JPH06169357A - Signal converter and network device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the signal converter, which makes possible the rationalization of business processing, the improvement of data quality, the saving of the space for equipment installation, the simplification of operation, and the common use of output equipment by different kind of machines and can be obtained at low cost, and the network device which uses the signal converter. CONSTITUTION:Signal converters 21A-21C for personal computers which have telephone sets 22 are connected to the printer interfaces of office automation equipments 1A-1C, further connected to a telephone converter 15 by a telephone line 14 through modular jacks 13, and furthermore connected to signal converters 23A and 23B for printers and the printers 9A and 9B through modular jacks 13; and the printers 9A and 9B having telephone numbers specified by the office automation equipments 1A-1C print data saved on the office automation equipments 1A-1C.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a signal converter using a telephone line and a network device using the signal converter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram showing a local area network device (hereinafter abbreviated as LAN) using a personal computer.
1C is a personal computer, 25A to 25C are dedicated interfaces for the personal computers 1A to 1C, 3 is a connection cable connected to the interfaces 25A to 25C, and 5 is a plurality of connection devices connected to the connection cable 3. The connecting devices 5 are connected to each other by a dedicated cable 4. Reference numeral 6 is a terminating resistor connected to the connection device 5.

Further, 7A and 7B are server devices connected to the connection device 5 via the connection cable 3, and 9A and 9B are printers connected to the server devices 7A and 7B, respectively. Printer 9A,
9B is a printer cable 8 dedicated to the printers 9A and 9B
They are connected by A and 8B.

Next, the operation will be described. In a LAN using a personal computer, for example, when outputting the data "ABCDEF.TXT" stored in the hard disk "C:" of the personal computer 1A to the printer 9A via the LAN, first, the following preparations and assumptions are made. Conditions are required. A program for LAN control that can be automatically executed when the power of the personal computer 1A is turned on is installed. The server device 7A is turned on and the server program is started. The printer 9A is powered on.

When the above preparations have been made, the operation is performed in the following procedure. The personal computer 1A is turned on. When the power is turned on, the process for turning on the power and the program for LAN control are activated, and a command waiting state is entered. Enter the following command. NET PRINT C: ABCDEF. TXT PR
N <CR> Here, NET and PRN indicate LAN-only processing, and <CR> indicates an execution key. When the above command is input, the personal computer 1A transfers the data “ABCDEF.TXT” stored in the hard disk “C:” via the LAN (that is,
Interface 2A, connection cable 3, connection device 5,
Dedicated cable 4, connection device 5, connection cable 3)
Then, the data is transferred to the spool of the server device 7A of the printer 9A. After that, the server device 7A sends the data stored in the spool to the printer 9A, and the printer 9A
A prints the data.

The above configuration has been described for the case where 1A to 1C are personal computers.
Even if 1C is not a personal computer but a word processor, an engineering workstation, or the like, the printer 9A prints by performing the same operation.

FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram showing personal computer communication. In the figure, 10A to 10C are printer interfaces 26A to 26A of respective personal computers.
26C is a printer connected by printer cables 8A to 8C, 11A to 11C are modems connected to serial interfaces 26A to 26C, and 13 is a modular jack. The modular jack 13 and the modems 11A to 11C are connected by the modular cable 12. It is connected. Reference numeral 14 is a telephone line connected to the modular jack 13, and reference numeral 15 is a telephone switching network connected to each telephone line 14 for switching signals.

Next, the operation will be described. In personal computer communication as shown in FIG. 5, communication is performed between personal computers using a telephone line. Further, when outputting the data stored in the personal computer 1A to the personal computer 1C, each personal computer 1
It is printed by the operation of each operator in A and 1C.

FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram showing wireless communication. In the figure, 16 is a transmitter connected to a dedicated interface 26A of the personal computer 1A, 17 is a wireless transmission line, and 18 is a receiver. . In such wireless communication, data stored in the personal computer 1A is printed on the printer 9A using wireless radio waves.

[0010]

Since the conventional local area network device using a personal computer is constructed as described above, it is necessary to lay a dedicated cable 4 and a large amount of work is required for a layout change or the like. There is a problem that the cost is required and a large amount of print data is transferred at a time, which affects the entire LAN and causes a system down. Further, there is a problem in that the user cannot easily handle the data because specialized knowledge and operation are required to transfer data using the LAN.

Further, when personal computer communication is used, an operator is also required in the personal computer 1C, which is an output side device, and there is a problem that data transfer cannot be performed at the operator's sole discretion in the personal computer 1A. Even when data is transferred using personal computer communication, there is a problem that the user cannot handle it easily because specialized knowledge and operation are required.

Further, even when wireless communication is used, it is a principle that the same frequency is not used within the range where radio waves reach, and there is a limit to use in an office where wireless devices are frequently used. There was a problem.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and rationalizes office processing, improves data quality, reduces space for equipment installation, simplifies operation, and outputs with different models. An object of the present invention is to provide a signal converter that enables sharing of devices and can be realized at a low price, and a network device using the signal converter.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal converter for converting a signal input from the first connecting means into an internal signal and an external signal, and based on the internal signal. First control means for controlling the signal converter, first storage means in which a control program for the first control means is stored, second connection means connected to a telephone line or a telephone, and A first control means for storing a control program for the second control means, the second control means having a buffer for controlling network of incoming and outgoing telephone lines and modulating or demodulating a signal input / output by the telephone line. It is provided with a memory means and a second memory means for accumulating the data from the first and second control means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network device using the signal converter, comprising an office automation device having a printer interface and a telephone having the first connecting means connected to the printer interface. A telephone line is connected to the first signal conversion network and the second connection means of the first signal conversion network via a modular jack, and the destination of the signal is switched according to the signal from the office automation device. 2. A telephone switching network, a second signal conversion network according to claim 1, which is connected to the telephone switching network by a telephone line, and is connected to a second connecting means through a modular jack, and the second signal conversion network. The printer includes a first connecting unit and a connected printer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network device using the variable exchange, wherein the office automation equipment having a printer interface, the first connecting means are connected, and the telephone has a telephone. A converter and a telephone switching network which is connected to the second connecting means of the first signal converter by a telephone line through a modular jack, and which switches the destination of the signal in accordance with the signal from the office automation device. , And a facsimile connected to the telephone exchange network by a telephone line and connected via a modular jack.

[0017]

In the signal converter according to the first aspect of the present invention, the signal inputted from the first connecting means is modulated by the second controlling means and sent out from the telephone line connected to the second connecting means. Also, the signal inputted from the telephone line connected to the second connecting means is demodulated by the second controlling means and sent out by the printer interface connected to the first connecting means. Therefore, if the first connecting means is connected to all office automation equipment, it is possible to input / output signals via the telephone line between the second connecting means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network device using a signal converter, which connects office automation equipment and a first connecting means of a first signal converter, and the second connecting means is a telephone switching network. Via the telephone line and the second connection means of the second signal converter,
Furthermore, by connecting the first connecting means and the printer, it is possible to perform printer output by an operation from the office automation device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network device using a signal converter, which connects office automation equipment to a first connecting means of a first signal converter, the second connecting means of which is a telephone switching network. By directly connecting the facsimile to the telephone line via the telephone line, the facsimile output can be performed by the operation from the office automation device.

[0020]

【Example】

Example 1. An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the same components as those shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 which are the prior art in the figure are denoted by the same reference numerals and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 1, 1A to 1C are personal computers as office automation devices, and printer interfaces 2A to 2C, respectively.
have. Reference numerals 21A to 21C are signal converters for a personal computer (first signal converters) connected to the printer interfaces 2A to 2C, and a specific configuration will be described later.
Reference numeral 22 is a telephone connected to the personal computer signal converters 21A to 21C, and 23A and 23B are printer signal converters connected to the modular cable 12 (second signal converter).
The printer signal converters 23A and 23B have the same configuration as the personal computer signal converters 21A to 21C.

FIG. 2 shows the signal converters 21A to 21A for the personal computer.
21C is a block configuration diagram showing 21C, and FIG.
Reference numeral 0 denotes a connector (first connection means) interfaced with the printer interfaces 2A to 2C, 32 denotes a connector 30 and a printer data bus 37, and
An interface buffer for converting a signal input from the connector 30 into an internal signal and an external signal, and 34 is a control circuit (first control means) such as a microprocessor and peripheral circuits controlled by the internal signal. The circuit 34 controls the entire signal converter for a personal computer by inputting and outputting signals through the bus 39. Reference numeral 35 is a memory unit (first storage means) for storing the program of the microprocessor, 31A and 31B are connectors (second connection means) connected to the telephone line or the telephone 4, and 33 is an outgoing / incoming call of these telephone lines. , A control circuit (second control means) having a buffer function for interfacing with the microprocessor, and a modem circuit for controlling / modulating / demodulating the signal 38, 36 is storage of internal information of the microprocessor and print data. Is configured by a memory unit (second storage unit) that stores the data.

Next, the operation will be described. With the configuration of the first embodiment, for example, the data “ABCDE” stored in the hard disk “C:” of the personal computer 1A.
F. To output "TXT" to the printer 9A via the telephone line, first, the following preparations and preconditions are necessary. A telephone number setting program that can be automatically executed when the personal computer 1A is turned on must be installed. Also, the telephone number of the printer 9A must be registered in the telephone number setting program. Power is supplied to the personal computer signal exchanger 21A, the printer signal exchanger 23A, and the printer 9A. The telephone connected to the personal computer signal exchange 21A is not in use.

When the above preparations have been made, the operation is performed in the following procedure. The personal computer 1A is turned on. When the power is turned on, the processing program when the power is turned on is activated, and the command wait state is entered. Further, the telephone number to which the printer signal converter 23A is connected is automatically transmitted from the personal computer 1A to the personal computer signal converter 21A. Enter the following command. PRINT C: ABCDEF. TXT <CR> Here, <CR> indicates an execution key. If the above command is input, the personal computer 1A will display the data "ABCDE" stored in the hard disk "C:".
F. "TXT" is sent from the printer interface 2A to the personal computer signal converter 21A. Thereafter, the signal converter for personal computer 21A receives the control code for the print data, and while receiving the print data, calls the telephone number to which the signal converter for printer 23A previously received is connected, A line connection with the dedicated signal converter 23A is established.

In the control circuit 34 shown in FIG. 2, the control code is converted into a fixed code system, the print data is compressed, and the modem circuit 33 is sequentially and repeatedly transmitted to the telephone line. In the printer signal exchanger 23A, the data sent from the personal computer signal converter 21A is demodulated by the modem circuit in the control circuit 33, the control circuit 34 converts the control code according to the control code of the printer 9A, and is compressed. The print data is expanded (restored) and sequentially sent to the printer 9A. Further, the printer 9A is a printer signal converter 23.
Printing is performed based on the control code and print data sent from A.

The personal computer signal converter 21A compresses (modulates) the data in the memory section 36 while monitoring the state of the printer signal converter 23A. When the line connection with the printer signal converter 23A is not established, data is accumulated in the buffer of the control circuit 33, and when the buffer is full, the transmission of print data from the personal computer 1A is interrupted. While performing the operation, the end of print data from the personal computer 1A is detected. After transmitting all the data, a line end command is transmitted to release the line established with the printer signal converter 23A. As described above, the printing via the line can be enabled by the same method as the normal printing operation except for the preparation step.

When changing the output device to the printer 9B, the changing program installed in the personal computer 1A is started, the telephone number connected to the printer 9B is input, and the printer signal converter 23B is input.
Printing can be enabled by turning on the power supply of the printer 9B and the printer 9B and performing a printing operation.

The above-mentioned configuration has been described in the case where 1A to 1C are personal computers.
Even if 1C is not a personal computer but a word processor or an engineering workstation, by changing the program of the microprocessor of the memory unit 35 shown in FIG. 2, printing can be performed by the same operation. it can.

Example 2. FIG. 3 shows a facsimile 24A, 2
4B is a system configuration diagram in the case of outputting to 4B. In FIG. 3, the configuration different from FIG. 1 of the first embodiment is that output side printer signal converters 23A and 23B, printer cables 8A and 8B, and printers 9A and 9B. Instead of the above, the facsimiles 24A and 24B are directly connected to the modular cable 12. Since the facsimiles 24A and 24B have a function of printing the compressed (modulated) data transmitted through the telephone line, it is not necessary to demodulate the print data by the printer signal converters 23A and 23B, and the modular cable 12 can be used. Direct fax 24
Even if A and 24B are connected, the same printing as in the first embodiment can be performed.

[0029]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the interface buffer for converting the signal input from the first connecting means into the internal signal and the external signal, and the signal switch based on the internal signal. Control means for controlling the telephone, a first storage means in which a control program for the first control means is stored, a second connection means connected to a telephone line or a telephone, and a call originating from the telephone line. Second control means for controlling the incoming network and modulating or demodulating a signal input / output by the telephone line; first storage means for storing a control program of the second control means; Since it is configured to include the data stored in the buffer from the second control means and the second storage means for storing the data stored in the interface buffer,
The signal inputted from the first connecting means is modulated by the second controlling means and sent out from the telephone line connected to the second connecting means. Also, the signal inputted from the telephone line connected to the second connecting means is demodulated by the second controlling means and sent out by the printer interface connected to the first connecting means. Therefore, if the first connecting means is connected to all office automation equipment, there is an effect that a signal can be input / output through the telephone line between the second connecting means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the office automation equipment and the first connecting means of the first signal converter are connected, and the second connecting means is connected by a telephone line via a telephone exchange. Since the printer is configured to be connected to the second connecting unit of the second signal converter and further to connect the first connecting unit and the printer, the printer can be used by a plurality of office automation devices without being aware of the network. Can be shared. Also, if there is a telephone, it can be added and the layout can be changed easily. Furthermore, since it is connected one-to-one via the telephone switching network even for a large amount of data transfer, there is an effect that it does not affect other lines.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the office automation equipment and the first connecting means of the first signal converter are connected, and the second connecting means is a direct facsimile connection by a telephone line via the telephone exchange network. In addition to the effect of the invention of claim 2, there is an effect that the structure can be further facilitated.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a network device using a signal converter when outputting to a printer according to an embodiment of the invention of claim 2;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a signal converter for a personal computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram showing a network device using a signal converter when outputting to a facsimile according to an embodiment of the invention of claim 3;

FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram showing a local area network device using a conventional personal computer.

FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram showing conventional personal computer communication.

FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram showing conventional wireless communication.

[Explanation of symbols]

1A, 1B, 1C Personal computer (office automation equipment) 2A, 2B, 2C Printer interface 9A, 9B Printer 13 Modular jack 14 Telephone line 15 Telephone exchange network 21A, 21B, 21C Signal converter for personal computer (1st
Signal converter) 22 telephones 23A, 23B printer signal converter (second signal converter) 24A, 24B facsimile 30 connector (first connecting means) 31A, 31B connector (second connecting means) 32 interface buffer 33 control circuit (second control means) 34 control circuit (first control means) 35 memory section (first storage means) 36 memory section (second storage means)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A first connection unit connected to a printer interface, an interface buffer for converting a signal input from the first connection unit into an internal signal and an external signal, and the signal based on the internal signal. First control means for controlling the converter, first storage means in which a control program for the first control means is stored, second connection means connected to a telephone line or a telephone, and the telephone line. Second control means having a buffer for modulating or demodulating a signal for input / output of a call and a signal input / output by the telephone line, and a first storage means for storing a control program of the second control means. And a second storage means for accumulating data from the first and second control means. 2. An office automation device having a printer interface, a first signal converter according to claim 1, wherein a first connecting means is connected to the printer interface, and a second signal converter of the first signal converter. And a second connecting means of the first signal converter by a telephone line connected to the second connecting means of the first signal converter, and a destination of the signal according to a signal from the office automation device. 2. A telephone switching network for switching between the two, and a telephone line connected to the telephone switching network and connected to the second connecting means through a modular jack.
A network device using a signal converter including the second signal converter described in the above and a printer connected to the first connecting means of the second signal converter. 3. An office automation device having a printer interface, a first signal converter according to claim 1, wherein the printer interface is connected to the printer interface, and a second signal converter of the first signal converter. And a second connecting means of the first signal converter by a telephone line connected to the second connecting means of the first signal converter, and a destination of the signal according to a signal from the office automation device. A network device using a signal converter including a telephone switching network for switching between the telephone switching network and a facsimile connected to the telephone switching network by a telephone line and connected via a modular jack.