JP2007158501A - Communication system and communication apparatus in communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system in which privacy of each user using a cordless phone unit can be protected when the users using a plurality of cordless phone units are different from each other, and to provide a communication apparatus in the communication system. <P>SOLUTION: On a network, a communication system where at least one MFP becoming an input place, at least one MFP becoming an output place, a plurality of cordless phone units becoming operating means, and a communication apparatus performing communication management and communication processing are interconnected on the interface of LAN, or the like, is constituted. When output of a communication management report is requested from the cordless phone unit, the communication apparatus requests output of a communication management report about that cordless phone unit for the image processor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a communication system that outputs a communication history in a communication system including a plurality of cordless telephone apparatuses and at least one image processing apparatus connected via a network, and a communication apparatus in the communication system.

  A conventional telephone with a FAX function has a wide range of functions as a telephone of a cordless cordless handset, but is inferior in performance such as a printer function and a scanner function. On the other hand, a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”), which is a peripheral device of a PC, is a device in which a FAX, a scanner, and a printer are integrated. The telephone function is inferior to a telephone with a FAX function. For this reason, in order to satisfy all the above functions, there is a problem that the user needs to purchase both of them even though they have duplicate functions. Note that the “MFP” is a Multi Function Peripheral.

  In order to solve the above problem, a terminal that executes only a communication function including FAX and a terminal that executes only an image scanning and printing function are prepared, and these are connected by each interface including a LAN. . There is a demand for a system in which the former executes a FAX function using data input from the latter.

  On the other hand, a system has been proposed in which a single facsimile machine connected to a communication line includes a plurality of PCs and workstations connected by each interface such as a LAN. In this case, means for outputting the communication history instructed by each PC and workstation for each terminal has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In other words, when a plurality of PCs and workstations are connected to a single facsimile machine, and communication is performed from these PCs via the facsimile machine, any PC can be transmitted by the conventional communication management report output method. I don't know if the instructions were given. Therefore, the means described in Patent Document 1 manages and outputs communication management information for each PC (terminal) so that it can be understood.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-115531

  In the above conventional example, the means for performing communication management and the means for outputting a communication history report (hereinafter referred to as “communication management report”) are the same facsimile apparatus. In addition, there is a problem that the current network does not support a situation where a plurality of operation means, input destinations, and output destinations are set.

  Further, in a system in which at least one MFP having no communication means is connected to a communication means that can be operated by a plurality of cordless slave units, the following is desired. In other words, a communication management report describing a communication history desired by the user, such as a communication history input from a specific MFP, a communication history related to a specific cordless slave unit, a communication history output from a specific MFP, etc. The output from the MFP desired by the user is desired.

  That is, when users using each of the plurality of cordless slaves are different, it is necessary to consider the privacy of each user.

  In the present invention, at least one MFP as an input destination, at least one MFP as an output destination, a cordless slave device as a plurality of operation means, a communication device that performs communication management and communication processing on a network, such as a LAN Systems that are connected to each other by an interface. In this case, it is an object to provide a communication system and a communication device in the communication system that can protect the privacy of each user who uses the cordless child device when users using each of the plurality of cordless child devices are different. It is.

  The present invention also provides an image processing apparatus and scanner set as at least one input destination on a network, an image processing apparatus and printer set as at least one output destination, and a cordless child set as a plurality of operation means. Have a machine. The present invention also includes a communication device that performs communication management and communication processing. These are systems connected to each other via an interface such as a LAN. In this case, a communication management report in a format possessed by the image processing apparatus can be created, and when a plurality of image processing apparatuses are connected, the processing can be distributed to each of the image processing apparatuses. As a result, each load is reduced as compared with the case where all are executed by one unit, and the efficiency of the entire communication system is increased.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a communication system and a communication device in the communication system capable of reliably printing the communication management report even when the image communication apparatus designated to print the communication management report is out of order. The purpose is to do.

The present invention provides a communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, at least one image processing device having at least one of a scanner function and a printer function, and the communication device by wireless connection. In a communication system having a plurality of cordless slaves that transmit and receive control signals and audio signals, and a network that connects the communication device and the image processing device, the communication device transmits a communication management report from the cordless slave. When there is an output request, the image processing apparatus requests the image processing apparatus to output a communication management report related to the cordless slave unit.

  According to the first, fourth, and seventh aspects of the present invention, at least one MFP as an input destination, at least one MFP as an output destination, a cordless slave as a plurality of operation means, communication management and communication processing are performed on a network. The communication equipment to be performed is a system connected to each other. In this case, they are connected to each other via an interface such as a LAN. In this system, when users using each of the plurality of cordless slaves are different, there is an effect that the privacy of each user using the cordless slave can be protected.

The inventions according to claims 8, 9 and 10 include a communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, and a plurality of image processing devices having at least one of a scanner function and a printer function. In addition, the communication system includes a cordless slave that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals to and from the communication device by wireless connection, and a network that connects the communication device and the image processing device. In this system, the communication management report is printed on an image processing apparatus designated to print the communication management report. Therefore, it is possible to create a communication management report in the format possessed by the image processing apparatus. In addition, since the processing can be distributed to each of the plurality of image processing apparatuses, each load is reduced as compared with the case where all are executed by one unit, and the efficiency of the entire communication system is improved.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention is the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system CS1 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The communication system CS1 includes a communication BOX 100, cordless slave devices 200 (200-1, 200-2), MFPs 300 (300-1, 300-2), and a network router 400 having a DHCP function. Also, a general PC (personal computer) 500 and a network cable 600 are provided.

  The communication BOX 100 is an example of a communication device.

  The cordless handset 200 is connected to the communication BOX 100 by radio.

  MFP 300 is an example of an image processing apparatus. In the first embodiment, a plurality of MFPs 300 can be connected to the network 600. In the first embodiment, two MFPs 300-1 and 300-2 are provided, but three or more MFPs are connected. Alternatively, only one MFP may be connected.

  The network cables 600 are respectively connected by a network as defined in IEEE 802.3. The network cable 600 may be connected by a wireless network as defined by IEEE 802.11a / b / g.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the communication BOX 100 according to the first embodiment.

  The communication BOX 100 has a wireless interface for exchanging with the cordless handset 200, and an interface with a public network 700 for performing facsimile communication and a call by the cordless handset 200. The communication BOX 100 includes an interface for communicating with the PC 500 and the MFP 300 connected via a network.

  The communication BOX 100 includes a control unit 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a buffer memory 104, an encoding / decoding unit 105, a communication control unit 106, a modem 107, a crosspoint switch unit 108, and a radio control unit 109. Have. The communication BOX 100 includes a network control unit 110, a system bus 111, a telephone directory memory 113, and a WEB page memory 114.

  The control unit 101 controls the entire communication BOX 100 according to a program stored in the ROM 102.

  The ROM 102 stores a control program of the control unit 101, an operating system (OS) program, and the like. The control unit 101 controls the operation of the communication BOX 100 according to the control program stored therein. In the first embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 102 executes software control such as scheduling and task switching under the management of the OS program stored in the ROM 102.

  The RAM 103 is used for arithmetic processing, storage of setting values registered by the operator, device management data, and the like, and storage of addresses acquired when the communication BOX 100 is connected to a network router. The RAM 103 is used for storing the address of the MFP 300 connected to the network, saving the setting information of the MFP 300 that is the output destination when it is set to automatically output when receiving a FAX.

  The buffer memory 104 stores image data and data packets sent through the network, and stores facsimile image data transmitted / received via the public line 700. Further, when receiving a facsimile transmission instruction from the cordless handset 200, the buffer memory 104 stores the destination dial number information sent from the cordless handset 200 at the same time.

  The code decoding unit 105 performs code decoding processing for compressing / decompressing image data received from the MFP 300 or image data received from the public line 700, such as MH, MR, JBIG, and JPEG, according to the operation mode. It is.

  The communication control unit 106 is an interface that connects the public line 700 and the communication BOX 100, and includes a ringer detection circuit that detects a call signal from the central office switch, a dial generation circuit, a transformer circuit that performs 2-wire to 4-wire conversion, and the like. It consists of Also, a voice signal for a call by the cordless handset 200 and a modulated signal for facsimile communication are transmitted / received to / from the public line 700 through the communication control unit 106.

  The modem 107 modulates and demodulates digital data for facsimile communication.

  The crosspoint switch unit 108 switches the analog signal transmitted / received via the communication control unit 106 between the modem 107 and the radio control unit 109 according to the operation mode under the control of the control unit 101.

  The wireless control unit 109 includes an RF module and modulates control data and a voice signal to perform communication with the cordless handset 200 connected wirelessly, converts the data into a form that can be wirelessly transmitted, and an antenna. 112. Further, it demodulates a signal wirelessly received from the antenna 112, outputs control data to the control unit 101, and outputs an analog signal (audio signal) to the crosspoint switch unit 108. When the cordless handset 200 is used, the communication BOX 100 and the cordless handset 200 are connected by radio to form an audio path.

  The network control unit 110 performs communication control over a network defined by IEEE 802.3 or the like. Network control unit 110 is connected to the network, performs protocol control in accordance with a standard such as TCP / IP, and receives data packets from MFP 300 and transmits data packets to MFP 300.

  When receiving the data packet, the network control unit 110 notifies the control unit 101 that the data packet has been received.

  The telephone book memory 113 stores a communication partner name, a telephone number, a FAX number, and the like registered for each cordless handset 200.

  The system bus 111 is a system bus that connects the control unit 101 and each block.

  The WEB page memory 114 is a memory displayed on the display unit of the cordless handset 200, and stores various setting menu screens described in the HTML format.

  Network cable 600 connects communication BOX 100, MFP 300, PC 500, and network router 400 to each other.

  The public line 700 performs telephone calls and facsimile communications through this.

  The wireless control unit 109 is an example of an output request receiving unit that receives an output request for a communication management report from a cordless slave unit. The network control unit 110 is also an example of a communication management report output unit that requests the MFP 300 to output a communication management report related to the cordless slave when receiving the output request for the communication management report.

  The communication management report output means is a means for requesting the MFP 300 to output a communication management report related to the designated MFP 300 and the communication destination with which the cordless slave unit has communicated.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the cordless slave device 200 according to the first embodiment.

  The cordless handset 200 includes a control unit 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a baseband unit 204, a wireless unit 205, an antenna 206, and a display unit 207. The cordless handset 200 includes an operation unit 208, a speaker 209, a receiver 210, a microphone 211, an EEPROM 212, and a system bus 213.

  The control unit 201 performs overall control of the cordless child device 200.

  The ROM 202 stores a control program of the control unit 201, an operating system (OS) program, and the like, and the control unit 201 controls the operation of the communication BOX 100 according to the control program stored therein.

  The cordless handset ID for distinguishing the cordless handset 200 is also stored here.

  The RAM 203 stores arithmetic processing and image data to be displayed on the display unit 207, and stores telephone book data received from the communication BOX 100.

  The operation unit 208 includes dial keys for inputting a dial number and the like, and function keys such as a call key, a transmission key, and a phone book key.

  The display unit 207 displays various setting screens, input dial numbers, operation statuses of the communication BOX 100, and the like according to the operation of the operation unit 208.

  The baseband unit 204 has a modem compander and a secret talk / amplifier function, and modulates and demodulates the control data and the audio signal into a format with good transmission efficiency. The modulated signal from the baseband unit 204 is transmitted to the communication BOX 100 via the wireless unit 205. Further, the modulation signal from the wireless unit 205 is demodulated, the control signal is output to the control unit 201, and the audio signal is output to the speaker 209.

  The wireless unit 205 converts the modulated signal from the baseband unit 204 into a format that can be wirelessly transmitted, sends it to the antenna 206, extracts the modulated signal from the signal received wirelessly from the antenna 206, and outputs it to the baseband unit 204 To do.

  The microphone 211 inputs a call voice signal. The speaker 209 outputs an audio signal with a loud sound and sounds a ringtone or the like. The receiver 210 outputs a call voice signal.

  The EEPROM 212 is an example of a non-volatile memory that stores a system call code (system ID) for establishing wireless communication between the cordless handset 200 and the communication BOX 100, a cordless handset number ID of the cordless handset 200, and the like. It is.

  A system bus 213 connects the control unit 201 and the above blocks.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the MFP 300 according to the first embodiment.

  The MFP 300 includes an image reading unit and an image recording unit, and outputs the read image data to a network, and the image data received from the network is recorded by the recording unit or read by the reading unit. Is recorded by the recording unit.

  The MFP 300 includes a control unit 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a buffer memory 304, an operation unit 305, a reading processing unit 306, a reading unit 307, a recording processing unit 308, a recording unit 309, and a display unit 310. Have The MFP 300 includes an encoding / decoding processing unit 311, a network control unit 312, and a system bus 323.

  A control unit 301 is a system control unit and controls the entire MFP 300.

  The ROM 302 stores a control program of the control unit 301, an operating system (OS) program, and the like, and controls the operation of the terminal device according to the stored control program. In the first embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 302 is subjected to software control such as scheduling and task switching under the management of the OS program stored in the ROM 302. Further, in order to distinguish each MFP 300, the MFP ID is also stored here.

  The RAM 303 is used for arithmetic processing, storage of setting values registered by the operator, device management data, and the like, and storage of addresses acquired when the MFP 300 is connected to a network router.

  The buffer memory 304 accumulates read image data and received image data, and accumulates data packets transmitted and received via the network.

  The operation unit 305 includes various input keys and is used for various input operations by an operator.

  The display unit 310 includes an LED, an LCD, and the like, and performs a display for setting a reading mode, a display for various settings, an operation status of the MFP 300, and the like.

  The reading processing unit 306 optically reads a document with a photoelectric conversion element in the reading unit 307 and performs various image processing such as binarization processing and halftone processing on the image signal converted into electrical image data. It outputs fine image data.

  The reading processing unit 306 is controlled by a scan control task program of a control program stored in the ROM 302. The reading unit 307 is configured by a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or a contact image sensor.

  The recording processing unit 308 performs resolution conversion processing and smoothing processing on the recorded image data so that the recording unit 309 records image data. The recording processing unit 308 receives failure information from the recording unit 309 and notifies the control unit 301 when the recording unit 309 has a failure such as paper out, paper jam, or toner (or ink) running out. Further, the recording processing unit 308 is controlled by a printer control task program that is a control program stored in the ROM 302.

  The recording unit 309 is configured by a laser beam printer, an inkjet printer, or the like, and has a recording paper detection unit, a toner (or ink) detection unit, and a jam detection unit.

  The code decoding processing unit 311 performs code decoding processing for compressing / decompressing image data such as MH, MR, JBIG, and JPEG in accordance with the operation mode.

  The network control unit 312 performs communication control over a network defined by IEEE 802.3 or the like. The network control unit 312 is connected to the network, performs protocol control in accordance with a standard such as TCP / IP, and receives a data packet addressed to the address acquired by the MFP 300 and transmits a data packet from the MFP 300. . When receiving the data packet, the network control unit 312 notifies the control unit 301 that the data packet has been received.

  The system bus 323 is a system bus that connects the control unit 301 and each block.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the cordless child device 200.

  The cordless child device 200 includes an operation unit 208 and a display unit 207.

  The operation unit 208 includes dial keys for inputting a dial number and the like, and function keys such as a call key, a transmission key, and a phone book key. The display unit 207 displays the input dial number and the like. When outputting a communication management report, a communication management report output mode menu is called by a function key, and each setting is performed there.

  Next, the communication management operation in the embodiment will be described.

  FIGS. 6 to 8 are flowcharts showing the operation of each device during facsimile transmission and reception and during a call by the cordless handset 200 in the first embodiment.

  First, in the case of facsimile transmission, the user sets a transmission document on a document table (not shown) of the reading unit 307 of the MFP 300, and sets the transmission destination number using a dial key provided on the operation unit 208 of the cordless slave device 200. Input (S1). When the transmission key is pressed (S2), the cordless handset 200 transmits the input destination number information, facsimile transmission instruction information, and the cordless handset ID stored by itself to the communication BOX 100 (S3).

  When the communication BOX 100 receives the facsimile transmission instruction information together with the destination number information (S11 to S12), the destination number information is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 104 (S13), and the MFP 300 ID is stored (S15). A reading start command is transmitted to the MFP 300 through the network control unit 312 (S16). At this time, the communication BOX 100 stores the cordless handset ID of the cordless handset 200 that is the transmission destination of the information in association with the destination number information (S14).

  When the network control unit 312 receives the reading start command sent from the communication BOX 100, the MFP 300 reads the document and sequentially stores the read image data in the buffer memory 304. Then, the image data stored in the buffer memory 304 is sent to the communication BOX 100 via the network control unit 312. This is repeated until the document is read.

  When receiving the image data transmitted from the MFP 300 (S17), the communication BOX 100 sequentially stores the data in the buffer memory 104. The received data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 104, and then sequentially transferred to the encoding / decoding unit 105, the image data is encoded (S18), and stored again in the buffer memory 104.

  At the same time, the control unit 101 switches the crosspoint switch unit 108 to the modem 107 side (S19), reads the destination number information temporarily stored in the buffer memory 104 (S20), and the communication control unit 106 connects to the public line 700. A call is made (S21). When the counterpart facsimile machine responds, the modem 107 modulates the image data stored in the buffer memory 104, and the ITU-T T.264. In accordance with the facsimile communication procedure standardized by the 30 recommendation, it is transmitted to the other party (S22). When transmission of all image data is completed (S23), the communication BOX 100 disconnects the connection with the public line 700 (S24). Then, the communication result, the communication date and time, and the time required for communication are stored in association with the cordless handset ID, MFP ID, and destination number information, and the process returns to the standby state (S25).

  Next, a call (call) operation in the first embodiment will be described.

  In the case of a call (outgoing call), the other party's number is input by the dial key provided in the operation unit 208 of the cordless handset 200 (S1), and the call key is pressed (S4). When the call key is pressed, the cordless handset 200 transmits the input destination number information, call instruction information, and the cordless handset ID stored by itself to the communication BOX 100 (S5).

  When the communication BOX 100 receives the call instruction information together with the destination number information (S11 to S12), the control unit 101 switches the crosspoint switch unit 108 to the radio control unit 109 side (S26). And the communication control part 106 calls the other party number received from the cordless subunit | mobile_unit 200 (S29). At this time, the communication BOX 100 associates and stores the cordless ID of the cordless handset 200 that is the transmission destination of the information and the destination number information (S27 to S28). When the other party responds, the cordless handset 200 can make a call via the crosspoint switch unit 108 and the wireless control unit 109 (S30, S6).

  When the call is finished and the disconnect key of the cordless handset 200 is pressed (S7), the cordless handset 200 transmits disconnection instruction information to the communication BOX 100 (S8). When receiving the disconnection instruction information from the cordless handset 200 (S31), the communication BOX 100 disconnects the connection with the public line 700 (S32). Then, the communication result, the communication date and time, and the time required for communication are stored in association with the cordless handset ID and the destination number information, and the process returns to the standby state (S33).

  Next, the facsimile reception operation in the first embodiment will be described.

  When FAX reception is requested from the public line 700 (S41 to S42), the communication BOX 100 transmits the T.T. The image data is received in accordance with the facsimile communication procedure standardized by the 30 recommendation (S43). The image data is sequentially stored in the buffer memory 104. When reception is completed, the line is disconnected (S43). The accumulated image data is sequentially transferred to the encoding / decoding unit 105, and is stored again in the buffer memory 104 after the decoding process of the image data (S45). When the line is disconnected, the communication result, the communication date and time, and the time required for the communication are also stored. If the destination number is recognizable, it is also stored in association (S44).

  Thereafter, the MFP 300 that prints the image data received in the communication BOX 100 by FAX in advance is identified (S46), and the image data is transmitted to the identified MFP 300 via the network control unit 312 (S47). . When the communication BOX 100 can recognize the FAX image transmission destination telephone number, the MFP 300 may be controlled to change the MFP 300 to print for each recognized telephone number. Alternatively, the MFP 300 serving as a printing destination may be designated by a specific cordless slave device 200 after receiving the communication box 100 once as in manual reception. The target MFP 300 prints the received image data.

  Next, a call (incoming) operation in the first embodiment will be described.

  When a call (incoming call) is requested from the public line 700 (S41 to S42), the communication BOX 100 calls the incoming cordless handset 200 or all cordless handset 200 that can be connected to the communication BOX 100. (S49). When one of the called cordless slave units 200 recognizes that the user has hooked up (S50), the control unit 101 switches the crosspoint switch unit 108 to the radio control unit 109 side. (S51). And it transfers to a telephone call state (S53).

  At this time, the communication BOX 100 stores the cordless handset ID of the hooked-up cordless handset 200, and if the destination number can be recognized, also stores the destination number in association with it (S52). After the call ends (S54), the communication BOX 100 disconnects the line (S55), stores the communication result, the communication date and time, and the call time in association with the cordless handset ID, and shifts to a standby state (S56).

  Next, an operation for creating a communication management report in the first embodiment will be described.

  9 and 10 are flowcharts illustrating operations of the cordless slave device 200 and the communication BOX 100 when a communication management report creation request is made from one of the plurality of cordless slave devices 200 in the first embodiment.

  The user calls a communication management report output mode menu (a menu for performing various settings in a mode for outputting a communication management report) from one cordless child device 200 among the plurality of cordless child devices 200 (S61). Among the plurality of cordless slave devices 200, the cordless slave device 200 that wants to acquire communication management report information and the MFP 300 that wants to acquire communication management report information among the plurality of MFPs 300 are set (S62 to S65). Thereafter, the MFP 300 for outputting (printing) the communication management report is set (S66), and the setting information and the output request for the communication management report are transmitted to the communication BOX 100 (S67). It is not necessary to set all the above items. For example, if the MFP 300 used as the output destination of the communication management report is set in advance in the communication BOX 100, it is not necessary to set the output destination in S66.

  Similarly, if the MFP 300 to be output is preset for each cordless slave device 200 (if the relationship between the cordless slave device 200 and the MFP 300 is fixed), it is not necessary to set the output destination in S66.

  Upon receiving the communication management report output request (S71), the communication BOX 100 identifies the cordless child device ID of the cordless child device 200 and the ID of the MFP 300 to be described in the communication management report (S72 to S73). Then, the history information (S13 to S15, S25, S27 to S28, S33, S44, S46, S52, and S56) stored in the above process is searched for information having the cordless handset ID and MFP ID ( S75).

  Report data including the retrieved information is created (S76), temporarily stored in the buffer memory 104, and the MFP 300, which is the output destination set in S66 or set in advance, is connected to the MFP 300 via the network control unit 312. Are transmitted (S77 to S78). After this transmission is completed, the communication BOX 100 shifts to a standby state (S79), and the MFP 300 executes a printing process.

  In the above processing, the communication BOX 100 creates report data describing the set cordless slave device 200 and all communication management reports related to the designated MFP 300. When the cordless handset 200 and the MFP 300 are designated, even if there are a plurality of the cordless handset 200 and the MFP 300, the same processing as described above is performed. When only the cordless child device 200 is designated, processing is performed so that communication management reports of all MFPs 300 related to the cordless child device 200 are output.

  When a plurality of MFPs 300 are set as output destinations, report data is transmitted to all the MFPs 300 set as output destinations.

  According to the first embodiment, even when there are a plurality of MFPs 300 and a plurality of cordless slave devices 200 on the network, it is possible to obtain a communication management report required by the user. It can be easily recognized.

  In the first embodiment, a plurality of MFPs serving as input destinations, a plurality of MFPs serving as output destinations, a plurality of cordless slaves serving as operation means, and a communication device performing communication management and communication processing on a network, such as a LAN Are connected to each other via the interface. In this system, since the communication management report is output only for the cordless handset that sent the output request of the communication management report, if the users who use each cordless handset are different, each user who uses the cordless handset Can protect your privacy.

  The shared information of all users who use the communication BOX 100 is registered in the global phone book, and the communication BOX 100 manages this global phone book. Further, since the shared information of all users is stored as one record, it is possible to prevent the shared information from being registered in a plurality of memories, and it is possible to prevent waste of memory capacity.

In addition, a user using one cordless child device 200 among the plurality of cordless child devices 200 can use another cordless child device 200 to instruct to output a communication management report. In this case, when the user's own password is input to the other cordless handset 200 and the password is authenticated by the communication BOX 100, the browsing can be performed.

  The communication system CS2 according to the second embodiment includes a communication BOX 1100, cordless slave devices 1200-1, 1200-2, MFPs 1300-1, 1300-2, a router 1400, a PC 1500, a network cable 1600, and a public line 1700. And have.

  The communication system CS2, the communication BOX 1100, and the cordless slave units 1200-1 and 1200-2 correspond to the communication system CS1, the communication BOX 100, and the cordless slave units 200-1 and 200-2, respectively, and are basically the same. It is a configuration. MFPs 1300-1, 1300-2, router 1400, PC 1500, network cable 1600, and public line 1700 correspond to MFPs 300-1, 300-2, router 400, PC 500, network cable 600, and public line 700, respectively. Since each basically has the same configuration, a detailed description of the configuration is omitted.

  Next, the communication management operation in the second embodiment will be described.

  FIGS. 11 to 14 are flowcharts showing the operation of each device at the time of facsimile transmission and reception in the second embodiment, and are the flowcharts showing the operation of each device at the time of a call by the cordless handset 1200.

  First, the case of facsimile reception will be described.

  When the FAX reception is requested from the public line 1700 (S81, S82), the communication BOX 1100 is connected to the ITU-T T.264. The image data is received in accordance with the facsimile communication procedure standardized by the 30 recommendation (S83). The received image data is sequentially stored in the buffer memory 1104. When the reception is completed, the line is disconnected.

  The accumulated image data is sequentially transferred to the encoding / decoding unit 1105, and is stored again in the buffer memory 1104 after the image data decoding process (S84). Thereafter, the MFP 1300 that is preset in the communication BOX 1100 and that prints the image data received by FAX is identified. The image data is transmitted to the identified MFP 1300 via the network control unit 1312 (S85 to S86).

  If the communication BOX 1100 can recognize the FAX image transmission destination telephone number, the MFP 1300 to be printed may be controlled to be changed for each telephone number. In addition, as in manual reception, a specific cordless slave device 1200 may designate the MFP 1300 to be a printing destination after it is received by the communication BOX 1100 once. The designated MFP 1300 prints the received image data.

  After transmitting the image data, the communication result, the communication date and time, and the time required for the communication are also saved. If the destination number is recognizable, it is stored in association with the cordless handset device ID of the cordless handset device 1200 to be notified of the incoming call and the ID of the printed MFP 1300, including the above-mentioned destination number number. (Referred to as “communication history information”) (S88).

  At this time, the communication BOX 1100 recognizes the system configuration of the MFP 1300 that has executed the document recording process, and determines whether the recognized MFP 1300 can store communication history information and create a communication management report (S141 to S141). S143). If the communication management report can be created, the communication BOX 1100 selects the recognized information from the communication history information after the MFP 1300 recognizes information necessary for creating the communication management report. Then, the information is stored in the RAM 1303 as information storage means in the MFP 1300 (S144 to S147).

  If the communication management report cannot be created, the communication management report is stored in the RAM 1103 serving as the information storage unit of the communication BOX 1100 (S148). The MFP 1300 that executes document recording processing when an incoming call is received is hereinafter referred to as a “data storage MFP”.

  Next, the case of a call (incoming call) will be described.

  When a call (incoming call) is requested from the public line 1700 (S81 to S82), the communication BOX 1100 calls the cordless handset 1200 for incoming calls or all cordless handsets 1200 that can be connected to the communication BOX 1100. (S89). When it is recognized that the user has hooked up in one cordless slave unit among all the cordless slave units 200 that have been called (S90), the control unit 1101 moves the crosspoint switch unit 1108 to the radio control unit 1109 side. (S91). And it transfers to a telephone call state (S93). At this time, the communication BOX 1100 stores the cordless handset ID of the cordless handset 1200, and if the destination number can be recognized, stores the destination number in association with it (S92).

  After the call ends (S94), the communication BOX 1100 disconnects the line (S95), stores the communication result, the communication date and time, and the call time in association with the cordless handset ID, and shifts to a standby state (S96). At this time, these pieces of information (communication result, communication date and time, call time, and cordless handset ID associated therewith) are stored in the RAM 1103 which is a storage device of the communication BOX 1100 (S141 to S143, S148).

  Next, the operation of facsimile transmission will be described.

  For facsimile transmission, the user sets a transmission document on the document table of the reading unit 1307 of the MFP 1300, and inputs the transmission destination number by using a dial key provided on the operation unit 1208 of the cordless slave unit 1200 ( S101). When the transmission key is pressed (S102), the cordless handset 1200 transmits the input destination number information, facsimile transmission instruction information, and the cordless handset ID stored by itself to the communication BOX 1100 (S103). ).

  When the communication box 1100 receives the facsimile transmission instruction information together with the destination number information (S111, S112), the destination number information is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 1104 (S113), and the MFP 1300 ID is saved (S115). A reading start command is transmitted to the MFP 1300 through the network control unit 1312 (S116).

  At this time, the communication BOX 1100 stores the cordless handset ID of the cordless handset 1200 that is the transmission destination of the information in association with the destination number information (S114).

  In the MFP 1300, when the network control unit 1312 receives a reading start command sent from the communication BOX 1100, the document is read, and the read image data is sequentially stored in the buffer memory 1304. The image data stored in the buffer memory 1304 is sent to the communication BOX 1100 via the network control unit 1312. This operation is repeated until the reading of the original is completed.

  When the communication BOX 1100 receives the image data sent from the MFP 1300 (S117), the communication BOX 1100 sequentially stores the data in the buffer memory 1104. After the received data is stored in the buffer memory 1104, it is sequentially transferred to the encoding / decoding unit 1105, the image data is encoded (S118), and is stored in the buffer memory 1104 again. At the same time, the control unit 1101 switches the crosspoint switch unit 1108 to the modem 1107 side (S119), reads the destination number information temporarily stored in the buffer memory (S120), and the communication control unit 1106 calls the public line 1700. (S121).

  When the counterpart facsimile machine responds, the modem 1107 modulates the image data stored in the buffer memory 1104, and the ITU-T T.264 data is received. The data is transmitted to the other party in accordance with the facsimile communication procedure standardized by the 30 recommendation (S122). When transmission of all image data is completed (S123), the communication BOX 1100 disconnects the connection with the public line 1700 (S124).

  Then, the communication result, the communication date and time, and the time required for communication are stored in association with the cordless handset ID, MFP ID, and destination number information, and the process returns to the standby state (S125).

  At this time, the communication BOX 1100 recognizes the system configuration of the MFP 1300 that has stored the data, and determines whether the data storage MFP 1300 can store the communication history information and create a communication management report (S141 to S143). When it is determined that the MFP 1300 can create a communication management report, the communication BOX 1100 recognizes information necessary for the MFP 1300 that has stored the data to create a communication management report. After that, it is selected from the communication history information and stored in the RAM 1303 which is the information storage means in the MFP 1300 that stores the data (S144 to S147).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the MFP 1300 cannot create the communication management report, the MFP 1300 stores the information in the RAM 1103 serving as the information storage unit of the communication BOX 1100 (S148).

  Next, a call (outgoing) operation in the second embodiment will be described.

  When making a call (outgoing call), the other party's number is input using a dial key provided on the operation unit 1208 of the cordless handset 1200 (S101), and the call key is pressed (S104). When the call key is pressed, the cordless handset 1200 transmits the input destination number information, calling instruction information, and the cordless handset ID held by itself to the communication BOX 1100 (S105). .

  When the communication BOX 1100 receives the destination number information and the call instruction information (S111, S112), the control unit 1101 switches the crosspoint switch unit 1108 to the radio control unit 1109 side (S126). And the communication control part 1106 calls the other party number received from the cordless cordless handset 1200 (S129). At that time, the communication BOX 1100 associates and stores the cordless ID of the cordless handset 1200 that is the transmission destination of the information and the destination number information (S127 to S128). When the other party responds, the cordless handset 1200 can make a call via the crosspoint switch unit 1108 and the wireless control unit 1109 (S130).

  When the call is finished and the disconnect key of the cordless handset 1200 is pressed (S107), disconnection instruction information is transmitted from the cordless handset 1200 to the communication BOX 1100 (S108). When receiving the disconnection instruction information from the cordless handset 1200 (S131), the communication BOX 1100 disconnects the connection with the public line 1700 (S132). Then, the communication result, the communication date and time, and the time required for communication are stored in association with the cordless handset ID and the destination number information (S133), and the process returns to the standby state. At this time, these pieces of information are stored in the RAM 1103 which is a storage device of the communication BOX 1100 (S141 to S143, S148).

  Next, an operation for creating a communication management report in the second embodiment will be described.

  15 and 16 illustrate the operations of the cordless slave unit 1200 and the communication BOX 1100 when a cordless slave unit 1200 of a plurality of cordless slave units 1200 is requested to create a communication management report in the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows.

  Note that the MFP 1300 connected to the communication BOX 1100 is described as an MFP 1300 having a communication management function and a communication management report creation function, and a printer 1300 that does not hold both functions.

  The user calls up a communication management report output mode menu from one cordless handset 1200 of the plurality of cordless handsets 1200 (S151). Then, the cordless handset 1200 and the MFP 1300 (printer 1300) that desire to display the communication management report are set (S152 to S155). Thereafter, the MFP 1300 (printer 1300) that outputs the communication management report is set (S156), and the setting information and the output request are transmitted to the communication BOX 1100 (S157).

  These settings do not need to be set for all items. If the settings of the MFP 1300 (printer 1300) used as the report output destination are provided in the communication BOX 1100 in advance, the MFP 1300 used as the report output destination is set. It is not necessary to set. Similarly, if the setting is made so that the output destination MFP 1300 (printer 1300) is fixed for each cordless handset 1200, it is not necessary to set the MFP 1300 used as the report output destination.

  The communication BOX 1100 receives the output request for the communication management report (S161). The cordless handset ID of the cordless handset 1200 that has transmitted the request, and the ID of the MFP 1300 (printer 1300) to be described in the communication management report (hereinafter referred to as “report description MFP1300”) are identified. Further, the ID of the data storage MFP 1300 corresponding to the ID of the MFP of the output destination MFP 1300 (printer 1300) (hereinafter referred to as “output terminal”) is identified (S162 to S164).

  If the data storage MFP 1300 and the MFP ID of the output terminal match, first, the communication BOX 1100 searches the communication history information in the RAM 1103 that is its own storage means. Then, it is searched whether there is communication history information (hereinafter referred to as “user-specified ID link information”) associated with the cordless slave device ID and the ID of the report description MFP 1300 (S166). It is determined whether the output terminal has means for storing communication history information and creating a communication management report (S167).

  When the output terminal does not have a communication management report creation means (that is, when the output terminal is the printer 1300), only the user-specified ID link information searched in the communication BOX 1100 is used, and the communication management report is used. Create data. Then, the created communication management report and print request are transmitted to the printer 1300 serving as an output terminal (S172).

  The output terminal holds a communication management report creation means. That is, if the MFP 1300 is user-specified ID link information in the communication BOX 1100, the communication BOX 1100 includes the cordless slave device ID, the report-described MFP 1300 ID, and the user-specified ID link information. Send it out. That is, a request for creating communication management report data and a print request using a communication history related to the IDs stored in the requested terminal are sent to the MFP 1300 as the output terminal (S168 to S170).

  In this case, in the communication management report output by the MFP 1300, communication history information related to the cordless handset ID stored in the MFP 1300 and the ID of the report describing MFP 1300 is described. Further, the communication management report output from the MFP 1300 describes the cordless handset ID stored in the communication BOX 1100 and communication history information related to the ID of the MFP 1300 that describes the report.

  On the other hand, when the output terminal holds a communication management report creation unit (that is, when it is the MFP 1300 and the user-specified ID link information does not exist in the communication BOX 1100), the communication BOX 1100 Send things. That is, the cordless handset ID, the ID of the report description MFP 1300, a communication management report data creation request using a communication history related to these IDs, and a print request are sent to the MFP 1300 as the output terminal ( S168, S170).

  In this case, the communication management report output from the MFP 1300 describes the communication history information related to the cordless handset ID stored in the MFP 1300 and the ID of the report describing MFP 1300.

  If the data storage MFP 1300 and the output terminal MFP ID do not match, the communication BOX 1100 searches the communication history information in the RAM 1103 serving as its storage means, and the user-specified ID link information does not exist. Whether or not is searched (S176). Then, it is determined whether or not the output terminal has means for storing communication history information and creating a communication management report (S177).

  When the output terminal does not have a communication management report creation means (when it is the printer 1300), the communication management report data is created using only the user-specified ID link information searched by the communication BOX 1100. Then, the print request is transmitted to the printer 1300 as an output terminal together with the print request (S171, S172).

  Further, when the output terminal holds a communication management report creation means (that is, when it is the MFP 1300 and the user-specified ID link information exists in the communication BOX 1100), the communication BOX 1100 sends the following: . That is, the cordless handset ID, report description MFP 1300 ID, user-specified ID link information, and a communication management report data creation request using the communication history related to these IDs are sent. Also, a report data transfer request for transferring the created data to the communication BOX 1100 is transmitted. In this case, a report data transfer request to be transferred to the communication BOX 1100 is sent to the MFP 1300 which is the data storage MFP 1300 (S178 to S180).

  The communication BOX 1100 that has received the transferred communication management report data transmits the data and a print request to the output terminal (S181, S172). In this case, in the communication management report output from the output terminal, the cordless slave device ID stored in the MFP 1300 and the communication history information related to the report description MFP 1300 ID are described. In the communication management report output from the output terminal, the cordless slave device ID stored in the communication BOX 1100 and communication history information related to the report description MFP 1300 ID are described.

  On the other hand, when the output terminal holds the communication management report creation means (that is, when it is the MFP 1300 and the user-specified ID link information does not exist in the communication BOX 1100), the communication BOX 1100 is as follows. Send it out. That is, a request for creating communication management report data using the above cordless handset ID, report description MFP 1300 ID, communication history related to those IDs, and report data transfer request for transferring the created data to the communication BOX 1100. Send it out. In this case, the data is sent to the MFP 1300 which is the data storage MFP 1300 (S178, S180).

  Receiving the transferred communication management report data, the communication BOX 1100 transmits the data and the print request to the output terminal. In this case, the communication management report output from the MFP 1300 describes the communication history information related to the cordless handset ID stored in the MFP 1300 and the ID of the report describing MFP 1300.

  After completing the above processing, a communication management report is output at each output terminal. Accordingly, the communication BOX 1100 shifts to a reception waiting state for a print processing completion notification from the output terminal (S174), and when received, notifies the cordless handset 1200 that has made the request (S175).

With the above configuration, even when there are a plurality of MFPs 1300, printers, scanners, and a plurality of cordless slave units 1200 on the network, a communication management report required by the user can be obtained, and the user can easily view the communication history. Can be recognized.

  Embodiment 3 of the present invention is an embodiment in which a program for realizing the functions of the above embodiments is supplied directly or remotely to a system or apparatus, and the system or apparatus reads and executes the supplied program code. is there.

  Accordingly, the program code itself installed in the computer in order to realize the functional processing of the present invention by the computer is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In this case, as long as it has the function of a program, the form of the program is not limited, such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS.

  As a recording medium for supplying a program, there are a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, an MO, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, and a nonvolatile memory card. Further, there are ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R) and the like as recording media for supplying the program.

  When the program is supplied, it can be supplied by connecting to a homepage on the Internet using a browser of a client computer and downloading the computer program of the present invention from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. The program can also be supplied by downloading a compressed file including an automatic installation function to a recording medium such as a hard disk.

  It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage.

  That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. You may make it make it. By doing so, it is also possible to execute the encrypted program using the key information and install it in the computer.

  In addition to the functions of the above-described embodiments being realized by the computer executing the read program, an OS running on the computer based on an instruction of the program is a part of the actual processing. Or do everything. In this way, the functions of the above embodiments can be realized by the processing.

Further, the program read from the recording medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and then executed based on the instructions of the program. Also good. As a result, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

1 is a block diagram showing a communication system CS1 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication BOX 100 in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the cordless cordless handset 200 in Example 1. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an MFP 300 according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the cordless cordless handset. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of each device at the time of facsimile transmission and reception and at the time of a call by the cordless slave device 200 in the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of each device at the time of facsimile transmission and reception and at the time of a call by the cordless slave device 200 in the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of each device at the time of facsimile transmission and reception and at the time of a call by the cordless slave device 200 in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the cordless slave device 200 and the communication BOX 100 when a communication management report creation request is made from one of a plurality of cordless slave devices 200 in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the cordless slave device 200 and the communication BOX 100 when a communication management report creation request is made from one of a plurality of cordless slave devices 200 in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device during facsimile transmission and reception in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and is a flowchart showing the operation of each device during a call by the cordless handset 1200. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of each device during facsimile transmission and reception in the second embodiment, and is a flowchart illustrating the operation of each device during a call by the cordless handset 1200. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of each device during facsimile transmission and reception in the second embodiment, and is a flowchart illustrating the operation of each device during a call by the cordless handset 1200. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of each device during facsimile transmission and reception in the second embodiment, and is a flowchart illustrating the operation of each device during a call by the cordless handset 1200. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the cordless slave device 1200 and the communication BOX 1100 when a cordless slave device 1200 of a plurality of cordless slave devices 1200 is requested to create a communication management report in the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the cordless slave device 1200 and the communication BOX 1100 when a cordless slave device 1200 of a plurality of cordless slave devices 1200 is requested to create a communication management report in the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

CS1, CS2, ... communication system,
100, 1100 ... Communication BOX,
200, 1200 ... cordless handset,
300, 1300... MFP.

Claims (10)

Control signals and audio between a communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, at least one image processing device having at least one of a scanner function and a printer function, and the communication device by wireless connection In a communication system having a plurality of cordless slaves that transmit and receive signals, and a network that connects the communication device and the image processing device,
A communication system, wherein the communication apparatus requests the image processing apparatus to output a communication management report related to the cordless slave unit when the cordless slave unit outputs a communication management report. In claim 1,
When the image processing apparatus is designated by the cordless slave unit, the communication apparatus requests the image processing apparatus to output a communication management report relating to the cordless slave unit and the image processing apparatus. . In claim 1 or claim 2,
A communication system, wherein when the output destination of the image processing apparatus is designated from the cordless slave unit, the communication apparatus requests the output destination image processing apparatus to output the communication management information. A cordless telephone connected to at least one image processing apparatus having at least one of a scanner function and a printer function via a network and connected to a plurality of cordless slave units that transmit and receive control signals and audio signals by wireless connection And a communication device having a facsimile communication function,
Output request receiving means for receiving a communication management report output request from the cordless handset;
Communication management report output requesting means for requesting the image processing apparatus to output only the communication management report related to the cordless slave when the output request of the communication management report is received;
A communication apparatus in a communication system, comprising: In claim 4,
The communication management report output requesting means is a means for requesting the image processing apparatus to output a communication management report relating to the cordless slave unit and the image processing apparatus when the image processing apparatus is designated by the cordless slave unit. A communication device. In claim 4 or claim 5,
The communication management report output request means is means for requesting output of the communication management information to the output destination image processing apparatus when the output destination of the image processing apparatus is designated from the cordless slave unit. Communication device. A cordless telephone connected to at least one image processing apparatus having at least one of a scanner function and a printer function via a network and connected to a plurality of cordless slave units that transmit and receive control signals and audio signals by wireless connection And a program for controlling a communication device having a facsimile communication function,
An output request receiving procedure for receiving a communication management report output request from the cordless slave;
A communication management report output request procedure for requesting the image processing apparatus to output only the communication management report related to the cordless slave when the output request of the communication management report is received;
A program that causes a computer to execute. Control signals and audio signals between a communication device having a cordless telephone function and a facsimile communication function, a plurality of image processing devices having at least one of a scanner function and a printer function, and the communication device by wireless connection In a communication system having at least one cordless child device that transmits and receives and a network that connects the communication device and the image processing device,
The communication device is a device having an image processing device designation means for designating an image processing device that outputs a communication management report. A cordless telephone connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses having at least one of a scanner function and a printer function via a network and connected to at least one cordless slave unit that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals by wireless connection And a communication device having a facsimile communication function,
An image processing apparatus designating unit for designating an image processing apparatus that outputs a communication management report. A cordless telephone connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses having at least one of a scanner function and a printer function via a network and connected to at least one cordless slave unit that transmits and receives control signals and audio signals by wireless connection And a program for controlling a communication device having a facsimile communication function,
A program that causes a computer to execute an image processing device designation procedure for designating an image processing device that outputs a communication management report.

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