JP2009232403A - Communications equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide communications equipment which enables a person having originated a call to a general telephone function, to recognize the presence of a user near the communication equipment, when using internet telephone functions. <P>SOLUTION: For an MFP 1, prior to originating a call through internet telephone functions, an MFP (multi-function peripheral) 1 brings a telephone line network 100 from a line open state into a line closed state. Thereafter, the MFP 1 maintains the telephone line network 100, in a line-closed state, until the telephone call is ended via the internet telephone function by using an Internet telephone program 14a. When the telephone line network 100 is brought into the line closed state, a person who has originated the call to general telephone function is answered, to indicate that a user of the MFP is busy in telephone function. The MFP 1, hence, enables the person who has originated call to the general telephone function, to recognize that the user of the MFP 1 is busy with telephone functions and is present near the MFP 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device.

Conventionally, regarding a communication device having an Internet telephone function for making a call with a partner apparatus via the Internet network and a general telephone function for making a call with a partner apparatus via a public line network (telephone network), for example, Patent Literature 1 is known. In this Internet telephone adapter, when an incoming call is made to the general telephone function when the Internet telephone function is used, a hooking signal indicating that the incoming call is answered is transmitted by a user operation. And temporarily suspends the use of the Internet telephone function and responds to an incoming call for the general telephone function. Therefore, according to the Internet telephone adapter, it is possible to respond to an incoming call for the general telephone function even when the Internet telephone function is used. Note that “incoming call” means a state in which a call is made from the other device side and the public line (telephone line) is not closed. “Respond to incoming call” is a call from the other device side. This means that the public line is closed.
JP 2004-350063 A

  However, in the above-mentioned Internet telephone adapter, when an incoming call is made to the general telephone function when using the Internet telephone function, the hooking signal is not transmitted unless the user performs any operation. Unable to answer incoming calls for telephone functions. At this time, since the public line (telephone line) is not closed (because the public line is open), the general telephone function is used for the person who made a call to the general telephone function from the other device side. A ringing tone is output indicating that it is not. Therefore, the user of the Internet telephone adapter is using the Internet telephone function, and who is in the vicinity of the Internet telephone adapter, makes a call to the general telephone function from the other device side by the output of the ringing tone. However, there is a problem that the user of the Internet telephone adapter is misunderstood.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. When the Internet telephone function is used, the incoming call is generated when an incoming call is made to the general telephone function. It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device that allows a person who has made a call to a general telephone function to recognize that there is a user near the communication device.

  In order to achieve this object, a communication device according to claim 1 includes a general telephone function for making a call with a partner apparatus using a public line network, and an Internet telephone function for making a call with a partner apparatus using an Internet network. General telephone function setting means for setting the general telephone function to a state in use, and when using the Internet telephone function, the general telephone function setting means is controlled to control the general telephone function. Setting control means for setting to a state in use.

  The communication device according to claim 2 is the communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device according to claim 1 outputs sound corresponding to the electrical signal received from the counterpart device, and inputs and outputs sound to be transmitted to the counterpart device; Input / output detection means for detecting that the input / output of sound by the input / output means is enabled, and reception means for accepting use of the Internet telephone function, wherein the setting control means includes the input / output detection means. When it is detected that sound input / output of the input / output means is enabled, the general telephone function setting means is controlled to set the general telephone function to the in-use state, and then the receiving means When the use of the Internet telephone function is accepted, the release of the in-use state set by the general telephone function setting means is prohibited.

  The communication device according to claim 3 further comprises a determination unit that determines a partner device with which to make a call using the Internet telephone function according to the communication device according to claim 1, wherein the setting control unit is configured to use the Internet telephone by the determination unit. When the other party device with which the call is made is determined, the general telephone function setting means is controlled to set the general telephone function to a state in use.

  The communication device according to claim 4 is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an incoming call detection unit that detects an incoming call by the Internet telephone function, wherein the setting control unit includes the incoming call When the incoming call is detected by the detecting means, the general telephone function setting means is controlled to set the general telephone function to a state in use.

  The communication device according to claim 5 is provided with non-use detection means for detecting that the Internet telephone function being used is in a non-use state in the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The setting control means controls the general telephone function setting means when the non-use detecting means detects that the Internet telephone function is in a non-use state, and the general telephone function is being used. Release means for releasing the state is provided.

  The communication device according to claim 6 is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the setting control means controls the general telephone function setting means to bring the public line network into a closed circuit state. By doing so, the general telephone function is set to a state in use.

  The communication device according to claim 7 is the communication device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the release unit controls the general telephone function setting unit to bring the public line network into an open circuit state. The state in which the general telephone function is in use is canceled.

  According to the communication device of the first aspect, when using the Internet telephone function, the setting control means controls the general telephone function setting means to set the general telephone function to the in-use state. Here, when the general telephone function is set to the in-use state, when a call is made to the general telephone function, the person who made the incoming call, that is, the person who made the call to the general telephone function On the other hand, a response indicating that the general telephone function is in use is made. Thereby, the person who made a call to the general telephone function can recognize that the telephone function is in use. Therefore, when the Internet telephone function is used, the telephone function is in use. Therefore, when an incoming call is made to the general telephone function, the person who generated the incoming call, that is, the general telephone function is called. There is an effect that the user of the communication device can recognize that the user who has made the call is using the telephone function and is in the vicinity of the communication device. As a result, it is possible to prompt a person who has made a call to the general telephone function to re-call the general telephone function after waiting for a predetermined time.

  When using the Internet telephone function, the general telephone function is set to the in-use state by the setting control means, so that the general telephone function is not required without special processing such as user operation. Can be set in use. Therefore, there is an effect that the process of setting the general telephone function to the in-use state can be simplified.

  According to the communication device of the second aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device of the first aspect, the setting control means detects that the input / output means can input / output sound by the input / output detection means. Then, the general telephone function setting means is controlled to set the general telephone function to the in-use state. Then, when the use of the Internet telephone function is accepted by the accepting means, the setting control means prohibits the release of the in-use state of the general telephone function set by the general telephone function setting means. That is, when the input / output means can input / output sound and the use of the Internet telephone function is accepted thereafter, the setting control means is in use of the general telephone function set by the general telephone function setting means. Maintain the state. Therefore, it is possible to input / output sound from the input / output means, and when the use of the Internet telephone function is accepted after that, the general telephone function is in use. When a call occurs, the user of the communication device is using the telephone function and is in the vicinity of the communication device with respect to the person who generated the incoming call, that is, the person who made the call to the general telephone function. There is an effect that can be recognized.

  According to the communication device of the third aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication device of the first aspect, the setting control means is configured to perform general operations when the other device to call using the Internet telephone function is determined by the determination device. The telephone function setting means is controlled to set the general telephone function in use. Therefore, when the other party device to which a call is made using the Internet telephone function is determined, the general telephone function is in use, so when an incoming call is made to the general telephone function, the incoming call is generated. Thus, there is an effect that the user of the communication device can recognize that he / she has made a call to the general telephone function and is in the vicinity of the communication device using the telephone function.

  According to the communication device of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the setting control means detects the incoming call by the Internet telephone function by the incoming call detection means. In this case, the general telephone function setting means is controlled to set the general telephone function to a state in use. Therefore, when an incoming call by the Internet telephone function is detected, the general telephone function is in use. Therefore, when an incoming call is made to the general telephone function, the person who generated the incoming call, that is, There is an effect that the user of the communication device can recognize that the user who has made a call to the general telephone function is using the telephone function and is in the vicinity of the communication device.

  According to the communication device of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the canceling means detects that the Internet telephone function has been disabled. If detected by the means, the general telephone function setting means is controlled to cancel the state in which the general telephone function is in use. Therefore, when it is detected that the Internet telephone function is not in use, the general telephone function is made available so that the user of the communication device has received an incoming call to the general telephone function. In this case, there is an effect that the incoming call can be answered.

  According to the communication device of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the setting control means controls the general telephone function setting means to close the public line network. By setting the connection state, the general telephone function is set to the in-use state. When the public line network is closed, a response indicating that the user of the communication device is busy is sent to the person who has made a call to the general telephone function from the other device side. Therefore, when a call is made to the general telephone function, the user of the communication device is in a call by the telephone function to the person who generated the incoming call, that is, the person who made the call to the general telephone function. There is an effect that it can be recognized that it is in the vicinity of the communication device.

  According to the communication device of the seventh aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the release means controls the general telephone function setting means to open the public line network. To cancel the in-use state of the general telephone function. When the public line network is in an open state, the call during the general telephone function is canceled. Therefore, the user of the communication apparatus can respond to an incoming call when an incoming call is made to the general telephone function.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a multifunction peripheral device (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)”) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The MFP 1 is a communication device that allows a person who makes a call to the general telephone function to recognize that there is a user near the MFP 1 when using the Internet telephone function.

  The MFP 1 is a multi-functional peripheral device having various functions such as an Internet telephone function, a general telephone function, a facsimile function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a copy function. The MFP 1 also operates as a control device for controlling the Internet telephone function, and is connected to the Internet line 200. The MFP 1 makes an Internet phone call with the Internet phones 3A, 3B, 3C provided outside via the Internet line 200.

  The MFP 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a flash memory 14, an operation button 15, an LCD 16, a speaker 17, a scanner 18, a printer 19, a modem 20, an NCU. (Network Control Unit) 21, handset 22, timing circuit 23, USB interface 24, microphone 25, handset detection sensor 26, and Internet interface 27 are connected to each other via bus line 25.

  The CPU 11 is connected via the bus line 25 according to fixed values and programs stored in the ROM 12, RAM 13, and flash memory 14, or according to various signals transmitted / received via the NCU 21, USB interface 24, or Internet interface 27. It is the arithmetic unit which controls each part.

  The ROM 12 is a non-rewritable nonvolatile memory that stores various control programs executed by the MFP 1 and fixed values referred to by the control programs. For example, each process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. A program for executing is stored.

  The RAM 13 is a rewritable volatile memory for temporarily storing various programs and data. The RAM 13 is provided with a ringing start timer 13a. This ringing start timer 13a is a timer that measures the elapsed time from an incoming call when there is an incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C. For example, when a call is made from the internet telephone 3A to the internet telephone function of the MFP 1, the internet telephone program 14a detects an incoming call from the internet telephone 3A. Then, the CPU 11 starts measuring the ringing start timer 13a. When an incoming call from the Internet phone 3A is detected, the incoming call is not answered and the ringing start timer 13a exceeds 60 seconds, that is, the elapsed time from the incoming call is 60 seconds. If exceeded, the CPU 11 instructs the Internet telephone program 14a to end the incoming call. Thereby, the incoming call from the Internet telephone 3A is completed.

  The flash memory 14 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and the data stored in the flash memory 14 is retained even after the MFP 1 is turned off. An internet telephone program 14 a is installed in the flash memory 14. As this Internet telephone program 14a, for example, “SKYPE” (registered trademark) provided by Skype Technology is known.

  The Internet telephone program 14a is activated when the power of the MFP 1 is turned on, and continues to be executed by the CPU 11 until the user instructs the end of the program by operating the operation button 15 or the power of the MFP 1 is turned off. The CPU 11 operates the Internet telephone function by controlling the Internet telephone program 14a. With this Internet telephone function, the MFP 1 can make Internet telephone calls with the Internet telephones 3 </ b> A to 3 </ b> C using the handset 22 and the speakerphone function using the speaker 17 and the microphone 25.

  The operation button 15 is an input button for switching functions such as Internet telephone, general telephone, scanner, printer and facsimile, and instructing and setting various operations. This operation button 15 is provided with an Internet telephone key 15a, a general telephone key 15b, a speakerphone key 15c, a stop key 15d, and a decision key 15e.

  The internet telephone key 15a is a button for instructing the CPU 11 to start using the internet telephone function when the MFP 1 uses the internet telephone function. When the Internet telephone key 15 a is pressed, the telephone directory (contact list) stored in the flash memory 14 is displayed on the LCD 16. When the user determines the Internet telephones 3A to 3C to be called from the displayed contact list and presses the determination key 15e, the CPU 11 instructs the Internet telephone program 14a to determine the telephone number information of the determined Internet telephone. Is sent to the Internet telephone. Thereby, a call is made from the MFP 1 to the determined Internet telephone.

  When the CPU 11 issues a call instruction to the Internet telephone to be talked to the Internet telephone program 14a, the CPU 11 controls the NCU 21 to change the telephone line network 100 from the line open state to the line closed state. . Then, when a call is made to the general telephone function, a response indicating that the user of the MFP 1 is talking on the telephone function is made to the person who made the call to the general telephone function. Therefore, the user who makes a call to the general telephone function can recognize that the user of the MFP 1 is talking on the telephone function and is in the vicinity of the MFP 1. Thereby, the MFP 1 can prompt the person who has made a call to the general telephone function to re-call the general telephone function after waiting for a predetermined time.

  The general telephone key 15b is a button for instructing the CPU 11 to start using the general telephone function when the MFP 1 uses the general telephone function. When the general telephone key 15b is pressed, the CPU 11 operates the general telephone function. Then, after pressing the general telephone button 15b, the telephone number of a general telephone (not shown) to be talked is input with the operation button 15, and when the enter key 15e is pressed, the CPU 11 issues a call instruction to the general telephone. Do. As a result, a call is made from the MFP 1 to the general telephone determined.

  The speakerphone key 15c is used for a speaker 17 and a microphone for a call with a general telephone (not shown) connected via the telephone line network 100 or a call with the Internet telephones 3A to 3C connected via the Internet 200. 25 is a button for operating a speakerphone function performed by using 25.

  The operation of the speakerphone function by the speakerphone key 15c will be described. When the handset 22 is placed on a placement table (not shown) and the placement is detected by the handset detection sensor 26 (when the handset 22 is not operating), when the speakerphone key 15c is pressed, the speaker The phone function is activated, and a call using the speaker 17 and the microphone 25 becomes possible. When the speakerphone key 15c is pressed again, the speakerphone function ends and the call is disconnected. This speakerphone function can be used not only when a call is made to a general telephone or an Internet telephone but also as a response when an incoming call is received for a general telephone or an Internet telephone.

  When the handset 22 is removed from the mounting table (not shown) and the removal is detected by the handset detection sensor 26 (when the handset 22 is in an operating state), when the speakerphone key 15c is pressed, the speakerphone The function is started, and a call using the speaker 17 and the microphone 25 can be performed instead of the call using the handset 22. Then, when the speakerphone key 15c is pressed again, a call using the speaker 17 and the microphone 25 becomes impossible, and a call using the handset 22 becomes possible again.

  The stop key 15d is a button for ending an incoming call when an incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C is detected by the Internet telephone program 14a. When an incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C is detected, if the stop key 15d is pressed, the CPU 11 instructs the Internet telephone program 14a to end the incoming call. Thereby, the incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C is completed.

  The enter key 15e is a button for determining the content operated using the operation button 15. For example, after the Internet telephone key 15a is pressed, when the Internet telephones 3A to 3C to be talked are determined by pressing the determination key 15e, the CPU 11 makes a call to the determined Internet telephone. On the other hand, after the general telephone key 15b is pressed, the telephone number of a general telephone (not shown) to be talked is input with the operation button 15, and when the enter key 15e is pressed, the CPU 11 makes a call to the general telephone. Make a call.

  The LCD 16 is a liquid crystal display for displaying a telephone book (contact list) stored in the flash memory 14 and an operation state in accordance with the operation of the operation button 15. When the user operates the operation button 15, information corresponding to the operation is displayed on the LCD 16. In addition, incoming calls from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C are displayed on the LCD 16. The incoming call is displayed by the CPU 11 controlling the LCD 16 to display the incoming call detection when the incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C is detected by the Internet telephone program 14a.

  The speaker 17 outputs various sounds according to the situation (for example, operation sounds of the operation keys 15 and caution sounds when an error occurs), and notifies the user of the situation by the sound of such sounds. The speaker 17 generates an incoming call sound when an incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C is detected by the Internet telephone program 14a. When the speakerphone key 15c is pressed, the speakerphone function using the speaker 17 and the microphone 25 operates, so that the speaker 17 is connected to a general telephone (not shown) connected via the telephone line network 100. And voices from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C connected via the Internet 200 are output.

  The scanner 18 reads an image from a document set on a document reading table (not shown) provided in the scanner 18 based on an instruction from the CPU 11, and displays the image on the LCD 16, or a printer 19. The image data that can be printed is generated. The image data read by the scanner 18 is stored in a predetermined storage area in the RAM 13 when the MFP 1 is set to the facsimile mode, the scanner mode, or the copy mode.

  The printer 19 performs printing on recording paper in a paper feed cassette (not shown) provided in the printer 19 based on an instruction from the CPU 11.

  Based on an instruction from the CPU 11, the modem 20 modulates transmission data stored in the RAM 13 into an image signal that can be transmitted to the telephone line network 100 and transmits the image signal via the NCU 21 or from the telephone line network 100 via the NCU 21. The input image signal is received and demodulated into image data that can be displayed on the LCD 16 or printed by the printer 19.

  The NCU 21 is connected to the telephone line network 100 and controls the transmission of a dial signal to the telephone line network 100 and the response of a calling signal from the telephone line network 100.

  The handset 22 is a device for making a call with a general phone (not shown) connected via the telephone line network 100 and for making a call with the Internet phones 3A to 3C connected via the Internet 200. It is a device. The handset 22 includes a microphone (not shown) that converts sound into a sound signal, and a speaker (not shown) that converts the sound signal into sound and outputs (sounds) it to the outside. The handset 22 can be used not only when making a call to a general telephone or Internet telephone, but also as a response when there is an incoming call to the general telephone function or the Internet telephone function.

  The clock circuit 23 is a known circuit having an internal clock that records the current date and time. The USB interface 24 is an interface for performing data transmission in accordance with the USB standard.

  The microphone 25 is a microphone that converts voice to be transmitted to a general telephone (not shown) or the Internet telephones 3A to 3C into a voice signal. When the speakerphone key 15c is pressed, the speakerphone function using the microphone 25 and the speaker 17 operates, so that the microphone 25 transmits voice to a general telephone (not shown) connected via the telephone line network 100. Or, voices to be transmitted to the Internet telephones 3A to 3C connected via the Internet 200 are input and converted into voice signals.

  The handset detection sensor 26 is a sensor that detects whether or not the handset 22 is placed on a placement table (not shown). When the handset detection sensor 26 detects that the handset 22 has been removed from the mounting table (when the handset 22 is in the up state), a call using the handset 22 becomes possible (the handset 22 operates). State). On the other hand, when the handset detection sensor 26 detects that the handset 22 is mounted on the mounting table (when the handset 22 is in the down state), a call using the handset 22 is disabled (handset) 22 becomes inoperative).

  The Internet interface 27 is an interface for using the Internet telephone function, and is connected to the Internet line 200. The MFP 1 makes an Internet call with the Internet telephones 3 </ b> A to 3 </ b> C provided outside via the Internet line 200 connected to the Internet interface 27.

  Next, referring to FIG. 2, a call / call process for making a call with an Internet phone or a general phone after making a call from the MFP 1 to the Internet phone or a general phone will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a call / call process. This calling / call processing is executed when the handset detection sensor 26 detects that the handset 22 is up, when the Internet telephone key 15a is pressed, or when the general telephone key 15b is pressed. Process.

  In the calling / call processing, first, it is determined whether or not the handset 22 is in an up state, that is, whether or not the handset 22 is in an operating state (S1). If the handset 22 is in the up state (S1: Yes), the NCU 21 is controlled to change the telephone line network 100 from the line open state to the line close state (S2). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S3. On the other hand, if the handset 22 is not in the up state (S1: No), the process proceeds to S3 while keeping the telephone line network 100 open.

  In the process of S3, it is determined whether or not the key pressed before the call / call process is started is the Internet telephone key 15a (S3). If the Internet phone key 15a or the general phone key 15b is not pressed before the call / call processing is started, and the handset 22 is up and the call / call processing is started, In the process of S3, a message “Please press any key of the Internet telephone key 15a or the general telephone key 15b” is displayed on the LCD 16, and the key of either the Internet telephone key 15a or the general telephone key 15b is displayed. Prompt the user to press. When one of the Internet telephone key 15a and the general telephone key 15b is pressed by the message displayed on the LCD 16, the pressed key is determined in the process of S3.

  If it is determined in step S3 that the Internet telephone key 15a has not been pressed, that is, the general telephone key 15b has been pressed (S3: No), the general telephone function of the MFP 1 is used to make a call to the general telephone. The process proceeds to S12 for making a call / call. In the process of S12, a telephone line network use process (S12), which is a publicly known process for making a call to a general telephone using the telephone line network and making a call, is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the internet telephone key 15a has been pressed (S3: Yes), the internet telephone function of the MFP 1 is used (using the internet telephone program 14a) to make an internet telephone call. The process proceeds to S4 and subsequent processes for making and calling.

  In the process of S4, the telephone directory (contact list) stored in the flash memory 14 is displayed (S4). Then, it is determined whether or not a call partner (internet phone for calling) is determined from the contact list (S5). If it is determined that the call partner has not been determined (S5: No), the contact list is repeatedly displayed until the call partner is determined (S4).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of S5 that the other party (internet phone for calling) has been determined (S5: Yes), it is determined whether or not the handset 22 is already in the up state (S6). If the handset 22 is not in the up state (S6: No), the telephone line network 100 is in the line open state, so the NCU 21 is controlled to change the telephone line network 100 from the line open state to the line closed state (S7). . Thereafter, the Internet telephone program 14a is used to make a call using the Internet telephone function using the Internet network (S8). If the handset 22 is not in the up state (S6: No), the handset 22 is in the non-operating state. Therefore, in the process of S8, a call is made by the speakerphone function using the speaker 17 and the microphone 25. Thereby, in the process of S8, the speakerphone key 15c is automatically pressed. The fact that the speakerphone key 15c has been pressed is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 13 in the process of S8, and this storage is used in a call process (S10) by the Internet telephone function using the Internet network described later. .

  On the other hand, if the handset 22 is already in the up state (S6: Yes), the telephone line network 100 is already in the line closed state (see the process in S2), so the line closed state of the telephone line network 100 is maintained. In this state, the Internet telephone program 14a is used to make a call using the Internet telephone function using the Internet network (S8).

  As described above, the MFP 1 changes the telephone line network 100 from the open line state to the closed line state before making a call using the Internet telephone function (before the processing of S8). When the telephone line network 100 is closed, a response indicating that the user of the MFP 1 is talking on the telephone function is sent to the person who has made a call to the general telephone function. Therefore, according to the MFP 1, it is possible to recognize that a user who has made a call to the general telephone function recognizes that the user of the MFP 1 is talking on the telephone function and is in the vicinity of the MFP 1. Thereby, the MFP 1 can prompt the person who has made a call to the general telephone function to re-call the general telephone function after waiting for a predetermined time.

  In step S8, after making a call using the internet telephone function using the internet network using the internet telephone program 14a, it is determined whether or not the other party has responded to the call (S9). If the other party does not respond to the call (S9: No), the call is repeatedly executed by the Internet telephone function using the Internet network (S8). If the stop key 15d is pressed while a call is being made by the internet telephone function using the internet network, the CPU 11 instructs the internet telephone program 14a to end the call. Thereby, the call by the Internet telephone function using the Internet network is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the other party responds to the call (S9: Yes), a call process is executed by the Internet telephone function using the Internet network (S10). Note that the call processing (S10) by the Internet telephone function using the Internet network will be described later with reference to FIG. When the telephone call by the Internet telephone function using the Internet telephone program 14a is finished and the process of S10 is completed, the NCU 21 is controlled to change the telephone line network 100 from the line closed state to the line open state (S11). As a result, the response indicating that the user of the MFP 1 is busy with the telephone function is canceled. Therefore, the user of the MFP 1 can respond to an incoming call when an incoming call is made to the general telephone function. Even when the telephone call using the general telephone function ends and the telephone line network use processing (S12) ends, the NCU 21 is controlled to change the telephone line network 100 from the line closed state to the line open state (S11). ). After the process of S11 is completed, the call / call process is terminated.

  As described above, the MFP 1 changes the telephone line network 100 from the open line state to the closed line state before making a call using the Internet telephone function. After that, the MFP 1 keeps the telephone line network 100 in a line-closed state until the call using the Internet telephone function using the Internet telephone program 14a is completed. When the telephone line network 100 is closed, when a call is made to the general telephone function, the user of the MFP 1 is talking on the telephone function to a person who has made a call to the general telephone function. A response indicating that Therefore, according to the MFP 1, it is possible to recognize that a user who has made a call to the general telephone function recognizes that the user of the MFP 1 is talking on the telephone function and is in the vicinity of the MFP 1. Thereby, the MFP 1 can prompt the person who has made a call to the general telephone function to re-call the general telephone function after waiting for a predetermined time.

  Next, referring to FIG. 3, an incoming call / call process for detecting incoming calls from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C and making a call with the Internet telephone from which the incoming call has been detected will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of incoming / call processing. This incoming / call processing is processing executed when incoming calls from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C are detected by the Internet telephone program 14a.

  In the incoming call / call processing, when incoming calls from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C are detected by the Internet telephone program 14a, first, the NCU 21 is controlled to change the telephone line network 100 from the open line state to the closed line state. (S21). When the telephone line network 100 is closed, when a call is made to the general telephone function, the user of the MFP 1 is talking on the telephone function to a person who has made a call to the general telephone function. A response indicating that Therefore, according to the MFP 1, it is possible to recognize that a user who has made a call to the general telephone function recognizes that the user of the MFP 1 is talking on the telephone function and is in the vicinity of the MFP 1. Thereby, the MFP 1 can prompt the person who has made a call to the general telephone function to re-call the general telephone function after waiting for a predetermined time.

  After the process of S21, ringing of an incoming call using the speaker 17 is started (S22), and the value of the ringing start timer 13a is initialized to zero (S23). Thereafter, the ringing start timer 13a is added (S24). The ringing start timer 13a is periodically added until 60 seconds have elapsed from the start of addition.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the speakerphone key 15c is pressed (S25). When the speakerphone key 15c is pressed (S25: Yes), it means that an incoming call has been made in response to an incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C (responding to an incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C). Therefore, the ringing of the incoming call tone is terminated (S26), and the telephone call processing by the Internet telephone function using the Internet network is executed (S27). Note that the depression of the speakerphone key 15c in the process of S25 is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 13, and this storage is used in a call process (S27) by the Internet telephone function using the Internet network described later. Note that the call processing (S27) by the Internet telephone function using the Internet network will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the telephone conversation by the internet telephone function using the internet telephone program 14a is completed and the process of S27 is completed, the NCU 21 is controlled to change the telephone line network 100 from the line closed state to the line open state (S28). As a result, the response indicating that the user of MFP 1 is busy with the general telephone function is canceled. Therefore, the user of the MFP 1 can respond to an incoming call when an incoming call is made to the general telephone function. After the process of S28 is completed, the call / call process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the speakerphone key 15c is not pressed (S25: No), it is determined whether or not the handset 22 is in the up state (S29). When the handset 22 is in the up state (S29: Yes), it means that an incoming call has been received in response to an incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C (responding to an incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C). Therefore, the process after S26 is performed.

  If the speakerphone key 15c is not pressed (S25: No) and the handset 22 is not in the up state (S29: No), it is determined whether or not the stop key 15d is pressed (S30). If it is determined that the stop key 15d has been pressed (S30: Yes), it means that the incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C is not responded, so the Internet telephone program 14a is instructed to terminate the incoming call (S32). Thereby, the incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C is completed. Thereafter, the NCU 21 is controlled to change the telephone line network 100 from the line closed state to the line open state (S33). As a result, the response indicating that the user of MFP 1 is busy with the general telephone function is canceled. Therefore, the user of the MFP 1 can respond to an incoming call when an incoming call is made to the general telephone function. Thereafter, ringing of the incoming call tone is terminated (S34). After the process of S34 is completed, the call / call process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S30 that the stop key 15d has not been pressed (S30: No), it is determined whether or not 60 seconds have elapsed from the start of addition of the ringing start timer 13a (S31). . If it is determined that the value of the ringing start timer 13a has passed 60 seconds from the start of addition (S31: Yes), it means that the incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C is not responded. Transition to processing. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the ringing start timer 13a has not passed 60 seconds from the start of addition (S31: No), the process proceeds to S24 and subsequent steps.

  As described above, when the incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C is detected by the Internet telephone program 14a, the MFP 1 changes the telephone line network 100 from the line open state to the line closed state. Thereafter, the telephone line network is used until the telephone conversation by the Internet telephone function using the Internet telephone program 14a is terminated, the stop key 15d is pressed, or the value of the ringing start timer 13a has passed 60 seconds from the start of addition. 100 is kept closed. When the telephone line network 100 is closed, when a call is made to the general telephone function, the user of the MFP 1 is talking on the telephone function to a person who has made a call to the general telephone function. A response indicating that Therefore, according to the MFP 1, it is possible to recognize that a user who has made a call to the general telephone function recognizes that the user of the MFP 1 is talking on the telephone function and is in the vicinity of the MFP 1. Thereby, the MFP 1 can prompt the person who has made a call to the general telephone function to re-call the general telephone function after waiting for a predetermined time.

  Finally, with reference to FIG. 4, the call processing (S10, S27) by the Internet telephone function using the Internet network will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a call process by the Internet telephone function using the Internet network.

  In a call process using the Internet telephone function using the Internet network, first, it is determined whether the speakerphone key 15c is pressed in either the process of S8 (see FIG. 2) or the process of S25 (see FIG. 3). (S41). Whether or not the speakerphone key 15c is pressed in the process of S41 is determined by both the process of S8 (see FIG. 2) or the process of S25 (see FIG. 3). This is because the call processing (S10, S27) by the telephone function can be executed in both the call / call processing (see FIG. 2) and the call / call processing (see FIG. 3). Therefore, when a call process (S10) is performed by the Internet telephone function using the Internet network in the call / call process, in the process of S41, the speakerphone key 15c is pressed in the process of S8 (see FIG. 2). It is determined whether or not (S41). On the other hand, when a call process (S27) by the Internet telephone function using the Internet network is performed in the incoming / call process, the speakerphone key 15c is pressed in the process of S41 (see FIG. 3) in the process of S41. It is determined whether or not (S41). Whether or not the speakerphone key 15c is pressed in the process of S8 (see FIG. 2) or the process of S25 (see FIG. 3) is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 13 as to whether or not the speakerphone key 15c is pressed. It is judged by whether or not. The memory indicating that the speakerphone key 15c has been pressed is erased from the predetermined area of the RAM 13 when the process of S41 is executed.

  In the process of S41, if it is determined that the speakerphone key 15c is not pressed in any of the processes of S8 (see FIG. 2) or S25 (see FIG. 3) (S41: No), the speaker Since the phone function is inactive and the handset 22 is in the up state, a telephone call is made using the Internet phone function using the handset 22 (S42). Note that the process of S42 is continued until the call using the Internet telephone function is disconnected.

  After the process of S42, it is determined whether or not the handset 22 is in a down state (S43). If it is determined that the handset 22 is in the down state (S43: Yes), the call by the internet telephone function is disconnected (S51), and the call process by the internet telephone function using this internet network is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the handset 22 is not in the down state, that is, the handset 22 is in the up state (S43: No), it is determined whether or not the speakerphone key 15c is pressed (S44). If it is determined that the speakerphone key 15c has not been pressed (S44: No), the process returns to S43.

  If it is determined in step S44 that the speakerphone key 15c has been pressed (S44: Yes), the handset 22 is in the up state, but the speakerphone function is used instead of the telephone call using the Internet telephone function using the handset 22. A telephone call is made using the Internet telephone function used (S45). The process of S45 is continuously performed until the telephone call by the Internet telephone function is disconnected.

  After the process of S45, it is determined whether or not the handset 22 is in a down state (S46). If it is determined that the handset 22 is not in the down state, that is, the handset 22 is in the up state (S46: No), it is determined whether or not the speakerphone key 15c is pressed (S47). If it is determined that the speakerphone key 15c has not been pressed (S47: No), the process returns to S46. On the other hand, if it is determined that the speakerphone key 15c is pressed (S47: Yes), the speakerphone function using the speaker 17 and the microphone 25 is terminated, and the process returns to S42.

  In the process of S46, when it is determined that the handset 22 is in the down state (S46: Yes), or in the process of S41, either the process of S8 (see FIG. 2) or the process of S25 (see FIG. 3) If it is determined in the processing that the speakerphone key 15c has been pressed (S41: Yes), the speakerphone function is operating and the handset 22 is in the down state, so the Internet phone function using the speakerphone function is used. A call is made (S48). Note that the process of S48 is continued until the call by the Internet telephone function is disconnected.

  After the process of S48, it is determined whether or not the handset 22 is in the up state (S49). If it is determined that the handset 22 is in the up state (S49: Yes), the process returns to S45, and a telephone call is performed using the Internet phone function using the speakerphone function when the handset 22 is in the up state (S45). . On the other hand, when it is determined that the handset 22 is not in the up state, that is, the handset 22 is in the down state (S49: No), it is determined whether or not the speakerphone key 15c is pressed (S50). If it is determined that the speakerphone key 15c has not been pressed (S50: No), the process returns to S49. On the other hand, if it is determined that the speakerphone key 15c has been pressed (S50: Yes), the call by the Internet telephone function is disconnected (S51), and the call process by the Internet telephone function using this Internet network is terminated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the MFP 1 changes the telephone line network 100 from the open line state to the closed line state before making a call using the Internet telephone function. Thereafter, the telephone line network 100 is maintained in a line-closed state until the telephone call using the Internet telephone function using the Internet telephone program 14a is completed. When the telephone line network 100 is closed, when a call is made to the general telephone function, the user of the MFP 1 is talking on the telephone function to a person who has made a call to the general telephone function. A response indicating that Therefore, according to the MFP 1, it is possible to recognize that a user who has made a call to the general telephone function recognizes that the user of the MFP 1 is talking on the telephone function and is in the vicinity of the MFP 1. Thereby, the MFP 1 can prompt the person who has made a call to the general telephone function to re-call the general telephone function after waiting for a predetermined time.

  When the incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C is detected by the Internet telephone program 14a, the MFP 1 changes the telephone line network 100 from the line open state to the line closed state. Thereafter, the telephone line network is used until the telephone conversation by the Internet telephone function using the Internet telephone program 14a is terminated, the stop key 15d is pressed, or the value of the ringing start timer 13a has passed 60 seconds from the start of addition. 100 is kept closed. When the telephone line network 100 is closed, when a call is made to the general telephone function, the user of the MFP 1 is talking on the telephone function to a person who has made a call to the general telephone function. A response indicating that Therefore, according to the MFP 1, it is possible to recognize that a user who has made a call to the general telephone function recognizes that the user of the MFP 1 is talking on the telephone function and is in the vicinity of the MFP 1. Thereby, the MFP 1 can prompt the person who has made a call to the general telephone function to re-call the general telephone function after waiting for a predetermined time.

  Also, according to the present embodiment, the MFP 1 changes the telephone line network 100 from the line open state to the line closed state when a call is made by the Internet telephone function. Further, when the incoming call from the Internet telephones 3A to 3C is detected by the Internet telephone program 14a, the MFP 1 changes the telephone line network 100 from the line open state to the line closed state. As described above, the MFP 1 changes the telephone line network 100 from the line open state to the line closed state in accordance with the use of the Internet telephone function. There is no need to perform a special operation to set the state. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the process of bringing the telephone line network 100 into the line closed state.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  In the above embodiment, the call / call processing is performed when the handset detection sensor 26 detects that the handset 22 is in the up state, when the Internet telephone key 15a is pressed, or when the general telephone key 15b is pressed. However, the processing is not limited to this. That is, in addition to the above, a change may be made so that calling / call processing is executed when the speakerphone key 15c is pressed. Then, for example, a process for determining whether or not the speakerphone key 15c is pressed before the call / call process is executed after the call / call process S2 is performed, and the call / call process is performed after the process. If the speakerphone key 15c is pressed before executing the above, a process for closing the telephone line network may be added. By changing the calling / call processing in this way, the telephone line network 100 can be changed from the line open state to the line closed state even when the speakerphone key 15c is pressed.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the Internet 1 is provided with the Internet phone key 15a and the call / call processing is executed when the Internet phone key 15a is pressed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, one or more slave units that can communicate with the MFP 1 are provided, and the slave unit is also provided with an Internet telephone key 15a. Then, in addition to the case where the Internet telephone key 15a of the MFP 1 is pressed, the call / call processing may be executed when the Internet telephone key 15a provided on the slave unit is pressed. . In the case of this configuration, the telephone line network 100 can be changed from the line open state to the line closed state even when the Internet telephone function is used in the handset.

2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the MFP according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of call / call processing executed by an MFP. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart of incoming / call processing executed in an MFP. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a call process using an Internet telephone function using an Internet network executed by an MFP.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (an example of a communication device)
14a Internet telephone program (an example of incoming call detection means)
15a Internet phone key (an example of accepting means)
15e Determination key (an example of determination means)
21 NCU (an example of general telephone function setting means)
22 Handset (an example of input / output means)
26 Handset detection sensor (an example of input / output detection means)
S2, S6: Yes, S7 Calling / call processing (an example of part of setting control means)
S11 Calling / call processing (an example of part of cancellation means)
S21 Incoming call / call processing (one example of setting control means)
S28, S33 Incoming call / call processing (an example of part of cancellation means)
S51 Call processing by Internet telephone function using Internet network (an example of non-use detection means)

Claims (7)

A general telephone function for making a call with a partner device using a public line network;
A communication device having an Internet telephone function for making a call with a partner device using an Internet network,
General telephone function setting means for setting the general telephone function to a state in use;
A communication apparatus comprising: setting control means for controlling the general telephone function setting means to set the general telephone function to a state in use when the Internet telephone function is used. Input / output means for inputting sound to be transmitted to the counterpart device while outputting sound corresponding to the electrical signal received from the counterpart device;
Input / output detection means for detecting that sound input / output by the input / output means is enabled;
Receiving means for accepting use of the Internet telephone function,
The setting control means controls the general telephone function setting means to use the general telephone function when the input / output detection means detects that the sound input / output of the input / output means is enabled. When the use of the Internet telephone function is accepted by the accepting means after that, the release of the in-use state set by the general telephone function setting means is prohibited. The communication apparatus according to claim 1. Determining means for determining a partner device to call using the Internet telephone function;
The setting control means controls the general telephone function setting means to set the general telephone function to a state in use when the partner apparatus to be called using the Internet telephone function is determined by the determining means. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a device. An incoming call detecting means for detecting an incoming call by the Internet telephone function;
The setting control means controls the general telephone function setting means to set the general telephone function in a use state when the incoming call is detected by the incoming call detection means. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A non-use detecting means for detecting that the internet telephone function being used is in a non-use state;
The setting control means controls the general telephone function setting means when the non-use detecting means detects that the Internet telephone function is in a non-use state, and the general telephone function is being used. 5. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising release means for releasing the state.   The setting control means controls the general telephone function setting means to set the general telephone function in a use state by bringing the public line network into a closed circuit state. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The release means is configured to release the in-use state of the general telephone function by controlling the general telephone function setting means to open the public line network. 5. The communication device according to 5 or 6.

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