JP3620491B2 - Communication device, program, recording medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication device, a program, and a recording medium. More specifically, the present invention relates to a communication device such as a telephone and a facsimile, a program for causing a computer system to function so as to realize the communication device, and a computer on which the program is recorded. The present invention relates to a readable recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, NTT has provided an information service called “L mode”. The L mode is a service that can be used for information retrieval centered on characters and simple images and transmission / reception of e-mail, etc., through a menu operation from an L mode compatible communication device (telephone, facsimile, etc.).
Note that information retrieval and transmission / reception of electronic mail in the L mode are performed via an L mode gateway installed by NTT.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, information retrieval in the L mode is performed by operating a button of a communication device (telephone or facsimile) compatible with the L mode. Conventionally, telephones and facsimiles have only been entered with telephone numbers, so they are not arranged in locations where buttons can be easily operated in each home, and the operability is very poor depending on the arrangement location. In addition, the display attached to the telephone or the facsimile is small, the information retrieval display screen is difficult to see, and an expensive color liquid crystal must be prepared for color display.
[0004]
On the other hand, when an e-mail is received, the L-mode telephone and the facsimile display a mail reception pictogram for notifying the arrival of the e-mail on the display. However, there is a problem that the user has no opportunity to see this display unless he / she makes a telephone call or sends a facsimile, and notification of incoming e-mail is delayed or cannot be notified at all. .
[0005]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and has the following objects.
(1) Provided is a communication device composed of a parent device and a child device that can comfortably browse information acquired from a server.
(2) To provide a communication device that can surely notify an incoming e-mail.
(3) Provided is a program for causing a computer system to function so as to realize the communication devices (1) and (2).
(4) Provided is a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer system to function is implemented so as to realize the communication devices of (1) and (2) above.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
The communication device according to claim 1, which has been made to achieve such an object, can acquire image data provided from a server via a communication line and can transmit image data to a television receiver. And a slave unit wirelessly connected to the master unit as necessary, wherein the slave unit acquires data from the server for the display unit and the master unit. Data request means for requesting transmission, and selection means for selecting whether the acquired image data is to be displayed on the television receiver or the display, wherein the master unit includes the slave unit Transmission means for transferring image data acquired based on a request from the data request means on the side to a television receiver, wherein the transmission means is the television receiver selected by the selection means or Transmitting image data obtained either one of 示器When the base unit transmits the image data to the display unit, the base unit displays text-based image data by extracting text-based image data from the image data provided from the server. An image is displayed, and the parent device transmits image data to the television receiver. In this case, the image is displayed on the television receiver by creating the image data based on the image data provided from the server.It is a technical feature.
[0007]
In the communication device according to claim 1, the slave unit requests the master unit to acquire and send data from the server, and the master unit directly or via the slave unit acquires the data acquired based on the request of the slave unit. To transfer to the television receiver. Since the television receiver can be remotely operated by the slave unit, it is possible to operate the slave unit at a desired location, and it is easier to perform information search operations than when operated by the master unit having a poor location. . In addition, since the information acquired from the server via the master unit is displayed on the television receiver, the search information can be browsed comfortably on a large screen and in color.Therefore, when displaying an image on a small display of the slave unit, the display is limited to a text-based image, so that the display is easy to see and the data transfer time is shortened.
[0008]
In the communication apparatus according to claim 2, since the master unit includes signal conversion means for converting the acquired data into a television signal, the general-purpose television receiver displays search information by remote operation of the slave unit. be able to.
[0009]
In the communication apparatus according to claim 3, since the slave unit includes signal conversion means for converting the acquired data into a television signal, the general-purpose television receiver displays search information by remote operation of the slave unit. be able to.
[0010]
The communication device according to claim 4 is a communication device capable of receiving an e-mail, and displays a mail reception storage means for storing that the e-mail has been received and reception of the e-mail by a television receiver. And a mail reception display means for providing a technical feature.
[0011]
In the communication device according to the fourth aspect, the fact that the communication device side has received the electronic mail is stored, and the reception of the electronic mail is displayed by the television receiver. It is no longer necessary to check the presence or absence of an incoming e-mail to the communication device, and it is possible to reliably notify the incoming e-mail using a television receiver.
[0012]
The communication device according to claim 5 is a communication device capable of receiving an electronic mail, a communication means capable of bidirectional communication with a television receiver, and a mail for storing the reception of the electronic mail. A reception storage means, a mail display instruction means for sending an instruction to display the reception of the e-mail by the television receiver based on the reception storage in the mail reception storage means, and an instruction for receiving the mail from the television receiver. Reception notification determination means for determining whether or not a notification of reception has been received, and mail display instruction means until the reception notification determination means receives a notification of reception of mail from the television receiver. According to the present invention, there is provided a mail display re-instruction means for repeatedly sending an instruction to display reception of an electronic mail by the television receiver.
[0013]
In the communication device according to the fifth aspect, the communication device stores that the electronic mail has been received, and sends an instruction to display the reception of the electronic mail by the television receiver. Then, until the television receiver receives notification that the mail reception instruction has been received, the television receiver repeatedly transmits an instruction to display the reception of the electronic mail. It is no longer necessary to check the presence or absence of an incoming e-mail to the communication device, and it is possible to reliably notify the incoming e-mail using a television receiver.
[0014]
The communication device according to claim 6 is a communication device capable of receiving an e-mail, a mail reception storing means for storing that the e-mail has been received, and the television receiver when receiving the e-mail. Receiving means for determining whether or not an image is being displayed, and receiving an e-mail at a television receiver based on the reception stored in the mail receiving and storing means when the determining means determines that the image is being displayed. And a mail reception display means for displaying.
[0015]
In the communication device according to claim 6, the communication device stores that the electronic mail has been received, and when the electronic mail is received, it is determined whether or not the television receiver is displaying an image. When it is determined, the reception of the electronic mail is displayed on the television receiver. Therefore, even if two-way communication cannot be performed between the communication device and the television receiver, if the communication device can detect whether the television receiver is displaying an image, the television receiver can reliably receive an e-mail. Can let you know.
[0016]
Next, a program according to a seventh aspect provides a program for causing a computer system to function as each of the means in the communication apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.
That is, the function for implement | achieving each said means in the communication apparatus of any one of Claims 1-6 can be provided as a program performed with a computer system.
[0017]
Next, the invention according to claim 8 is a computer-readable recording in which a program for causing a computer system to function as each of the means in the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is recorded. A medium is provided. In the case of such a program, for example, the program can be recorded on a ROM or backup RAM as a computer-readable recording medium, and the ROM or backup RAM can be incorporated into a computer system and used.
In addition, semiconductor memory (smart media, memory stick, etc.), hard disk, floppy disk, data card (IC card, magnetic card, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, etc.), magneto-optical The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a disk (MO, etc.), a phase change disk, a magnetic tape, etc., and the program may be used by loading it into a computer system and starting it as necessary. Good.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system 10 in L mode provided by NTT.
The communication system 10 in the L mode includes various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode, the Internet network 12, various communication devices 13 connected to the Internet network 12, an information provider communication device 14, a public telephone line 15, and an L mode gateway 16. Etc.
[0019]
Examples of the various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode include an L mode compatible telephone, a facsimile, and an IC card public telephone.
Examples of various communication devices 13 connected to the Internet network 12 via a WWW server (not shown) include personal computers and mobile phones.
Information providers (for example, weather forecast providers (Japan Weather Association, etc.), banks, securities companies, newspaper companies, etc. that provide various information (information useful for daily life, information closely related to the region) using the communication device 14 The dealer is registered in the L menu list provided by NTT.
[0020]
Each communication device 11, 13, 14 and the Internet network 12 are connected via a public telephone line 15 to an L mode gateway 16 (GW) installed by NTT.
The various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode have a first path (public telephone line 15 → L mode gateway 16 → public telephone line 15) or a second path (public telephone line 15 → L mode gateway 16 → public telephone line 15). Various information and electronic mail can be transmitted / received to / from the communication device 14 of the information provider through the Internet network 12 → the public telephone line 15).
In addition, the various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode can transmit and receive various information and electronic mails with the various communication devices 13 connected to the Internet network 12 through the second path.
Note that one L-mode gateway 16 is actually provided for each of NTT West Japan and NTT East Japan and connected to each other.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an appearance of the main body 20 of the L-mode compatible facsimile which is an example of the various communication devices 11 compatible with the L-mode.
The main body 20 of the L-mode compatible facsimile is provided with a display 21 and a large number of buttons (keys) 22, to which a handset (not shown) is connected, and a cordless phone having the main body 20 as a main unit will be described later. A slave unit (see FIG. 4) is provided separately.
The display 21 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or a plasma display. The display 21 has a pictogram indicating that the line between the L-mode gateway 16 and the main unit 20 is being connected, a message text indicating that the line connection has been disconnected (for example, “disconnected”), and the like. The standby screen is displayed.
[0022]
Each button constituting the buttons 22 includes a numeric keypad constituting a dial button, various function buttons for performing various operations (for example, setting / canceling an answering machine, playing a speaker, holding or switching to a slave unit), An e-mail button 22a used when performing an operation related to electronic mail, an L button 22b used when performing an operation related to L mode, and a cursor moving button for moving a cursor (not shown) displayed on the display 21 up, down, left and right (Scroll button) 22c and the like.
[0023]
FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of the main body 20 of the L-mode compatible facsimile.
The main body 20 of the L-mode compatible facsimile has a display 21, buttons 22, panel GA (Gate Array) 41, motor 42, thermal head 43, scanner 44, sensors 45, AFE (Analog Front End) 46, melody IC. (Integrated Circuit) 47, speaker 48, RTC (Real Time Clock) 49, ROM 50, RAM 51, EEPROM 52, radio frequency (RF) unit 53 for handset, cross point switch 54, handset 55, NCU 56, CPU 57, recording circuit 58, a reading circuit 59, a FAX / data modem 60, and the like.
[0024]
The CPU 57 controls the operation of the entire L-mode compatible facsimile including the main body 20 as a parent machine and the child machine. The CPU 57 is connected to a recording circuit 58, a reading circuit 59, a panel GA 41, a FAX / data modem 60, an AFE 46, an RTC 49, a ROM 50, a RAM 51, an EEPROM 52, and a slave unit RF unit 53.
The CPU 57, the recording circuit 58, the reading circuit 59, and the FAX / data modem 60 are constituted by a one-chip IC 61, and the one-chip IC 61 is called a one-chip FAX engine.
[0025]
The recording circuit 58 controls the operation of the motor 42 and the thermal head 43 constituting the printer according to the control processing of the CPU 57. The motor 42 is moved to supply and discharge printing paper to the main body 20 of the L mode facsimile. The thermal head 43 performs printing on a printing paper made of thermal paper. In place of the thermal head 43, an inkjet head or a laser engine may be used.
The reading circuit 59 controls the operation of the scanner 44 according to the control of the CPU 57. The scanner 44 reads characters and images printed on a document, and outputs the characters and image data to the reading circuit 59.
The sensors 45 include various sensors provided in the main body 20 such as a printing paper detection sensor that detects that printing paper is set and a handset detection sensor that detects that the handset 55 is set. .
The panel GA 41 functions as an interface for mediating data signals between the buttons 22 and the display device 21 and the CPU 57.
[0026]
The fax / data modem 60 modulates / demodulates facsimile transmission / reception data and also modulates / demodulates various information and electronic mail transmission / reception data in the L mode. The AFE 46 samples and converts a data signal between the melody IC 47 and the crosspoint switch 54 and the CPU 57 and the FAX / data modem 60.
The melody IC 47 generates a telephone ringtone melody in accordance with the control processing of the CPU 57 and drives the speaker 48 to generate the ringtone melody.
[0027]
The RTC 49 measures the current time and date and outputs the data to the CPU 57.
The ROM 50 stores various control programs and non-recommended addresses for the CPU 57 to execute various controls. Here, a deprecated address is an e-mail address that third parties can easily come up with, such as typical female names such as NAOMI and YUMIKO, and names and abbreviations of celebrities such as JIMI.HEN and SUZUKITARO. Data consisting of names, etc. that are often found in telephone books.
The RAM 51 provides a work area for the CPU 57 and a development area for various data. The EEPROM 52 stores telephone numbers of telephone and facsimile transmission destinations, e-mail transmission destinations, URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) of various communication devices 13 and 14 connected to the Internet network 12, and the like.
[0028]
The slave unit RF unit 53 wirelessly transmits and receives data signals between the CPU 57 and the slave unit in order to connect the cordless phone slave unit and the main unit 20 as the master unit via a wireless line.
The crosspoint switch 54 switches and mediates data signals transferred between the handset RF unit 53, the NCU 56, the handset 55 including a telephone handset, and the AFE 46.
The NCU 56 is connected to the public telephone line 15 to perform network control, sends out a dial signal to the public telephone line 15, and responds to the calling signal from the public telephone line 15.
[0029]
FIG. 4 shows the appearance of the facsimile handset 120. The slave unit 120 includes a display 121 and buttons 122 made of a small liquid crystal. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of slave unit 120. The slave unit 120 includes a display 121, buttons 122, a panel GA (Gate Array) 141, a speaker 172, a microphone 174, a CPU 157, a ROM 150, a RAM 151, an EEPROM 152, a communication with the master unit 20 and the television receiver 210. An RF unit 153 for performing the above is provided.
[0030]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a connection relationship among the facsimile apparatus main body (master unit) 20, the slave unit 120, and the television receiver 210 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the facsimile apparatus main body (master unit) 20, the slave unit 120, and the television receiver 210 are provided indoors. The facsimile apparatus main unit (parent unit) 20, the slave unit 120, and the television receiver 210 are different from each other. Located in a separate room. For example, the facsimile machine main body 20 is placed on an entrance shoebox, and the television receiver 210 is disposed in the living room. The master unit 20 and the slave unit 120 are configured to perform two-way communication wirelessly. In addition, the television receiver 120 is provided with a communication control device 212, and is configured so that bidirectional communication can be performed via the RF unit 153 of the slave unit 120.
[0031]
The facsimile apparatus main body (master unit) 20 is connected to the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 and an exchange (not shown) so that information retrieval on the L-mode is possible. The slave unit 120 is wirelessly connected to the master unit 20 and commands acquisition of information on the L mode. The master unit 20 transmits the image data acquired from the L mode gateway 16 (server) to the slave unit 120. To do. For this reason, information search and information display on the slave unit 120 are possible. Further, the slave unit 120 is configured to transfer the image data of the L mode gateway 16 sent from the master unit 20 to the television receiver 210 and display information on the television receiver.
[0032]
In the first embodiment, since the display image on the television receiver 210 can be remotely operated by the handset 120, the handset 120 can be operated at a favorite place, and can be operated by the base unit having a poor placement location. This makes it easier to perform information retrieval operations. In the above-described example, it is possible to display desired search information on the television receiver 210 by operating the slave unit 120 in the living room without operating the facsimile apparatus main body 20 on the entrance shoe box. it can. In addition, since the information acquired from the L mode gateway 16 (server) via the master unit 20 is displayed on the television receiver 210, the search information can be browsed comfortably with a large screen and color.
[0033]
[Main control processing executed by CPU 57 of base unit 20]
7 to 10 are flowcharts showing a flow of main control processing executed by the CPU 57 of the facsimile apparatus main body (master unit) 20 in the first embodiment.
The CPU 57 executes processes of the following steps (hereinafter referred to as “S”) by various arithmetic processes by the computer according to a program recorded (stored) in the ROM 50.
A computer-readable recording medium (semiconductor memory (memory stick, etc.), hard disk, floppy disk, data card (IC card, magnetic card, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW). , DVD, etc.), magneto-optical disk (MO, etc.), phase change disk, magnetic tape, etc.) are recorded (stored) and the program is externally recorded as necessary. You may make it use by loading to CPU57 from an apparatus and starting.
[0034]
The CPU 57 first determines whether or not the key (L button) 22b for starting communication with the L mode gateway 16 has been operated (S12). When the L button 22b is operated (S12: Yes), Communication with the L mode gateway 16 in the parent device 20, that is, a GW communication process for the parent device for performing a simple Internet search is performed (S100). On the other hand, unless the L button 22b is operated (S12: No), it is determined whether the slave unit 120 is operated and a GW communication start slave unit command for starting L mode gateway communication is transmitted from the slave unit side (S14). ). Here, when the GW communication start slave unit command is received (S14: Yes), the slave unit TV for selecting whether to display the search image on the slave unit side or to display the search image on the television receiver side. It is determined whether or not a viewing flag is set (S16). When the search image display on the handset side is selected and the TV browsing flag via handset is not set (S16: No), the handset GW communication for displaying the search image on the handset 120 Processing is performed (S200). When the search image display on the television receiver side is selected and the TV browsing flag via the slave unit is set (S16: Yes), the child for displaying the search image on the television receiver 210 is displayed. The GW communication process for TV via the machine is performed (S300). Then, unless a GW communication start slave device command is received (S14: No), the process is terminated.
[0035]
Next, the master GW communication process in S100 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 showing the subroutine.
First, it is determined whether or not acquisition of image data corresponding to the command has been completed (S110). When the acquisition of the image data is completed (S110: Yes), the HTML file constituting the image data is interpreted, new image data is created, and displayed on the display 21 (see FIG. 2) (S112). Then, it waits until a key is input (S114). If there is a key input (S114: Yes), the input key is converted into a command (S116), and it is determined whether or not the command is sent to the L mode gateway 16 (GW) (S118). If the command is to be sent to the GW (S118: Yes), the input key is converted into a command and sent to the GW (S120).
[0036]
On the other hand, if the command is not to be sent to the GW (S118: No), it is determined whether the command is an instruction to end the L-mode gateway communication (GW communication), that is, to end the simple Internet search. (S130). If it is not an instruction to end the GW communication (S130: No), the input key is converted into a command, image data corresponding to the command is created, and displayed on the display 21 (S132). Then, processing according to the command is performed (S134). And it returns to S110 and continues a process. On the other hand, when the end of GW communication is instructed (S130: Yes), after GW communication end processing such as closing the line with the L-mode gateway 16 is performed (S140), the image display on the display 21 is displayed. After updating to the standby display (S142), all the processes are terminated.
[0037]
Next, the slave unit GW communication process in S200 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. 9 showing the subroutine.
First, it is determined whether or not acquisition of image data corresponding to the command has been completed (S210). When the acquisition of the image data is completed (S210: Yes), the HTML file constituting the image data is interpreted, only the text data is extracted, and new image data for display on the text-based slave unit 120 is created (S212). ), The created new image data is transmitted to the slave unit 120 (S213). Thereby, as will be described later, a text-based image is displayed on the display 121 (see FIG. 4) on the handset side. That is, when displaying an image on the small display 121 of the slave unit 120, the display is limited to a text-based image, so that the display is easy to see and the data transfer time is shortened.
[0038]
And it waits until the command corresponding to the key input of the subunit | mobile_unit 120 is received (S214). If the command is received (S214: Yes), it is determined whether or not the command is to be sent to the L mode gateway (GW) (S218). If the command is to be sent to the GW (S218: Yes), the input command is sent to the GW (S220).
[0039]
On the other hand, if the command is not to be sent to the GW (S218: No), it is determined whether or not the command is an instruction to end the GW communication, that is, to end the simple Internet search (S230). If it is not an instruction to end the GW communication (S230: No), image data corresponding to the command is created, transmitted to the slave unit (S232), and processing corresponding to the command is performed (S234). ). Then, the process returns to S210 and continues.
[0040]
On the other hand, when the end of GW communication is instructed (S230: Yes), after the end of GW communication such as closing the line with the L mode gateway 16 (S240), the display unit 121 of the slave unit 120 is displayed. After transmitting a command to set the image display in the standby state display to the slave unit (S242), all the processes are ended.
[0041]
Next, the TVGW communication process via the slave unit 120 in S300 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 showing the subroutine.
First, it is determined whether or not acquisition of image data corresponding to the command has been completed (S310). When the acquisition of the image data is completed (S310: Yes), the HTML file constituting the image data is interpreted, new image data is created (S312), and the created new image data is transmitted to the slave unit (S313).
[0042]
And it waits until it receives the command corresponding to the key input of the subunit | mobile_unit 120 (S314). If the command is received (S314: Yes), the received command is converted into a command for GW communication processing (S316), and then it is determined whether or not the command is sent to the L-mode gateway (GW) ( S318). If the command is to be sent to the GW (S318: Yes), the input command is sent to the GW (S320).
[0043]
On the other hand, if the command is not to be sent to the GW (S318: No), it is determined whether or not the command is an instruction to end the GW communication, that is, to end the simple Internet search (S330). If it is not an instruction to end the GW communication (S330: No), image data corresponding to the command is created, transmitted to the slave unit (S332), and processing corresponding to the command is performed (S334). ). Then, the process returns to S310 and continues.
[0044]
On the other hand, when the end of the GW communication is instructed (S330: Yes), after the end of the GW communication such as closing the line with the L mode gateway 16 (S340), the display unit 121 of the slave unit 120 is displayed. After transmitting a command to set the image display in the standby state display to the slave unit 120 (S342), all the processes are terminated.
[0045]
[Main control processing executed by CPU 57 of slave unit 120]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control processing executed by the CPU 157 of the facsimile apparatus (slave unit) 120 in the first embodiment.
The CPU 157 executes the following steps according to various arithmetic processes performed by a computer in accordance with a program recorded (stored) in the ROM 150.
[0046]
The CPU 157 stands by until a key is input (S412). If there is a key input (S412: Yes), it is determined whether or not a key for starting L-mode gateway communication (GW communication), that is, a key for performing a simple Internet search is input. (S414) If the key is not the start key (S414: No), the process input with a key other than the L-mode gateway communication is performed (S420).
[0047]
On the other hand, when the start key is operated (S414: Yes), it is determined whether or not the continuously operated key is a TV mode GW communication start key for displaying on the TV (S416). When the TV mode GW communication start key for displaying on the TV is operated (S416: Yes), the TV viewing flag via the slave unit 120 for setting the display on the television receiver side is set. (S422). On the other hand, when the TV mode GW communication start key is not operated (S416: No), the TV viewing flag via the slave unit 120 for setting the display on the television receiver side is reset (S424).
[0048]
Subsequently, a command for starting the L mode gateway communication is transmitted to the parent device 20 (S430). Corresponding to this, when the master unit interprets the HTML file constituting the image data and creates and sends new image data as described above (when receiving text-based data from the master unit). S432: Yes), it is determined whether or not the TV viewing flag via handset 120 is set (S434), and when the TV viewing flag via handset 120 is set (S434: Yes), the received image The data is transferred and a new image is displayed on the television receiver side (S436). On the other hand, when the TV viewing flag via the slave unit 120 is not set (S434: No), an image based on the text-based data received from the master unit 20 is displayed on the display 121 shown in FIG. 4 (S438). .
[0049]
On the other hand, when text-based data is not sent from the parent device 20 (S432: No), it is determined whether or not a command is received from the parent device (S440). When a command is received (S440: Yes), it is determined whether the command is a standby screen display (S442). If the command is not a standby screen display command (S442: No), processing based on the command is performed (S450), and the process returns to S412. On the other hand, when a standby screen display command is sent from the parent device 20 (S442: Yes), it is determined whether or not the TV viewing flag via the child device 120 is set (S444), and the TV via the child device 120 is determined. When the viewing flag is set (S444: Yes), a command for displaying a GW communication end screen on the television receiver side is transmitted to the television receiver side (S446). On the other hand, if the TV viewing flag via handset 120 is not set (S444: No), standby image data is created and displayed on display 121 (S448). If the command is not received (S440: No), it is determined whether or not there is a key input (S460). If there is a key input (S460: Yes), the key is converted into a command and the parent device is converted. 20 (S462).
[0050]
[Email arrival notification processing]
In the first embodiment, when there is an incoming e-mail notification from the L mode gateway 16 side, it is displayed on the television receiver 210. That is, the fact that the facsimile apparatus main body 20 or the slave unit 120 has received the electronic mail is stored, and the reception of the electronic mail is displayed on the television receiver. The television receiver 210 can be used to reliably notify the arrival of an e-mail without going to the facsimile apparatus main body 20 to check whether or not an e-mail has arrived.
[0051]
An incoming e-mail notification check process performed by the facsimile apparatus main body (master unit) 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 12 which is a flowchart of the process.
The CPU 57 stands by until there is an e-mail incoming notification from the L mode gateway 16 (S602). Here, when there is an incoming notification (S602: Yes), first, a pictogram notifying an incoming e-mail is displayed on the standby screen of the display 21 shown in FIG. 2 (S604). As a result, the facsimile apparatus main body 20 can also recognize an incoming e-mail. Then, a command for notifying the handset 120 of an incoming e-mail is transmitted (S606), and the process is terminated.
[0052]
Next, an incoming e-mail process performed on the handset 120 side will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13 showing the process.
The CPU 157 of the slave unit 120 waits until a command is received (S712), and if a command is received (S712: Yes), whether the command is a command notifying the arrival of an e-mail from the base unit side or not. Is determined (S714). Here, when the command is other than a command notifying the arrival of the e-mail (S714: No), the processing is performed according to the command (S730).
[0053]
On the other hand, if it is a command notifying the arrival of an e-mail (S714: Yes), first, a pictogram notifying the arrival of an e-mail is displayed on the standby screen of the display 121 of the slave unit 120 shown in FIG. 4 (S716). . Next, an incoming call notification process command for displaying incoming e-mail is transmitted to the television receiver 210 (S718). Then, an incoming notification flag for storing an incoming email is set (S722), and an incoming notification check timer for transmitting an incoming notification processing command at a predetermined cycle is started (S722).
[0054]
If the determination of the presence of command reception in S712 is No at the next cycle time of the CPU 157, whether or not the incoming notification TV transfer flag is set, that is, the incoming notification to the television receiver side has not been completed. Whether or not (S740). Here, when the incoming call notification TV transfer flag is set, that is, when the incoming call notification to the television receiver side has not been completed (S740: Yes), whether or not the incoming call notification reception report from the television receiver 210 has been received. Is determined (S742). Here, when the reception report of the incoming call notification is received (S742: Yes), the incoming call notification TV transfer flag is reset and the process is ended (S746). On the other hand, until an incoming notification reception report from the television receiver 210 is received (S742: No), whether or not the incoming notification check timer for transmitting the above-described incoming notification processing command in a predetermined cycle has expired. (S744), and at each timing up (S744: Yes), an incoming call notification processing command for displaying an incoming e-mail is transmitted to the television receiver 210 (S748) for checking the incoming call notification. A timer is started (S750).
[0055]
In the first embodiment, the television receiver repeatedly sends out an instruction to display the reception of an e-mail until it receives a notification that it has received an e-mail receiving instruction from the television receiver 210. For this reason, an incoming e-mail can be reliably notified using a television receiver.
[0056]
An incoming e-mail process performed on the handset 120 side according to the modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14 showing the process. In the process shown in FIG. 13, an instruction to display the reception of the e-mail is repeatedly sent to the television receiver side. In this modified example, it is detected whether the television receiver 210 is displaying an image, and the image display is performed. An instruction to display the reception of e-mail is sent once.
[0057]
The CPU 157 of the slave unit 120 waits until a command is received (S712), and if a command is received (S712: Yes), whether the command is a command notifying the arrival of an e-mail from the base unit side or not. Is determined (S714). Here, when the command is other than a command notifying the arrival of the e-mail (S714: No), the processing is performed according to the command (S730).
[0058]
On the other hand, if it is a command notifying the arrival of an e-mail (S714: Yes), first, a pictogram notifying the arrival of an e-mail is displayed on the standby screen of the display 121 of the slave unit 120 shown in FIG. 4 (S716). . Then, an incoming notification flag for storing an incoming e-mail is set (S722), and the process ends.
[0059]
If it is determined in step S712 that the command has been received in the next cycle time of the CPU 157, it is determined whether an incoming call notification TV transfer flag is set (S740). Here, when the incoming call notification TV transfer flag is set (S740: Yes), it is determined whether or not the television receiver 210 is displaying an image (S742). If no image is displayed (S742: No), the process is temporarily terminated, and the process waits until an image is displayed on the television receiver 210.
[0060]
On the other hand, when an image is displayed on the television receiver 210 (S742: Yes), an incoming notification processing command for displaying an incoming e-mail is transmitted to the television receiver 210 (S748). The incoming notification flag for storing the incoming electronic mail is reset (S746), and the process ends.
[0061]
In this modified example, it is determined whether or not the television receiver 210 is displaying an image. When it is determined that the image is being displayed, the television receiver 210 displays reception of an e-mail. For this reason, even if bidirectional communication cannot be performed between the communication device and the television receiver, if the television receiver 210 can detect whether the television receiver 210 is displaying an image on the facsimile device main body 20 or the slave device 120 side, the television receiver. 210 can be used to reliably notify an incoming e-mail.
[0062]
FIG. 21 shows a configuration of a slave unit according to another example of the first embodiment. Another example has the same configuration as the slave unit of the first embodiment, but is provided with a TV image output 154 for sending a television signal to the television receiver. In this other example, the image base signal sent from the parent device can be converted into a television signal on the child device side and displayed on the television receiver.
[0063]
[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a connection relationship among the facsimile apparatus main body (master unit) 20, the slave unit 120, and the television receiver 210 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the facsimile apparatus main body (master unit) 20, the slave unit 120, and the television receiver 210 are provided indoors. The facsimile apparatus main unit (parent unit) 20, the slave unit 120, and the television receiver 210 are different from each other. Located in a separate room. The master unit 20 and the slave unit 120 are configured to perform two-way communication wirelessly. Further, the television receiver 210 is configured to transmit a TV signal from the facsimile apparatus body 20 via the cable 214.
[0064]
The facsimile apparatus main body (master unit) 20 is connected to the L-mode gateway 16 via the public telephone line 15 and an exchange (not shown) so that information retrieval on the L-mode is possible. Then, the slave unit 120 is wirelessly connected to the master unit 20 and commands acquisition of information on the L mode. The master unit 20 transmits the image data acquired from the L mode gateway 16 (server) to the television receiver 210. Send to. Therefore, by operating the slave unit 120, desired information can be displayed on the television receiver 210.
[0065]
In the second embodiment, since the display image on the television receiver 210 can be remotely operated by an operation on the handset 120 side, the handset 120 can be operated at a favorite place, and the placement location is not good. Compared to the operation with the master unit, the information search operation is easier. Since the information acquired from the L mode gateway 16 (server) via the master unit 20 is displayed on the television receiver 210, the search information can be browsed comfortably with a large screen and color. Further, since the TV signal is sent from the facsimile apparatus main body 20 to the television receiver 210, the image information retrieved in the L mode by the general-purpose television receiver 210 can be displayed.
[0066]
The electrical configuration of the facsimile machine main body 20 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.
The configuration of the facsimile machine main body 20 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. However, the facsimile apparatus main body 20 of the second embodiment is provided with a TV image output 54 for outputting a TV signal to the television receiver 210.
[0067]
[Main control processing executed by CPU 57 of base unit 20]
Next, processing on the base unit 20 side of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts showing a flow of main control processing executed by the CPU 57 of the facsimile apparatus main body (master unit) 20 in the second embodiment.
[0068]
The CPU 57 first determines whether the key (L button) 22b for starting communication with the L mode gateway 16 has been operated (S12). When the L button 22b is operated (S12: Yes), Communication with the L-mode gateway 16 in the above, that is, GW communication processing for the base unit for performing simple Internet search (S100). On the other hand, unless the L button 22b is operated (S12: No), it is determined whether the slave unit 120 is operated and a GW communication start slave unit command for starting L mode gateway communication is transmitted from the slave unit side (S14). ). Here, when a GW communication start slave unit command is received (S14: Yes), a TV browsing flag for selecting whether to display a search image on the slave unit side or to display a search image on the television receiver side is set. It is determined whether it is set (S16). When the search image display on the handset 120 side is selected and the TV viewing flag is not set (S16: No), the handset GW communication processing for displaying the search image on the handset 120 is performed. Perform (S200). When the search image display on the television receiver side is selected and the TV browsing flag is set (S16: Yes), the TV GW communication for displaying the search image on the television receiver 210 is performed. Processing is performed (S300). Then, unless a GW communication start slave device command is received (S14: No), the process is terminated.
[0069]
The master unit GW communication process in S100 in FIG. 17 and the slave unit GW communication process in S200 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. The TVGW communication process in S300 will be described with reference to FIG. 18 showing the subroutine.
First, it is determined whether or not acquisition of image data corresponding to the command has been completed (S310). When the acquisition of the image data is completed (S310: Yes), the HTML file constituting the image data is interpreted to create new image data (S312), and the created new image data is transmitted to the television receiver 210 (S313). ).
[0070]
And it waits until it receives the command corresponding to the key input of the subunit | mobile_unit 120 (S314). If the command is received (S314: Yes), the received command is converted into a command for GW communication processing (S316), and then it is determined whether or not the command is sent to the L-mode gateway (GW) ( S318). If the command is to be sent to the GW (S318: Yes), the input command is sent to the GW (S320).
[0071]
On the other hand, if the command is not to be sent to the GW (S318: No), it is determined whether or not the command is an instruction to end the GW communication, that is, to end the simple Internet search (S330). If it is not an instruction to end the GW communication (S330: No), image data corresponding to the command is created, transmitted to the television receiver 210 (S332), and processing corresponding to the command is performed. (S334). Then, the process returns to S310 and continues.
[0072]
On the other hand, when the end of the GW communication is instructed (S330: Yes), after the end of the GW communication such as closing the line with the L mode gateway 16 (S340), the display unit 121 of the slave unit 120 is displayed. After the image to be displayed in the standby state is transmitted to the television receiver (S342), all the processes are terminated.
[0073]
[Main control processing executed by CPU 57 of slave unit 120]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control processing executed by the CPU 157 of the facsimile apparatus (child machine) 120 in the second embodiment.
The CPU 157 stands by until a key is input (S412). If there is a key input (S412: Yes), it is determined whether or not a key for starting L-mode gateway communication, that is, a key for performing a simple Internet search is input (S414). If it is not the start key (S414: No), the process input with a key other than the L mode gateway communication is performed (S420).
[0074]
On the other hand, when the start key is operated (S414: Yes), it is determined whether or not the continuously operated key is a TV mode GW communication start key for displaying on the TV (S416). When the TV mode GW communication start key for displaying on the TV is operated (S416: Yes), the TV viewing flag for setting the display on the television receiver side is set (S422). On the other hand, when the TV mode GW communication start key is not operated (S416: No), the TV viewing flag for setting the display on the television receiver side is reset (S424).
[0075]
Subsequently, a command for starting the L mode gateway communication is transmitted to the parent device 20 (S430). Corresponding to this, when the master unit interprets the HTML file constituting the image data and creates and sends new image data as described above (when receiving text-based data from the master unit). (S432: Yes), it is determined whether or not the TV viewing flag is set (S434), and an image based on the text-based data received from the parent device 20 is displayed on the display 121 shown in FIG. 4 (S438).
[0076]
On the other hand, when text-based data is not sent from the parent device 20 (S432: No), it is determined whether or not a command is received from the parent device 20 (S440), and when a command is received ( S440: Yes), it is determined whether the command is a standby screen display (S442). If the command is not a standby screen display command (S442: No), processing based on the command is performed (S450), and the process returns to S410. On the other hand, when a standby screen display command is sent from the parent device 20 (S442: Yes), standby image data is created and displayed on the display 121 (S448). If the command is not received (S440: No), it is determined whether or not there is a key input (S460). If there is a key input (S460: Yes), the key is converted into a command and the parent device is converted. 20 (S462).
[0077]
[Email arrival notification processing]
In the second embodiment, when there is an incoming e-mail notification from the L mode gateway 16 side, it is displayed on the television receiver 210. There is no need to check whether or not an electronic mail has arrived to the communication device, and the television receiver 210 can be used to reliably notify the arrival of the electronic mail.
[0078]
An e-mail incoming notification process performed by the facsimile apparatus main body (master unit) 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 20 which is a flowchart of the process.
The CPU 57 stands by until there is an e-mail incoming notification from the L mode gateway 16 (S602). Here, when there is an incoming notification (S602: Yes), first, a pictogram notifying an incoming e-mail is displayed on the standby screen of the display 21 shown in FIG. 2 (S604). As a result, the facsimile apparatus main body 20 can also recognize an incoming e-mail. Then, image data for displaying an incoming e-mail is transmitted to the television receiver 210 (S606), and the process is terminated.
[0079]
The above embodiment is embodied as an L-mode compatible facsimile as an example of various communication devices 11 compatible with the L mode.
However, any type of communication device 11 compatible with the L mode (for example, i-mode provided by NTT, various communication systems using the Internet network, various information communication network networks other than the Internet network (various types) The present invention may be applied to a communication device that uses a LAN, an Ethernet using a bus configuration LAN, or the like.
The communication device may be any device (for example, a telephone, a facsimile, various information devices (a portable terminal, a personal computer equipped with a modem, etc.)).
[0080]
The correspondence relationship between the constituent elements described in [Claims] and [Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention] described above and the constituent members described in [Embodiments of the Invention] described below is as follows. It is as follows.
The data requesting means in claim 1 corresponds to the processing in S462 of FIG. 11, and the transmitting means corresponds to the processing in S313 of FIG. The signal conversion means in claim 2 corresponds to the TV image output 54 in FIG. The mail reception storage means in claim 3 corresponds to the process of S720 in FIG. 13, and the mail reception display means corresponds to the process of S718 in FIG. The communication means of claim 4 corresponds to the RF unit 153 of FIG. 5, the mail reception storage means corresponds to the process of S720 of FIG. 13, and the mail display instruction means corresponds to the process of S718 of FIG. The means corresponds to the processing in S742 in FIG. 13, and the mail display re-instruction means corresponds to the processing in S748 in FIG. The mail reception storage means in claim 5 corresponds to the process of S720 of FIG. 14, the determination means corresponds to the process of S742 of FIG. 14, and the mail reception display means corresponds to the process of S748 of FIG.
The “program” corresponds to the processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 to 14 and FIGS. 17 to 20 executed by the CPU 57 or the CPU 157.
“Recording medium” corresponds to the ROM 50 and the ROM 151.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system in an L mode.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an external appearance of a main body of an L-mode compatible facsimile in an embodiment embodying the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of a main body of an L-mode compatible facsimile.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the external appearance of a slave unit of an L-mode compatible facsimile in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a block circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of a slave unit of the L-mode compatible facsimile according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection relationship among a master unit, a slave unit, and a television receiver of an L-mode compatible facsimile according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control processing executed by a CPU provided in the main body according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for master unit GW communication processing in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of slave unit GW communication processing in FIG. 7;
10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of TV GW communication processing via a slave unit in FIG. 7;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control processing executed by a CPU provided in the slave unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing mail incoming notification check processing executed by a CPU provided in the main body according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a mail incoming notification check process executed by a CPU provided in the slave unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing mail arrival notification processing executed by a CPU provided in a slave unit according to a modification of the first embodiment.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection relationship among a master unit, a slave unit, and a television receiver of an L-mode compatible facsimile according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a block circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of a main body of an L-mode compatible facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control processing executed by a CPU provided in the main body according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for slave unit control TV GW communication processing in FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control processing executed by a CPU provided in the slave unit according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing mail incoming notification processing executed by a CPU provided in the main body according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a block circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of a slave unit of an L-mode compatible facsimile device according to another example of the first embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
10. Communication system in L mode
11 ... Various communication devices compatible with L mode
15. Public telephone line
16 ... L-mode gateway
20 ... L-mode compatible facsimile main unit
21. Display
22 ... Buttons
41 ... Panel GA
42 ... Motor
43 ... Thermal head
46 ... AFE
50 ... ROM
51 ... RAM
52 ... EEPROM
54 ... Crosspoint switch
56 ... NCU
57 ... CPU
58. Recording circuit
60 ... FAX / Data modem
120 ... Facsimile handset
121 ... Display
122 ... Buttons
150 ... ROM
151 ... RAM
152 ... EEPROM
157 ... CPU

Claims (9)

From a master unit that can acquire image data provided from a server via a communication line and can transmit image data to a television receiver, and a slave unit that is wirelessly connected to the master unit as necessary A communication device comprising:
The slave unit is a display unit, data requesting means for requesting the master unit to acquire and send data from the server, and the acquired image data of the television receiver or the display unit. Selecting means for selecting which to display,
The master unit includes a transmission unit for transferring image data acquired based on a request from the data request unit on the slave unit side to a television receiver;
The transmission means transmits the acquired image data to either the television receiver or the display selected by the selection means ,
When the base unit transmits the image data to the display unit, the base unit displays text-based images on the display unit of the slave unit by extracting text-based image data from the image data provided from the server. And when the master unit transmits image data to the television receiver, the image is displayed on the television receiver by creating image data based on the image data provided from the server. A communication device characterized by the above. 2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base unit includes signal conversion means for converting the acquired data into a television signal. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slave unit includes signal conversion means for converting the acquired data into a television signal. A mail reception storage means for storing that the e-mail has been received;
2. A communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a mail reception display means for displaying reception of an electronic mail by the television receiver. A communication means capable of two-way communication with a television receiver;
A mail reception storage means for storing that the e-mail has been received;
A mail display instruction means for sending an instruction to display reception of an electronic mail in a television receiver based on the reception storage in the mail reception storage means;
A reception notification determination means for determining whether or not a notification that an instruction to receive an email from a television receiver has been received has been received;
Until the reception notification determining means receives notification that the television receiver has received the mail reception instruction, the mail display instruction means repeatedly transmits an instruction to display the reception of the e-mail on the television receiver. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mail display re-instruction means. A mail reception storage means for storing that the e-mail has been received;
Determining means for determining whether or not the television receiver is displaying an image when receiving an e-mail;
A mail reception display means for displaying reception of an electronic mail by a television receiver based on the reception storage in the mail reception storage means when the determination means determines that an image is being displayed; The communication device according to claim 1. The program for functioning a computer system as said each means in the communication apparatus of any one of Claims 1-6. The computer-readable recording medium with which the program for functioning a computer system was recorded as said each means in the communication apparatus of any one of Claims 1-6.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base unit includes a display that displays an image based on image data provided from a server.

Images