JP3186594B2 - Digital information transmission system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention belongs to the technical field of wireless mutual transmission of information in a system including a plurality of devices such as a computer device or a printer device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in order to increase the degree of freedom of installation locations of information processing equipment, for example, within a short distance such as one room (for example, 1
(For example, a computer device and a corresponding printer device)
So called wireless LA that transmits and receives information by wirelessly connecting
N (Local Area Network) systems are becoming popular. In this wireless LAN system, for example, a medium-speed wireless L
In the AN system, the wireless communication between the information processing devices is performed from 256 Kbps to 2 using radio waves in the 2.45 GHz band.
It is recommended that the transmission be performed at a data transmission rate of about Mbps. That is, for example, modulating a radio frequency carrier based on digital information processed by a computer device,
This is transmitted by radio waves to another computer device equipped with a printer, converted into digital information again, and recorded by the printer.

On the other hand, as another method for digitally connecting information processing devices within a short distance to each other wirelessly, there is a wireless communication system using infrared rays (wavelength 850 nm to 900 nm). In recent years, the infrared wireless communication system has been widely standardized internationally, and has been widely used in portable personal computers, for example, as a communication method capable of easily and digitally transmitting and receiving information at high speed.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional wireless LAN system, a connection device such as a dedicated LAN card is required in accordance with the type of the LAN.
Since an RF (Radio Frequency) module for transmission / reception must be provided, there is a problem that it is very expensive.

On the other hand, when digital information is transmitted and received by the infrared communication method, information can be transmitted at high speed and with high quality, but the output of the infrared transmitting / receiving section (output of the infrared light emitting section, sensitivity of the infrared receiving section, etc.) is low. Because (for example,
The output of the infrared emitting unit is 40 mW in the current standard.
/ sr to 500 mW / sr (mW / sr is 1 sr (steradian;
Radiant infrared energy per solid angle). ), The distance between information processing devices that can be wirelessly connected cannot be lengthened (actually, the maximum is several meters), and even if the output of the infrared transmitting and receiving unit is increased to solve this, there is a limit. There was a problem.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to combine the above two communication systems so that information can be transmitted and received at high speed, with high quality and easily. It is an object of the present invention to provide a possible wireless digital information transmission system.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention according to the first aspect of the present invention provides an infrared communication system with a relay device.
Information is transmitted and received digitally by radio waves excluding wires
A first information processing apparatus having a first wireless transmitting / receiving means;
The digital signal is transmitted to and from the first information processing device by the radio wave.
A relay wireless transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving information
Digitally communicating with an information processing device by infrared
A relay infrared transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving information;
From the line transmitting / receiving means to the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means
To send the information to the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means.
Converted and sent to suit, and said relay infrared
Transmitting the information from the transmitting / receiving means to the relay wireless transmitting / receiving means;
When this information is output, the information
Conversion means for converting and transmitting the data so that
Between the relay device and the relay device by the infrared rays.
Second infrared transmitting / receiving means for digitally transmitting and receiving the information
And a second information processing apparatus comprising:
An information transmission system, wherein the first information processing apparatus information
Printer means for recording information,
2 The information processing device is a computer device, and the
The information processed in the computer device is transmitted through the relay device.
Is transmitted to the printer means, and is transmitted to the printer means.
Is configured to be recorded and output .

According to the operation of the first aspect of the present invention, the first wireless transmission / reception means in the first information processing apparatus digitally transmits and receives information to and from the relay apparatus by wireless radio waves excluding infrared rays.

At this time, the relay radio transmitting / receiving means in the relay device digitally transmits and receives information to and from the first information processing device using the radio wave.

On the other hand, the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means in the relay device digitally exchanges information with the second information processing device by infrared rays.

The conversion means in the relay device, when transmitting information from the relay wireless transmission / reception means to the relay infrared transmission / reception means, converts the information so as to be compatible with the relay infrared transmission / reception means and transmits the converted information. When transmitting information to the relay wireless transmission / reception means from, the information is converted and transmitted so as to be compatible with the relay wireless transmission / reception means.

Further, the second infrared transmission / reception means in the second information processing device exchanges information digitally with the relay device by infrared rays.

Therefore, information is digitally transmitted and received between the first information processing device and the relay device by the above-mentioned radio wave, and information is digitally transmitted and received between the relay device and the second information processing device by infrared rays. Therefore, high-speed and high-quality transmission of digital information can be performed while converting information between the first and second information processing apparatuses provided with different communication means.

Further, when the first information processing device and the second information processing device are wirelessly connected to each other through the relay device provided with the conversion means, each of the first information processing device and the second information processing device is connected. For example, wireless connection can be made without adding a complicated configuration such as a LAN card in a wireless LAN.

Further, the first information processing apparatus includes a printer means.
And the second information processing device is a computer device.
Information processed by the computer device
Transmitted to the printer means via the relay device, and
Recorded in the data means.

Therefore, information processed in the computer device can be transmitted at high speed and with high quality, and recorded and output.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 2 is directed to a radio wave excluding infrared rays between the relay apparatus and the relay apparatus.
First wireless transmission and reception for digitally transmitting and receiving information
A first information processing apparatus comprising: a first information processing apparatus;
Digitally exchange information with the
Between the relay wireless transmitting / receiving means for receiving data and the second information processing device.
The information is exchanged digitally by infrared rays between
Relay infrared transmitting and receiving means, and the relay wireless transmitting and receiving means
When sending the information to the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means,
The information is changed to be compatible with the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means.
And send it out from the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means.
When sending the information to the relay wireless transmitting / receiving means,
Information to be compatible with the relay wireless transmitting and receiving means.
The relay device, comprising:
The information is digitally exchanged with the relay device by the infrared light.
The second infrared transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving information
Digital information transmission system comprising information processing device
Wherein the first information processing device reads information.
In addition to the canner means, the read information is
It is configured to transmit to the second information processing device via the relay device .

According to the operation of the second aspect of the present invention,
(1) The information processing apparatus includes a scanner unit and
Information transmitted to the second information processing device via the relay device.
Therefore, in the second information processing apparatus, the read information
Information can be processed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 3 is a radio wave excluding infrared light between the relay device and the relay device.
First wireless transmission and reception for digitally transmitting and receiving information
A first information processing apparatus comprising: a first information processing apparatus;
Digitally exchange information with the
Between the relay wireless transmitting / receiving means for receiving data and the second information processing device.
The information is exchanged digitally by infrared rays between
Relay infrared transmitting and receiving means, and the relay wireless transmitting and receiving means
When sending the information to the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means,
The information is changed to be compatible with the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means.
And send it out from the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means.
When sending the information to the relay wireless transmitting / receiving means,
Information to be compatible with the relay wireless transmitting and receiving means.
The relay device, comprising:
The information is digitally exchanged with the relay device by the infrared light.
The second infrared transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving information
Digital information transmission system comprising information processing device
Wherein the first information processing device communicates with an external device via a line.
And the first information processing apparatus is
The received information, which is the simmill information, is transmitted through the line.
FAX sent to outside and sent from outside
A facsimile machine for transmitting simmili information to the relay device
And reading the information and reading the second
Scanner means for transmitting to the information processing apparatus, and the second information
The processing device transmits the data via the relay device.
Printer means for recording information .

According to the operation of the third aspect of the present invention, further improvement is provided.
The first information processing apparatus is connected to the outside via a line.
And a facsimile hand in the first information processing apparatus.
The stage outputs facsimile information to the outside via a line
Along with facsimile information sent from outside
To the relay device.

On the other hand, a scanner in the first information processing apparatus
The means reads the information, and reads the second information through the relay device.
To the management device.

Further, a printer in the first information processing apparatus
The means is transmitted from the second information processing device via the relay device.
Record incoming information.

Therefore, a digital information transmission system
To exchange information with the outside world,
It is possible to take out and record information.

[0024]

Next, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a facsimile function that records facsimile information transmitted from the outside via a telephone line as it is, outputs the information to an external computer, reads information to be transmitted to the outside, and sends the information to the telephone line, and A printer function for recording print information to be recorded from an information processing device such as an external computer on a predetermined recording sheet, a scanner function for outputting information such as an image read by a scanner to an external computer, and further, the image as it is A multi-function peripheral device having a copy function for recording on a predetermined recording sheet, a digital portable telephone which is wirelessly connected to the multi-function peripheral device by a spread spectrum communication method, and which can be used as a cordless handset; A personal device wirelessly connected to a mobile phone by infrared communication Computer (hereinafter, referred to as PC.) Is intended to describe a case of applying the present invention to a digital information transmission system constituted by the.

(I) Configuration of Digital Information Transmission System First, the overall configuration of the digital information transmission system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, a digital information transmission system S according to the embodiment includes a multi-function peripheral device 1 as a first information processing device having a facsimile function, a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, etc. It is composed of a digital portable telephone 30 as a device and a portable personal computer 50 as a second information processing device.

The multi-function peripheral device 1 is provided with an instruction to the multi-function peripheral device 1 by a push-button switch 2a, an instruction operation for setting a predetermined state, or an LED (Light Emitting). The multi-function peripheral device 1 is provided with a power switch 3 on a side surface of the main body 1a. A paper feed section 1b is provided above the rear portion of the main body 1a, and when printing information received by facsimile or information received from an external computer device, the number of recording sheets in the paper feed section 1b is increased one by one. After the toner image is transferred to a printer unit (to be described later) in the functional peripheral device 1 and transferred, the toner is fixed on a recording sheet by being heated in a fixing unit (not shown), and is discharged onto a discharge tray 1c. You.

Further, on the rear surface of the multi-function peripheral device 1,
An antenna 4 for wirelessly connecting the digital portable telephone 30 usable as a so-called cordless handset and the multifunctional peripheral device 1 by a spread spectrum communication method is provided. Handset 18 for using functional peripheral device 1 as a base unit for telephone calls
Is also provided.

On the other hand, the digital portable telephone 30 has a display section 31 for displaying the use state of the digital portable telephone 30 and the like, and a dial button section 32 for dialing the telephone number of the other party when making a call. And a microphone 33 for inputting a user's voice, and the multifunctional peripheral device 1
An antenna 34 for making a wireless connection to the personal computer 50 by a spread spectrum communication method, a speaker 35 for outputting received voice information, and an infrared port 36 for making a wireless connection to the personal computer 50 by an infrared communication method. ing.

Further, the personal computer 50 processes a display 51 composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like for performing various displays, a pointing device 52 composed of a trackball or a stick for moving a cursor or the like on the display 51, and the like. A keyboard 53 for inputting necessary data and the like, and an infrared port 54 for making a wireless connection with the digital portable telephone 30 by an infrared communication system are provided.

(II) Configuration and Operation of Multifunctional Peripheral Device Next, the detailed configuration and operation of the multifunctional peripheral device 1 will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunctional peripheral device 1
CPU 10, ROM (Read Only Memory) 11, E
EPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable
Read Only Memory) 12 and RAM (Random Access)
Memory 13 and a scanner unit 14 as scanner means.
A printer unit 15 as printer means, a wireless processing unit 16 as first wireless transmission / reception means, and an audio codec for converting an input audio signal into a digital signal and converting the input digital signal into an audio signal Part 1
7, the handset 18, and an NCU (Ne
twork Control Unit) 19, modem section 20, operation panel 2, amplifier 21, speaker 22, bus 2
3, an interface unit 25, and the antenna 4.

The radio processing unit 16 is provided with the changeover switch 1
6A, SS (Spread Spectrum) modem unit 16B,
It comprises an RF (Radio Frequency) transmitting / receiving unit 16C. Here, the changeover switch 16A connects the SS modem section 16B to the interface section 25 when the digital portable telephone 30 is used as a relay device via the wireless processing section 16, and connects the digital portable telephone 30 to the cordless telephone. When used as a slave unit for a call, it is for connecting the SS modem unit 16B to the voice codec unit 17.

Next, the operation of each section of the multi-function peripheral device 1 will be described.

The NCU 19 outputs facsimile information input via the telephone line 24 to the modem unit 20 and outputs voice information input via the telephone line 24 to the receiver 18 or the voice codec unit 17. Further NCU
19 transmits the information to be transmitted by facsimile transmitted from the modem unit 20 to the telephone line 24, and outputs the voice information generated by the receiver 18 or the voice information output from the voice codec unit 17 (the digital portable telephone 30). Is transmitted to the telephone line 24.

Next, the modem unit 20 performs a so-called modulation / demodulation operation. More specifically, the modem unit 20 performs a demodulation operation on facsimile information input from the NCU 19,
A digital signal corresponding to the facsimile information is output to the bus 23. Further, the modem unit 20 modulates facsimile information from the bus 23 and outputs it to the NCU 19.

The audio codec 17 performs analog / digital conversion of audio information input via the NCU 19,
The signal is output to the SS modem unit 16 via the changeover switch 16A, and the SS modem unit 1 is output via the changeover switch 16A.
6B is converted into an analog signal, and the obtained sound is converted to an NCU1.
9 to the telephone line 24. The audio codec unit 17 is provided with a PHS (Personal Handy phone System).
), Etc., the adaptive differential pulse code modulation (AD
PCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulatio
n)) and the like.

Next, under the control of the CPU 10, the scanner section 14 reads information such as an image to be transmitted by facsimile when the multifunction peripheral device 1 functions as a facsimile device, outputs the information to the bus 23, and outputs the information to the bus 23. Peripheral device 1
Reads information such as an image to be copied when the device functions as a copying device, and outputs the information to the bus 23. Further, the scanner unit 14 outputs the read information to the bus 23,
The information is transmitted to the personal computer 50 via the digital portable telephone 30 used as a relay device, and is subjected to various processes.

Under the control of the CPU 10, the printer unit 20 temporarily stores the received facsimile information input via the NCU 19 and the modem unit 20 in the RAM 13 when the multifunctional peripheral device 1 functions as a facsimile device. After that, or directly on a predetermined recording sheet and output. In addition, the printer unit 20 receives information such as an image to be copied from the bus 23 when the multi-function peripheral device 1 functions as a copy device, records the information on a predetermined recording sheet, and also prints the multi-function peripheral device 1. Receives from the bus 23 the information input from an external computer when it functions as a printer device, that is, the information input from the personal computer 50 via the digital portable telephone 30, and records it on a predetermined recording sheet.

As described above, the operation panel 2 gives an instruction to the multifunction peripheral device 1 and displays an instruction operation or state for setting a predetermined state.

Next, the ROM 11 mainly stores the CPU 10
Facsimile function, scanner function,
A read-only memory for storing a control program for realizing a printer function, a copy function, and the like.
Output via 3.

The EEPROM 12 stores information which should not be lost even when the power of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is turned off, for example, a telephone of a destination to which facsimile transmission is frequently performed when the multi-function peripheral device 1 functions as a facsimile device. This is a non-volatile memory for storing numbers, telephone numbers for so-called speed dialing, and the like.

The RAM 13 is a readable and writable memory for performing an operation such as temporarily storing necessary data under the control of the CPU 10. Specifically, the RAM 13 stores the telephone line 24 and the NCU 19 as facsimile information. The data inputted via the telephone line, the facsimile information to be transmitted to the outside via the telephone line 24, the information read by the scanner unit 14 and the like are temporarily stored, and are read out at a predetermined timing under the control of the CPU 10.

The radio processing unit 16 modulates digital information to be transmitted to the digital portable telephone 30 when the digital portable telephone 30 is used as a slave unit for a telephone call or when used as a relay device with the personal computer 50. And transmits the data via the antenna 4, and demodulates digital information received from the digital portable telephone 30 via the antenna 4 and transmits the demodulated digital information via the interface unit 25 to the bus 2.
3 or to the audio codec unit 17.

At this time, when the digital portable telephone 30 is used for a telephone call, the changeover switch 16A transmits the digital information input from the audio codec 17 to the SS.
When the digital portable telephone 30 is used as a relay device, the digital information input from the interface unit 25 is output to the SS modem unit 16B. Then, the SS modem unit 16B receiving the digital information from the changeover switch 16A performs a spectrum spreading process on the digital information, that is, a process of spreading the digital information over a wide frequency band, and outputs the digital information to the RF transmitting / receiving unit 16C. Then, the RF transmission / reception unit 16C receiving this modulates a carrier used for spread spectrum communication with the digital portable telephone 30 with the digital information and transmits the modulated signal from the antenna 4.
The spreading method is not limited to a method of modulating a carrier with a signal obtained by spectrum-spreading digital information, but may be, for example, a direct spreading method in which a carrier is spectrum-spread in advance. Further, a frequency hopping method in which the frequency of a carrier is changed over time may be used.

On the other hand, when receiving digital information from the digital portable telephone 30, the RF transmitting / receiving unit 16C first extracts the digital information from the radio wave received from the digital portable telephone 30 via the antenna 4. , To the SS modem 16B. Then, the SS modem unit 16B receiving this performs demodulation processing in the spread spectrum processing on the digital information, and outputs the processed digital information to the interface unit 25 or the audio codec unit 17 connected to the changeover switch 16A. . Then, the audio codec 17 converts the digital information into an analog signal, restores the original audio information transmitted from the digital portable telephone 30, and outputs it to the NCU 19.

On the other hand, under the control of the CPU 10, the amplifier 21 amplifies voice information such as a ring tone or a guidance voice to be output from the speaker 22 and outputs the amplified voice information to the speaker 22. Finally, the CPU 10 controls the operation of each of the above-described components via the bus 23.

(III) Configuration and Operation of Digital Mobile Phone Next, the internal configuration and operation of the digital mobile phone 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the digital portable telephone 30 has a display section 31 and a dial button section 3 described above.
2. In addition to the microphone 33, the antenna 34, and the speaker 35, an infrared port 36 as a relay infrared transmitting / receiving means
, An audio codec unit 37 including an analog / digital converter, a changeover switch 38, an SS modem unit 40
An RF transceiver 41 as a relay wireless transceiver,
A data rate conversion unit 42 as conversion means and a CPU 43 as communication means are provided.

Next, the operation of the digital portable telephone 30 will be described.

First, the digital portable telephone 30
The operation in the case of using as a cordless telephone handset for telephone calls will be described.

When the digital portable telephone 30 is used as a telephone (slave), first, the changeover switch 38 is switched to the audio codec section 37 side.

Next, audio information, which is analog information input via the microphone 33, is converted from analog information to digital information by the audio codec unit 37, and is input to the SS modem unit 40 via the changeover switch 38. . The spread spectrum process is performed in the SS modem unit 40 and output to the RF transmission / reception unit 41. The carrier wave used for the spread spectrum communication with the multi-function peripheral device 1 is modulated by the digital information, so that the carrier wave is transmitted from the antenna 34. Sent. Thereafter, the wireless processing unit 16, the audio codec unit 17, and the NCU 19 in the multi-function peripheral device 1
Via the telephone line 24. As a result, the voice reaches the call destination connected at that time.

On the other hand, when the digital portable telephone 30 receives the voice information transmitted from the other party, the information is first input to the multi-function peripheral device 1 via the telephone line 24, After passing through the audio codec unit 17 in the peripheral device 1, the above-described spread spectrum processing is performed in the wireless processing unit 16 and transmitted via the antenna 4. Then, in the example of the digital portable telephone 30, the RF transmitting / receiving unit 41 receiving the signal via the antenna 34 extracts digital information from the received radio wave, and outputs the digital information to the SS modem unit 40. Then, the SS modem section 40 receiving this performs demodulation processing in the above-described spread spectrum processing on the digital information, and outputs the processed digital information to the audio codec section 37 via the switch 38. Then, the audio information is converted into analog information by the audio codec unit 37 and output from the speaker 33 as audio.

In the above operation, the CPU 43
Performs synchronous control on each component, for example, by switching the changeover switch 38 at a predetermined timing.

By the operation of each component described above, the digital portable telephone 30 operates as a telephone (slave).

In the above description, the case where the digital portable telephone 30 exchanges information with the called party via the multifunctional peripheral device 1, that is, the case where the digital portable telephone 30 is used as a handset, has been described. In addition, the digital portable telephone 30 is connected to a base station in a so-called portable telephone network other than the multifunctional peripheral device 1 so as to exchange information with a called party as a normal portable telephone via the base station. You can also. In this case, it is needless to say that the digital portable telephone 30 must satisfy a predetermined standard (such as a communication method) as a portable terminal so that communication with the base station is possible.

Next, the operation in the case where the digital portable telephone 30 functions as a relay device for digital information between the multifunctional peripheral device 1 and the personal computer 50 will be described.

When using the digital portable telephone 30 as a relay device, first, the changeover switch 3
8 is switched to the data rate converter 42 side.

Next, the digital information transmitted from the infrared port 54 of the personal computer 50 and input via the infrared port 36 is transmitted to the data rate converter 42 at a predetermined data rate (for example, 32 kbps) when transmitted by the spread spectrum method. ) Is performed, and is input to the SS modem unit 40 via the changeover switch 38 at the converted data rate. Thereafter, the above-described spread spectrum processing is performed in the SS modem unit in the same manner as when the digital portable telephone 30 functions as a telephone.
The information is transmitted as digital information from the antenna 34 to the multifunctional peripheral device 1 via the F transmitting / receiving unit 41. Then, the multifunction peripheral device 1 that has received the digital information records or outputs the digital information or the telephone line 2.
4 is performed.

On the other hand, when the digital portable telephone 30 relays digital information from the multi-function peripheral device 1 to the personal computer 50, first, the digital information transmitted from the multi-function peripheral device 1 by the spread spectrum method is used as an antenna. 34, the digital information is extracted from the radio wave received by the RF transmitting / receiving unit 41 and output to the SS modem unit 40. Then, the SS modem section 40 receiving this performs demodulation processing on the digital information in the above-described spread spectrum processing, restores the original digital information transmitted from the multi-function peripheral device 1, and outputs the digital information to the changeover switch 38 Then, the data rate (for example, 11
5.2 kbps, 1.153 Mbps or 4 Mbps), and outputs it to the infrared port 36.
To the infrared port 54 of the personal computer 50.

In the above operation, the CPU 43
Performs control such as synchronization control as in the case of transmitting voice information.

By the operation of each component described above, the digital portable telephone 30 operates as a relay device.

(IV) Configuration and Operation of Personal Computer Next, the detailed configuration and operation of the personal computer 50 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, in addition to the display 51, the pointing device 52, and the keyboard 53, the personal computer 50 includes an infrared port 54 as a second infrared transmitting / receiving means, a CPU 55, an interface unit 56, Storage unit 57, ROM 58, RAM 5
9, a data rate converter 60 and a bus 61.

Next, the operation of each section will be described.

The auxiliary storage unit 57 stores an HDD (Hard Disk Dr.
ive) or FDD (Flexible DiskDrive), etc., and stores application software to be executed in the personal computer 50, and outputs it via the bus 61 as necessary.

The ROM 58 is a read-only memory for storing a control program for the CPU 55 other than the application software, and stores the control program and the like via the bus 61 as necessary.
55 and so on.

The RAM 59 is connected to the CPU 5 via the bus 61.
5 is a readable / writable memory for performing operations such as temporarily storing data necessary for processing in the CPU 55 under the control of the CPU 5.

The interface unit 56 performs an interface operation with the bus 61 when transmitting / receiving digital information to / from the multifunctional peripheral device 1 via the digital portable telephone 30.

When transmitting the digital information output from the bus 61 via the interface unit 56 to the multifunctional peripheral device 1 via the digital portable telephone 30, the data rate conversion unit 60 uses the data of the digital information. The rate is converted into a data rate for transmission by the infrared communication method, output to the infrared port 54, and transmitted from the infrared port 54 to the infrared port 36 of the digital portable telephone 30. On the other hand, when digital information from the multi-function peripheral device 1 is received via the digital mobile phone 30, the digital information transmitted from the infrared port 36 of the digital mobile phone 30 and input via the infrared port 54 Is converted to a predetermined data rate for transmission on the bus 61, and is output to the interface unit 56 at the converted data rate.

Finally, the infrared port 54 transmits the digital information from the data rate converter 60 to the infrared port 36 of the digital portable telephone 30, and receives the digital information transmitted from the infrared port 36. And outputs it to the data rate converter 60.

According to the operations of the multifunctional peripheral device 1, the digital portable telephone 30, and the personal computer 50 described above, various forms of digital information can be transmitted.
That is, for example, a document created using the application software of the word processor in the personal computer 50 can be used as digital information in the digital portable telephone 3
0 to the multi-function peripheral device 1, and can be recorded and output in the printer unit 15 of the multi-function peripheral device 1. Further, for example, in the digital portable telephone 30, during a voice call with the called party via the multi-function peripheral device 1, the calling is temporarily stopped, the called party is set to the receiving state, and the personal computer 50 is set to the receiving state. It is also possible to easily transmit desired information to a destination via the digital portable telephone 30 and the multifunctional peripheral device 1. In this case, the infrared port 54 of the personal computer 50 and the infrared port 36 of the digital mobile phone 30 are set to face each other.
Since the information can be sent to the communication destination only by performing the information sending process on the personal computer 50, the digital information can be transmitted very easily.

As described above, according to the digital information transmission system S of the embodiment, information is digitally transmitted and received between the multifunctional peripheral device 1 and the digital portable telephone 30 by the above spread spectrum communication method. Since information is digitally transmitted and received between the digital portable telephone 30 and the personal computer 50 by infrared rays, all information can be transmitted digitally. For example, as in the case of using an analog cordless telephone, one-way transmission is possible. Information can be transmitted at a higher speed, with higher quality, and more easily than when the unit is transmitted in an analog manner.

Further, even when the personal computer 50 is used at a position distant from the multi-function peripheral device 1 or an obstacle is present, even if direct infrared communication is difficult, the digital portable Using the portable telephone 30 as a relay device, specifically, the infrared ports 36 and 5
By arranging the digital portable telephone 30 near the personal computer 50 so that the four oppose each other, information can be transmitted between the personal computer 50 and the multi-function peripheral device 1 without any trouble. Therefore, as long as the wireless connection is established between the multi-function peripheral device 1 and the digital portable telephone 30, the printer in the multi-function peripheral device 1 can be used even at a position distant from the multi-function peripheral device 1. Alternatively, various functions such as facsimile can be used at any time from the personal computer 50 side, which is very convenient.

For this reason, for example, compared to a case where an infrared port is attached to the multifunction peripheral device 1 itself to directly communicate with the personal computer 50, the installation location of each device can be relatively selected. Since it is free and can be used in an environment that suits the user's preference, convenience is greatly improved.

Further, when the multi-function peripheral device 1 and the personal computer 50 are wirelessly connected via the digital portable telephone 30, each of the multi-function peripheral device 1 and the personal computer 50 has a LAN card of a wireless LAN, for example. The wireless connection can be established without adding such a complicated configuration.

Further, since the NCU 19 of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is connected to the outside via the telephone line 24 and outputs the received information to the outside via the telephone line 24, the information from the personal computer 50 is transmitted to the outside. A so-called facsimile function of transmitting and receiving data at high speed can be realized digitally at high speed and with high quality.

Further, the information read by the scanner section 14 can be digitally transmitted to the personal computer 50 at high speed and with high quality to perform desired processing.

When the multifunctional peripheral device 1 functions as a printer device, information processed by the personal computer 50 can be transmitted at high speed and with high quality and recorded and output.

Further, since the multi-function peripheral device 1 and the digital portable telephone 30 are wirelessly connected by the spread spectrum communication method, information can be transmitted and received while reducing the power density.

In the above description, the multifunctional peripheral device 1 and the digital portable telephone 30 are wirelessly connected by a spread spectrum communication system, for example, a direct spread spectrum spread communication system or a frequency hopping spread spectrum communication system. Although the case has been described, other spread spectrum communication systems may be used, and in any case, information can be transmitted and received while reducing the influence of power density and external interference. Therefore, high-quality information transmission is possible, but it goes without saying that other communication methods may be used.

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the case where the digital portable telephone 30 is used as a relay device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is now widely used as a light-weight and low-cost portable telephone. PHS
(Personal Handy phone System) A configuration in which an infrared wireless transmission / reception function is added to a telephone can be used as a relay device.

Further, the present invention provides not only a digital information transmission system including the multifunctional peripheral device 1, the digital portable telephone 30 and the personal computer 50, but also a wireless connection using radio waves other than infrared rays and a wireless connection using an infrared communication system. If it is a system that does, it can be widely applied.

[0085]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, information is digitally transmitted and received between the first information processing device and the relay device using the radio wave, and the first information processing device and the relay device communicate with the relay device. Since information can be digitally transmitted and received between the two information processing apparatuses by infrared rays, high-speed and high-quality information can be converted between the first and second information processing apparatuses having different communication means. When the first information processing apparatus is equipped with a printer,
The second information processing device is a computer device,
The information processed by the computer device relays the relay device.
Transmitted to the printer means via the
Is recorded and output.
Process information with high speed and high quality for recording and output
It is Ru can. You.

[0086] Moreover, when the first information processing apparatus and a second information processing apparatus wirelessly connected, via a relay apparatus having a conversion unit, to each of the first information processing apparatus or the second information processing apparatus For example, wireless connection can be made without adding a complicated configuration such as a LAN card in a wireless LAN.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first information
The processing device has scanner means and reads the read information.
Information to the second information processing device via the relay device.
In the second information processing apparatus, the read information is
Can be processed.

Therefore, the advantage of the digital information transmission system is
Convenience can be improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first information
Facsimile means in the processing unit
Send and receive csimilar information, and use scanner means to send information
Read and send to second information processing device via relay device
And relaying from the second information processing device by the printer means.
Records the information sent through the device,
Exchange of information with the outside in the digital information transmission system
Information can be read, and information can be read.
You can also record. In addition, the first information processing device
Communication means is connected to the outside via a line and receives
Since the output information is output to the outside via a line, the second information processing is performed.
Digitally transmits information from the
Can be sent out.

Therefore, the use of the digital information transmission system is improved.
Convenience can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance and overall configuration of a digital information transmission system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration inside a multi-function peripheral device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration inside a digital portable telephone.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration inside a personal computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Multifunctional peripheral device 1a ... Main body 1b ... Paper feed part 1c ... Discharge tray 2 ... Operation panel 2a ... Push button type switch 2b ... Display unit 3 ... Power switch 4, 34 ... Antenna 10, 43, 55 ... CPU11 58, ROM 12, EEPROM 13, 59, RAM 14, scanner unit 15, printer unit 16, wireless processing unit 16A, 38, changeover switch 16B, 40, SS modem unit 16C, 41, RF transmitting and receiving unit 17, 37, voice Codec section 18 ... Receiver 19 ... NCU 20 ... Modem section 21, 37 ... Amplifier 22, 35 ... Speaker 23, 61 ... Bus 24 ... Phone line 25 ... Interface section 30 ... Digital portable telephone 31 ... Display section 32 ... Dial button section 33: Microphone 36, 54: Infrared port 42, 60: Data rate converter 50: Pasoko 51: display 52: pointing device 53: keyboard 56: interface unit 57: auxiliary storage unit

Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ identification code FI H04L 12/28 H04L 11/00 310B H04M 11/00 302 H04N 1/32 (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04B 7/24-7/26 H04Q 7/04-7/38 H04B 10/10-10/22 H04L 12/28 H04M 11/00 302 H04N 1/32

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. Radio waves excluding infrared rays between a relay device
First wireless transmission and reception for digitally transmitting and receiving information
Between the first information processing device having the means and the first information processing device by the radio wave.
A relay wireless transmitting and receiving means for digitally transmitting and receiving information;
Digitally forward with infrared between two information processing devices
Relay infrared transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving information,
The wireless transmitting / receiving means sends the information to the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means.
When transmitting information, the information is transmitted to the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means.
And send it out as well as the relay infrared
From the line transmitting / receiving means to the relay wireless transmitting / receiving means.
When sending, adapt the information to the relevant relay wireless transmission / reception means
Conversion means for converting and sending the data to
Between the relay device and the relay device digitally by the infrared ray.
Before having the second infrared transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving the information
A digital information transmission system comprising a second information processing device , wherein the first information processing device includes a printer for recording information.
In addition to the above, the second information processing device is a computer device, and the information processed by the computer device is
Transmitted to the printer means via the relay device, and
Data recorded and output by the printer means.
Digital information transmission system. 2. Radio waves excluding infrared rays between the relay apparatus
First wireless transmission and reception for digitally transmitting and receiving information
Between the first information processing device having the means and the first information processing device by the radio wave.
A relay wireless transmitting and receiving means for digitally transmitting and receiving information;
Digitally forward with infrared between two information processing devices
Relay infrared transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving information,
The wireless transmitting / receiving means sends the information to the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means.
When transmitting information, the information is transmitted to the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means.
And send it out as well as the relay infrared
From the line transmitting / receiving means to the relay wireless transmitting / receiving means.
When sending , adapt the information to the relevant relay wireless transmission / reception means
Conversion means for converting and sending the data to
Between the relay device and the relay device digitally by the infrared ray.
Before having the second infrared transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving the information
A digital information transmission system comprising: a second information processing device ; wherein the first information processing device comprises: a scanner for reading information;
And relaying the read information to the relay device.
Transmission to the second information processing device via a device
Digital information transmission system. 3. Radio waves excluding infrared rays between the relay device
First wireless transmission and reception for digitally transmitting and receiving information
Between the first information processing device having the means and the first information processing device by the radio wave.
A relay wireless transmitting and receiving means for digitally transmitting and receiving information;
Digitally forward with infrared between two information processing devices
Relay infrared transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving information,
The wireless transmitting / receiving means sends the information to the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means.
When transmitting information, the information is transmitted to the relay infrared transmitting / receiving means.
And send it out as well as the relay infrared
From the line transmitting / receiving means to the relay wireless transmitting / receiving means.
When sending, adapt the information to the relevant relay wireless transmission / reception means
Conversion means for converting and sending the data to
Between the relay device and the relay device digitally by the infrared ray.
Before having the second infrared transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving the information
A digital information transmission system comprising: a second information processing device ; wherein the first information processing device is connected to the outside via a line.
And the first information processing apparatus transmits the received information, which is facsimile information, to the line.
Output to the outside and sent from outside
Facsimile for transmitting facsimile information to the relay device
Millimeter means, and reads the information and sends the second information
Scanner means for transmitting to the processing device , and scanner means for transmitting from the second information processing device via the relay device.
Digital information transmission cis to the printer unit, and further comprising a for the information recorded come are
Tem.