JP3230824B2 - Multi-line accommodating facsimile machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to, for example, a system for accommodating two lines.
The present invention relates to a multi-line accommodating facsimile apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus .

In recent years, in the field of facsimile transmission, a so-called two-line accommodating facsimile apparatus capable of selectively connecting an apparatus main body to two lines has been developed for the purpose of expanding a communication range and the like.

In this two-line-accommodating facsimile apparatus, as in the case of a normal so-called one-line-accommodating facsimile apparatus, it is possible to connect other communication devices such as a telephone so that the apparatus can be multifunctional. Conceivable.

In such a combined two-line-accommodating facsimile apparatus, in addition to the facsimile apparatus,
To connect another device (for example, a telephone) to two lines
There is a built-in line connection device.

[0005]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional line connection device.

In FIG. 8, reference numerals 11 and 12 denote connector input sections to which lines L1 and L2 are connected, respectively. 13
Is a line connection unit for selectively selecting the lines L1 and L2. Reference numeral 14 denotes a loop current detection unit that detects a loop current of the line selected by the line connection unit 13.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a FAX / dial switching unit.
Reference numeral 16 denotes a dial unit of the facsimile machine. 17,
Reference numeral 18 is a call signal detection unit. Reference numeral 19 denotes a transformer unit for connecting the line selected by the line connection unit 13 and a modem (not shown).

Reference numeral 20 denotes a control unit for switching the connection state between the line connection unit 13 and the FAX / dial switching unit 15. 2
Reference numeral 1 denotes a connector output unit to which the telephone set 22 is connected.

As shown in the figure, a conventional line connection device connects a telephone set 22 to a FAX / dial switching unit 15 to utilize a line connection device in a normal two-line-accommodating facsimile device as it is, And the telephone set 22 are connected to the lines L1 and L2.

However, in such a configuration, when the facsimile apparatus uses the line L1 (or L2), the telephone set 22 cannot use the line L2 (or L1), and the telephone set 22 cannot use the line L1 (or L1). (Or L2)
If the facsimile machine uses the line L2
(Or L1) cannot be used.

[0011]

As described above, in the conventional line connection device, when one line is in use, this line is used even if the other line is free. There was a problem that can not be.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a multi-line accommodating facsimile capable of simultaneously using at least two lines.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device .

[0013]

According to the present invention , at least two line input units are provided in an apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems.
Multi-line accommodation type that accommodates and allows simultaneous use of multiple lines
In the facsimile machine, the facsimile function unit and the telephone
A line connection unit for performing line connection to the machine, the facsimile
When a line selection operation is performed when a call is made by the
Includes a first switching means for switching the connection state of the line connection means to connect the line to the desired the facsimile function unit, when a call arrives from one of the circuit, the file
When the x-millimeter is in the automatic reception mode,
Give the facsimile function part the priority to disconnect the incoming line.
On the other hand, the facsimile function section
Phone, give the phone priority to the incoming line.
A second switching means for switching the connection state to, any
When making a call to the line, the facsimile function section is currently connected.
Line does not match the line you want to call
In this case, the line switching operation is performed by the first switching means.
While receiving a call from any line,
In the reception mode, the facsimile is
The line to which the function unit is connected matches the incoming line
The line switching operation by the second switching means.
And control means for performing the following .

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

According to the present invention, two lines are accommodated by the above configuration.
Multi-line accommodating facsimile machine
, Where one line is a telephone or facsimile machine
Even if you are using
Can be used in telephone or facsimile machine
You.

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the principle configuration of the present invention.
It is a lock diagram, such as a facsimile machine, a telephone, etc.
One communication device C (1) to C (N) to one line L (1)
To L (N) and disconnection of line connection means
Replacement means. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of the line connection device according to the present invention.

The illustrated line connection device is, for example, a network control device (hereinafter, referred to as a facsimile device) of a two-line accommodating facsimile device shown in FIG.
This is equivalent to “NCU” 61).

Here, before describing the line connection device of FIG. 2, the configuration of the two-line accommodating facsimile device of FIG. 3 will be briefly described.

In the figure, reference numeral 62 denotes a modem (hereinafter, referred to as "modem") for modulating transmission data and demodulating received data.
It is).

Reference numeral 63 denotes an operation unit for the operator to perform various operations. Reference numeral 64 denotes a reading unit for reading characters and the like from a document. Reference numeral 65 denotes a recording unit for recording characters and the like on recording paper.

Reference numeral 66 denotes a compression / decompression unit that compresses transmission data and decompresses reception data. Reference numeral 67 denotes an image memory unit that temporarily stores transmission data and reception data. Reference numeral 68 denotes a main control unit that controls each unit of the apparatus. 6
9 is a telephone connected to the facsimile machine.

In the above configuration, the data read by the reading section 64 is compressed by the compression / decompression section 66 and then modulated by the modem 62. This modulated output is sent from the NCU 61 to the exchange via the line L1 or L2.

On the other hand, data sent from the exchange via the line L1 or L2 is supplied to the modem 62 via the NCU 61 and demodulated. The demodulated output is decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 66 and then recorded on the recording paper by the recording unit 65.

The above is the configuration of the facsimile apparatus accommodating two lines. Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a description will be given of a configuration of a line connection device which is a feature of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 41 denotes a connector input unit to which the line L1 is connected, and reference numeral 42 denotes a connector input unit to which the line L2 is connected. These connector input sections 41, 4
2 is connected to the line connection unit 43.

The line connection section 43 is composed of two switches 431 and 432 whose connection state switches in conjunction with each other. The figure shows these two switches 4
31 and 432 are indicated by mechanical switches for convenience.

The switch 431 is a switch for selectively connecting the telephone set 69 to two lines L1 and L2. On the other hand, the switch 432 is a switch for selectively connecting the facsimile machine to the lines L1 and L2.

One fixed terminal 2a of the switch 431 is
The other fixed terminal 3a connected to the connector input section 42
Are connected to the connector input unit 41. Switch 4
One of the fixed terminals 2 b is connected to a connector input section 41, and the other fixed terminal 3 b is connected to a connector input section 42.

The movable contact 1a of the switch 431 is connected to the input terminal of the call signal detecting section 45 and the connector output section 46 via the line loop detecting section 44. A telephone 69 is connected to the connector output section 46.

The movable contact 1b of the switch 432 is connected to the movable contact 1c of the FAX / dial switching unit 48 via the line loop detecting unit 47.

One fixed terminal 2c of the FAX / dial switching unit 48 is connected to the input terminal of the call signal detection unit 49 and the output terminal of the dial unit 50. The other fixed contact 3c is connected to the modem 62 of FIG.
It is connected to the.

The detection outputs of the line loop detection units 44 and 47 and the detection outputs of the call signal detection units 45 and 49 are supplied to a control unit 52. The control unit 52, based on the detection output and the operation input of the operation unit 63 in FIG.
The connection state of the X / dial switching unit 48 is switched.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. First, the connection operation of the line connection unit 43 will be described.

Now, it is assumed that the movable contact 1a of the switch 431 of the line switching unit 43 is connected to the fixed terminal 2a. In this case, the movable contact 1b of the switch 432 is connected to the fixed terminal 2
b. Thus, in this case, the line L
1 is connected to a facsimile machine, and a telephone 6 is connected to a line L2.
9 is connected.

Therefore, the facsimile apparatus is connected to the line L1
Phone 69 is connected to line L2
Can be used. On the other hand, telephone 69 is connected to line L2.
, The facsimile apparatus can use the line L1.

In this state, when the connection terminal of the movable contact 1a of the switch 431 is switched from the fixed terminal 2a to the fixed terminal 3a by the control unit 52, the connection terminal of the movable contact 1b of the switch 432 is also fixed from the fixed terminal 2b. Terminal 3
b.

As a result, the facsimile apparatus is connected to the line L2, and the telephone set 69 is connected to the line L1.

Therefore, the facsimile apparatus is connected to the line L2
Telephone 69 is connected to line L1
Can be used.

Similarly, even when the telephone set 69 uses the line L1, the facsimile apparatus main body is connected to the line L2.
Can be used.

Next, the overall operation of FIG. 2 will be described. First, the operation at the time of transmission will be described. As the operation at the time of calling, there are a case where the facsimile apparatus makes a call and a case where the telephone 69 makes a call.

When the facsimile machine makes a call, there are cases where the line is selected by the operator and cases where the line is not selected.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation when "line selection" is not performed. In this case, the switching of the line connection unit 43 is not performed, and only the dialing operation is performed (step S11).

In this dialing operation, a calling signal is output from the dial unit 50. At this time, FAX
The movable contact 1c of the / dial switching unit 48 is fixed terminal 2c
It is connected to the.

Therefore, the call signal output from the dial unit 50 is supplied to the switch 432 via the FAX / dial switching unit 48 and the line loop detecting unit 47.

Thus, the movable contact 1 of the switch 432
If b is connected to the fixed terminal 2b, the call signal is sent to the exchange via the line L1. On the other hand, the movable contact 1b
Is connected to the fixed terminal 3b, the call signal
2 to the exchange.

When there is a response from the destination station to this call, the movable contact 1c of the FAX / dial switching unit 48 is connected to the fixed terminal 3c. As a result, the modem 62 is connected to the line L1 or L2, and the modulated data is transmitted.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation when "line selection" is performed. In this case, first, a desired line is selected by the operator (step S21). This selection information is performed using the operation unit 63 of FIG. This selection information is supplied from the main control unit 68 of FIG. 3 to the control unit 52.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the line selected by the operator matches the line to which the facsimile apparatus is currently connected (step S22). This determination is made by the control unit 52 based on the connection state of the switch 432.

If the selected line matches the line currently connected, the dialing process as described above is performed as it is (step S23). On the other hand, if they do not match, it is determined whether or not the selected line is in use (step S24).
This determination is made by the control unit 52 based on the detection output of the line loop detection unit 44 or 47.

If it is determined that the selected line is in use, the line switching operation is not performed, and dialing is performed using the line to which the facsimile apparatus is currently connected (step S).
23).

On the other hand, if not used, the connection line is switched to the selected line (step S25). Thus, dialing is performed using the selected line.

Next, a case where the telephone set 69 makes a call will be described. In this case, the line is not selected by the operator. Therefore, in this case, as in the case of FIG. 4, the line switching process is not performed, and only the dialing process is performed.

In this case, the calling signal output from the telephone set 69 is supplied to the exchange via the line to which the movable contact 1a of the switch 431 is currently connected.

Next, the operation at the time of an incoming call will be described. At the time of the incoming call, there are an automatic reception mode and a manual reception mode as operation modes. This mode of operation is usually
Can be set as initial settings by input from the operation panel
The main control unit 68 of the facsimile machine
It is necessary to switch the line connection status according to this setting mode
In this case, the operation of the NCU 61, the modem 62, etc. is controlled,
Execute the operation mode. As this control operation,
The switch of the line connection unit 43 built in the NCU 61
By switching the switches 432 and 431, the connection status of the line
The state can be switched.

The automatic reception mode is a mode in which the facsimile apparatus automatically receives facsimile information, and the manual reception mode is a mode in which the reception is manually set.

In the automatic reception mode, received data is supplied to the facsimile apparatus with priority. Therefore,
If the received data is facsimile information, the reception is continued as it is.

On the other hand, in the manual reception mode,
The received data is supplied to the telephone set 69 with priority. Therefore, even if the received data is facsimile information, this information cannot be received unless the reception mode is manually switched to the facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the automatic reception mode. In this mode, first, it is determined whether or not a calling signal has been received (step S31). This determination is made by the control unit 52 based on the detection outputs of the call signal detection units 45 and 49.

When the calling signal is received, it is determined whether or not the calling signal has been received on the line to which the facsimile apparatus is currently connected (step S32).

This determination is made by the control unit 52 based on the connection state of the line connection unit 43 and which of the paging signal detection units 45 and 49 has detected the paging signal.

For example, as shown in the figure, in a state where the facsimile apparatus is connected to the line L1, when a call signal is detected by the call signal detecting section 49, it is determined that the call signal is present on the connection line L1 of the facsimile apparatus. Is done.

On the other hand, when the calling signal is detected by the calling signal detecting section 45, it is determined that there is a calling signal on the line L2.

If it is determined that a calling signal has been received on the line to which the facsimile apparatus is currently connected, the facsimile apparatus enters a receiving state (step S33).

When it is determined that a call signal has been received on a line other than the line to which the facsimile apparatus is currently connected,
The connection state of the line connection unit 43 is switched. As a result, after the facsimile apparatus is connected to the call signal receiving line (step S34), the facsimile apparatus enters a receiving state.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the manual reception mode. In FIG. 7, the same steps as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the automatic reception mode, as described above,
If the line for receiving the call signal does not match the line to which the facsimile machine is currently connected, line switching is performed. That is, in this mode, the receiving line is controlled to be always connected to the facsimile apparatus.

On the other hand, in the manual reception mode,
If the line for receiving the call signal matches the line to which the facsimile apparatus is currently connected, line switching is performed (step S41).

That is, in this mode, the receiving line is controlled to be connected to telephone set 69. Thus, in this mode, the received data is always guided to the telephone 69 (step S42).

According to this embodiment described in detail above, the line connection unit 43 composed of the two switches 431 and 432 is provided to connect the facsimile apparatus and the telephone set 69 to different lines L1 and L2, respectively. Even if one line is in use, the other line can be used. As a result, the two lines L1 and L2 can be used efficiently without waste.

In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a line connecting device for connecting two communication devices to two lines has been described.

However, the present invention is applicable to three or more lines.
The invention can also be applied to a line connection device that connects one or more communication devices.

In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention, a multi-line accommodating facsimile accommodating at least two lines.
Use at least two lines simultaneously in millimeter equipment
That has an excellent effect of being able to
is there.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the principle configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a two-line-accommodating facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation when there is no line selection and an operation when a telephone makes a call when a facsimile apparatus makes a call.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a line is selected when a facsimile apparatus makes a call;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an automatic reception mode.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a manual reception mode.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional line connection device.

[Explanation of symbols]

31 line connection means 32 connection state switching means L (1) to L (N) lines C (1) to C (N) communication device 45, 49 second switching means (call signal detection unit) 52 first, second Switching means (control unit) 63 first switching means (operation unit) 68 first switching means (main control unit)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04M 11/00-11/10

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. At least two line input units inside a device
To accommodate multiple lines simultaneously
A line connecting means for connecting a line between a facsimile function unit and a telephone, and a line selecting operation at the time of calling by the facsimile function unit.
A first switching unit for switching a connection state of the line connection unit so as to connect the facsimile function unit to a desired line; and a facsimile function when an incoming call is received from one of the lines.
If the unit is in the automatic reception mode, the facsimile
Switching the connection state with priority to the incoming line to the functional unit
On the other hand, when the facsimile function section is in the manual reception mode,
A second switching means for preferentially switching the connection state of the incoming line to the telephone, and a facsimile function at the time of calling to any of the lines.
The line to which the unit is connected and the
If not, disconnect the line by the first switching means.
Call, and incoming calls from any line
Time, when in the manual reception mode,
The line to which the facsimile function unit is connected
If the line coincides, the second switching means turns
A multi-line-accommodating facsimile apparatus, comprising: control means for executing a line switching operation .