JP3224891B2 - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile machine used as, for example, a terminal device of a hotel facsimile system, and more particularly to a facsimile machine installed in a guest room to provide a facsimile function to a customer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There have been many related inventions / designs using telephones provided in hotel rooms. For example, JP-A-62-2
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 159159 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Sho 59-218596 describe a fire alarm device using a telephone. In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Sho 62-217359, a separate sensor is used to detect the presence or absence of a person. It describes a system for managing occupancy through a telephone line.

[0003] In recent years, there has been an increasing number of cases in which a hotel facsimile system is constructed by replacing the above room telephone with a facsimile device. As is well known, a facsimile apparatus is a communication apparatus for transmitting and receiving image information (document), and has begun to spread from offices to homes and hotel guest rooms. As described above, the facsimile machine installed in the hotel guest room is connected as a telephone to, for example, the center terminal of the hotel front desk, and it is possible to deliver not only telephone calls but also documents to the outside (external line) as a facsimile. Therefore, it is useful for customers who use hotels for business purposes such as commercial use.

[0004]

However, such a conventional facsimile apparatus for a guest room has a function limited to document transmission and does not have a terminal function suitable for a hotel guest room service. Therefore, realization of a terminal function required for a hotel facsimile system is desired.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a facsimile apparatus capable of registering a guest room number and a center number at the time of installation, automatically calling the center terminal when necessary, and notifying the guest room number of the terminal itself. It is intended to be. In addition, the invention according to claim 2 provides an information acquisition service function so that a guest can receive a payment statement in advance in a guest room at the time of check-out, or can view information on hotel facilities in a guest room. It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile machine that can obtain information from a center terminal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus which can order a room service through a guest room terminal by providing a room service function, and realizes automation and reliability of the room service. . Another object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus which can automatically execute a wake-up call service without passing through a front desk by providing a wake-up call service function.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 provides a facsimile apparatus in which the recording terminal is automatically notified to the center terminal that there is no recording paper in the print output unit, thereby speeding up the recording paper supply and reducing the time loss until the supply. It is intended to be. Further, according to the invention of claim 6, by reporting the amount of recording paper used to the center terminal, the recording paper cost calculation data is included when one of the charge calculation items at the time of check-out includes the recording paper cost. It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile apparatus that can notify a center terminal.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the amount of recording paper used is defined with a fixed length as one unit.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile apparatus that notifies a center terminal of data for which a fair usage fee can be calculated even when recording paper output sizes are different. Claim 8
An object of the invention described above is to provide a facsimile apparatus in which a function designated by a center terminal is prohibited so that a function unnecessary for a customer is not activated, and confusion due to erroneous operation can be prevented. .

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a facsimile that notifies the center terminal of data for calculating a function usage fee at the time of check-out by recording the contents of the terminal functions used by the customer and reporting the contents to the center terminal. It is intended to provide a device. Further, an invention according claim 10, by performing the sound and display the signal from the center terminal, and its object is to provide a facsimile apparatus to achieve the reliability of the emergency call.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
In order to achieve the above object, there is a facsimile machine installed in a guest room of a hotel, and when there is a center terminal that centrally manages these facsimile machines for a guest room, a call number to the center terminal and installation of its own terminal are provided. A registration unit for registering the registered room number, and an automatic calling unit for automatically calling the center terminal by a call number in the registration unit by a predetermined operation and notifying the room number of the terminal itself. And

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein a plurality of types of function buttons corresponding to guest room service items are provided, and an information acquisition service is provided by the function buttons. Is selected, an information acquisition processing unit is provided for activating the automatic calling unit and receiving customer desired information from the center terminal.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, in the facsimile apparatus according to the second aspect, when room service is selected by a function button,
A room service setting unit that shows a service procedure and accepts and sets service contents, and a room service notification processing unit that activates the automatic calling unit after the setting is completed and notifies the center terminal of a guest desired room service, It is characterized by having.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, when a wake-up call service is selected by using a function button, a wake-up call service setting procedure is shown. A wake-up call service setting unit that accepts and sets a time and a sounding unit that sounds at the set time are provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the facsimile apparatus has a print output section for recording image information on a predetermined recording sheet, and a recording section for the print output section. Detecting means for detecting the absence of recording paper, and when the absence of recording paper is detected, the automatic calling unit is activated to notify the center terminal that there is no recording paper. It is characterized by.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus according to the fifth aspect, further comprising a recording paper counter for counting a recording paper usage in a print output unit, wherein A recording paper usage response processing unit is provided which responds to the center terminal with a value of the recording paper counter in response to a recording paper usage confirmation request from a terminal.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein a value of a recording paper counter is counted each time a predetermined length of recording paper is used. It is characterized by being up. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, in the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect, a prohibition function setting unit for setting a function of the own terminal that prohibits use in response to an instruction from the center terminal. It is characterized by having.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect further comprises a use status storage unit for storing the use status of the terminal itself, A usage status response processing unit is provided which receives a usage status confirmation request and returns data in the usage status storage unit to the center terminal. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the facsimile apparatus of the first aspect has a sounding means for receiving an instruction from the center terminal to issue an emergency alert, and a display for displaying an emergency message. Means.

[0018]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the calling number to the center terminal and the room number in which the terminal is installed are registered in the registration unit, and the automatic calling unit is activated by a predetermined operation. Then, the center terminal is automatically called according to the calling number in the registration unit, and the room number of the terminal is notified. Therefore, it is possible to connect to the center terminal with a minimum number of operations, and to notify the room number of the terminal itself, so that the center does not need to inquire about the room number, and prompt response is possible.

In the invention according to claim 2 having the above configuration, a plurality of types of function buttons corresponding to the guest room service items are provided, and when an information acquisition service is selected by the function buttons, the information acquisition processing unit causes the information acquisition processing unit to execute the information acquisition. Activate the automatic calling unit to receive desired information from the center terminal. Therefore, at the time of check-out, the guest can receive desired information while staying in the guest room, such as receiving a statement of payment in the guest room in advance and viewing information on hotel facilities in the guest room. This prevents erroneous operations by the user and eliminates the waiting time at the front desk during settlement.

In the third aspect of the invention having the above configuration, when the room service is selected by the function button, the room service setting section shows the setting procedure of the room service, accepts and sets the service contents, and sets after completion of the setting. The room service notification processing unit activates the automatic calling unit and notifies the center terminal of the room service desired by the customer. Therefore, room service can be ordered through the guest room terminal, and automation and reliability of the room service can be realized. In addition, since the frontman does not need to respond directly to receiving orders, he can concentrate on other tasks during this time, thereby improving workability.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4 having the above configuration, when the wake-up call service is selected by the function button, the wake-up call service setting section shows the setting procedure of the wake-up call service and accepts and sets the call time; At this set time, the sounding means is sounded. Therefore, the wake-up call service can be automatically executed without going through the front desk, and the labor of the hotel room clerk can be saved, and the work of the frontman can be saved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, there is provided a print output section for recording image information on a predetermined recording sheet, and a detecting means for detecting the absence of a recording sheet in the print output section. When the absence of the recording paper is detected, the automatic calling unit is activated by the recording paper absence notification processing unit to notify the center terminal that there is no recording paper. Therefore, the recording paper can be quickly replaced without receiving a communication from the user customer, and the time loss until the replacement can be reduced.

Further, in the invention according to the sixth aspect having the above configuration, the recording paper usage in the print output unit is counted by a recording paper counter, and when a recording paper usage confirmation request is received from the center terminal. Then, the recording paper usage response processing unit replies the value of the recording paper counter to the center terminal. Accordingly, when one of the charge calculation items at the time of check-out includes the recording paper fee, the recording paper fee calculation data can be notified to the center terminal, and it is not necessary to manually confirm the recording paper usage amount. Payment work can be made more efficient.

Further, in the invention according to claim 7 having the above configuration, the value of the recording paper counter is counted up every time a recording paper of a fixed length is used. Therefore, even when the output size of the recording paper is different, a count value proportional to the length can be obtained regardless of the number of sheets, and the usage fee can be calculated fairly. Further, since the usage amount for one count is constant, it is easy to grasp the total usage amount and the remaining amount of the recording paper, and it is possible to easily know a guide for replacing the recording paper.

[0025] In the invention according to claim 8 having the above configuration, the prohibition function setting unit sets a function to be prohibited from being used by the own terminal in response to an instruction from the center terminal.
Therefore, it is possible to set in advance so that functions unnecessary for the guest do not operate, and confusion due to mischief or erroneous operation can be prevented. In the invention according to claim 9 having the above configuration,
The usage status of the own terminal is stored in the usage status storage unit, and when a usage status confirmation request is received from the center terminal, the usage status reply processing unit replies the data in the usage status storage unit to the center terminal. Accordingly, the calculation data of the function usage fee can be notified to the center terminal at the time of calculating the fee at the time of checkout, and there is no need to manually confirm the function used for each guest room terminal, so that the hotel can improve the efficiency of the settlement operation. .

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention having the above structure, when receiving an instruction from the center terminal, the sounding means issues an emergency alert and simultaneously displays an emergency message on the display means. Therefore, the emergency call can be immediately transmitted to the user, and the certainty can be ensured.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below based on embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a view showing a facsimile apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a main configuration thereof, and FIG. It is an external view which shows an operation port. First, the configuration will be described. In FIG. 1A, a CPU (Central Processi
The ng unit 11 controls a system of the entire facsimile apparatus according to a program written in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12. The transmission control procedure for realizing facsimile transmission is a ROM program.
12 is stored. RAM (Random Access Memor
y) 13 stores and stores data as a work area necessary for the operation of the CPU 11. The scanner 14 is a reading unit that reads, for example, a transmission document or a copy document at a predetermined resolution. The plotter 15 is a print output unit that records image information, a reception report, and the like on a predetermined recording sheet. DCR
(Image information compression / reproduction unit) 16 encodes the image information to be transmitted by a predetermined method to compress the amount of information, and decodes the image information encoded at the time of reception to restore the original image information. I do.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the operation port 17 displays various operation keys for the operator (customer) to arbitrarily operate the facsimile apparatus, and displays a message or the like from the facsimile apparatus to the operator. It is an operation display unit on which a device (LCD) and the like are provided. The A to F buttons represent characteristic function buttons in the present embodiment, and their functions will be described later in this specification. The modem 18 is a modem that modulates a transmission signal and demodulates a reception signal. An NCU (network control unit) 19 captures a line (telephone line, extension, etc.) L for performing voice communication and facsimile communication. Telephone 20 represents a handset for making a voice call with a center device (not shown) or the outside via line L. The real-time clock 21 is a clock circuit that measures the current date and time, the elapsed time from a certain point, and the like.

Here, the configuration of the embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention will be described. This facsimile machine is installed in each guest room of a hotel, and a central terminal (not shown) is provided, for example, at the front of a hotel in order to centrally manage these facsimile machines for guest rooms. In this facsimile machine, the RAM 13 is used as a registration unit, and the calling number to the center terminal and the room number (room number) where the terminal is installed are registered in advance. When a function button A shown in FIG. 1B is pressed by a predetermined operation, for example, a call is automatically made to the center terminal by the calling number stored in the registration section of the RAM 13 and the room number of the terminal is notified. For this, CPU
Reference numeral 11 denotes an automatic calling unit according to the present embodiment, which is a modem 18 and an NCU according to a program stored in the ROM 12.
By controlling 19 etc., automatic call and guest room number notification are performed.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 2 shows FIG.
3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of data registration of a registration unit provided in a RAM 13 of FIG. As shown in the figure, the dial number is a calling number to the center terminal, and the terminal number is the same as the room number of the own terminal (this may be the same number as the room number,
The number may be arbitrarily set unique to the terminal as in the present embodiment) is registered in each area. In this embodiment, a number represented by [H (hex)] is registered, and F means the end of data. Such a number is inputted and registered through the operation port 17 by a service person at the time of installation. Thereafter, simply pressing the function key A automatically calls the center terminal and notifies the number of the terminal itself. If there is an incoming call at the center terminal, the number of the calling terminal is notified, so if a display unit that displays this or a board that lights up a lamp for each guest room is provided, the frontman can notify the caller The guest room number can be grasped without inquiring about the guest room number, and quick response is possible.

When notifying the cabin number, signals corresponding to the numbers 0 to F as shown in FIG. 2 are transmitted using the DTMF signal from the tone transmission circuit of the modem 18. This DTMF is called Dial Tone Matrix Frequen
This is an abbreviation of cy, and is a signal tone defined by using a PB button like a matrix. If such a DTMF signal is used, the guest room number can be notified with the same hardware as before without providing a new component for the number notification. For this reason, cost increase can be suppressed.

As described above, in this embodiment, by registering the guest room number and the center number at the time of installation, a call is automatically made to the center terminal only by pressing the function button A. Since the terminal can be connected to the center terminal and the room number of the terminal itself is notified, it is not necessary for the center to inquire about the room number, and quick response is possible.

Hereinafter, the invention according to claim 2 will be described based on embodiments. First, the configuration will be described. In FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1B, function buttons A to F are provided corresponding to a plurality of types of guest room service items. Here, for example, the B button is used as a function button for selecting an information acquisition service, and when the B button is pressed, the ROM
13 to start an automatic calling program to automatically call the center terminal. Then, the CPU 11 receives information desired by the customer from the center terminal as the information acquisition processing unit of the present embodiment. The information is received via the NCU 19, the modem 18, and the like, is temporarily stored in the RAM 13, and is printed out by the plotter 15.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a processing procedure showing one embodiment of an information acquisition service, and shows a processing procedure when a payment statement is acquired as information at the time of checkout. First, when a guest room user requests a balance sheet from the front desk (center terminal), the user presses a balance sheet request key, for example, a B button (step S1). When the B button is pressed, the CPU 11 starts the process of connecting the line L to the center terminal by operating the NCU 19 (step S2), reads out the dial number of the center terminal from the RAM 13 according to the automatic calling program, and sends out the DTMF from the modem 18. (Step S3).

Next, when there is a response from the center terminal (step S4), the CPU 11 reads the terminal number registered in the RAM 13 of FIG. 2 and notifies the center terminal by sending DTMF (step S5). Further, the code number corresponding to the B button, that is, the code number of the account settlement request is notified to the center terminal by DTMF (step S).
6). For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 2, the RAM 13 is provided with a registration area for code numbers corresponding to various function buttons, and the account settlement request code number for the B button is registered as, for example, “01FF”. The code number of the information acquisition service corresponding to such a function button may be registered by the user or may be initially set by the manufacturer. As the information obtaining service, in addition to the account settlement obtaining service of the present embodiment, for example, as in the information service indicated in correspondence with the C button, the location of a hotel facility such as an emergency exit or a restaurant, or the front desk call (by the A button) Automatic calling), a service for obtaining information on the operation method of the guest room terminal, and the like.

When the code number of the settlement report request is transmitted by DTMF, the settlement report is paid as image information from the center terminal to the facsimile device for the guest room, and is printed out by the plotter 15 (step S7). The guest room facsimile machine that has received the settlement report disconnects the line L connected between the center terminals (step S8), and ends the processing.

As described above, in this embodiment, an automatic call is made to the center terminal only by pressing the function buttons for obtaining various information, and the terminal number and the information obtaining service number are notified. The user can receive the desired information while staying in the guest room, such as receiving a statement of payment in advance in the guest room or viewing the information on the hotel facilities in the guest room. And eliminates the waiting time at the front desk during settlement.

Hereinafter, the invention according to claim 3 will be described based on embodiments. First, the configuration will be described. In FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1B, function buttons A to F are provided corresponding to a plurality of types of guest room service items. Here, for example, the D button is used as a function button for selecting a room service, and when the D button is pressed, the service content is indicated to the operation port 17 which is the room service setting unit of the present embodiment, and the service content is received. The service content is set and registered in the RAM 13, for example. After the setting registration, the CPU 11 activates the automatic calling program in the ROM 13 and automatically calls the center terminal. Then, the CPU 11 notifies the center terminal of the room service desired by the customer as the room service notification processing unit of the present embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the room service notification process.
First, when requesting a room service, the user checks the menu list (code numbers are described for each item) in each room and presses the room service function button D on the operation port 17 (step T1). . When the function button D is pressed, the CPU 11 checks whether or not the contents of the room service have already been input (step T2). If the function button D has not been input, that is, the function button D has been pressed for the first time, the menu code is displayed on the LCD on the operation port 17. Is displayed, and a menu code input such as "08" is accepted (step T3). Subsequently, a quantity input screen of this menu is displayed, and an input of a quantity such as "02" is accepted (step T4). Although omitted in this flowchart, when input of the menu code and the quantity for one item is completed, it is possible to inquire on the LCD whether or not there is another order, and to accept orders for a plurality of items.

After the input of the code and the quantity of each item is completed, when the function button D is pressed again (step T).
1) The CPU 11 confirms that the room service has been input (step T2), starts the process of connecting the line L to the center terminal through the NCU 19 (step T5), and dials the center terminal from the RAM 13 according to the automatic calling program. The number is read, and an automatic call is transmitted from the modem 18 by DTMF transmission (step T6).

Next, when there is a response from the center terminal (step T7), the CPU 11 reads the terminal number registered in the RAM 13 in FIG. 2 and notifies the center terminal by sending DTMF (step T8). Further, the center terminal notifies the code number corresponding to the D button, that is, the code number of the room service request, to the center terminal by DTMF, reads out the menu code and the quantity information input in steps T3 and T4 from the RAM 13 and reads the center code by DTMF. The terminal is notified (step T9). At this time,
The CPU 11 checks whether all menu orders have been notified (step T10). When all the orders have been notified, an order acceptance message is paid as image information from the center terminal that has received the order to the facsimile device for the guest room. The cabin facsimile machine that has received the message disconnects the line L connected between the center terminals (step T11), and ends the processing.

As described above, in this embodiment, the center terminal is automatically called just by pressing the room service function button D, and its own terminal number and desired room service contents are notified. Services can be ordered and room service can be automated and reliable. In addition, since the frontman does not need to respond directly to receiving orders, he can concentrate on other tasks during this time, thereby improving workability.

Hereinafter, the invention according to claim 4 will be described based on embodiments. First, the configuration will be described. In FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1B, function buttons A to F are provided corresponding to a plurality of types of guest room service items. Here, for example, the E button is used as a function button for selecting a wake-up call service, and when the E button is pressed, the setting procedure of the wake-up call service is shown to the operation port 17 which is the wake-up call service setting unit of the present embodiment, and the call time is displayed. And the call time is set to, for example, RA
The settings are registered in M13. After the setting registration, the CPU 11 monitors the current time by the real-time clock 21, and when the call time comes, the CPU 11 executes a wake-up sound such as a buzzer sound or an alarm sound to execute a wake-up call service. For this purpose, this embodiment includes a ringing unit that rings at a set time of a wake-up call. The ringing means may be newly provided for a wake-up call, or may be replaced by on-hook output of a signal sound normally provided as a facsimile apparatus.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a processing procedure showing one embodiment of the wake-up call service. First, the process waits until the function button E for wake-up call service selection shown in FIG. 1B is pressed (step P1), and when the E button is pressed, a time setting screen of the wake-up call is displayed on the LCD of the operation port 17. Then (step P2), the time input by the ten keys is accepted (step P3). For example, when "7:00 am" is input, this is displayed on the LCD (step P4). Next, the time setting is terminated by inputting the YES key (step P5), and a wake-up call setting OK screen is displayed on the LCD (step P6).
It is stored in M13.

When the E button is pressed again, time setting (change) is accepted any number of times in step P1. On the other hand, when there is no input of the E button in step P1,
The CPU 11 checks whether or not there is a time setting of the wake-up call with reference to the RAM 13 (step P
7). If there is a setting, the set time is read out at a predetermined cycle (step P8), and the real-time clock 2 is read.
Then, the current time is compared with the current time (step P9). The real-time clock 21 is conventionally provided in a facsimile apparatus for a time designation transmission function and the like, and makes use of this to make a buzzer sound at a time set by the user (step P10). The buzzer is sounded continuously for a predetermined time until the stop key of the operation port 17 is pressed by the user (step P11), and the set time of the RAM 13 is cleared by inputting the stop key (step P12).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the function button E of the wake-up call service is pressed and the user (customer) himself / herself sets the call time in the facsimile machine for the guest room, so that the call time is automatically set without passing through the front desk. Since the wake-up call service can be executed, the labor of the hotel room clerk can be saved, and the work of the frontman can be reduced. Also, since the wake-up call is executed using the existing real-time clock 21 in the facsimile machine,
There is no need to install a new clock, and the facsimile machine can be used effectively without increasing costs.

Hereinafter, the invention according to claim 5 will be described based on embodiments. First, the configuration will be described. In FIG.
The facsimile apparatus is provided with a plotter 15 for recording image information on predetermined recording paper. The plotter 15 uses recording paper such as roll paper or cut sheet. For this reason, the plotter 15 is indispensably provided with a detecting means (sensor) for detecting that there is no recording paper (out of recording paper). When the recording paper is a continuous paper (roll paper) such as a thermosensitive recording paper, an end mark such as a black band is provided at the end of the recording, and when this is detected by a reflection type sensor, for example, the CPU 11 performs the recording. Recognize that the paper has run out. When detecting the absence of the recording paper, the CPU 11 of the present embodiment activates the automatic calling program and automatically notifies the center terminal that there is no recording paper as a recording paper absence notification processing unit.

Next, the operation will be described. In the plotter 15 of FIG. 1A, an END mark (black band) on the thermal recording paper
Is detected by the sensor (reflection type), the CPU
The recording paper end information code is stored therein, and an automatic call is made to the center terminal. Then, the room number of the terminal itself and the recording paper end information code are transmitted by DTMF, and are notified to the center terminal. Note that the notification flow to the center terminal at this time is the same as that of FIG. After the notification, when the recording paper is replenished by the cabin clerk, the recording paper end information code is cleared from the RAM 13.

As described above, in this embodiment, by automatically notifying the center terminal that there is no recording paper in the plotter 15, the recording paper can be promptly exchanged without receiving a communication from the user (customer). The time loss up to the time can be reduced. Hereinafter, the invention according to claim 6 or 7 will be described based on embodiments. First, the configuration of the sixth embodiment will be described. In FIG. 1, the plotter 15
Is provided with a recording paper counter (not shown) for counting the amount of recording paper used, and the amount of recording paper used by the user is sequentially counted. This count value is updated and recorded in a predetermined area of the RAM 13 as shown in FIG. Here, for example, if there is a recording paper usage confirmation request from the center terminal at the time of check-out, the CPU receiving the request
Reference numeral 11 denotes a recording paper usage amount response processing unit according to the present embodiment, which returns the value of the recording paper counter to the center terminal. In order to identify the recording paper usage confirmation request from the center terminal, the request code is registered in the RAM as "90" in advance, and when this code is received by the guest room terminal by DTMF,
The recording paper usage amount reply processing of this embodiment is performed. This processing is performed when the hotel checks the amount of recording paper used at the time of check-out. However, it can of course be performed at any time, and the settlement according to the embodiment according to the second aspect of the present invention. It is also possible to automatically notify the amount of recording paper used when requesting a document.

Subsequently, with respect to the embodiment of claim 7,
The configuration will be described. In the plotter 15 of FIG. 1, the recording paper usage is counted by a recording paper counter, and the value of the recording paper counter is counted up every time a recording paper of a fixed length is used. That is, plotter 1
5 is a motor for feeding and outputting the recording paper, so-called RX.
Although a motor is provided, in the present embodiment, the drive pulses of the RX motor are counted, and this count value is, for example, A
(4) At the time when 1F (H) of one sheet is reached, the recording paper counter is incremented by one. This allows B4, A4, B5, etc.
Even when recording paper of different sizes is output (used), the A4 equivalent usage can be counted as one sheet, and the usage of the recording paper can be calculated uniformly regardless of the used size.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a response process for recording paper usage. First, when a call signal from the center terminal is detected via the NCU 19 (step Q1), the CPU 11 controls the NCU 19 to connect the line L (step Q2). ). After connecting the line, C
The PU 11 determines whether the request code is notified from the center terminal by DTMF (step Q3).
This request code detection is performed by a tone detector in the modem 18 for a predetermined time (step Q4). If the DTMF cannot be detected after the lapse of the predetermined time, the called terminal identification signal C
The ED is transmitted (step Q5), and normal facsimile reception is performed (step Q6). In the case of normal reception, the line L is disconnected upon completion of image information reception (step Q7), and the processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if the determination in step Q3 is YES, that is, if the DTMF signal is notified from the center terminal within a predetermined time, it is determined whether or not this DTMF is the recording paper counter request code "90" shown in FIG. (Step Q8),
If YES, the value "5 sheets" of the recording paper counter shown in FIG. 6 is read (step Q9), and this value is returned to the center terminal by DTMF (step Q10).

Since the recording paper counter value, which is the amount of recording paper used, is data required by the center terminal at the time of checkout, when the reply by DTMF is completed,
The value of the recording paper counter is cleared (step Q1).
1) A cutting process is performed (step Q7). In the present embodiment, the recording paper count value is cleared every time one settlement is made. However, for example, a counter for integrating the total value from the replacement of the recording paper may be provided, and the total value may be returned. Absent.

As described above, in the embodiment according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the amount of recording paper used is reported to the center terminal in response to the request from the center terminal. For example, when the recording paper cost is included, the recording paper cost calculation data can be notified to the center terminal, and there is no need to manually confirm the amount of recording paper used, so that the hotel can make the settlement work more efficient.

Further, in the embodiment according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the amount of recording paper used is counted with a fixed length as one unit, so that even if the output size of the recording paper differs, it does not depend on the number of sheets. A count value proportional to the length can be obtained, and the usage fee can be calculated fairly. Further, since the usage amount for one count is constant, it is easy to grasp the total usage amount and the remaining amount of the recording paper, and it is possible to easily know a guide for replacing the recording paper.

Hereinafter, the invention according to claim 8 will be described based on embodiments. First, the configuration will be described. In FIG.
When a call signal from the center terminal is detected via the NCU 19, the CPU 11 controls the NCU 19 to connect the line L, and determines whether or not a function inhibition code is notified from the center terminal by DTMF. The function prohibition code is represented by a code number of “99”, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, and transmission prohibition “10”, image information reception prohibition “02”,... The breakdown of the prohibited function is indicated by a code number such as “06”. These code numbers are registered in the RAM 13 in advance, and when a code that matches these code numbers is notified from the center terminal,
Reference numeral 13 denotes a prohibited function setting unit according to the present embodiment, which sets a function whose use is prohibited in its own terminal by a flag “0”. CPU
11 refers to this function prohibition flag and provides only usable functions to the user (customer).

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the prohibition function setting processing procedure, which is the processing returning to FIG. 7 and thereafter. That is, in FIG. 7, a call signal from the center terminal is detected via the NCU 19 (step Q1), and after connecting the line L (step Q2), the request code is notified from the center terminal by DTMF. (Step Q3),
If the request code is not the recording paper counter request code "90", the process proceeds to the processing in FIG. In FIG. 9, it is first determined whether or not the request code is the function prohibition code "99" shown in FIG. 8 (step Q12).
If it is ES, the function code to be prohibited is checked against codes "01" to "06" in FIG. 8 (step Q1).
3) As shown in FIG. 8, the corresponding function inhibition flag is set to "0" (step Q14).

As described above, in this embodiment, by prohibiting the use of the function specified by the center terminal,
It is possible to set in advance so that a function unnecessary for the guest does not operate, and confusion due to mischief or erroneous operation can be prevented. Below, claim
The invention described in Item 9 will be described based on Examples. First, the configuration will be described. In FIG. 1, a usage status storage unit is provided in the RAM 13 to store the usage status of the own terminal. FIG. 10 shows an example of storage of this usage status. The usage time and the number of recording papers, and the facsimile transmission code are associated with the functions used by the user (customer), for example, the copy code. The use time, communication time, partner number, and the like are stored in chronological order. Here, for example, when there is a usage status confirmation request from the center terminal at the time of check-out, the CPU 11 receiving the request reads the usage status data from the RAM 13 as the usage status response processing unit of the present embodiment, and sends the data to the center terminal. reply. In this case as well, a request code for identifying the use status confirmation request from the center terminal is registered in the RAM in advance, as in the embodiment according to the sixth or eighth aspect of the present invention.
When the cabin terminal receives the request by F, the use status reply process of this embodiment is performed. This processing is performed when the hotel checks the amount of recording paper used at the time of check-out. However, it can of course be performed at any time, and the settlement according to the embodiment according to the second aspect of the present invention. The usage status can be automatically notified when requesting a certificate.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of a use status reply processing procedure,
The process returns to and after FIG. That is, in FIG. 9, when the request code notified by the DTMF from the center terminal is not the function prohibition code, the processing shifts to the processing of FIG. In FIG. 11, it is first determined whether or not the request code is a use status confirmation request (step Q15).
If it is ES, the called terminal identification signal CED is returned to the center terminal (step Q16), and the request is accepted. Then, CP
U11 reads the usage data corresponding to one function code from the RAM 13 shown in FIG. 10 (step Q11).
17) and sends it to the center terminal (step Q1).
8). Next, the RAM 13 is referred to whether or not there is a function used thereafter (step Q19). If there is, the processing from step Q17 is repeated until all the usage data stored in the RAM 13 is transmitted.

When transmission of all the usage data is completed, a procedure end signal EOP is transmitted to the center terminal (step Q2).
0), and waits for a message confirmation signal MCF from the center terminal (step Q21). If the message confirmation signal MCF cannot be obtained, it is determined that a communication error has occurred, and the process returns to step Q16 to retransmit the data. On the other hand, when the message confirmation signal MCF is received, the disconnection command signal DCN is transmitted to disconnect the line L between the center terminals (step Q22), and the usage status data in the RAM 13 shown in FIG. (Step Q23), the process ends.

As described above, in this embodiment, the content of the function used in the cabin terminal is reported to the center terminal in response to the request from the center terminal. The calculation data can be notified to the center terminal, and there is no need to manually confirm the function used for each guest room terminal, so that the hotel can make the settlement work more efficient.

Hereinafter, the invention according to claim 10 will be described based on embodiments. First, the configuration will be described. In FIG. 1, the code number indicating an emergency from the center terminal is D
When notified by the TMF, an emergency alert is issued by a sounding means such as a buzzer or an alarm. Then, an emergency message as shown in FIG. 12A is displayed using the LCD on the operation port 17 as a display means. In this case as well, a request code for identifying an emergency report from the center terminal is registered in the RAM in advance, as in the embodiment according to claim 6 or 8, and this code is received by the cabin terminal by DTMF. When this is done, the emergency call processing of this embodiment is performed.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 12B is a flowchart showing the procedure of the emergency notification process, and the process returns to FIG. 7 after FIG. That is, FIG.
If the request code notified by the DTMF from the center terminal is not the use status confirmation code, the processing shifts to the processing in FIG. In FIG. 12, it is first determined whether the request code is an emergency call code (step Q2).
4) If YES, a buzzer (not shown) is continuously sounded (step Q25), and the LCD as shown in FIG.
A display is made (step Q26) and an emergency call is made to the user. This emergency call is continued until the user (customer) who confirms this presses the stop key in FIG. 1B (step Q27). If the determination in step Q24 is NO, that is, if the request code is not an emergency notification code, the recording paper counter request code (step Q8) and the function prohibition code (FIG. 9) are determined while DTMF reception is determined in step Q3 in FIG. , Step Q12), and the use status code (FIG. 11, step Q15), the process ends with an error.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the ringing and the display are performed by the signal from the center terminal, so that the emergency call can be promptly transmitted to the user, and the certainty can be ensured.

[0065]

As described above, according to the facsimile apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the calling number to the center terminal and the room number where the terminal is installed are registered in the registration unit, Activate the automatic calling unit by a predetermined operation and automatically call the center terminal by the calling number in the registration unit and notify the room number of the own terminal, so connecting to the center terminal with minimum operation In addition, since the room number of the terminal itself is notified, it is not necessary for the center to inquire about the room number, and prompt response is possible.

In the facsimile apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of types of function buttons corresponding to the guest room service items are provided, and when the information acquisition service is selected by the function buttons, the information acquisition processing unit causes Since the automatic calling unit is activated to receive the guest's desired information from the center terminal, for example, the guest can receive a checkout statement in the guest room at the time of check-out, or can see the information of the hotel facilities in the guest room. Since desired information can be obtained while staying in the guest room, and information can be obtained by one action using the function button, erroneous operation by the user can be prevented, and the waiting time at the front desk at the time of settlement can be eliminated.

According to the facsimile apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, when a room service is selected by a function button, the room service setting section shows the setting procedure of the room service, accepts and sets the service contents, and ends the setting. Later, the room service notification processing unit activates the automatic calling unit to notify the center terminal of the guest's desired room service, so that room service can be ordered through the guest room terminal, and automation and reliability of the room service can be realized. In addition, since the frontman does not need to respond directly to receiving orders, he can concentrate on other tasks during this time, thereby improving workability.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, when the wake-up call service is selected by the function button, the wake-up call service setting section shows the wake-up call service setting procedure and accepts and sets the call time. When the set time comes, the ringing means is ringed, so that the wake-up call service can be automatically executed without going through the front desk, and the labor of the hotel room clerk can be saved, and the work of the frontman can be saved. Also, since the wake-up call is executed using the existing clock in the facsimile machine, there is no need to set a new clock, and the facsimile machine can be effectively used without increasing the cost.

Further, according to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, there is provided a print output section for recording image information on a predetermined recording paper, and a detecting means for detecting the absence of the recording paper in the print output section. When the absence of the recording paper is detected, the automatic calling unit is activated by the recording paper absence notification processing unit to notify the center terminal that there is no recording paper, so that the recording can be performed without receiving a communication from the user (customer). Paper can be replaced promptly, and time loss until replacement can be reduced.

According to the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the recording paper usage in the print output unit is counted by the recording paper counter, and the recording paper usage confirmation request is received from the center terminal. And the recording paper usage response processing unit replies the value of the recording paper counter to the center terminal, so that when the recording paper fee is included as one of the charge calculation items at the time of checkout, the recording paper cost calculation data is sent to the center terminal. Since there is no need to manually check the amount of recording paper used, the hotel can make payment work more efficient.

Further, according to the facsimile apparatus according to the invention of claim 7, wherein, since counts up the value of the recording paper counter each time the recording paper of a certain length is used, the output size of the recording sheet is different Even in this case, a count value proportional to the length can be obtained regardless of the number of sheets, and the usage fee can be calculated fairly. Further, since the usage amount for one count is constant, it is easy to grasp the total usage amount and the remaining amount of the recording paper, and it is possible to easily know a guide for replacing the recording paper.

Further, according to the facsimile apparatus according to the invention of claim 8, in response to an instruction from the center terminal, since setting a function of prohibiting function setting unit is disabled by the own terminal, unnecessary for guests The function can be set in advance so that it does not operate, and confusion due to mischief or erroneous operation can be prevented.
According to the facsimile apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the use status of the own terminal is stored in the use status storage unit, and when the use status confirmation request is received from the center terminal, the use status reply processing unit Responds to the center terminal with the data in the use status storage unit, so that the calculated data of the function usage fee can be notified to the center terminal when calculating the fee at the time of checkout, and the function used for each guest room terminal is manually confirmed. Since there is no need for this, hotel settlement can be made more efficient.

Further, according to the facsimile apparatus of the tenth aspect , when receiving an instruction from the center terminal, the ringing means issues an emergency alert and simultaneously displays an emergency message on the display means, so that the emergency call is made. Can be promptly transmitted to the user, and the reliability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a facsimile apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein FIG. 1 (a) is a block diagram showing a main configuration thereof, and FIG. It is an external view which shows the operation port.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of data registration of a registration unit provided in a RAM of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a processing procedure showing one embodiment of an information acquisition service, and shows a processing procedure when a settlement statement is acquired as information at the time of checkout.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a room service notification process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a processing procedure showing an embodiment of a wake-up call service.

FIG. 6 is an RA that stores the amount of recording paper used in a plotter.
It is a figure showing M area.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process for replying to a recording paper usage amount.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a prohibited function setting unit provided in a RAM.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a prohibited function setting processing procedure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a storage example of a use status of a terminal;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a usage status reply processing procedure.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an emergency call, wherein FIG. 12 (a) is a display example of an emergency message, and FIG. 12 (b) is a flowchart showing an emergency call processing procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 CPU (automatic calling unit, information acquisition processing unit, room service notification processing unit, recording paper out notification processing unit, recording paper usage response processing unit) 12 ROM 13 RAM (registration unit, prohibited function setting unit, usage status storage) Unit) 15 plotter (print output unit) 17 operation port (room service setting unit, wake-up call service setting unit) 18 modem 19 NCU (network control unit) 21 real-time clock L line A to F function buttons

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-59-218596 (JP, A) JP-A-62-199159 (JP, A) JP-A-3-80662 (JP, A) JP-A-2- 51968 (JP, A) JP-A-2-51969 (JP, A) JP-A-62-297464 (JP, A) JP-A-4-67851 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 H04M 11/00-11/10

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A facsimile machine installed in a guest room of a hotel, wherein when there is a center terminal for centrally managing these facsimile machines for a guest room, a calling number to the center terminal and a guest room in which the own terminal is installed are provided. A facsimile, which comprises a registration unit for registering a number, and an automatic call unit for automatically calling a center terminal by a call number in the registration unit by a predetermined operation and notifying a room number of the terminal itself. apparatus. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of types of function buttons corresponding to the guest room service items are provided, and when an information obtaining service is selected by the function buttons, the automatic calling unit is activated and a center terminal is activated. A facsimile machine comprising an information acquisition processing unit for receiving information desired by customers. 3. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when a room service is selected by a function button, a room service setting section for indicating a setting procedure of the room service and accepting and setting the service contents; A facsimile apparatus comprising: a room service notification processing unit that activates a unit and notifies a center terminal of a desired room service to a center terminal. 4. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when a wake-up call service is selected by a function button, a wake-up call service setting section for indicating a wake-up call service setting procedure and accepting and setting a call time; A facsimile apparatus comprising: a sounding means for sounding. 5. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a print output unit for recording image information on a predetermined recording paper; and a detecting means for detecting the absence of the recording paper in the print output unit. A facsimile apparatus comprising: a recording paper absence notification processing unit that activates the automatic calling unit and notifies the center terminal that there is no recording paper when detecting the absence of recording paper. 6. A facsimile apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a recording paper counter for counting a recording paper consumption in a print output unit, wherein said recording paper counter receives a recording paper consumption confirmation request from said center terminal. A facsimile apparatus comprising a recording paper usage amount response processing unit for responding to the center terminal. 7. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a value of a recording paper counter is counted up each time a recording paper of a fixed length is used. 8. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a prohibition function setting unit that sets a function of the terminal that prohibits use in response to an instruction from said center terminal. 9. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a use status storage unit for storing a use status of the own terminal, receiving the use status confirmation request from said center terminal, and storing the data in said use status storage unit in the center. A facsimile machine comprising a use status reply processing unit for replying to a terminal. 10. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: ringing means for receiving an instruction from said center terminal to issue an emergency alert; and display means for displaying an emergency message. .