JP4487653B2 - Communication device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus having a data communication function such as a telephone call function and facsimile communication.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many communication devices have been devised that include a melody generating circuit and a communication modem in the device main body, and are capable of calling and facsimile communication with a remote communication device via a telephone line. For example, Patent Document 1 specifically describes such a facsimile apparatus. First, as shown in FIG. 9, a facsimile apparatus described in “Prior Art” of Patent Document 1 includes a communication modem 201 for performing facsimile communication, a dedicated melody generating circuit 202, and a communication modem. An adder 203 that selectively takes in the facsimile signal generated by 201 and the melody signal generated by the melody generating circuit 202, and a first relay 206 that selectively switches the connection of the telephone line 204 to the line transformer 209 side or the telephone 205 side. A second relay 210 that allows the output of the adder 203 to be selectively output to the amplifier circuit 211 of the speaker 212 of the facsimile apparatus main body, a control unit 207 that controls each circuit of the facsimile apparatus, And an operation panel 208. Further, this facsimile apparatus is configured so that an external telephone 205 can be connected. According to this facsimile apparatus, when a user makes a call using the handset of the external telephone 205 and presses the hold button on the operation panel 208 to place the call on hold, the control unit 207 operates. The melody generation circuit 202 generates a melody signal. Then, the control unit 207 switches the first relay 206 from the external telephone 205 side to the line transformer 209 side, whereby the telephone line 204 is connected to the line transformer 209 side and the second relay 210 is closed. The Therefore, since the melody signal generated by the melody generation circuit 202 is sent to the telephone line 204 via the adder 203, the line transformer 209, and the first relay 206, the melody signal is transmitted from the speaker of the remote communication device. Based on hold sound (hold melody) is output. The melody signal generated by the melody generation circuit 202 is sent to the amplification circuit 211 via the adder 203 and the second relay 210, and a hold sound (hold melody) based on the melody signal is output from the speaker 212. It is.

  However, since the facsimile apparatus described in the prior art uses the dedicated melody generating circuit 102, a space for storing the melody generating circuit 102 must be secured in the apparatus main body, and the cost is also increased. There was a problem of increasing.

  In order to solve the problems of the conventional facsimile apparatus, the facsimile apparatus as an invention described in Patent Document 1 generates a melody signal by a communication modem 231 as shown in FIG. Describes the elimination of the melody generating circuit. The facsimile apparatus performs communication and generates a melody signal, a communication modem 231, a third relay 234 that selectively switches the connection of the telephone line 242 to the line transformer 233 side or the telephone 243 side, A fourth relay 237 that enables the output of the modem 231 to be selectively output to the amplifier circuit 236 of the speaker 235 of the apparatus main body 230, a control unit 232 that controls each circuit of the facsimile apparatus, an operation panel 241, It has. According to this facsimile apparatus, when a user makes a call using the handset of the external telephone 243 and presses the hold button on the operation panel 241 to put the call on hold, the control circuit 232 causes the third circuit By switching the relay 234, the telephone line 242 is switched and connected from the telephone 243 side to the line transformer 233 side. Since the melody signal (single frequency signal fN) generated by the communication modem 231 is sent to the remote communication device via the third relay 234 and the telephone line 242, the melody signal is transmitted from the remote communication device speaker. Outputs a hold sound (hold melody) based on the melody signal. At this time, if the fourth relay 237 is turned on by the control circuit 232, the melody signal is sent to the amplifier circuit 236 via the fourth relay 237, and a holding sound (holding) based on the melody signal is sent. The melody is also output from the speaker 235 of the apparatus main body 230.

Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 6-38622

  However, in the facsimile apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the same melody signal is sent to the remote communication apparatus and the amplification circuit of its own speaker via the telephone line in any facsimile apparatus. Therefore, there is a problem that the holding sound (holding melody) that the user wants to send to the remote communication device and the holding sound (holding melody) that the user wants to listen to cannot be set differently.

  The present invention has been completed on the basis of the above circumstances, and a holding sound to be transmitted to a remote communication device via a telephone line when a call is on hold and a holding sound to be listened to by the own communication device are provided. Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication device that can be controlled differently and can be easily controlled by reducing the number of relays.

  As means for achieving the above-mentioned object, the invention of claim 1 is capable of data communication and communication with a remote communication device via a communication line, and during communication with a remote communication device, A communication apparatus comprising: a hold transition unit that shifts the call to a hold state without releasing a communication line, wherein the first hold sound signal when the device is shifted to a hold state by the hold transition unit And a communication modem capable of executing data communication with a remote communication device, and when the device is shifted to a hold state by the hold transfer means And a sound output means capable of generating a hold sound based on the second hold sound signal generated by the sound signal generating means. .

  The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the sound signal generating means is always connected to the sound output means.

  The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, the sound signal generating means comprises a plurality of circuits each generating a single sound.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the incoming call is received from a remote communication device, the sound signal generating means is for an incoming call sound output from the audio output means. The signal is generated.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to fourth aspects of the invention, when a call is received from a remote communication device, the communication line is automatically closed to perform either data communication or telephone call. The communication modem sends a pseudo ringback signal to the communication line after the communication line is closed, and the sound signal uttering means sends the pseudo ring sound signal to the communication line. It is characterized by being sent to a voice output means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the invention, the first on-hold tone data, the second on-hold tone data, the incoming call tone data, the pseudo ringback tone data, and the pseudo ring Storage means for storing at least one sound data of the sound data, storing a plurality of candidates for the stored sound data, and one candidate from the plurality of candidates stored in the storage means The communication modem and the sound signal generating means output a sound signal based on the sound data selected and set by the selection setting means.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the communication apparatus is shifted to the hold state by the hold shift means, the communication modem generates the first hold sound signal and sends it to the communication line, and the voice output means. Outputs a hold sound based on the second hold sound signal generated by the sound signal generating means, so that the hold sound to be sent to the remote communication device via the telephone line when the call is on hold and the own communication device listen to it. It can be made different from the desired hold sound, and can respond to various requests of users.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the sound signal generating means is always connected to the sound output means, it is easy to control the sound output from the sound output means.

  According to the invention of claim 3, since each of the sound signal generating means includes a plurality of circuits for generating a single sound, the sound output means can output the sound of multiple chords and can be used for the output sound. Can meet the diverse demands of people.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 4, since the sound signal generating means can generate the signal for the incoming call sound at the time of the incoming call from the remote communication device, Both hold tone and incoming call tone can be output.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, not only the hold sound but also the pseudo ring back tone and the pseudo ring sound can be output with different sounds, so that it is possible to meet various demands of the user.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the selection setting means includes the first hold tone data, the second hold tone data, the incoming call tone data, the pseudo ringback tone data, and the pseudo ring tone data. Since at least one sound data can be set by selecting one candidate from a plurality of candidates stored in the storage means, each sound can be set easily.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multifunction device (corresponding to a communication apparatus of the present invention) applied to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the multifunction device of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are flowcharts showing the operation when setting the incoming mode, the incoming call tone, etc. in the multi-function peripheral of this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the multi-function peripheral when ringing a ringing tone. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic incoming call operation when the F / T mode is set in the multifunction machine. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing call processing of the multifunction machine. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an automatic incoming call operation when the TAD mode is set in the multifunction machine.

  The multifunction machine 10 has a call function, a facsimile function, and a copy function, and further has a scanner function and a printer function by connection with a personal computer or the like. Therefore, the multifunction machine 10 includes a flatbed scanner device (hereinafter referred to as a flatbed type scanner device) on the upper side of the apparatus housing 21 that accommodates a printer including a recording paper transport unit 80 and an image recording unit 90 (see FIG. 2). , Referred to as an image reading unit) 130. On the front side of the image reading unit 130, an operation panel 140 including various keys for operation and a display unit (hereinafter referred to as LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) 141 is disposed. Various keys include a numeric keypad 142 for inputting numbers and alphabets, a function key 143 for selecting various functions, a menu on the LCD 141, and a menu / setting key 144 for confirming various settings, and a display on the LCD 141. Are provided with a cross key 145 for sequentially changing the operation, a stop key 146 for stopping each operation of the multifunction device 10 in the middle, and a power key 147 for turning on the power of the multifunction device 10. When the user operates a predetermined key on the operation panel 140, a telephone number is input, various modes of the multifunction device 10 are set, and the like. Various mode settings include a facsimile / telephone automatic switching (F / T) mode as an automatic incoming call mode, an answering machine (TAD) mode, and a telephone (TEL) mode as a manual incoming call mode. Will be described later. The image reading unit 130 includes an openable / closable document cover 138. A user places a document on a glass platen (not shown) with the document cover 138 opened, and operates predetermined keys on the operation panel 140. By doing so, facsimile communication, copying, and the like can be executed. The image reading unit 130 is connected to the apparatus housing 21 via a hinge (not shown) provided on one side edge of the upper surface of the apparatus housing 21. Accordingly, the image reading unit 130 is configured to be openable and closable upward (so-called clamshell type) from the apparatus housing 21 around the hinge.

  A holder portion 120 on which a transmitter / receiver main body (hereinafter referred to as a parent device) D can be placed is provided on one side wall of the device housing 21, and a call can be made via the parent device D.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a communication unit 81 is attached to the side edge on the rear side of the apparatus housing 21. The communication unit 81 includes a casing 82 made of synthetic resin, and a communication board (hereinafter referred to as a wireless communication circuit) 83 (see FIG. 2) is accommodated therein. The wireless communication circuit 83 is for wirelessly connecting to another transmitter / receiver (hereinafter referred to as a slave unit) E (see FIG. 2), and includes a transmission / reception antenna 83A. As described above, the multi-function device 10 is provided with the master device D that is directly connected to the device housing 21 and the cordless slave device E, and these two handsets (the master device D and the slave device E) are used depending on the application. The machine E) can be selectively used, and further, it is possible to make a call between these two handsets.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 10 will be briefly described.

  The device housing 21 of the multifunction machine 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a connector 160 to which the master unit D is connected and a connector 170 to which the telephone line 185 is connected. A telephone line 185 is a line connecting the remote switch 180 and the multi-function peripheral 10, and the remote switch 180 is also connected to a remote communication device 190 via the telephone line 195. Further, as described above, the holder portion 120 that can hold the parent device D is fixedly provided on one side wall of the apparatus housing 21, and an ON / OFF hook sensor 150 is provided in the holder portion 120. ing. The ON / OFF hook sensor 150 includes an actuator that moves depending on whether or not the base unit D is placed on the holder unit 120. The ASIC 40 detects whether the actuator has moved or not. It is detected whether or not the parent device D is placed.

  In the apparatus housing 2, a control circuit 30, a communication modem 50, a relay 60, a line transformer 70, a recording paper transport unit 80, an image recording unit 90, an image reading unit 130, and an amplifier are provided. 100 and a speaker 110 are provided. However, only the image reading unit 130 is placed above the apparatus housing 21 so as to be openable and closable as described above.

  The control circuit 30 is configured as a microcomputer centering on the CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, and EEPROM 34, and is connected to an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 40 via a bus (not shown). The control circuit 30 is connected to the wireless communication circuit 83 described above.

  The CPU 31 controls each unit in accordance with various signals transmitted / received via the telephone line 185, and executes a facsimile operation, that is, data communication or a call operation. Further, the entire operation of the multifunction machine 10 is executed. The selection setting means is configured in cooperation with the operation panel 140.

  The ROM 32 as storage means is a non-rewritable memory storing a control program executed by the multifunction machine 10, and the programs shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 8 are stored in the ROM 32. Further, in the ROM 32, a later-described transmission hold sound data (first hold sound data), confirmation hold sound data (second hold sound data), incoming call sound data, pseudo ringback sound data, and pseudo ring Sound data is stored.

  The RAM 33 is a memory for temporarily storing various data when each operation of the facsimile apparatus 1 is executed.

  In addition, an automatic incoming mode flag indicating whether or not the automatic incoming mode is currently set in the multifunction machine 10 is stored in a predetermined area in the EEPROM 34. When the automatic incoming call mode is currently set in the multi-function device 10, “1” is stored in a predetermined area in the EEPROM 34, and when the automatic incoming call mode is not set, “1” is stored in the predetermined area in the EEPROM 34. “0” is stored.

  The ASIC 40 is provided with four buzzer circuits 41 to 44 (sound signal generating means) each capable of generating a single sound. The single sound signals generated by the buzzer circuits 41 to 44 are sent from the speaker 110 via the amplifier 100. Output as a single sound. The amplifier 100 and the speaker 110 constitute an audio output unit. Since the multifunction machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes the four buzzer circuits 41 to 44, a quadruple chord can be output from the speaker 110. Further, a signal from the ON / OFF hook sensor 150 is input to the ASIC 40. The ASIC 40 is connected with a recording paper transport unit 80, an image recording unit 90, and an image reading unit 130, and the operation of each part is controlled by the control circuit 30 and the ASIC 40.

  Next, when the user operates a predetermined key on the operation panel 140, a holding tone for sending (first holding tone), a holding tone for confirmation (second holding tone), and an incoming call tone (to be described later) The procedure for selecting and setting the incoming melody), pseudo ringback sound, and pseudo ring sound will be briefly described. Each of the holding tone for sending (first holding tone), the holding tone for confirmation (second holding tone), the incoming call tone (incoming call melody), the pseudo ringback tone, and the pseudo ring tone each have a plurality of pattern sounds. And a melody, etc., which are stored in advance in a ROM 32 described later. Here, the sending hold sound (first hold sound) is a remote communication device 190 when a user on the multifunction device 10 side shifts the call to a hold state during a call with the remote communication device 190. This is a hold sound that can be heard on the side, and is transmitted to the telephone line 185 by the communication modem 50. The on-hold tone for confirmation (second on-hold tone) is the four buzzer circuits in the ASIC 40 when the user on the multifunction device 10 side shifts the call to the hold state during a call with the remote communication device 190. 41 to 44 are holding sounds output from the speaker 110 in the multifunction machine 10 by generating a signal for the second holding sound and sending it to the amplifier 100. The incoming call sound (incoming melody) means that when the remote communication device 190 receives an incoming call, the four buzzer circuits 41 to 44 in the ASIC 40 generate signals for the incoming call sound (incoming melody). The sound (melody) output from the speaker 110 in the multifunction machine 10 by being sent to the amplifier 100. Furthermore, the pseudo ringback sound is a sound transmitted from the communication modem 50 to the telephone line 185 after the telephone line is closed in the F / T mode described later. As long as the communication status is confirmed via the telephone, the telephone line 185 is not yet closed, and the called party side communication device (multifunction device 10) is called in order to notify the called party of the incoming call. It sounds as if the sound continues to ring. The pseudo ring sound is a sound output from the four buzzer circuits 41 to 44 in the ASIC 40 to the amplifier 100 and output from the speaker 110 after the telephone line is closed in the F / T mode described later. The sound is heard as if the communication device (multifunction device 10) on the called party side continues to receive incoming calls from the calling party without the telephone line 185 being closed.

  Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 4, the mode setting at the time of incoming call and the operation of selecting and setting each sound in the multi-function device 10 will be described. This flowchart is started when the multifunction device 10 is powered on.

  First, it is determined whether or not any key input is made from the operation panel 140 (S1). When it is determined that there is no key input from the operation panel 140 (S1: No), S1 is repeatedly executed as a so-called standby state. If it is determined that any key input has been made from the operation panel 140 (S1: Yes), it is determined whether or not the key input is a key input for setting the incoming mode for the multifunction machine 10 (S3). . For example, after the menu / setting key 144 is pressed, the cross key 145 is pressed a plurality of times until the LCD 141 displays “Set incoming mode?”, And the LCD 141 displays “Set incoming mode?” When the menu / setting key 144 is pressed again, it is determined that the key input is to set the incoming mode for the multifunction device 10 (S3: Yes). Then, “F / T mode?” Is displayed on the LCD 141, and it is determined whether or not the incoming call mode is set to the F / T mode (S5). When the menu / setting key 144 is pressed while “F / T mode?” Is displayed on the LCD (S5: Yes), the incoming mode of the multifunction device 10 is set to “F / T mode” (S7). Then, the automatic incoming mode flag in the EEPROM 34 is set to ON (S9). That is, “1” is stored in the automatic incoming mode flag storage area in the EEPROM 34. And it returns to S1 again.

  On the other hand, when the cross key 145 is pressed while “F / T mode?” Is displayed on the LCD 141 (S5: No), “TAD mode?” Is displayed on the LCD 141, and the incoming mode is set to the TAD mode. It is determined whether or not it has been done (S11). When the menu / setting key 144 is pressed in a state where “TAD mode?” Is displayed on the LCD 141 (S11: Yes), the incoming mode of the multi-function device 10 is set to “TAD mode” (S13). The automatic incoming mode flag is set to ON (S9). And it returns to S1 again.

  On the other hand, when the cross key 145 is pressed again while “TAD mode?” Is displayed on the LCD 141 (S11: No), “TEL mode?” Is displayed on the LCD 141, and the incoming call mode is set to the TEL mode. It is determined whether or not (S15). When the menu / setting key 144 is pressed while “TEL mode?” Is displayed on the LCD 141 (S15: Yes), the incoming mode of the multifunction peripheral 10 is set to “TEL mode” (S17). The automatic incoming mode flag is set to OFF (S9). That is, “0” is stored in the automatic incoming mode flag storage area in the EEPROM 34. And it returns to S1 again.

  On the other hand, when the cross key 145 is pressed again in a state where “TEL mode?” Is displayed on the LCD 141 (S15: No), “F / T mode?” Is displayed again on the LCD 141, and the process returns to S5.

  The reception mode of the present embodiment is composed of three modes of “F / T mode”, “TAD mode”, and “TEL mode”, but modes other than these modes may be provided. It goes without saying that it is not necessary to have all the modes.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that some key input is made from the operation panel 140 (S1: Yes), and it is determined that the key input is not a predetermined key input for setting the incoming mode (S3: No), the key input is performed. Is a predetermined key input for setting various sounds (S21). For example, after the menu / setting key 144 is pressed, the cross key 145 is pressed a plurality of times until “various sound settings?” Is displayed on the LCD 141, and “various sound settings?” Is further displayed on the LCD 141. When the menu / setting key 144 is pressed in the state of being present, it is determined that the input is a predetermined key for setting various sounds (S21: Yes). Then, a process of “selecting a sound to be set” is executed (S23). In this process, in response to the depression of the cross key 145, the LCD 141 displays “incoming call tone?” → “sending hold sound?” As the first hold sound? → “confirmation hold sound?” As the second hold sound. "→" pseudo ring sound? "→" pseudo ring back sound? "Are sequentially toggled. Then, when the user presses the menu / setting key 144 in a state where the sound to be selected is displayed on the LCD 141, a process of “selecting / setting desired data from a plurality of data” is executed (S25). For example, when the user presses the menu / setting key 144 while “LCD ringtone?” Is displayed on the LCD 141, the user selects “ringtone” as the sound to be set. Then, in S25, which data is selected and set from among a plurality of candidate data for the selected “calling tone” is executed in S25. In the process of S25, “bell pattern 1” → “bell pattern 2” → “bell pattern 3” → “song A” → “song B” → “song C” is displayed on the LCD 141 in response to pressing of the cross key 145. Toggle display. The bell patterns 1 to 3 are different bell sound patterns, and the songs A to C are different songs (melody). Then, when the user presses the menu / setting key 144 in a state where the bell pattern or song to be selected is displayed on the LCD 141, the bell pattern or song displayed on the LCD 141 at that time is set as “ringing sound”. It is done. Then, since “set another sound?” Is displayed on the LCD 141 (S27), when the user presses the menu / setting key 144 (S27: Yes), the process of “selecting the sound to be set” is started again. It is executed (S23). On the other hand, when the user presses the stop key 146 (S27: No), the process returns to S1.

  In the above description, only a plurality of data used as “incoming call tone” has been described, but other “holding tone for sending”, “holding tone for confirmation”, “pseudo ring tone”, “pseudo ring tone” It goes without saying that a plurality of data that can be set for each “back sound” are stored.

  Further, it is determined that some key input is made from the operation panel 140 (S1: Yes), it is determined that the key input is not a predetermined key input for setting the incoming call mode (S3: No), and the key input is performed. If it is determined that it is not a predetermined key input for setting various sounds (S21: No), another process (S29) corresponding to the key input from the operation panel 140 is executed, and the process returns to S1.

  Thus, when the user presses a predetermined key on the operation panel 140, the multifunction machine 10 shifts to the selection setting mode for these sounds and melodies. Further, the user can select and set each sound and melody by operating various keys on the operation panel 140. There are various selection methods and setting methods, and any method other than the above-described methods may be used as long as one sound or melody can be selected and set for each sound or melody. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the multifunction device 10 shifts to the hold state during a call with the remote communication device 190, the transmission hold sound heard on the remote communication device 190 side, and the device housing of the multifunction device 10 are provided. 21 can be set to a sound or melody different from the confirmation holding sound output from the speaker 110 provided in the system 21. Further, when an incoming call is received from the remote communication device 190, an incoming call sound signal (incoming melody signal) sent from the four buzzer circuits 41 to 44 in the ASIC 40 to the amplifier 100, or an F / F described later. After the telephone line is closed in the T mode, a pseudo ringback sound transmitted from the communication modem 50 to the telephone line 185 or a pseudo ring transmitted from the four buzzer circuits 41 to 44 in the ASIC 40 to the amplifier 100. An incoming call sound signal (incoming call melody signal) as a sound can be arbitrarily selected and set. Furthermore, not only the sound and melody stored in the ROM 32 in advance, but also the sound and melody data stored in the remote communication server or the like are downloaded and stored in the EEPROM 34, and the user can operate the operation panel 140. The user's favorite sound or melody may be arbitrarily selected and set from these data by operating.

  Next, the operation of the multi-function device 10 when an incoming call is made to the multi-function device 10 of this embodiment from a remote communication device will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, until a call is received from a remote caller, that is, from any one of the remote communication apparatuses 190 (S100: No), the multifunction machine 10 is kept in a standby state. When an incoming call is received from the remote communication device 190 (S100: Yes), the buzzer circuits 41 to 44 in the ASIC 40 send a signal for the incoming call sound (incoming call melody) to the amplifier 100. The speaker 110 outputs an incoming call sound (incoming call melody) for notifying the called party that there is an incoming call (S200). Next, whether or not the automatic incoming call mode is set (whether the automatic incoming call mode flag is ON or OFF, that is, “1” or “0” is stored in the automatic incoming call mode flag storage area in the EEPROM 34) Is determined (S300). If it is determined by the user that the MFP 10 has been set to the automatic call mode in advance (S300: Yes), the number of incoming calls is counted and stored in a predetermined storage area in the ASIC 40 (S400). ). The number of incoming calls is executed by counting the ON / OFF state of the ringing signal output from the exchange 180. Then, it is determined whether or not the count number has reached a predetermined count value n or more (S500). When it is determined that the count number is less than the predetermined count value n (S500: No), the counting and storing of the number of incoming calls is continued. When it is determined that the count number is equal to or greater than the predetermined count value n (S500: Yes), each buzzer circuit 41 to 44 in the ASIC 40 sends a signal for an incoming call sound (incoming call melody) to the amplifier 100. (S600), the output of the incoming call sound from the speaker 110 is also stopped. Then, automatic incoming call processing (S700) described later is executed. When the automatic incoming call process (S700) is completed, a call process (S1100), which will be described later, is executed according to the contents of the process, or the process returns to S100 and the multi-function device 10 enters a standby state.

  On the other hand, when it is determined by the user that the multi-function device 10 is not set to the automatic call mode, that is, when it is determined that the multi-function device 10 is set to the manual call mode represented by the simple telephone mode (S300). : No), it is determined whether or not the call from the calling party (remote communication device 190), that is, the incoming call on the called party (multifunction device 10) side is stopped (S800). This is determined by whether or not the ringing signal output from the exchange 180 has been turned off for a predetermined time. If it is determined that the incoming call is stopped (S800: Yes), the buzzer circuits 41 to 44 in the ASIC 40 stop sending signals for the incoming call sound (incoming call melody) to the amplifier 100 (S1200). Therefore, the output of the incoming call sound from the speaker 110 is also stopped. Then, the process returns to S100, and the multifunction machine 10 enters a standby state. On the other hand, if it is determined that the incoming call is not stopped (S800: No), it is determined whether or not the parent device D is hooked off (S900). Here, “the main unit D is OFF hook” is not limited to the case where the main unit D is actually lifted by the called party from the holder unit 120 to be in the OFF hook state and the telephone line 185 is closed. Also included is a case where the telephone line 185 is closed by pressing a call switch (not shown) of the handset E by the called party. Whether or not the parent device D is OFF-hooked is determined based on a signal output from the ON / OFF hook sensor 150 provided in the holder unit 120. If it is determined that the main unit D is not hooked off (S900: No), that is, if the telephone line 185 is not closed, S800 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the main unit D is hooked off (S900: Yes), that is, when the telephone line 185 is closed, the buzzer circuits 41 to 44 in the ASIC 40 receive the incoming call sound (incoming call melody). Is stopped from being sent to the amplifier 100 (S1000), and the process proceeds to call processing (S1100). When the call process (S1100) is completed, the process returns to S100 and the multifunction machine 10 enters a standby state.

  Next, the automatic incoming call process (S700) will be described with reference to FIG. However, this automatic incoming call processing relates to the F / T mode. The F / T mode is one of automatic incoming call modes. For example, when an incoming call is received from the remote communication device 190, the telephone line 185 is first closed and the facsimile reception is automatically executed. However, the call is a mode in which the line is automatically released if the called party does not respond to the call within a predetermined time. In this automatic incoming call processing (S700), as shown in FIG. 6, first, the telephone line 185 is closed (incoming) (S701), and a pseudo ringback tone is transmitted from the communication modem 50 to the telephone line 185. Therefore, although the telephone line 185 is already closed, as long as the caller confirms the communication status via the remote communication device 190, the communication device (multifunction device 10) on the called party side is called as it is. It sounds as if the ringing tone continues to ring to notify the person of the incoming call. However, since the remote communication device 190 itself can recognize that the multi-function device 10 has closed the telephone line 185, it transmits a CNG signal to the telephone line 195 in the case of facsimile transmission. On the other hand, the buzzer circuits 41 to 44 in the ASIC 40 send a signal for a pseudo ring (incoming call melody) to the amplifier 100, so that a pseudo ring sound is output from the speaker 110. It can be recognized that the communication device 190 is calling (the multifunction device 10 has an incoming call) (S702). Next, it is determined whether or not an F / T timeout has occurred (S703). As described above, since the telephone line 185 is already closed in S701, if the remote communication device 190 on the calling side is intended for facsimile transmission, a CNG signal is transmitted within a predetermined time. If it is intended, no CNG signal is transmitted. Therefore, first, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the telephone line 185 was connected, that is, whether or not an F / T timeout has occurred. If it is determined that the F / T timeout has not occurred (S703: No), it is then determined whether or not the parent device D is off-hooked (S704). In this case, “master device D is OFF hook” has substantially the same purpose as S900 described above. However, since the telephone line 185 has already been closed in S701 at this point, when the base unit D is actually lifted from the holder unit 120 to the called party and becomes in an off-hook state, a call can be made. The case where a call switch (not shown) of the handset E is pressed by the called party and a call is actually enabled is shown. If it is determined that “the parent device D is not hooked off” (S704: No), it is determined whether a CNG signal is detected (S705). As described above, if the remote communication device 190 on the calling side is intended for facsimile transmission, the CNG signal is transmitted within a predetermined time. If it is determined that the CNG signal is not detected (S705: No), the process returns to S703, and S703 to S705 are repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the F / T timeout has occurred (S703: Yes), that is, even though a predetermined time has elapsed since the telephone line 185 was connected, the "master unit D is hooked off". Further, the pseudo ringback tone transmitted from the communication modem 50 in which no CNG signal was detected to the telephone line 185 is stopped (S706), and further transmitted from the buzzer circuits 41 to 44 of the ASIC 40 to the amplifier 100. The pseudo ring (incoming call melody) output from the speaker 110 is also stopped (S707). Then, the telephone line 185 is released (S708), the process returns to S100, and the multifunction machine 10 enters a standby state. The reason why the telephone line is opened when the CNG signal is not detected within the predetermined time is that the telephone line 185 is closed (S701) when the automatic incoming call processing (S700) is started. This is because the call charge charged to the communication device 190) is not increased unnecessarily.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that “the main unit D is OFF hooked” (S704: Yes), the pseudo ringback tone sent from the communication modem 50 to the telephone line 185 is stopped (S709), and further the buzzer circuit of the ASIC 40 The pseudo ring (incoming call melody) sent from 41 to 44 to the amplifier 100 is also stopped (S710). Then, a call process (S1100) described later is executed.

  If it is determined that a CNG signal has been detected (S705: Yes), the pseudo ringback tone sent from the communication modem 50 to the telephone line 185 is stopped (S711), and the buzzer circuits 41 to 44 of the ASIC 40 are used as amplifiers. The pseudo ring (incoming call melody) sent to 100 is also stopped (S712). Then, FAX reception processing is executed (S713). Since this FAX reception process is generally well-known, it will not be described in detail here. When the FAX reception process (S713) is completed, the telephone line 185 is opened (S714), the process returns to S100, and the multifunction machine 10 enters a standby state.

  Next, the call process (S1100) will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In this call processing (S1100), it is first determined whether or not the parent device D is “ON hooked” (S1101). Here, the master unit D is “ON hook”, not only when the master unit D is actually placed on the holder 120 by the called party, but a call switch (not shown) of the slave unit E is again connected to the called party. This is a case where the called party tries to end the call by being pressed. If it is determined that “the parent device D is ON hooked” (S1101: Yes), the parent device D or the child device E that has been used for the call is turned off, that is, the call function is turned off. (S1110), the telephone line 185 is released (S1111). Then, the process returns to S100, and the multifunction machine 10 enters a standby state.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the main unit D is not “ON hooked” (S1101: No), that is, if the called party is not going to end the call, the called party is displayed on the operation panel 140. It is determined whether a hold key (not shown) has been pressed (S1102). The hold key is also provided on the operation panel 140 of the multifunction device 10, but is also provided on the slave device E. If it is determined that the hold key is not pressed by the called party (S1102: No), S1101 is repeatedly executed. That is, during this time, the call state continues between the calling party and the called party. When the hold key is pressed by the called party (S1102: Yes), the microphone of the parent device D or the microphone of the child device E is turned off (S1103). Accordingly, the voice on the called side is not transmitted to the calling side (remote communication device 190). During this time, a hold tone (hold melody) is sent from the communication modem 50 to the telephone line 185, and a signal for the hold tone (hold melody) is sent to the amplifier 100 from the buzzer circuits 41 to 44 of the ASIC 40. (S1104). Then, it is determined again whether or not the called party has pressed the hold key on the operation panel 140 (S1105). If it is determined that the hold key has not been pressed again (S1105: No), it is determined based on the output of the ON / OFF hook sensor 150 whether or not the parent device D is placed on the holder unit 120 ( S1108). In this case, it is determined only whether or not parent device D is actually placed on holder unit 120. That is, even if the parent device D is placed on the holder unit 120 in the hold state, the telephone line 185 is not released, and the hold state is continued. If it is determined that the parent device D is not actually placed on the holder unit 120 (S1108: No), the process returns to S1105. On the other hand, if it is determined that the parent device D is actually placed on the holder unit 120 (S1108: Yes), it is then determined whether or not the parent device D is actually lifted from the holder unit 120 (S1109). . If it is determined that parent device D is lifted from holder unit 120 (S1109: Yes), the hold state is stopped in the same manner as when the hold key on operation panel 140 is pressed again in S1105. In this case, the communication modem 50 and the ASIC 40 stop sending the hold sound to the telephone line 185 or the amplifier 100, respectively (S1106). Then, the microphone of the parent device D or the microphone of the child device that was previously turned off is turned on (S1106), and the process is repeatedly executed from the processing of S1101.

  The above is the case where the automatic call mode is the F / T mode, but when the automatic call mode is the TAD (Telephone Answering Device) mode, another operation is performed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, an automatic incoming call process when the multifunction machine 10 is set to the TAD mode will be described. Here, the TAD mode is one of automatic incoming call modes. For example, when a call is made from the remote communication device 190 to the multifunction device 10, the multifunction device 10 first closes the telephone line 185. When a CNG signal is detected within a predetermined time, facsimile reception is automatically performed. If the multifunction device 10 does not detect a CNG signal within a predetermined time, after sending a “message indicating absence” stored in the multifunction device 10 to the remote communication device 190 on the calling side. In this mode, the “caller's message” sent from the remote communication device 190 is stored and the telephone line 185 is opened.

  When the process of S600 is completed in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the automatic incoming call process in the TAD mode is executed, and the telephone line 185 is first closed (S721). If the remote communication device 190 on the calling side is intended for facsimile transmission, the CNG signal is transmitted within a predetermined time, so that the multifunction machine 10 waits for a predetermined time, for example, 4 seconds, in a silent state (S722). If it is determined that 4 seconds have not elapsed (S722: No), it is determined whether a CNG signal transmitted from the remote communication device 190 on the calling side has been detected (S723). If it is determined that the CNG signal is not detected (S723: No), the determination of S722 is repeatedly executed. However, if it is determined that the CNG signal transmitted from the remote communication device 190 on the calling side has been detected (S723: Yes), the normal facsimile reception process (S724) is executed in the same manner as S713, and then the telephone line 185 is opened (S732). Then, returning to S100, the multifunction machine 10 enters a standby state.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that 4 seconds have passed without detecting the CNG signal (S722: Yes), for example, “I am away now. Please tell me the message after the beeping sound”. Message (OGM: Out Going Message) starts to be sent from the communication modem 50 to the telephone line 185 (S725). The OGM transmission is continued until the transmission is completed (S726: No). When the predetermined OGM is transmitted (S726: Yes), the OGM transmission is stopped (S727). Next, a message spoken by the caller (ICM: In Coming Message) starts to be recorded in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 via the communication modem 50 (S728). Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed since the start of ICM recording (S729). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S729: No), it is then determined whether or not the remote communication device 190 on the calling side has opened the telephone line 195 (S730). If it is determined that the remote communication device 190 on the calling side does not open the telephone line 195 (S730: No), the determination in S729 is repeatedly executed. If it is determined that the predetermined time has passed (S729: Yes), or if it is determined that the remote communication device 190 on the calling side has opened the telephone line 195 (S730: Yes), ICM recording is stopped (S731). ) The telephone line 185 is released (S732). Then, returning to S100, the multifunction machine 10 enters a standby state.

  As described above in detail, according to the communication device of the present invention, when the communication device is shifted to the hold state by the hold shift means, the communication modem generates the first hold sound signal and sends it to the communication line. The voice output means outputs the hold sound based on the second hold sound signal generated by the sound signal generating means, so that the hold sound transmitted to the remote communication device via the telephone line when the call is held, It is possible to differentiate the hold sound to be listened to by the communication device, and to meet various demands of the user.

  Further, since the sound signal generating means is always connected to the sound output means, it is easy to control the sound output from the sound output means.

  Further, since each of the sound signal generating means is provided with a plurality of circuits for generating a single sound, the sound output means can output the sound of multiple chords, and can meet various demands of the user for the output sound.

  In addition, since the sound signal generating means can generate a signal for an incoming call when an incoming call is received from a remote communication device, it is possible to output a hold sound and an incoming call sound despite a simple configuration.

  Moreover, since not only the hold sound but also the pseudo ring back tone and the pseudo ring sound can be output as different sounds, it is possible to meet various demands of the user.

  Further, the selection setting means stores at least one sound data among the first hold sound data, the second hold sound data, the incoming call sound data, the pseudo ringback sound data, and the pseudo ring sound data in the storage means. Since one candidate can be selected and set from a plurality of candidates, each sound can be easily set.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A various change can be added in the range which does not deviate from the meaning.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, a call with the remote communication device 190 is performed via the parent device D or the child device E, but in the device casing 21 instead of the parent device D or the child device E. It is good also as making a telephone call with what is called a speaker phone using the microphone and speaker 110 which are not provided. In this case, the determination of “OFF hook?” In S704 in FIG. 6 is made based on whether or not a speakerphone switch (not shown) on the operation panel 140 is pressed by the called party. Further, the determination of “Is it an ON hook?” In S1101 in FIG. 7 is determined based on whether or not a speakerphone switch (not shown) on the operation panel 140 is pressed again by the called party.

External perspective view of the MFP of the present embodiment Block diagram showing the internal configuration of the MFP of the present embodiment Partial view of the flowchart showing the operation when setting the incoming mode, incoming call tone, etc. to the MFP Partial view of the flowchart showing the operation when setting the incoming mode, incoming call tone, etc. to the MFP Flowchart showing the operation of the multifunction device when ringing Flowchart showing automatic incoming call operation when F / T mode is set in MFP Flow chart showing call processing of multifunction device Flowchart showing automatic incoming call operation when TAD mode is set in MFP Block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional facsimile machine A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another conventional facsimile apparatus

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Multifunction machine 21 ... Apparatus housing 30 ... Control circuit 31 ... CPU
32 ... ROM
33 ... RAM
34… EEPROM
40 ... ASIC
41 to 44: beep generation circuit 50 ... communication modem 60 ... relay 70 ... line transformer 80 ... recording paper transport unit 81 ...
82 ...
83 ... Wireless communication circuit 83A ... Antenna 90 ... Image recording unit 100 ... Amplifier 110 ... Speaker 120 ... Holder unit 130 ... Image reading unit 138 ... Document cover 140 ... Operation panel 150 ... ON / OFF hook sensor 180 ... Switch 185 ... Telephone line 190 ... Remote communication device 195 ... Telephone line D ... Base unit E ... Handset

Claims (6)

Data transfer and communication are possible with a remote communication device via a communication line, and during a call with the remote communication device, the call transfer means for transferring the call to a hold state without opening the communication line A communication device comprising:
A first hold sound signal can be generated and sent to the communication line when the device is shifted to a hold state by the hold transfer means, and data communication can be performed with a remote communication device. A communication modem;
A sound signal generating means capable of generating a second hold sound signal when the apparatus is shifted to a hold state by the hold shifting means;
A communication apparatus comprising: audio output means capable of outputting a hold sound based on the second hold sound signal generated by the sound signal generating means.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound signal generation unit is always connected to the sound output unit.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound signal generation unit includes a plurality of circuits each generating a single sound.   4. The incoming call sound signal generated from the audio output means is generated by the sound signal generating means when an incoming call is received from a remote communication device. Communication equipment. It has an automatic incoming call mode that automatically closes the communication line when a call is received from a remote communication device and enables either data communication or a call.
After the communication line is closed, the communication modem sends a pseudo ringback sound signal to the communication line, and the sound signal uttering means sends a pseudo ring sound signal to the sound output means. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. At least one of the first hold sound data, the second hold sound data, the incoming call sound data, the pseudo ring back sound data, and the pseudo ring sound data can be stored, and the stored sound data Storage means for storing a plurality of candidates for
Selection setting means for selecting and setting one candidate from a plurality of candidates stored in the storage means,
6. The communication according to claim 1, wherein the communication modem and the sound signal generating means output a sound signal based on the sound data selected and set by the selection setting means. apparatus.

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