JP4586817B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND COMMUNICATION PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention belongs to the technical field of communication devices and communication programs.

In recent years, facsimiles and the like have been used as communication devices, and the facsimiles have various functions. Specifically, it has a telephone function, a message function, a facsimile function for receiving facsimile information and the like from the outside and printing them on recording paper. Here, some facsimiles are equipped with a human body detection sensor, and when the human body detection sensor does not detect the presence of a person, the telephone number of the other party is stored in the storage unit by the telephone function. In addition, when the presence of a person is detected later, a missed call notification function is used to notify a missed call by blinking or lighting a lamp (Patent Documents 1 to 4).
JP 2003-28550 A JP 2006-217487 A JP 2000-138747 A JP 2006-187944 A

  However, since the facsimile has various functions as described above, for example, when both the message function and the missed call notification function are set, it becomes a problem which function is given priority for notification. ing.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device that can reproduce information that is highly required to be reproduced early.

The invention described in claim 1 for solving the above-described problem is characterized in that an input means used for inputting information, a first storage means for storing information input using the input means, and a communication line are provided. Receiving means for receiving communication information from outside, second storage means for storing communication information received by the receiving means, detecting means for detecting the presence of a person, and presence of a person by the detecting means. On condition that the information is detected, the information stored in the first storage means is received by the receiving means and the receiving means for reproducing the information stored in the second storage means in preference to the communication information . It possesses a discharging means for discharging the medium carrying communication information, a, and said detecting means is provided in a position where they can be erroneously detected as the presence of a person by the discharged medium by the discharge means, further, The receiving means is a machine Yes and reception detecting means for detecting whether an either in, that the receiving unit is detected to be in function to the condition by the signal detection means, and stopping means for stopping the function of the detecting means, the It is characterized by doing.

According to this, in the case where the communication information acquired from the outside via the communication line is stored in the second storage means, and the information input using the input means is stored in the first storage means, The information stored in the first storage unit is reproduced with priority over the communication information at the timing when the presence of the person is detected by the detection unit.
Further, as a result of receiving the communication information, since the medium is ejected by the ejecting unit according to the communication information, the presence of the person is erroneously detected and the detecting unit functions, so the receiving unit is functioning. In such a case, the function of the detection means is stopped.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem, in the communication device according to the first aspect, the reproduction unit reproduces the information stored in the first storage unit, and then performs the second operation. The communication information stored in the storage means is reproduced.

  According to this, when communication information acquired from the outside and information input using the input means are stored, the information is stored in the first storage means at the timing when the presence of the person is detected by the detection means. The communication information is reproduced after the information being reproduced is reproduced.

  According to a third aspect of the invention for solving the above problem, in the communication device according to the first or second aspect, the information stored in the first storage means and reproduced by the reproduction means is stored. It further has a deletion means for deleting from the first storage means.

  According to this, when communication information acquired from the outside and information input using the input means are stored, the information is stored in the first storage means at the timing when the presence of the person is detected by the detection means. Is reproduced with priority over the communication information, and the reproduced information is deleted from the storage means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem, in the communication device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the information input by the input means is voice information, character information. Or at least one of image information, and the input means includes a voice information input means for inputting the voice information, a character information input means for inputting the character information, or the image information described on a medium. It is at least one of input image information input means, and the reproduction means reproduces the audio information, audio information reproduction means, character information display means for displaying the character information, or image information for displaying the image information. It is at least one of display means.

  According to this, when communication information acquired from the outside and information input using the input means are stored, it is detected whether the information is audio information, text information, or image information. The information stored in the first storage means is reproduced with priority over the communication information at the timing when the approach of the person is detected by the means.

The invention according to claim 5 for solving the above problem is the communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the communication information is acquired from the outside via the communication line. And at least one of audio information, character information, and image information.

  According to this, when communication information acquired from the outside and information input using the input means are stored, the information is stored in the first storage means at the timing when the presence of the person is detected by the detection means. Information prioritized over communication information.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem, information input using the input means is stored in the first storage means, and communication information from the outside is received using the reception means via the communication line. A communication system for receiving and storing the received communication information in a second storage means , comprising: a computer included in the communication system having a discharge means for discharging the medium carrying the received communication information ; Detection means for detecting presence, detecting means for detecting the presence based on an output from a detection unit provided at a position where the presence of a person may be erroneously detected by the medium discharged by the discharge means Reproducing means for reproducing information stored in the first storage means in preference to communication information stored in the second storage means on the condition that the presence of a person is detected by the detecting means , Stops the function as the detection means on condition that the reception detection means detects whether or not the reception means is functioning, and the reception detection means detects that the reception means is functioning. It is characterized by functioning as a stopping means .

According to this, in the case where the communication information acquired from the outside via the communication line is stored in the second storage means, and the information input using the input means is stored in the first storage means, The information stored in the first storage unit is reproduced with priority over the communication information at the timing when the presence of the person is detected by the detection unit.
Further, as a result of receiving the communication information, since the medium is ejected by the ejecting unit according to the communication information, the presence of the person is erroneously detected and the detecting unit functions, so the receiving unit is functioning. In such a case, the function of the detection means is stopped.

According to the present invention, the communication information acquired from the outside via the communication line is stored in the second storage means, and the information input using the input means is stored in the first storage means. The information stored in the first storage means is reproduced with priority over the communication information at the timing when the presence of the person is detected by the detecting means, so that information that is highly required to be reproduced early is reproduced first. Can do.
In addition, since the function of the detection unit is stopped when the reception unit is functioning, the presence of a person is erroneously detected as a result of the communication information being received and the medium being ejected by the ejection unit according to the communication information. This prevents the detection means from functioning.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the embodiment described below, a facsimile function for acquiring communication information (facsimile information) from the outside via a telephone line, or transmitting information to be transmitted to the outside via a telephone line, an external computer, etc. A printer function for recording print information to be recorded from the information processing apparatus on a predetermined recording paper, a scanner function for outputting information such as an image read by a scanner to an external computer, or recording on a predetermined recording paper, or An answering machine that stores a message from an external caller in response to a copy function or a response message that is input in advance to a call received from an external caller and the voice (message) of the caller Telephone function and message function where the message recorder records the message and then plays it back to the message acquirer It is an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a communication device that combines (facsimile machine).

[Outline of communication equipment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 1 according to the embodiment includes an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, a paper feed unit 13, a discharge unit 14, a document table 15, a receiver 16, a telephone line 17, an antenna 18, and a human body detection sensor. 19.

  The operation unit 11 is a part that gives an instruction to the communication device 1. Furthermore, in order to use the communication apparatus 1 as a message function, it is a part for inputting character information.

  The display unit 12 is a part that displays a state or the like instructed by the operation unit 11 and is made of an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a liquid crystal, or the like.

  The paper feed unit 13 is a part in which recording paper used when printing information received by facsimile or information received from an external computer device by the facsimile function of the communication device 1 is arranged. The recording paper in the paper supply unit 13 is sent to a printer unit (described later) in the communication device 1 one by one and a toner image is transferred, and then heated in a fixing unit (not shown), whereby the toner is placed on the recording paper. The paper is fixed and discharged to the paper discharge unit 14.

  The document table 15 is a part on which a document whose image information is to be read by the scanner function of the communication device 1 is arranged.

  The handset 16 is a part for inputting voice information in order to use the communication device 1 as a telephone function and a message function.

  The telephone line 17 is used to connect the communication apparatus 1 to the outside, and is a part that transmits voice information acquired by the receiver 16 to the outside via the telephone line 17. The facsimile function or answering machine function can be operated using the telephone line 17.

  The antenna 18 is for wirelessly connecting a cordless telephone handset (not shown) and the communication device 1.

  The human body detection sensor 19 is a part that detects the presence of a person. Specifically, the presence of a person is detected by a change in the amount of heat rays or a change in luminance. For example, a pyroelectric far infrared sensor or an infrared sensor is used. The position where the human body detection sensor 19 is installed may be a position where the presence of a person can be detected, and is not particularly limited to the specified position.

  In addition, when the human body detection sensor is disposed at the specified position, the presence of a person is erroneously detected as a result of the acquisition of the communication information and the medium is ejected according to the communication information. Since the sensor (detection unit) may function, the function of the human body detection sensor may be stopped when the line control unit is functioning. Thereby, the erroneous detection of the detection part with respect to the discharged medium can be prevented.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the communication apparatus according to the embodiment.

The scanner 30 is a means for reading image information of the document 32.
Specifically, a plurality of documents 32 stacked on the document table 31 are separated one by one by a separator 33 and a separation roller 34 and sent in the direction of the conveying roller pair 35. The front surface (lower surface in the present embodiment) of the document 32 transported from the pair of transport rollers 35 to the paper discharge roller 36 is irradiated with light from the light source section 38 by the reading section 37 disposed therebetween, and the reflected light is It enters a reading head 39 such as a line image sensor via a lens system or a reflection system, and image information for each page of the document 32 is read by the reading head 39.

  In the printer 21, the recording sheet 23 installed on the sheet feeding unit 22 is fed toward the photosensitive drum 25 in the recording unit by a half-moon-shaped sheet feeding roller 24 of the sheet feeding unit 22. Next, a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 25 by the light beam scanned from the optical scanning unit 26, and the latent image is developed using toner supplied from the toner cartridge 27 and the developing device 28, and is recorded on the recording paper 23. The toner image is fixed by passing through a fixing device 29 composed of a heating roller and a pressure roller, and sent to the paper discharge unit 14.

[Configuration and function of communication device]
Next, a detailed configuration and detailed operation of the communication apparatus having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the communication apparatus according to the embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the communication device 1 according to the embodiment includes a CPU 51 as a reception detection unit and a stop unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a first storage unit, and a RAM (Random as a second storage unit). (Access Memory) 53, an operation unit 54, a display unit 55, a speaker 56 as a reproduction unit, a scanner unit 57, a printer unit 58, a detection unit (human body detection sensor) 19 as a detection unit, and a modem unit 60, a line control unit 61 as a receiving means, a receiver 62 as an input means, and a telephone line 63.

  The line control unit (NCU) 61 establishes communication with other facsimile apparatuses by connecting to the public line and a modem, a DSU (Digital Service Unit) or the like when performing a connection using the public line. The telephone line is not limited to a voice signal that is transmitted via a public line, but is also applied to a voice signal that is converted into a voice packet and transmitted via an IP network. The modem unit 60 performs a so-called modulation / demodulation operation. More specifically, the modem unit 60 demodulates the facsimile information input from the telephone line and outputs a digital signal corresponding to the facsimile information to the bus 64. The facsimile information from the bus 64 is modulated. The modem unit 60 has a so-called voice function. More specifically, the modem unit 60 converts voice information (analog signal) input from the telephone line into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the bus 64. The voice information (digital information) input via the H.64 is restored to an analog signal.

  When the communication device 1 functions as a facsimile device under the control of the CPU 51, the scanner unit 57 reads information such as an image to be transmitted by facsimile and outputs the information to the bus 64, and the communication device 1 functions as a copy device. The information such as the image to be copied is read and output to the bus 64.

  The printer unit 58 temporarily stores the received facsimile information input via the modem unit 60 when the communication apparatus 1 functions as a facsimile machine under the control of the CPU 51 in the RAM 53 or directly after a predetermined recording. Record on paper and output. In addition, the printer unit 58 receives information such as an image to be copied when the communication device 1 functions as a copy device from the bus 64 and records it on the recording sheet, and the communication device 1 functions as a printer device. In this case, information input from a personal computer (not shown) is received from the bus 64 and recorded on a recording sheet.

  A display for displaying information on the state of the communication device 1 and various operation instruction screens, a numeric keypad for inputting a FAX number, a start key for starting a document reading operation, and the like, for moving a reverse display in the display Cursor keys and the like, and various operations are performed by the operation unit 54.

  The display unit 55 is a part that displays a state instructed by the operation unit 54.

  The ROM 52 is a read-only memory for storing a control program for realizing a facsimile function, a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, or the like that is mainly executed by the CPU 51, and is necessary under the control of the CPU 51. Data and the like are output via the bus 64.

  The RAM 53 is a readable / writable memory for performing operations such as temporarily storing necessary data under the control of the CPU 51. Specifically, the RAM 53 is provided as facsimile information via the telephone line 63, the control unit 61, and the like. The data input in this manner, the facsimile information to be sent to the outside via the telephone line 63, the information read by the scanner unit 57, etc. are temporarily stored, and read at a predetermined timing under the control of the CPU 51.

  The speaker 56 outputs voice information such as a ringing tone, guidance voice, and input information.

  The detection unit (human body detection sensor) 19 converts a change in the amount of heat rays into a change in voltage, amplifies the voltage change by an operational amplifier, converts an analog signal into a digital signal by a comparator, and outputs the digital signal to the CPU 51.

  Finally, the CPU 51 controls the operation of each component described above based on a control program recorded in the ROM 52 via the bus 64.

  Further, in the above configuration, when the answering machine function is executed, a so-called response message and a voice (message) of the caller inputted in advance for responding to a call from an external caller are temporarily stored in the RAM 53. Is remembered. Further, these answering machine functions are controlled by the CPU 51. Note that the RAM 53 uses a power backup or non-volatile memory so that the stored contents are not lost even when the power is cut off.

[Communication processing]
Next, communication processing executed in a communication apparatus having the detailed configuration described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the communication process.

  First, the notification setting is turned on (step S11).

  The notification setting is for setting whether or not notification (notification) is performed when there is a notification factor. By setting the notification setting to ON, notification (notification) is performed when there is a notification factor. It will be. Here, as notification factors, for example, when the communication device (fax) is out of toner (factor 1), there is an unplayed answering machine message (factor 2), when there is newly received fax information (factor 3), communication For example, when the amount of toner remaining in the apparatus is low (factor 4), when an incoming call is received from outside (factor 5), or when a return home notification is set (factor 6). Here, the factors 1 to 6 are listed in order from the factors considered necessary for the person who is notified (notification), but the order may be changed by setting.

  Next, a message setting is performed (step S12).

  Specifically, a message recording person inputs (records) a message (input information) by voice using a receiver as voice input means. The message is stored in the first storage unit. Here, the case where a message is recorded by voice will be described below. However, a character or an image is input as a message using an operation unit as a character input unit, a scanner unit as an image input unit, or a video camera such as a mobile phone. May be. Further, here, communication information acquired from the outside is not described again, but communication information (facsimile information or the like) acquired from the outside is also stored in the second storage unit.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the human body detection sensor detects the presence of a person (step S13).

  Specifically, in order to perform message reproduction when a message acquirer who should listen to a message appears in the vicinity of the communication device, the presence of a person is detected by a human body detection sensor.

  Here, when the presence of a person is not detected (step S13: NO), it is determined whether the presence of a person has been detected repeatedly until the presence of a person is detected.

  On the other hand, if the presence of a person is detected (step S13: YES), it is next determined whether or not a message has been set (step S14).

  Here, when the message setting is not made, the operation proceeds to S17. On the other hand, if the message is set, message playback is performed (step S15).

Next, the message is deleted (step S16).
Specifically, the reproduced message is deleted.

Next, it is determined whether or not the notification setting is ON (step S17).
If the notification setting is not ON (step S17: NO), the operation is terminated. On the other hand, if the notification setting is ON (step S17: YES), it is next determined whether or not there is a factor 1 (step S18).

  Specifically, as described above, when the factor 1 (out of toner in the communication device (fax) (factor 1)) has occurred, it is necessary to notify the factor 1, so is the factor 1 present? Determine whether or not.

  If there is no factor 1 (step S18: NO), the process proceeds to S20. On the other hand, when there is factor 1 (step S18: YES), factor 1 is reproduced (step S19). Specifically, information such as “No toner. Set a new cartridge.” Is displayed on the display unit, or audio information “No toner” is reproduced by a speaker.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a factor 2 (step S20).

  Specifically, as described above, when the factor 2 (when there is an unplayed answering machine message (communication information)) has occurred, the factor 2 needs to be notified, so there is the factor 2 It is determined whether or not.

  Here, when there is no factor 2 (step S20: NO), although not shown in the flowchart, the process proceeds to an operation for determining whether or not the requirement 3 exists. On the other hand, when there is a factor 2 (step S20: YES), the factor 2 is reproduced (step S21). Specifically, the absence recording lamp blinks, or the voice information “There is a new recording message” is reproduced by the speaker.

  Next, although not shown in the flowchart, it is similarly determined whether or not there is a factor 3.

  Specifically, as described above, when factor 3 (when there is newly received fax information (communication information)) has occurred, it is necessary to notify factor 3, so whether factor 3 is present or not. Determine whether.

  Here, when there is no factor 3, although not shown in the flowchart, the process proceeds to an operation for determining whether or not the requirement 4 exists. On the other hand, when there is a factor 3, the factor 3 is reproduced. Specifically, information such as “There is a new fax” is displayed on the display unit, or voice information “Please press the fax list key” is reproduced by a speaker.

  Next, although not shown in the flowchart, it is similarly determined whether or not there is a factor 4.

  Specifically, as described above, when the factor 4 (when the remaining amount of toner in the communication apparatus is low) has occurred, it is necessary to notify the factor 4, so whether or not the factor 4 exists. Determine whether.

  Here, when there is no factor 4, although not shown in the flowchart, the operation shifts to an operation for determining whether or not the requirement 5 exists. On the other hand, when there is a factor 4, the factor 4 is reproduced. Specifically, the lamp is blinked, or voice information “Toner will soon be exhausted” is reproduced by a speaker.

  Next, although not shown in the flowchart, it is similarly determined whether or not there is a factor 5.

  Specifically, as described above, when the factor 5 (when there is an incoming call) has occurred, it is necessary to notify the factor 5, so whether or not the factor 5 exists is determined.

  Here, when there is no factor 5, although not shown in the flowchart, the operation shifts to an operation for determining whether or not the requirement 6 exists. On the other hand, when there is a factor 5, the factor 5 is reproduced. Specifically, information such as “There was an incoming call” or the like is displayed on the display unit, or voice information such as “There is an incoming call” is reproduced by a speaker.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a factor N (step S22). In the present embodiment, N = 6 because the case where factor 6 exists is described.

  Specifically, as described above, when the factor 6 (when the return home notification is set) has occurred, it is necessary to perform the factor 6, so it is determined whether or not the factor 6 exists. .

  Here, if there is no factor 6 (step S22: NO), the operation is terminated. On the other hand, when there is factor 6 (step S22: YES), factor 6 is performed (step S23). Specifically, return information is transmitted via a telephone line by a telephone function.

  In this way, it is determined whether or not there is a factor for the above-described factors 1 to N. If there is a factor, reproduction (execution) is performed, and if there is no factor, whether there is a next factor or not. The operation of determining whether is repeated.

  As described above, when the communication information acquired from the outside and the information input using the handset or the operation unit are stored, the first storage is performed at the timing when the presence of the person is detected by the detection unit. By reproducing the information stored in the unit with priority over the communication information, it is possible to reproduce information that needs to be reproduced early.

  In addition, after reproducing the information stored in the first storage unit at the timing when the presence of the person is detected by the detection unit, the communication information is reproduced, so that the information that is highly necessary to be reproduced early is reproduced in order. be able to.

  In addition, the information stored in the first storage unit is reproduced with priority over the communication information at the timing when the presence of the person is detected by the detection unit, and then the reproduced information is deleted from the storage unit. Since the storage amount stored in the memory can be sequentially reduced, the storage unit can be used effectively.

  In addition, as a result of the acquisition of communication information, the medium may be ejected according to the communication information, so that the presence of a person may be erroneously detected and the detection unit may function. In some cases, by stopping the function of the detection unit, erroneous detection of the detection unit with respect to the discharged medium can be prevented.

  In addition, regardless of whether the information is audio information, text information, or image information, the information stored in the first storage unit is reproduced with priority given to the communication information at the timing when the approach of the person is detected by the detecting means. By doing so, it is possible to reproduce information that is highly necessary to be reproduced early.

It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the inspection process in the inspection system which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a communication process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication apparatus 11 Operation part 12 Display part 13 Paper feed part 14 Ejection part 15 Document stand 16 Telephone receiver 17 Telephone line 18 Antenna 19 Human body detection sensor 51 CPU
52 ROM
53 RAM
54 Operation Unit 55 Display Unit 56 Speaker 57 Scanner Unit 58 Printer Unit 60 Modem Unit 61 Line Control Unit 62 Handset 63 Telephone Line 64 Bus

Claims (6)

Input means used to input information;
First storage means for storing information input using the input means;
Receiving means for receiving communication information from outside via a communication line;
Second storage means for storing communication information received by the receiving means;
Detection means for detecting the presence of a person;
Reproduction means for reproducing the information stored in the first storage means in preference to the communication information stored in the second storage means on the condition that the presence of a person is detected by the detection means. ,
Discharging means for discharging the medium carrying the communication information received by the receiving means;
I have a,
The detection means is provided at a position where the presence of a person may be erroneously detected by the medium discharged by the discharge means;
Furthermore,
Reception detection means for detecting whether or not the reception means is functioning; and
Stop means for stopping the function of the detection means, provided that the reception detection means detects that the reception means is functioning;
Communication device, characterized in that it have a. The communication device according to claim 1,
The reproducing device reproduces the communication information stored in the second storage unit after reproducing the information stored in the first storage unit. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2,
A communication apparatus, further comprising: a deletion unit that deletes information stored in the first storage unit and reproduced by the reproduction unit from the first storage unit. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The information input by the input means is at least one of voice information, character information, or image information,
The input means is at least one of voice information input means for inputting the voice information, character information input means for inputting the character information, or image information input means for inputting the image information described on a medium. And
The communication means is at least one of audio information reproduction means for reproducing the audio information, character information display means for displaying the character information, or image information display means for displaying the image information. apparatus. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The communication apparatus, wherein the communication information is at least one of voice information, character information, and image information acquired from the outside via the communication line . Information input using the input means is stored in the first storage means, communication information from the outside is received using the reception means via the communication line, and the received communication information is stored in the second storage means. A computer included in the communication system having a discharging unit that discharges the medium carrying the received communication information.
Detection means for detecting the presence of a person, the presence being detected based on an output from a detection unit provided at a position where the presence of a person may be erroneously detected by the medium discharged by the discharge means. Detection means,
Reproduction means for reproducing the information stored in the first storage means in preference to the communication information stored in the second storage means on the condition that the presence of a person is detected by the detection means,
Reception detecting means for detecting whether or not the receiving means is functioning; and
Stop means for stopping the function as the detection means on condition that the reception detection means detects that the reception means is functioning;
A communication program characterized in that it functions as a computer program .

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