JPH03270559A - Facsimile device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To efficiently use a facsimile equipment by connecting a main body equipment for executing operation input, picture reproduction and picture reading with a connection device for executing connection with a network and operating the facsimile equipment at an arbitrary place. CONSTITUTION: The main body equipment B is connected with the connection device A through antennas 21a and 15a by radio. Namely, the antenna 15a is installed on the side of the connection device A and the antenna 21a is installed on the side of the main body equipment B in accordance with the antenna 15a. The key switches of a ten key group 24a for inputting the number of a transmission opposite party and a facsimile key 24b for instructing the setting of a facsimile equipment transmission/reception mode are arranged on the main body equipment B. Thus, the facsimile equipment can be operated at the arbitrary place.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to a facsimile device.

[Conventional technology]

A function that reproduces images on paper based on image signals input via public telephone lines, etc. (FF), and transmits image signals from document image scanning to the called party (destination party) via the network. A facsimile machine is provided having the following functions.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

The installation location of the facsimile I+ device is fixed due to the connection with the network. For this reason, the locations where facsimile machines can be used within offices are also limited. However, there is a demand for efficient use of offices, that is, a demand for operating facsimile machines from any location. Conventionally, no facsimile machine has been provided that can meet such demands. The present invention meets the above requirements.

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention is a facsimile device in which a connecting device for connecting to a network and a main device for performing image processing are separated, and the two are connected wirelessly. That is, the facsimile apparatus of the present invention includes a main unit and a connecting device, and the main unit includes operation input means for instructing facsimile transmission and selection of the called party, and wireless connection to the connecting device. a connection interface section, an operation input control means for outputting a signal corresponding to the operation of the operation input means to the connection interface section, and image processing according to a signal corresponding to the operation of the operation input means or an input signal from the connection interface section. The connection device includes a main unit interface unit for wirelessly connecting to the main unit, and a main unit interface unit that connects to the network in response to a signal from the main unit interface unit or an activation signal from the network. and a communication control section that outputs signals from the main body interface section to the network and outputs signals from the network to the main body interface section.

[Effect]

When making a call, first, the off-footer state is set using the operation input means. The information is wirelessly sent to the connection device side via the connection interface section, and connection to the network is established. next,
When the number of the destination is input using the operation input means, a connection with the destination is established in the same manner. After the above connection, when facsimile transmission is commanded by the operation input means, image reading control is performed by the operation control section, and an image signal is transmitted to the destination. On the other hand, when a call is received, the connection device is illuminated to connect the network and the main device, and then the operation control section performs image reproduction processing.

【Example】

Examples of the present invention will be described below in the following order: <1> Appearance of the device, <2> Example 1, <3> Example 2. 1> Appearance of the device Figure 1 shows the facsimile device connection device (
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the main body (wireless facsimile main body; transmitting/receiving unit). Main unit B performs image processing (image reproduction operation/image reading operation)
On the other hand, the connecting device A is a device for connecting to a network such as a public telephone line. As shown in the figure, the main device B and the connecting device A are connected to the antenna 2.
They are connected wirelessly via 1a and 15a. That is,
An antenna 15a is installed on the connection device A side, and an antenna 21a is also installed on the main body device B side corresponding to the antenna 15a. The main body device B is also provided with key switches such as a numeric keypad group 24a for inputting the destination number, etc., and a fax key 24b for instructing the setting of a facsimile transmission/reception mode. Note that descriptions of key switches other than those mentioned above will be omitted. Also, in Figure 2, 30
is a handset. 2〉Embodiment 1 FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit at of a facsimile machine according to Embodiment 1. Embodiment 1 is a case where communication between main body device B and connection device A is performed using an audio signal (analog modulation). [1] Operation when making a call First, pick up the handset 30 of the main device B to put the main device B in an off-hook state. As a result, the off-hook signal is transmitted to the base unit controller 14 via the cordless telephone modem 22, the high frequency processing circuit 2, the antenna 21a, the antenna 15a, the high frequency processing circuit 15, and the cordless telephone modem 16. Correspondingly, the base unit control section 14 instructs the line interface circuit to connect to the public telephone line (network). After connecting to the network, the user operates the numeric keypad group 24a of the main device B to input the destination number. The signal is transmitted to the connection device A side in the same manner as described above and is input to the base unit control section 14. As a result, the control section 14 controls D.
A corresponding DTMF signal (P
Commands the transmission of the B double signal (bush button signal). When the DTMF signal is sent and the line with the destination facsimile is connected, voice communication etc. is performed as necessary.
Thereafter, by operating the fax key 24b of the main device B, etc., the user instructs the facsimile control section 24 to set the facsimile transmission mode. Facsimile control unit 24: When facsimile transmission mode is commanded, generates a control signal to the separator 26,
The facsimile modem 27 is connected to a public telephone line via the voice band processing circuit 23, wireless communication means (high frequency processing circuit 2, antenna 21a, antenna 15a, high frequency processing circuit 15), and voice band processing circuit 13. Furthermore, after the above connection, the facsimile control unit 24 controls the line interface circuit 11, the voice band processing circuit 13, and the
The destination facsimile identification signal inputted via the wireless communication means, voice band processing circuit 23, disconnector 26, and facsimile modem 27 is confirmed, and then the data is exchanged with the destination facsimile via the facsimile modem 27. Execute the transmission initiation procedure. After that, the facsimile transmitter/receiver 2
8 (consisting of facsimile input/output section 28a and facsimile logic 28b) generates a data transmission start control signal. When the data transmission is completed, the facsimile control unit 24
Through the facsimile modem 27, a procedure for completing data transmission with the destination facsimile machine is executed. It also outputs communication results as necessary. Thereafter, in the same way as when sending an off-hook signal, a control signal instructing the connecting device to disconnect from the public telephone line is generated, and the calling operation is completed. [23 Operation at the time of incoming call When a calling signal (activation signal) is input from the network to the connecting device A, the line interface circuit 11 generates a ringing sound such as a bell sound. Note that the line interface circuit 11 or the automatic call receiving section 10 generates a called signal, and the called state is notified to the facsimile control section 24 via the base unit control section 14, wireless communication means, etc., and the main device B side makes the call. Sound may also be generated. Hereinafter, the processes in each of the following cases (a) and (b) are performed. (a) At the time of automatic call reception If the device is set to automatic call reception mode, connected device A
In the process, an incoming call signal is output from the automatic incoming call B10 to the base unit control section 14. In response to the input of the incoming call signal, the base unit control section 14 instructs the line interface circuit 11 to connect to the network, and then sends a command to the main body via the cordless telephone modem 16, wireless communication means, and cordless telephone modem 22. Device B
An automatic incoming call signal is transmitted to the facsimile control unit 24 of. When the facsimile control unit 24 receives the automatic incoming call signal, it outputs a control signal to the disconnector 26 to connect the facsimile modem 27 and the voice band processing circuit 23 . As a result, the facsimile modem 27 is connected to the network via the voice band processing circuit 23, the wireless communication means, the voice band processing circuit 13, and the line interface circuit 11. After the above connection, the facsimile control section 24 transmits to the facsimile modem 27 an identification signal for the destination facsimile. Furthermore, it executes a data reception start procedure with the destination facsimile machine via the facsimile modem 27, and then generates a data reception start control signal to the facsimile transmitting/receiving section 28. When data reception is completed, the facsimile control unit 24
A procedure for terminating data reception with the destination facsimile machine is executed via the facsimile modem 27. Thereafter, a control signal is generated to instruct the connecting device tA to disconnect from the public telephone line, and the incoming call operation is completed. (b) When picking up the handset 30 in response to the ringing tone when receiving a manual call,
The off-hook signal is transmitted to the base unit controller 14 via wireless communication means or the like. This instructs the line interface circuit 11 to connect to the network. Also, the ringing tone stops. After the above connection, after performing voice communication etc. as necessary, operate the fax key 24b to
command to set the facun milli reception mode. When the facsimile reception mode is instructed, the facsimile control unit 24 outputs a control signal for connecting the facsimile modem 27 and the audio band processing circuit 23 to the disconnector 26. Thereby, the facsimile modem 27 is connected to the network via the voice band processing circuit 23, the wireless communication means, the voice band processing circuit 13, and the line interface circuit 11. Thereafter, the same process as when receiving an automatic call is performed. [3] Communication between connection device A and main device B Control communication between base unit control section 14, facsimile control section 24 and internal telephone control section T section 29 (communication between connection device A and main device B) is realized by the same circuit configuration as the wireless communication means used in existing wireless telephones. For example, in response to input of an incoming call signal from the automatic incoming call unit 10, the base unit control unit 14 transmits a predetermined control communication code corresponding to the automatic incoming call signal to the cordless telephone modem 1.
Send to 6. Cordless telephone modem 16 modulates the control communication code and outputs it to high frequency processing circuit 15 . The high frequency processing circuit 15 carries the modulated signal on a carrier wave for control communication and outputs it from the antenna 15a. The carrier wave is received by the antenna 21a on the main device B side, detected and amplified by the high frequency processing circuit 21, and then input to the cordless telephone modem 22. The cordless telephone modem 22 demodulates the input signal into the original control communication code and outputs it to the facsimile control i11 section 24 and the internal telephone control section 29. The facsimile control unit 24 decodes the input control communication code. In this way, reception of the automatic incoming call signal is completed. In Embodiment 1, it is assumed that the control communication between the connecting device and the main device B is performed using the control communication frequency of the existing wireless telephone. It may also be done using frequency. 3〉Embodiment 2 FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit at of a facsimile IJ device according to a second embodiment. Embodiment 2 is a case where communication between main body device fB and connection device A is performed using digital signals. [1] Operation when making a call First, when the handset 30 in the main body bag WLB is picked up, an off-hook signal is transmitted via the digital signal modem 22, high frequency processing circuit 2, antenna 21a, antenna 15a, high frequency processing circuit 19, and digital signal modem 18. hand,
The information is transmitted to the base unit control section 14. Correspondingly, the base unit control section 14 instructs the line interface circuit to connect to the public telephone line (network). After connecting to the network, the user operates the numeric keypad group 24a of the main device B to input the destination number. The signal is transmitted to the connection device A side in the same manner as described above and is input to the base unit control section 14. As a result, the control section 14 controls D.
A corresponding DTMF signal (P
Commands the transmission of the B double signal (bush button signal). When the DTMF signal is sent and the line with the destination facsimile is connected, voice communication etc. is performed as necessary.
Thereafter, by operating the fax key 24b of the main device B, etc., the user instructs the facsimile control 824 to set the facsimile transmission mode. When the facsimile transmission mode is instructed, the facsimile control unit 23 transmits a facsimile transmission mode signal to the connecting device A side via the wireless communication means as described above. Furthermore, the facsimile control unit 23 generates a control signal to the disconnector 24 in response to the facsimile transmission mode command, and connects the facsimile logic B 25a and the digital signal modem 22. On the other hand, base unit system! 11 section 14, in response to receiving the facsimile transmission mode signal, divider Al 3
a and disconnector B13b, connects the facsimile modem 16 and the network via the line interface circuit 11, and connects the digital signal modem 1
8.Facsimile logic A17 via wireless communication means
and the circuit on the main unit B side. In addition, main unit B
The side circuit corresponds to the command of the facsimile transmission mode as described above, and is connected by the facsimile control section 23 to the wireless communication means, the digital signal modem 22, the disconnector 24, and the facsimile logic B 25a. Therefore, the facsimile logic A17 and the facsimile logic 825a are eventually connected. Note that the separator A13a and the separator B13b operate in conjunction with each other. After the above connection, the base unit control section 14 checks the destination facsimile identification signal input via the line interface circuit 1 facsimile modem 16. Next, the base unit control section 14 performs mutual communication with the facsimile control section 23, and the facsimile modem 1
6. Execute the data transmission start procedure with the destination facsimile via the line interface circuit 11. Thereafter, the base unit control section 14 transmits a transmission start procedure end signal to the facsimile control section 23 on the main body device B side. The facsimile control section 23 generates a data transmission start control signal to the facsimile transmission/reception 825 (consisting of the facsimile logic B 25a and the facsimile input/output section 25b) in response to the transmission start procedure end signal. When the data transmission is completed, the facsimile control unit 23
A data transmission end signal is transmitted to the base unit control section 14. The base unit control section 14 communicates with the facsimile control section 23 and, via the facsimile modem 16 and line interface circuit 11,
Execute the data transmission termination procedure with the destination facsimile machine. It also outputs communication results as needed. Thereafter, a control signal is generated to instruct disconnection from the public telephone line, and the calling operation is completed. [2] Operation at the time of incoming call When a calling signal (activation signal) is input from the network to the connecting device, the line interface circuit 11 generates a ringing sound such as a bell sound. Note that the main device B side may generate a ringing tone. Hereinafter, the processes in each of the following cases (a) and (b) are performed. (a) At the time of automatic call reception If the device is set to automatic call reception mode, connected device A
Therein, an incoming call signal is output from the automatic incoming call Blo to the base unit/) control unit 14. In response to the input of the incoming signal, the base unit control section 14 instructs the line interface circuit 11 to connect to the network. Further, an automatic incoming call signal is transmitted to the facsimile control section 24 of the main device B via the digital signal modem 18, wireless communication means, and digital signal modem 22. It also generates control signals for the disconnector Al 3a and the disconnector Bl 3b, and connects the facsimile circuit (facsimile modem 16 and facsimile logic A17) to the line interface circuit 11 and digital signal modem 18. On the other hand, the facsimile controller 1a23 generates a control signal to the disconnector 24 in response to receiving the automatic incoming signal, and connects the facsimile transmitter/receiver 25 to the digital signal modem. After the above connection, the base unit control section 14 transmits an identification signal to the destination facsimile via the facsimile modem 16 and line interface circuit 11. Furthermore, the base unit control section 14 uses a facsimile system! While communicating with the facsimile machine 11123, the facsimile machine 11 executes a data reception start procedure with the destination facsimile machine via the facsimile modem 16/line interface 11 circuit. Thereafter, a reception start procedure end signal is transmitted to the facsimile system i section 23. The facsimile control unit 23 generates a data reception start control signal to the facsimile transmitting/receiving unit 25 in response to the reception start procedure end signal. When data reception is finished, the base unit/) control unit 1
4 communicates with the facsimile control unit 23 while
Facsimile modem 16/line interface 11
A procedure for completing data reception with the destination facsimile machine is executed via the circuit. Thereafter, a control signal is generated to instruct disconnection from the public telephone line, and the incoming call operation is completed. (b) When picking up the handset 30 in response to the ringing tone when receiving a manual call,
The off-footer signal is transmitted to the base unit controller 14 via wireless communication means or the like. This instructs the line interface circuit 11 to connect to the network. Also, the ringing tone stops. After the above connection, after performing voice communication etc. as necessary, operate the fax key 24b to
command to set the facsimile reception mode. When the facsimile reception mode is commanded, the facsimile control section 23 and base unit control section 14 control the line interface circuit 1, facsimile modem 16, facsimile logic A17, digital signal modem 18, and wireless communication means in the same way as when automatically receiving a call. - A digital signal modem 22 and a facsimile transmitting/receiving section 25 are connected. Cough 4! After the connection, the same process as the automatic call reception is performed. [3] Communication between connection device A and main device B Control communication between the base unit control section 14, facsimile control section 23, and internal telephone control section 26 is realized by known means as communication of digital signals using carrier waves. has been done. For example, from the facsimile control section 23 to the base unit control section 14,
! When commanding a connection, it is performed as follows. First, the facsimile control unit 23 transmits a predetermined control communication code corresponding to the line connection signal to the digital signal modem 2.
Send to 2. The digital signal modem 22 digitally modulates the control communication code and outputs it to the high frequency processing circuit 21. The high frequency processing circuit 21 puts the input modulated signal on a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency for control communication, and outputs it from the antenna 21a. The carrier wave is received by the antenna 15a, detected and amplified by the high frequency processing circuit 9, and then input to the digital signal modem 18. The digital communication modem 18 demodulates the input signal into the original control communication code and outputs it to the base unit controller 14. The base unit control section 14 decodes the control communication code and instructs the line interface circuit 11 to connect m. Note that the facsimile image signal is a digital signal between the two divided facsimile logic circuits A and B.
The signal is processed as it is by the digital signal modem 18 (22) and the high frequency processing circuit 19 (21), and wirelessly communicated. In addition, the audio signal is sent to the digital audio processing circuit 1 on the transmitting side.
After being A/D converted in 5 (27), it is wirelessly transmitted, and then D/A in the digital audio processing circuit 27 (15) on the receiving side.
has been converted. In the second embodiment, communication between the connecting device A and the main device B is performed using digital signals before the image data is modulated by the facsimile modem (at the time of transmission) or after demodulation (at the time of reception). Therefore, the configuration of the main device B side is simple and has excellent portability. Furthermore, by dividing the logic circuit that processes image data, the main device B side mainly limits data compression and restoration functions to avoid redundancy during wireless communication, and processes other than the above to the connected device. A
The processing of the control unit on the main device B side is reduced by having the logic circuit on the side perform the processing.

【Effect of the invention】

As described above, the present invention is a facsimile device in which a main unit for performing operation input, reproduction of one image, reading of one image, etc., and a connection device for connection to a network are connected wirelessly. According to the present invention, since the main device and the connecting device are connected wirelessly, the main device can be moved. Therefore, even in a relatively large office, the facsimile can be operated at any location, and efficient use can be achieved.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the connection device of the facsimile machine according to the embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main unit of the facsimile machine according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration of the facsimile machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of a facsimile machine according to a second embodiment. A...Connection device (wireless facsimile base unit))
, B... Main unit (wireless facsimile main unit)

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) It has a main unit that performs image processing, and a connection device that connects the network and the main unit, and the main unit includes an operation input means for instructing facsimile transmission and selection of the called party, and a connection device. a connection interface section for wirelessly connecting the operation input means; an operation input control means for outputting a signal corresponding to the operation of the operation input means to the connection interface section; and a signal or connection interface section corresponding to the operation of the operation input means. and an operation control unit that controls the image processing unit according to input signals from the main unit, and the connecting device includes: a main unit interface unit for wirelessly connecting to the main unit, and a main unit interface unit that controls signals from the main unit interface unit or the network a network connection control section that connects to the network in response to an activation signal from the main body interface section; and a communication control section that outputs signals from the main body interface section to the network and outputs signals from the network to the main body interface section. , facsimile machine.