line 15. Process (S40),
Then, the process returns to S10.

The CPU 57 causes the RAM 51 or the EEPROM 52 to temporarily store various information and electronic mail transmitted from the L-mode gateway 16 to the NCU 56 via the public telephone line 15. And CPU
Reference numeral 57 denotes a recording circuit 58 for storing various information and electronic mail data read from the RAM 51 or the EEPROM 52.
Output to and print various information and e-mail on printing paper. Therefore, even if the line connection is disconnected in the process of S34, the printing process can be performed in the process of S36.

When the CPU 57 determines in the process of S30 that the control command generated in the process of S14 is not related to printing (S30: No), it determines whether the control command is related to electronic mail. (S42) If the control command relates to electronic mail (S42: Yes), it is determined whether the control command relates to new creation, reply, or transfer of electronic mail (S44), and the control command concerned. If is related to new creation, reply, or transfer of electronic mail (S44: Yes), the line connection between the NCU 56 and the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 is temporarily disconnected (S46).

Next, the CPU 57 inputs an operation relating to the electronic mail designated by the user using the buttons 22 via the panel GA (TO column (C of destination of electronic mail) (C
Input column C (S48), enter the subject of the email (S
50), input of the text of the electronic mail (S52)), and when the input processing is completed, the line between the L-mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56 via the public telephone line 15 is reconnected (S54), and the input electronic Send an email (S
56) and then the process returns to S10.

When the CPU 57 determines in the processing of S42 that the control command generated in the processing of S14 is not related to the electronic mail (S42: N).
o), disconnecting the line connection between the NCU 56 and the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 (S58),
Then, the process returns to S10. Then, the CPU 57
In the processing of S44, when it is determined that the control command generated in the processing of S14 does not relate to any of new creation, reply, and transfer of electronic mail (S44: N
o), without disconnecting the line between the L-mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56 via the public telephone line 15, other electronic mail-related processes (for example, reception and reference) related to the control command are performed (S60), Then, the process returns to S10.

[Operation / Effect of Embodiment] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, the following operation / effect can be obtained. (1) The CPU 57 operates any of the buttons constituting the buttons 22 (S10: Yes),
If the control command corresponding to the operated button is related to printing (S30: Yes) and the number of printed pages is equal to or larger than the predetermined number of pages (S32: Yes), NCU5
6 and the L-mode gateway 16 are temporarily disconnected from the line connection via the public telephone line 15 (S34), the printing process is performed (S36), and when the printing process is completed, the L
The line between the mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56 via the public telephone line 15 is reconnected (S38). Also,
When the number of printed pages is less than the predetermined number of pages (S32: No), the CPU 57 determines that the L mode gateway 16 and the NCU
The printing process is performed without disconnecting the public telephone line 15 from 56 (S40).

That is, in the present embodiment, when the number of pages to be printed is equal to or larger than the predetermined number of pages (for example, printing of a long-sentence e-mail, printing of a home page with a large amount of image data, etc.), it takes a long time for the printing process. Before performing the printing process, the line connection between the L-mode compatible fax main body 20 and the L-mode gateway 16 is temporarily disconnected. When the number of printed pages is less than the predetermined number of pages, the printing process does not take much time, so the printing process is performed without disconnecting the line connection between the main body 20 of the L-mode compatible fax and the L-mode gateway 16. I have to.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the amount charged as the usage charge of the public telephone line 15 cannot be accumulated even if the printing operation is repeated, and thus the charged amount is accumulated when the printing operation is repeated. The communication cost can be reduced as compared with the conventional mode in which the size becomes large. still,
The predetermined number of pages may be freely set by the user of the L-mode compatible facsimile by operating the buttons 22.

(2) The CPU 57 operates any of the buttons constituting the buttons 22 (S10: Yes),
If the control command corresponding to the operated button is related to electronic mail (S42: Yes), and the control command is related to any of new creation, reply, and transfer of electronic mail (S44: Yes), NCU
Public telephone line 15 between 56 and L-mode gateway 16
After disconnecting the line connection via (S34), input processing relating to the electronic mail is performed (S48 to S5).
2) When the input process is completed, the line between the L-mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56 via the public telephone line 15 is reconnected (S54), and the input e-mail is transmitted (S56). If the control command does not relate to new creation, reply, or transfer of electronic mail (S44: No), the CPU 57 establishes the line via the public telephone line 15 between the L-mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56. Without disconnecting, other e-mail processing related to the control command is performed (S6).
0).

In other words, in the present embodiment, since it takes a long time to perform the process of newly creating, replying, or transferring the electronic mail, the main body 20 of the fax compatible with the L mode is processed before the process related to the electronic mail. The line connection with the L-mode gateway 16 is once disconnected. Further, since it does not take much time to perform processing other than new creation, reply, and transfer of electronic mail, the processing can be performed without disconnecting the line connection between the L mode compatible fax main body 20 and the L mode gateway 16. ing.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the usage fee of the public telephone line 15 is not charged at the time of newly creating an e-mail and replying / forwarding, the user operates a button at the time of newly creating an e-mail and replying / forwarding. It is possible to reduce the communication cost as compared with the conventional form in which the charge is made when the service is being performed. For replying and forwarding, which takes less time than new e-mail creation, whether to disconnect the line connection between the L-mode compatible fax main body 20 and the L-mode gateway 16,
The user of the L-mode compatible facsimile can freely select it by operating the buttons 22.

[Another Embodiment] By the way, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, but may be embodied as follows. Even in that case, an operation equivalent to or more than that of the above-mentioned embodiment The effect can be obtained. [1] In the above embodiment, in the process of S32, it is determined whether the number of printed pages is equal to or larger than the predetermined number of pages. However, it is not limited to the number of printed pages, and it may be determined whether or not the printing amount is equal to or more than a predetermined amount (for example, whether or not the number of printing lines is equal to or more than a predetermined number).

Further, in the processing of S32, the CPU 57
May estimate the time required for printing and determine whether the estimated time is a predetermined time or longer. In this case, if the estimated time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (S32: Yes), the CPU 57 disconnects the line connection between the NCU 56 and the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 (S34), and the printing process is executed. When finished (S3
6) The line between the L-mode gateway 16 and the NCU 56 via the public telephone line 15 may be reconnected (S38). Further, when the CPU 57 determines that the estimated time determined in the process of S32 is less than the predetermined time (S32: No), the L mode gateway 16 and the N
The print processing may be performed without disconnecting the line via the public telephone line 15 to the CU 56 (S4).
0).

[2] Processing related to the function of (1) above (S
Whether or not to execute 32 to S40) may be freely selected by the user of the L-mode compatible facsimile by operating the buttons 22. In this case, the CPU 57
When it is determined that the number of printed pages is equal to or larger than the predetermined number of pages in the process of S32 (S32: Yes), a message indicating that fact (for example, "Do you disconnect the line once because the number of printed pages is large? Or the like) or pictogram is displayed on the display unit 21 and the user is inquired whether or not to execute the processing of S34 to S38.

Then, the CPU 57 determines that the user has selected to execute the processing of S34 to S38 when the user operates a preset selection button among the buttons constituting the buttons 22 and S34. ~ S38
The processing of 1 is sequentially executed. In addition, when the user operates a preset non-selection button among the buttons constituting the buttons 22 when the user operates S34,
Assuming that the process of S38 to S38 is not selected, the processes of S34 and S36 are omitted, and only the process of S36 is executed.

[3] Process related to the function of (2) above (S
Whether or not to execute steps 44 to S56, S60) may be freely selected by the user of the L-mode compatible facsimile by operating the buttons 22. In this case, C
If the PU 57 determines in the processing of S44 that the control command generated in the processing of S14 is not related to any of new creation, reply, and transfer of the electronic mail (S44).
44: No), a message indicating that (for example, "Do you want to disconnect the line because it takes a long time to process the email?") Or a pictogram is displayed on the display 21, and the steps S46 to S56 are performed. Ask the user if they want to do it.

Then, the CPU 57 determines that the user has selected to execute the processing of S46 to S56 when the user operates a preset selection button from among the buttons constituting the buttons 22 and S46. ~ S56
The processing of 1 is sequentially executed. If the user operates a preset non-selection button among the buttons constituting the buttons 22 by the user, the CPU 57 causes the user to execute S46.
Assuming that the process of S56 to S56 is not selected, the processes of S46 and S54 are omitted and S48 to S5 are omitted.
Only the processing of S2 and S56 is executed.

[4] In the above embodiment, the printer using the thermal head 43 is used, but any type of printer (for example, laser printer, ink jet printer, etc.) may be used.

[5] The above embodiment is embodied in an L mode compatible facsimile as an example of various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode. However, what kind of communication device (for example,
L mode compatible telephones, IC card public telephones, etc.).

[6] The above embodiment is applied to various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode. However, the present invention is not limited to the L mode, and any type of communication system (for example, i mode provided by NTT, various communication systems using the Internet network, various information communication network networks other than the Internet network (various LANs) , Ethernet via a bus structure LAN))). The communication device may be any device (for example, a telephone, a facsimile, various information devices (a portable information terminal, a personal computer equipped with a modem, etc.)).

Correspondence between the constituent elements described in [Claims] and [Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention] and the constituent members described in [Embodiment of the Invention]. Is as follows. The “communication device” corresponds to the various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode and the main body 20 of the L mode compatible facsimile. "Communication line" is Internet network 12, public telephone line 15, L
It corresponds to the mode gateway 16. "Line connection means"
Is AFE 46, cross point switch 54, NCU
56, FAX / data modem 60, and processes of S38 and S54 executed by the CPU 57.

The "line disconnecting means" corresponds to the AFE 46, the crosspoint switch 54, the NCU 56, the FAX / data modem 60, and the processes of S34 and S46 executed by the CPU 57. The “operation using the communication line” corresponds to an operation related to printing or an operation related to electronic mail. "Operating means" includes buttons 22 and panel GA4
1 and S36, S40, S48 executed by the CPU 57
This corresponds to the processing of S52 and S60. The "determination means" is
This corresponds to the processing of S32 and S44 executed by the CPU 57.

The "control means" is the S executed by the CPU 57.
This corresponds to the processing of 30 to S60. The "storage means" is RA
It corresponds to M51 or EEPROM 52. The "printing means" includes a motor 42, a thermal head 43, a recording circuit 5
8 and the processing of S36 and S40 executed by the CPU 57. The “print amount” corresponds to the number of printed pages or the number of printed lines. The "program" is S1 executed by the CPU 57.
It corresponds to the processing of 0 to S60. "Recording medium" is ROM
It corresponds to 50.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system in an L mode provided by NTT.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the external appearance of the body of an L-mode compatible facsimile according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of a main body of an L-mode compatible facsimile.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control processing executed by a CPU provided in the main body.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control processing executed by a CPU provided in the main body.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of main control processing executed by a CPU provided in the main body.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Communication system in L mode 11 ... Various communication devices compatible with L mode 15 ... Public telephone line 16 ... L-mode gateway 20 ... Main body of L mode compatible facsimile 22 ... Buttons 41 ... Panel GA 42 ... Motor 43 ... Thermal head 46 ... AFE 50 ... ROM 51 ... RAM 52 ... EEPROM 54 ... Crosspoint switch 56 ... NCU 57 ... CPU 58 ... Recording circuit 60 ... FAX / data modem

Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5C062 AA02 AA29 AB42 AC35 AC60                       AF08 BA01 BD09                 5C075 AB90 GG02 GG09                 5K027 BB01 HH26                 5K101 KK02 LL01 LL05 MM05 MM07                       NN03 NN18 NN21 RR11 SS07                       TT06 UU16

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A line connecting means for connecting a line with a communication line, a line disconnecting means for disconnecting the line connection with the communication line by the line connecting means, and an operation for causing a communication device to perform an operation using the communication line. Means, a determining means for determining whether or not the operation performed by the operating means requires a predetermined time or more, and an operation of the line connecting means and the line disconnecting means based on the determination result of the determining means. A communication device comprising control means for controlling, wherein the control means, when the determining means determines that the operation requires a time longer than or equal to the predetermined time, establishes communication with the communication line by the line disconnecting means. Once the line connection is disconnected, and if the determining means determines that the operation requires less than the predetermined time, the line disconnecting means establishes a communication line. Without cutting the line connection, a communication device, characterized in that to perform the operation on the operation means. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit prints on a printing paper a storage unit that stores information transmitted from a communication line, and the information stored in the storage unit. A printing unit, the determining unit determines whether or not the printing requires a predetermined time or more based on the printing amount printed on the printing paper by the printing unit, and the control unit determines the determining unit. When it is determined that the printing by the printing means requires a predetermined time or more, the line disconnecting means temporarily disconnects the line connection to the communication line, and the determining means causes the printing means to print for less than the predetermined time. If it is determined that only the time is required, the printing unit is caused to execute printing without disconnecting the line connection with the communication line by the line disconnecting unit. Communication apparatus. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit executes an operation related to an electronic mail as the operation, and the determination unit includes an operation of the operation unit for newly creating, replying to an electronic mail, In the case of at least one of forwarding, it is determined that the operation requires a time longer than the predetermined time, and the control means causes the determining means to perform at least the operations of newly creating, replying, and forwarding an electronic mail. If it is determined to be either, the line disconnecting means temporarily disconnects the line connection to the communication line, and the determining means determines that the operation by the operating means is neither new creation, reply, or transfer of the email. In this case, the operation means may execute the operation without disconnecting the line connection with the communication line by the line disconnecting means. Communication apparatus according to claim. 4. A program for causing a computer system to function as each of the means in the communication device according to claim 1. 5. A computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer system to function as each unit in the communication apparatus according to claim 1 is recorded.