JPH07254959A - Facsimile equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain effective utilization of the communication mode and the facsimile mode by preventing the that the communication equipment connected to an external line is in a disable state. CONSTITUTION:A personal computer 12 is connected to a facsimile equipment 1 via an RS-232C interface in a communication enable way. The facsimile equipment 1 has the facsimile mode for normal facsimile communication and the communication mode for data communication to the personal computer 12, and either of the modes is selected by a mode changeover key of an operation section 9. When the communication mode is selected by the mode changeover key, a control section 6 monitors the state of the personal computer 12 at the time of setting the communication mode and during the setting period, and when the personal computer 12 becomes disable, a warning message is displayed on a display section 10 and a warning tone is sounded from a speaker 11 to inform the user of an abnormality.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile device to which a communication device such as a personal computer is communicably connected via a modem interface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a so-called FAX modem has been commercialized which is capable of transmitting data on a personal computer to a facsimile apparatus at a remote place through a telephone line, and connects the personal computer to the telephone line via the FAX modem. As a result, a facsimile function can be added to personal computer communication (hereinafter referred to as personal computer communication).

On the other hand, in a facsimile machine, a facsimile machine having a memory for storing transmission / reception data and capable of performing proxy reception by the memory has been commercialized. In the conventional facsimile apparatus, the received data is output to the recording paper in real time, so the use of the received data is limited.
Since the transmitted / received data can be stored in the memory, the usability of the transmitted / received data is improved, and there is a possibility of expanding the expanded function of the facsimile apparatus.

In particular, if a facsimile machine is equipped with a communication function and a personal computer is communicably connected,
It is possible to make a facsimile machine function as a fax modem or a printer for a personal computer, but heretofore, a facsimile machine having such a communication function has not been known or commercialized.

[0005]

In a facsimile machine,
For example, a method is conceivable in which a personal computer is communicatively connected to the facsimile apparatus via the RC-232C interface by equipping the RC-232C interface and software corresponding to the AT command.

When the above-mentioned communication function is added to the facsimile machine, since the facsimile function and the personal computer communication function with the personal computer are mutually independent functions, for example, a mode changeover switch is provided in the operation section of the facsimile machine, A mode in which a normal facsimile function is performed by the mode switch (hereinafter referred to as a facsimile mode) and a mode in which the above personal computer communication is performed (hereinafter, referred to as a facsimile mode).
It is desirable to switch and set the communication mode).

When the mode is changed and set by the mode change switch, the communication device is not normally connected to the facsimile device when the communication mode is set, or the power supply of the communication device is set during the communication mode setting. May be turned off, or the communication cable may be disconnected and communication may be disabled.

In such a case, if there is no warning of the abnormal state in the facsimile apparatus, the communication mode may be kept in the abnormal communication state, and the facsimile apparatus may be left in a state where it does not function normally. It becomes difficult to use the device effectively.

The present invention has been made in view of the above background and problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a facsimile apparatus which warns of a communication abnormality during communication mode setting and can effectively utilize the communication mode and the facsimile mode. And

[0010]

The invention according to claim 1 is
A facsimile device having a communication mode in which a communication device is connectable and performing data communication with the communication device, the communication mode setting means setting the communication mode, and the communication mode setting period. And a warning means for issuing a warning of communication failure when the communication means detects a communication disabled state of the communication apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile machine, the detecting means detects a communication disabled state of the communication device when the communication mode is set by the communication mode setting means. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile machine, the detecting means communicates with the communication device while the communication mode continues after the communication mode is set by the communication mode setting means. It detects that the state has changed to an impossible state.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the facsimile apparatus, the detecting means detects a communication disabled state of the communication device at a predetermined cycle after the communication mode is set by the communication mode setting means. To do.

The communication mode setting means may be composed of an operation switch provided in the apparatus body (claim 5).

The warning means may be a display means for displaying a warning message or a sounding means for generating a warning sound (claims 6 and 7).

[0016]

According to the present invention, when the communication mode is set by the communication mode setting means, the incommunicable state occurring in the communication device during the setting period of the communication mode is detected. Then, when the communication-disabled state of the communication device is detected, an abnormality of the communication device is warned.

The detection of the incommunicable state is performed when the communication mode is set by the communication mode setting means or during the subsequent communication mode setting period, and when the incommunicable state of the communication device is detected, A communication device error is warned.

The communication disabled state is detected during the communication mode setting period by continuously monitoring the communication state during the communication mode setting period and detecting a change from the communication enabled state to the communication disabled state. . Alternatively, it is performed by periodically checking the state of the communication device in a predetermined cycle during the setting period of the communication mode.

The warning of the communication-disabled state of the communication device is issued by displaying a warning message on the display means or by generating a horn sound from the sounding means.

[0020]

1 is a block diagram of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention. The facsimile device 1 is a G3 type facsimile device capable of transmitting and receiving encrypted data (hereinafter referred to as encrypted communication) and capable of high-speed transmission. Further, the facsimile apparatus 1 is configured such that a personal computer 12 (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer 12) can be externally connected, and has a normal facsimile function and a personal computer communication function for performing processing in accordance with a command from the connected personal computer 12. . The facsimile machine
The present invention is not limited to the G3 type, and the present invention can be applied to the G4 type and other types of facsimiles corresponding to arbitrary standards.

The facsimile apparatus 1 includes a scanner section 2 for reading a document to be transmitted to a facsimile (FAX (Facsimile)) 14 of a transmission partner, data read by the scanner section 2 (hereinafter referred to as transmission data), FAX 14 to FA.
X A printer unit 3 for printing transmitted data (hereinafter, referred to as received data) and data transmitted from an externally connected personal computer 12 (hereinafter, referred to as communication data) on a recording sheet, and predetermined for the above-mentioned transmitted / received data and communication data The data processing unit 4 for performing the data processing, the data transmission unit 5 for transmitting / receiving the transmission / reception data via the telephone line 13, and the control unit 6 for controlling the driving of the scanner unit 2 to the data transmission unit 5. .

The control unit 6 has an RS-232C interface 7, and the personal computer 12 has the RS-232C interface 7.
It is connected to the facsimile apparatus 1 via the C interface 7. The interface is RS-232 if it can be connected to the personal computer 12 in a communicable manner.
The interface is not limited to the C standard interface.

The control unit 6 has a built-in data buffer 601 for receiving the data transmitted from the personal computer 12, and a processing program for performing the above-mentioned facsimile function and personal computer communication function and various processing data ( For example, data relating to driving conditions such as the light emission amount of the light source of the scanner unit 2 and the developing density of the printer unit 3, data relating to messages such as warnings and operating procedures, etc. are recorded.
An OM (Read Only Memory) 602 and a RAM (Random) for performing a predetermined arithmetic processing according to the above processing program.
Access Memory) 603 is built in.

The ROM 602 is equipped with a communication program capable of interpreting the AT command system and the command system recommended by the EIA (American Electronics Industry Association) and recommended as the class 1 command system and the class 2 command system. The device 1 is controlled by any one of the AT command system, the class 1 command system, and the class 2 command system from the personal computer 12. The command system is not limited to the above. Facsimile device 1
In consideration of the versatility of the communication function, the command system should be equipped every time the command system is newly standardized.

The facsimile machine 1 is provided with a command switch (SW) 8 for selecting the command system, and by operating the command SW8, a desired command system can be set. Command SW8 is
For example, when a DIP switch is used and the constituent bits of the DIP switch are set to codes corresponding to the above command systems, this code information is input to the control unit 6 and the communication command system with the personal computer 12 is command SW.
The command system designated by 8 is set.

Further, the facsimile machine 1 is provided with a numeric keypad,
Operation unit 9 consisting of key switches such as one-touch keys, L
CD (Liquid Crystal Display) and LED (Light Em
It is provided with a display unit 10 and a speaker 11 which are ited diodes, and control signals of the operation unit 9, the display unit 10 and the speaker 11 are input to and output from the control unit 6.

The scanner unit 2 is a CCD (Charge Coupled Dev.
ice) A line image sensor is provided as an image pickup unit and an image processing unit, and the image pickup unit is scanned relative to a document to read the document image line by line in the transport direction (row direction of the document), and the read data Is subjected to predetermined image processing such as level correction, γ correction and A / D conversion, and then output to the data processing unit 4.

The printer unit 3 is irradiated with light from a light emitting unit which converts a modulation signal generated based on the constituent data of an image to be printed (hereinafter referred to as a print image) into laser light and outputs the laser light. A photosensitive section that forms a latent image of a print image by laser light, a developing section that visualizes the latent image of the print image formed on the photosensitive section, and a transfer that transfers the visualized print image to recording paper to form an image. And a fixing unit for fixing the print image transferred and formed on the recording paper.

The data processing unit 4 includes a memory 401 for storing transmission / reception data, a compression / decompression circuit 402 for compressing and decompressing data, an encryption / plain culture circuit for encrypting transmission data and plain culture of received data. 403, a data processing circuit 404 for controlling the compression / expansion of the transmitted / received data, the compression / decompression of the transmitted / received data, the encoding / decoding, and the encryption / plaintext processing.

The memory 401 is a large-capacity memory capable of storing, for example, about 100 A4 size standard originals, and is for enabling simultaneous reception during transmission / reception, confidential reception, reserved transmission, and the like. The compression / expansion circuit 402 uses CCIT
V. of the T (International Telegraph and Telephone Advisory Committee) It compresses transmission data and decompresses reception data based on the data compression method recommended by 42bis.

The encryption / plaintext circuit 403 performs encryption and plaintext of data using a predetermined encryption key set in advance. The facsimile apparatus 1 has a cryptographic communication function of encrypting data in a substitutable encryption format and transmitting / receiving it. When the transmission / reception data and the encryption key are input from the data processing circuit 44 for encrypted communication, the encryption / plaintext circuit 403 converts the transmission data into an encryption word by word using the encryption key. Received data encrypted in units is converted to plain text.

The encryption key is registered in the encryption key table provided in the RAM 603 in the control unit 6 by the user. Table 1 shows an example of the encryption key table. The encryption key table is the encryption number. And 1
It is composed of an encryption key consisting of a 0-digit number. Code N
o. Is the index number of the encryption table. Is equivalent to
The table shows that 10 encryption keys can be registered. The user selects one of the encryption numbers. An arbitrary 10-digit numerical value can be registered as an encryption key, and the encryption key can be changed or deleted as necessary. In addition, in the same table, the code No. 3 and 9 are in the unregistered state.

[0033]

[Table 1]

The data processing circuit 404 performs predetermined data processing on the transmission / reception data and the communication data based on the control signal of the control section 6, and performs the data transmission of the data or the printout on the recording paper.

For example, when transmitting the contents of a document by facsimile, the data processing circuit 404 temporarily stores the data of the document image read by the scanner unit 2 in the memory 401. When the control unit 6 receives the transmission start timing signal, the data processing circuit 404 reads the transmission data from the memory 401, compresses the data at a predetermined compression rate by the compression / expansion circuit 402, and then encrypts the data from the control unit 6. Encrypt data encoded according to instruction / plain culture circuit 403
The data is encrypted by and output to the data transmission unit 5.

When the communication data transmitted from the personal computer 12 is to be transmitted by facsimile, the communication data is sent to the data processing circuit 404 via the control section 6, and the data processing circuit 404 instructs the control section 6 to perform the encryption. In accordance with the above, the communication data is encrypted by the encryption / plain culture circuit 403 and then output to the data transmission unit 5.

When performing facsimile reception, the data processing circuit 404 temporarily stores the data received by the data transmission unit 5 in the memory 401. Control unit 6
When a recording start timing signal is input by the data processing circuit 404, the data processing circuit 404 reads the received data from the memory 401, and the received data is encrypted by the encryption / plain culture circuit 403 according to the plain culture instruction from the control unit 6. After culture
The data is output to the printer unit 3 after being expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 402 at a predetermined expansion ratio.

When the communication data transmitted from the personal computer 12 is printed out on the recording paper, the communication data is output to the printer unit 3 via the control unit 6 and the data processing circuit 404.

The data transmission section 5 is a modem (MODEM (mo) that converts digital data to analog data.
A DCU / demodulator) 501 and an NCU (network control unit) 502 for selecting a partner station and connecting a line.

The operation section 9 is a FAX No. of the transmission partner when performing facsimile transmission. Input, instruction to start / stop facsimile transmission, registration / change / deletion of the encryption key, one-touch key or abbreviated No. Is registered, confidential reception is set, and various other modes and conditions are set.

The one-touch key or the shortened number. In order to register the specific transmission partner, one-touch key No. Or shortened No. Is registered in advance, and the one-touch key No. Or shortened No. The purpose is to allow easy and quick facsimile transmission by inputting. One-touch key or shortened No.
In the registration (hereinafter, referred to as communication partner registration) of the one-touch key No. Or shortened No. Corresponding to the name of the recipient, FAX No. And the code No. Is registered, and the registered content is stored in the communication destination table of the RAM 603 built in the control unit 6.

Table 2 shows an example of the communication destination table. One-touch key No. in the table Corresponds to the number of the one-touch key 16 (see FIG. 2) provided on the operation unit 9 (the operation number at the time of facsimile transmission), and in the present embodiment, the transmission partner can be registered in ten one-touch keys. ing. In the table, the one-touch key No.
2, 4, 7, and 8 are unregistered, and one-touch key N
o. 1, 5, 6, 9 are registered by designating encrypted communication, and the one-touch key No. Nos. 3 and 10 are registered without specifying encrypted communication.

Encryption key No. Is the encryption number of the encryption key table (see Table 1) described above. Corresponding to the one-touch key No. For the transmission destination “ABCD” of No. 1, the data is the encryption number. Encryption key corresponding to 1 (= 0123456
789) and is transmitted and received after being encrypted. Note that the shortened No. Is also registered in the same manner as the table of Table 2. In this case, the one-touch key No. Instead of speed dial No.
Corresponding to the name of the recipient, FAX No. And code N
o. Is registered.

[0044]

[Table 2]

The display unit 10 displays the name of the recipient of the facsimile transmission, FAX No. , Presence / absence of encrypted communication, line connection status and transmission status information, input contents in encryption key registration and communication partner registration, unregistered status of encryption key in facsimile reception by encrypted communication, and personal computer 12
In addition to displaying various information such as a communication state with the character information, presence / absence of communication error, setting mode, received image quality, memory proxy reception, necessity of maintenance, etc. are displayed by indicators.

Further, the speaker 11 issues an alarm,
A part of the character information is transmitted by voice. For example, an alarm sound is generated at the end of facsimile transmission or at the start of facsimile reception. Further, when the corresponding encryption key is not registered at the time of facsimile transmission by facsimile communication or at the time of facsimile reception, a horn sound or a warning message with no encryption key registered is sounded.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation section and the display section provided on the operation panel of the facsimile apparatus.

Ten one-touch keys 16 are arranged on the right side of the operation panel 15. Each one-touch key 16
The number attached to the one-touch key No. Is shown. L for displaying character information on the upper left side of the operation panel 15
A display plate 18 made of a CD is arranged, and a plurality of display lamps 17 made of LEDs and a sounding window 19 of a speaker are arranged above and below the display plate 18. Further below these are a selection key 20, a numeric keypad 21, a function key 22 and a start / start key.
Keys such as the stop key 23 are arranged.

The one-touch key 16 is a multi-function key. In addition to inputting, one-touch key or shortened No. It is possible to input character information such as the name of the other party in the registration of. The character information can be input by changing the input mode of the one-touch key 16 with the function key 203 in the selection key 20.

The indicator lamp 17 is provided with a plurality of LED indicators corresponding to, for example, communication error, memory reception, confidential reception, maintenance time, etc.
It is lit. Further, a plurality of LED displays are provided corresponding to the selection contents of the selection keys 201 and 202, and the LED corresponding to the contents selected by the selection keys 201 and 202 are provided.
Is lit.

The display board 18 has information of several tens of characters.
It can be displayed across lines. A plurality of dots are arranged in a matrix at each character position, and a predetermined dot is turned on to display an arbitrary character.

The selection keys 201 and 202 are used, for example, to select levels such as the density of the received image quality and the gradation of halftone, set various modes, and change the input mode of the multi-function key. For example, with the selection keys 201 and 202,
For example, a gradation level of a halftone such as a line density or a photograph is adjusted. In addition, a mode for registering an encryption key using the function key 203 (hereinafter referred to as an encryption key registration mode), a mode for performing communication partner registration (hereinafter referred to as a communication partner registration mode), and a communication mode to a facsimile mode Various modes such as automatic mode switching are set.

The automatic mode switching from the communication mode to the facsimile mode is automatically switched from the communication mode to the facsimile mode when a temporary process (for example, a process of using the facsimile machine 1 as a printer) in the personal computer communication process in the communication mode is completed. This is to prevent the facsimile reception from failing due to a mistake in switching from the communication mode to the facsimile mode. When the automatic mode switching is instructed by the function key 203, the automatic switching from the communication mode to the facsimile mode is set.

The numeric keypad 21 is used for the FAX N
o. , Code No. , Encryption key and shortened number. It is for inputting numerical values and code numbers such as.

The function key 22 is, for example, a mode for performing proxy reception by the memory 401, transmission / reception by a normal facsimile (hereinafter referred to as a facsimile mode), or a mode for performing communication between the personal computers 12 (hereinafter referred to as a communication mode).
This is a key for setting various items and performing various functions such as pause / redial.

The start / stop key 23 can be operated by pressing the numeric keypad 21 to display the FAX No. When the user inputs "" to perform facsimile transmission, the transmission start and the transmission stop are instructed. One-touch key or shortened No. If the transmission partner is designated by, the FAX No. of the transmission partner is automatically set without operating the start key 23. When is input and the line is connected, facsimile transmission is automatically started.

Returning to FIG. 1, the RS-232C interface 7 is connected to the personal computer 12 by the RS-232C cable.
Is for connecting. The control unit 6 is provided with a connection check circuit for checking the connection state (state of whether communication is possible or not) with the personal computer 12 at the time of setting the communication mode and during the setting, and an abnormal connection with the personal computer 12 is detected. Then, a warning is issued to the display unit 10 and the speaker 11.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the connection check circuit. The connection check circuit shown in FIG.
RC-232C in 232C interface 7
By checking a signal (hereinafter referred to as / DTR signal) input from the / DTR terminal of the connector 71, an abnormality in the connection state with the personal computer 12 is detected.

The / DTR terminal of the RC-232C connector 71 is always pulled up to a high level via the resistor R1.
When the personal computer 12 is connected via the 232C cable and the personal computer 12 is started, the / DTR terminal is inverted to the low level. That is, /
When the DTR signal can communicate with the personal computer 12,
When the level becomes low and communication with the personal computer 12 becomes impossible, the level becomes high. Therefore, / D
By checking the level change of the TR signal, the abnormality of the connection state with the personal computer 12 is detected. In addition, / DT
The state of the R signal may be reversed between low level and high level.

In the figure, the RS receiver 25 converts the level of the / DTR signal, and its output signal is substantially equivalent to the / DTR signal. Gate circuit 2
Reference numeral 6 is a circuit for fetching the / DTR signal output from the RS receiver 25 into the DATA terminal of the central processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 28 of the control unit 6 when the communication mode is set. When the timing signal is input to the gate terminal G, the gate circuit 26 outputs the / DTR signal input to the input terminal IN to the output terminal OUT.

RD- of the CPU 28 is connected to the gate terminal G.
A timing signal for fetching the / DTR signal is input from the RS terminal. When the communication mode is set by the mode switching key 221, the CPU 28 makes the RD
-Send the capture timing signal from the RS terminal / DTR
A signal is taken in and it is determined from the level of this / DTR signal whether or not the connection state of the personal computer 12 is normal. When it is determined that the connection state with the personal computer 12 is abnormal, a warning message indicating the abnormal connection of the personal computer 12 is displayed on the display unit 10, and the speaker 11 issues a warning about the abnormal connection.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for checking the connection abnormality of the personal computer 12 when the communication mode is set.

With the facsimile apparatus 1 set to the facsimile mode, the function key 2
When the communication mode is instructed by 03 (YES in step S1), the capture timing signal is input to the gate terminal G of the gate circuit 26 and the / DTR signal is captured (step S2).

Then, the connection state of the personal computer 12 is judged from the level of the / DTR signal (step S3), and if the connection state of the personal computer 12 is normal (YES in step S3).
S), the communication mode is set and the process returns (step S4). If the connection state of the personal computer 12 is abnormal (NO in step S3), the warning message shown in, for example, FIG. 6 is displayed on the display plate 18, and a whistle sound is generated from the speaker 11 to cause an abnormal connection state of the personal computer 12. After the warning is issued, the process returns (step S5). It should be noted that the connection abnormality warning may be performed by either one of voice and display.

The D flip-flop (hereinafter referred to as D-FF) 27 changes the level of the / DTR signal output from the RS receiver 25 during the communication mode setting period by the CPU.
It is a circuit for checking the connection state with the personal computer 12 during the communication mode setting period by inputting to the / INT terminal of 28. The output signal of the RS receiver 25 is D-FF2.
7 is input to the CLK terminal, the output signal of the / Q terminal of the D-FF 27 is input to the / INT terminal of the CPU 28, and D-
The D terminal and PR terminal of the FF 27 are set to a high level. Further, the / RESET signal output from the / RESET terminal of the CPU 28 (the signal that resets the / Q terminal output of the D-FF 27) is inverted and the CL of the D-FF 27 is cleared.
It is designed to be input to the R terminal.

FIG. 4 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the D-FF 27. First, the CPU / 28 outputs the / RESET signal to the D-FF 27 (see FIG. 4, A).
Point), after resetting the / Q terminal output of the D-FF 27,
The check of the connection state with the personal computer 12 during the communication mode setting period is started. During the communication mode setting period, if the power supply of the personal computer 12 is turned off or communication with the personal computer 12 becomes impossible due to the disconnection of the communication cable, the / DTR signal changes from the low level to the high level. Signal rising timing (Fig. 4, B
The inverted signal (low level) of the D terminal input at
It is output from the Q terminal and input to the / INT terminal of the CPU 28. When the input signal of the / INT terminal is inverted from the high level to the low level, the CPU 28 determines that the personal computer 1
2 detects that the communicable state has changed from the communicable state to the communicable state, and issues a warning to the display unit 10 and the speaker 11.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for checking the connection abnormality of the personal computer 12 during the communication mode setting.

When the communication mode is instructed by the function key 203 and the communication mode is set (YES in step S10), the / RESET signal is input to the D-FF 26 and the / Q terminal output is reset. The check of the / DTR signal output from the Q terminal is started (step S11).

Then, it is judged from the level change of the / DTR signal whether or not the connection abnormality of the personal computer 12 has occurred (step S12), and if the connection abnormality has occurred (YES in step S12), the above-mentioned display is made. The computer 1 is displayed by displaying a warning message on the board 18 and a horn sound from the speaker 5.
After the warning of the abnormality of the connection state of No. 2 is given (step S1
3) and shifts to step S14. If no connection abnormality has occurred (NO in step S12), the above step S
13 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S14.

Subsequently, it is judged whether or not the facsimile mode is instructed by the function key 203 (step S14), and if the facsimile mode is instructed (YES in step S14), the facsimile mode is set and the process ends. (Step S15). If the facsimile mode is not instructed (NO in step S14), it is determined from the level state of the / DTR signal whether or not the connection abnormality is eliminated (step S16), and if the connection abnormality is not eliminated (step S16). So N
O), the process returns to step S13, and the warning of abnormal connection state is continued.

On the other hand, if the connection abnormality has been eliminated (YES in step S16), the warning of connection state abnormality is stopped (step S17), the process returns to step S10, and the connection abnormality of the personal computer 12 during the communication mode setting described above. Check is done.

In the above embodiment, during the communication mode setting period,
Although the / DTR signal is constantly monitored to check for an abnormality in the connection state of the personal computer 12, the / DTR signal may be periodically checked to check for an abnormality in the connection state of the personal computer 12. In this case, in FIG. 3, after setting the communication mode, the capture timing signal is input to the gate terminal G of the gate circuit 26 at a predetermined cycle to capture the / DTR signal into the DATA terminal of the CPU 28, and the / DTR signal You should check the level. This method eliminates the need for the D-FF 27 in FIG. 3 and thus has the advantage of simplifying the connection check circuit.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for periodically checking the connection abnormality of the personal computer 12 during the setting period of the communication mode.

In FIG. 7, "/ DTR signal check start" in step S11 is changed to "/ DTR signal check" (step S11 ') in FIG. 7, and a predetermined period is set between step S10 and step S11'. The steps S10-1 to S10-4 for counting are inserted.

When the communication mode is instructed by the function key 203 and the communication mode is set (YES in step S10), the timer T built in the CPU 28 is set.
After m is reset and the count value Tc is set (steps S10-1, S10-2), the timer Tm starts counting (step S10-3).

When the time Tc is counted by the timer Tm (YES in step S10-4), the capture timing signal is input to the gate terminal G of the gate circuit 26 and the / DTR signal is captured (step S11 '). ),
From the level of the / DTR signal, it is judged whether or not a connection abnormality of the personal computer 12 has occurred (step S12).

If the connection abnormality of the personal computer 12 has occurred (YES in step S12), a warning of the connection state abnormality of the personal computer 12 is issued until the connection abnormality is resolved (loop of steps S12 to D16), and the connection is established. When the abnormality is resolved (YES in step S16), the warning of connection abnormality is stopped (step S17), the process returns to step S10, and the connection abnormality check of the personal computer 12 during the communication mode setting is performed. Further, if the facsimile mode is instructed during the warning of connection abnormality, the facsimile mode is set (step S15), and the process is ended.

Next, the registration processing in the communication partner registration mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the communication partner registration mode is instructed by the function key 203 (YE in step S20)
S), the communication partner registration mode is set (step S
21). Then, the one-touch key No. Or shortened No.
Is determined (steps S22 and S2).
3), one-touch key No. Or shortened No. Is input (YES in step S22 or step S23),
N input by searching the communication destination table of the RAM 603
o. Is already registered (step S24).

The input No. If is not registered (YES in step S24), the process proceeds to step 26 and a new registration process is performed. That is, the operator is given the name of the other party, F
AX No. , Code No. And confidential Box No. Are sequentially requested, and when these inputs are completed (YES in steps S26 to S29), the input contents are displayed on the display unit 10 for confirmation (step S30). Note that the encryption No. And confidential Box No. Is the content that is set as necessary, so No. If is input without designation, it is determined that encrypted communication and confidential reception are not performed, and the registration contents are set.

The above content display is continued until the operator gives a registration instruction, and during this period, it is in a correctable state (loop of steps S26 to S31). Then, when a registration instruction is input from the operator, the contents of the set destination etc. correspond to the corresponding No. in the communication destination table of the RAM 603. After being registered in (step S32), the process proceeds to step S36.

On the other hand, the input No. If is already registered (YES in step S24), the process proceeds to step S33, and the process of changing or deleting the registered content is performed. That is,
After the registered content is displayed on the display unit 10 (step S3
3) When the operator is requested to change or delete the registered content and the function key 203 instructs the change of the registered content, the process proceeds to step S26, and the same processing as that at the time of new registration is performed. The contents are the corresponding No. of the communication destination table of the RAM 603. Is registered in (Step S
26-S32). When the deletion of the registered contents is instructed by the function key 203, after all the registered contents are deleted (step S35), the process proceeds to step S36.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the cancellation of the communication partner registration mode is instructed (step S36), and if the cancellation of the communication partner registration mode is instructed (step S36).
After the communication partner registration mode is canceled (step S37), the process returns to step S20. If cancellation of the communication partner registration mode has not been instructed (step S
If NO in 36), the process returns to step S22 to continue the registration process in the communication partner registration mode described above.

Next, the registration process in the encryption key registration mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the encryption key registration mode is instructed by the function key 203 (YES in step S40), the encryption key registration mode is set (step S41). Subsequently, when the operator is requested to input the password and the operator inputs the correct password (YES in step S42 and step S43), the encryption key can be registered, and then,
Ask the operator to enter the encryption code. Is requested, and the code No. Is input (YES in step S44), the RAM 603
No. entered in the encryption key table is searched. Is already registered (step S4).
5).

The entered code No. If is not registered (YES in step S45), the process proceeds to step 46,
Perform new registration processing. That is, when the operator is requested to input the encryption key and the encryption key is input (step S46).
YES), the encryption key is the corresponding encryption number in the encryption key table of the RAM 603. After being registered in (Step S4
7) and proceeds to step S51.

On the other hand, the entered encryption number. If is already registered (YES in step S45), the process proceeds to step S33 to change or delete the registered content. That is, after the registered contents are displayed on the display unit 10 (step S
48), the operator is requested to change or delete the registered content (step S49), and the function key 20
When the instruction to change the registered content is given by step 3, step S4
6, the newly input encryption key is the corresponding encryption number in the encryption key table of the RAM 603. Is registered (steps S46, S47). Also, function key 2
When the deletion of the registered contents is instructed by 03, the registered encryption key is deleted (step S50), and then step S5.
Move to 1.

Subsequently, it is judged whether or not the cancellation of the encryption key registration mode is instructed (step S51), and if the cancellation of the encryption key registration mode is instructed (step S51).
After YES), the encryption key registration mode is released (step S52), and the process returns to step S40. If cancellation of the encryption key registration mode has not been instructed (N in step S51)
O), the process returns to step S44, and the above encryption key registration process is continued.

As described above, since the communication partner registration, change and deletion operations are performed independently of the encryption key registration, modification and deletion operations, the communication partner registration mode and the encryption key registration are performed. Mode operation is easy and easy.

For example, a one-touch key or a shortened No. When registering or changing the password, the entered encryption number. Even if the encryption key corresponding to is not registered, No encryption key is registered without registering an encryption key for. Can be registered. Also, when deleting the encryption key, the encryption N
o. Is a one-touch key or shortened number. Even if it is registered in the one-touch key or the shortened number. Code No. registered in. Specified cipher N without deleting
o. The encryption key of can be deleted.

The one-touch key or the shortened number. When the encrypted communication is performed by the encryption No. If the encryption key corresponding to is not registered, as will be described later, a warning that the encryption key is not registered is issued during the encrypted communication, and the encryption registration can be performed according to the operator's selection.

Next, the data transmission / reception processing in the facsimile mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12.

The facsimile apparatus 1 is set in the facsimile mode by the initial setting at the time of starting, and the communication mode is set if necessary. 11 and 12 show the processing when the facsimile device 1 is set to the facsimile mode.

If a document is set in the facsimile mode (YES in step S60), step 62
Then, the facsimile transmission process is performed, and the F
AX No. Is called (YE in step S61)
S), the process proceeds to step S90, and facsimile reception processing is performed.

In facsimile transmission, when the operator is requested to input the other party (step S62) and the other party is input (YES in step S62), the one-touch key No. Or shortened No. It is discriminated whether or not the input is made by (step S63), and the one-touch key No. Or shortened N
o. When the input is not made by the user, that is, by using the ten-key pad 21, the FAX No. of the other party is input. If is input (NO in step S63), normal communication in which data is not encrypted (hereinafter referred to as normal communication) is set (step S68), and the process proceeds to step S70.

One-touch key No. Or shortened No. When is input (YES in step S63), RAM6
03 one-touch key or shortened No. The registration table is searched to determine whether the communication partner is registered (step S64). If the communication partner is not registered (NO in step S64), the process proceeds to step S77, and the process in which the communication partner is not registered is performed.

When the process proceeds to step S77, first, a warning that the communication partner is not registered is given. This warning is issued, for example, by generating a horn sound from the speaker 5 and displaying a message such as "TOUSHIN ITEGASETE SALE TASTE IMAGE" on the display unit 9. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the operator has designated the communication partner registration mode by the function key 203 (step S78),
If there is no instruction for the communication partner registration mode (step S78)
NO), and returns to step 62.

If the communication partner registration mode is instructed (YES in step S78), the communication partner registration mode is set (step S79), and after the above-described registration process in the communication partner registration mode is performed (step S80), Return to step 64.

If the communication partner is registered (step S
64, YES), and the encryption number. Is determined (step S65), and the code No. is set. Is not set (NO in step S65), step S
The process shifts to 69, and the normal communication is set. Code No. If is set (YES in step S65), RAM
The encryption key table in 603 is searched to confirm whether the encryption key is registered (step S66).

If the encryption key is registered (YES in step S67), encryption communication is set (step S68), and the process proceeds to step 70. If the encryption key is not registered (NO in step S67). ), Step S
Then, the processing shifts to 81, in which the encryption key is not registered.

When the process proceeds to step S81, first, a warning that the encryption key is not registered is issued. This warning is issued by, for example, generating a horn sound from the speaker 5 and displaying a message such as "Angular Cursor Settings" on the display unit 9. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the operator has instructed the normal communication by the function key 203 (step S82). When the normal communication is instructed (YES in step S82), the normal communication is set (step S83). ), Move to step 70,
Facsimile transmission processing is performed.

If normal communication is not instructed (step S
82, NO), and the operator presses the function key 20
3, it is determined whether or not the encryption key registration mode is instructed (step S84), and if there is no encryption key registration mode instruction (NO in step S84), the process returns to step 62,
If there is an instruction for the encryption key registration mode (Y in step S84
ES), the encryption key registration mode is set (step S8)
5) After the registration process in the encryption key registration mode described above is performed (step S86), the encryption communication is set (step S87), the process proceeds to step 70, and the facsimile transmission process is performed.

When the process proceeds to step S70, NCU50
2 is connected to the FAX 14 of the transmission partner via the telephone line 13 (step S70), and the facsimile transmission of the original is started. That is, the scanner unit 2 reads the document image (step S71), and the data processing unit 4 encodes the read data (transmission data) (step S72). Then, it is determined whether or not the encrypted communication is set (step S73), and when the encrypted communication is set (YES in step S73), the set encryption number. The transmission data is encrypted according to a predetermined encryption algorithm using the encryption key corresponding to (step S
74), and is transmitted to the FAX 14 of the other party via the data transmission unit 5 and the telephone line 13 (step S75). If the encrypted communication is not set (N in step S73
O), the transmission data is transmitted to the FAX 14 of the other party without performing the encryption processing (step S75).

Subsequently, it is judged whether or not there is a document to be transmitted (step S76), and if there is a document (step S76).
If YES in 76), the process returns to step S71, and the transmission process of the next document is performed. Then, when there are no more originals (NO in step S76), the process returns to step 60 because the facsimile transmission process is completed.

In facsimile reception, NCU50
2 is connected to the FAX 14 of the receiving party via the telephone line 13 (step S90), the data transmitted from the FAX 14 is received (step S91), and the received data is temporarily stored in the memory 401. (Step S
92).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the received data is encrypted communication from the receiving party (step S93), and if it is not encrypted communication (NO in step S93), normal communication is set (step S97), In step S98, the received data is printed. If it is encrypted communication (YES in step S93), RAM 603
The encryption key table in is searched to confirm whether or not the encryption key is registered (step S94).

If the encryption key is registered (YES in step S95), encryption communication is set (step S96), the process proceeds to step 98, print processing of received data is performed, and the encryption key is registered. If not (NO in step S92), the process proceeds to step S104, and the process of unregistering the encryption key is performed.

When the process proceeds to step S104, first, a warning that the encryption key is not registered is issued. This warning is issued by, for example, generating a horn sound from the speaker 5 and displaying a message such as "Angular Cursor Settings" on the display unit 9. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the encryption key registration mode is instructed by the operator using the function key 203 (step S105), and if there is no instruction of the encryption key registration mode (NO in step S105), the received data is printed. Return to step 60 without performing.

If the encryption key registration mode is instructed (YES in step S105), the encryption key registration mode is set (step S106), and after the above-described registration processing in the encryption key registration mode is performed (step S107). It is determined whether or not the operator has instructed to print the received data using the function key 203 (step S1).
08). If there is no print instruction (NO in step S108), the process returns to step 62 without printing the received data, and if there is a print instruction (step S1).
08: YES), encrypted communication is set (step S
109), the process proceeds to step 98, and print processing of the received data is performed.

When the process proceeds to step S98, the memory 40
Received data is read from 1. Then, it is judged whether or not the encrypted communication is set (step S9).
9) If encrypted communication is set (step S99)
If YES, the data processing unit 4 flattens the received data (step S100), and then decrypts the data (step S101). If the encrypted communication is not set (NO in step S99), the decryption of data is performed without performing the above-mentioned plain culture process (step S101).

Subsequently, the received data is output to the printer unit 3 and printed on the recording paper (step S102).
When the printout of the received data for one page is completed, it is determined whether or not the received data is completed (step S103). If the received data is not completed (NO in step S103), the process returns to step S102. The received data of the next page is printed out. When the printout of all the received data is completed (YES in step S103), the facsimile reception process is considered to be completed, and the process returns to step 62.

As described above, when transmitting / receiving data in the facsimile mode, the one-touch key or the shortened number. When a facsimile transmission is performed while the communication partner is not registered in, a warning that the communication partner is not registered is issued, and the communication partner can be registered at the time of the facsimile transmission. No. Facsimile transmission can be easily performed by a simple operation even if the communication partner is not registered in.

Further, also in the encrypted communication, when data is transmitted / received in the facsimile mode in a state where the encryption key is not registered, a warning that the encryption key is not registered is issued,
Since the encryption key can be registered when transmitting / receiving the data, the data can be transmitted / received by the cryptographic communication by a simple operation even if the encryption key is not registered in advance.

Further, when the facsimile transmission by the encrypted communication is carried out in the state where the encryption key is not registered, the facsimile transmission can be performed by switching to the normal communication, so that the facsimile transmission can be performed by a simpler operation. You can do it.

Next, mode switching between the facsimile mode and the communication mode will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the mode switching control between the facsimile mode and the communication mode.

When the communication mode is instructed by the mode switching key 221 or the AT command is transmitted from the personal computer 12 (YES in step S110 or S114), the communication mode is set (step S115). In addition, when the communication mode is set by the mode switching key 221,
A flag FLMSW indicating that the communication mode has been set by the mode switching key 221 is set to "1" (step S111).

Next, the timer T built in the control unit 6
M is reset (step S116), the count time TC is set (step S117), and the timer TM starts counting the time TC (step S118). Then, the time TM is counted by the timer TM while determining whether the facsimile mode is instructed by the mode switching key 221 or whether the next AT command is received (steps S119 to S121). loop).

When the facsimile mode is instructed by the mode switching key 221 during the counting period of the timer TM (YES in step S119), the flag F is set.
After LMSW is reset to "0" (step S12)
3) Then, the mode is switched to the facsimile mode (step S124), and the process returns to step S110.

If the next AT command is received without instructing the facsimile mode by the mode switching key 221 (YES in step S120), it is determined that the AT commands are continuously transmitted, and step S1 is executed.
Return to 15.

When the time TM is measured by the timer TM without the facsimile mode being instructed by the mode switching key 221 and the next AT command is not received (YES in step S121),
It is determined whether the flag FLMSW is set to "1" (step S122), and if the flag FLMSW is not set to "1" (NO in step S122), the process proceeds to step S124, and the mode is the facsimile mode. And the process returns to step S110.

If the flag FLMSW is set to "1" (YES in step S122), step S1
19, the communication mode is maintained (step S1)
19-S122 loop).

As described above, the personal computer 12 is used in this embodiment.
When an AT command is transmitted from the personal computer 12, the mode is automatically switched to the communication mode, and each time an AT command is received, the personal computer 12 determines whether or not the next AT command is transmitted within a certain time TC. The end of the data communication of is determined.

When it is determined that the data communication is completed, the mode is automatically returned to the facsimile mode. On the other hand, when the mode is set to the communication mode by the mode switching key 221, the mode switching key 221 is pressed. The mode is kept in the communication mode unless the facsimile mode is set.

This is because the operator has purposely set the communication mode on the side of the facsimile apparatus 1 installed away from the personal computer 12, which means that the operator wants to use the communication mode as the main mode. Since it is considered to be intentional, if the facsimile mode is automatically returned at the time when a group of data communication is completed, a problem that a plurality of communication processes cannot be performed quickly and smoothly occurs, and the operability of the personal computer 12 deteriorates. In consideration of the above, when the facsimile mode is set by the mode switching key 221, the operator's intention is prioritized, and the mode switching key 221 can be used to return to the facsimile mode without causing the above inconvenience. It was done like this.

In the flowchart of FIG. 13, the case of the AT command system has been described, but similar control can be performed with other command systems.

[0125]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A facsimile device having a communication mode in which a communication device is connectable and performing data communication with the communication device, wherein a communication-disabled state of the communication device is detected during a setting period of the communication mode. Then, since the communication failure warning is given, when a connection abnormality occurs in the communication mode, it is possible to immediately respond appropriately. As a result, the period in which the communication mode is set in a substantially non-functional state is reduced, and the facsimile device can be effectively used.

In particular, since the communication mode setting means detects the incommunicable state of the communication device when the communication mode is set, it is possible to immediately determine whether or not communication is possible when the communication mode is set.

Also, during the setting period of the communication mode,
Since the status of the communication device is constantly or regularly monitored to detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the communication device (occurrence of a communication-disabled state), it is immediately appropriate if the communication-disabled state occurs during the setting period of the communication mode. It is possible to deal with it.

Further, since the warning message is displayed on the display means, or the whistle sound is generated from the sounding means so as to visually or audibly give the warning of communication failure, the warning content can be accurately and surely given to the user. Can be communicated.

Further, since the communication mode setting means is composed of the operation switch, the mode switching setting can be performed easily and easily.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation unit and a display unit provided on an operation panel of the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a connection check circuit for checking a connection state of a personal computer.

FIG. 4 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the connection check circuit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for performing connection abnormality check of the personal computer 12 when the communication mode is set.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of a connection abnormality warning message.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for checking a connection abnormality of a personal computer during communication mode setting.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for periodically checking a connection abnormality of a personal computer during a communication mode setting period.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a registration process in a communication partner registration mode.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a registration process in an encryption key registration mode.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a data transmission process in a facsimile mode.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a data reception process in a facsimile mode.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing mode switching control between a facsimile mode and a communication mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Facsimile device 2 Scanner part 3 Printer part 4 Data processing part 401 Memory 402 Compression / expansion circuit 403 Encryption / plaintext circuit 404 Data processing circuit 5 Data transmission part 501 Modem 502 NCU 6 Control part 601 Data buffer 602 ROM 603 RAM 7 RS-232C interface 8 Command switch 9 Operation unit 10 Display unit 11 Speaker 12 Personal computer 13 Telephone line 14 Facsimile (FAX) 15 Operation panel 16 One-touch key 17 Indicator light 18 Display plate 19 Speaker window 20 Selection key 21 Numeric keypad 22 Function key 23 Start / Stop key 25 RS receiver 26 Gate circuit 27 D-FF 28 CPU

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile apparatus comprising a communication mode connectable to a communication apparatus and having a communication mode for communicating data with the communication apparatus, comprising: communication mode setting means for setting the communication mode; The communication device is provided with detection means for detecting a communication disabled state of the communication device during a communication mode setting period, and warning means for issuing a communication disabled warning when the communication device detects a communication disabled state. A facsimile device characterized by the above. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection means detects a communication disabled state of the communication device when the communication mode is set by the communication mode setting means. Facsimile machine. 3. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection means sets the communication device to a communication disabled state during a period in which the communication mode continues after the communication mode is set by the communication mode setting means. A facsimile machine characterized by detecting a change. 4. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the detecting means detects a communication disabled state of the communication device at a predetermined cycle after the communication mode is set by the communication mode setting means. A facsimile device characterized by the above. 5. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication mode setting means is an operation switch provided on the main body of the apparatus. 6. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning means is display means for displaying a warning message. 7. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning means is a sounding means for generating a warning sound.