JP2005057339A - Image communication apparatus and automatic answering telephone - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image communication apparatus and an automatic answering telephone capable of suppressing power consumption when the image communication apparatus is on standby. <P>SOLUTION: The image communication apparatus connected to a telephone line is provided with an access stopping means having a DRAM for controlling the DRAM not to be used as a work area of a system when the image communication apparatus is on standby, and a work area switching means for using a storage means other than the DRAM as the work area of the system when the image communication apparatus is on standby. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus connected to a normal telephone line, and more particularly to an image communication apparatus having an answering machine function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in this type of image communication apparatus, a DRAM serving as storage means stores image data, stores message data as an answering machine, and is also used as a work area for the system CPU.
[0003]
Therefore, regardless of the presence or absence of stored data, the DRAM is always in an access state even when the apparatus is in a standby state.
[0004]
In a conventional facsimile with an answering machine function, received images and recorded contents are stored in a DRAM that is not backed up by a battery, and the stored contents are stored again in the SRAM 11 that is backed up by a battery (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-074990
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent years, there has been a demand for energy savings and low power consumption of devices.Low power consumption of components used in each part has been implemented.Unnecessary units are turned off during standby, and the speed of the supply clock is reduced. It has been implemented.
[0007]
In particular, a facsimile apparatus that is energized for 24 hours and most of the operating state is in a standby state is required to reduce power consumption during standby. There is a problem that the power consumption of a DRAM that is also used for storing image data and message data and used as a work area of the CPU cannot be ignored.
[0008]
Further, in recent years, the system clock speed has been steadily increasing, and if the DRAM is always accessed during standby, there is a disadvantage in terms of radiation noise, and this countermeasure cost cannot be ignored.
[0009]
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image communication apparatus and an answering machine that can suppress power consumption during standby of the image communication apparatus.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, an image communication apparatus connected to a telephone line has a DRAM, and if the image communication apparatus is in a standby state, an access stop means for controlling the DRAM not to be used as a work area of the system. When the image communication apparatus is in a standby state, the image communication apparatus includes a work area switching unit that uses a storage unit other than the DRAM as a work area of the system.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a facsimile apparatus FS1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0012]
The facsimile apparatus FS1 includes a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a DRAM 3, a nonvolatile RAM 4, an operation unit 5, a display unit 6, a sensor unit 7, a power control unit 8, an image processing unit 9, a reading unit 10, a recording unit 11, a driving unit 12, and a MODEM 13. , NCU14.
[0013]
The CPU 1 controls the entire facsimile apparatus FS1 according to a program stored in the ROM 2.
[0014]
The DRAM 3 is configured by SDR-SDRAM or DDR-SDRAM, and stores image data obtained through the image processing unit 9 from an image read by the reading unit 10 or image data recorded by the recording unit 11. The binarized data output from the subscriber line 15 via the NCU 14 is stored for the signal modulated by the MODEM 13. Also, the analog signal input via the subscriber line 15 and the NCU 14 is demodulated into binary data by the MODEM 13, and the demodulated binary data is stored in the DRAM 3.
[0015]
Further, when the facsimile machine FS1 has an answering machine function, the voice data of the calling party input via the subscriber line 15 is digitally compressed by the ADPCM audio codec of the MODEM 13 via the NCU 14. DRAM 3 is also used to store.
[0016]
Further, when the facsimile apparatus FS1 is operating normally, the DRAM 3 is also used as a work area for the CPU 1.
[0017]
The nonvolatile RAM 4 is an SRAM backed up by a battery or the like, and stores data such as a telephone number unique to the facsimile apparatus FS1, user abbreviations, communication results, and various apparatus setting data.
[0018]
The nonvolatile RAM 4 is also used as a work area for the CPU 1 when the facsimile apparatus FS1 is on standby.
[0019]
The operation unit 5 includes a numeric keypad for dialing, a speed dial key, a start key for facsimile transmission / reception, a mode key for specifying an operation mode such as fine and standard in a transmission image, a copy key for copying, and an operation It is comprised by the stop key etc. which stop.
[0020]
Further, when the facsimile apparatus FS1 has an answering machine function, a mode key for setting / releasing the answering machine, a key for reproducing a recorded message, and a key for deleting it are provided.
[0021]
The CPU 1 detects the pressed state of these keys, and controls each unit according to the detected pressed state.
[0022]
The display unit 6 includes a dot matrix type LCD (liquid crystal display), an LCD driver, and LEDs, and performs various LCD displays and LED lighting based on control from the CPU 1.
[0023]
The sensor unit 7 includes a recording sheet width sensor, a recording sheet presence / absence sensor, a document width sensor, and a document presence / absence sensor. Based on an output signal of the sensor unit 7, the CPU 1 detects the state of the document and the recording sheet.
[0024]
The power supply control unit 8 is configured by a switching power supply that obtains multiple outputs such as DC + 3.3V / + 5V / + 12V / + 24V from a commercial AC power supply. Based on the control of the CPU 1, on / off control of each output and rise / rise Control the downstream sequence.
[0025]
The image processing unit 9 includes a clock supply circuit that controls the reading unit 10, a peak hold circuit, a shading correction circuit, an A / D conversion circuit, a DMA controller, and the like. The image data read by the reading unit 10 is binary, Image processing with 16 gradations and 64 gradations is performed, and the processed image data is transferred to the DRAM 3.
[0026]
The reading unit 10 includes a photoelectric conversion unit such as a CCD or a contact image sensor (CIS), and sequentially reads image data obtained by reading a document using the CCD or the CIS based on the control of the CPU 1. 9 to send.
[0027]
The recording unit 11 is composed of a DMA controller, a B4 / A4 size thermal head or BJ printer head (bubble jet printer head), a general-purpose IC, and the like. Under the control of the CPU 1, the recording data stored in the DRAM 3 is taken out. Print out as a copy.
[0028]
The drive unit 12 includes a reading unit 10, a stepping motor that drives the paper supply / discharge rollers of the recording unit 11, a gear that transmits the driving force of the motor, a driver circuit that controls the motor, and the like.
[0029]
MODEM13 is a V. 34, V.I. 32, V.I. 32bis, V.M. 17, V.R. 29, V.R. 27ter, V.I. 23, V.I. 21 (H, L) modems and a clock generation circuit connected to these modems, and based on the control of the CPU 1, the transmission data stored in the DRAM 3 is modulated and the subscribers are connected via the NCU 14. This is output to the line 15.
[0030]
Further, the MODEM 13 introduces an analog signal from the subscriber line 15 via the NCU 14, demodulates the introduced analog signal into binary data, and stores the demodulated binary data in the DRAM 3. To do.
[0031]
Further, when the facsimile machine FS1 has an answering machine function, the ADPCM audio codec is built in, and the voice message from the subscriber line 15 is compressed into 32 Kbps or 24 Kbps voice data via the NCU 14 and stored in the DRAM 3. To store.
[0032]
NCU14 is a primary / secondary isolation / insulation component such as a DC capture circuit, AC capture circuit, Ci (calling signal) detection circuit, transformer / photocoupler / mechanical relay, etc. It is constituted by a circuit or the like, and connects the subscriber line 15 to the MODEM 13 to perform facsimile communication.
[0033]
Further, by switching the mechanical relay of the NCU 14, an attached handset or an external telephone 16 connected to an external telephone connection terminal is connected to the subscriber line 15 to make a call.
[0034]
The external telephone 16 can connect one handset attached to the facsimile apparatus FS1 and one general-purpose telephone.
[0035]
Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus FS1 will be described.
[0036]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the facsimile apparatus FS1.
[0037]
When the power is turned on to the facsimile apparatus FS1, the CPU 1 performs various initialization operations and enters the standby state ST. Further, when a series of operations such as facsimile transmission / reception, copying, and telephone conversation are completed, the standby state ST is entered.
[0038]
When the standby state ST is entered, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the image data reserved for transmission and the received image data are stored in the DRAM 3.
[0039]
If no image data is stored, in step S2, the clock enable signal CKE is made inactive to the DRAM 3, the power down mode of the DRAM 3 (SDR-SDRAM or DDR-SDRAM) is entered, and the clock supplied to the DRAM 3 Stop the signal. At the same time, the CPU 1 switches the work area to the nonvolatile RAM 4 and enters the low power consumption standby mode.
[0040]
When the low power consumption standby mode is entered, in step S3, the operation activation factors such as the call signal Ci from the subscriber line 15, the key operation of the operation unit 5, the detection of the original by the sensor unit 7, and the off-hook of the handset are monitored.
[0041]
In step S3, when an instruction for any one of copying, facsimile transmission / reception, and calling for a call is received due to any activation factor, in step S4, clock supply to the DRAM 3 is immediately started, Enable the enable signal CKE and release the power down mode for the DRAM 3 (SDR-SDRAM or DDR-SDRAM).
[0042]
After canceling the power down mode, in step S5, the CPU 1 switches the work area to the DRAM 3, performs the requested operation, and returns to the standby state ST.
[0043]
Next, if it is determined in step S1 that image data is stored in the DRAM 3, it is determined in step S6 whether there is image data reserved for transmission.
[0044]
If there is no transmission image data, the presence or absence of recording paper is determined from the sensor unit 7 in step S7, and if there is recording paper, the received image data stored in the DRAM 3 is printed out in step S8. In accordance with the flowcharts after step S2, the power down mode is entered and the low power consumption standby mode is entered.
[0045]
If it is determined in step S6 that there is transmission image data, or if it is determined in step S7 that there is no recording paper, in step S9, a self-refresh start command is sent to the DRAM 3 and simultaneously the clock enable signal CKE. Is made inactive, the DRAM 3 (SDR-SDRAM or DDR-SDRAM) enters the self-refresh mode, and the clock signal supplied to the DRAM 3 is stopped. At the same time, the CPU 1 switches the work area to the nonvolatile RAM 4 and enters the low power consumption standby mode.
[0046]
In the self-refresh mode, stored image data is held.
[0047]
When the low power consumption standby mode is entered, in step S10, operation activation factors such as a call signal Ci from the subscriber line 15, key operation of the operation unit 5, detection of a document by the sensor unit 7, and off-hook of the handset are monitored. When there is a transmission reservation, the transmission designated time is monitored.
[0048]
In step S10, when an instruction for any of copying, facsimile transmission / reception, and calling for a call is received depending on one of the activation factors, or when the designated transmission time is reached, the clock is immediately supplied to the DRAM 3 in step S11. The clock enable signal CKE is activated, a self-refresh end command is sent, and the self-refresh mode of the DRAM 3 (SDR-SDRAM or DDR-SDRAM) is released.
[0049]
After canceling the self-refresh mode, in step S5, the CPU 1 switches the work area to the DRAM 3, executes the requested operation, and returns to the standby state ST.
[0050]
Next, a facsimile apparatus FS2 having an answering machine function according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0051]
The configuration of the facsimile machine FS2 having an answering machine function is basically the same as that of the facsimile machine FS1, except that it has an answering machine function.
[0052]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the facsimile apparatus having the answering machine function according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0053]
In the facsimile apparatus FS2, when the power is turned on, the CPU 1 performs various initialization operations and enters the standby state ST. Further, when a series of operations such as facsimile transmission / reception, copying, telephone call, and answering machine message recording are completed, the standby state ST is entered.
[0054]
When the standby state ST is entered, it is determined in step S12 whether or not answering machine message data is stored in the DRAM 3.
[0055]
If answering machine message data is stored, it is determined in step S13 whether or not the reproduction key of the operation unit 5 has been pressed.
[0056]
When the reproduction key is pressed, the message data stored in the DRAM 3 is reproduced in step S14, and when the reproduction is completed, in step S15, the operator is instructed whether to erase the message data, and the operation unit It is determined whether or not the delete key 5 is pressed.
[0057]
When the erase key is pressed, in step S16, the message data stored in the DRAM 3 is erased, and then the power-down mode or self-refresh is performed in accordance with the presence / absence of image data in step S1 and thereafter, as in the operation in the facsimile apparatus FS1. Transition to mode and enter low power consumption standby mode.
[0058]
If the play key is not pressed in step S13 or if the delete key is not pressed in step S15, as in the operation of the facsimile apparatus FS1, the process proceeds to the self-refresh mode after step S9 and enters the low-consumption standby mode.
[0059]
Also in this case, image data and message data are retained.
[0060]
In the facsimile machines FS1 and FS2, the work area of the CPU in the low power consumption standby mode is switched to an external SRAM. When using a CPU having a built-in memory, the built-in memory is switched to the work area. You may make it do.
[0061]
In other words, in the above-described embodiment, in the image communication apparatus connected to the telephone line, if the DRAM and the image communication apparatus are in a standby state, the access stopping means for controlling the DRAM not to be used as a system work area. When the image communication apparatus is in a standby state, the image communication apparatus includes a work area switching unit that uses a storage unit other than the DRAM as a work area of the system.
[0062]
In the image communication apparatus connected to the telephone line, the DRAM is different from the DRAM according to the presence or absence of image data in the DRAM if the image communication apparatus is in a standby state. A standby mode setting unit of a DRAM to be set in a standby mode, and a work area switching unit that uses a storage unit other than the DRAM as a work area of the system when the image communication apparatus is in a standby state. It is an example of the image communication apparatus to perform.
[0063]
Further, in the embodiment, in the image communication apparatus connected to the telephone line, if the DRAM and the image communication apparatus are in a standby state, the DRAM differs from each other depending on the presence or absence of message data in the DRAM. A standby mode setting unit of a DRAM to be set in a standby mode, and a work area switching unit that uses a storage unit other than the DRAM as a work area of the system when the image communication apparatus is in a standby state. It is an example of the image communication apparatus to perform.
[0064]
Conventionally, in an answering machine, DRAM as a storage means stores incoming message message data at the time of absence and is also used as a work area of the system CPU.
[0065]
In recent years, energy savings and low power consumption of answering machines have been demanded. Low power consumption of parts used in each part has been implemented, and various energy savings have been achieved, such as turning off unnecessary units during standby and reducing the speed of the supply clock. Has been implemented. In particular, in answering machines that are energized for 24 hours and most of the operating states are in a standby state, low power consumption during standby is required.
[0066]
The power consumption of the DRAM used as the work area of the CPU, which is also used for storing message message data, cannot be ignored. Further, in recent years, the system clock speed has been steadily increasing, and it is disadvantageous in terms of radiation noise that the DRAM is always accessed during standby, and the cost of countermeasures cannot be ignored.
[0067]
An object of the present invention is to suppress power consumption during standby of an answering machine.
[0068]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an answering machine T1 having a facsimile function according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0069]
The answering machine T1 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a DRAM 23, a nonvolatile RAM 24, an operation unit 25, a display unit 26, a sensor unit 27, a power control unit 28, an image processing unit 29, and a reading unit 30. A recording unit 31, a driving unit 32, a MODEM 33, and an NCU 34.
[0070]
In accordance with the program stored in the ROM 22, the CPU 21 performs the entire answering machine T 1, that is, the DRAM 23, the nonvolatile RAM 24, the operation unit 25, the display unit 26, the sensor unit 27, the power control unit 28, the image processing unit 29, and the reading unit 30. The recording unit 31, the driving unit 32, the MODEM 33, and the NCU 34 are controlled.
[0071]
The DRAM 23 is configured by SDR-SDRAM or DDR-SDRAM, stores an image read by the reading unit 30, stores image data obtained through the image processing unit 29, or is recorded by the recording unit 31. The image data is stored and modulated by the MODEM 33, and the binarized data output from the subscriber line 35 via the NCU 34 is stored. The DRAM 23 is also used by the MODEM 33 for binarizing and demodulating an analog signal input via the subscriber line 35 and the NCU 34 and storing the demodulated binarized data.
[0072]
Further, as an answering machine, the DRAM 23 is also used for storing voice data obtained by digitally compressing the voice message of the calling party inputted through the subscriber line 35 and the NCU 34 by the ADPCM audio codec of the MODEM 33. It is done.
[0073]
The DRAM 23 is also used as a work area for the CPU 21 when the answering machine T1 is in a normal operation.
[0074]
The nonvolatile RAM 24 is an SRAM backed up by a battery or the like, and stores data such as a unique telephone number of the answering machine T1, user abbreviations, communication results, and various device setting data.
[0075]
Further, the nonvolatile RAM 24 secures a minimum work area required by the CPU 21 during standby, and is also used as a work area for the CPU 21 when the answering machine T1 is in standby.
[0076]
The operation unit 25 includes a numeric keypad and abbreviated dial keys for dialing, a start key for facsimile transmission / reception, a mode key for specifying an operation mode such as fine and standard for a transmission image, a copy key for copying, It consists of a stop key for stopping the operation, a mode key for setting / canceling an answering machine, a key for reproducing a recorded message, a key for deleting it, and the like.
[0077]
The CPU 21 detects the pressed state of these keys, and controls each unit according to the state.
[0078]
The display unit 26 includes a dot matrix type LCD (liquid crystal display unit), an LCD driver, and an LED, and performs various LCD displays and LED lighting based on control from the CPU 21.
[0079]
The sensor unit 27 includes a recording paper width sensor, a recording paper presence / absence sensor, a document width sensor, and a document presence / absence sensor, and detects the state of the document and the recording paper under the control of the CPU 21.
[0080]
The power supply control unit 28 is constituted by a switching power supply that obtains multiple outputs such as DC + 3.3V / + 5V / + 12V / + 24V from a commercial AC power supply. Based on the control of the CPU 21, on / off control of each output and rise / fall Control the sequence. Further, the power control unit 28 controls on / off of power supply to the DRAM 23 under the control of the CPU 21.
[0081]
The image processing unit 29 includes a clock supply circuit that controls the reading unit 30, a peak hold circuit, a shading correction circuit, an A / D conversion circuit, a DMA controller, and the like. The image data read by the reading unit 30 is binary, Image processing with 16 gradations and 64 gradations is performed, and the processed image data is transferred to the DRAM 23.
[0082]
The reading unit 30 includes a photoelectric conversion unit such as a CCD or a contact image sensor (CIS), and sequentially reads image data obtained by reading a document using the CCD or CIS under the control of the CPU 21. 29 to send.
[0083]
The recording unit 31 includes a DMA controller, a B4 / A4 size thermal head or a BJ printer head (bubble jet printer head), a general-purpose IC, and the like. Under the control of the CPU 21, the recording data stored in the DRAM 23 is extracted and Print out as a copy.
[0084]
The driving unit 32 includes a stepping motor that drives the paper supply / discharge rollers of the reading unit 30 and the recording unit 31, a gear that transmits the driving force of the motor, a driver circuit that controls the motor, and the like.
[0085]
MODEM 33 is V. 34, V.I. 32, V.I. 32bis, V.M. 17, V.R. 29, V.R. 27ter, V.I. 23, V.I. 21 (H, L) modems and a clock generation circuit connected to these modems. Based on the control of the CPU 21, the transmission data stored in the DRAM 23 is modulated and joined via the NCU 34. To the user line 35. The MODEM 33 introduces an analog signal from the subscriber line 35 via the NCU 34 and stores the data obtained by demodulating the analog signal in the DRAM 23.
[0086]
When the answering machine function is operated, an ADPCM audio codec is incorporated, and a voice message input from the subscriber line 35 via the NCU 34 is compressed into voice data of 32 Kbps or 24 Kbps and stored in the DRAM 23. is there.
[0087]
NCU34 is a primary / secondary isolation / insulation component such as a DC capture circuit, AC capture circuit, Ci (calling signal) detection circuit, transformer / photocoupler / mechanical relay, etc. It comprises a circuit or the like, and connects the subscriber line 35 to the MODEM 33 to record incoming message messages for facsimile communication and answering machines.
[0088]
Further, by switching the mechanical relay of the NCU 34, an external telephone 36 connected to an attached handset or an external telephone connection terminal is connected to the subscriber line 35 to make a call.
[0089]
The external telephone 36 can connect one handset attached to the answering machine T1 and one general-purpose telephone.
[0090]
Next, the operation of the answering machine T1 having a facsimile function will be described.
[0091]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the answering machine T1 having a facsimile function.
[0092]
When the answering machine T1 is powered on, the CPU 21 performs various initialization operations and enters the standby state ST. When a series of operations such as facsimile transmission / reception, copying, telephone call, and answering machine message recording are completed, the standby state ST is entered.
[0093]
When the standby state ST is entered, it is determined whether or not answering machine message data is stored in the DRAM 23 in step S32. If the answering machine message data is not stored in the DRAM 23, it is determined in step S21 whether image data reserved for transmission or received image data is stored in the DRAM 23.
[0094]
If no image data is stored, in step S22, the clock enable signal CKE is made inactive to the DRAM 23 to enter the power down mode of the DRAM 23 (SDR-SDRAM or DDR-SDRAM) and to be supplied to the DRAM 23. To stop. At the same time, the CPU 21 switches the work area to the nonvolatile RAM 24 and enters the low power consumption standby mode.
[0095]
In the power down mode, any data held in the DRAM 23 is not held.
[0096]
When the low power consumption standby mode is entered, in step S23, operation activation factors such as a call signal Ci from the subscriber line 35, key operation of the operation unit 25, detection of a document by the sensor unit 27, and off-hook of the handset are monitored.
[0097]
In step S23, upon receiving an instruction for any one of copying, facsimile transmission / reception, calling for a call, and incoming call in an answering machine depending on any activation factor, in step S24, the clock is immediately supplied to the DRAM 23. The clock enable signal CKE is activated to release the power-down mode of the DRAM 23 (SDR-SDRAM or DDR-SDRAM).
[0098]
After canceling the power down mode, in step S25, the CPU 21 switches the work area to the DRAM 23, performs the requested operation, and returns to the standby state ST.
[0099]
Next, if image data is stored in the DRAM 23 in step S21, it is determined in step S26 whether the stored image data is image data reserved for transmission.
[0100]
If the stored image data is not transmission image data, in step S27, the presence / absence of recording paper is determined based on the signal from the sensor unit 27. If there is recording paper, it is stored in the DRAM 23 in step S28. After the received image data being printed is printed out, the power-down mode is entered in accordance with the above-described operation after step S22, and the low-consumption standby mode is entered.
[0101]
If there is transmission image data in step S26 or if there is no recording paper in step S27, in step S29, a self-refresh start command is sent to the DRAM 23 and at the same time, the clock enable signal CKE is made inactive, and the DRAM 23 (SDR-SDRAM Alternatively, the self-refresh mode of the DDR-SDRAM is entered, and the clock signal supplied to the DRAM 23 is stopped. At the same time, the CPU 21 switches the work area to the nonvolatile RAM 24 and enters the low power consumption standby mode.
[0102]
In the self-refresh mode, stored image data is held.
[0103]
When the low power consumption standby mode is entered, in step S30, operation activation factors such as a call signal Ci from the subscriber line 35, key operation of the operation unit 25, detection of a document by the sensor unit 27, and off-hook of the handset are monitored. When there is a transmission reservation, the transmission designated time is monitored.
[0104]
In step S30, if any of the activation factors causes an instruction for any of copying, facsimile transmission / reception, outgoing call for calling, incoming call for answering machine, or designated transmission time, it is promptly determined in step S31. The clock supply to the DRAM 23 is started, the clock enable signal CKE is activated, a self-refresh end command is sent, and the self-refresh mode of the DRAM 23 (SDR-SDRAM or DDR-SDRAM) is released.
[0105]
After canceling the self-refresh mode, in step S25, the CPU 21 switches the work area to the DRAM 23, performs the requested operation, and returns to the standby state ST.
[0106]
Next, if answering machine message data is stored in step S32, it is determined in step S33 whether or not the reproduction key of the operation unit 25 has been pressed.
[0107]
When the reproduction key is pressed, the message data stored in the DRAM 23 is reproduced in step S34, and when the reproduction is completed, in step S35, the operator is prompted whether or not the message data is to be erased. It is determined whether or not the delete key is pressed.
[0108]
When the erase key is pressed, in step S36, the message data stored in the DRAM 23 is erased, and then the power-down mode or the self-refresh mode is entered in accordance with the presence / absence of the image data in step S21 and subsequent steps. to go into.
[0109]
If the play key is not pressed in step S33 or if the delete key is not pressed in step S35, the process proceeds to the self-refresh mode after step S29 and enters the low power consumption standby mode. Also in this case, message data is held.
[0110]
The answering machine T1 having a facsimile function is an example in which the work area of the CPU in the low-consumption standby mode is secured in an external SRAM and used by switching. However, when using a CPU having a built-in memory, the built-in memory May be secured in the work area and used by switching.
[0111]
In the answering machine T1 having a facsimile function, the power-down mode of the DRAM 23 (SDR-SDRAM or DDR-SDRAM) is one of the low-consumption standby modes when data is not held. Alternatively, the power supply control unit 28 may be configured to supply power that can be turned on / off to the DRAM. In step S22, power supply to the DRAM 23 may be stopped, and power supply may be started in step S24. As a result, similar to the power-down mode of the answering machine T1 having the facsimile function, the low power consumption standby mode can be set in the DRAM power supply stop mode that does not hold data.
[0112]
That is, the answering machine T1 is an answering machine connected to a telephone line. When the answering machine is in a standby state, the DRAM and the access stopping means that does not use the DRAM as a system work area, and the answering machine Is an example of an answering machine characterized by having a work area switching means for using a storage means other than the DRAM as a work area of the system.
[0113]
Also, the answering machine T1 is configured such that, in the answering machine connected to the telephone line, if the DRAM and the image communication device are in a standby state, the DRAM is placed in a different standby depending on the presence or absence of message data in the DRAM. A standby mode setting unit for the DRAM to be set, and a work area switching unit for using a storage unit other than the DRAM as a work area of the system when the image communication apparatus is in a standby state. It is an example of an answering machine.
[0114]
In the embodiment of the DRAM power supply stop mode, the DRAM 23 is not limited to the SDR-SDRAM and the DDR-SDRAM, but may be an EDO-DRAM having only a self-refresh mode.
[0115]
In addition, each of the above embodiments may be applied to an image communication apparatus other than a facsimile apparatus such as a personal computer.
[0116]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image communication apparatus connected to the telephone line includes a DRAM, and when the image communication apparatus is in a standby state, the DRAM is not used as a work area of the system. Since the means is provided and the means for switching the work area to another storage means is provided, the image communication apparatus can reduce power consumption and can save energy during standby.
[0117]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the clock supply to the DRAM is stopped when the image communication apparatus is in a standby state.
[0118]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the image communication apparatus connected to the telephone line includes a DRAM, and when the image communication apparatus is in a standby state, means for switching the work area of the CPU to another storage means; Since access stopping means that does not use the DRAM as a work area is provided and the DRAM is set in a different standby mode based on whether received image data or transmission image data reserved for transmission is stored, data is The power consumption during standby of the image communication apparatus can be suppressed without impairing the power consumption, and energy saving can be realized.
[0119]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the clock supply to the DRAM is stopped when the image communication apparatus is on standby, there is an effect that it works advantageously against radiation noise.
[0120]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the image communication apparatus having an answering machine function, when the image communication apparatus is in a standby state, the means for switching the work area of the CPU to another storage means, and the DRAM as the work area An access stop means that is not used is provided, and the DRAM is set to a different standby mode based on whether or not the recorded message data is stored. Power consumption can be suppressed, and energy saving can be realized.
[0121]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the clock supply to the DRAM is stopped when the image communication apparatus is on standby, there is an effect that it works advantageously against radiation noise.
[0122]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the answering machine connected to the telephone line includes a DRAM, and when the answering machine is in a standby state, the DRAM is provided with an access stopping means that does not use the DRAM as a work area of the system. By providing the means for switching the work area to another storage means, it is possible to reduce power consumption during standby and to achieve energy saving.
[0123]
According to the invention described in claim 4, since the clock supply to the DRAM is stopped when the answering machine is on standby, there is an effect that it works advantageously against radiation noise.
[0124]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the answering machine connected to the telephone line, the minimum work area required during standby is secured in another storage means other than the DRAM, so that the answering machine is in a standby state. Since the work area of the CPU is switched from the DRAM to another storage unit, access to the DRAM can be stopped, and energy saving can be realized.
[0125]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the answering machine connected to the telephone line, when the answering machine is in a standby state, the means for switching the CPU work area to another storage means and the DRAM as the work area Depending on whether or not recorded message data is stored, the DRAM is put into a different standby mode, so that power consumption during standby can be suppressed without losing data, There is an effect that energy saving can be realized.
[0126]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the answering machine is on standby, the clock supply to the DRAM is stopped, so that there is an effect that it works advantageously against radiation noise.
[0127]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the answering machine connected to the telephone line has the low power consumption mode for retaining the data in the DRAM and the low power consumption mode for not retaining the data. The power consumption during standby can be suppressed without loss, and the effect of energy saving can be achieved.
[0128]
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the answering machine connected to the telephone line is provided with the power control means. Therefore, when the answering machine is in the standby state, the power supply to the DRAM can be stopped and energy saving can be achieved. There is an effect that can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a facsimile machine FS1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the facsimile apparatus FS1.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of a facsimile apparatus having an answering machine function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an answering machine T1 having a facsimile function according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of an answering machine T1 having a facsimile function.
[Explanation of symbols]
FS1, FS2 ... facsimile machines,
1 ... CPU,
2 ... ROM,
3 ... DRAM,
T1 ... answering machine having a facsimile function,
21 ... CPU,
22 ... ROM,
23 ... DRAM.

Claims (8)

In an image communication device connected to a telephone line,
With DRAM;
An access stopping means for controlling the DRAM not to be used as a system work area if the image communication apparatus is in a standby state;
If the image communication apparatus is in a standby state, a work area switching means that uses a storage means other than the DRAM as a work area of the system;
An image communication apparatus comprising: In an image communication device connected to a telephone line,
With DRAM;
If the image communication apparatus is in a standby state, DRAM standby mode setting means for setting the DRAM to different standby modes depending on the presence or absence of image data in the DRAM;
If the image communication apparatus is in a standby state, a work area switching means that uses a storage means other than the DRAM as a work area of the system;
An image communication apparatus comprising: In an image communication device connected to a telephone line,
With DRAM;
If the image communication apparatus is in a standby state, DRAM standby mode setting means for setting the DRAM to a different standby mode according to the presence or absence of message data in the DRAM;
If the image communication apparatus is in a standby state, a work area switching means that uses a storage means other than the DRAM as a work area of the system;
An image communication apparatus comprising: In an answering machine connected to a telephone line,
With DRAM;
Access stop means not using the DRAM as a work area of the system when the answering machine is in a standby state;
If the answering machine is in a standby state, a storage means other than the DRAM is used as a work area switching means for using the storage means as a work area of the system;
An answering machine, comprising: In claim 4,
An answering machine characterized in that a minimum work area required when the answering machine is on standby is secured in a storage means other than the DRAM. In an answering machine connected to a telephone line,
With DRAM;
If the image communication apparatus is in a standby state, DRAM standby mode setting means for setting the DRAM to a different standby mode according to the presence or absence of message data in the DRAM;
If the image communication apparatus is in a standby state, a work area switching means that uses a storage means other than the DRAM as a work area of the system;
An answering machine, comprising: In claim 4,
The answering machine according to claim 1, wherein the low power consumption mode is a mode having a low power consumption mode for retaining data in the DRAM and a low power consumption mode for not retaining data. In claim 4,
An answering machine having a low power consumption mode in which the power supply of the DRAM is stopped when data is not retained during standby of the answering machine by providing power supply control means.

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