JP3517491B2 - 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 multifunctional facsimile having an answering machine function and a printer function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a facsimile machine for transmitting and receiving originals has been provided with an answering machine function for enhancing a communication function.

On the other hand, with the widespread use of personal computers, so-called facsimile machines with a printer function have also appeared, which are equipped with a printer interface so that the recording section of the facsimile machine can be used as a printer for a personal computer.

Therefore, when constructing a facsimile machine in which the above-mentioned printer function is integrated with the above-mentioned facsimile machine with an answering machine, there are various operation modes as the machine.

For example, when the operator sets the answering machine mode to leave the machine, the caller's message is sequentially recorded by the answering machine function when receiving an incoming call.

When the operator sets the printer mode in the answering machine mode and prints, the facsimile machine always operates in the answering machine mode when receiving a call according to the mode setting.

[0007]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, since the operator is in the vicinity of the facsimile machine for the printing work, the operation is performed only in the automatically set answering machine mode. Even if the operator tries to make a call in response to an incoming call, the facsimile apparatus has a drawback in that it cannot record the message of the calling party and cannot perform an operation according to the situation of the operator.

The present invention provides a communication function for communicating with a line.
And a program for printing data received from external devices.
Multiple functions that have different uses, such as the linter function,
Data communication device when it coexists with the data communication device.
The purpose is to improve selfishness .

[0009]

[0010]

The present invention is directed to receiving from a line.
Answering machine mode that automatically answers the ringing signal
Communication function with facsimile communication mode and external
Printer for printing data received from the device
Data communication device having a printer function having a mode
The printer function in the printer mode.
The setting means for setting and the printing means set by the setting means.
If the printer function is set to the above printer mode,
The above answering machine mode or the above in the above communication function
Automatic response operation performed in facsimile communication mode
And a data communication device having control means for suppressing the above.

The present invention is also directed to a call received from a line.
Answering machine and fax
Communication function that includes a communication mode and an external device
It has a printer mode for printing the received data.
In a data communication device having a printer function provided
And set the printer function to the printer mode.
The printer function is provided by the setting means and the setting means.
Depending on whether or not the printer mode is set,
The above answering machine mode or fax in the communication function
Start the above automatic response operation in Simili communication mode
Control so that the number of ringing signals received up to
A data communication device having a control means.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a telephone 1 is used by an operator to make a telephone call and is connected to a central line via an NCU section 2. The NCU unit 2 is a network control unit for interfacing with the office line, and the CML relay 3 is for separating the telephone call from the telephone 1 and other facsimile operations with respect to the office line. , Is set to the T side in the standby state. Further, the CI detection unit 4 is
This is to detect an incoming call by a calling signal from the central office line.

The switch 7 is used to separate the transmission / reception of an original from the operation of an answering machine in a facsimile operation, and is set to the M side in a standby state.

The modem 8 is for performing modulation / demodulation of image data during transmission / reception of a document, and the answering machine section 9 sends a preset message (OGM) to an office line after receiving a call, and thereafter. The caller's message (I
CM) is recorded. The speaker 10 is for reproducing and listening to the message recorded by the answering machine 9, and the CNG detecting section 20 is for detecting the CNG signal from the caller side during the operation of the answering machine.

The reading unit 11 reads a document with a CCD or the like. The ROM 12 stores the control program, fixed data, and the like, and the RAM 13
Stores data for control and received image data.

The recording unit 14 is for printing the received image data and the data coming from the printer interface, and the printer interface unit 15 is
This is an interface for controlling print data from the host computer. The operation unit 16 is used by an operator to operate the device, and includes a key input unit 17 including various input keys and an LED 1 indicating the state of the device.
8 and.

The CPU 19 controls the above-mentioned respective parts, and performs control according to a control program stored in the ROM 12.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the operation in the printer mode which is the printer function of the apparatus shown in FIG. The printer function will be described below.

First, the operator uses the key input unit 17 to set the printer mode.

After that, the operator sends a printer control command and print data by operating a host computer (not shown), which arrives at the printer interface unit 15 via the printer interface.

The CPU 19 controls the recording unit 14 according to the printer control command (S40), and prints and records according to the print data (S41).

After the printing and recording are completed, the operator releases the printer mode using the key input unit 17.

Next, the operation of the apparatus of this embodiment in each of the facsimile communication mode which is a communication / call function and the answering machine mode will be described.

First, the operator selects either the facsimile communication mode or the answering machine mode by the key input unit 17.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation when the operator sets the facsimile communication mode using the key input unit 17.

First, when the operator sends a document,
A document is set on the reading unit 11 and dial input is performed by the key input unit 17 (S1). This allows the CPU
19 sets the CML relay 3 to the F side and the switch 7 to the M side (S2).

Thereafter, the modem 8 sends a dial signal to the office line (S3), and the image data read by the reading section 11 is modulated by the modem 8 and sent as a facsimile signal to the office line to transmit the original. Do (S
4). After the transmission is completed (S5), the CPU 19 sets the relay 3 to T
Switch 7 to the M side (S6).

On the other hand, when there is an incoming call due to the arrival of a call signal (CI) from the central office line, if the printer mode is not being set (S13), the CI detector 4 causes the CPU 19 to perform this detection (S7).

In the apparatus of this embodiment, it is determined that the call signal is present when the ON / OFF pattern of the call signal is detected three times.

When the CPU 19 determines that there is a calling signal, the CPU 19 sets the relay 3 to the F side and the switch 7 to the M side similarly to the above (S8). After this,
The modem 8 demodulates the facsimile signal coming from the caller side via the office line and converts it into image data (S9).
The CPU 19 transfers this to the recording unit 14, and the recording unit 14 prints and records according to this image data (S10). When the modem 8 finishes receiving the facsimile signal (S11), the CPU 19 returns the relay 3 to the T side and the switch 7 to the M side (S12).

When the operator sets the printer mode by the key input unit 17 during the facsimile communication mode setting and performs the print operation from the host computer (S13), the CPU 19 is set to the printer mode. During this period, the CI detection unit 4 does not detect the CI. Therefore, even if there is an incoming call during this period, the reception of the facsimile is not started, the telephone 1 continues to ring, and the operator off-hooks the telephone 1 to make a normal call.

Thereafter, when the operator releases the printer mode setting with the key input unit 17 (S13), the CPU 1
9 again detects the CI and can shift to facsimile reception.

The above is the operation in the facsimile communication mode which is the basic operation of the apparatus of this embodiment. In the apparatus of this embodiment, the operator did not select the facsimile communication mode or the answering machine mode after starting the apparatus. If
This facsimile communication mode is set.

Next, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation when the operator sets the answering machine mode by the key input unit 17.

First, when the operator sets an original for transmitting the original and performs a dial operation (S20), the original is sent in the same manner as the "facsimile transmission" operation of FIG. 2 described in the above facsimile communication mode. A transmission operation is performed (S21).

On the other hand, when there is an incoming call due to the arrival of a call signal from the office line, if the printer mode is not being set (S30), the CPU 19 performs this detection by the CI detection unit 4 (S22).

Similarly to the above, in the apparatus of this embodiment, it is determined that the call signal is present when the ON / OFF pattern of the call signal is detected three times.

When the CPU 19 determines that the call signal is present, the relay 3 is set to the F side and the switch 7 is set to the A side (S23). After that, the CPU 19 controls the answering machine 9, sends a response message (OGM) indicating that the operator is absent, and records a message (ICM) issued by the caller in response thereto. (S24).

Then, when the recording of the ICM is completed (S2
5), the CPU 19 sets the relay 3 to the T side and sets the switch 7
Is set to the M side, and the answering machine operation ends (S26).

When the CNG signal indicating that the calling side is the facsimile machine is detected by the CNG detection unit 20 between the transmission of the OGM and the recording of the ICM (S2
7) Immediately shifts to the facsimile receiving operation.

That is, the CPU 19 sets the switch 7 to M
Then, the station line is switched to the modem 8 and connected to the modem 8 (S28), and thereafter, the document is received in the same manner as the "facsimile reception" operation of FIG. 2 described in the facsimile transmission mode (S).
29).

Here, when the operator sets the printer mode by the key input unit 17 while the answering machine mode is set and the print operation is performed from the host computer (S30), the CPU 19 is set to the printer mode. While the answering machine is in the released state, the CI detection unit 4 does not detect the CI. Therefore, even if there is an incoming call during this period, the operation does not shift to the answering machine operation, the telephone 1 continues to ring, and the operator off-hooks the telephone 1 to make a normal call.

Thereafter, when the operator releases the printer mode setting with the key input unit 17 (S30), the CPU 1
9 again detects the CI and can shift to the answering machine operation.

In the above description, the operator sets and cancels the printer mode using the key input section 17, but the operator can operate the host computer without operating the key input section 17. By sending the printer mode setting command and the printer mode releasing command, the printer mode can be set and released.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Since the structure of the apparatus in the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

The apparatus of the second embodiment is provided with a printer mode and operates in the printer mode when the operator selects and uses either the facsimile communication mode or the answering machine mode as the communication / call function. Also, the operation in the facsimile communication mode is assumed to be the same as that in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The operation when the operator sets the answering machine mode using the key input unit 17 in the apparatus of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the operator sets an original for transmitting the original and performs a dial operation (S50), the same operation as the facsimile transmission (S2 to S6) of FIG. 3 described in the above facsimile communication mode is performed. Then, the document transmission operation is performed (S51).

On the other hand, when there is an incoming call due to the arrival of a calling signal from the central office line, if the printer mode is not set (S52), the CPU 19 performs this detection by the CI detection unit 4 (S53).

In the apparatus of this embodiment, it is determined that the call signal is present when the ON / OFF pattern of the call signal is detected three times.

When the CPU 19 determines that there is a calling signal, the relay 3 is set to the F side and the switch 7 is set to A.
It is set to the side (S54). After that, the CPU 19 controls the answering machine 9, sends a response message (OGM) indicating that the operator is absent, and records a message (ICM) issued by the caller in response thereto. (S
55).

When the recording of the ICM is completed (S5
6), the CPU 19 sets the relay 3 to the T side and sets the switch 7
Is set to the M side, and the answering machine operation ends (S57).

When the CNG detection section 20 detects a CNG signal indicating that the calling side is a facsimile machine during the transmission of the OGM and the recording of the ICM (S5).
8) Immediately, the operation shifts to the facsimile receiving operation.

That is, the CPU 19 sets the switch 7 to M
Then, the station line is switched to the modem 8 (S59), and then the original is received (S60) in the same manner as the operation of the facsimile reception (S8 to S12) of FIG. 3 described in the facsimile transmission mode. .

Here, the operator sets the printer mode by the key input unit 17 while the answering machine mode is set, and the print operation from the host computer is performed (S5).
2) During this time, if a call signal arrives from the central line, the CPU 19 causes the CI detection unit 4 to detect the CI.

Here, the CPU 19 turns the CI on / off.
Although the pattern is detected (S61), the operation does not shift to the answering machine operation. Therefore, the telephone 1 rings due to CI, and the operator makes a call by off-hooking the telephone 1.

On the other hand, if the telephone 1 is not off-hook at this time, the arrival of CI from the station line continues and CP
When U19 detects the CI ON / OFF pattern 10 times, it is determined that the operator is not in the vicinity.

Therefore, after that, the operation shifts to the answering machine operation, and the CPU 19 performs the operation of S54 and thereafter described above.

When the operator finishes the printing operation and cancels the printer mode (S52), the CI is turned off again.
By detecting the N / OFF pattern three times, it is determined that CI is present (S53), and the answering machine operation is performed.

In the above description, the operator sets and cancels the printer mode using the key input section 17, but the key input section 17 is not operated as in the first embodiment. Also, the operator can set or cancel the printer mode by sending a printer mode setting command and a printer mode canceling command by operating the host computer.

[0063]

According to the invention described in claim 1, the printer
Depending on the setting status of the function, the automatic response operation of the communication function is suppressed.
By controlling the communication function and printer
Noh functions coexist in one data communication device
Improve the usability of the data communication device
The effect that can be obtained is obtained. Therefore,
For example, the printer function is set to printer mode.
In case of automatic answering in answering machine mode of communication function
By using the printer mode
The operator near the data communication device
You can respond manually. In addition, according to claim 2,
According to Ming, according to the setting status of the printer function, the communication device
Change the number of ringing signals before starting automatic response operation of Noh
By changing the communication function and printer
Multiple functions, called functions, can be shared within a single data communication device.
If it exists, the usability of the data communication device is improved.
The effect that it can be obtained is obtained. Therefore,
For example, if the printer function is set to printer mode
If you are in the answering machine mode of the communication function,
The number of times the ringing signal is received before starting the dynamic response operation
To use the printer mode by
The operator near the data communication device
Makes it easier to respond and the printer function is
If it is not set to the
To automatically answer the incoming call immediately
You can

[0064]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation in a printer mode in the above embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation in a facsimile communication mode in the above embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation in an answering machine mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation in an answering machine mode according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... phone, 2 ... NCU department, 3 ... CML relay, 4 ... CI detector, 7 ... switch, 8 ... Modem, 9 ... Answering machine, 10 ... speaker, 11 ... reading unit, 12 ... ROM, 13 ... RAM, 14 ... recording section, 15 ... Printer interface section, 16 ... operation part, 17 ... key input section, 18 ... LED, 19 ... CPU, 20 ... CNG detector.

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Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. Automatic in response to a ringing signal received from a line
Answering machine answering mode and facsimile communication mode
A printer having a communication function including a printer and a printer mode for printing data received from an external device
And a setting for setting the printer function to the printer mode in a data communication device having a function
Means; and the printer function by the setting means
When the mode is set, the communication function
The above answering machine mode or the above facsimile communication mode
Control means for suppressing automatic response operation performed by
And a data communication device. 2. Automatic in response to a ringing signal received from a line
Answering machine answering mode and facsimile communication mode
A printer having a communication function including a printer and a printer mode for printing data received from an external device
And a setting for setting the printer function to the printer mode in a data communication device having a function
Means; and the printer function by the setting means
Depending on whether or not the mode is set,
The above answering machine mode or facsimile communication mode
Call until the automatic response operation is started
And a control means for controlling the number of times the signal is received so as to be different from each other . 3. The printer mode of the printer function according to claim 1, wherein:
When the communication mode is released, the above-mentioned control means performs the above communication function.
Call answering machine mode or fax communication
Control to cancel suppression of automatic response performed in mode
A data communication device characterized by: