JP2003163786A - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use communication equipment as if it is user's private communication equipment by attaching to the communication equipment a storage device, etc., carried by the user which can store pieces of information for each individual regarding the Internet. <P>SOLUTION: An I-FAX machine 201 has a function for performing facsimile communication by being connected with the Internet and can use a slave machine 3 as a master machine 2. An operation panel attachment/detachment part 13 has a part of operation keys 9 of a facsimile main body 4, dial keys 10 and a display 11 and can be detached. A portable storage device 202 such as the operation panel attachment/detachment part 13, the slave machine 3, and an IC memory card is the portable storage device as a unit which can be detached from the facsimile main body 4, as a separate unit and can use the I-FAX machine 201 by storing pieces of the information for each individual in them. The portable storage device 202 is provided with dial keys 205, operation keys 206 and a display 207, can display and edit the information independently of the facsimile main body 4, etc. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication device or information processing device that can be connected to the Internet, such as an Internet facsimile machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a multi-user type operating system (OS) has been used in which an information processing apparatus such as a computer can be separately used by a plurality of users. In such an operating system, it is necessary to set a password or the like for each user and perform a login and logout procedure.

In a communication device such as a telephone or a facsimile device, personal information is stored for each caller in a portable storage device such as a magnetic card or a memory card, and a plurality of users jointly use the same while maintaining confidentiality. The device and method have already been disclosed. With such a method, no login or logout procedure is required.

In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 60-116259, a portable storage device for storing personal information is used.
A method is disclosed in which the auto dial or speed dial code set by the user can be used with any terminal device. In this portable storage device, for example, a magnetic card, a personal identification code or an auto dial or speed dial code set by the owner is stored. The magnetic card is attached to a terminal device such as an auto dial device or a telephone, and the contents of the magnetic card are input to the terminal device.
As a result, the owner of the magnetic card can call the other party by using the auto dial or speed dial code set by himself / herself using any terminal device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63-108849 discloses a portable personal communication recording medium such as a card magnetic recording medium which stores information required by an individual and is attachable to and detachable from a communication terminal device. There is. With this personal communication recording medium, information that has been stored in the telephone until now can be operated separately from the telephone. Information such as a name, a telephone number, a message to the other party, etc., required by an individual is stored in the personal communication recording medium by key input. Then, when the personal communication recording medium is connected to the interface on the telephone side, the telephone automatically calls the other party based on the information stored in the personal communication recording medium, reads the message, and transmits the message to the other party. After that, when the interface recognizes that a message from the other side has entered, this message is written in the personal communication recording medium.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-137767 discloses a telephone with a memory card in which a necessary memory portion is a memory card, and the telephone body has a circuit structure compatible with a removable memory card. With this phone,
Enables functions such as speed dial, recording and playback of conversation voice.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-84197, by using a portable information communication card, it is possible to automatically select an optimum communication network required by the user for communication, and diversify information. A system that can be efficiently used without being aware of a communication network or communication service is disclosed.

In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-97852, one mobile terminal, for example, a PDA (portable terminal) can be shared by a plurality of users, and the user can set any incoming call condition regardless of time and place. A mobile mail system having a configuration capable of automatically obtaining an electronic mail from a mail server is disclosed. The user stores and holds the access permission information to the mail server and the mail reception condition in the storage area of the confidential IC card, and attaches this when using the system. After reading the personal information from the IC card and performing authentication, the PDA registers the mail arrival condition in the mail server in a freely updateable manner. The mail server monitors the arrival of an electronic mail that matches this condition with the mail arrival monitoring unit and the condition determination processing unit, and automatically sends the header information when the mail arrives. If the transfer to FAX etc. is specified, it is executed.

In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-51349, a portable unit that can be used by a plurality of users with settings according to each user by providing a storage unit capable of individually managing a plurality of personal numbers and information of a plurality of persons. A communication device is disclosed.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-283292, personal identification information, e-mail operation environment setting information, e-mail storage area designation information, e-mail created for transmission, and received e-mail are stored. It is possible to store personal mail in the portable storage medium by the action of an additional program that changes the mail environment, and it is assigned to each individual used for the terminal device connected to the network. A portable storage medium is disclosed.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-330904,
An external memory loading unit and an ISP (Internet Service Provider) stored in the external memory loaded in the loading unit.
) Information and information necessary for using the network communication function such as the user's mail account information are read out, and using this read-out information, the access for sending and receiving the network communication function is executed and the information is received by the network communication. The data is characterized by comprising a network communication function executing means for storing in an external memory,
A terminal device with a network communication function is disclosed which enables any user to use the network communication function of one terminal device, for example, an electronic mail function, by a simple operation.

[0012]

[Patent Document 1] JP-A-60-116259

[Patent Document 2] JP-A-63-108849

[Patent Document 3] JP-A-1-137767

[Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-84197

[Patent Document 5] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-97852

[Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-51349

[Patent Document 7] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-283292

[Patent Document 8] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-330904

[0013]

Even in the above-mentioned conventional technique, the management of information for each individual has already been performed for a plurality of users who commonly use the communication device or the like. However, in communication devices and information processing devices that can be connected to the Internet, such as Internet facsimile machines,
It is not possible to manage individual information about the Internet,
Also, it is not possible to store images.

In a multi-user operating system that requires a login and logout procedure, users can keep confidential information as long as passwords and the like are properly managed, but the system administrator must access all information. You can

In a communication device such as a telephone or a facsimile device, personal information is stored for each caller in a portable storage device such as a magnetic card or a memory card, and a plurality of users jointly use the same while maintaining confidentiality. Device and method, and which communication device is used by one user selecting any one of a plurality of communication devices and mounting a portable storage device storing personal information Communication devices and methods that can be used in the same environment have already been disclosed.

However, in any of these communication devices or methods, the storage device does not function when it is detached from the communication device, and the communication device must be used in order to confirm, correct, or newly input the contents. Need to be attached to.

An object of the present invention is a communication device used by a plurality of users, in which information regarding the Internet can be personally stored and used easily, and mutual confidentiality can be surely maintained. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a communication device that can be used by each user as if he / she were using it.

[0018]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a communication device capable of connecting to the Internet, such as an Internet facsimile, and a device main body having connection means to the Internet, and detachable from the device main body, or The apparatus includes a portable storage device as a separate unit from the device body, and the storage device can store at least one of information to be communicated and setting information necessary for internet connection as information about the internet, Further, it is provided with a display means for displaying the stored information and an input means for editing operation of the information displayed on the display means, and the connecting means of the apparatus main body stores information about the Internet stored in the storage device. It is a communication device characterized by performing communication via the Internet by utilizing it.

According to the present invention, a communication device connectable to the Internet, such as an Internet facsimile, includes a device body and a storage device. The storage device can store at least one of information to be communicated and setting information necessary for connecting to the Internet as information about the Internet, and can be attached to or detached from the device body or separately from the device body. It can be carried as a unit. The storage device is provided with display means for displaying stored information and input means for editing operation of information displayed on the display means. Since the device main body is provided with the connecting means for performing communication via the internet by using the information about the internet stored in the storage device, if the storage device is attached to the device main body, it is stored in the storage device. Using information about the Internet, communication such as Internet facsimile can be performed.

If the storage device is detached from the main body of the device, the stored information can be securely kept secret. Since the information stored in the storage device can be newly input or modified by using the display means and the input means, the information can be stored even when the apparatus is not attached. It is possible to view and correct personal information and new input necessary for the Internet connection setting that is being performed. Various information obtained by mounting the storage device on the device main body and performing communication, and information to be communicated such as received mails can be viewed by displaying it on the display means of the storage device in a state of being detached from the device main body. It becomes possible to perform simple edit processing, and further, in the state where the storage device is detached from the main body of the device, perform so-called offline operation such as creating a new mail to be sent or processing such as editing. You can

Further, in the invention, it is preferable that the apparatus main body further includes setting means for setting information related to the Internet stored in the storage device to be valid or invalid.

According to the invention, when the storage device is attached to the main body of the device, the setting means can enable or disable the information about the Internet stored in the storage device. If the setting is disabled, even if the storage device is attached to the device body, communication can be performed without using the stored information about the Internet. When set to be valid, communication via the Internet can be performed according to the personal information of each user.

Further, in the present invention, the apparatus main body further comprises warning means for responding to the setting contents of the setting means and the mounting state of the storage device, and the warning means is adapted to validate the information related to the Internet in the setting means. If the storage device is not installed, a warning is issued to notify that the storage device is not installed,
When a plurality of storage devices are attached, a warning is issued to prompt which storage device is to be enabled, and the setting means is set so that the information regarding the Internet is invalid, and When the storage device is attached, a warning is issued to inform that the storage device is invalid.

According to the present invention, when a contradiction occurs between the setting in the setting means and the mounting state of the storage device, the warning means issues a warning. The warning means is set in the setting means so that the information about the Internet is valid,
If no storage device is installed, a warning is issued to notify that no storage device is installed, and if multiple storage devices are installed, specify which storage device is valid. Is issued, it is possible to call the user's attention so that a valid storage device is mounted. The warning means issues a warning to the setting means to inform that the storage device is invalid when the information relating to the Internet is set to be invalid and the storage device is attached. Can be surely notified that the storage device is invalid.

The present invention further includes, in a communication device connectable to the Internet, a separation unit separable from the device main body and connectable so as to operate in cooperation with the device main body, and the separation unit relates to the Internet. As information, there is provided a storage unit capable of storing at least one of information to be communicated and setting information necessary for Internet connection, and at least one of the apparatus body and the separation unit is stored in the storage unit of the separation unit. Using the stored information about the Internet,
The communication device is provided with a connection unit for performing communication via the Internet.

According to the present invention, the communication device connectable to the Internet includes the device main body and the separation unit. The separation unit is separable from the main body of the device and connectable so as to operate in cooperation with the main body of the device.As the information on the Internet, at least one of the information to be communicated and the setting information necessary for the Internet connection is set. A storage means capable of storing is provided. Since at least one of the apparatus main body and the separation unit is provided with a connecting unit for performing communication via the Internet by using the information about the Internet stored in the storage unit of the separation unit, the separation unit is installed in the apparatus main body. Once connected,
It is possible to perform communication via the Internet by using the information about the Internet stored in the storage means. By separating the separation unit from the main body of the apparatus, the confidentiality of the information stored in the storage means can be securely retained.

The present invention further includes a storage device that is detachable from the device body or the separation unit, or is portable as a separate unit, and the storage device is information to be communicated as information about the Internet. Alternatively, at least one of the setting information necessary for connecting to the Internet can be stored, and a display unit for displaying the stored information and an input unit for editing the information displayed on the display unit are provided. The connection means of the apparatus main body is characterized by performing communication via the Internet by using information about the Internet stored in the storage device.

According to the present invention, the communication device connectable to the Internet such as the Internet facsimile further includes a storage device in addition to the device main body and the separation unit.
The storage device can store at least one of information to be communicated and setting information necessary for connecting to the Internet as information about the Internet, and can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body or the separation unit, or a separate unit. As portable. The storage device is provided with display means for displaying stored information and input means for editing operation of information displayed on the display means.
Since the device main body is provided with the connecting means for performing communication via the internet by using the information about the internet stored in the storage device, if the storage device is attached to the device main body, it is stored in the storage device. Using information about the Internet, communication such as Internet facsimile can be performed.

If the storage device is detached from the main body of the device or the separation unit, the secret of the stored information can be surely held. Since the information stored in the storage device can be newly input or modified by using the display means and the input means, the information can be stored even when the apparatus is not attached. It is possible to view and correct personal information and new input necessary for the Internet connection setting that is being performed. The display means of the storage device in a state where the storage device is detached from the device body or the separation unit shows various information obtained by mounting the storage device on the device body or the separation unit and performing communication, and information to be communicated such as received mail. It is possible to display and browse and perform simple edit processing.Furthermore, with the storage device removed from the main body of the device or the separation unit, it is possible to create or edit new mail to be sent. It is possible to perform so-called offline operation such as performing.

Further, in the invention, it is preferable that the apparatus main body further includes setting means for setting the information related to the Internet stored in the separation unit or the storage device to be valid or invalid.

According to the present invention, the information about the Internet stored in the separation unit or the storage device when the separation unit is connected to the device main body or the storage device is attached to the device main body or the separation unit by the setting means. Can be enabled or disabled.
If the setting is disabled, even if the separation unit is connected to the apparatus main body or the storage device is attached to the apparatus main body or the separation unit, communication can be performed without using the stored information about the Internet. If enabled,
Communication via the Internet can be performed according to the personal information of each user.

Further, in the present invention, the apparatus main body further comprises warning means for responding to the setting contents of the setting means and the mounting state of the storage device, and the warning means is stored in the storage device in the setting means. If the information related to the Internet that has been set is set to be valid and the storage device is not installed, a warning is issued to notify that the storage device is not installed, and multiple storage devices are installed. In this case, a warning prompting the user to specify which storage device is to be enabled is issued, and the information related to the Internet stored in the storage device is set to be invalid and the storage device is set to be invalid. When is installed, a warning is issued to notify that the storage device is invalid.

According to the present invention, when a contradiction occurs between the setting in the setting means and the mounting state of the storage device, the warning means issues a warning. The warning means is set in the setting means so that the information about the Internet is valid,
If the storage device is not installed in either the main body of the device or the separation unit, a warning notifying that the storage device is not installed is issued. Since a warning is issued that prompts the user to specify whether the storage device is valid, it is possible to call the user's attention so that the valid storage device is mounted. The warning means issues a warning to the setting means to inform that the storage device is invalid when the information relating to the Internet is set to be invalid and the storage device is attached. Can be surely notified that the storage device is invalid.

Further, according to the present invention, the connection means is configured such that both the information about the Internet stored in the separation unit and the information about the Internet stored in the storage device are effectively set in the setting means. Then, when only one of the separation unit and the storage device is connected or attached, communication via the Internet is performed using information about the Internet stored in the one.

According to the present invention, when the setting means is set such that the information about the Internet stored in the storage means of the separation unit and the information about the Internet stored in the storage device are set to be valid, the separation is performed. When the unit is connected and the storage device is not installed, the information of the separation unit is used, and when the separation unit is not connected and the storage device is installed, the information of the storage device is used to perform communication via the Internet. Therefore, it is possible to perform personal communication via the Internet simply by connecting or wearing one.

Further, in the present invention, the connection means is configured such that both the information about the Internet stored in the separation unit and the information about the Internet stored in the storage device are effectively set in the setting means. Then, when the separation unit is connected and the storage device is installed, information regarding the Internet whose priority order is stored in the higher order side of the separation unit or the storage device is set in accordance with a preset priority order. It is characterized in that communication is performed via the Internet by utilizing the above.

According to the present invention, even if a plurality of separation units or storage devices that store information about the Internet are connected or attached at the same time and each of them is set to be valid, the priority order is set in advance. Therefore, the information used for communication via the Internet can be selected according to the priority order.

Further, in the invention, it is characterized in that the separation unit is an operation panel which is attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body, and which enables operation input of a communication function in the mounted state or the separated state.

According to the present invention, a storage means is provided or a storage device is attached to an operation panel which can be attached to and detached from the main body of the apparatus and can be operated and input of the communication function in the attached state or the separated state. Thus, information about the Internet can be stored, and communication via the Internet can be performed using the stored information.

Further, in the invention, it is characterized in that the separation unit is a slave unit which can operate with the apparatus main body as a master unit.

According to the present invention, information relating to the Internet can be stored by providing a storage unit or mounting a storage device with a slave unit operable as a master unit of the apparatus main body as a separation unit. , It is possible to communicate via the Internet using the stored information.

Further, the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the communication device described in any of the above.

According to the present invention, a general-purpose computer is provided with a storage device and a separation unit, and personal information regarding the Internet can be stored in the storage device and the separation unit, and communication via the Internet can be performed. it can.

[0044]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention is applicable to ordinary PSTN (Publ
ic Switched Telephone Network), ISDN (Integra
Internet facsimile machine that can be directly connected to the Internet network via a public line such as a ted service digital network) or directly (hereinafter,
The present invention can be applied to all communication devices and information processing devices that can be connected to the Internet, such as an I-FAX device), an Internet-connected telephone, etc., but here, the I-FAX device will be described as an example.

In order to connect to the Internet network, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), which is a kind of technology called xSDL that makes a subscriber line connected to a public line of PSTN into a broadband, is used for communication. It can also increase speed. In addition, as a broadband communication line, CATV (CAble
Television) and other distribution cables, and FTT
It is also possible to use an optical fiber such as H (Fiber To The Home).

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
-A schematic external configuration of the FAX apparatus 1 is shown in perspective. I
In addition to the conventional facsimile image communication, the FAX apparatus 1 interprets HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), receives an Internet image such as a Web page, and transmits / receives information such as an image and text by e-mail. You can The I-FAX device 1 has a master device 2 and a slave device 3 connected to the master device 2 via wireless communication.
Further, the I-FAX device 1 can be connected to one or a plurality of slave units 3, and the slave unit 3 is connected to the I-FAX device 1.
It is possible to communicate with the outside in a cordless manner together with the parent device 2. It is also possible to connect to the Internet from the child device 3 via the parent device 2.

The main unit 2 includes a facsimile main body 4 which is a main body of the apparatus, a handset 5 which is connected to the facsimile main body 4 with a curl cord 6, a hand scanner 7 which is an image reading apparatus, an antenna 8, a key operation section 9, a dial. Key 10,
It has a display device 11, an IC memory card storage device 12, and the like.

The operation panel attaching / detaching portion 13 has a part of the operation keys 9 of the base unit 2, the dial keys 10 and the display device 11, and is a device attachable / detachable to / from the facsimile main body 4. The operation panel attachment / detachment unit 13 is equipped with a rechargeable battery required for operation together with a memory as a storage unit. When the operation panel attachment / detachment unit 13 is attached to the facsimile main body 4, it is charged through the connection connector unit 14.

Operation panel attaching / detaching portion 13, slave unit 3, and I
The C memory card storage device 12 is a unit that is detachable from the facsimile body 4 or a portable storage device that is a separate unit from the base unit 2, and stores personal information and personal Internet information. It I
The C memory card storage device 12 can be attached to the child device 3 or the operation panel attaching / detaching portion 13.

Here, the personal information is information relating to the Internet connection of each user, and includes the mail address of the user, the DNS (Domain Name System) code, the ID code, the destination such as the server or mail destination to which the user connects. It is called an address, a favorite, a bookmark, or the like, and refers to a collection of URLs individually registered by the user or various histories, and at least one of these is recorded. Further, the personalized Internet information is information that the user has individually fetched from the Internet, such as an image of the Internet, an image of an electronic mail, an image handled by the Internet including an image of an input electronic mail, and the like. The image, which is the Internet information for each individual, may be stored in the bitmap format or may be stored as it is written in HTML.

When connecting to the Internet through a public line or a broadband communication line, it is necessary to mediate the ISP. It is also possible to make a contract with each ISP for each user and connect with an individual account so that the information necessary for connecting to each ISP is also stored as personal information.

The IC memory card 12 is a JEIDA (Ja
pan Electronic Industry Development Association) and PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card Interna)
IC memory card conforming to the National Association). By using an IC memory card compliant with JEIDA or PCMCIA, other devices such as a personal computer that can use the IC memory card can read the data stored in the IC memory card storage device 12. . IC memory card 1
As 2, a compact flash (registered trademark) or an SD card, which is widely used for digital cameras, can be used.

Further, since the operation panel attaching / detaching portion 13 has a part of the operation keys 9, the dial keys 10 and the display device 11, even if the operation panel attaching / detaching portion 13 is detached from the facsimile main body 4, the operation panel attaching / detaching portion 13 serves as an internal storage means. It is possible to add / correct the individual information regarding the Internet stored in the, and at that time, the information can be surely added / corrected while being confirmed on the display device 11. further,
Since the slave unit 3, which will be described in detail later, also has a display device, by operating the slave unit 3, it is possible to reliably perform addition / correction of individual information regarding the Internet while confirming the information on the display device.

The information for each individual on the Internet is stored in the operation panel attaching / detaching unit 13, the slave unit 3, and the IC.
Since it can be stored in any one of the memory card storage devices 12, that is, a portable storage device, the storage device storing individual information can be carried by each person, and the confidentiality of individual information is maintained. In addition, when a plurality of people use the I-FAX device 1 jointly, the portable storage device I
-A single I-FA can be installed by attaching it to the FAX machine 1.
Each X device 1 can be used as if it were its own device.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic electrical configuration of the master unit 2. The base unit 2 includes a control device 15, a modem 16, a network control device 17, an image storage device 18, a printing device 19, an image reading device 7, a storage device 20, operation keys 9, a dial key 10,
Handset 5, display device 11, parallel I / F 21, LA
The N I / F 22, the cordless control circuit 23, the antenna 8, and the IC memory card I / F 24 are included.
Note that “I / F” is an abbreviation for interface. L
AN is an abbreviation for local area network. The operation panel attaching / detaching portion 13 of FIG. 1 is attached to the facsimile main body 4 and is electrically connected via the connection connector portion 14. IC memory card 1 of FIG.
2 can be attached to and detached from the IC memory card I / F 24.

The base unit 2 of the I-FAX device 1 is connected to the telephone line network 25 via the network control device 17. The network controller 17 monitors the status of the telephone network 25 and
The line is switched to the modem 16 side, the handset 5 side and the cordless control circuit 23 side.

The control device 15 controls the operation and functions of the entire I-FAX device 1, and together with the program stored in the storage device 20, information input from the operation keys 9 and dial keys 10, The operation of the entire I-FAX device 1 is determined based on the information indicating the status from each unit, the signal from the telephone line network 25, and the like, a command is given, and a display instruction is issued to the display device 11. . Also,
It is responsible for compression for shortening the transmission time of image information and expansion for returning the compressed image signal to the original pixel column information. The modem 16 modulates the digital signal of the read image into an analog signal suitable for the telephone line network 25, and demodulates the analog signal of the image received from the telephone line network 25 into a digital signal for printing.

The printing device 19 is a unit for printing an image received or read, and is of a thermal type,
An electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, etc. are often used. The image reading device 7 is a document reading device for transmission and copying, and a reduction reading system using a combination of a lens and a CCD line sensor, a contact sensor system using a rod lens array, and the like are used. Image storage device 1
Reference numeral 8 is a unit for storing the read image and the received image. By providing this unit, many complicated functions such as transfer of received images, broadcasting, proxy reception when paper runs out, and memory transmission can be performed.

The operation keys 9 and dial keys 10 are units for the user to input information and instructions to the I-FAX device 1. The display device 11 is a unit that displays information and provides guidance to the user.

The cordless control circuit 23 is a circuit for controlling the slave unit 3, and includes a tuner for searching a communication path for connection with the slave unit 3, establishing connection, and transmitting and receiving radio waves. . The antenna 8 transmits / receives radio waves for transmission / reception with the slave 3.

Further, the operation panel attaching / detaching portion 13 shown in FIG. 1 has a device which takes charge of a part of the functions of the storage device 20, the image storage device 18 and the control device 15 of the parent device 2.

The I-FAX device 1 has three types of interfaces capable of communicating with the Internet. There are three types: a communication path with the telephone line network 25, a parallel I / F 21 that is an interface to a personal computer (PC), and a LAN I / F 22 that is an interface to a LAN line network.

The following are examples of connection methods for communicating with the Internet. That is, normal facsimile transmission / reception is performed by connecting to the telephone line network 25, and parallel I / F 21 is used for communication with the Internet.
And the LAN I / F 22, a normal facsimile transmission / reception, a communication with the Internet, and a communication with the telephone line network 25. The connection method for communicating with the Internet does not have to be the method described above, and I-FAX
The device 1 may not include all the three interfaces described above. Further, although the interface to the PC is the parallel I / F 21 in FIG. 2, it may not be the parallel I / F. It is also possible to use serial I / F, infrared rays, radio waves, and the like.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic electrical configuration of the slave unit 3. The slave unit 3 includes a slave unit dial key 31 and a slave unit operation key 3
2, a child device display device 33, a child device control device 34, a child device speaker 35, a child device microphone 36, a child device tuner 37, a child device antenna 38, and a child device storage device 39. Although not shown, the slave unit 3 is also equipped with a rechargeable battery that serves as a power source necessary for operation, and is charged when mounted on a charging stand. As mentioned above, I
The C memory card 12 can be attached to the child device 3 in advance.

The configuration of the slave unit 3 is limited to that of FIG. 2 except that the interface of signals to the outside is limited to communication by radio waves from the slave unit antenna 38 and there is no image input / output device. It is almost the same as machine 2. Further, the child device dial key 31, the child device operation key 32, the child device display device 33, the child device speaker 35, the child device microphone 36, and the like are suitable for the child device 3 because the entire child device 3 is portable. It has a small shape. The slave unit control device 34 controls the slave unit 3
In addition to controlling the entire operation, it also has a function of setting a wireless communication path necessary for communication with the master unit 2. As a communication means with the base unit 2, either a digital method or an analog method may be used.

FIG. 4 shows another external structure that can be used as the slave unit 3. Although there is no child device display device 33 like the external appearance of the child device 3 shown in FIG. 1, a child device storage device 39 may be provided to store personal information of the user who uses the child device 3 and the like. . Also, the IC memory card 12 can be attached.

The child device 3 can be connected to the Internet by using the child device dial key 31, the child device operation key 32, and the child device display device 33. When connecting from the child device 3 to the Internet, the information is stored by the child device 3 and used for individual information about the Internet. The received data and the like may be stored in the child device 3, or may be stored in the operation panel attachment / detachment unit 13 or the IC memory card 12 which are other portable storage devices. In FIG. 1, the master device 2 is equipped with the IC memory card 12 as a portable storage device, but the IC memory card 12 may not be equipped with the master device 2 as a portable storage device.

When the I-FAX device 1 transmits / receives an image or the like, at least one of the operation panel attaching / detaching unit 13, the slave 3 and the IC memory card 12, which is a portable storage device, is attached or activated. If they are not worn, a warning is issued to inform the user that they are not worn. Further, when a plurality of types of portable storage devices are attached, a warning is issued to the user to interactively specify which portable storage device to store an image or the like. Further, when there are a plurality of portable storage devices, priorities for storing may be given in advance. When connecting to the Internet in this way, personal information about the Internet is stored in a portable storage device, information received via the Internet is stored in these portable storage devices, and the storage device is removed by the user and owned by each user. To do. By storing the personal information in this manner, the confidentiality of personal information regarding the Internet can be surely maintained.

If personal information regarding the Internet is stored in the portable storage device as described above, inconvenience may occur depending on the user, such as complicated work. Therefore, the storage device used for Internet communication may be set to be the storage device 20 of the common portion of the facsimile main body 4, and individual information regarding the Internet may not be stored in each storage device.

FIG. 5 shows an outline of a method for connecting the I-FAX device 1 of FIG. 1 to the Internet 100 as the I-FAX devices 101 to 104. In FIG. 4, from a LAN network 110 such as a corporate LAN that is often used for business purposes, an Internet service provider (hereinafter, referred to as “provider”) 1 usually abbreviated as ISP 1
11 to connect to the Internet 100 through
A method is shown in which an individual connects to the Internet 100 from the public line network 115 through the provider 111. These circuit configurations are an example of a configuration in which a facsimile device is connected to the Internet 100, and the connection to the data communication line of the I-FAX device 1 of this embodiment is not limited to this diagram.

When using the LAN network 110,
Personal computers 117 and 118, which are client terminal devices, are connected to the LAN network 110, and are connected to the Internet 100 from the LAN network 110 via a router 119. At the same time, LA
A server computer 120 is connected to the N network 110, and the server computer 120 temporarily receives received communication data such as text data, facsimile images, and voice, and communication data to a client managed by the server computer 120. Remembered.

The I-FAX device 101 is directly connected to the server computer 120 by a cable 121 from an interface corresponding to the parallel I / F 21 shown in FIG. The I-FAX device 102 is a telephone line network or IS.
It is connected to the server computer 120 through a public network 122 which is a DN network. The I-FAX device 102 includes a server computer 120 and a public line network 12.
2. Understand the PPP protocol for making a call through 2 and create signals. This call is made by connecting to the public line network 122 including the ISDN line network through a device corresponding to the network control device 17 shown in FIG. I-FA
The X device 103 is directly connected to the LAN network 110 from an interface corresponding to the LAN I / F 22 shown in FIG. I-FA on these Internet 100
The circuit configuration to which the X apparatuses 101 to 103 are connected is an example, and other circuit configurations may be used.

The I-FAX device 104 is connected to the Internet 100 by a method normally used by an individual. The user is a provider 111 who is an Internet connection provider.
, And connects to the server computer 130 installed by the provider 111 through a public line network 115 such as a telephone line network or an ISDN line network. The provider 111 connects to the Internet 100 through the router 131, transmits information to the Internet 100, or receives information from the Internet 100. At this time, the provider 111 also stores transmission / reception information of a client such as the I-FAX device 104 in the server computer 130 managed by the provider 111.

When the I-FAX device 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is used as the I-FAX device 101, when one user is shared by a plurality of users, the provider 11 used for each user 11
You can change 1. The server computer 13 of the provider 111 contracted for each user is provided in the operation panel attachment / detachment unit 13 which is a separation unit, the cordless handset 3, or the IC memory card 12 mounted in these separation units.
0, the telephone number of the access point used to connect to 0, the information necessary for making PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) connection, etc. are stored, and the connection can be made easily by using such information. It can be carried out.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention.
The schematic external structure of the I-FAX apparatus 201 is shown in perspective. In the present embodiment, parts corresponding to the I-FAX device 1 in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. That is, the handset 3 and the operation panel attachment / detachment unit 13 can be operated as a separation unit and a storage unit of personal information regarding the Internet. A plurality of slaves 3 including the slave display device 33 and the operation panel attachment / detachment unit 13 including the display device 11 can be replaced and connected, and a plurality of users carry them as their own separation units.
If it is used in cooperation with the I.FAX device 1, the I-FAX device 201 can be used similarly to the device dedicated to each user.
This is the same as the I-FAX device 1 of FIG. In this case, since the display device is provided, it is possible to display the stored personal information and input new personal information. Since a rechargeable battery or the like is mounted as a power source for operation in these separation units, it is possible to display and edit information independently of the facsimile main body 4.

In the present embodiment, the personal information can be stored in the portable storage device 202 when connecting to the Internet. The portable storage device 20 should be provided with a connection interface similar to that of the IC memory card 12 of FIG. 1, and be attachable not only to the facsimile main body 4 but also to the slave 3 and the operation panel attaching / detaching part 13. You can also The I-FAX device 201 of this embodiment is also shown in FIG.
3 has the same configuration as that of FIG. 3 and can be connected to the Internet 100 as in FIG.

The portable storage device 202 of this embodiment comprises an input device such as a simple keyboard including dial keys 205 and operation keys 206, and a display device 207.
A memory serving as a storage unit is provided inside. In the control device 15 shown in FIG. 2, among the usable storage devices, a portion related to personal information is a directly connected removable storage portion,
For example, it is stored in the portable storage device 202 or a separation unit such as the slave 3 or the operation panel attachment / detachment unit 13. Since the portable storage device 202 is equipped with the input device and the display device 207, it becomes possible to display the content of the information stored in the memory and perform editing such as correction and new creation. . In this way, the removable portable storage device 2
If personal information such as information to be transmitted / received on the Internet and information necessary for connection is stored in 02, if the user removes the portable storage device 202 after use, the personal information is automatically owned and ensured. Confidentiality can be maintained.

When the operation panel attaching / detaching part 12 is attached to the facsimile body 4 and the personal information is stored in the storage device 20 shown in FIG. 2, the display device 11 displays the same information as the conventional facsimile device. Necessary personal information can be displayed, and the operation key 9 or dial key 10 can be used to correct or newly input information. Operation panel attachment / detachment section 1
The information stored in 2 can be displayed and edited in the same manner as when mounted, even when the operation panel attaching / detaching portion 12 is separated from the facsimile main body 4 and is operated independently.

In this embodiment, the portable storage device 202 can also be used, and the portable storage device 202 is also equipped with the dial keys 205, the operation keys 206, and the display device 207 like the operation panel attaching / detaching portion 12. is doing. With these, the same function as the operation panel attaching / detaching portion 12 is provided, and it is possible to perform editing processing such as displaying personal information, correcting or newly creating personal information. However, with regard to the portable storage device 202, the operation keys 206 and the like must be smaller than the operation keys 9 of the operation panel attaching / detaching part 12 in consideration of portability. Further, there may be differences such as reducing the number. Also in this case, the same display, correction, and new creation can be performed by making the basic display contents and the operating environment common.

FIG. 7 shows a simplified electrical configuration of the portable storage device 202. Portable storage device 202
Is the dial key 205 and the operation key 206 as described above.
And a display device 207. Portable storage device 202
Further includes a storage device 210, a parallel I / F 211,
A battery 212 and a controller 215 are included. The battery 212 is a rechargeable battery, and the parallel I / F 211 is shown in FIG.
When it is mounted on the IC memory card I / F 24 as shown in (1) and is also electrically connected, charging power can be supplied from the facsimile main body 4 for charging. Instead of a rechargeable secondary battery, a primary battery such as a dry battery can be used. The display device 207 is a liquid crystal display device (LC
D) or the like can be used. Further, instead of using the dial keys 205 or the operation keys 206 and the display device 207, a touch panel or the like may be used to perform input and display at the same time.

The facsimile main body 4 serves as setting means for setting the information related to the Internet stored in the portable storage device 202 to be valid or invalid.
The operation keys 9 and the like can also be used. When the portable storage device 202 is attached to the facsimile main body 4 or the like by such setting means, if the information about the Internet stored in the portable storage device 202 is set to be invalid, the portable storage device 202 is transferred to the facsimile main body. Even if it is attached to the device 4 or the like, communication can be performed without using the stored information about the Internet. When set to be valid, communication via the Internet can be performed according to the personal information of each user.

For the function of storing information for each individual and utilizing the Internet, a portable storage device 202 or the like must be always prepared, and depending on the user, the work becomes conversely complicated. Some users may not want to use this function. In such a case, this function can be easily removed by changing the setting and designating the storage device 20 in the facsimile main body 4 as the information when using the Internet.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a display used when setting is performed by the facsimile main body 4 and keys used for the operation. Figure 8
(A) shows an example of a setting screen of a storage destination of personal information such as mails and pages received from the Internet 100.
FIG. 8B shows an example of the setting screen in the menu format for the save destination. In the display example of FIG. 8A, the “memory in the main body”, which is the storage device 20 of FIG. 2, is displayed as the default save destination in the dialog box 220 for inputting the save destination. Operation keys 9 of the operation panel attaching / detaching portion 13,
Alternatively, by pressing the down arrow key 205a with the operation key 205 of the portable storage device 202, a pull-down menu 221 as shown in FIG. 8B is displayed. In the display of the pull-down menu 221, the designated "memory in main body" line 222 is displayed by changing the background color and the like. Press the down arrow key 205a
22 moves downward, and when the up arrow key 205b is pressed, the row 222 moves upward. When the setting key 205c is pressed in the state where the color of the desired option is changed in the row 222, the setting is stored in the storage device 20 of the facsimile main body 4 and the display of FIG. 8A is returned. However,
At this time, the newly designated save destination is displayed in the dialog box 220.

Here, the down arrow key 205a, the up arrow key 205b, and the setting key 20 of the operation key 205 are set.
5c and pull-down menu 221 are examples of implementation methods. Since other keys and display methods of other setting candidates can be used, FIG. 8 does not limit the method of implementing the target setting of the present invention. Further, similarly to the storage destination, it is possible to set which storage device is used for the information used when connecting to the Internet. Alternatively, if the save destination is specified, it can be specified at the same time.

In FIG. 8B, the operation panel attaching / detaching portion 13 is indicated by "detachable operation panel", and two portable storage devices 202 are indicated by "portable storage device A" and "portable storage device B". Shall be distinguished. The two portable storage devices 202 correspond to the case where a plurality of IC memory card I / Fs 24 are provided in the facsimile body 4 so that the two portable storage devices 202 can be mounted. Further, even if only one portable storage device 202 can be attached to the facsimile main body 4, if the portable storage device 202 can be attached to the separation unit such as the child device 3 or the operation panel attaching / detaching portion 13, it becomes two. One portable storage device 202 can be attached. In such a case, the two portable storage devices 202
Those conforming to the same standard can be used to distinguish at the mounting position. It is also possible to distinguish between the standards by using different standards.

The pull-down menu 221 as shown in FIG. 8B can also include the slave unit 3. When a plurality of slaves 3 are used at the same time, it is possible to select which slave 3 is used as a storage destination.

In order to operate the I-FAX device 201, the user needs to wear at least one of the portable storage device 202 and the operation panel attaching / detaching portion 13. For this reason, when neither is attached, a warning is issued to the user. As the warning means, it is possible to use a sound from the handset 5 or a buzzer, or blinking light.

The operation panel attachment / detachment unit 13 is necessary for the operation of all the functions of the I-FAX device 201 other than the process of processing personal information and the process of connecting to the Internet 100. Regardless of the presence or absence of the above, if the operation panel attaching / detaching portion 13 is not connected to the facsimile main body 4, it is possible to give a warning to the user. Furthermore, the portable storage device 2
02 and the operation panel attachment / detachment unit 13 are both attached, or when a plurality of portable storage devices 202 are attached, a warning is issued to the user and information stored in which storage device. Is set to be valid or to which storage device to store the information is interactively specified so that the subsequent process is performed. Alternatively, there is also a method of prioritizing use in advance.

FIG. 9 shows in detail the procedure of processing for properly using the storage device. It is assumed that the storage location of personal information is set in advance by the above-mentioned settings. Therefore,
When personal information is required in the process of communication by the I-FAX device 201, or when the personal information is stored, the procedure is started from step s0, and the storage location of the information is checked in step s1. . Step s
The processes 1 and below are performed when the setting contents are changed as shown in FIG. 8 after the power is turned on, or when the operation panel attaching / detaching unit 13 or the portable storage device 202 is attached / detached. To be executed. In cases other than these, the mechanism is such that information is read and written according to the stored settings.

When it is determined by the check in step s1 that "inside the main body" is set, step s2
Then, the mounting state of the portable storage device 202 is checked.
When it is determined that the portable storage device 202 is attached, there is a possibility of setting error in step s3.
A message indicating that "Inside the device" is set is displayed, and confirmation is performed in consideration of the possibility of setting error. In step s4, the display confirms that the instruction to change the storage location can be accepted. At step s5, the user waits for a change instruction.
For example, the presence or absence of a change instruction can be determined by waiting until a certain time has elapsed.

When it is determined in step s2 that the portable storage device 202 is not attached, or when it is determined in step s5 that there is no change instruction, the storage device 20 in the facsimile main body 4 is set to the information storage location in step s6. Set as valid. In the next step s7, information is stored in the facsimile main body 4 or information in the facsimile main body 4 is read out and displayed to be used.

When it is determined in step s1 that the "portable storage device" is set as the storage destination, or when it is determined in step s5 that there is a change instruction, step s
At 8, it is determined whether or not the portable storage device 202 is attached. If it is determined in the check in step s8 that a plurality of portable storage devices 202 are attached, there is a possibility of a setting error. Therefore, in step s9, a plurality of portable storage devices 202 are installed.
A warning message indicating that is attached is displayed, and the user waits for an instruction. If there is a storage location instruction in step s10,
Move to step s11. When it is determined in step s8 that only one portable storage device 202 is attached, the process proceeds to step s11. In step s11, the designated portable storage device 202 is effectively set as a storage location, and in step s12, information is stored in the portable storage device 202 or information in the portable storage device 202 is read and used. Is displayed.

If it is determined in step s8 that the portable storage device 202 is not attached, the setting is invalid.
At step s13, a warning display indicating that the portable storage device 202 is not attached is displayed, and the portable storage device 202 is attached or the storage location is changed. In step s14, it is determined whether attachment of the portable storage device 202 is detected or not. If the mounting is detected, the process returns to step s8 and the process according to the number of mounting is performed. When the mounting of the portable storage device 202 is not detected in step s14, it is determined in step s15 whether or not there is a change instruction from the user.
If there is no change instruction, the process returns to step s13. Step s
If it is determined in step 15 that there is a change instruction, step s5
Proceed to. When step s7 or step s12 ends, the entire procedure ends in step s16.

[0094]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a communication device that can be connected to the Internet such as an Internet facsimile, image information or personal information for each individual regarding the Internet can be attached to or detached from the device body, or In order to connect to the Internet without occupying a communication device, it is possible to store in a portable storage device as a separate unit, and the storage device is provided with a display means and an input means such as a keyboard. You can edit the necessary information such as new creation and correction. Further, it is possible to store and browse information received from the Internet without occupying a communication device. That is, the storage device may be attached to the communication device only when the communication is actually performed, and in other cases, the storage device can be used with the storage device detached from the communication device. This reduces the time occupied by each user for a communication device used by multiple users,
One communication device can be shared by many users, and when there are a plurality of communication devices, each user can simply use the storage device and use any communication device in the same manner. be able to. If the storage device is detached from the device body, the secret of the stored information can be surely kept.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to set the invalidation in the setting means so as not to use the storage device, depending on the intended use and preference of each user. This setting is
Using the storage device, it is possible to communicate using individual information of each user, and it is also possible to have settings and information that are common to multiple users. And allows the communication device to be used for wider applications.

Further, according to the present invention, by checking the setting contents to the setting means and the presence / absence of a storage device, many users share one communication device and the setting contents can be changed variously. Above all, it is possible to prevent a setting error or a setting error.

Further, according to the present invention, in a communication device capable of connecting to the Internet, the information to be communicated on the Internet and the personalized information including the setting information necessary for the Internet connection can be separated from the device body. It is possible to store in the storage means of the separate unit. Each of the plurality of users who use the communication device can use the communication device in the same manner as a dedicated device by simply connecting the separation unit that stores the personalized information to the device body. . Further, when there are a plurality of communication devices, each user can use any communication device in the same manner by simply connecting the separation unit. If the separation unit is not connected to the apparatus main body, the secret of the stored information can be surely kept.

According to the present invention, a communication device capable of connecting to the Internet such as an Internet facsimile is
A storage device is further included in addition to the device body and the separation unit. It is possible to store personalized image information and personal information relating to the Internet in a storage device that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the apparatus or a separation unit, or can be carried as a separate unit, and the storage device can also display means. , And input means such as a keyboard, it is possible to perform new creation, correction, and other editing of information necessary for connecting to the Internet without occupying a communication device. Further, it is possible to store and browse information received from the Internet without occupying the device unit or the separation unit of the communication device.
That is, the storage device may be attached to the communication device only when the communication is actually performed, and in other cases, the storage device can be used with the storage device detached from the communication device. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time occupied by each user with respect to the communication device used by a plurality of users and to share one communication device with many users, and there are a plurality of communication devices. In this case, each user can use any communication device in the same manner only by mounting the storage device. If the storage device is detached from the device body, the secret of the stored information can be surely kept.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to set the invalidation in the setting means so as not to use the storage device, depending on the intended use and preference of each user. This setting shows, using the storage device, it is possible to communicate using individual information of each user, and it is also possible to have common settings and information for multiple users, Allows the communication device to be used by more users and more versatile applications.

Further, according to the present invention, by checking the setting contents to the setting means and the presence / absence of a storage device, many users share one communication device so that the setting contents can be changed variously. Above all, it is possible to prevent a setting error or a setting error.

Further, according to the present invention, if the separation unit and the storage device are set to be effective in the setting means, the separation unit information and the separation unit are connected if the separation unit is connected and the storage device is not installed. If the storage device is not installed but the storage device is installed, the information of the storage device can be used to perform communication via the Internet.

Further, according to the present invention, even if a plurality of separation units or storage devices that store information on the Internet are connected or attached at the same time, the information used for communication via the Internet can be selected according to the priority order. it can.

Further, according to the present invention, the operation panel can be attached to and detached from the main body of the apparatus, the operation input of the communication function can be performed in the attached state or the separated state, and the personal information about the Internet can be stored to store the Internet. Communication can be performed.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to store personal information related to the Internet in the child device and perform communication via the Internet.

Further, according to the present invention, a general-purpose computer and a storage device or a separation unit are used to store personal information related to the Internet in the storage device or the separation unit, and a plurality of communications via the Internet are performed. The user can perform as if it were a personal device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an I-FAX device 1 which is an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a portion that functions as a master device 2 in the I-FAX device 1 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a portion that functions as a child device 3 in the I-FAX device 1 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the external appearance of another example of a child device 3 used in the I-FAX device 1 of FIG.

5 illustrates an I-FAX device 10 including the I-FAX device 1 illustrated in FIG.
It is a figure which shows the system configuration connected to the internet 100 as 1-104.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an I-FAX device 201 which is another embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the portable storage device 202 of FIG.

8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting which storage device is selected as a storage destination of information in the I-FAX device 201 of FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of performing processing by selectively using a storage device in the I-FAX device 201 of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,101-104,201 I-FAX device 2 parent machine 3 cordless handsets 4 Facsimile body 5 handset 6 curl code 7 Image reader (hand scanner) 8 antenna 9,206 operation keys 10,205 dial keys 11,207 Display device 12 IC memory card 13 Operation panel attachment / detachment section 14 Connector section 15,215 Control device 16 modem 17 Network control device 18 image storage 19 Printer 20,210 Storage device 21, 211 Parallel I / F 22 LAN I / F 23 Cordless control circuit 24 IC memory card I / F 25 telephone network 31 cordless handset dial key 32 Remote unit operation keys 33 Handset display 34 Remote unit control device 35 Remote unit speaker 36 handset microphone 37 Remote Unit Tuner 38 Handset antenna 39 Storage device 100 Internet 110 LAN network 111 Provider 115, 122 Public line network 117,118 Personal computer 119,131 routers 120,130 Server computer 121 cable 202 portable storage device 212 battery 220 Dialog Box 221 pull-down menu 222 lines

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5C062 AA02 AA29 AB10 AB17 AB38                       AB42 AD05 AF02 BA04                 5C073 CB02 CD12 CE10                 5C075 AB90 BA08 CD07 FF06                 5K027 AA11 BB02 BB09 CC08 FF01                       FF22

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A communication device capable of connecting to the Internet, such as an Internet facsimile, and a device main body having the connection means to the Internet, and a device detachable from the device main body or carried as a unit separate from the device main body. The storage device is capable of storing at least one of information to be communicated and setting information necessary for connecting to the Internet as information about the Internet, and stores the stored information. The device includes a display unit for displaying and an input unit for editing operation of information displayed on the display unit, and the connecting unit of the apparatus main body uses information about the Internet stored in a storage device to communicate via the Internet. A communication device characterized by performing. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the device body further includes a setting unit that sets information related to the Internet stored in the storage device to be valid or invalid. 3. The apparatus main body further comprises warning means for responding to the setting contents of the setting means and the mounting state of the storage device, and the warning means ensures that the information related to the Internet is valid for the setting means. If the storage device is not installed and the storage device is not installed, a warning that the storage device is not installed is issued, and if multiple storage devices are installed, which storage device is enabled If the information regarding the Internet is set to be invalid in the setting means and the storage device is installed, the storage device is informed that the storage device is invalid. The communication device according to claim 1, which issues a warning. 4. A communication device connectable to the Internet, comprising a separation unit that is separable from the device body and connectable to operate in cooperation with the device body, and the separation unit includes, as information regarding the Internet, A storage unit capable of storing at least one of information to be communicated and setting information necessary for Internet connection is provided, and at least one of the apparatus main body and the separation unit is stored in the storage unit of the separation unit. A communication device comprising a connection unit for performing communication via the Internet by using information about the existing Internet. 5. A storage device that is detachable from the main body of the apparatus or the separation unit, or is portable as a separate unit, and the storage device is necessary for image information or Internet connection as information about the Internet. At least one of the setting information can be stored, and a display unit for displaying the stored information and an input unit for editing operation of the information displayed on the display unit are provided, and a connection unit for the apparatus main body. The communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the communication is performed via the Internet by using information about the Internet stored in the storage device. 6. The apparatus main body further comprises setting means for setting the information related to the Internet stored in the separation unit or the storage device so as to be valid or invalid, respectively. Communication device. 7. The apparatus main body further comprises warning means for responding to the setting contents of the setting means and the mounting state of the storage device, and the warning means is stored in the storage device in the setting means. When information related to the Internet is set to be valid and the storage device is not installed, a warning is issued to notify that the storage device is not installed, and when multiple storage devices are installed. , Issuing a warning prompting the user to specify which storage device is valid, setting the setting device to invalidate the information related to the Internet stored in the storage device, and mounting the storage device. 7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the communication device issues a warning informing that the storage device is invalid. 8. The connection means is configured such that both the information about the Internet stored in the separation unit and the information about the Internet stored in the storage device are set to be valid in the setting means, 7. When only one of the separation unit and the storage device is connected or attached, the communication via the Internet is performed using the information about the Internet stored in the one. Communication device. 9. The connection means is configured such that both the information related to the Internet stored in the separation unit and the information related to the Internet stored in the storage device are effectively set in the setting means, and When the separation unit is connected and the storage device is attached, according to a preset priority order, the information about the Internet stored in the higher priority side of the separation unit or the storage device is used. 7. The communication is performed via the Internet.
The communication device described. 10. The separation panel is an operation panel that is attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body, and is capable of inputting operation of a communication function in the mounted state or the separated state. The communication device according to claim 1. 11. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the separation unit is a slave device that can operate with the device main body as a master device. 12. A program for causing a computer to function as the communication device according to claim 1.